http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/en-USMokoFeed10http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/93/f9b7b92695797fe1b3c51773bdb8c2_160x200.jpghttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/06/25/thanks-and-gratitude-6385338/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-06-25:/2009/06/25/thanks-and-gratitude-6385338/Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:34:01 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=Dove.gif"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_Dove.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> Every day should be a good day and you should live it like it's your last. Some people live a life of anger, frustration, pain, jealousy, and/or dishonesty, but all of these things will come to pass when your time here is over. Just take a moment to think, we will not be on this earth forever.One day, we will not have to worry about going to work or how we will make our car payment. </p> <p>We will not have to worry where our next meal will come from, or how we can buy that beautiful house. At anytime, God could take us off of this earth, so you should appreciate today and not worry about tomorrow, for nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. When you wake up each morning, thank the Lord for waking you up. </p> <p>When you lie down to sleep at night, thank the Lord for another day. If you have a job, thank the Lord for your place of employment. Ask that He May bless you in everything that you do. Ask Him to give you the knowledge and the wisdom to do your job. If you don't have a job, thank Him anyway. Ask him to direct you to the job that is right for you. </p> <p>When you are eating breakfast, lunch or dinner, say a prayer. Thank the Lord for providing food and nourishment to your body. If you are healthy, thank the Lord for the health and strength in your body. If you aren't, thank Him anyway for life, and ask Him to heal your body. So the next time that you get mad, think twice. </p> <p>The next time you complain about something at your job, think twice. The next time you say you wish you had steak instead of chicken, think twice. Be thankful for what you have, and the life that God has given you. Pray and ask the Lord for guidance. Be sincere, as God knows whether or not we mean it from the heart. Help those in need as a gift from your heart, and not so you can get a pat on the back. </p> <p>Put forth the extra effort in everything that you do. Go after what you want in life, and do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. No matter how perfect you think you are, there is always room for improvement, and an opportunity for you to do better. If you are depressed, don't cry just hold your head up and the Lord will help you through. </p> <p>Pray and ask the Lord to deliver you from your state of depression. Whatever it is that you are depressed about, God will take that pain from your heart. It may not be at that moment, or that next hour, or maybe not even the next day, but He WILL do it if you just believe in Him.</p> <p>God may not show up when YOU want Him to, but He's ALWAYS right in time. God will not give us more than we can bear. Sometimes He will present us with issues that will test our faith, but you have to be strong enough to believe that God will do exactly what He says. The message for today is to praise the Lord, have faith in the Lord, give thanks to the Lord, and live every day like it is your last. </p> <p>Theoretically speaking, if the Lord never does anything else for us, other than wake us up each day, put food in our mouths and clothes on our backs, we should thank Him anyway. He died so that we could have life on this earth. Please keep this message flowing and send it to your loved ones and friends. </p> <p>Treat the earth well.....it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the earth from our ANCESTORS, we borrow it from our children.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/06/25/thanks-and-gratitude-6385338/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>inspirationalhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/06/25/thanks-and-gratitude-6385338/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/06/15/lesson-on-gratitude-6305281/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-06-15:/2009/06/15/lesson-on-gratitude-6305281/Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:31:26 +0200 <p><strong>THE MASTER'S LESSON ON GRATITUDE</strong></p> <p>According to legend, a young man while roaming the desert came across a spring of delicious crystal-clear water. The water was so sweet he filled his leather canteen so he could bring some back to a tribal elder who had been his teacher.</p> <p>After a four-day journey he presented the water to the old man who took a deep drink, smiled warmly and thanked his student lavishly for the sweet water. The young man returned to his village with a happy heart.</p> <p>Later, the teacher let another student taste the water. He spat it out, saying it was awful. It apparently had become stale because of the old leather container.</p> <p>The student challenged his teacher: "Master, the water was foul. Why did you pretend to like it?"</p> <p>The teacher replied, "You only tasted the water. I tasted the gift. The water was simply the container for an act of loving-kindness and nothing could be sweeter."!!!</p> <p><strong>SPIRITUAL COMMENTARY</strong></p> <p>We may understand this lesson best when we receive innocent gifts of love from young children. Whether it's a crushed paper painting or a clay figure, the natural and proper response is appreciation and expressed thankfulness because we love the idea within the gift.</p> <p>Gratitude doesn't always come naturally. Unfortunately, most children and many adults value only the thing given rather than the feeling embodied in it. We should remind ourselves and teach our children about the beauty and purity of feelings and expressions of gratitude. After all, gifts from the heart are really gifts of the heart!! Also, when we express our gratitude,we must never forget that the highest of appreciation is not to utter mere words, but to live by them.</p> <p>The essence of all beautiful art, all great art is gratitude! Gratitude is the sign of noble souls and the memory of it is stored in the heart and not the mind!</p> <p>The next time you receive any gifts from anyone, no matter however small it may be, remember the love behind and don't judge the gift with its appearance! Have a deep sense of gratitude for whatever you receive in life in whatever form it may be!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/06/15/lesson-on-gratitude-6305281/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>inspirationalhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/06/15/lesson-on-gratitude-6305281/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/06/07/a-lesson-6254030/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-06-07:/2009/06/07/a-lesson-6254030/Sun, 07 Jun 2009 09:40:18 +0200 <p>A young man, a student in one of the universities, was one day taking a walk with a professor, who was commonly called the students' friend for his kindness to those who waited on his instructions.</p> <p>As they went along, they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which were supposed to belong to a poor man who was working in a field close by, and who had nearly finished his day's work . . .</p> <p>Student turned to the professor, saying: "Let us play the man a trick:</p> <p>We will hide his shoes, and hide ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them ..."</p> <p>"My young friend," answered the professor, "We should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor . . . But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of this poor man.</p> <p>Put a coin in each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how this affects him." Visit: The student did so and they both hid themselves behind the nearby bushes. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes . . .</p> <p>While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes, but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance.</p> <p>He gazed upon the coin, turned it around and looked at it again and again.</p> <p>He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin . . .</p> <p>His feelings overcame him . . . He fell upon his knees, looked up to heaven and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving in which he spoke of his wife, sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom this timely bounty, from some unknown hand, would save from perishing . . .</p> <p>The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears.</p> <p>"Now," said the professor, are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?"</p> <p>The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. .. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: "It's more blessed to give than to receive."</p> <p>If you want happiness... .For a lifetime - HELP SOMEONE! . . .</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/06/07/a-lesson-6254030/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>inspirationalhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/06/07/a-lesson-6254030/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/05/28/golden-silence-6189482/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-05-28:/2009/05/28/golden-silence-6189482/Thu, 28 May 2009 06:36:26 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/Blog%20Pics/?action=view&current=Dove_222.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/Blog%20Pics/th_Dove_222.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> Sometimes silence is the sweetest song of all<br> When you go inside yourself, understand why you fall</p> <p>What has happened to make you what you are<br> Count your blessings and wish upon a star</p> <p>How to be better, not make the same mistakes again<br> Know who your demons are and how to hold onto a friend</p> <p>How to do the right thing, and know love from lust<br> Hold onto a higher power, hold onto those you trust</p> <p>Know when to bow your head and fall to your knees<br> When to stand tall and hold onto your beliefs</p> <p>And sometimes let a dream go, to find that sweet release<br> And in that golden silence, God will grant you peace.