tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20187480078845641892024-03-13T20:49:30.564+00:00This I do...This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.comBlogger785125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-66064974035706173272020-08-11T20:53:00.002+01:002020-08-11T20:54:45.375+01:00Memories (Improvisation)<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0rw-B86j9gY" width="480"></iframe></div>duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-91865733579443462682020-06-27T22:52:00.010+01:002020-06-27T23:07:45.890+01:00Jesus You Are The Author<br /><br /><pre><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/alroigz74UA" width="720" youtube-src-id="alroigz74UA"></iframe></pre><br />
<div><br /></div><div>A song I wrote a while ago but has been a good lockdown project to produce in video form.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus is always the One to run to, even when I doubt Him, even when I have questions about the Bible, theology, suffering.. He is always the answer when there are no answers. </div><div><br /></div><div>I feel sad that the church squabbles and fights over so much that cannot be answered, and in so doing keeps the door closed to so many who just need to know they are loved. Run to Him....</div>duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-91412510831492727532020-04-18T11:23:00.002+01:002020-04-18T11:23:27.559+01:00In The Stillness - Be Still<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gM-7LabfM4A" width="560"></iframe></div>
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We are often encouraged to be still in the scriptures. A well known verse, often quoted is Psalm 46:10</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be still and know that I am God...</span></div>
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Maybe at this time, you have more opportunity to be still but struggle to stop your mind from running. Maybe you are working harder than ever, caring for the sick... Whatever your situation, faith, belief, I pray that this music will take you into a still place. Prayer, at its heart, I believe, is opening up the heart to God, opening up the mind to realise that He is here, and has been all along... Peace to all, whatever the circumstance.</div>
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duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-62831020971562298532017-04-20T12:17:00.001+01:002017-04-20T12:17:28.514+01:00Coming With The Clouds<div class="MsoNormal">
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with the Clouds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“Don't
be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead but, but
look – I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death.... Look! He
is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, including those who
pierced Him. And all the families of the earth will mourn over Him. This is
certain. Amen.... Yes, I am coming soon.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Revelation 1:7, 1:17-18 & 22:20<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AHMq3np5Jg/WPiVxyNlkzI/AAAAAAACBlM/j6wyT0qEbRk5SHCWO6SuPQpPB-cc_cy8gCLcB/s1600/oil-lamp-1346754_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AHMq3np5Jg/WPiVxyNlkzI/AAAAAAACBlM/j6wyT0qEbRk5SHCWO6SuPQpPB-cc_cy8gCLcB/s320/oil-lamp-1346754_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">God
has recently been impressing upon me these wonderful words, <i>“I am coming
soon!”</i> <i>Revelation 22:20</i>. I am certainly feeling an inner pull to these scriptures and
perhaps more importantly I am feeling the challenge that He is placing before
me and I believe before us as a church today. This is the challenge that I
hear is simple, <i>“Wake up and pursue me for I am coming soon!”.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">In
Matthew 25 Jesus talks about His coming and the end times. He tells a story of
ten virgins, five wise and five foolish. They all carried lamps but only five
were prepared with enough oil. Those who were ready were ushered into the
wedding banquet but the other five ran to buy oil. When they returned they were
refused entry. The groom said, <i>“I assure you, I do not know you” v12.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I'm
sure there are many interpretations of this parable and many books have been
written on it, but here are my thoughts. We know from Scripture that the
groom is Jesus Himself and we the church are the bride. Oil is often used as a
picture of the Presence of God, anointing, the Holy Spirit. It is by the Spirit
that we are born again. The emphasis here is <i><b>pursuing relationship with
Jesus by the Holy Spirit.</b> </i>The foolish virgins ran to buy oil and were late
in coming to the banquet, and so were refused, but they were also refused
because the groom said <i>“I do not know you!”.</i> These words are so sobering
to me! In another Scripture Jesus says that He will even say this to some who
performed miracles and cast out demons in His name! <i>Matthew 7:23</i> Although obedience and
works are important as an expression of our relationship with Jesus, they will
