And another blog!
Today’s readingsNumbers 11:4-13:25
Luke 3:23-4:13
Proverbs 7:21-27
Lots to confuse us in this passage from Numbers. First the moaning met with a blessing that is actually a curse of sorts. Then a false prophet. And finally some giants. Sometimes the Bible just outright confuses me and I have to come back to God and my basics of faith. So here's what I've got from this. First is that God hears us. And not only does He hear but He provides. Does He curse? I don't think so. I think that if you look at the abundance of meat that was provided and the subsequent illness it sort of mirrors how the Israelites who tried to hoard manna found that it was rotten by the next day. I feel as though God provided the quail but the Israelites greed is what made them ill from over indulging.
Also there's a message that God might use you a lot or a little but you're never less worthy because of it. It's tempting to want more and search for more which is great but then to get cross when we don't seem to get more. Humilty with God is everything and the answers and blessings are His to dish out as and when He deems it to be fit.
I think as well there is a message for those of us who are feeling like we're alone. Even though Moses is bringing bad news and is sceptical himself, God still provides and cares and supports. There's also a warning against gossiping, especially against people who are trying to work for God. He won't tolerate it and you'll not be getting blessed nor will it bring you closer to God.
As for the giants? Yeah I'm going to pull the symbolism card. The writers of this passage wanted to show just how amazing the land that God had prepared for them was and how fruitless (pun intended) the moaning of the people was. They missed slavery because they got a varied diet but they were being led to freedom and sustenance beyond their expectations!
Into the New Testament and we have Jesus' period of temptation after His genealogy. There's not a lot you can say for lists of relatives though I do like how Jesus' past shows He isn't from the best folk or the most holy folk but rather a real mix of stories and backgrounds. Now His temptations are a very interesting parallel to the Israelites' moaning. He's in the desert and is hungry but instead of moaning to God, He falls back on His core truths of loving God first and accepting His fate to be in God's hands. We make so much of free will and predestination sometimes that I think we forget that we should be desperate for God to lead us around by the nose because we'll end up where He wants us to be.
Finally we're back in Proverbs with our tempting lady and we get the end of the story where we find it quite clear what happens to people that chase sex rather than God first. It's some pretty powerful imagery brought out with calves being butchered and stags being shot with arrows. Temptations are everywhere but Jesus shows that humility and reliance are what get us through those "irresistible" temptations.
Onto the next one...
Friday, 17 December 2010
Day 79
And another
Today’s readingsNumbers 9:15-11:3
Luke 3:1-22
Psalm 35:19-28
So we have the Israelites marching off and following God's cloud. I like this image and I don't know quite how literally to take it but what does strike me is how following the way that God had planned for them left them relatively incident free. It's like God wants the best for us... and that His plans actually work... Who'd have thought?! But seriously I really like this passage for showing the benefits of a journey with God. And when the Israelites forget how safe they've been and start complaining that they're not living in luxury I think it's understandable that God gets mad! But there's a lesson here. We need to accept that God's plan for us might not be the most exciting and thrilling earthly life. But we are here instead to live as He wants us and to use the gifts we have for Him. And I love the little aside about Hobab. Here we have a foreigner that Moses keeps with the people because he realises that God will be using Hobab regardless of his knowledge of God. We need to remember that God doesn't just work through Christians but is capable of using anyone's gifts and talents for His purpose. And as an incentive for us, notice that it's when Habob is surrounded by God's people that His skills are used. To me this says that we need to be willing to work with non-Christians in acheiving God's aims, even if they don't realise that's what they're doing!
We see John the Baptist again doing his thing but I think it's interesting to note that he says that being one of God's people isn't enough. And I think that still applies. We can't just rest on the knowledge that we're saved. We need to be striving for God and for His blessings rather than thinking we're forgiven so it's just a matter of waiting till we die. I believe that being a Christian is as much about making this world better for other people as it is about getting to heaven and I think this is what John is getting at. We need to be able to look at our lives here and be happy with them even though they will be sinful before we start thinking about the salvation that God gives us.
Finally the Psalm ends and I still think that this is a Psalm which shows how we can miss the point with our praise sometimes. God isn't there to make our lives easy. He's shown in Numbers that He won't put up with moaning about how hard we have it. Rather we should be worshipping God regardless of the outcome and trusting that His will is coming through. Verse 27 gets quoted a lot out of context as a way of saying that everything's going to go well for us as Christians. But look at the structure of the Psalm. Usually there is a piece to a Psalm when things do work out and God is praised. But here it just ends and I think that is because God isn't being praised for the right reasons. God can't be ordered or persuaded to step in when we need Him. Instead we need to seek His will and use our own strength and motivation, supported by His grace and power, to make changes to our own lives and more importantly, to other peoples. Lots of commas there but I hope that makes sense...
