This list is by no means comprehensive. Here are a few lessons I learned from Matthew 22 – the showdown between Jesus and the major religiopolitical groups of His time.
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Being a primary school teacher, I’m always on the lookout for good books to share with my students. Some – actually, many – of the children’s books I come across lack depth, meaning and in some cases a storyline (and I’m not talking about the educational ‘A is for apple. B is for bear’ books).
But, every once in a while I come across a fantastic book that not only makes a particular theme or point accessible for a child but also captures the imagination of the adult reader. I recently came across a picture book entitled ‘Love’.
We went to Wilson’s Prom for the first time last week and I fell in love. Squeaky Beach was delightfully pristine, beautiful, and squeaky. The sand was perfect for the boys, and the view was spectacular.
Christmas is a season of gifts – not just toys and presents to our loved ones, but gifts of service, forgiveness, and generosity towards those who aren’t on our “nice” list. It’s also a great time to remember those who are in need. Here’s a list from ADRA in Victoria that may inspire you to get into the holiday spirit:
From Day 31 of “Forty Days Wild” by Pastor Troy Fitzgerald:
“Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “the Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is ful lled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:14-21)
From “Forty Days Wild” by Pr Troy Fitzgerald:
“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and led both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:3-8)
Waterskiing didn’t look complicated. “How hard can it really be?” I thought to myself as the group of girls asked me if I knew how to waterski and whether I would like to go.
If you’ve joined our 40 days with Jesus challenge, then you might have read Day 11: Mirroring the Mind of Christ from Pastor Troy Fitzgerald’s book, “Forty Days Wild.” Here is an excerpt from Day 11 that really touched me:
It’s November. In just a few months, 2017 will be history. Christmas is just around the corner and there are still too much to do, but I’m running out of steam.
I’m treading water, but just.
Excerpt taken from my favourite little book “Shine on Beautiful Soul” written by Jennifer Gerelds. I hope you find it strengthening and empowering!
We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world…Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy. – Ephesians 6:12-13
Every morning you roll out of bed and head to the bathroom. Yes, there it is, the mirror with your disheveled reflection in it. Already you know the drill: Brush teeth, take a shower, find an outfit, fix your hair, and brace yourself for the day’s tasks you can already hear calling your name.
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.