not stand alone. They will not give us a rich welcome into the banquet unless
we can stand before Him and look into His eyes and be recognised by Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">As
the great song says, In Christ Alone I stand. In Christ. Jesus said, “I am in
the Father and the Father is in Me”, <i>John 14</i>. And we are in Christ. So how do I
pursue this relationship with Jesus? How can I stand before Jesus and have Him
recognise me? Look at how Jesus pursued relationship with the Father. We so
often read, “And Jesus got up early to pray...” <i>Mark 1:35</i> This I believe is the secret to
knowing God, and perhaps more importantly, being known by Him.... Prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
are bombarded in the present day with distraction, perhaps more than ever
before in history. With smartphones always at hand, we have instant access to
knowledge, social media, entertainment. TV can fill our days and nights and can
be a constant draw to our attention. People and relationships demand our energy an time. There are so many other distractions in a
world that is constantly offering us much. So many of our distractions can seem legitimate. Even ministry can draw us away from
intimate relationship with Jesus. Maybe these are not a struggle for you as you pursue relati</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">onship with Jesus, but I certainly struggle myself and know those
who do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">I
think another good word for worship is <i>attention. </i>Where is my attention
today? What or who am I thinking about? Where is my heart? If I look at what I
am thinking about, hankering after, there I will find what my treasure is. That
is what I worship. Misty Edwards writes
in one of her songs, “content to be hungry”. Hunger for Jesus is, I believe one
of greatest gifts He can give us. If you are hungry you know about it! It
doesn't go away until you eat and are satisfied. Hunger for Him is a good sign that we are living a life of worship. I want to live in perpetual
hunger for Christ!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">So
I challenge myself and you today. Make some space where nothing else will threaten to take His place. Give Him your full attention and just say “Lord, here I am”. By
His grace may our thoughts and lives be filled with Jesus so that on that day
He will look at us and say “Ah yes, my friend, we were just talking a minute
ago, come in and enjoy the banquet, it's ready for you!”. Come quickly Lord!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-60089294929365879442016-07-23T11:34:00.000+01:002016-07-23T11:35:18.816+01:00Favour & Anointing<div class="line1" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 25px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqmmv-W55dQ/V5NC-mzKCkI/AAAAAAAB8fk/8DLC1bHS0hEILTJINgdTWgimBMnPkZ9AwCLcB/s1600/archery-847895_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqmmv-W55dQ/V5NC-mzKCkI/AAAAAAAB8fk/8DLC1bHS0hEILTJINgdTWgimBMnPkZ9AwCLcB/s320/archery-847895_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver</i> </h4>
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<i style="font-size: small;">Isaiah 49:2</i></h4>
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Have you ever felt frustrated with a gift that you felt the Lord has given you and yet there is seemingly no opportunity to exercise it, or every time you try and step out with it it seems to fall flat on its face? I know I have!</div>
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I love Isaiah 49. It has been a very special chapter in my life, and there is so much to learn about the LORD's ways. Isaiah said that he was chosen when he was in his mother's womb (v1). He was given gifts likened to a sharpened sword and a polished arrow. And then what happened? <b>God hid him!</b> In v4 Isaiah says, <i><span style="background-color: #cccccc;">'I have worked hard for nothing, I have used my strength, but I didn't accomplish anything'</span>.</i> In other words, 'here I am, a polished arrow all ready to go sitting in this quiver, and all the other arrows around keep getting picked. What a waste! Why did I bother?'</div>
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This is how God responds in v8,<span style="background-color: #cccccc;"> <i>'In the time of my favour I will answer.... I will appoint you as my promise to the people'.</i></span><i> </i>God's timing is so vital. Don't try to get out of the quiver before He chooses. What can an arrow do by itself? Nothing! It's the same with us. It's only in His hands that we are of any use to Him. We wait for God's favour, for <i>His</i> time.</div>
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And what do we do whilst we wait? In v13 God says,<i style="background-color: #cccccc;"> 'Sing with joy.... break into shouts of joy..'</i> Worship is so vital in staying ready so that when He says it's time to go, we can hear Him and respond to the call. Favour and anointing <b>will</b> come if we trust and keep being obedient. Don't lose heart.</div>
