Growing Deeper

8/11/2019 Growing Deeper

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Welcome to

the Journey...Congratulations on getting this far. By turningto this resource and opening page 1 you have

made a great start!

Exploring this book may well prove to be asignificant step in your spiritual journey. Thatis my prayer and my desire.

All of us admit that we ought to grow more,spiritually. We know we ought to deepen ourspiritual roots, but we sometimes have difficultyfinding ways to help us make further progress.

In the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, our purpose inproducing this material has been to provide peoplewith an easy-to-use pattern of spiritual exerciseswhich all of us can find helpful.

We are all different. Some of us see things moreartistically, others appreciate music, and thereare lots who prefer practical activity to academic

learning. These pages are designed to be helpfulto all of these approaches and are certainly not

just for bookish people.

As you use Growing Deeper day by day,remember that hundreds of other people in thediocese will also be on the same page as you -and I will be one of them!

Now turn to the next page and learn moreas you Grow Deeper.

www.derry.anglican.org

www.facebook.com/DerryAndRaphoe


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Meet your Companion...Living out your faith is a journey. Some days youget to take the scenic route. On others the pathfeels more pressurised.

Growing Deeperis a way of helping you on yourdaily journey of faith and life. Allow it to be anisland retreat in the sea of your daily life.

What will you find?

You will find 31 different times of reflection - useone each day. You will also find five milestones,pauses along the way.

Each day has three different sections: Look,Linger andLeave:

Lookseeks to bring us to a place of engagementwith God;

Lingeroffers some thoughts to take you deeper

in that engagement;Leavehas suggestions of things to do to carrysomething of Gods presence into the day.

As we all pray differently there are a variety of waysto open up a space with God: Bible passages toread, poems to reflect on, prayers to use and simpleexercises to enjoy.

You may not have time to try everything suggestedin each day - so use whatever is helpful to you oryou have time for.

You will also find Extras for the Journey thingsthat will help add variety on the repeat run.

When you have come to the end of the 31reflections, simply begin again, using each day

as a simple tool for reflection - for nourishmenton your journey. You will then get into the rhythmof using the 31 reflections again and again monthby month as the year passes.

Sharing the Journey

Journeys are usually more enjoyable when shared.Why not share your Growing Deeper Journey?

Get together, perhaps once a month, with a fewpeople who have been using this booklet to shareyour experience.

The meeting (we call it that not in any formalsense) will need one or two people to steer it.The suggestion is that it will not be one of theclergy who does this!

It might be helpful to begin the meeting with the

verse and reflection for the day from the On theJourney book and to end with the Blessing orto use other bits of the material or other helpfulresources.

Encourage everyone to participate, offering eachother the space to share or not to. Dont be afraidof silence. Thats often where Gods Spirit worksmost deeply.

As you make this daily journey be encouraged thatyou are accompanied by many of your Christianfamily across the diocese - you do not walk alone.

Enjoy the journey.


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Life is a series of arrivals. Some are planned andothers come upon us unexpectedly. Every arrivalsignifies that a journey has been made whetherin whole or in part. We describe the life-changingevent of a birth of a child as a new arrival andwhen our golden years arrive we say old agedoesnt come by itself! An arrival is irreversible -there is no going back. We cannot un-arrive.

An arrival may be a new moment of possibilityor an awakening. It may be the reaching of a newdestination or a leaving behind or a homecoming.We may be the recipient of anothers arrival in ourlife. Each arrival is an event - big or small!

The arrival of Jesus made incarnate the Wordof God. The arrival of Judas in the garden of

Gethsemane initiated the chain of events that ledto the life-saving cross of Christ. The arrival of MaryMagdalene at the empty tomb revealed the mind-blowing presence of the Risen Christ. The arrivalof Jesus on the road to Emmaus and his breakingof bread at supper taught us that Christ is mademanifest in every act of hospitality. And the arrivalof the Holy Spirit birthed the church and giftedus with the universal language of love.

Life is a series of arrivals... until... we finallyarrive at the place where God wants us to be.

Arrivals...

The Peace Bridge

Kindly provided by The DerryVisitor & Convention Bureau


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Day 1 >Arrivals...

If you could go anywhere in the world rightnow, where would it be? Imagine arrivingthere... what feeling does that create?

How would Noah and his family have feltwhen the ark came to rest and they foundthat theyd arrived, not just in a new place,but in a new world?

So Noah went out with his sons and his wifeand his sons wives. And every animal, everycreeping thing, and every bird, everything thatmoves on the earth, went out of the ark byfamilies. Genesis 8:18-19

Ponder: Today is the first day of the rest of yourlife! How does that thought make you feel?

Look...For Noah and his family this was the start of anew adventure. The old world was now behindthem. They were faced with a blank sheet. Theyhad arrived at a new place. But their arrival wasnot an ending. It was just the beginning of anexciting new journey with God.

How would you describe the placeyouve arrived at in your life today?How happy are you to be in that place?Is it where God wants you to be?Ask the same questions about yourchurch family.

God is never finished with us. Hes always gotsomething new for us to do, some new place totake us to. What is it like to follow where he leads,even if the future seems unknown or uncertain?

Arrival

Is a coming home.A storm-tossed boatScraping hull on rough rock;A runaway rebelTesting at heavens gateway;A travel-weary kingStopping at lifes threshold.I have arrived, Lord;Recognised a refuge,Felt stone, earth and hay beneath me.

Linger...

Extras forthe journey...

As you have time, reflect on one or moreof these readings, inviting God to usethem to inform your own journey.

Helpful Passages

Genesis 28:10-17Matthew 2:7-11Mark 14:43-6Acts 9:1-9Luke 23:39-43John 20:1,2; 11-18

John 20:19-28

Blessing

God our beginningGod our goal

God our journeyGod in our soul

God our pathwayGod our lightGod our guidanceGod our might

God our yearningGod our friendGod our yearningGod at the end

David Adam

Why not try one of the following actions asa way of taking the next step on this first dayof the rest of your life?

Write the words I have not yet arrived. I amstill on the journey on a post-it and place itsomewhere youll be able to see it throughoutthe day - a kitchen cupboard or a computerscreen. In quiet moments reflect on how thistruth changes your perspective on life.

Spend a few moments visiting a favouriteplace, somewhere nearby. After youve madethe trip reflect on why you chose that particulardestination. What was the best part of the journey -the anticipation of it, the visit itself or the memoryof it? How does it inform your journey with Godthrough life?

Leave...

Ihavenotyet

arrived.Iamstill

onthejourney...


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Day 2 >Let us go to the House of the Lord...

The Locked Church

He walked up the path to the beautiful church.A quiet time, alone with God, a time of peace, atime to collect his thoughts. But when he reachedthe door and turned the handle he found thedoor was locked. Then he saw the piece ofpaper pinned to the door. Sorry, I am nothere. Im out there. God.

Where do you expect to find God? In the church?Or in the world? Can you open yourself to hispresence here and now in this moment?

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me allthe days of my life, and I shall dwell in the houseof the Lord my whole life long. Psalm 23:6

Look...King David, almost certainly the author of this thebest loved of all the Psalms, seems to be equallyat home both in the world and the House of God.He is conscious of, and grateful for, Gods graceand mercy experienced at all times and in allplaces. Pause now and give thanks for the timesand ways in which youve experienced somethingof the love of God for you.

David is confident that wherever he goes andwhatever happens to him, God will always bepresent. Do you have that same confidence?

Davids experience of Gods love through the upsand downs of his life created in him a longing formore; he yearns to dwell in the house of the Lordmy whole life long. Allow your experience of theLords grace in the past to fuel your desire formore of his presence in the future.

God,When our hopes fade and life is hard,when our faith is shaky and the world uncertain,When we feel that praying is the wrong thing to doBecause we have no words, no good things to say,no way to begin Let us journey to your house, Lord.

God of creation, Calvary and the empty tomb,You house those in need of protection and refuge,You shelter those with fear and fatigue,In your presence, with your people,We are heard and known and loved.We begin and return to youFor you, God, are our home.

Linger...


Helpful Passages

Psalm 122Psalm 127Isaiah 43:1-3Matthew 6:25-34Mar 4:35-41

Romans 8:18-39

Prayer

GodBe light for usBe warmth for those we loveBe Father and future and eternal hopeThrough Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Trying one of the following activities mighthelp to bring a sense of Gods reality to everypart of your day.

Write the words home isat the top of asheet of paper. Throughout the day try to adda list of words that will complete the phrase.

