Earth´s Shadow

Thursday December 11, 2014

When I see the moon at its thinnest stage, I sometimes think of a passage I read in Flannery O' Conner A Prayer Journal. The writer composed these poetic words for God : "You are the slim crescent of a moon... and my self is the earth´s shadow that keeps me from seeing all the moon... I do not know you God, because I am in the way. Please help me to push myself aside."

As I consider these thoughts, I have to admit that there´s a part of me that feels entitled to have comfort in this world while still enjoying a deep closeness with Christ. Jesus said, however, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways" (Mark 8:34). For me, this means not stomping my feet when God tells me "no", not pouting when God says "wait" and not grumbling when God gives me a new task.

Like all people, I was born with an inner devotion to myself. Fortunately, Jesus has made me aware of it, and has offered to help me curb it with commandments such as, "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Luke 10:27). This is His kind and gentle way of showing me that my love of myself is truly automatic. He didn´t need to teach me to pursue my personal comfort or to seek self-preservation - I´m a natural in these areas! Sadly, it´s true.

Thankfully, Jesus also said, "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake... you will save it" (Mark 8:35). Deepening our devotion to Christ means moving from a "me-centred" life to a "God-centred" life. And as we turn away from our self-serving desires, God will give us new desires (Galatians 5:24). He´ll also give us a better view of His glory as we remain in His shadow. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Read
Mark 8:31-38
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killend and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said : "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father´s glory with the holy angels."

Nehemiah 5:14-18
Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year -- twelve years -- neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. But the earlier governors -- those preceding me -- placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that. Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did nto acquire any land.
Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.

Acts 5:1-5
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife´s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn´t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn´t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God."
When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heart what had happened.

Question to Ponder
What´s the relationship between love and selfishness? 
What changes, if any, is God asking you to make in order to increase your devotion to Him?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 issue

Lavish Generosity

Wednesday December 10, 2014

During my last year of school, I saved up my money in order to buy extravagant gifts for my family. When Christmas came, I blew the whole lot on my parents, my sister and my grandparents. I imagined that - with university looming - I might never have the chance to be as generous with my money again.

It would be dangerous, however, to equate generosity only with giving money or gifts. It´s also true that since we live in a culture where the insatiable desire for more threatens to overwhelm us, it´s good to distinguish between generosity and obsessive, selfish consumerism. Still, I consider myself and advocate for the old fashioned practice of giving gifts at Christmas. Done well, I believe that giving to another can reflect in some small way the very heart of God´s extravagant gift - the Gift we celebrate each 25 December (Luke 1:46-55).

The very heart of God´s good news is lavish generosity. The gospel shatters our narrow self-centredness because it declares a truth that borders on the absurd : God, Creator and Ruler of all, came to us.... to us. And God came as a helpless baby.... a baby. This Gift first came to Mary, and she was overwhelmed. "The Mighty One... has done great things for me," she exclaimed (v.49).

This Gift has been extended to us all - a gift beyond our wildest imagination, and one we could never manage on our own. This Christmas, in honour of the Greatest Gift, I´ll be giving gifts too. I want to give more of my time, more of myself and my attention, more words and prayers and hugs. But also, I´ll be giving a few gifts that are lavish-gifts that make for joy and smiles (vv. 46-47). I´ll be following God´s example. - Winn Collier

Read
Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said :
" My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rules from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Matthew 7:11
If you, the, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Question to Ponder
What´s the most lavish gift a person has ever given you?
How has God demonstrated His generosity to you?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014- Feb 2015 issue

Using Your Gift

Tuesday December 9, 2014

The 2013 film Frozen tells the story of a troubled princess named Elsa who possessed a special gift - the power to create ice and snow. We´re not talking about making iced tea. No - with a flick of the wrist, this princess could unleash a blizzard that would instantly turn a warm summer day into a cold winter wonderland.

But as a young girl, Elsa´s gift nearly resulted in the death of her sister Anna. Scared that she couldn´t control her special ability, the princess chose to hide it and live alone in fear. By the end of the film, however, Elsa discovered that genuine love was not only the key to controlling her powers for the god of others, but it also opened the door to restoring relationships that years of fear and misunderstanding had stolen.