Onto the next one
Today’s readingsNumbers 9:15-11:3
Luke 3:1-22
Psalm 35:19-28
So we have the Israelites marching off and following God's cloud. I like this image and I don't know quite how literally to take it but what does strike me is how following the way that God had planned for them left them relatively incident free. It's like God wants the best for us... and that His plans actually work... Who'd have thought?! But seriously I really like this passage for showing the benefits of a journey with God. And when the Israelites forget how safe they've been and start complaining that they're not living in luxury I think it's understandable that God gets mad! But there's a lesson here. We need to accept that God's plan for us might not be the most exciting and thrilling earthly life. But we are here instead to live as He wants us and to use the gifts we have for Him. And I love the little aside about Hobab. Here we have a foreigner that Moses keeps with the people because he realises that God will be using Hobab regardless of his knowledge of God. We need to remember that God doesn't just work through Christians but is capable of using anyone's gifts and talents for His purpose. And as an incentive for us, notice that it's when Habob is surrounded by God's people that His skills are used. To me this says that we need to be willing to work with non-Christians in acheiving God's aims, even if they don't realise that's what they're doing!
We see John the Baptist again doing his thing but I think it's interesting to note that he says that being one of God's people isn't enough. And I think that still applies. We can't just rest on the knowledge that we're saved. We need to be striving for God and for His blessings rather than thinking we're forgiven so it's just a matter of waiting till we die. I believe that being a Christian is as much about making this world better for other people as it is about getting to heaven and I think this is what John is getting at. We need to be able to look at our lives here and be happy with them even though they will be sinful before we start thinking about the salvation that God gives us.
Finally the Psalm ends and I still think that this is a Psalm which shows how we can miss the point with our praise sometimes. God isn't there to make our lives easy. He's shown in Numbers that He won't put up with moaning about how hard we have it. Rather we should be worshipping God regardless of the outcome and trusting that His will is coming through. Verse 27 gets quoted a lot out of context as a way of saying that everything's going to go well for us as Christians. But look at the structure of the Psalm. Usually there is a piece to a Psalm when things do work out and God is praised. But here it just ends and I think that is because God isn't being praised for the right reasons. God can't be ordered or persuaded to step in when we need Him. Instead we need to seek His will and use our own strength and motivation, supported by His grace and power, to make changes to our own lives and more importantly, to other peoples. Lots of commas there but I hope that makes sense...
Onto the next one
Day 78
Here we go!
Today’s readingsNumbers 7:66-9:14
Luke 2:41-52
Psalm 35:11-18
So there're a few bits to the Numbers passage. First we have the end of the identical gifts which is showing again how everyone is valued equally and God doesn't require anyone to give differently than their neighbour, rather that they give their best. Then we have the purification of the Levites. I think this is very hard to get excited about but it does warm me how much attention God pays to those who are specifically going to be working for Him. Certainly we're all equal in His eyes but I think this shows that God realises how hard working for Him can be and so makes sure that there is provision for those who He calls. Finally we get a passage on the Passover and it made me think of all the hoo hah that happens every year over whether Christmas is too secular or what not. Well to me God is saying that everyone can celebrate and worship Him regardless of their background, as long as they keep Him at the centre. So we should be striving to keep Christian holidays important and God centred but rather than criticising the secular elements I think we should be highlighting the God elements and showing people that they can still have the same Christmas but should recognise God ought to be at the centre of it.
The New Testament passage starts with a quick fast forward as it appears nothing happened to Jesus and His parents for the next 12 years. I wonder what tribulations both of them went through in that time. Jesus was fully human after all and so must have bawled at times. I think it shows to me that God isn't going to make every day a highlight for us no matter how close we get to Him and sometimes it just takes us dedicating ourselves to Him and carrying on existing till He uses us again. It can seem like God forgets us sometimes I guess but here we have a 12 year period where nothing of consequence happens to Jesus, Joseph and Mary and there's obviously no way God forgot them! Then we get Jesus being a naughty runaway! Which some might see it as definitely. I could imagine many parents would go balistic at their child for running away as Mary does but I doubt the majority of them would ever accept an excuse for doing it. And for all the Daily Mail does to try and convince us that this is the scariest time to be a child in the world, things were a lot more dangerous and scary back then for a missing child! And yet through all of this torment and panic there's a sense of serenity and grace at the end as Jesus explains why He was in the Temple and then grows up to be a man obedient to His earthly parents as well as to God. This is a challenge to me at the moment because I feel like this is showing how distractions do happen but they really only ought to be from God. So focus Hancock. There's blogs to write and a God to get to know better!