Phone or meet with an old friend, someone whoshared the formative years of your life. Talk aboutthe positive memories and the not so positive. Usethis as an opportunity both for gratitude and forlaying to rest things that are best acknowledgedand then left behind.

Leave...

homeis


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Day 3 >Discovery...

Take a moment to look at the picture below.What do you see? An old lady facing to the left,or a young female viewed from behind? Mostpeople will take a while to see the second facein the picture. But when you do discover ityoull wonder, Why did I not see if before?

Can you think of a time when youve said thatabout something thats happened in your life?

Now try to put yourself in the shoes of thetwo people in this Bible passage who may havewondered why it took them so long to see whothis stranger was who had walked with themon their journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus.

When he was at the table with them, he took

bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.Then their eyes were opened, and they recognisedhim; and he vanished from their sight. They saidto each other, Were not our hearts burning withinus while he was talking to us on the road, whilehe was opening the scriptures to us?Luke 24:30-32

Look...

God often surprises us in the commonplaceand ordinary things of life. When did God lastsurprise you?

Might you be missing some important discoveryGod wants you to make?

Are you open to seeing God at work in the ordinarythings of your life - your work, the people aroundyou, and the works of creation, the arts and culture?

Why do you think Jesus vanished at the verymoment that they discovered who he was?

Its a tough road:The growing and the grieving,The learning and living,

The losing and the loving,The stumbling and the saving.Still, amidst the blessings and the blisters,You looked for me, Lord.

There were obstacles:The rumours and the wrongs,The doubt and the disbelief,The scandal and the scorn,The bile and the betrayal.Still, when hatred hid your humanity,You found me, Lord.

Im glad you stumbled on meOn your way to that table, Lord.Im glad you recognised in meSomething worth the seeking.Look out for me again, for I yearn to hear your words

Tumbling again like grain.

Linger...


Helpful Passages

Genesis 18:9-12Genesis 45:25-281 Samuel 16:8-13Luke 2:15-18Matthew 17:1-9John 20:26-28Acts 2:1-4

Blessing

God in our seeking and our seeing,God in our questions and our believing,God in the everyday and the astonishing,God on the road and at our table,God at our side and in our souls,God of grace and blessing

Today and forever.Amen

Take a page and divide in two. On one sidecompile a list of moments of doubt and onthe other moments of realisation. Which islongest?

Leave...


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Day 4 >Migration...

Have you ever seen one of those TV programmeswhere a family moves lock, stock and barrel to anew country to begin a whole new l ife?

Thousands of years before such TV shows werethought of, God gave Abraham an opportunity tomove - along with the rest of his tribe - to a newcountry, a promised land.

Arise, walk through the length and breadth ofthe land, for I will give it to you. Genesis 13:17

What are your thoughts about this? Are Abrahamand his family mad? Or does part of you secretlyenvy them their opportunity?

Look...

God entrusts to Abraham something greater thanhe ever imagined. But in order to enter into Godspromise Abraham must first be willing to becomea migrant, to move out - to leave the familiar andstep out into the unknown.

Have you ever had a dream? One that mightchange your life in a radical way. If that dreambecame a reality how might it change your life -what would be different? What would be better?Where would God be, in that new life, and newworld? And, in that light - where is God in yourlife, and your world, as they are now?

The crazy moment when I realisedId said yes to thisLit a flame of possibility, which consumed

All the old negatives of my life; replacedWith an unknown future,The way Id always presumed things would go.

Lord, graciously, from time to timeReawaken in me the feelings of the momentThis brilliant living on the cusp of yesterdayand tomorrow;Let this moment - the Now! - of my arrivalFrom yesterdays holding-patterns of numbexistenceInto the arrivals lounge of life in fullness,Be the start of who-knows-what, with You.

Linger...


Helpful Passages

Genesis 12:1-3 (compare with Mark 1:16-20)Genesis 13:14-18Genesis 15:8-17Joshua 1:1-9Psalm 18Psalm 118:1-5Matthew 6:25-34Hebrews 11:1-13Hebrews 12:18-24

Blessing

Let us rejoiceThat today and tomorrow and tomorrowAre in Gods hands.Let us be bold,

And claim his promises.For God has brought us hereAnd Christ goes before usAnd his Spirit guides us where we go.

Amen

Compile a list of three things you would finddifficult about a move out of the familiar. Compileanother list of things that you might need toleave behind in order to move forward with God.

Or...

Visit a place that feels slightly alien and unknownto you - perhaps a shop that youve never visitedbefore that sells items you know nothing aboutor a housing development with lots of boardedup homes. How does it feel to be an outsider?Use these feelings to inform how you pray.

Leave...


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Day 5 >Exodus...

The word Exodus literally means the act ofgoing out. It is where we get the word exit from.

In our daily routines, we are surroundedwith opportunities to exit. From the workplace toshopping, to the cinema - we are never far awayfrom those illuminated green signs pointing tothe nearest exit.

Read Exodus 3:3 - 21

In the Book of Exodus God wanted Moses to takean exit. He was given an immense task - to leadhis people out of slavery to something new andhopeful. For his persecuted fellow Israelites inEgypt it would lead to freedom and a newhome in the Promised Land.

Yet Moses dithered in reaching for the exit. Hehad so many reasons reasons why he didntfeel up to the task why it wouldnt work withhim doing it. So many what ifs

Do you know what that feels like?

What encouragement do you takefrom Gods response to Moses?

Look...

The challenge of exits is not only in the present.It can also be those from the past - perhaps evenan exit that felt forced on us.

We all recognise the feeling of unfinishedbusiness, a hankering to close the book on regret- of having gone through the exit doors in thefirst place. Perhaps you blame others for forcingyour hand were you to do it all over again,youd do it all differently.

Do you recognise this?

Find comfort that you are not alone in feelinglike this.

You have the power over feelings of regret and

disappointment, to let them go to live in thenow to write your future.

Linger...


Helpful Passages

Exodus 14:5-14Joshua 1:1-9Job 19:23-27Proverbs 3:5-6Jeremiah 29:1-14John 14:5-6

Blessing

Father, thank you that you give us exits.From monotonyInto fullness of life.From stagnationInto growth.From doubtInto faith.

From insecurityInto the Promised land.

Amen

Moses led a group of people towards thepromised land, where they would no longer livein slavery and where they would find freedomand prosperity. Yet all they could see on thejourney was what they had left behind.

All they wanted to do was return to where theyhad come from, because they could not seewhat God had in store for them.

Does this sound familiar?

Today ask God to help you see what he sees, surein the knowledge that he knows the destination.

Leave...


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For most people, going on a journey is an excitingexperience. Leaving the ordinary, daily routines oflife, travelling somewhere new, or other, stretchesus and is good for us. A change is as good as arest as they say. However, after a while, being onthe road is tiring. Keeping going, travelling alone,enduring.

Different modes of transport, carrying baggage, notknowing where or when you will next eat, bathe orsleep - all these aspects of a journey can really takeit out of us. Thank God, then, for the resting places;for the gracious, generous provision of hospitality,for companions on the road, the new people wemeet and the conversations we share - for thesethings show what we have taken for grantedbefore and remind us that what we have takenfor granted before and remind us that whereverwe may go, God goes with us.

On the road...


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Day 6 >Lament...

Bad news catches our attention more easilythan the good, whether it is celebrity scandal,deaths or natural disasters. There are constantreports of civil unrest, foreign wars, and joblosses. Whatever it is, pause to see it throughthe eyes of someone involved in the newsstories you see reported on TV.

We can be fatigued by the news we watch.Perhaps we are overwhelmed by what wepersonally face. In the process our heartsbecome a little bit more indifferent to theplight of others we see in turmoil.

Today allow yourself to be moved by a storythat doesnt affect you. Lament for your brotheror sister across the world, and share their pain

in a moment of reflection.

Look...

Read Romans 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love ofChrist? Shall trouble or hardship or persecutionor famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ForI am convinced that neither death nor life, neitherangels nor demons, neither the present nor thefuture, nor any powers, neither height nor depth,nor anything else in all creation, will be ableto separate us from the love of God that isin Christ Jesus our Lord.

We know we are meant to be people of hope -Jesus has won the ultimate victory by defeatingdeath. We also know only too well that we arenot exempt from the realities of the world.

Paul reminds us that trouble, hardship,persecution, famine, nakedness, danger andeven violence cannot separate us from Godslove. But by implication isnt he saying thatimmunity from such pain is not guaranteed?