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-8637845303863555452016-07-07T12:20:00.001+01:002016-07-07T12:21:52.572+01:00Skywatch #136On my recent trip to Edinburgh, I visited these amazing horses! They were built to remember the horses that worked on the canals. <a href="http://www.thehelix.co.uk/things-to-do/the-kelpies/">You can look here for more info.</a><br />
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The blue skies were a pleasant surprise as we were expecting proper Scottish weather!<br />
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And of course, <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.co.uk/">lots of lovely skies here at Skywatch.</a><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJhP_ddUYSI/V345fnj82-I/AAAAAAAB8Lw/_0eX2hR2HGEDdK8TA5OWyclRDKEcb6VWACLcB/s1600/DSC08715.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJhP_ddUYSI/V345fnj82-I/AAAAAAAB8Lw/_0eX2hR2HGEDdK8TA5OWyclRDKEcb6VWACLcB/s640/DSC08715.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-faa04qOTUr8/V345fBrKhWI/AAAAAAAB8Ls/UWH5vIHhvi4y552BilfVa2yGs1jzTWBCACLcB/s1600/DSC08723.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-faa04qOTUr8/V345fBrKhWI/AAAAAAAB8Ls/UWH5vIHhvi4y552BilfVa2yGs1jzTWBCACLcB/s400/DSC08723.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qC4N2NKzTg8/V345e4uljPI/AAAAAAAB8Lo/RI9EWvTUGvMk4Oil0em2tf0A4XPkitilACLcB/s1600/DSC08726.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qC4N2NKzTg8/V345e4uljPI/AAAAAAAB8Lo/RI9EWvTUGvMk4Oil0em2tf0A4XPkitilACLcB/s400/DSC08726.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMWUUBX_x84/V345kfmY3II/AAAAAAAB8L0/TKw3Twpp2aQk1KnErDR33KFhGSrGrIkiACLcB/s1600/DSC08732.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMWUUBX_x84/V345kfmY3II/AAAAAAAB8L0/TKw3Twpp2aQk1KnErDR33KFhGSrGrIkiACLcB/s640/DSC08732.JPG" width="640" /></a>duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-54518921833572340382016-06-30T17:32:00.000+01:002016-07-03T10:56:13.985+01:00Overcoming the ‘I Can’t’ Mentality<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RoJsBulDrQ/V3VIhR_jOpI/AAAAAAAB8IQ/1xve34vnkZQLlGU859fD2hOWpFAbfDrMgCLcB/s1600/glasses-568408_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RoJsBulDrQ/V3VIhR_jOpI/AAAAAAAB8IQ/1xve34vnkZQLlGU859fD2hOWpFAbfDrMgCLcB/s320/glasses-568408_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We saw the giants... and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Numbers 13:33</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Wherever you go, you take your mentality with you. After four hundred years as captives in Egypt, the Israelites needed to adjust to their new freedom and learn to step into unfamiliar situations. They functioned best when other people told them what to do. Consequently when they approached the Promised Land and their leader sent twelve spies in to check it out, ten came back saying, ‘The inhabitants of the land are giants. We are like grasshoppers compared to them.’ But two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, knew God was with them so they reported, ‘The inhabitants of the land are like grasshoppers to us. We are well able to overcome them’ (see v. 30). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Joshua and Caleb developed the capacity to see things from God’s vantage point. It spelled the difference between success and failure - and this one secret will change your world. You learn to ‘mount up with wings’ like an eagle (Isaiah 40:31 KJV) and see every situation from a higher viewpoint: through God’s eyes! You stop looking at the devil’s picture of defeat and focus on God’s portrait of success. This is your ticket to the Promised Land! Start speaking what you desire - not what you dread (see Psalm 107:2). Speak your expectations - not your fears. This isn’t mind-over-matter or pop psychology. It’s standing on God’s Word declaring, ‘I am what God says I am…I have what God says I have…and I can do what God says I can do!’ (see Philippians 4:13).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; line-height: 21px;"><i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; line-height: 21px;">Word For Today written by Bob Gass </span><a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today.html" style="font-family: arial; line-height: 21px;">Click here for more Word for Today</a></span></i></span></div>
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duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-59482822514617377762016-06-23T20:36:00.000+01:002016-06-23T20:36:31.590+01:00Skywatch #135<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZwyqWqg_Qw/V2wQSJZms2I/AAAAAAAB8Es/UnJwc6nHnRAeezUU3iW_Up8Z_qfXO9IqwCLcB/s1600/P1010851_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gZwyqWqg_Qw/V2wQSJZms2I/AAAAAAAB8Es/UnJwc6nHnRAeezUU3iW_Up8Z_qfXO9IqwCLcB/s400/P1010851_2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This is taken on Hounslow Heath, very close to Heathrow Airport London.</div>
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Visit <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.co.uk/">Skywatch</a> for more sky photos.</div>