Finally our Psalm continues and we see that God won't always step in as quickly as we need and I think the Psalmist is getting mixed up as to why they worship. He's seeming to expect that his praise will be rewarded with blessings but we have to realise that praise is what we ought to do regardless of the benefits! Trusting in God's wisdom, mercy and ultimate provision has to be our only hope.
Onto the next one
Today’s readingsNumbers 7:66-9:14
Luke 2:41-52
Psalm 35:11-18
So there're a few bits to the Numbers passage. First we have the end of the identical gifts which is showing again how everyone is valued equally and God doesn't require anyone to give differently than their neighbour, rather that they give their best. Then we have the purification of the Levites. I think this is very hard to get excited about but it does warm me how much attention God pays to those who are specifically going to be working for Him. Certainly we're all equal in His eyes but I think this shows that God realises how hard working for Him can be and so makes sure that there is provision for those who He calls. Finally we get a passage on the Passover and it made me think of all the hoo hah that happens every year over whether Christmas is too secular or what not. Well to me God is saying that everyone can celebrate and worship Him regardless of their background, as long as they keep Him at the centre. So we should be striving to keep Christian holidays important and God centred but rather than criticising the secular elements I think we should be highlighting the God elements and showing people that they can still have the same Christmas but should recognise God ought to be at the centre of it.
The New Testament passage starts with a quick fast forward as it appears nothing happened to Jesus and His parents for the next 12 years. I wonder what tribulations both of them went through in that time. Jesus was fully human after all and so must have bawled at times. I think it shows to me that God isn't going to make every day a highlight for us no matter how close we get to Him and sometimes it just takes us dedicating ourselves to Him and carrying on existing till He uses us again. It can seem like God forgets us sometimes I guess but here we have a 12 year period where nothing of consequence happens to Jesus, Joseph and Mary and there's obviously no way God forgot them! Then we get Jesus being a naughty runaway! Which some might see it as definitely. I could imagine many parents would go balistic at their child for running away as Mary does but I doubt the majority of them would ever accept an excuse for doing it. And for all the Daily Mail does to try and convince us that this is the scariest time to be a child in the world, things were a lot more dangerous and scary back then for a missing child! And yet through all of this torment and panic there's a sense of serenity and grace at the end as Jesus explains why He was in the Temple and then grows up to be a man obedient to His earthly parents as well as to God. This is a challenge to me at the moment because I feel like this is showing how distractions do happen but they really only ought to be from God. So focus Hancock. There's blogs to write and a God to get to know better!
Finally our Psalm continues and we see that God won't always step in as quickly as we need and I think the Psalmist is getting mixed up as to why they worship. He's seeming to expect that his praise will be rewarded with blessings but we have to realise that praise is what we ought to do regardless of the benefits! Trusting in God's wisdom, mercy and ultimate provision has to be our only hope.
Onto the next one
Day 77
Next please. No links till I catch up!!
Today’s readingsNumbers 7:1-65
Luke 2:21-40
Psalm 35:1-10
Man alive... That's possibly the driest bit of Bible I've read so far. So what do we get from a list of guys giving the exact same thing time and time again? Well it makes me wonder what I offer to God. And this to me shows that God requires the same thing from everyone. So what can we all offer regardless of our situation? I would say we can offer our day. I've been trying recently to make sure every morning I'm coming to God and giving the day to Him. And I think that's something we could all do
Then we get Jesus being offered to God. Mary knew that Jesus was God's Son but made sure still that He was formerly offered to God. I think we need to remember sometimes that even though we know that everything in this universe belongs to God, it's humbling for us to offer that up to Him in thanks and trust. Also I think that there's a lesson to learn here from Simeon and Anna. If we're willing to give our days to God then we will be repaid. It might take time and look at how long each of these people dedicated themselves to God before they saw Jesus. But God knows our commitment and is always working to bless us with a closeness to Him. Notice they didn't receive a luxury yacht for their dedication but a glimpse of God's true nature. This is what we strive for folks!!
