John 12:9-19
As a child I loved Palm Sunday. In some ways it had more appeal to me than Easter. There seemed to more pomp and ceremony. Jesus was in his place as King. It was a day of celebration. Thus a feel cheated by the modern lectionary which reads the whole of the Passion on Palm Sunday. I want to wave and celebrate with the Jerusalem crowds. Maybe they did turn a few days later, or maybe they were all in bed when another crowd condemned Jesus. The child in me wants to wave palm branches, shout Hosanna and celebrate Jesus as my King.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Guilty
John 11:55-12:8
I am guilty of plotting. I phrase my sentences in such a way that will maximize me achieving my own desires. I know I do it but conveniently not examples come to mind, but believe me I do it.
I am guilty of plotting. I phrase my sentences in such a way that will maximize me achieving my own desires. I know I do it but conveniently not examples come to mind, but believe me I do it.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Not a burden
1 John 5:1-12
3For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, 4for whatever is born of God conquers the world.
Obedience of one we love is not burdensome, well it might be a little sometime but we continue to run ourselves ragged for our family. So it is with God.
3For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, 4for whatever is born of God conquers the world.
Obedience of one we love is not burdensome, well it might be a little sometime but we continue to run ourselves ragged for our family. So it is with God.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Jesus wept.
John 11:30-44
My grandfather kept a bible on the music cabinet. In the bible was a list written in his exquisite copperplate of memorable verses. One item on the list was "the shortest verse, John 11: 35". It is not so short in the version in the link but in the King James Authorised version it is just two words simple words "Jesus wept".
Jesus knew the outcome yet he was at one with the sisters emotions that he entered into their grief. I was trying to rationalize this this morning. I thought that perhaps it is slightly like me watching a movie or reading a book. I can cry yet I can guess that the end may well be that all live happily ever after. Yet I cry.
Jesus knows the end of the story but he is there feeling our every hurt.
My grandfather kept a bible on the music cabinet. In the bible was a list written in his exquisite copperplate of memorable verses. One item on the list was "the shortest verse, John 11: 35". It is not so short in the version in the link but in the King James Authorised version it is just two words simple words "Jesus wept".
Jesus knew the outcome yet he was at one with the sisters emotions that he entered into their grief. I was trying to rationalize this this morning. I thought that perhaps it is slightly like me watching a movie or reading a book. I can cry yet I can guess that the end may well be that all live happily ever after. Yet I cry.
Jesus knows the end of the story but he is there feeling our every hurt.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
The Righteous
Psalm 118
Who may enter? The righteous can enter through the gate. Not the churchgoers, or even the synagogue or the mosque attendees, but the righteous.
Who am I to dictate who is righteous?
The Lord is good, he is righteous. How can I judge who is righteous. Only God can see inside my neighbour's heart, or even my own.
Who may enter? The righteous can enter through the gate. Not the churchgoers, or even the synagogue or the mosque attendees, but the righteous.
Who am I to dictate who is righteous?
The Lord is good, he is righteous. How can I judge who is righteous. Only God can see inside my neighbour's heart, or even my own.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Little Message
John 10:19-30
The day started early with a dog walk and drive to the station, the dog-walk being essential because I was going to be out for so long. The traffic was bad the journey to the station taking almost twice as long as yesterday and the part from the station to work much longer.
Then first there was Alban and Anne for three hours, then fifteen minutes for a quick lunch before Valerie. An hour and a half later a little hiatus before driving to Sylvain. Computers and emails did not figure in my day. I loaded my body with bags of books and headed down to the depths of the building and the car. As I was closing the boot I thought, "Maybe I should check my telephone and make sure Sylvain has not contacted me". I glanced at my watch, "Hmm, only just time to get there."
The internet did not want to extend to the garage. I would have to go back. Should I invest the time in looking or just go and be there a little late. I went back, I looked. Yes, there was a message saying that Sylain had a problem and could not see me.
I do believe in small miracles. I do believe in the still small voice. I am glad that today I listened.