Today if you are facing trials remember that Hedoes not want you to bear the burden alone. Hehas been in your place of pain, he knows what itis to suffer loss, feel alone and be rejected. Talkto Him honestly - let him know how it really is.

If this isnt you today take time to pray forsomeone in trouble - even if you dont know them.

Ask God to give you compassion - to feel whatthat person in pain is feeling.

Pray for them as though their pain were yours.

Linger...


Helpful Passages

Psalm 51Isaiah 53Luke 4:14-211 Thessalonians 4:13Romans 8:31-391 Corinthians 15:56-58

Prayer

Father, help me be a sincere Christian today.Show me what it is to serve You throughserving my neighbour.Let me have an enthusiastic heart for You,Enable me to be joyful in hope, patient inaffliction, faithful in prayer.

Help me to share with Gods people

who are in need.For those who injure me - help me tobless and not curse them.I rejoice for those who rejoice,Help me to sincerely share in theburdens of those I do not know.

Amen

Open Doors is a ministry to Christians who arepersecuted for their faith. You can find out moreby visiting: www.opendoorsuk.org

Consider how you can share with themin their struggle to be faithful to Christ.

Or...

Find a news story today and prayfor those involved.

Leave...


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Day 7 >Dead Ends...

Have you ever been in a maze - one that istoo high to see over, or too well built to sneakthrough the walls? If you have then you willknow the frustrations of dead ends.

Did you know that in some mazes the solutionto finding the middle is to ensure you are alwaystouching the wall with either your left or yourright hand, even when faced with dead ends?

Are you ever tempted to let go of what youknow to be true, or change course whenyou hit a dead end?

What do you hold on to when the journeyis confusing or daunting?

Look...

The average male drives an extra 276 miles everyyear as a result of being l ost. 26% wait at least halfan hour before conceding defeat and asking fordirections. 12% refuse to ask for any help at all -who knows where they end up!?

No one likes to get lost. None of us liketo face a dead end when we are trying to getsomewhere important. Sometimes, whetherthrough stubbornness, wrong choices or amisguided faith in our own abilities, that iswhere we can end up in our life journey withGod. Tragically if we refuse to ask for directions(like the 12% of male drivers!) we can even giveup on the journey altogether.

King David was greatly blessed by God. Yet

with everything going for him - he wantedsomething that was off limits, namely Bathsheeba.As her husband Uriah was fighting a war for hisKing, that same King slept with Bathsheeba.(Read 2 Samuel 11:5-27)

Even when called home from the heat of battleUriah would not sleep with his wife - not whenhis soldiers fought on the battlefield. The problemfor David was that he could not then claim theunborn child was Uriahs. The finger of blameremained pointed at David.

In his panic David sent the loyal soldier to hisdeath. After positioning him at the front of battle,David ordered every other troop back. Uriah, lefton his own and surrounded by the enemy, waskilled as he fought for the king he loved but

who ultimately betrayed him.

Linger...


Helpful Passages

Matthew 9:18-31Matthew 11: 28-30Luke 1:37Acts 16:16-40Colossians 1: 13-23Philippians 4: 6-7

Prayer

Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;make thy way plain before my face.For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,that makest me dwell in safety.

Teach me, Lord, teach me truly how to live,that I may come to know thee,and in thy presence serve thee with gladness,

and sing songs of praise to thy glory. Church of Ireland Hymnal

Think of a situation where you need help orguidance. Turn to someone for advice anda new direction.

Or...

Who might you turn to for advice anda new direction?

Leave...

Your word is a lamp to my feetand a light to my path.Psalm 119:105

From his place of panic David could only seea dead end - no other way out. What if othersdiscovered his cowardice? From his refusal toask for directions he had an innocent man killed.He sought no advice, and acted alone. In avain attempt to cover his tracks, he onlymade things worse

How far will we go before we realise we needto stop, ask for directions and go another way?When backed into a corner, when faced with adead end, do we continue to rely on our plansand reactions, or do we turn and ask for help?


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Day 8 >Food for the Journey...

Fast food is truly a thing of our times. It comesin every conceivable form to suit any taste, fromhome or abroad. But why is it called fast food?One reason is that it is produced so quickly, onceordered we dont have to wait for long. Its alsobecause we eat it quickly to meet a hunger pang.Often we really dont savour the food as we racefrom place to place.

Fast food has its place, but it certainly doesntreplace the meal that takes time to prepare,eat and savour with family and friends.Is your time with God more like fast food,on-the-go, or a meal to savour?

Look...

Feeding on Jesus isnt just fast food snacking.It means taking time to savour all that he is. Itis spending time and effort to extract the fulltexture and flavour that he wants us to have.There are so many ways that we can feedon Jesus, the bread of life.

Prayer, reading the Bible, worshiping Him andtalking to others about the way Jesus wantsus to live.

What are the challenges for you in takingtime with Him, rather than snacking?How might you begin to overcome these?What hungers do you long for Jesus to meet?

How are you sustained on your Christian journey?

Linger...

Taking small steps in the right directionOn a piece of paper write down one new step youwill take to deepen your relationship with God.

Then put it in a place where you will see it oftenon your fridge, the bathroom mirror, your desk orin your wallet. You could even put the messagewith a daily reminder on your phone!Or...Might you think of fasting, either missinga meal or a coffee break, to pray?

Leave...

Then Jesus declared,I am the bread oflife. Whoever comes tome will never go hungry,and whoever believes inme will never be thirsty.John 6:35


Speak, O Lord, as we come to YouTo receive the food of Your Holy Word.Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,That the light of Christ might be seen todayIn our acts of love and our deeds of faith.Words and Music by Keith Getty & StuartTownend 2005 Thankyou Music

Helpful PassagesPsalm 1Psalm 9Matthew 9:18-31Mark 9:17-24John 15:1-81 Corinthians 1:18-24

Prayer

Lord I ask that today you are with meas I make time to read your word andtalk and listen to you through prayer.

Amen


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Day 9 >Hospitality...

Many of us love coffee. Not only for the flavourbut the welcome break it brings from the thingsthat clamour for our time. It is best when sharedwith friends and family - being with thosewho love you.

When Jesus invited himself to stay with ZacchaeusHe brought that same sense of a welcome break:things were going to be different.

Look...

Read Luke 19:1-11 - Zacchaeus the tax collector.

Our world is filled with time-saving devices.Yet we struggle to find time. Ask almost anyone,regardless of age or stage, and they will saythat they dont have enough time!

Hospitality is about caring for others. Toexperience hospitality is to experience what it islike to be cared for. This encounter between Jesusand Zacchaeus is an experience of hospitality.

As you read through the passage ask yourselfwho offers the hospitality and who receives it?Zacchaeus does not seem to be a happy orcontented person. He knew about Jesus andwanted to find out more. Jesus extended an

invitation to Zacchaeus to accompany him to hisown house. This invitation changed Zacchaeus life!

Jesus offers us the same invitation to us, Can Icome and stay with you today?

Is He welcome to accompany you everywhereyou go today?

Linger...

Write the word, Jesus on a small piece of paper.

You can carry it in your pocket or wallet withyou today. At the end of the day ask yourselfhow many times you were aware of the paperand how your day was different.

Each time you are aware of His presence simplysay a silent Thank-you to God that he choosesto care for you in your daily life - that you arenot alone.

If you meet someone today that you find itdifficult to connect with ask yourself Howcan I see Jesus in this person?

Leave...

For the Son of Mancame to seek andto save the lost.Luke 19:10


Helpful PassagesExodus 13:17-22Psalm 139John 6:1-14John 12:1-11Acts 4:32-37Philemon 1:4-7

Prayer

Father,Thank you for caring for meHelp me to care for otherswith the same loveyou show me.

Amen


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Day 10 >Baggage...

When I saw him on his knees in the airportterminal I wished I could help. With his suitcaseopen he was staring at the seemingly impossibletask. How was he going to choose what was tobe left behind?

A friend, when travelling as a student, solved thisproblem in a novel way. She removed the extraweight in clothes from her suitcase and worethem on to the plane.

Do you recognise yourself in either of thesepeople?

Look...

Read Matthew 19:16-26 - The Rich Young Man

What must I do?It is a simple question and one that is at theheart of shaping our Christian faith. There is noreason to assume that the young man asking thequestion was trying to trick Jesus as some of thereligious leaders had done. He was trying to dothe right thing, follow the Ten Commandments.

Jesus challenges the young man: 21 If youwould be perfect, go, sell what you possess andgive to the poor, and you will have treasure inheaven; and come, follow me.