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/05/28/golden-silence-6189482/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>religioushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/05/28/golden-silence-6189482/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/05/19/saint-theresa-s-prayer-6140653/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-05-19:/2009/05/19/saint-theresa-s-prayer-6140653/Tue, 19 May 2009 10:48:59 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=StTherese.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_StTherese.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> May today there be peace within.<br> May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.<br> May you not forget the infinite possibilities s that are born of faith.<br> May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.<br> May you be content knowing you are a child of God. </p> <p>Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.<br> It is there for each and every one of us. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/05/19/saint-theresa-s-prayer-6140653/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>religioushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/05/19/saint-theresa-s-prayer-6140653/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/05/16/five-finger-prayer-6124684/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-05-16:/2009/05/16/five-finger-prayer-6124684/Sat, 16 May 2009 12:46:26 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=5Fingers.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_5Fingers.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> This is so neat. I had never heard this before and it is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.</p> <p>1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."</p> <p>2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.</p> <p>3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the leaders in government, business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our na tion and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.</p> <p>4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.</p> <p>5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/05/16/five-finger-prayer-6124684/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>religioushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/05/16/five-finger-prayer-6124684/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/29/don-t-give-up-6029264/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-04-29:/2009/04/29/don-t-give-up-6029264/Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:49:43 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=fernbamboo.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_fernbamboo.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> One day I decided to quit...</p> <p>I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. .. I wanted to quit my life.</p> <p>I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.<br> "God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"<br> His answer surprised me...<br> "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"<br> "Yes", I replied.<br> "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.<br> I gave them light.<br> I gave them water.<br> The fern quickly grew from the earth.<br> Its brilliant green covered the floor.<br> Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.</p> <p>In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.<br> And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed . But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.</p> <p>"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.<br> But I would not quit.</p> <p>In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would<br> not quit." He said.</p> <p>"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared<br> to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. ..But just 6<br> months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.</p> <p>It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.</p> <p>I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."<br> He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".<br> "I would not quit on the bamboo.<br> I will never quit on you."<br> "Don't compare yourself to others."<br> He said. </p> <p>"The bamboo had adifferent Purpose than the fern.<br> Yet they both make the forest beautiful."<br> "Your time will come", God said to me.<br> "You will rise high"<br> "How high should I rise?"<br> I asked.<br> "How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.<br> "As high as it can?" I questioned.<br> "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."<br> I left the forest and brought back this story.<br> I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.<br> Never, Never, Never Give up.</p> <p>For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.<br> Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,<br> tell the problem how Great the Lord is!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/29/don-t-give-up-6029264/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>inspirationalhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/29/don-t-give-up-6029264/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/28/jesus-6022227/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-04-28:/2009/04/28/jesus-6022227/Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:15:48 +0200 <p> <br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=Jesus08-04-08.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_Jesus08-04-08.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.<br> Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.<br> Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.<br> He had no army, yet kings feared him.<br> He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.<br> He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.<br> He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.<br> Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.</p> <p> May your troubles be less, your blessings be more and nothing but<br> happiness come through your door!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/28/jesus-6022227/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>religioushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/28/jesus-6022227/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/24/st-padre-pio-undecayed-body-5999674/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-04-24:/2009/04/24/st-padre-pio-undecayed-body-5999674/Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:29:51 +0200 <p class="center">About Padre Pio</p> <p>Padre Pio, a humble Capuchin priest from San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy , was blessed by God in many wonderful and mysterious ways. The most dramatic was the stigmata. Padre Pio bore the wounds of Christ for fifty years!</p> <p>Among his other gifts were perfume, bilocation, prophecy, conversion, reading of souls, and miraculous cures. People are still being cured through his intercession in ways that cannot be explained by medicine or science.</p> <p>More important, if less spectacular, are the spiritual healings that take place in all parts of the world! Padre Pio is a powerful intercessor!!</p> <p>Padre Pio's incorrupt body! </p> <p>To see him resting so peacefully it's hard to believe that he died 40 years ago!<br> <br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/Miraculous%20Pics/?action=view&current=StPadrePio.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/Miraculous%20Pics/th_StPadrePio.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> </p> <p class="center">A Prayer to Padre Pio</p> <p>Beloved Padre Pio, today I come to add my prayer to the thousands of prayers offered to you every day by those who love and venerate you in Jesus' name. They ask for cures and healings, earthly and spiritual blessings, and peace for body and mind. And because of your friendship with the Lord, he heals those you ask to be healed, and forgives those you ask be forgiven in Jesus' name. Through your visible wounds of the Crucified Jesus, which you bore for 50 years, you were chosen in our time to glorify the crucified Jesus. Because the Cross has been replaced by other symbols, please help us bring back the veneration of the wounds of Jesus Christ, for we acknowledge His Precious Blood as true a sign of salvation, cleansing and purifcation.</p> <p>As we lovingly recall the wounds that pierced your hands, feet and side, like beloved Jesus Christ, we not only remember the blood He shed as you also shed in pain, along with your smile, and the invisible halo of sweet smelling flowers that surrounded your presence, certainly the Scent of The Lord, symbolic as the perfume of sanctity.<br> Padre Pio, may the healings of the sick become the testimony that the Lord has invited you to join the holy company of Saints. In your kindness, please help me with my own special request: (mention here your petition, and make the sign of the Cross). </p> <p>Bless me and my loved ones. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. </p> <p class="center">In Memoriam J.S.</p> <p>The following quotes of Padre Pio tell how he looked after and loved his spiritual family: </p> <p>'I love my Spiritual Children as much as my own soul and even more.'<br> 'Once I take a soul on, I also take on their entire family as my spiritual children.'<br> 'To my Spiritual Children, my prayers for you will never be lacking.'<br> 'If one of my spiritual children ever goes astray, I shall leave my flock and seek him out</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/24/st-padre-pio-undecayed-body-5999674/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>miraculoushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/24/st-padre-pio-undecayed-body-5999674/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/23/our-deepest-fear-5992850/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-04-23:/2009/04/23/our-deepest-fear-5992850/Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:39:24 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Motivational/?action=view&current=fear-2.gif"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Motivational/th_fear-2.