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Removing and pruning

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I understand this principle but then I am not always sure what He, God, thinks is a non-viable branch. When I think a branch just needs pruning it is cut off. In all our lives we constantly need pruning. Whilst it is painful, He sees it as necessary. Even though I do not understand I must submit to His ways. He sees the fruit He wants on His vine, He is the gardener, I am not. Jesus told His disciples that the Father is the gardener. It is interesting that the Father is typified by being a gardener. I love gardening. I do not have a plot of soil but I do have a balcony and pots. My flatmates and I are now growing coriander, chillies and hope to source some mint. We have attempted to grow things in the past with a modicum of success. When things fail they are dug up and removed. I love bonsais and have created several. These...
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The foundation of wisdom

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus said, “ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ There is a lot of worldly wisdom floating around. It deals with finance, health and fitness and relationships. However, it does not give the life that is available in God’s kingsom. Wanting Him and His ways of doing and being right brings life and godly wisdom. If we want good judgement seek the Lord! If we want eternal life, seek the Lord! He is the source of all that lasts, fulfills and makes rich. Rich is relationships, rich in doing good to others and rich in our relationship with Him!   https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=dQdfs5S6jyA&si=i1ZijSys3UGBb4cq
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Giving

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ This was a special offering for the poor in Jerusalem during a drought. Paul was collecting throughout the area he had ministered in to bring aid. This request comes with a promise of God’s provision. Prior to these scriptures Paul said: “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Generosity produces a harvest, an abundant harvest. God will provide back in response to our giving:  “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. T...
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My position

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Whilst ever I see myself holding the Lord’s hand, I know I am in Christ and allowing Him to steer my life. When I sense I am surrounded by a destructive attitude, I must repent and go back to the Lord. He is my solace and safety. Sunday night I did not sleep well and woke with a foggy head and sinus pain. I was determined...
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He renews my strength

“He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I am at a place of needing the renewal of my strength. I am watching those I love be taken away to new ventures, my need is to keep going as I have exams coming up, my head hurts, I have a friend facing possible jail time for telling the good news, and have other friends suffering because they defended me to those greedy for easy gain. All that can be shredded is being shredded. But, my God is ever present and faithful! He is my strength and song. Although I do not know, fully, the path ahead, He goes before me! He is my solace! I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing, I will sing! I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord! With my mouth will I make know, His faithfulness, His faithfulness! With my mouth will I make know His faithfulness to all generations! (Chorus) I am grateful I have those who love me. My flatma...
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The Holy Spirit

“After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭4‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus waited 30 years to be filled with the Holy Spirit at His baptism, He was then driven by the Holy Spirit into the desert to fast and pray. The disciples had it easy, they prayed for 10 days. Jesus, the forerunner did the leg work, they benefited. However, the disciples had started with five hundred and on Pentecost Sunday there were only 120. Today is Pentecost Sunday! Today we remember, today we can step into the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I cannot treat today as an ordinary day, I must be expectant of what God wants to do through me here in Nepal. Will you seek and pray with me? https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=MMmpcAqeNZE&si=834_fQIbOSmvj1X_
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Telling people everywhere

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When Jesus said, “even to the ends of the earth”, He saw in His mind what that looked like. I am sure the disciples had a more limited version. However, they did find themselves in far flung places. Paul had purposed to go to Spain, James the greater went there, Matthew was sent to Ethiopia, Thomas went to India, Andrew went to Russia and Ukraine, Jude and Simon the Zealot went to Iran and Iraq and Batholmew went to Armenia and India, Peter went to Rome and John to Ephesus. The Americas were not mentioned, nor Australia. However, the English, French and others took the gospel there. Their forebears had received it from the Apostles. God took untrained, unschooled fishermen, tax collectors, zealots and other unknown people and used them to take His ...
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