The day started early with a dog walk and drive to the station, the dog-walk being essential because I was going to be out for so long. The traffic was bad the journey to the station taking almost twice as long as yesterday and the part from the station to work much longer.
Then first there was Alban and Anne for three hours, then fifteen minutes for a quick lunch before Valerie. An hour and a half later a little hiatus before driving to Sylvain. Computers and emails did not figure in my day. I loaded my body with bags of books and headed down to the depths of the building and the car. As I was closing the boot I thought, "Maybe I should check my telephone and make sure Sylvain has not contacted me". I glanced at my watch, "Hmm, only just time to get there."
The internet did not want to extend to the garage. I would have to go back. Should I invest the time in looking or just go and be there a little late. I went back, I looked. Yes, there was a message saying that Sylain had a problem and could not see me.
I do believe in small miracles. I do believe in the still small voice. I am glad that today I listened.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Women
1 John 2:12-17
Women and children first is what they say. John does not forget the children but he does seem to omit the women altogether. Perhaps women have conquered the evil one and are thus classed with the young people.
I do not believe that women were completely overlooked by John and I am certain that we are not forgotten by God.
Doing God's will is my endeavour.
Women and children first is what they say. John does not forget the children but he does seem to omit the women altogether. Perhaps women have conquered the evil one and are thus classed with the young people.
I do not believe that women were completely overlooked by John and I am certain that we are not forgotten by God.
Doing God's will is my endeavour.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Threading a needle
Mark 10:23-31
Threading a needle used to be easy but all the eyes seem to be a lot smaller now. I don my glasses, snip the end of the thread to make it straight, give it a lick and place white paper behind the eye and eventually the needle is threaded.
I am grateful that all things are possible with God, even me being in a relationship with Him.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Milk
John 8: 33-47
I buy milk at a farm. It has odd opening times- closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, open 9-noon and 2pm- 7pm. It takes some planning to makes sure that there is milk for Thursday breakfast. I think I am getting better about not organizing my day around the trip to the farm, this is partly because of the later opening time, they used to close at 6pm. My son thought that I spent far too much time and anxiety on the procurement of milk. I do not think I dominated by it, but perhaps I was.
Then there are the sales, those feelings of "must go and see what Macy's have on today's One Day Sale" or I "just need a dress for my holiday". After 20 years in the state of shopping I am getting better, that is my opinion.
During prayers sometime I find my mind wandering to the shopping list, organizing my day. Maybe I am not as free as I think.
It is actually the farm just behind the trees to the right of the picture.
I buy milk at a farm. It has odd opening times- closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, open 9-noon and 2pm- 7pm. It takes some planning to makes sure that there is milk for Thursday breakfast. I think I am getting better about not organizing my day around the trip to the farm, this is partly because of the later opening time, they used to close at 6pm. My son thought that I spent far too much time and anxiety on the procurement of milk. I do not think I dominated by it, but perhaps I was.
Then there are the sales, those feelings of "must go and see what Macy's have on today's One Day Sale" or I "just need a dress for my holiday". After 20 years in the state of shopping I am getting better, that is my opinion.
During prayers sometime I find my mind wandering to the shopping list, organizing my day. Maybe I am not as free as I think.
It is actually the farm just behind the trees to the right of the picture.
Companion Weeping
Romans 12:9-21
Life is normal. I get up, I have breakfast, I shower and dress. I go to work or walk dogs or clean house, write a few emails. Nothing untoward, nothing unusual.
Sometimes I write an email that I find distressing, sharing the experience of a dead child. I often weep whilst contemplating the agony that my recipient is enduring. I can do this because others did it for me. Friends who led seemingly normal lives shared their skeletons when I needed to know that even in the black times God is there.
Life is normal. I get up, I have breakfast, I shower and dress. I go to work or walk dogs or clean house, write a few emails. Nothing untoward, nothing unusual.
Sometimes I write an email that I find distressing, sharing the experience of a dead child. I often weep whilst contemplating the agony that my recipient is enduring. I can do this because others did it for me. Friends who led seemingly normal lives shared their skeletons when I needed to know that even in the black times God is there.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Cheerfully
Romans 12:1-8
"How are you?"