Finally our Psalm begins with more requests for God's intervention. Now God isn't always going to be rescuing us from danger and one day we will die but we can't be waiting and praying for His earthly protection and salvation; rather we need to be praying for blessings of HIM to come to us and the people we love. And to be thankful that salvation after our time on earth is already secured.
Onto the next one
Today’s readingsNumbers 7:1-65
Luke 2:21-40
Psalm 35:1-10
Man alive... That's possibly the driest bit of Bible I've read so far. So what do we get from a list of guys giving the exact same thing time and time again? Well it makes me wonder what I offer to God. And this to me shows that God requires the same thing from everyone. So what can we all offer regardless of our situation? I would say we can offer our day. I've been trying recently to make sure every morning I'm coming to God and giving the day to Him. And I think that's something we could all do
Then we get Jesus being offered to God. Mary knew that Jesus was God's Son but made sure still that He was formerly offered to God. I think we need to remember sometimes that even though we know that everything in this universe belongs to God, it's humbling for us to offer that up to Him in thanks and trust. Also I think that there's a lesson to learn here from Simeon and Anna. If we're willing to give our days to God then we will be repaid. It might take time and look at how long each of these people dedicated themselves to God before they saw Jesus. But God knows our commitment and is always working to bless us with a closeness to Him. Notice they didn't receive a luxury yacht for their dedication but a glimpse of God's true nature. This is what we strive for folks!!
Finally our Psalm begins with more requests for God's intervention. Now God isn't always going to be rescuing us from danger and one day we will die but we can't be waiting and praying for His earthly protection and salvation; rather we need to be praying for blessings of HIM to come to us and the people we love. And to be thankful that salvation after our time on earth is already secured.
Onto the next one
Day 76
Right. I'm catching up before Christmas... Onto business then,
Today’s readings
Numbers 5:11-6:27
Luke 2:1-20
Proverbs 7:6-20
So the Old Testament readings continue with some tough reading on adultery which seems weighted against women. So much heartache and hurt comes from people misunderstanding or misusing the Old Testament laws and I feel this is another example here where this could really upset people and turn them away from God. So how do we understand it? Where's the truth? Well to me this isn't law or commandment meant for today but a historical record of how God was having to work hard to turn this rag tag bunch of people to Him and to having a loving attitude. They were so far removed from the ideal way of behaving that God seems to be having to drag people back little by little. I think that all of these laws need to be looked on as historical and within a context of Jesus' ethic of love for everyone. If we read something that doesn't seem like it can be carried out with a loving attitude then it can't be the way God intended it.
Reading this I'm straight away thinking of John's sermon at Impact with the POP :) There's two things that have settled on me today from this passage that we've all heard loads recently! First is how the shepherds RUN to see Jesus. I love that. They're terrified but excited and just go running without a thought for what they're leaving behind. Secondly is how their story impresses everyone who hears it. That's like someone on Jeremy Kyle captivating the whole tv audience with their wisdom! God's truth is so exciting and relevant that it makes anyone into an impressive speaker! Excellent news indeed and just showing why we should have confidence in inviting people to hear about God at Christmas.
Finally we get a very confusing bit of Proverbs which kind of needs the rest of its chapter to give it some context. But I think it shows that we have to be careful with being tricked by things that appear ok. This woman has prepared herself to sleep with this guy as though she's going to marry him but then let slips that she's married. I guess this is like the Old Testament laws. We need to be careful that we don't outright dismiss what is written there because God put that law there for a reason and so can't just hide behind what feels easiest. It's a tough cookie certainly...
Onto the next one
Today’s readings
Numbers 5:11-6:27
Luke 2:1-20
Proverbs 7:6-20
So the Old Testament readings continue with some tough reading on adultery which seems weighted against women. So much heartache and hurt comes from people misunderstanding or misusing the Old Testament laws and I feel this is another example here where this could really upset people and turn them away from God. So how do we understand it? Where's the truth? Well to me this isn't law or commandment meant for today but a historical record of how God was having to work hard to turn this rag tag bunch of people to Him and to having a loving attitude. They were so far removed from the ideal way of behaving that God seems to be having to drag people back little by little. I think that all of these laws need to be looked on as historical and within a context of Jesus' ethic of love for everyone. If we read something that doesn't seem like it can be carried out with a loving attitude then it can't be the way God intended it.