We know the story ends in sadness: ...22 Whenthe young man heard this he went away sorrowful,

for he had great possessions.What does doing the right thing look like in yourdaily life?

The monkey trap works because the monkey isnot willing to let go. Are there things in your lifethat you need to let go of?

Linger...

Listen to or read the words of Amazing Grace.

Write or draw in the jar anything God wantsyou to give away.

Leave...


Helpful Passages

Exodus 20Psalm 46:1-3, 7Isaiah 41:10Matthew 4:18-22John 16:332 Timothy 1:7

Blessing

Heavenly Father,Help me to see what to let go of,and what to hold onto.

Amen

But Jesus looked atthem and said, Withman this is impossible,but with God all thingsare possible.Matthew 19:26


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Will you go where you dont know and neverbe the same? (from CH 605)

Journeys arent always defined by their destination.Some of our most important journeys are definedby their point of departure. Where we left, whywe left, what we decided we had to leave behind,what we were prised away from by circumstanceor the actions of others, the simple fact (hardlysimple!) that we couldnt stay - or that we just hadto go (two different things!), or the simple fact (andsometimes it is that simple!) that it was just timeto go All these circumstances and more, definesome of the most important journeys we make -or realise we have made.

Deepest of all, we are in the end defined as humanbeings by a departing that lies ahead of us all, and

with which we have somehow to come to terms.The departing of those we love reminds us of ourown mortality. Yet faith can understand what fromour perspective has to seem like a departure, asarrival. Deitrich Bonhoeffers last recorded words,to his fellow prisoners, before he has hanged bythe Nazis in 1945, were This is the end - for methe beginning of life. Jesus says: When I go andprepare a place for you, I will come again and willtake you to myself, that where I am you may bealso. John 14:3

Just so can our departure become our destination.

Departures...

View from Buncrana


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Day 11 >Companions on the Road...

If you have camped out on a mountainside or livein the countryside away from street lighting youwill remember how dark it gets at night. Most ofus arent accustomed to real darkness anymore.There is always some kind of background light,somewhere.

As Cleopas and his companion travelled awayfrom Jerusalem they travelled in a kind of darkness- one that follows shattered dreams, bereavement,lost hopes. Yet they were to meet someone in themiddle of their darkness who would shed light,and bring hope.

Look...

Read Luke 24:13-34 - On the Road to Emmaus

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide;the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;when other helpers fail and comforts flee,help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out lifes little day;earths joys grow dim, its glories pass away;change and decay in all around I see;O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour;what but thy grace can foil the tempters power?Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless;

ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.Where is deaths sting? Where, grave, thy victory?I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;shine through the gloom, and point meto the skies;heavens morning breaks, and earthsvain shadows flee;in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)

Based on Luke 24: 29; 1 Corinthians 15: 55

What dark things in your life need to be broughtinto perspective by remembering that Christ isalive and with you?

Linger...

Identify someone you might travel with ona dark journey. What can you do to showthem you are walking with them?

Or...

Light a candle today as a way of remindingyou to pray for someone whose journey isfilled with darkness today.

Leave...


Helpful PassagesPsalm 4Psalm 121Psalm 139Isaiah 42:5-7John 3:18-20John 14

Prayer

Father,Thank you that you are always with meMay that promise be my source of hope todayHelp me to bring hope to others.

Amen

They said to each other,Did not our hearts burnwithin us while he talkedto us on the road, while heopened to us the Scriptures?Luke 24:32

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Day 12 >Frustration...

He said to them, Cast the net on the right sideof the boat, and you will find some. So theycast it, and now they were not able to haul itin, because of the quantity of fish. John 21:6

Going back to the familiar. This is what we meetthe disciples doing at the start of this passage inJohn 21. As far as they are concerned Jesus isdead. They were at a loss as to what to doso they returned to the familiar - fishing.

In your life what do you return to when youfeel following Gods way has become too hard?

Look...

Read John 21:1-19 - Jesus Appearsto Seven Disciples

The passage we are reading is about restoringhope. The cross has happened and the disciples,even those closest to Jesus, dont know what todo. They are bereaved. Hopes and plans of whatthey and Jesus would do have ended. So they goback to what they know: fishing.

Would you have acted any differently?

Linger...

How do you normally deal with disappointment?

In what ways have you been disappointed by God?Prayer is telling God what you are thinking andfeeling tell Him.

Or...

In what ways have you heard God respondto your disappointment and give you hope?

Leave...


Helpful PassagesPsalm 90Psalm 131Luke 10:38-42Romans 4:13-24Colossians 1:4-6Hebrews 6

Prayer

Collect for Epiphany 3

God of blazing light,through the power of the crossyou shattered our darkness,scattering the fears that bind usand setting us free to live as your children.Give us courage and conviction

that we may joyfully turn and follow youinto new adventures of faithful service,led by the light that shinesthrough Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen

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Day 13 >Solitude...

Solitude being alone remoteness from activity

As soon as we are alone... inner chaos opensup in us. This chaos can be so disturbing and soconfusing that we can hardly wait to get busyagain. Entering a private room and shuttingthe door, therefore, does not mean that weimmediately shut out all our inner doubts,anxieties, fears, bad memories, unresolvedconflicts, angry feelings and impulsive desires.On the contrary, when we have removed ourouter distractions, we often find that our innerdistractions manifest themselves to us in fullforce. We often use the outer distractions to shieldourselves from the interior noises. This makesthe discipline of solitude all the more important.

Henry Nouwen, Making All Things Newand Other Classics 2008

What do you find difficult about a lack ofdistraction and noise?

Look...

Read 1 Kings 19:9-18 - The Lord Speaks to Elijah

Solitude is not always a daunting thing. The quietplace can be where God speaks to us most deeply.

Why do you sometimes feel that all God wants is tospeak words of condemnation and failure to you?

What good things does God want to say toyou today?

Linger...

The spiritual life does not remove usfrom the world but leads us deeper into it.

Henri Nouwen: Making All Things New - AnInvitation to the Spiritual Life, 2007 Harper Collins

Find a seat in a quiet place. As you sit becomeconscious of your breathing. As you breatheout say I breathe out distractions. As youbreathe in say I breathe in peace.

Leave...


Helpful PassagesExodus 3Psalm 46Matt 14:13-34Luke 24:13-35John 16:25-33Revelation 3:20

Prayer

Dear God,I am so afraid to open my clenched fists!Who will I be when I have nothing left tohold on to?Who will I be when I stand before you withempty hands?Please help me to gradually open my handsand to discover that I am not what I own,

but what you want to give me.

Selected Writings of Henri J.M. Nouwencompiled and edited by Wendy WilsonGreer 2008

Or...

Listen to the hymn Be Still For the Presence ofthe Lordand reflect on what it says about thenature of God and his presence with you.

Be still for the presence of the LordThe holy one is hereCome bow before him nowWith reverence and fearIn him no sin is foundWe stand on holy groundBe still for the presence of the LordThe holy one is here.

Be still for the glory of the LordIs shining all aroundHe burns with holy fireWith splendour he is crownedHow awesome is the sightOur radiant king of lightBe still for the glory of the Lord.

Is shining all aroundBe still for the power of the LordIs moving in this placeHe comes to cleanse and healTo minister his graceNo work to hard for himIn faith receive from himBe still for the power of the LordIs moving in this place.

Day 14 >


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Day 14 >Routines...

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary hismother, Behold, this child is appointed for thefall and rising of many in Israel, and for a signthat is opposed. Luke 2:34

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit iswhat keeps you going. Jim Ryun

A study has shown that habit can win over willpower in our behaviour. Think of a helpful habityou have in your everyday life. When and howdid you create this?

Look...

Saint Benedict says in the Prologue to his Rule:

And so we are going to establish a school for theservice of the Lord. In founding it we hope tointroduce nothing harsh or burdensome. But if acertain strictness results from the dictates of equityfor the amendment of vices or the preservation ofcharity, do not be at once dismayed and fly fromthe way of salvation, whose entrance cannot butbe narrow (Matt. 7:14).

For as we advance in the religious life and in faith,our hearts expand and we run the way of Godscommandments with unspeakable sweetness oflove. Thus, never departing from His school,but persevering in the monastery according toHis teaching until death, we may by patience

share in the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:13)and deserve to have a share also in His kingdom.

What helpful habits do you have in your life?

Our character is basically a composite of ourhabits. Because they are consistent, oftenunconscious patterns, they constantly, daily,express our character. Stephen Covey

Are there habits you would prefer not to have?