"I am very well thank you", or "Nothing much to complain about".
"What's been happening in your life?"
It is here that the British person will list a series of minor unpleasantnesses that have happened since we last met. The dog was sick on the carpet, the newspaper was delivered wet, the washing was hanging outside when it rained, the car would not start, I had to make dinner for a church member who is ill. We are a nation of grumblers. Almost everything can be turned into a grouch, even the generosity of doing good and spreading a little of God's sunshine by helping another.
My word of the day- cheerfully in all things. Every second is gift from God.
"How are you?"
"I am very well thank you", or "Nothing much to complain about".
"What's been happening in your life?"
It is here that the British person will list a series of minor unpleasantnesses that have happened since we last met. The dog was sick on the carpet, the newspaper was delivered wet, the washing was hanging outside when it rained, the car would not start, I had to make dinner for a church member who is ill. We are a nation of grumblers. Almost everything can be turned into a grouch, even the generosity of doing good and spreading a little of God's sunshine by helping another.
My word of the day- cheerfully in all things. Every second is gift from God.
Monday, February 10, 2014
A full passage.
Hebrews 13:1-16
I have told you about the girl who came for an interview at the school where I was teaching. I invited her to stay the night and thirty-five years later we are still friends. But there is a lot more good advice in this passage.
Prisoners, does visiting the house-bound count? In america these people are referred to as 'shut-ins'.
Jesus forgive me. Thank you for your death outside the city. Help me to share your love wherever I am.
I have told you about the girl who came for an interview at the school where I was teaching. I invited her to stay the night and thirty-five years later we are still friends. But there is a lot more good advice in this passage.
Prisoners, does visiting the house-bound count? In america these people are referred to as 'shut-ins'.
Jesus forgive me. Thank you for your death outside the city. Help me to share your love wherever I am.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Open eyes
John 7:14-36
Two thousand years ago Jerusalem was a mighty city, so were Rome, Athens and Corinth to name but a few. Little changes, also two thousand years ago some people believed in Jesus because of his miracles and words. It is the same today, some of us believe in the power of Jesus because of events which we witness and others do not.
Lord help me to open eyes to you.
Two thousand years ago Jerusalem was a mighty city, so were Rome, Athens and Corinth to name but a few. Little changes, also two thousand years ago some people believed in Jesus because of his miracles and words. It is the same today, some of us believe in the power of Jesus because of events which we witness and others do not.
Lord help me to open eyes to you.
Friday, February 7, 2014
A "Thank you Jesus" situation
Genesis 24:1-27
Abraham had wandered from Charan to Mamre. He had failed to produce an offspring, had a son my the maid and then another by his wife. The son had grown to adulthood. It was time to find him a wife. No postal service, no telegrams, no telephones, no cell phones, no Skype or Google chat. No constant "How are you? Gosh how the children have grown."
Then there was the journey. How did the servant know how to get from Abraham to Nahor? No GPS, not even a map. Yet the journeys were made and the relatives found.
On a much lesser scale Naomi and I today were recalling our visit to a dinner last year.We arrived late and there were only four seats left, two opposite somebody I knew and two next two the computer guy of that church, we had one of our computer sons with us. Thank you Jesus.
Abraham had wandered from Charan to Mamre. He had failed to produce an offspring, had a son my the maid and then another by his wife. The son had grown to adulthood. It was time to find him a wife. No postal service, no telegrams, no telephones, no cell phones, no Skype or Google chat. No constant "How are you? Gosh how the children have grown."
Then there was the journey. How did the servant know how to get from Abraham to Nahor? No GPS, not even a map. Yet the journeys were made and the relatives found.
On a much lesser scale Naomi and I today were recalling our visit to a dinner last year.We arrived late and there were only four seats left, two opposite somebody I knew and two next two the computer guy of that church, we had one of our computer sons with us. Thank you Jesus.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Mystery
John 6:52-59
I am with the Jews. How can this man give me his flesh to eat. The idea is abhorrent. The flesh would have to be liquidized and then fed through a tube intravenously whilst I was bound hand and foot. I am not a cannibal.