Reading this I'm straight away thinking of John's sermon at Impact with the POP :) There's two things that have settled on me today from this passage that we've all heard loads recently! First is how the shepherds RUN to see Jesus. I love that. They're terrified but excited and just go running without a thought for what they're leaving behind. Secondly is how their story impresses everyone who hears it. That's like someone on Jeremy Kyle captivating the whole tv audience with their wisdom! God's truth is so exciting and relevant that it makes anyone into an impressive speaker! Excellent news indeed and just showing why we should have confidence in inviting people to hear about God at Christmas.
Finally we get a very confusing bit of Proverbs which kind of needs the rest of its chapter to give it some context. But I think it shows that we have to be careful with being tricked by things that appear ok. This woman has prepared herself to sleep with this guy as though she's going to marry him but then let slips that she's married. I guess this is like the Old Testament laws. We need to be careful that we don't outright dismiss what is written there because God put that law there for a reason and so can't just hide behind what feels easiest. It's a tough cookie certainly...
Onto the next one
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Day 75
More catching up. Onto business then,
Today’s readings
Numbers 4:1-5:10
Luke 1:57-80
Psalm 34:11-22
So here we have more history to start us off. One thing that I thought of was how God's always saying about people dying if they touch things. I wonder if any of you have seen Raiders of the Lost Ark, clearly the best of the Indiana Jones films. Well they find the Ark of the Covenant which is I think what we're talking about here, or certainly the start of the stuff that would go in the Ark. Now at the end all the Nazis open the Ark and get melted in impressively grusome special effects considering the film's nearly 30 years old. But this isn't because they're big nast evil Nazis. Well it kind of is but not entirely because Indy makes sure his eyes and the pretty lady's eyes are shut too when the Ark is opened. Even though he's the hero of the film and thus clearly a good guy, he realises that God's holy presence is contained within those artefacts and you shouldn't treat them flippantly. Now obviously this isn't factual because Star Wars are the only documentaries that George Lucas has made, but I think it's a good way of seeing that God wasn't just killing people for no reason. He was warning them not to do things because their own body wouldn't take the exposure. Think of it as though God said "and any who jump of a cliff will be die." You wouldn't think He was being bossy or unreasonable for saying that.
I also think it's interesting that everyone seems to have a role in God's new kingdom that He is building. I think a lot of the time we forget that God has a purpose and a role for us and it might not actually be what we want. Our attitude in any situation we're put should be that God has us their for a reason and we should be thankful that we're faithful and trusting enough to see it through with His blessings at the end.
Into the New Testament and we have John the Baptist being born. And before he was a baptist... So anyway, I like that Zachariah's words when he does finally get his speech back are a God given prophecy. If I were putting songs to these catch up blogs, this one would be a Toad The Wet Sprocket song called Something to Say. Well worth a listen if you can. I just think Zachariah had been serving God so long and doing his duties without ever really having that huge experience of God that we all search for and here before he died was this huge event that gave him something worthwhile to say.
I love that being called John is such a matter of intrigue too. Great men us Jons... Regardless of the spelling. Also I think the prophecy Zachariah brings is fantastic. It's full of humility and awareness that everything has been God's plan and that John's role won't be centre stage but he's not complaining but rejoicing that God has worked in his life. I think that's a definite lesson from today that we should be thankful that God does use us. Use us for what? Well I'm quoting lots of pop culture today but I read an old issue of the Avengers a couple of days ago and Captain America said that he did what he did because he knew it would make someone's tomorrow easier. That's a fantastic sentiment and one I think God wants from us.
Finally our Psalm continues and after such a mass of praise we get this joyful reassurance that running to God is never in vain. I especially like verse 12 saying that following God is having a lust for life. That's what we should be seeking. Life to the fullness of its potential!
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
Today’s readings
Numbers 4:1-5:10
Luke 1:57-80
Psalm 34:11-22
So here we have more history to start us off. One thing that I thought of was how God's always saying about people dying if they touch things. I wonder if any of you have seen Raiders of the Lost Ark, clearly the best of the Indiana Jones films. Well they find the Ark of the Covenant which is I think what we're talking about here, or certainly the start of the stuff that would go in the Ark. Now at the end all the Nazis open the Ark and get melted in impressively grusome special effects considering the film's nearly 30 years old. But this isn't because they're big nast evil Nazis. Well it kind of is but not entirely because Indy makes sure his eyes and the pretty lady's eyes are shut too when the Ark is opened. Even though he's the hero of the film and thus clearly a good guy, he realises that God's holy presence is contained within those artefacts and you shouldn't treat them flippantly. Now obviously this isn't factual because Star Wars are the only documentaries that George Lucas has made, but I think it's a good way of seeing that God wasn't just killing people for no reason. He was warning them not to do things because their own body wouldn't take the exposure. Think of it as though God said "and any who jump of a cliff will be die." You wouldn't think He was being bossy or unreasonable for saying that.