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light , not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? </p> <p>Actually, who are you not to be? </p> <p>You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. </p> <p>We were born to make and manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/23/our-deepest-fear-5992850/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>motivationalhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/23/our-deepest-fear-5992850/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/20/beautiful-advice-5975549/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-04-20:/2009/04/20/beautiful-advice-5975549/Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:57:34 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Motivational/?action=view&current=angel1.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Motivational/th_angel1.jpg" border="0" alt="angel1"></a><br> <br> An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen<br> Tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does<br> Happen, you have to worry twice.'<br> 1. Pray<br> 2. Go to bed on time.<br> 3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.<br> 4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.<br> 5. Delegate tasks to capable others.<br> 6. Simplify and unclutter your life.<br> 7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)<br> 8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.<br> 9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together. 10. Take<br> One day at a time.<br> 11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is aconcern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you<br> Can't do anything about a situation, forget it.<br> 12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.<br> 13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.<br> 14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent anenormous amount of trouble.<br> 15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.<br> 16.Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.<br> 17. Get enough rest.<br> 18.Eat right.<br> 19 Get organized so everything has its place.<br> 20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.<br> 21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.<br> 22. Every day, find time to be alone.<br> 23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it'stime to go to bed to try and pray.<br> 24. Make friends with Godly people.<br> 25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.<br> 26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus ..'<br> 27. Laugh.<br> 28. Laugh some more!<br> 29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.<br> 30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).<br> 31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).<br> 32. Sit on your ego.33 Talk less; listen more.<br> 34. Slow down.<br> 35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.<br> 36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF<br> TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. 'If God is for us, who can be against us?'</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/20/beautiful-advice-5975549/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>motivationalhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/20/beautiful-advice-5975549/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/04/why-go-to-church-5887105/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-04-04:/2009/04/04/why-go-to-church-5887105/Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:13:07 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=church.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_church.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this! If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it. If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope! </p> <p>A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." </p> <p>This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:</p> <p>"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" </p> <p>When you are DOWN to nothing....God is UP to something! Faith sees the<br> invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/04/why-go-to-church-5887105/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>religioushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/04/why-go-to-church-5887105/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/03/phenomenal-picture-and-message-5881750/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-04-03:/2009/04/03/phenomenal-picture-and-message-5881750/Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:18:16 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=Jesus04-03-09.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/Jesus04-03-09.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p> <p><br> Look at the lines the artist used to draw this picture of Christ.. It is of scenes from Christ's life. I have not seen anything like this and wanted you to see it, too.</p> <p>Who God Uses<br> God, grant me the Serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the Courage to change the one I can, and the Wisdom to know it's me. </p> <p> The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...</p> <p> Noah was a drunk,<br> Abraham was too old,<br> Isaac was a daydreamer,<br> Jacob was a liar,<br> Leah was ugly,<br> Joseph was abused,<br> Moses had a stuttering problem,<br> Gideon was afraid,<br> Samson had long hair and was a womanizer,<br> Rahab was a prostitute,<br> Jeremiah and Timothy were too young,<br> David had an affair and was a murderer,<br> Elijah was suicidal,<br> Isaiah preached naked,<br> Jonah ran from God,<br> Naomi was a widow,<br> Job went bankrupt,<br> John the Baptist ate bugs,<br> Peter denied Christ,<br> The Disciples fell asleep while praying,<br> Martha worried about everything,<br> The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once,<br> Zaccheus was too small,<br> Paul was too religious,<br> Timothy had an ulcer --- AND,<br> Lazarus was dead! </p> <p> No more excuses now. God can use you to your full potential.<br> Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.</p> <p>1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.<br> 2. Dear God, I have a problem, it's me.<br> 3. Growing old is Inevitable. growing UP is optional.<br> 4. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.<br> 5. Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted.<br> 6. Do the math? count Your blessings.<br> 7. Faith is the ability to not panic.<br> 8. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.<br> 9. If you worry, you didn! ! 't pray. If you pray, don't worry.<br> 10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.<br> 11. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.<br> 12. The most important things in your house are the people.<br> 13. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.<br> 14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.<br> 15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead. </p> <p> May God Always Bless You and Yours! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/03/phenomenal-picture-and-message-5881750/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>religioushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/03/phenomenal-picture-and-message-5881750/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/02/motivational-message-5876449/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-04-02:/2009/04/02/motivational-message-5876449/Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:33:13 +0200 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=HolyBible2.gif"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_HolyBible2.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=prayer.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_prayer.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> Every day should be a good day and you should live it like it's your last. </p> <p>Some people live a life of anger, frustration, pain, jealousy, and/or dishonesty, but all of these things will come to pass when your time here is over. Just take a moment to think . </p> <p>We will not be on this earth forever. </p> <p>One day, we will not have to worry about going to work or how we will make payment to our loan. </p> <p>We will not have to worry where our next meal will come from, or how we can buy a house or a car. </p> <p>At anytime, God could take us off of this earth, so you should appreciate today and not worry about tomorrow, for nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. </p> <p>When you wake up each morning, thank the Lord for waking you up.