Why then am I so comforted by The prayer of humble access?
I am with the Jews. How can this man give me his flesh to eat. The idea is abhorrent. The flesh would have to be liquidized and then fed through a tube intravenously whilst I was bound hand and foot. I am not a cannibal.
Why then am I so comforted by The prayer of humble access?
| We do not presume to come to this your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him and he in us. Amen. It is all a mystery but I come week by week to share in the body and blood of Christ. How, by eating and drinking with fellow believers who are now his body. | |||
Looking Back.
Genesis 19:1-29
I am often asked "How different was it living in America?". Really we lived in Texas which is a state apart, a state proud to have been a nation in its past. Texas is big and with it come, for even the not so wealthy big houses, big cars and closets bursting with clothes from the one-day sale. Also the locals speak a form of English which I can understand even if they cannot understand me.
Today I am in Belgium in a relatively small house, I can hear my neighbour's vacuum cleaner which I suspect purrs in french. This evening I shall go to a dutch lesson. Life is a challenge.
The move seemed to be God given. He has given us a new environment, which he obviously thinks is where we should be. So be it. No looking back. As the saying goes "Bloom where you are planted". Today I am enjoying snowdrops, not a plant to grow in Texas.
I am often asked "How different was it living in America?". Really we lived in Texas which is a state apart, a state proud to have been a nation in its past. Texas is big and with it come, for even the not so wealthy big houses, big cars and closets bursting with clothes from the one-day sale. Also the locals speak a form of English which I can understand even if they cannot understand me.
Today I am in Belgium in a relatively small house, I can hear my neighbour's vacuum cleaner which I suspect purrs in french. This evening I shall go to a dutch lesson. Life is a challenge.
The move seemed to be God given. He has given us a new environment, which he obviously thinks is where we should be. So be it. No looking back. As the saying goes "Bloom where you are planted". Today I am enjoying snowdrops, not a plant to grow in Texas.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Dog fight
Galatians 5:13-25
Our dogs fight sometimes. Competition for a dropped morsel is always provocative but their current favourite start button is "Who is going out of the door first, ME". There is lots of ferocious woofing and barred teeth. I try prevent the actual biting but Ernest is sporting a wound on his back. This arguing gets them nowhere, except on their beds to calm down and regroup.
What can I learn from this? Be happy with second place to my neighbour's first. And of course show my neighbour God's fruit.
Our dogs fight sometimes. Competition for a dropped morsel is always provocative but their current favourite start button is "Who is going out of the door first, ME". There is lots of ferocious woofing and barred teeth. I try prevent the actual biting but Ernest is sporting a wound on his back. This arguing gets them nowhere, except on their beds to calm down and regroup.
What can I learn from this? Be happy with second place to my neighbour's first. And of course show my neighbour God's fruit.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Special words
Genesis 18:1-16
We planned three children. We had three children. Life was good. The third child died. Within a few weeks I was pregnant. With in a few months I had a miscarriage. Again and again I was not pregnant. Friends had their third and fourth children, some planned, some not. I was still not pregnant. I was frustrated.
Eileen, a very special friend gave me a copy Our Daily Bread. Well I think that was the name of the little daily bible reading book. I had another that I used, and still do use 27 years later, but I liked this little book so I used to keep it in the bathroom and give it a hasty read. One day it was this passage. The words " ...this time next year" seemed to be written for me. They were, our special Becky was born.
Sometimes a word, a thought seems more than real.
We planned three children. We had three children. Life was good. The third child died. Within a few weeks I was pregnant. With in a few months I had a miscarriage. Again and again I was not pregnant. Friends had their third and fourth children, some planned, some not. I was still not pregnant. I was frustrated.
Eileen, a very special friend gave me a copy Our Daily Bread. Well I think that was the name of the little daily bible reading book. I had another that I used, and still do use 27 years later, but I liked this little book so I used to keep it in the bathroom and give it a hasty read. One day it was this passage. The words " ...this time next year" seemed to be written for me. They were, our special Becky was born.
Sometimes a word, a thought seems more than real.
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