Read Luke 2:22-38 - Jesus Presented at the Temple

In this passage we read about Simeon and Annawho had developed a good habit of going tothe Temple every day: they were waiting for thecoming Messiah. This good habit meant that theywere ready to hear when God spoke. They were in

Linger...

Saint Benedicts words remind his readers thathe wasnt writing something to be a burden.Think about how you live each day.

What good habits could help you live outyour faith each day?

Leave...


Helpful PassagesPsalm 119:163-165Mark 7:20 - 23Luke 11:1-13Acts 4:32-37Ephesians 6:10-20Hebrews 10:19-25

Prayer

Heavenly Father,Help me to be ready when you speak,Guide me when I am to bring yourword to others, and teach me toobey your word in my daily life.

Amen

the right place at the right time when Jesuswas brought to the Temple. Developing goodhabits can literally be life-changing!

GoodHabit-Morning

GoodHabit-Afternoon

GoodHabit-Evening

GoodHabit-Night

Or...

Set your alarm for a time during the day whenyou mightnt normally have time to pray. Whenit goes off take time to surrender the momentto God by praying Lord, be in this moment.

Day 15 >


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Day 15 >Sacramental...

And he took bread, and when he had giventhanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying,This is my body, which is given for you. Do thisin remembrance of me. 20And likewise the cupafter they had eaten, saying, This cup that ispoured out for you is the new covenant inmy blood. Luke 22:19-20

What is your memory like? Do you rememberthings from ages ago but forget to buy milkon your way home?

What are the events in your life when youhave sensed that God has been involved?

Look...

Read Luke 22:7-23 - The Passover with theDisciples

The Prayer Book says that a sacrament is anoutward and physical sign of an inward andspiritual grace. It is God using the ordinarystaples of everyday like bread and wine, orwater, to be present, to be with us in daily living.

Jesus took the disciples by surprise by using theordinary of every-day - bread and wine. Takingtime to reflect on this last week has Jesus manifestHimself in your life in ways that you may havenot been conscious of at the time?

How would you like Jesus to manifestHimself in your life today?

Linger...

On Sunday notice the Font and the Holy Table.What Bible verses are written on or aroundthem? What promises do they point you to?

Or...

Find a rough piece of wood. As you touch itnotice the roughness and the splinters. Takea moment to think of the roughness of theCross. Remember this is a measure of Christslove for you.

Leave...


Helpful PassagesIsaiah 53Matthew 5:21-26John 4:-26John 6:46-591 Corinthians 11:17-36Acts 8:26-40

Prayer

Lord God,Thank you for the sacramentsto help me understand your love better,May they remind me each day of that love.

Amen


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Emotional journeys can leave us feeling as ifwe have just run a marathon. We may be elated,relived, distraught or simply drained or exhausted.

Unlike physical journeys, there are no maps for theinternal ones. But as with all personalised travel,we make our own detours and stops along theway. Sometimes we get to where we want to be.Sometimes we break down. Often we long for anemotional sat-nav that tells us how to feel at anygiven moment and how to make sense of things.

The stories of Jesus show us an emotional, real-life human being who weeps, becomes angry andstruggles with temptations. And in all his emotionalturmoil, He is sustained by God the Father.

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our internalcompanion. The Spirit is always with us.

And emotions are a gift:

I feelthereforeI am alive!

Emotional Journeys...

The headland at Dunree

Day 16 > And since we have


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Day 16 >Spiritual Gifts...

When we see a beautifully wrapped gift withribbons and bows and expensive colouredpaper we probably expect to find an expensivegift inside.

If there are no bows and ribbons and just plainbrown paper surrounding the gift perhaps ourexpectations of whats inside arent so high.

Every one of us looks different. But its the giftsthat we have underneath the wrapping thatmatter. We all are unique and our gifts, whenwe use them to their full potential, togetherhelp to make our families, our church, andour communities better places.

What gifts has God given you to servesomeone else today?

Look...

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Spiritual gifts can seem like a mystery to us.So, what are they?

Spiritual gift are God-given There are more than 20 different gifts

mentioned in the Bible They are abilities that each of us has been

given so we can make our unique contributionto our families and communities

They are given by the Holy Spirit to everybeliever according to Gods choice and kindness

Every believer has at least one spiritual gift Together they work in everyone so that we

can work and serve God best as the Bodyof Christ

Your spiritual gift is most often the thingyou simply enjoy doing and are good at.

It is always encouraging to have someonetell you something you are good at.

Perhaps you would like to find out what spiritualgifts you have to serve others. You can go onlineand complete the following simple exercisewww.kodachrome.org/spiritgift/

Any surprises for you?

Linger...

Using our gifts is about giving glory to Godand serving others.

The greatest things are often done by thosewho see a need - and simply decide to dosomething to meet it.

Today what needs will you come across?

Is there something you can do?

Leave...


Helpful Passages1 Corinthians 12: 8-101 Corinthians 12:28Romans 12:6-8Ephesians 4:11Exodus 31:31 Timothy 2:1-2Psalm 150:3-5

Prayer

Gracious and generous Father, thank you forgiving me spiritual gifts. Help me now to usethem to build up your Kingdom here on earthso that your Gospel may be spread.

Amen

And since we havegifts that differ accordingto the grace given tous, let each exercisethem accordingly.Romans 12:6

Each one should usewhatever gift he hasreceived to serve others,faithfully administeringGods grace in itsvarious forms.1 Peter 4:10

Day 17 >


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Day 17 >Joy...

What does the word joy mean to you?

The one who finds his life will lose it, andthe one who loses his life because of mewill find it. Matt 10:39:

Put Jesus first, others next and then yourselfafter that thats:

J for JesusO for othersY for yourself

This is the path that leads to real JOY.

God is at the centre. He is the number one.Ask God, to help you love him with all yourheart and love others as you love yourself.

Look...

Does joy mean feeling good all the time?Thats probably impossible - even for thosewho are naturally upbeat and optimistic.

What about Kay Warrens definition of joy?

Joy is the settled assurance that God is in controlof all the details of my life, the quiet confidencethat ultimately everything is going to be alright,and the determined choice to praise God inevery situation.

If you have joy that looks and feels like thatthen what do the words of this simple songmean for you?

Ive got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heartWhere?

Down in my heart!Where?Down in my heart!Ive got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heartDown in my heart to stay. George Willis Cooke

Does anger towards someone else causeyour joy to leak?

Linger...

Take time to think about someone you love,remember what that feeling is like and howyou act towards that person. Now take timeto think about someone that you dont havethose loving feelings for.

Take the first steps of your journey in reachingout to them through what you say and what youdo, so that a love that is equal to the love youhave for others will radiate to them and others?

Or...

Is there something you can do today to bringsimple joy to someone - perhaps send a cardor flowers?

Leave...


Helpful PassagesPsalm 52 Samuel 6Luke 15:1-7Philippians 1:3-111 Peter 1:3-9Revelation 21:1-8

Prayer

Father I choose joy today - to believethat you are ultimately in control of all thedetails of my life. I choose to have the quietconfidence that ultimately everything isgoing to be alright. I also decide to praiseyou in every situation. You are the calmin my storm.

Amen

The joy of the Lordis your strength.Nehemiah 8:10

Day 18 >Th J t ld hi di i l


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yPrayer...

What has an apple got to do with our prayer life?

An apple gives our bodies sustenance andthrough its PIPS it has the potential for growthand development.

As Christians we need sustenance for our dailyfaith journey - that which will give us life andhealth.

Right at the centre, in the core of your Christianlife, is prayer. Right in the core is YOUR PIP-your persistence in prayer.

Just as we can plant the apple pip and throughwatering it and tending it and nurturing it we willgradually begin to see shoots and leaves grow anddevelop. So it is with prayer in your everyday life.

There is nothing instantaneous in it - we needto persist, whether it is in growing a seed forfruit or praying.

Look...

Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation willoverpower you. For though the spirit is willingenough, the body is weak! Matthew 26:41

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with allkinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, bealert and always keep on praying for all the saints.Ephesians 6:18

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you willfind; knock and the door will be opened to you.Matthew 7:7

What is it you really want to say to God?

Do you believe God ever likes to say yes to you?

Linger...

Write the words of What a friend we have inJesus on a piece of paper. Carry them withyou to look at throughout the day.