The apostle Paul longed for the young, upstart church in Corinth to make the same discovery about the power of love when it came to their "special abilities" (1 Corinthians 12:1). Apparently questions and misunderstandings over the meaning of "spiritual gifts" had arisen that threatened to drive the young local church apart. Paul reminded them that all spiritual gifts were important and were "given to each of us so we can help each other" (v. 7). He wanted them to understand that the highest virtue of all - love  - holds the key to the exercising of their gifts and the resolution of the tensions that threatened their unity.

None of us comes close to living up to Paul´s famous description of genuine love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), but with God´s help we can grow into "a way of life" that is "best of all" (1 Corinthians 12:31).

Rather than allow fear and misunderstanding to pull us apart, let´s show love; it has the power to knit us together. - Jeff Olson

Read
1 Corinthians 12:31 - 13:7
But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And now I will show you the most excellent way.
If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self- seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:3
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Question to Ponder
How have you struggled with thinking your spiritual gift is less important or more important than others?
What fears might be holding you back from exercising your gifts for God´s glory?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 issue

Preparing the Way

Monday December 8, 2014

On 21 July 2013, media outlets worldwide held their collective breath as they waited for the birth of the child of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The baby was third in line to the British throne, and so when Prince George was born the next day there was hardly a newspaper or news programme that didn´t herald the announcement front and centre.

A star paid the Creator homage (Matthew 2:9), angels called out in worship, "Glory to God in highest heaven" (Luke 2:14) and shepherds and wise men travelled from afar to give Jesus the glory and gifts that He deserved (Matthew 2:11, Luke 2:15-16). But before Jesus was born, another baby entered the world. That baby grew to be the man called by God to announce His message of repentance and to prepare the way for the coming King. As we read in Luke 1, an angel heralded not only Jesus' birth, but also the birth of the prophet John the Baptist (v. 17). While in his mother´s womb, John leapt with joy as Jesus - while in Mary´s womb - came close to him (v. 41).

Later as a man, John began a ministry that paved the way for the greatest King the world has ever known. But while John made his own headlines, he ultimately came to realise the true identity of Jesus and to proclaim that He was the Messiah. All will bow to this King - stars and angels, shepherds and wise men. As Paul wrote, "Christ will be revealed from heaven ... the King of all kings and Lord of all lords" (1 Timothy 6:15).

Christmas stands as a vivid reminder of Jesus' identity as the King of Kings. May we prepare the way for others to bow before this King as we proclaim His good news this Christmas - Peter Chin

Read
Luke 1:13-17
But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Revelations 5:6-14
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And they sang a new song : 

"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals,

because you were slain,

and with your blood you purchased men for God

from every tribe and language and people and nation.

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,

and they will reign on the earth."

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang : 

"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power 

and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honour and glory and praise!"

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:

"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be praise and honor and glory and power

for ever and ever!"

The four living creatures said, "Amen", and the elders fell down and worshipped.

Question to Ponder

When you worship God, what image of Him do you most commonly hold in your heart and mind?
How can you prepare the way for others to hear the good news of Jesus the King this Christmas?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 issue

Better than Myself

Sunday December 7, 2014

Charles complained to his friend about some lower back pain. He was seeking a sympathetic ear, but his friend gave him an honest assessment. "Your back isn´t your problem," he pointed out. "It´s your stomach. Your stomach is so big it´s pulling on your back."

Would you have been offended if someone said that to you?

Charles shared that he resisted the temptation to be offended. He lost the weight and his "back" problem went away. Charles recognised that "an open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy" (Proverbs 27:3-6).

The trouble with most of us is that we´d rather be ruined by praise than helped by criticism. Truth hurts. It bruises our ego. It calls for change. It makes us uncomfortable.

We need to recognise that true friends don´t find pleasure in hurting us. Rather, they love us too much to deceive us. They´re people who show loving courage by pointing out what we probably already know well - things we´ve found hard to accept and truly address. They tell us what we need to hear and not only what we want to hear.

Author Vaughn Roberts wrote, "There is a certain 'niceness' to a friendship where I can be, as they say, myself. But what I really need are relationships in which I will be encouraged to become better than myself. Myself needs to grow a little each day. I don´t want to be the myself I was yseterday. I want to be the myself that is developing each day to be more of a Christ-like person."

Do you have friends who are helping you grow in Christ? Make an effort to maintain those friendships. They´ll help you become better than today´s version of yourself.  - Poh Fang Chia

Read
Proverbs 27:5-10
Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one´s friend springs from his earnest counsel.
Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother´s house when disaster strikes you - better a neighbour nearby than a brother far away.