<br> When you lie down to sleep at night, thank the Lord for another day. </p> <p>If you have a job, thank the Lord for your place of employment. Ask that he may bless you in everything that you do.. Ask him to give you the knowledge and the wisdom to do your job. If you don't have a job, thank him anyway. </p> <p>Ask him to direct you to the job that is right for you. When you are eating breakfast, lunch or dinner, say a prayer. Thank the Lord for providing food and nourishment to your body. </p> <p>If you are healthy, thank the Lord for the health and strength in your body. If you aren't, thank him anyway for life, and ask him to heal your body. </p> <p>So the next time that you get mad, think twice. </p> <p>The next time you complain about something at your job, think twice. The next time you say you wish you had steak instead of chicken, think twice. </p> <p>Be thankful for what you have, and the life that God has given you. </p> <p>Pray and ask the Lord for guidance. Be sincere, as God knows whether or not we mean it from the heart. </p> <p>Help those in need as a gift from your heart, and not so you can get a pat on the back. </p> <p>Put forth the extra effort in everything that you do. Go after what you want in life, and do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. </p> <p>No matter how perfect you think you are, there is always room for improvement, and an opportunity for you to do better. </p> <p>If you are depressed, don't cry, just hold your head up and the Lord will help you through. Pray and ask the Lord to deliver you from your state of depression. Whatever it is that you are depressed about, God will take that pain from you heart. It may not be at that moment, or that next hour, or maybe not even the next day, but He WILL do it if you just believe in Him. </p> <p>God may not show up when YOU want Him to, but he's ALWAYS right on time. God will not give us more than we can bear. </p> <p>Sometimes he will present us with issues that will test our faith, but you have to be strong enough to believe that God will do exactly what he says. </p> <p>The message for today is to praise the Lord, have faith in the Lord, give thanks to the Lord, and live every day like it is your last. </p> <p>Theoretically speaking, if the Lord never does anything else for us, other than wake us up each day, put food in our mouths and clothes on our backs, we should thank him anyway. </p> <p>He died so that we could have life on this earth.<br> As the Bible says in Psalms<br> 118:24 -- This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!<br> 118:1 and 29 -- Oh give thanks to the Lord for he is good; For his love endures forever.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/02/motivational-message-5876449/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>motivationalhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/02/motivational-message-5876449/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/01/19-horses-5871647/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-04-01:/2009/04/01/19-horses-5871647/Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:50:35 +0200 <p>One rich man owned 19 horses when he died. In his last will and teastament he had written that upon his death, half the horses he owned should go to his only son; one fourth to the village temple and one fifth to the faithful servant.</p> <p>The village elders could not stop scratching their heads. How can they give half of the 19 horses to the son? You cannot cut up a horse. They puzzled over this dilemma for more than two weeks and then decided to send for a wise man who was living in a neighbouring village.</p> <p>The wise man came riding on his horse and asked the villagers if he can be of any help to them. The village elders told him about the rich man's last will and testament which stated that half of the (19) horses must be given to his only son, one fourth must go to the temple and one fifth to the faithful servant.</p> <p>The wise man said he will immediately solve their problem without any delay whatsoever. He had the 19 horses placed in a row standing next to one another. Then he added his own horse as the 20 th horse. Now he went about giving half of the 20 horses – that is ten horses to the son. One fourth of 20- that is 5 horses were given to the temple committee. One fifth of twenty- that is 4 horses were given to the faithful servant. Ten plus five plus four made 19 horses. The remaining 20 th horse was his own which he promptly mounted, spoke a few inspiring words, and rode back home.</p> <p>The villagers were simply dumfounded, full of disbelief and filled with admiration. And the parting words of the wise man were inscribed in their hearts and minds which they greatly cherished and passed on to their succeeding generations till today.</p> <p>The wise man said: In our daily lives, in our daily affairs, simply add God's name and then go about facing the day's happenings. Ever come across problems in life that are seemingly insurmountable? (Like the villagers, do we feel that such problems cannot be solved?).</p> <p>The wise man continued: Add the God Principle in our daily lives and the problems will become lighter and eventually will disappear. In the manner of the ice which, with the addition of the heat principle will turn into water, and that will eventually evaporate as steam and disappear. And how do we add God's name in our daily lives? Through prayers, filled with true love and devotion with sincerity of purpose and dedication that only total faith can bring about. Meditation is a powerful means of directing the mind Godward.</p> <p>But without true love and devotion entering into it, it remains like a boat without water. It is not difficult to push a boat that is floating in water, but extremely hard to drag the same boat on dry land.</p> <p>In the same way, if our life's boat floats on the waters of true love and devotion, we can sail easily in it. The principle of love of God and devotion with total faith, (like water) makes easy the voyage of our lives. When the mind is pure and the heart full of simplicity and holiness, such a devotee becomes an instrument in the service of the Lord.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/01/19-horses-5871647/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>inspirationalhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/04/01/19-horses-5871647/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/22/mysterious-are-god-s-ways-5806781/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-03-22:/2009/03/22/mysterious-are-god-s-ways-5806781/Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:10:53 +0100 <p>When God wants a reality to shape he conduces men and the events unexpectedly </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/22/mysterious-are-god-s-ways-5806781/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fatho-the-ways-of-godhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/22/mysterious-are-god-s-ways-5806781/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/matthew-10-5780346/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-03-18:/2009/03/18/matthew-10-5780346/Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:12:07 +0100 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=06-22-07jesus3.jpg"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_06-22-07jesus3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> No one falls in love by choice, it is by CHANCE.<br> No one stays in love by chance, it is by WORK.<br> And no one falls out of love by chance, it is by CHOICE!</p> <p>He did something for you, now do something for him.<br> Spread his word, and you'll be rewarded. How?<br> Matthew 10:32...'Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven.' </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/matthew-10-5780346/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>religioushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/18/matthew-10-5780346/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/11/cherokee-legend-5735452/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-03-11:/2009/03/11/cherokee-legend-5735452/Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:24:53 +0100 >>>       Do you know the legend of the <span class="yshortcuts">Cherokee Indian</span> youth's rite of >>>       passage?</p> >>>       His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves >>>       him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and >>>       not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine >>>       through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives >>>       the night, he is a MAN.</p> >>>       He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad >>>       must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. >>>       He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all >>>       around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew >>>       the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, >>>       never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could >>>       become a man!</p> >>>       Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed >>>       his blindfold.</p> >>>       It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump >>>       next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his >>>       son from harm. >>>       We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is >>>       watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble >>>       comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him. <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/11/cherokee-legend-5735452/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>religioushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/11/cherokee-legend-5735452/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/the-choice-5721903/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-03-09:/2009/03/09/the-choice-5721903/Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:30:07 +0100 <p><br> <a href="http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/?action=view&current=Jesus.gif"><img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/navigate53/Religious/th_Jesus.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br> <br> He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground. </p> <p>All of the Garden's inhabitants paused to witness the event. Hawks hovered. Giraffes stretched. Trees bowed. Butterflies paused on petals and watched. </p> <p>"You will love me, nature," God said. "I made you that way. You will obey me, universe. For you were designed to do so. You will reflect my glory, skies, for that is how you were created. But this one will be like me. This one will be able to choose." </p> <p>All were silent as the Creator reached into himself and removed something yet unseen. A seed. "It's called 'choice.' The seed of choice." </p> <p>Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form. </p> <p>An angel spoke, "But what if he..." </p> <p>"What if he chooses not to love?" the Creator finished. "Come, I will show you." Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow. "There, see the fruit of the seed of choice, both the sweet and the bitter." </p> <p>The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Chosen tenderness. Never had he seen anything like these. He felt the love of the Adams. He heard the joy of Eve and her daughters. </p> <p>He saw the food and the burdens shared. He absorbed the kindness and marveled at the warmth. </p> <p>"Heaven has never seen such beauty, my Lord. Truly, this is your greatest creation." </p> <p>"Ah, but you've only seen the sweet. Now witness the bitter." A stench enveloped the pair. The angel turned in horror and proclaimed, </p> <p>"What is it?" </p> <p>The Creator spoke only one word: "Selfishness." </p> <p>The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties. Children of the creation wandering blindly in lonely labyrinths. </p> <p>"This is the result of choice? the angel asked. </p> <p>"Yes." </p> <p>"They will forget you?" </p> <p>"Yes." </p> <p>"They will reject you?" </p> <p>"Yes." </p> <p>They will never come back? </p> <p>"Some will. Most won't." </p> <p>"What will it take to make them listen?" </p> <p>The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until he stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then he could smell the hay that would surround him. </p> <p>With another step into the future, he paused before another tree. It stood alone, a stubborn ruler on a bald hill. The trunk was thick, and the wood was strong. Soon it would be cut. Soon it would be trimmed. Soon it would be mounted on the stony brow of another hill. And soon he would be hung on it. </p> <p>He felt the wood rub against a back he did not yet wear. </p> <p>"Will you go down there?" the angel asked. </p> <p>"I will." </p> <p>"Is there no other way?" </p> <p>"There is not." </p> <p>"Wouldn't it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn't it be easier to not give the choice?" </p> <p>"It would," the Creator spoke slowly. "But to remove the choice is to remove the love." </p> <p>He look around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind. Men clad in soldier's garb sat on the ground near the trio. They played games in the dirt and laughed. </p> <p>Men clad in religion stood off to one side. They smiled. Arrogant, cocky. They had protected God, they thought by killing this false one. </p> <p>Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill. Speechless. Faces tear streaked. Eyes downward. One put her arm around another and tried to lead her away. She wouldn't leave. "I will stay," she said softly, "I will stay." </p> <p>All heaven stood to fight. All nature rose to rescue. All eternity poised to protect. But the Creator gave no command. </p> <p>"It must be done...," he said, and withdrew. </p> <p>But as he stepped in time, he heard the cry that he would someday scream: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He wrenched at tomorrow's agony. </p> <p>The angel spoke again. "It would be less painful........" </p> <p>The Creator interrupted softly. "But it wouldn't be love." </p> <p>They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation. A monsoon of love swelled up within him. He had died for the creation before he had made him. God's form bent over the sculptured face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger moved. And an eye opened. </p> <p>But more incredible than the moving of the flesh was the stirring of the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped. Perhaps it was the wind that said it first. Perhaps what the star saw that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it: </p> <p>"It looks like ... it appears to so much like ... it is him!" </p> <p>The angel wasn't speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside - at the soul. </p> <p>"It's eternal!" gasped another. </p> <p>Within the man, God has placed a divine seed. A seed of his self (A seed of choice). The God of might had created earth's mightiest... And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return. </p> <p>Now it's our choice.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/the-choice-5721903/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>religioushttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/the-choice-5721903/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/02/06/scripture-mark-6-14-5517530/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-02-06:/2009/02/06/scripture-mark-6-14-5517530/Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:36:49 +0100 <p>Friday (2/6):  <strong>"Some said, 'John  the baptizer has been raised from the dead' "</strong></p> <p>14 King Herod heard of it; for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these  powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Herod heard of it he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." 17 For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Hero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married  her. 18 For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 And Hero'di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he  heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee.  22 For when Hero'di-as' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you  wish, and I will grant it." 23 And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." 24 And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.</p> <p><strong>Meditation:</strong> Do you ever feel haunted by a past failure or a guilty conscience? King Herod, the most powerful and wealthy man in Judea, had everything he wanted, except a clear conscience and peace with God. Herod had respected and feared John the Baptist as a great prophet and servant of God. John, however did not fear to rebuke Herod for his adulterous relationship with his brother's wife. John ended up in prison because of Herodias' jealousy. Herod, out of impulse and a desire to please his family and friends, had John beheaded. Now Herod's conscience is pricked when he hears that some think that the Baptist has risen.</p> <p>When Herod heard the <em>fame of Jesus</em> he supposed that John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, had returned from the dead. Unfortunately for Herod, he could not rid himself of sin by ridding himself of the man who confronted him with his sin. Herod was a weak man. He could take a strong stand on the wrong things when he knew the right. Such a stand, however, was a sign of weakness and cowardice. The Lord gives grace to the humble, to those who acknowledge their sins and who seek God's mercy and pardon. His grace and pardon not only frees us from a guilty conscience, it enables us to pursue holiness in thought and action as well.  God's grace enables us to fight fear with faith and to overcome the temptation to compromise goodness and truth with wrongdoing and falsehood. Do you rely on God's grace and help to choose his way of holiness and to reject whatever would compromise your faith and loyalty to Christ?</p> <p>Prayer:  "Heavenly Father, form in me the likeness of your Son that I may imitate him in word and deed. Help me to live the gospel faithfully and give me the strength and courage I need to not shrink back in the face of adversity and temptation."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/02/06/scripture-mark-6-14-5517530/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/02/06/scripture-mark-6-14-5517530/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/02/01/scripture-mark-1-21-5484139/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-02-01:/2009/02/01/scripture-mark-1-21-5484139/Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:07:30 +0100 <p>Sunday (2/1): <strong>"Jesus taught them as one who had authority"</strong></p> <p>21 And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; 24 and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.</p> <p><strong>Meditation: </strong> Are you eager to hear the word of God? Do you hear it with selective submission or with the full assent of faith and obedience?  When Jesus taught he spoke with authority. He spoke the word of God as no one had spoken it before. When the Rabbis taught they supported their statements with quotes from other authorities. The prophets spoke with delegated authority &ndash; <em>Thus says the Lord</em>. When Jesus spoke he needed no authorities to back his statements. He was authority incarnate &ndash; the Word of God made flesh. When he spoke, God spoke. When he commanded even the demons obeyed. If demons, the fallen angels, have faith in the Son of God, how much more should we believe the gospel with the full assent of our minds and hearts and entrust our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ? If we approach God's word submissively, with an eagerness to do everything the Lord desires, we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you eager to be taught by the Lord and to conform your life according to his word?</p> <p>Prayer: "Lord Jesus, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your saving love and mercy, and the power of your word to bring healing and deliverance to those in need."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/02/01/scripture-mark-1-21-5484139/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/02/01/scripture-mark-1-21-5484139/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/01/17/scripture-mark-2-13-5391956/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-01-17:/2009/01/17/scripture-mark-2-13-5391956/Sat, 17 Jan 2009 06:13:36 +0100 <p>Saturday (1/17): <strong>"Many tax collectors and sinners were sitting with Jesus"</strong></p> <p>13 He went out again beside the sea; and all the crowd gathered about him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed on, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. 15 And as he sat at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were sitting with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."