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-90351826450140811472016-06-16T20:39:00.003+01:002016-06-16T20:39:50.033+01:00Skywatch #134<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzBr-CD3MhU/V2L_j8eeU-I/AAAAAAAB79w/775Wi-e7o0wBca-qTAU-aD42pO2f1HC4ACLcB/s1600/DSC08443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzBr-CD3MhU/V2L_j8eeU-I/AAAAAAAB79w/775Wi-e7o0wBca-qTAU-aD42pO2f1HC4ACLcB/s640/DSC08443.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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This is a photo of myself at the Forth Bridge in Edinburgh. I was there at the beginning of June and amazingly the skies were blue blue blue! Very unexpected in Scotland. This is my first Skywatch since August 2012.</div>
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Visit <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.co.uk/">Skywatch</a> for other sky pictures.</div>
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-4722283176503610202016-06-13T12:15:00.001+01:002016-06-13T18:25:56.806+01:00It's Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time. Time to say 'Yes' to Me and lay aside all your uncertainties. Have you not yet understood what is important for you? I cannot answer all the questions you worry about. Some answers are too big for you. Look back at your life and see what I have asked of you and how I have led you. What is it that has filled you with joy? Where have you found peace? Your life is short. Now is the time for you to leave closed the doors that I have shut and to run through the open door that I have placed before you.</div>
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You will break up the fallow ground and produce a harvest, only when you walk closely with Me. I will be your reward and the harvest will be for you and even the generations that come after you. They will also reap what you have sown. </div>
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Surrender, and there will be a peace that you have longed for so much. Only you can do this. I have no-one else who serves me like you do. You are unique and your story is unique. Yield to Me child and let Me be the author of your life.</div>
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duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-1262482896363000442016-05-16T12:07:00.000+01:002016-05-16T12:08:01.194+01:00Come<h2>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_93hv3rqDo/Vzmpy0MTjCI/AAAAAAAB7as/_BNa418FxIoQlW24vSn832Wm8kCGxkUegCLcB/s1600/6696666551_ef9dbc7da3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_93hv3rqDo/Vzmpy0MTjCI/AAAAAAAB7as/_BNa418FxIoQlW24vSn832Wm8kCGxkUegCLcB/s200/6696666551_ef9dbc7da3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.</i></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Matthew 11:28</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Question: What does Jesus actually mean when he says 'Come'?</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-27260889531670894172016-03-03T14:53:00.001+00:002016-03-03T14:53:24.911+00:00The Same Power<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hof9l4UWrMs?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>Romans 8:11</i></span></div>
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-85853994724936027132016-01-29T14:35:00.002+00:002016-02-01T12:11:17.090+00:00The Fruit of the Spirit<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> For the fruit of the
Spirit is.......? </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Galatians 5:22</span></i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="separator" style="border-image: none; clear: both; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHwdTxQ6qj4/Vqt2sFAFkvI/AAAAAAAB6pA/Z3ZRCZ9rpRE/s1600/11564654714_8646138d8a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHwdTxQ6qj4/Vqt2sFAFkvI/AAAAAAAB6pA/Z3ZRCZ9rpRE/s320/11564654714_8646138d8a_z.jpg" width="240" /></a></i></div>
<i>
</i>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This
season has been a difficult one for me. I have had some major
situations to adjust to, both in my family and in my personal life.
So many things have come at once that my natural and immediate
reaction has been to worry. Not just passing concerns and thoughts,
but gut wrenching, stomach churning anxiety that won't let go. To be
honest, I can only remember one other occasion in my life when this
was a daily battle for me, and that particular season took a few
years to pass. When these emotions and situations continue for months
and possibly years, it causes one to reflect more and more deeply on
what God is doing and what is the important thing going on here!
“God, what are You saying and doing?”, is probably a question
that we all often ask ourselves, and Him!</div>
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">So,
I am beginning to see something emerging out of the mist of trial and
difficulty. Obvious, perhaps. Seemingly unrelated to my particular
trials, but nevertheless there. The first is that God wants
wholeheartedly that we </span><i>flourish</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
I don't want to analyse that word. We all know what it means to
flourish! The stark difference between a plant that is flourishing and one that is not is plain to see. A few days ago I stumbled upon Joseph Prince on TBN channel
and my first inclination was to switch channel. But there he was
talking about worry and I felt that familiar sense of God speaking.