Proverbs 27:27
You will have plenty of goats' milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.

Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 

Question to Ponder
How well do you take criticism? 
Why is it vital that you accept hard words spoken in love and speak the truth in love to others?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 issue.

Love, Life and Religion

Saturday December 6, 2014

In the book Bono : A Self-Potrait in Conversation, the legendary U2 vocalist shared these thoughts on God´s love with author Michka Assayas. "My understanding of the Scriptures," Bono says, "has been made simple by the person of Christ. Christ teaches that God is love. What does that mean?`What ie means for me : a study of the life of Christ. Love here describes itself as a child born in straw poverty, the most vulnerable situation of all, without honour. I don´t let me religious world get too complicated... God is love, and as much as I respond in allowing myself to be transformed by that love and acting in that love, that´s my religion."

The apostle Paul wrote often about God´s remarkable love, striving to capture its fullness as found in His Son (Ephesians 3:17). Though undeserved, God´s love is given to us freely through Jesus and - astonishingly - unlike any other love, it can´t be taken from us.

"I am convinced," wrote Paul, "that nothing can ever separate us from God´s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God´s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

As we more fully understand "how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love is," Paul explains "then [we] will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God" (Ephesians 3:18-20).

It´s in the context of such love that we experience transformation that compels us to make our life and religion, as Bono says, one of love. - Roxanne Robbins

Read
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is : Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Question to Ponder
How can you live so your reputation is one of faith in Jesus and love for Him and others? 
What has God´s love helped you learn about Him and about yourself?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 issue

Personal Responsibility

Friday December 5, 2014

My friend´s eyes revealed what I was feeling - fear! We two 13 year olds had behaved poorly and were now covering before the camp director. The man, who knew our dads well, raised the decibels as he shouted, "You, the son of Dick Thomas, and you, the son of Ray Felten, how could you have done this?" Needless to say, we wanted to crawl under the table - feeling the weight of personal responsibility for our offence, and having remorse over the shame we had brought to our fathers.

God gave Zephaniah a message for the people of Judah that contained some potent words about personal responsibility for sin (Zephaniah 1:1, 6-7). After spending chapter 2 describing the judgements He would bring against Judah´s foes, He turned His eyes squarely on His squirming people in chapter 3. "What sorrow awaits rebellious, polluted Jerusalem!" God proclaimed (3:1). "[The people] get up early to continue their evil deeds" (v.7).

He had seen the cold hearts of His people - their spiritual apathy, social injustice and ugly greed - and He was bringing the "fire" (v.8). And it didn´t matter if the individuals were "leaders", "judges", "prophets" - everyone was guilty before our holy God (vv. 3-4).

Now, this account might seem far removed from our day. But consider the reality that each of us is personally responsible for the shame our sin brings to our heavenly Father, those we love, and other believers. As the apostle Paul wrote of those who persist in rebellion against God, "You are storing up terrible judgement for yourself ... [God] will judge everyone according to what they have done" (Romans 2:5-6).

In contrast, may we choose to live in a way that honours our holy, loving Father and leads to no remorse - Tom Felten

Read
Zephaniah 3:1-8
Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellios and defiled!
She obeys no one, she accepts no correction.
She does not trust in the Lord,
She does not draw near to her God.
Her officials are roaring lions,
her rulers are evening wolves,
who leave nothing for the morning.
Her prophets are arrogant; they are treacherous men.
Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.
The Lord within her is righteous; he does no wrong.
Morning by morning he dispenses his justice,
and every new day he does not fail, 
yet the unrighteous know no shame.

"I have cut off nations; their strongholds are demolished. I have left their streets deserted,
with no one passing through.
Their cities are destroyed; no one will be left - no one at all.
I said to the city, 'Surely you will fear me and accept correction!'
Then her dwelling would not be cut off,
nor all my punishments come upon her.
But they were still eager to act corruptly in all they did.
Therefore wait for me," declares the Lord, "for the day I will stand up to testify. I have 
decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them - all my fierce anger.
The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger."