</p> <p><strong>Meditation:</strong> What draws us to the throne of God's mercy and grace? Mark tells us that many people were drawn to Jesus, including the unwanted and the unlovable, such as the lame, the blind, and the lepers, as well as the homeless such as widows and orphans. But public sinners, like the town prostitutes and corrupt tax collectors, were also drawn to Jesus. In calling Matthew to be one of his disciples, Jesus picked one of the unlikeliest of men &ndash; a tax collector who by profession was despised by the people.Why did the religious leaders find fault with Jesus for making friends with sinners and tax collectors like Matthew? The orthodox Jews had a habit of dividing everyone into two groups: those who rigidly kept the law and its minute regulations and those who did not. They latter were treated like second class citizens. The orthodox scrupulously avoided their company, refused to do business with them, refused to give or receive anything from them, refused to intermarry, and avoided any form of entertainment with them, including table fellowship. Jesus' association with the latter, especially with tax collectors and sinners, shocked the sensibilities of these orthodox Jews.</p> <p>When the Pharisees challenged his unorthodox behavior in eating with public sinners, Jesus' defence was quite simple. A doctor doesn't need to visit healthy people; instead he goes to those who are sick.  Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need. A true physician seeks healing of the whole person &ndash; body, mind, and spirit. Jesus came as the divine physician and good shepherd to care for his people and to restore them to wholeness of life.The orthodox were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion that they neglected to help the very people who needed care. Their religion was selfish because they didn't want to have anything to do with people not like themselves. Jesus stated his mission in unequivocal terms: <em>I came  not to call the righteous, but to call sinners.</em> Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those they despised.  <em>All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God </em>(Romans 3:23). The Lord fills us with his grace and mercy. And he wants us, in turn,  to seek the good of our neighbors, including the unlikeable and the trouble-maker by showing them the same kindness and mercy which we have received. Do you thank the Lord for the great kindness and mercy he has shown to you?</p> <p>Prayer: "Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/01/17/scripture-mark-2-13-5391956/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/01/17/scripture-mark-2-13-5391956/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/01/16/scripture-mark-2-1-5385891/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-01-16:/2009/01/16/scripture-mark-2-1-5385891/Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:58:44 +0100 <p>Friday (1/16): <strong>"We never saw anything like this!"</strong></p> <p>1 And when he returned to Caper'na-um after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? 10 But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- 11 "I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." 12 And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"</p> <p><strong>Meditation:</strong> Do you know the healing power of forgiveness? Jesus' treatment of sinners upset the religious teachers of the day. When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of his friends, Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man his sins. The scribes regarded this as blasphemy because they understood that only God had authority to forgive sins and to unbind a man or woman from their burden of guilt. Jesus claimed an authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power of God's redeeming love and mercy by healing the cripple of his physical ailment. This man had been crippled not only physically, but spiritually as well. Jesus freed him from his burden of guilt and restored his body as well. The Lord is every ready to bring us healing of body, soul, and mind.  Do you allow anything to keep you from Jesus?</p> <p>Prayer: "Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. May your healing power and love touch every area of my life &ndash; my innermost thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my offences and transform me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in your truth and righteousness."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/01/16/scripture-mark-2-1-5385891/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/01/16/scripture-mark-2-1-5385891/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/01/14/scripture-mark-1-29-5374637/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2009-01-14:/2009/01/14/scripture-mark-1-29-5374637/Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:35:49 +0100 <p>Wednesday (1/14):<strong> "They brought to Jesus all who were sick or possessed with demons"</strong></p> <p>29 And immediately he left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them. 32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together about the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35 And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him pursued him, 37 and they found him and said to him, "Every one is searching for you." 38 And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out." 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.</p> <p><strong>Meditation:</strong> Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus' disciples freely brought their troubles to him because they found him ready and able to deal with any difficulty, affliction, or sickness which they encountered. When Simon brought Jesus to his home, his mother-in-law was instantly healed because Jesus heard Simon&rsquo;s prayer. Jerome, an early church bible scholar and translator (c. 347-420), reflects on this passage:<em></em></p> <blockquote><p>&ldquo;Can you imagine Jesus standing before your bed and you continue sleeping? It is absurd that you would remain in bed in his presence.  Where is Jesus?  He is already here offering himself to us. &lsquo;In the middle,&rsquo; he says, &lsquo;among you he stands, whom you do not recognize&rsquo; (Cf. John 1:26) &lsquo;The kingdom of God is in your midst&rsquo; (Mark 1:15). Faith beholds Jesus among us. If we are unable to seize his hand, let us prostrate ourselves at his feet.  If we are unable to reach his head, let us wash his feet with our tears. Our repentance is the perfume of the Savior. See how costly is the compassion of the Savior.&rdquo;</p></blockquote> <p>Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and healer in your personal life, family, and community? Approach him with expectant faith. God's healing power restores us not only to health but to active service and care of others. There is no trouble he does not want to help us with and there is no bondage he can't set us free from. Do you take your troubles to him with expectant faith that he will help you?</p> <p>Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, you have all power to heal and to deliver from harm. There is no trouble nor bondage you cannot overcome. Set me free to serve you joyfully and to love and serve others generously. May nothing hinder me from giving myself wholly to you and to your service."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/01/14/scripture-mark-1-29-5374637/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2009/01/14/scripture-mark-1-29-5374637/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/22/scripture-luke-1-46-5258197/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2008-12-22:/2008/12/22/scripture-luke-1-46-5258197/Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:02:02 +0100 <p>Monday (12/22): <strong>Joyful Expectation of the Messiah</strong></p> <p>46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.</p> <p><strong>Old Testament Reading:</strong> <em>1 Samuel 1:24-28</em></p> <p>&ldquo;For this child I prayed; and the LORD has granted me my petition which I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD." (1 Sam. 1:24-25)</p> <p><strong>Meditation: </strong>Do you know the mercy and favor of the Lord? Those who hunger for the Lord will not be disappointed. The Lord himself will fill them with the fruits of his peace, joy, and righteousness. We see God's boundless love manifested in the promise of a Redeemer. As the events leading to the birth of our Savior unfold we see all the prophecies, promises and prayers of the Old Testament being fulfilled because "God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son" (John 3:16). The Gospel of Luke reveals the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in Mary's life. When Elizabeth and Mary greeted one another they were filled with the Holy Spirit and with a joyful anticipation of the fulfilment of God's promise to give a Savior. John the Baptist, even before the birth of the Messiah, pointed to his coming and leapt for joy in the womb of his mother as the Holy Spirit revealed to him the presence of the King to be born. The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to enable us to know and experience the indwelling presence of God and the power of his kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the way in which God reigns within each of us.</p> <p>Mary accepted her mission with uncompromising faith and obedience. She acted with unwavering trust and faith because she believed that God would fulfill the word he had spoken. Her great hymn of praise echoes the song of Hannah (see 1 Samuel 2:1-10) and proclaims the favor of the Lord: <em>God exalts the lowly and he fills the hungry with good things.</em> Hannah like Mary had been without child and God in a marvelous way gave her a son, named Samuel, whom she dedicated at an early age to the service of the Lord (1 Sam. 1:24ff.)  Mary, too, would lose her son to a servant ministry that would take him to the cross. Christmas is a time for renewing our faith and hope in God and in his promises and for deepening our love for God and for neighbor. Do you seek the Lord Jesus and the power of his Holy Spirit so that you may be renewed in faith, hope, and love?</p> <p>Prayer: "Lord Jesus, help me to earnestly seek you with humility and confidence. Increase my faith in your promises, strengthen within me the hope of heaven and eternal life, and set my heart on fire with burning love for you and for your kingdom. May I always praise and magnify your great mercy and glory."