I also think it's interesting that everyone seems to have a role in God's new kingdom that He is building. I think a lot of the time we forget that God has a purpose and a role for us and it might not actually be what we want. Our attitude in any situation we're put should be that God has us their for a reason and we should be thankful that we're faithful and trusting enough to see it through with His blessings at the end.
Into the New Testament and we have John the Baptist being born. And before he was a baptist... So anyway, I like that Zachariah's words when he does finally get his speech back are a God given prophecy. If I were putting songs to these catch up blogs, this one would be a Toad The Wet Sprocket song called Something to Say. Well worth a listen if you can. I just think Zachariah had been serving God so long and doing his duties without ever really having that huge experience of God that we all search for and here before he died was this huge event that gave him something worthwhile to say.
I love that being called John is such a matter of intrigue too. Great men us Jons... Regardless of the spelling. Also I think the prophecy Zachariah brings is fantastic. It's full of humility and awareness that everything has been God's plan and that John's role won't be centre stage but he's not complaining but rejoicing that God has worked in his life. I think that's a definite lesson from today that we should be thankful that God does use us. Use us for what? Well I'm quoting lots of pop culture today but I read an old issue of the Avengers a couple of days ago and Captain America said that he did what he did because he knew it would make someone's tomorrow easier. That's a fantastic sentiment and one I think God wants from us.
Finally our Psalm continues and after such a mass of praise we get this joyful reassurance that running to God is never in vain. I especially like verse 12 saying that following God is having a lust for life. That's what we should be seeking. Life to the fullness of its potential!
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
Friday, 3 December 2010
Day 74
Let's see how many we can get done on a day off. Onto business then
Today’s readings
Numbers 2:10-3:51
Luke 1:39-56
Psalm 34:1-10
Not a lot to say from Numbers. Mushi's a fun name :) The only thing I can really see is how God provides for those that are focused on what His will is. I sometimes wish that will was clearer but I do know that when our motives are right, provision comes!
Into the New Testament and you know how women witter and squeal over the slightest thing? Well imagine the cacophany when they actually have something important to celebrate! This isn't just a pair of shoes or a snog with that boy they both like but two miracle pregnancies which will change the whole world. But let's think about the joy that really flows through these two people. I keep struggling to cheer up at the moment and be positive about things which isn't usual for me but here the Bible shows us that what can make us happiest is an encounter with God. Now I'm not wanting to be pregnant of course... but why did we like Soul Survivor so much? The music and the mates might have helped but what made it amazing was the closeness with our God in one place. Let's be seeking that to give us the smiles.
Finally our Psalm starts and we get loads and loads of praise to God for all the things He does. But I think what's important is how God helps us feel. We're always looking for solid things but I think the best things that we get from God are the feelings of peace and joy that come free of any benefit. If you're struggling then wallow in a bit of abstract happiness for a bit!
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
Today’s readings
Numbers 2:10-3:51
Luke 1:39-56
Psalm 34:1-10
Not a lot to say from Numbers. Mushi's a fun name :) The only thing I can really see is how God provides for those that are focused on what His will is. I sometimes wish that will was clearer but I do know that when our motives are right, provision comes!
Into the New Testament and you know how women witter and squeal over the slightest thing? Well imagine the cacophany when they actually have something important to celebrate! This isn't just a pair of shoes or a snog with that boy they both like but two miracle pregnancies which will change the whole world. But let's think about the joy that really flows through these two people. I keep struggling to cheer up at the moment and be positive about things which isn't usual for me but here the Bible shows us that what can make us happiest is an encounter with God. Now I'm not wanting to be pregnant of course... but why did we like Soul Survivor so much? The music and the mates might have helped but what made it amazing was the closeness with our God in one place. Let's be seeking that to give us the smiles.
Finally our Psalm starts and we get loads and loads of praise to God for all the things He does. But I think what's important is how God helps us feel. We're always looking for solid things but I think the best things that we get from God are the feelings of peace and joy that come free of any benefit. If you're struggling then wallow in a bit of abstract happiness for a bit!
And that's your lot. Onto the next one
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