2 Corinthains 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

1 Peter 5:5-6
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God´s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God´s grace

Question to Ponder
What comes to mind as you consider personal responsibility for your sin?
How can our rebellion and wrong choices bring shame to God and others?
What can you do to show genuine repentance for your actions and choices?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 issue

Sometimes I just feel that some women just don´t seem fit to be a mother. Which parent to be will be so dumb and careless to be drinking alcohol during their pregnancy? Don´t you know the responsibilities of being a MOM? Because if you aren´t prepared for it, for fucks sakes, don´t bloody get pregnant and just "abort" the baby. It would be way much better than condemning the poor child to misery for the rest of his/her life.

Original Article : Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Case dismissed by Court of Appeal

4 December 2014 Last updated at 14:05 GMT

Foetal alcohol syndrome case dismissed by Court of Appeal

Continue reading the main story

A child born with foetal alcohol syndrome is not legally entitled to compensation after her mother drank excessively while pregnant, the Court of Appeal has ruled.

The seven-year-old girl was born with severe brain damage and is now in care.

Lawyers argued her mother had poisoned her foetus but appeal judges ruled she had not committed a criminal offence.

The case was brought by a council in the North West of England, which cannot be named for legal reasons.

Continue reading the main story

It had been argued the woman ignored warnings and drank a "grossly excessive" amount of alcohol while pregnant.

She consumed eight cans of strong lager and half a bottle of vodka a day, the court heard.

Three appeal judges at the Court of Appeal had to rule on whether or not the girl was entitled to a payout from the government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme as a victim of crime.

But Lord Justice Treacy said an "essential ingredient" for a crime to be committed "is the infliction of grievous bodily harm on a person - grievous bodily harm on a foetus will not suffice".

'Hugely important' case

The girl, who cannot be named and was referred to in court as CP, suffers with learning, development, memory and behavioural problems.

BBC News legal correspondent Clive Coleman said the case was significant because it centred on whether or not a foetus was considered a person, independent of its mother.

He said: "This case was hugely important, because campaigners argued that if the Court of Appeal had said it was possible for a mother to commit a crime by poisoning her foetus with excessive alcohol, it would have had the effect of criminalising pregnant women who drank excessively, knowing the dangers of alcohol to their foetus."

Foetal alcohol syndrome

Heavy drinking during pregnancy can lead to foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Alcohol passes across the placenta from the mother to the developing foetus.

But the foetus cannot process alcohol effectively until the liver is fully developed and the high levels of alcohol can affect the development of organs and the brain.

Children with FAS are born with a range of disabilities, are often shorter than average and some have learning and behavioural difficulties.

People with the syndrome can have differences in their facial features such as a flat nose bridge, a small head and a thin upper lip.

It is thought that foetuses are most at risk during the first three months of pregnancy when organs are forming - but damage can occur at any time.

John Foy QC, representing the council that has responsibility for CP, told the court her mother drank the equivalent of 40-57 units of alcohol a day.

National Institute for Health and Care (Nice) guidelines suggest 7.5 units daily might damage a foetus.

Mr Foy said the young mother, for whom it was a second pregnancy, was aware of the dangers, adding: "She was reckless as to whether there would be harm to the foetus.

"She foresaw that harm might be caused but went on to take the risk."

Ben Collins, appearing for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) had asked the court to reject the legal challenge, telling the judges: "There is a conflict of ideas about what is or is not dangerous, not only in terms of drink but also in terms of smoking and food."

He asked whether "a pregnant mother who eats unpasteurised cheese or a soft boiled egg knowing there is a risk that it could give rise to a risk of harm to the foetus" could be accused of a crime.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Bpas) and the childbirth charity Birthrights welcomed the ruling.

"The UK's highest courts have recognised that women must be able to make their own decisions about their pregnancies," they said.Rebecca Schiller, co-chair of Birthrights, and Bpas chief executive Ann Furedi said it was "an extremely important ruling for women everywhere".

"Both the immediate and broader implications of the case were troubling. In seeking to establish that the damage caused to a foetus through heavy drinking was a criminal offence, the case called into question women's legal status while pregnant, and right to make their own decisions."

'Wake-up call'

Neil Sugarman, the solicitor acting for CP, said the decision was "clearly disappointing" and that the case was not about women's rights or "criminalising women".

He said GLP Solicitors, of which he is managing partner, represents about 80 other children with FAS and that they would now be looking at the implications of the ruling.

The only legal option left is to seek to take the case to the Supreme Court.