So I listened. He told the story of an occasion when his young
daughter was very anxious about something and everything within him
wanted to take the worry away, to reassure her. Later in prayer, he
felt the Lord show him that his own desire for his daughter to be
free from concern was just a reflection of the Father's heart toward
us, that He longs for us to be free. It stems from LOVE. And there I
was, in the back of my mind believing that God was standing back
watching me worry and getting angrier by the day! Have you ever heard
a preacher announce that worry is a sin? I have. That's enough to
make you worry! God wants to take worry from us, not because it's on
a list of sins, but because he wants us to flourish, and it's well
nigh impossible to flourish if you are in a constant state of
anxiety.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" br="" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
And my other train of thought is somehow mixed with this idea of God wanting the best for us. What about these; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? <em>Galatians 5:22</em>. Is this a
list of commands that we struggle to attain to? I don't believe so.
If you have children, do you not hope and pray that they live with
all these positives? What are the alternatives? Hate, misery,
anxiety, irritability, harsh attitudes, evil etc. These fruits that
Paul talks about are the signs of truly being filled with the Spirit.
Having experiences of the Spirit's power is amazing and wonderful,
and can indeed be life changing, but what is even more beneficial and
important for us is to be growing and displaying all the fruits that
only He can give. The fruits of the SPIRIT. These are the fruits of flourishing, not of attainment. These are HIS fruits and
come from abiding in Him. </div>
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I
hope that I am learning this lesson! Writing this blog is an effort
to push the lesson deeper. Now, when facing a difficult situation, I
pray through the fruits of the Spirit and ask that He will come and
make them grow and be visible to myself and others.
</div>
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-44790119664297747532015-06-22T11:48:00.000+01:002015-06-23T10:29:57.061+01:00Rest<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ot552FFScI/VYkmgs5K9qI/AAAAAAABzOQ/JVC9AGNdz2E/s1600/3865543224_9dfb9b72d1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ot552FFScI/VYkmgs5K9qI/AAAAAAABzOQ/JVC9AGNdz2E/s320/3865543224_9dfb9b72d1_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>As you've trusted Me</b> and listened to my voice I have seen your obedience and faith. I spoke and you listened. But having stepped out, you are now in a fog and the waters are swirling around you. Seaweed is entangling you. You have been consumed with fear, the fear that I have abandoned you, that you got it wrong, but know this My child, You belong to Me and My love will never leave you. In your place of confusion, know that I am working out my purposes, in you and for you, and for My glory. Rest daily in My Presence and push yourself into that place of refuge under My wings. Victory is, and always shall be yours because I have put you firmly and securely in my Precious Son Jesus. Jesus in you is the hope of glory that will never fail.<br />
<br />
Col. 1. Ps. 18. Heb. 13. Phil. 1. Ps. 91.</div>
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-52576509984510784242015-01-23T12:47:00.001+00:002015-01-23T12:47:38.332+00:00Woman At The Well - John 4<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NzC5yCHvSSY" width="459"></iframe></div>duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-67339500814614237382015-01-08T11:41:00.000+00:002015-01-08T12:18:58.286+00:00How Big Is Your Army?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJK3bbwekH8/VK5sJSmUg-I/AAAAAAABxdQ/EprBwXy0uso/s1600/statue-14204_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJK3bbwekH8/VK5sJSmUg-I/AAAAAAABxdQ/EprBwXy0uso/s1600/statue-14204_640.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><i><span style="font-size: large;">“Satan stood up against Israel
and incited David to number the people..... God was displeased with this
thing...”</span> </i>I Chronicles 21:1 & 7</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On first looking, these verses
seems puzzling. David was in a season <i>“when kings march out to war”, 1
Chronicles 20:1.</i> He was also living in a time of victory over his enemies,
taking the crowns from the heads of kings and subduing the Philistines. It is
then that David decides to count his army, the result of which is 1,100,000
swordsmen. Quite a number for what was probably a small population! However,
this counting displeased the Lord. Indeed it perplexed Joab who replies, <i>“May
the LORD multiply the number of His people a hundred times over”, 1 Chronicles
21:3. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
What can we learn here? David
says in <i>Psalm 33:16, “No king is saved by the size of his army”.</i> And yet
in this story he is believing something quite different. God was giving David
success on the battlefield and David began to believe that it was not God, but
because of his great army that he was victorious. He began to look at all that
he possessed and began to move his trust away from his God to his resources.
The consequences for David and Israel were significant, although God held His
hand as David confessed his guilt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
What a great lesson for us!