What a friend we have in Jesus,All our sins and griefs to bear!What a privilege to carryEverything to God in prayer!Oh, what peace we often forfeit,Oh, what needless pain we bear,All because we do not carryEverything to God in prayer! Church of Ireland Hymnal

Why can prayer seem so difficult?

Or...

Leave...


Helpful PassagesPsalm 95Matthew 6:9-13Matthew 28:28-31Luke 18:1-8Ephesians 6:10-20James 5:13-20

Prayer

Father, as you and I talk together every dayhelp me to listen to you as you speak intomy life. Through Jesus Christ my Lord.

Amen

Then Jesus told his disciplesa parable to show them thatthey should always prayand not give up.Luke 8:1

Eat an apple and then plant the pip. Persistin tending it as it grows and develops andreminds you of your prayer life.

Day 19 >Jesus Christ is the


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yChange...

Change must be one of the most advertisedthings on television. The number of adverts thatpromise you that if you change your car, yoursofa or brand of washing powder you will behappier. What about the adverts that suggest thatif you buy a certain type of breakfast cereal youwill change your shape or if you buy a certaintype of skin cream you wont change at all!

In all these changes the world seems to spin andturn upside down. It can become exhausting. Thefamous author and son of a Church of IrelandRector, Charles Handy, says Learning and changeare never clear and never sure. Whenever wechange we step out a little into the unknown.Do you ever wonder, how am I going to copewith the constant confusion and chaos of life

and living that is all around me?

In what ways do you long for somethingto stay constant in your life?

To keep hope alive the simple yet profoundmessage of Hebrews Chapter 13:8 says it all!

Look...

The great hymn writer John Henry Newmanturns our attention to Jesus as the constant inour ever changing and often challenging lives.He says:

Lead, kindly Light, amid thencircling gloom,lead Thou me on!The night is dark, and I am far from home;lead Thou me on!Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to seeThe distant scene; one step enough for me.

He continues:

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,Thyself hast trod,Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith,home to my God.

To rest forever after earthly strifeIn the calm light of everlasting life. Church of Ireland Hymnal

Jesus is the constant in our lives. No matterwhat the situation he is there. No matter howhard it may be for us to find him in the times ofsorrow or no matter how much we ignore himin the times of pleasure - he is still there. Stillthe rock that is higher than ourselves (Psalm 61:2).

What do you find difficult about change?

Linger...

Charles Handy tells a story. A speaker fromthe floor of the Chamber spoke with passion.In this matter, he cried, as in so much else inour great country, why cannot the status quo bethe way forward? It was the heartfelt plea ofthose in power, anywhere, throughout the ages.If change there has to be let it be more of thesame continuous change. That way, the cynicmight observe, nothing changes very much.

Be aware of changes around you, even the seasonsand the weather. Remember that spring followswinter ...and CELEBRATE what each season brings.

Leave...


Helpful PassagesGenesis 17Numbers 23:19Psalm 61Psalm 62Matthew 16:21 - 28Mark 4:35-41

Prayer

Father as I go through this dayand contemplate the futureThrough all the changing scenes of my life,In trouble and in joy,Let the praises of my God stillMy heart and tongue employ.

Amen

Jesus Christ is thesame yesterday andtoday and forever.Hebrews 13: 8

Day 20 >


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Waiting...

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that patienceis a fruit of the Spirit.

To have patience is not something thatcomes naturally to many of us.

Its worth getting out your dictionary andfinding out what the word patience means.

He is happy whose circumstances suit histemper; but he is more excellent who cansuit his temper to any circumstances.David Hume (1711-1776)

Where do you exhibit patience? Where do younot? Would others agree with your answers?

Look...

Hebrews 11:1 shines a light on what ourpatience is built on: Now faith is confidencein what we hope for and assurance aboutwhat we do not see.

Numbers 14:18 talks of the Lords generosity. He isslow to anger, abounding in love and forgiveness.

Gods timing is often not our timing. We know thisin theory but how easy it is to get frustrated whena prayer seems to go unanswered, or God seemsto show no urgency in His response.

To what conclusions, about God and yourself,does your mind easily jump to when a prayerseems slow in the answering?

Linger...

Is patience a spiritual matter for you today?

How do circumstances that stretch yourpatience draw you closer to God or driveyou away from Him?

Or...

Go into your garden or a park. Look around youfor flowers. If it is in the middle of winter you willnot see any - the bulbs are underneath the ground.Just because you do not see them does not meanthey will not blossom in the springtime.

Why dont you plant a bulb. Think about whatyou have to do to nurture it through the differentseasons of the year.

Draw strength and patience as you watch thesurvival and growth of flowers in your garden...

Leave...


Helpful PassagesNumbers 14:18Luke 8:1-15John 16:7-101 Corinthians 2:7-10Galatians 5:22-232 Peter 3:9

And a thought to take with you:

Patience is a kind of love. A love that is itsown explanation in bewildered circumstance.It is an old, old woman placing a wrinkled-parchment hand against the cheek ofa reckless child. Because her heart istoo wise to make room for reproach.Too full to find place for offense.

Pavithra Mehta


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Our lives are often in transition - moving fromone place to another. Transition implies changeand movement, something that brings challenge,excitement and renewed energy; but, equally,transition can be that frustrating time of waiting,a time that unsettles us in the not knowing.

In times of transition we often reach out to God,seeking some sense of guidance, meaning andpurpose in our lives. Is this the right job for me?Where should I be living and working? Doesthis relationship bring out the best in me? Ourquestioning allows transition to become a morefruitful experience when we can listen attentivelyto the prompting of the Holy Spirit. A time tobe still, to take stock of our lives and, maybe,to move on in a new or different direction.

Transition is often a time of letting go, leaving

behind some things or some people, a time torest in the presence of God, a time to discern thenext stage of the journey, until we are ready toembrace the new and to welcome it home.

Transitions...

View from Buncrana

Day 21 >


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Conversion...

Why does the phone ring just as you sit downfor a cuppa? If its a friend it can be a welcomedistraction. But when it is a cold-caller lookingfor you to change energy suppliers or internetproviders thats a different story. If they get pasttheir pre-scripted introduction without gettingcut off they have done well.

Essentially these phone calls are designed tobring you new information. It is information for apurpose - the hope that you will change what youcurrently do to begin a new thing, a fresh start.

Jesus speaks to us for a purpose - to bring aboutchange in our lives. When talking to the rich youngman in Matthew 19.16-22 Jesus challenges him togive up what he loves most - his money.

Jesus constantly challenges us to change whatwe currently do (our desires and plans), to begina new thing (His desires and plans).

We can do one of two things. Hang up and ignoreHim - what does that look like for you? Or allowHis message to change us.

What is Jesus challenging you to turn from today?Ask Him

Look...

Dont let the methods put you off the message

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a newcreation; old things have passed away; behold,all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5.17

Conversion is a strong theme in the Bible -to turn from our ways to Gods ways.

Conversion is a realisation that we owe Godeverything. It is a letting go of control.

The message is clear in the Bible to put the oldthings away and start afresh with Christ. Howeverin our culture the language of conversion hasbaggage. It may conjure up caricatures ofmethods and events we do not like. Howeverdont let the methods put you off the message!

Galatians 5.17 reminds us of the daily challenges inconversion. For the flesh desires what is contraryto the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to theflesh. They are in conflict with each other, so thatyou are not to do whatever you want.

Do you recognise a time of conversion in your life?

Conversion is not just a moment in time but apattern of living. When you look back, can yousee a track record of mini-victories over thedesires of the flesh - of saying no to yourselfand yes to Him?

What do the challenges of conversion looklike for you at the moment?

Linger...

Watch someone make a meal - either at homeor on TV.

Imagine the ingredients.

Look at what happens to them in the process.

Smell the ingredients before and after cooking.

Imagine what it would be like if you had to eat theingredients uncooked - which do you prefer?

Or...

What is the cost to you of saying yes to Christ?

What is the cost to you of saying no?

Leave...


Helpful Passages

Psalm 34Mark 10:17-27Romans 5.8Galatians 5.172 Corinthians 5.172 Peter 3.9

Prayer

Lord Jesus, today it is no longer I who live,but you who live in me. The life I now liveI live by faith in You - the Son of God wholoved me and gave Yourself for me.

Amen

Day 22 >


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Beyond the Boundaries...

Forgiveness is a hard thing. Is there anythingmore difficult that Jesus asks us to do? Yethe advocates it in the strongest terms.

Peter was asking Jesus what the boundaries wereto forgiveness, what is the limit? Jesus said thereis no limit - forgive when it is easy, forgive whenit is hard, and forgive when it seems impossible.