Julia Brown, chief executive of the Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Trust, told the BBC the case highlighted the need for pregnant women to be given advice about drinking, and support to stop drinking if necessary.

"There are no winners in a case like this," she added, saying she hoped it would be a "wake-up call" to make people think about the dangers of drinking when pregnant.

The NHS recommends that pregnant women should not drink at all - adding that those who choose to have a drink should have no more than two units of alcohol once or twice a week.

Beautiful Tapestry

Thursday December 4, 2014

According to an Italian newspaper, more and more immigrants are asking for plastic surgery so they can look more "Western". Some Asians are requesting procedures to reshape eyes and make them rounder; some Africans are undergoing procedures to reduce the size of their lips and reshape their bodies; other ethnicities of darker skin colours are undergoing procedures to lighten their skin because lighter skin is associated with success. These individuals, who aren´t satisfied with their appearances, would probably find it difficult to sing David´s song in Psalm 139.

David recognised that God´s intimate knowledge of him was so complete that it began even before he was born. God sovereignly watched over him as he grew in his mother´s womb (vv. 13-15). Though he was hidden from human view within his mother´s body, he wasn´t hidden from the all-seeing gaze of God (v. 16). When David thought about God´s intimate knowledge of him and His thorough control over of the entire process of his development, it led him to be in awe and wonder at the complexity and beauty of God´s workmanship - every minute physical detail of his body (v. 14). David´s eyes, lips, pigmentation, body type and entire existence were not mistakes that needed to be altered, but gifts from God that needed to be acknowledged.

Let´s join David in his song of praise to God. Like one who weaves a beautiful tapestry, God created every part of our bodies with amazing detail, intention and diversity. He made us the way we are. We´re the beautiful, wonderful and complex workmanship of His hand. May our response to His awesome work include thanksgiving (v.14), loyalty (vv. 19-22) and humble surrender (vv. 23-24) - Marvin Williams

Read
Psalms 139: 1-24
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; 
You perceive my thoughts from afar,
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways,
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in - behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, 
too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and
the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you,
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother´s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I am awake, I am still with you

If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, 
and lead me in the way everlasting.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your Body.

Question to Ponder
What makes it difficult for you to thank God for the way He´s woven you together?
How will you thank God today for the beautiful tapestry He wove together when He created you? 
How will you honour Him with your body this week?

** Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 issue.

Worship and Christmas

Wednesday, December 3 2014

Last year, as we were headed to my sister´s house on Christmas Eve, my husband and I picked up a few last minute items at a large supermarket. My musings on the variety of shoppers populating the shop on this special night turned to dismay when I headed past an aisle where Christmas items had been stocked only days earlier. Gone were the splashes of green and red. Now pink and red heart shaped items for Valentine´s Day filled the shelves.

Christmas had not yet arrived, but it was already gone.

Stripped of its marketing strategy, the retail makeover revealed to me the human desire for more - whether it´s more money or the drive to make holidays bigger and better. While I understand that this is the nature of a consumerism society, I can´t help but wonder what it reveals about the human heart. How quickly secondary things can steal our attention! And we lose the ability to be in awe of something - or better yet, Someone (Luke 2:11).

Rich with detail, the record of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:1-16) reveals to us a central truth : we´re called to worship Jesus - the Messiah who came to save us. Granted, we can´t always slow down the events of life, but our worship shouldn´t be based on our external circumstances. It should be based in what God has done and the glory of His Son. May we follow the shepherds' example and glorify and praise God this Christmas : "The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all that had heard and seen" (v.20).

In this most precious time of year, let´s be mindful to let the Holy Spirit lead our celebrations; let´s not move to the rhythms of the world. The Saviour of all mankind is worthy of our full worship. - Regina Franklin

Read 
Luke 2:1-20
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galileee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let´s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Isaiah 9:1-7
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtall, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan -

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;

they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest,

as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.

For as in the day of Midian´s defeat,

you have shattered the yoke that burdens them,

the bar across their shoulders, 

the rod of their oppressor.

Every warrior´s boot used in battle and 

every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning,

will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born, 

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

He will reign on David´s throne and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness

From that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Question to Ponder

What have you valued most this week?

Can you cultivate awe and wonder in your relationship with Jesus or is it something that just happens?

How can you create an atmosphere of worship wherever you are this Christmas season?

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 issue