In Or Out Of Focus?

What is the picture of your spiritual life at this moment?

Blurred?

Out of focus?

Faulty in any way?
Why not let God's Spirit guide you and help you bring into focus anything that needs adjusting in your life so that the picture others see in you are worthy of one who follows Him!

Come, Holy Spirit, As At The Beginning!

Up to Heaven (Prayer to set the scene)
Come, Holy Spirit, as at the beginning,
You came to those who were waiting and yearning,
Kneeling in pray'r for your mighty empow'ring,
Promised to all who believe.
(Chick Yuill)


Down to Earth (To get thoughts going)
Those of us who own a camera and enjoy taking photos will most likely have had those moments when we realized that in our excitement and carelessness we forgot there was no film in the camera. Other photos have perhaps had heads or limbs missing or have simply been out-of-focus.
However good, funny or annoying the result, in order to keep our memories we have put the film through a chemical process - we have taken it to be developed.

Looking Sideways (Complimentary Bible readings - Acts 2:1-4)
In the same way that a film or computer disc store treasured memories, the disciples of Jesus would have stored in their memories so many pictures of events that took place as they followed him during those three years or so.
Where do we start as Jesus gave ...

Sight to the blind - John 9:1-7
Food to the hungry - Matthew 14:13-21
Comfort to the sad - John 19:25-27
Life to the dead! - John 11:38-44

Just as the film had to be placed in a chemical solution in a developing tank, to make the image visible, so God sent the Holy Spirit as a developer, who brought to the disciples' remembrance all the things that Jesus had said and done.
From that day, which we celebrate as Whitsun or Pentecost, their experiences would not stay undeveloped, or faded in time, but would become powerful tools in their lives. Acts 1:8

Looking Forwards (Challenge for today)
God's Holy Spirit helps us today, we can be powerful witnesses too, especially as He cannot be destroyed, does not fade away and is a gift from God for everyone. Acts 1:4

Homework (Oh Yes!)
What is the picture of your spiritual life at this moment?...

Might the picture be blurred?
Out of focus?
Faulty in any way?

Rounding Off (Prayer or thought to keep in mind today)
For God poured out his love into our hearts
By means of the Holy Spirit
God's gift to us...the Holy Spirit
(John Larsson)

Today's Quote
Jesus said: I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

From Marta's Vintage © 2008

God is Still Speaking

But what is He saying?

Careless Talk Costs Lives

Up to Heaven (Prayer to set the scene)
Come, O Lord, with tender healing,
Touch my lips with living coal,
Sanctify each human feeling,
Speak and make me fully whole.
Brindley Boon

Down to earth (to get thoughts going)
Rumours that circulated in Britain during the war, such as the whispers in 1940 that invading Germans were being parachuted in dressed as nuns, failed to be silenced by government posters reminding people that 'Careless talk costs lives' and 'Walls have ears'.

The story is told of a butcher who learnt to his cost that the tongue, when let wild can, so easily, become our worst enemy. A customer came in just as he was closing down for the day. The lady wanted a chicken. The butcher had only one left in the back room, but it proved to be too small for the lady as it weighed only 2½ lb. She asked for a bigger chicken. Instead of admitting that he 0nly had one, the butcher went to the back and brought back the same chicken, claiming that it weighed over 3lbs! "I'll tel you what I'll do", said the lady, "I'll take them both!" The butcher froze on the spot, speechless!

Looking Sideways (complimentary Bible Reading)
In James 1:26 we read that with our tongue we reflect the state of our heart. Then chapter 3 gives some examples of how 'keeping a tight rein' is as necessary in everyday life as it is in our spiritual lives. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Equally, we can allow God to 'keep a tight rein' on us. God's Holy Spirit can be the 'bit in our mouth' and the 'small rudder to steer us'.

Looking Forwards (challenge for today)
It is not surprising that during the war people were warned that 'Careless Talk Costs Lives' because precious information could so easily get into the wrong hands. As Christians, the reverse can be true. As followers of Jesus we have precious news to tell, and when we are careless, we waste time,we miss opportunities, we pass on the negatives and it costs lives. People who might have heard the hopeful news, don't hear it. People who might have accepted Christ into their lives, don't.

Homework (Oh Yes!)
What can you say to those around you? Don't forget God's Holy Spirit will tell you what to say if you simply ask. Step out...and try it!

Rounding off ( something to keep in mind this week)
What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow?
How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?
Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort,
Tell how for me Christ's sacrifice availed.
Miriam M Richards

From Marta's Vintage © 2008