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/22/scripture-luke-1-46-5258197/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/22/scripture-luke-1-46-5258197/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/20/scripture-luke-1-26-5248815/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2008-12-20:/2008/12/20/scripture-luke-1-26-5248815/Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:05:20 +0100 <p>Saturday (12/20): <strong>"For with God nothing will be impossible"</strong></p> <p>26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34 And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" 35 And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible."38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.</p> <p><strong>Old Testament Reading:</strong> <em>Isaiah 7:10-14</em></p> <p>&ldquo;Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Imman'uel. He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.&rdquo; (Is. 7:14-15)</p> <p><strong>Meditation:</strong> God uses signs to communicate his purposes, his presence, his righteousness, his favor to his people (Psalm 86:17), and his assurance that he is speaking to them and that he will keep his promises. God also performed mighty signs to demonstrate his saving deeds when he delivered his people from bondage in Egypt (Psalm 78:43). When God offered King Ahaz a sign, the king refused. God, nonetheless, gave Israel a sign to assure his people that he would indeed give them a Savior who would rule with peace and righteousness (Is. 7:11ff). The greatest sign God has given us is his only begotten Son Jesus Christ who took on flesh for our sake and for our salvation.</p> <p>We see the fulfillment of Isaiah&rsquo;s prophecy and the unfolding of God's plan of redemption in the events leading up to the Incarnation, the birth of the Messiah. The new era of salvation begins with the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary. This child to be born is conceived by the gracious action of the Holy Spirit upon Mary, who finds favor with God. As Eve was the mother of all humanity doomed to sin, now Mary becomes the mother of the new Adam who will father a new humanity by his grace (Romans 5:12-21). This child to be conceived in her womb is the fulfillment of all God&rsquo;s promises. He will be &ldquo;great&rdquo; and &ldquo;Son of the Most High&rdquo; and &ldquo;King&rdquo; (Luke 1:32-33), and his name shall be called &ldquo;Jesus&rdquo;, which means &ldquo;the Lord saves.&rdquo; &ldquo;He will save his people from their sins&rdquo; (Matthew 1:21). The promise of an everlasting kingdom to the house of David (Isaiah 9:6-7) is fulfilled in the King to be born in Mary&rsquo;s womb.</p> <p> How does Mary respond to the word of God delivered by the angel Gabriel? She knows she is hearing something beyond human capability. It will surely take a miracle which surpasses all that God has done previously. Her question, &ldquo;how shall this be, since I have no husband&rdquo; is not prompted by doubt or skepticism, but by wonderment! She is a true hearer of the Word and she immediately responds with faith and trust. Mary's prompt response of "yes" to the divine message is a model of faith for all believers. Mary believed God's promises even when they seemed impossible. She was full of grace because she trusted that what God said was true and would be fulfilled. She was willing and eager to do God's will, even if it seemed difficult or costly. Mary is the &ldquo;mother of God&rdquo; because God becomes incarnate when he takes on flesh in her womb.  When we pray the Nicene Creed we state our confession of faith in this great mystery: &ldquo;For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man&rdquo;.  God gives us grace and he expects us to respond with the same willingness, obedience, and heart?felt trust as Mary did. When God commands he also gives the help, strength, and means to respond. We can either yield to his grace or resist and go our own way. Do you believe in God's promises and do you yield to his grace?</p> <p>Prayer: "Heavenly Father, you offer us abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness through your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in your promises and by giving you my unqualified 'yes' to your will and plan for my life."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/20/scripture-luke-1-26-5248815/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/20/scripture-luke-1-26-5248815/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/19/scripture-luke-1-5-5244423/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2008-12-19:/2008/12/19/scripture-luke-1-5-5244423/Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:47:24 +0100 <p>Friday (12/19): "M<strong>any will rejoice at his birth"</strong></p> <p>5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechari'ah, of the division of Abi'jah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechari'ah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechari'ah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth; 15 for he will be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Eli'jah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared." 18 And Zechari'ah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." 19 And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." 21 And the people were waiting for Zechari'ah, and they wondered at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he made signs to them and remained dumb. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying, 25 "Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men."</p> <p><strong>Old Testament Reading:</strong> <em>Judges 13:2-7,24-25</em></p> <p>&ldquo;For lo, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from birth; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines." And the woman bore a son, and called his name Samson; and the boy grew, and the LORD blessed him.  And the Spirit  of the LORD began to stir him&rdquo; (Judges 13:5,24-25)</p> <p><strong>Meditation:</strong> Do you believe that God will fulfill all his promises just as he said? Advent is a time to renew our hope and confidence in God&rsquo;s faithfulness to the covenant he made with his people. In preparing the way for a Savior, we see the wondrous miracle of two barren couples who conceive and bear sons &ndash; Samson in the Old Testament (Judges 13) and John the Baptist in the New Testament (Luke 1:5ff) &ndash; who are called by God to bring hope and deliverance at a time of spiritual darkness and difficulty for the people of God.</p> <p> Zechariah was a godly man who was tuned to God&rsquo;s voice. He was born into a priestly family and it was his privilege to be chosen to enter the inner court of the temple to offer sacrifice to God.  Luke records that the people wondered at Zechariah&rsquo;s delay and were amazed that he was speechless when he withdrew from the inner sanctuary. They rightly perceived that he had a special encounter with God. God&rsquo;s angelic messenger greeted Zechariah with a blessing beyond his expectations.  &ldquo;Your prayer is heard! You will have a son! And his mission will be great for all of Israel. &rdquo; Now that seemed like a lot for Zechariah to take in all at once. Could God really do a miracle for his barren wife, Elizabeth?  The angel somewhat wisely put Zechariah in his place before God&rsquo;s mighty action.  He became speechless until the day the infant was dedicated to the Lord and given the name, John. When God draws us into his presence, he wants us to be still and quiet before him so we can listen to his voice as he speaks to our hearts and reveals his mind to us.  Do you listen attentively to the Lord and do you ponder his word in your heart with trust and confidence?</p> <p> In the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist, the angel explains to Zechariah the role his son is to play in preparing the way for the Messiah. John will be great in the sight of God. He will live as a Nazarite (see Numbers 6) &ndash; a person set apart for the Lord. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even within his mother's womb. And he shall be sent to the people of God, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers and children to God and one another, by turning the "disobedient to the wisdom of the just." The name John means "the Lord is gracious". When God acts to save us he graciously fills us with his Holy Spirit and makes our faith "alive" to his promises. Do you pray that "the hearts of parents and children may be turned to God and one another"?</p> <p>Prayer: "Lord Jesus, you bring hope and restoration to your people. Restore and strengthen Christian family life today. Help me to love and serve my family. May your love rule in all my relationships and remove any barriers to peace and harmony."</p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/19/scripture-luke-1-5-5244423/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/19/scripture-luke-1-5-5244423/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/18/scripture-matthew-1-18-5239953/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2008-12-18:/2008/12/18/scripture-matthew-1-18-5239953/Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:55:01 +0100 <p>Thursday (12/18): "<strong>He will save his people from their sins"</strong></p> <p>18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; 19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; 21 she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife</p> <p><strong>Old Testament Reading:</strong> <em>Jeremiah 23:5-8</em></p> <p>&ldquo;"Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.