Whatever we have in life, whether it's money, gifts, talents, vision,
influence, the LORD alone is ultimately the one who will give us success. Maybe
you have a small army, even a tiny army. Maybe your army consists of just one
person, you! Fear not because God is your success. If this year is bringing a
challenge that you feel ill equipped for, then thank Him for what He has given
you, acknowledge your emptiness and need, and let Him lead you. And maybe a
greater challenge in our plenty is to <i>trust in the LORD with ALL our hearts
and not lean on our own understanding, Proverbs 3:5.</i></div>
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-1696182084390906382014-11-01T11:53:00.001+00:002014-11-01T11:54:32.509+00:00Forever (Live) - Kari Jobe & Bethel Music - You Make Me Brave <div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4B0pifSHEp8?list=PLUmTiGOxKUOgWdbiYqGpYHw6avm1OJzwU" width="480"></iframe></div>
Amazing worship....
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-12978210274817412862014-09-15T11:51:00.000+01:002014-09-15T11:51:44.287+01:00Does Jesus Want To Heal You?A blog that I've read for a long time that continues to speak...
<a href="http://healingmission.wordpress.com/2014/09/15/does-jesus-want-to-heal-you/">Does Jesus Want To Heal You?</a>duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-54164533774833266102014-04-26T06:00:00.000+01:002014-04-26T11:54:50.451+01:00Shipwreck<p class="zemanta-img" style="margin: 1em; float: left; display: block; width: 250px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46274125@N00/2925950917"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2925950917_5c076b583e_m.jpg" alt="Shipwreck, Beach Near Lake Sijung, North Korea" style="border: medium none ; display: block;" height="180" width="240" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46274125@N00/2925950917">yeowatzup</a> via Flickr</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 51, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thou shalt guide me<br><span style="font-size:85%;">Psalm 73:24</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">If you want to avoid shipwreck, study Acts 27 carefully. First, t<span style="font-style: italic;">hey were dissatisfied with where they were.</span> Listen; "Since the harbour was unsuitable...the majority decided that we should sail on" <a href="http://bible.cc/acts/27-12.htm">(Acts 27:12)</a>. God doesn't guide us by "dissatisfaction" or by "opinion polls," He guides us by His Spirit. (<a href="http://bible.cc/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14)</a>. When things get difficult, you're called to overcome them, not try to escaped them. Next, <span style="font-style: italic;">they were impatient to get where they were going.</span> Sound familiar? I don't know of a single Scripture that tells us to hurry up or we'll miss God. Israel learned that when the cloud moves, you move. But when the cloud stops, stay where you are and wait on God.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then <span style="font-style: italic;">they failed to heed the Word;</span> listen: "The centurion was more persuaded by the pilot...than...by Paul" <a href="http://bible.cc/acts/27-11.htm">(Acts 27:11)</a>. Be careful, if you look long enough, you'll find someone whose opinion confirms what you want to do. that's a dangerous place to be. Finally, t<span style="font-style: italic;">hey looked to the circumstances, instead of God, to guide them.</span> <a href="http://bible.cc/acts/27-13.htm">(Acts 27:13)</a> The idea that circumstances will always line up favourably with God's guidance is not scriptural. God often leads through the wilderness and He'll never lead you anywhere that doesn't require His provision and protection. If you can get there without God - He didn't send you.<br /></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Used with permission from </em></span><a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=67"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>UCB Word for Today</em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>. Free issues are available </em></span><a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=124"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>here</em></span></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>for the UK and Republic of Ireland</em><em>.</em> </span></p><div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/1ed15c09-eefb-41b7-acf8-84bb981bf039/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"><img style="border: medium none ; float: right;" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_c.png?x-id=1ed15c09-eefb-41b7-acf8-84bb981bf039" alt="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]" /></a><span class="zem-script more-info pretty-attribution paragraph-reblog"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" defer="defer"></script></span></div>duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-48812481715412657992014-01-04T12:32:00.002+00:002016-06-17T19:24:47.931+01:00Psalm 23 - When Life Is Tough<iframe width="100%" height="300" style="background-color:transparent; display:block; max-width: 700px;" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" src="//embeds.audioboom.com/boos/1830516-jarrod-cooper-psalm-23/embed/v4?eid=AQAAAD5AZFd07hsA" title="audioBoom player"></iframe>duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-13293593801798305492014-01-02T14:54:00.005+00:002014-01-02T14:55:29.245+00:00Prepare For Attack<div class="bible-ref" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">‘…A brother is born for adversity.’ </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a class="bible-ref-link" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17%3A17+&version=NIV">Proverbs 17:17 </a></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkc_i22TDyo/UsV9KZx-8WI/AAAAAAABtz0/no9yMt9YGFI/s1600/5270987711_d18c4b98d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkc_i22TDyo/UsV9KZx-8WI/AAAAAAABtz0/no9yMt9YGFI/s320/5270987711_d18c4b98d0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49889874@N05/5270987711/in/photolist-92Mc1t-8nXox5-fg7KNW-7rhrv1-6HVRqY-6xypVo-6HVRQs-8eUbRW-37MUJ9-6m4Rc6-8cc44h-8evC78-xLe1C-7BHyWz-bsQugC-4VsKR-dUSz6U-bdPimk-8Nxv8s-4jN3MS-c1VaM-8XWrbv-6XiZiu-75nn-3vrtjV-bZ4xis-btz6Ju-bGtT9n-btzfAu-8nbaPm-ah4HPM-dqxF9Q-dB5byF-dBaDFj-5DHi8w-eH4JWg-dB5bDK-anvsVa-8HHVhK-cTqZCW-cTrjy9-bdPiac-66AGs3-8evDS6-66wpjX-3zDTSn-8N8eeH-bsQuJS-bFKmfV-bFKkUp-bsQuSm">Bricks - Flickr</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nehemiah discovered that not everybody will be happy about your success.
‘Sanballat …sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together”…But they
thought to do me harm. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing
a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease
while I leave it and go down to you”? But they sent me this message four
times, and I answered them in the same manner’ (Nehemiah 6:2-4 NKJV).
Note the words, ‘I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.’
That could be classified as an Academy Award-winning response to attack! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Any time you stop the work God has given you to do and step down to the
level of your critics, you’ve sent the devil a signal that his strategy
is working. So you can expect more of the same. Think: if God can
deliver you in times of trouble, surely He can defend you in times of
misunderstanding! So get back up on the wall He has called you to build
and keep working. Don’t get distracted. There are three kinds of people
you will meet in life: 1) <i>The critic</i>. They’re the first to point an accusing finger and the last to extend a helping hand. 2) <i>The cautious</i>.
When you’re in trouble they’ll distance you lest they become tainted by
your perceived liabilities. These people are not bad, they’re just
self-serving. Don’t put your trust in them. 3) <i>The committed</i>.
‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.’
Recognise such people and build your life around them because they are a
gift from God.
</div>
<div align="justify">
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><i>Used with permission from </i></span><a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=67"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><i>UCB Word for Today</i></span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><i>. Free issues are available </i></span><a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=124"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><i>here</i></span></a> <span style="font-size: 85%;"><i>for the UK and Republic of Ireland</i><i>.</i> </span></div>
duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-87782494516733896292013-11-11T11:49:00.000+00:002013-11-11T11:53:13.037+00:00Big Sleep Out<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Niamh is a member of my church. Please consider <a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=niamhsbigsleepout">giving to this great charity</a>.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Thank you :)</span><br />
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duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-75472130740817959632013-11-04T13:22:00.003+00:002013-11-04T13:31:31.540+00:00Let It Be Known<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87dnrrDD3zA/UneecmFBILI/AAAAAAABtyM/lozqpcH8VKw/s1600/4037603007_2c9c9d215e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87dnrrDD3zA/UneecmFBILI/AAAAAAABtyM/lozqpcH8VKw/s320/4037603007_2c9c9d215e.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluesquarething/4037603007/sizes/m/in/photolist-79MLGX-7dxbEd-7iwPBN-7pvV9x-dyhU6r-awjjac-dyhUiB-7zcdXw-8gB5pv-h24ZfM-927Ps4-8u6gKe-7xDmP1-8Uhkyn-8UhkEc-8UkpX7-8UhkmT-8M6uaf-8b6c3q-dyhSYc-ajmari-7B1HzW-9Wv2bW-acf16o-99TjUn-dyhUQB-dyhSkn-bxSss7-9xyVGB-dPEAPq-87GXZ1-bMeguM-9qSeyk-a3nKWw-e286mi-8DmrDW-a6Xqnf-a6UxDH-a6Xqi3-a66Sew-a7A1qm-a6UxNF-a6UxKK-a3nKS9-7HSHie-a1MsF1-a7A1s5-9evdL8-a3nKY9-aNjvRk/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Blue Square Thing</span></a></i></td></tr>
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<b>I had a great text from a friend yesterday</b> as we were reflecting on what God was doing amongst us in our church community. She said, <i>"Yes, it's wonderful what God is doing in our lives, making Himself known"</i>. Wow. This really reminded me that this grace, presence and experience of Him is not just about us, it's about Him making HIMSELF known through us. So how much do I keep all this God stuff to myself? How quick am I to share what God is doing? When we receive healing how quick are we to stand up and say, "Guess what happened!!?". </div>