Why is forgiveness so difficult?

What is the cost to you of withholding forgiveness?

Look...

Read Matthew 21.33-45

Jesus tells the story of walls being built arounda vineyard, and the master hiring some farmersto tend the land. When the harvest approached,the owner sent servants to collect the fruit. Thefarmers rejected the servants, beat them, stonedthem and killed them. This happened twice.Eventually the owner sent his son, believingthe farmers would not treat him the same way.The farmers killed the son.

God can ask us to forgive because His forgivenessof our sins knows no bounds. As the story remindsus, the extent of His willingness to forgive waslosing His Son.

Reflecting on all of this has God a right to ask

us to forgive others, to say that there are noboundaries to forgiveness?

Linger...

Forgiveness is an immensely costly thing. We onlyhave to remember what it cost Gordon Wilson toforgive those who had murdered his daughter.

How on earth did he do it?

Is there someone you struggle to forgive?

If there is someone you struggle to forgive writetheir name on your hand. Use this as a reminderto ask God to help you to forgive that person.

Or...

Read John 19. 17-37 and find a Holy CommunionService this weekend.

Leave...


Allow yourself to be moved by the wordsof the service - read the words as if for thefirst time.

Let them sink in afresh.

Thank God for his Son and the priceHe paid for your forgiveness.

Helpful Passages

Hosea 14Psalm 86Matthew 5:21-26Matthew 21.33-45Luke 7:36-50John 19. 17-37

Prayer

Open my lips, Lord,and my mouth will declare your praise.You do not delight in sacrifice, or I wouldbring it;You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;A broken and contrite heart you, God,will not despise.

(Psalm 51:15-17)

Then Peter came to Jesusand asked, Lord, how manytimes shall I forgive my brotheror sister who sins againstme? Up to seven times?Jesusanswered, I tell you, not seventimes, but seventy-seven times.Matthew 18:21-22

Day 23 >Th Si ifi f I i


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The Significance of Intimacy...

You have searched me, Lord, and you knowme. You know when I sit and when I rise; youperceive my thoughts from afar you are familiarwith all my ways. Before a word is on my tongueyou, Lord, know it completely. You hem me inbehind and before, and you lay your hand uponme. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-6

Image is everything these days. In a world ofcelebrity, PR and glossy magazines we rarely getbeyond the surface of what people want us toknow about them.

Intimacy a warm, close, personal friendship.As a way of describing a relationship with Goddoes this appeal to you?

Does it make you uncomfortable?

Look...

X-factor, Britains Got Talent, The Voice, Im aCelebrity Get Me out of Here - TV schedules arefull of programmes showcasing talent wheregetting on stage and proving to the world thatyou have what it takes to make it is howsuccess and failure are judged.

Are these shows a symptom of something more- a search for personal significance? That if theworld knows I exist, if I am on the TV or in thenewspapers then somehow I am significant.

Finding our deepest sense of identity in this wayis dangerous - seeking the approval of strangers,the votes of the fickle, the acclamation of themasses. Our audience become our judge. As weendeavour to remain liked we lose touch withwho we truly are. We strive to please those we

dont know; we struggle to be liked by thosewe have nothing in common with; we findour acceptance in the arms of strangers.

Jesus says the opposite in Matthew 6:6. Get offthe stage, take off the fake eyelashes and designerlabels, go into your room, close the door, andspend time with God - but more than that -do it in secret. Let no one else even know.

What is the challenge in this for you today?

Linger...

Create an opportunity to simply watch peoplegoing about their ordinary business today.

Be aware of what draws your attention to somemore than others. Remember what impressesyou or puts you off some - be aware of whatgoes through your mind as you measure thesignificance of others?

Or...

Today

How will you measure your significance?

How will you measure the significance of others?

Leave...


Helpful Passages

Genesis 1:26-31Psalm 91Psalm 139Matthew 6:5-15Mark 7:24.30Luke 15Romans 8:8-13

Prayer

Father, I share the desire of every humanbeing - to know I am significant, that I matter.Fill me with the peace that comes fromknowing that I am significant to You. Let mewalk with joy today knowing that I matter.

For you created my inmost being; youknit me together in my mothers womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully andwonderfully made; your works arewonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

Day 24 >Lif St f Now I know only in part;


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Life Stages - fromChild to Adult...

Imagine youre doing a jigsaw puzzle. Youspend ages arranging the pieces, fitting the edgestogether, then filling in the gaps. As the picturebecomes clearer you feel a sense of satisfaction.You begin to see the reward for all your hardlabour. Then, just as the masterpiece nearscompletion, you realise that a few piecesof the jigsaw are missing.

What feelings are you aware of?

At each stage of lifes journey we see onlypart of the picture. Some key pieces to our fullyunderstanding Gods purpose for our existencewill be missing. What bits of the picture aremissing for you just now?

Look...

Paul is convinced that even if we do not see allof the picture of our lives, God does. How does itmake you feel that you are fully known by God?

Now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; thenwe shall see face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12

Looking in a mirror will tell you so much aboutyourself - including some things that you may notlike! Why not do it - go and look in a mirror rightnow? And ask, What do I see that I like and wantto grow? And what do I want to change?

Linger...

Have a go at one of the following exercises:

Visit someone you know in a nursing home, oran elderly neighbour, and invite them to sharesome of the lessons theyve learnt in life.

Or...

List my three golden rules in life.

Or...

Do a jigsaw puzzle. Try to see it as a living prayer.When youve finished give thanks for all that Godhas revealed to you about his picture for your life.

Leave...


Helpful Passages

1 Samuel 3:1-11Mark 10:13-16Luke 2:42-511 Corinthians 13:1-11Ephesians 4:7-161 Peter 5:1-11

Prayer

May the blessing of incomplete knowledge,And the promise that more is to come,Keep you forever, in the power of the Spirit,In the journey of Christ,In the love of God.

Amen

Now I know only in part;then I shall know fully, evenas I have been fully known.1 Corinthians 13.12

Author of Life, I belong in Your cast.Help me to emerge gloriously fromall my growing pains.Risen Teacher, I am your stagecraft student.Enable me to use correction and praisein equal measure.Spirit of Truth, keep directing me.Empower me to act wisely and justly.

For I am your child, God.And this is Your show.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thoughtlike a child, I reasoned like a child. When I becamea man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.(1 Corinthians 13:11)

What would it mean for you to put the waysof childhood behind you? How is God callingme to grow?

You call me forth,To play upon the stage of life;An actor in Your great drama.My entrance is not without struggle.I fall and bump about the setLearning how to move with grace.Words and sounds jumble aroundUntil shared language connects me.My mind broadens and quickens

As little by little the play unfolds.One day, I dream,The complete works will be revealed.

But for now, I journey on -From the spontaneity of childhoodTo the teenager rebellion yearsUntil to all intents and purposesI appear to be grown-up.

But where are my lines?I am still improvising from the original Script.When will my character be fully developed?I am still becoming my part.Why do I miss so many cues?I think Im listening for that vital Word.

Day 25 >Unexpected They said to each other


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UnexpectedEncounters...

Flick through a magazine until your eyes lighton a sympathetic face - someone you feel youcould talk to. Why? What does this persondraw out of you that you might wish to sayto a complete stranger? Light on anotherface, in the same magazine, or another.

Try this a few times. In each case, take thehumanity of the person whose face it is asseriously as you can. Or do this with a face youdont immediately warm to. How much of ourreaction to others do we foist on them? Howready are we to a genuinely open conversation,involving listening as well as sharing? And howfree, or otherwise, are we from a monologuealready going on in our heads?

Look...

Two friends on a lonely journey home. Like oneof those journeys after your football team havedropped out of the cup, or your choir have lostthe contest. Like the drive home after one of youhas received bad news in the hospital consultingroom. What can anybody say?

Then this apparent stranger draws alongside.Through his questioning, probing, listening, andopening of the scriptures, he draws out of themnot just their deep disappointment but also theirhopes and dreams for the future.

Linger... Today attempt one of these exercises with the intentof helping yourself or others to become more awareof the presence of the mysterious companion onour journey.

Chat with someone about important momentsof realisation in your lives.

Write the words Abide with me on a post-it andput them up in different places around your houseas reminders of the presence of the risen Lord.

Leave a book, card or leaflet with a Christian theme in aplace where it is likely to be picked up e.g. a bus station.Pray that someone will take it and find it helpful.

Leave...