&rdquo; (Jer. 3:5)</p> <p><strong>Meditation: </strong>Do you hold on to the promises of God at all times, especially when you are faced with uncertainty or adversity? The prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah spoke words of hope in a hopeless situation for Israel. The Davidic dynasty was corrupt and unfit for a Messianic King. Apostates like King Ahaz (2 Kings 16) and weaklings like Zedekiah (Jeremiah 38) occupied the throne of David. How could God be faithful to his promise to raise up a righteous King who would rule forever over the house of David? The prophets trusted that God could somehow &ldquo;raise up a righteous shoot&rdquo; from the stump of Jesse (Isaiah 2:11).  Like the prophets we are called &ldquo;in hope to believe against hope&rdquo; (Romans 4:18) that God can and will fulfill all his promises.</p> <p>Mary had to face an enormous challenge to her faith and trust in God and to the faith of her family and Joseph, the man she chose to marry. She was asked to assume a burden of tremendous responsibility. It had never been heard of before that a child could be born without a natural father. Mary was asked to accept this miraculous exception to the laws of nature. That required faith and trust in God and in his promises. Second, Mary was not yet married. Pregnancy outside of wedlock was not tolerated in those days. Mary was only espoused to Joseph, and such an engagement had to last for a whole year. She was asked to assume a great risk. She could have been rejected by Joseph, by her family, by all her own people. Mary knew that Joseph and her family would not understand without revelation from God. She nonetheless believed and trusted in God's promises.</p> <p>Joseph, a just and God-fearing man, did not wish to embarrass or punish his espoused wife, Mary when he discovered that she was pregnant. To all appearances she had broken their solemn pledge to be faithful and chaste to one another. Joseph, no doubt took this troubling matter to God in prayer. He was not hasty to judge or to react with hurt and anger. God rewarded him not only with guidance and consolation, but with the divine assurance that he had indeed called Joseph to be the husband of Mary and to assume a mission that would require the utmost faith, confidence, and trust in Almighty God. Joseph believed in the divine message to take Mary as his wife and to accept the child in her womb as the promised Messiah. Like Mary, Joseph is a model of faith for us. He is a faithful witness and servant of God's unfolding plan of redemption. Are you ready to believe in the promises of God, even when faced with perplexing circumstances and what seems like insurmountable problems? God has not left us alone, but has brought us his only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us celebrate Christmas, the feast of the Incarnation, with joyful hearts and let us renew our faith and hope in God and in his redeeming work.</p> <p>Prayer: "Lord Jesus, you came to save us from sin and the power of death. May I always rejoice in your salvation and trust in your plan for my life".</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/18/scripture-matthew-1-18-5239953/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/18/scripture-matthew-1-18-5239953/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/17/scripture-matthew-1-1-5235154/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2008-12-17:/2008/12/17/scripture-matthew-1-1-5235154/Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:44:17 +0100 <p>Wednesday (12/17): <strong>"The</strong> <strong>genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David"</strong></p> <p>1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Ammin'adab, and Ammin'adab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Bo'az by Rahab, and Bo'az the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uri'ah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehobo'am, and Rehobo'am the father of Abi'jah, and Abi'jah the father of Asa, 8 and Asa the father of Jehosh'aphat, and Jehosh'aphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzzi'ah, 9 and Uzzi'ah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezeki'ah, 10 and Hezeki'ah the father of Manas'seh, and Manas'seh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josi'ah, 11 and Josi'ah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. 12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoni'ah was the father of She-al'ti-el, and She-al'ti-el the father of Zerub'babel, 13 and Zerub'babel the father of Abi'ud, and Abi'ud the father of Eli'akim, and Eli'akim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eli'ud, 15 and Eli'ud the father of Elea'zar, and Elea'zar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.</p> <p><strong>Old Testament Reading:</strong> <em>Genesis 49:2,8-10</em></p> <p>The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs;  and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. (Gen. 49:10)</p> <p><strong>Meditation:</strong> How well do you know your spiritual heritage? Genealogies are very important. They give us our roots and help us to understand our heritage. Matthew's genealogy of Jesus traces his lineage from Abraham, the father of God's chosen people, through the line of David, King of Israel. Jesus the Messiah is the direct descent of Abraham and David, and the rightful heir to David's throne. God in his mercy fulfilled his promises to Abraham and to David that he would send a Savior and a King to rule over the house of Israel and to deliver them from their enemies. When Jacob blessed his sons he foretold that Judah would receive the promise of royalty which we see fulfilled in David (Genesis 49:10). We can also see in this blessing a foreshadowing of God's fulfillment in raising up his annointed King, Jesus the Messiah. Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's promises. He is the hope not only for the people of the Old Covenant but for all nations as well. He is the Savior of the world who redeems us from slavery to sin and Satan and makes us citizens of the kingdom of God. In him we receive adoption into a royal priesthood and holy nation as sons and daughters of the living God (see 1 Peter 1:9). Do you recognize your spiritual genealogy and do you accept God as your Father and Jesus as the sovereign King and Lord of your life?</p> <p>Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Messiah and Savior of the world, the hope of Israel and the hope of the nations. Be the ruler of my heart and the king of my home. May there be nothing in my life that is not under your wise rule and care."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/17/scripture-matthew-1-1-5235154/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/17/scripture-matthew-1-1-5235154/#commentshttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/16/scripture-matthew-21-28-5229845/tag:nesmose.blog.co.uk,2008-12-16:/2008/12/16/scripture-matthew-21-28-5229845/Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:49:22 +0100 <p>Tuesday (12/16): <strong><span>"The tax collectors and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you"</span></strong></p> <p>28 "What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, `Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29 And he answered, `I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. 30 And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, `I go, sir,' but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him.</p> <p><strong>Old Testament Reading:</strong> Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13</p> <p>1 Ah, soiled, defiled, oppressing city! 2 It has listened to no voice; it has accepted no correction. It has not trusted in the LORD; it has not drawn near to its God. <br>9 At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord. 10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, my scattered ones, shall bring my offering. 11 On that day you shall not be put to shame because of all the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. <br>12 For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD-- 13 the remnant of Israel; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. Then they will pasture and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid.</p> <p><strong>Meditation:</strong>  What kind of future are you preparing for? Jesus encourages us to think &ndash; to think about the consequences of our choices, especially the choices and decisions that will count not just for now but for eternity as well. The choices we make now will affect and shape our future, both our future on earth as well as in the life of the age to come. Jesus tells a simple story of two imperfect sons to illustrate the way of God's kingdom. The father amply provided for his sons food, lodging, and everything they needed. Everything the father had belonged to them as well. The father also rewarded his sons with excellent work in his own vineyard. He expected them to show him gratitude, loyalty, and honor by doing their fair share of the daily work. The "rebellious" son told his father to his face that he would not work for him. But afterwards he changed his mind and did what he father commanded him. The "good" son said he would work for his father, but didn't carry through. He did his own pleasure contrary to his father's will. Now who was really the good son? Both sons disobeyed their father; but one repented and then did what the father told him.</p> <p>Jesus makes his point clear: Good intentions are not enough. And promises don't count unless they are performed. God wants to change our hearts so that we will show by our speech and by our actions that we respect his will and do it. God offers each of us the greatest treasure possible &ndash; unending peace, joy, happiness, and life with him in his kingdom. We can lose that treasure if we refuse the grace God offers us to follow in his way of truth and righteousness.  Do you respect the will of your Father in heaven?</p> <p>Prayer: "Lord Jesus, change my heart that I may only desire that which is pleasing to you. Help me to respect your will and give me the strength, joy and perseverance to carry it out wholeheartedly."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/16/scripture-matthew-21-28-5229845/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gospel-of-the-dayhttp://nesmose.blog.co.uk/2008/12/16/scripture-matthew-21-28-5229845/#comments