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We British do reticence very well. Don't want to get too enthusiastic. Don't want people to think we're going over the top, becoming Jesus freaks. It's wise to be cautious and wait for the right moment isn't it? When the Spirit leads etc etc etc. Yesterday I was telling a friend how much God has been doing in my life over these last few years. He has been blessing me with such an awareness of His Presence and I am becoming more and more hungry for Him and discovering that He responds to hunger. He loves it! He loves it when we come and give it all to Him and He pours more and more into our lives as we draw near to Him. As I shared I felt tears coming and I felt awkward. Afterwards I wondered if I had said too much, been too gushing. But to be honest I don't think I, or most of us are in danger of going over the top when talking about Jesus! I want to be more in danger of going over the top than becoming lukewarm!</div>
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As God has reminded me, I want to remind you that all He has done and is doing in your life is not just to bless <i>you. </i>It's to reveal Himself to those around you making known His great love and compassion for them. Come Holy Spirit and make yourself known through us!</div>
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duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-34180471247902685282013-10-05T14:08:00.000+01:002013-10-06T16:47:05.586+01:00Post Traumatic Growth<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07EwJVEPoQ4/UlAO8Wi4V8I/AAAAAAABtu4/9cmPpxH_dIc/s1600/4666138644_910862b272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07EwJVEPoQ4/UlAO8Wi4V8I/AAAAAAABtu4/9cmPpxH_dIc/s320/4666138644_910862b272.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>God intended it all for good</i></span></div>
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<i>Genesis 50:20</i></div>
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Rising to a challenge reveals hidden abilities within you that otherwise
would have remained dormant. Just as you find out what’s inside a tube
of toothpaste when it gets squeezed, adversity reveals what you’re made
of. Sometimes we say, ‘I could never go through what that person went
through. I would die.’ Then you go through it, and guess what? Your
heart keeps beating. Your world goes on. You don’t know what you’re
capable of until you have to cope. Wise people have always understood
the connection between suffering and growth. Meng Tzu, the Chinese sage,
said, ‘When heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on any man
it will place obstacles in the path of his deeds so as to stimulate his
mind, harden his nature, and improve wherever he is incompetent.’ </div>
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God
could have let Abraham stay in the comfort of Ur, and Moses in the
splendour of Pharaoh’s courts. He could have kept Daniel out of the
lions’ den, Nehemiah out of captivity, Jonah out of the whale, John the
Baptist away from Herod, Esther from being threatened, Jeremiah from
being rejected, and Paul from being shipwrecked. But He didn’t. In fact,
God used each of these trials to bring them closer to Himself—to
produce perseverance, character and hope. It’s said, ‘The school of hard
knocks produces the greatest scholars.’ And guess who the teacher is?
Adversity! You either face it with God, or without Him. And those
without God are watching you. When they see your faith sustain you and
God bring you through, they’ll get interested in what you have to say.
And not before!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><em>Used with permission from </em></span><a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=67"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><em>UCB Word for Today</em></span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><em>. Free issues are available </em></span><a href="http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=124"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><em>here</em></span></a> <span style="font-size: 85%;"><em>for the UK and Republic of Ireland</em><em>.</em></span></div>
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duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018748007884564189.post-44053756455452402092013-08-12T16:50:00.000+01:002016-06-17T19:28:13.582+01:00Walk In The Promise<div align=center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YHUOwXV-EQ4?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
Our souls wait in silence<br />
In rest and in quiet for You
Spirit<br />
In trust and dependence<br />
We walk in this promise of You
Coming<br />
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With hope and healing in Your wings<br />
With fire and with wind<br />
You fall on us again<br />
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Here we are waiting for this house to be shaken<br />
For the boldness to carry Your name to the nations<br />
Your signs and Your wonders to go now before us<br />
For the weight of Your glory to rest as we lift You up<br />
We lift You up<br />
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Be magnified in us
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duopastoralehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629791757005585762noreply@blogger.com2