Helpful Passages

Genesis 18:22-33Ruth 1: 7-182 Kings 2: 1-15Job 42: 1-6Mark 12: 28-34Luke 24: 13-35John 4: 1-29

Prayer

May the language of our bodiesBe the love of Christ,The constant discourse of our gesturesHis accepting welcome;May we articulate,In all we say and do, and are,The presence of Christ in his world;And may the peace of Christ give us humilityTo listen

Amen

They said to each other,Were not our hearts burningwithin us while he wastalking to us on the road?Luke 24:32

In you we understand each other,Because in you, absolutely, we are understood.O vast, attentive hinterland of our chatter,Teach us how to listen, as well as talk, toreceive as well as transmit.

In you the words that flit between us,zigzagging the short distance from soul to soulAs we tread our road together,Can bind our mere shared direction into a single,shared journey,And our introverted rehearsals, our dislocated speech,Into a shared story, of where we have beenAnd where we are going, in you.

They were kept from recognising him. Luke 24:16.What do you think prevented their recognisingJesus? What are things that stop us being opento share the deepest parts of our lives with him?

What could we do to help people we encounteron our journey to be open to the Lords presence?

Our paths were two parallel lines,same direction, never meeting,Sad words, flitting crabwise between us,keeping us together,An endless, fruitless rehearsal of events,truisms, platitudes,Sometimes, thats what its like, with us

Father, you, beyond speechAre the goal of our speaking, as of our living;For you are the meaning for which,So blithely - or desperately - we substitutetrivial meanings of our own,Only to mourn your absence, even whileyou are there for us.

Christ, you are Language,Inviting us to take you as the syntaxof our self-expression,Stringing together our words and actionsInto a lived utterance of love.

Holy Spirit, you are Advocate,Articulate in our speechlessness,the medium of our conversation,Interpreting, each to the other,our silences, our loss-for-words.


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It isnt always where we intend to go that we

wind up. Levi the tax-collector had the meaningof his whole life on the table before him, in thepiles of money for which he had traded respect,friendship, even simple, everyday, humansolidarity.

Jesus came by, Levi got up and left it all, andbecame someone different. He didnt know wherehe was going - just that he had to go. He had notcome to maybe a fork in the road, but certainly a

junction. A junction offers us a choice; will we goon the way we have been, complete the journeywe started - or take a new way, begin a new

journey, abandon the old one? There is alwaysthe default option-carry on as before.

So we evaluate. We weigh, and measure, we askwhat is important and precious to us about the

road we are treading, and have been for a whilenow, the journey we believe we are on - and whatmight be better in a change of direction, a changeof goal. For faith the possibility of a new directionopens up, this weighing and measuring is a deeplyprayerful process. We hand all these things toGod. Yet for faith, too, the choice is ours to make.He hands the decision back. We decide. God isin all this.

Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light tomy path. (Psalm 119:105)

New Directions...

Day 26 >Manna - Food for the Journey


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Manna Food for the Journey...

If you can, take a piece of bread in your hand.Savour the smell, the texture and the taste.

Then say the Lords Prayer out loud or silently inyour head. Pause after the line Give us this dayour daily bread - let this thought stay with youthroughout the day.Now reflect on Gods promise: I am going torain bread from heaven for you, and each day thepeople shall go out and gather enough for thatday. In that way I will test them, whether theywill follow my instruction or not. Exodus 16:4

Look...

The manna lasted for only one day before itbecame inedible. Why might God have chosento give them food for a day at a time?Jesus said, Do not labour for food that goes offbut for food that lasts for ever (John 6:27). Whatfood are you working for?He encourages his disciples to pray Give US OURdaily bread rather than Give me. How does thischange things?

These are testing times, God.Every item of news is bleak and ominous:Redundancy, recession, debt and devastation.Everyday the rain pours, dark and depressing:Cold snap, worst for years, stay in if you can.

Every silver lining has a cloud:Just when you thought the end was in sight,now this.Like the Israelites we wonder:Were we better off before?Whats the point of being here?Can we take any more?God, forgive our lack of hope, our short memory,our selfish perspective. For you hear our cries.In the midst of our panic and complaints you speak:spurring us on, opening the road, sayingenough for today, enough for today;if you will journey - I will provide.

Linger...

Talk with someone about their most memorablemeals. What made them so memorable? Anticipatethe banquet in Gods kingdom.If you can get hold of it listen to the words of thesong, One day at a time. Reflect on the wordsof the chorus and try to live them out.

One day at a time sweet JesusThats all that Im asking from You.Lord give me the strength to do every daywhat I have to do.Yesterdays gone sweet Jesus and tomorrowmay never be mine.Lord help me today show me the wayone day at a time.

Or...Bake some bread or buy some from a bakery.Enjoy the experience. Find a way to share someof the bread during the day. Reflect on thegenerosity of God who seeks to share thebread of his Kingdom.

Leave...


Helpful Passages

Genesis 1Exodus 16Matthew 4: 1-11Luke 15:11-32John 6: 25-29James 1:1-18

Prayer

Lord, with your breadMay I be fedLord, with your presenceMay I be ledLord, by your SonWho for me bledLord, send your peaceUpon my headLord, by your WordWhen I have readLord, fill my lifeWhen I have prayed

Amen

Day 27 >Bereavement...


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Even though I walk through the darkest valleyI will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rodand your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Left desolate or alone bereavement is andwill be experienced by us all. We will all have aninsight into walking through our darkest valley.

Death casts a frightening shadow over us becausewe are entirely helpless in its presence. We canstruggle with other enemies - pain, suffering,disease, injury - but strength and courage cannotovercome death. It has the final word. Only oneperson can walk with us through deaths darkvalley and bring us safely to the other side - theGod of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain,we should follow this shepherd who offers useternal comfort.

Psalm 23 - Life Application Bible

Take a moment to draw comfort from the factthat God knows the desolation of bereavementand that you are never alone in your loss.

Look...

Bereavement can take many forms - loss ofpeople we love not only through death but byseparation, divorce or through someone movingaway. It can also be in the loss of employment,health or something more. What loss have youexperienced?

Death and loss never have the last word.

Even though bereavement is a real experiencewe are encouraged by the hope of resurrection.

Read Revelation 21:1-5

When our eyes behold through the morning light,The city of gold, our harbour bright,we shall anchor fast by the heavnly shore,with the storms all past for evermore. Church of Ireland Hymnal

Linger...

Think about others today. Send someonea card or email to let them know you arethinking of them.

Or...

In what simple way can you bring hope andlight to someone else today?

Leave...


Helpful Passages

Isaiah 51:1-11Isaiah 53:4-6Psalm 34Psalm 121Philippians 3:7-14Revelation 14.13

Prayer

Lord, bless all who minister to those whomourn the death of a loved one. Be withdoctors, nurses, care workers, ministers,family and friends as they come to termswith their loss. Give them new hope andhealing as they prepare to face the future.

Amen

Day 28 >Resurrection Journey...


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y

Early on the first day of the week, while it wasstill dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb andsaw that the stone had been removed from theentrance. John 20:1

Resurrection a living being coming back to lifeafter death. For us, the resurrection of Jesus fillsus with life anew and provides us with a greatsense of hope.

They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,and we dont know where they have put him!John 20:2

Put yourself in the disciples place - what feelingswould you have had at that moment?

Look...

Read John 20:1-10

Those first people to reach the empty tomb musthave been so filled with joy at the realisation thatthe resurrection of Jesus had taken place, a joy thatno one could ever take away from them or from us,as people who live in todays world. When the stonewas rolled away and Jesus was raised from thedead, further illustrated by his ability to walk outand leave the tomb empty, life for many wouldnever be looked at in the same way.

The resurrection confirms that Jesus is alive, Hisfollowers are not alone. Matthew 28:20 tells us I amwith you always, to the very end of the age. Jesusis with you every step of the way on your journey.

Because I live, you also will live John 14:19. With

this statement we are given a great sense of hopebeyond this life to a life that never ends.

As you contemplate the day ahead what differencecan this make to how you experience it?

Linger...

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we are told, The old hasgone, the new is here!

Endings are necessary. They are an essentialpart of life. Everything has seasons, and we haveto be able to recognize that somethings time haspassed and be able to move to the next season.And, everything that is alive requires pruning aswell, which is a great metaphor for endings.

Dr Henry Cloud Published in PsychologyToday, February 22, 2011 by Henry Cloud,Ph.D. in The Art of Endings

The resurrection provides us with greathope and life.

What does the resurrection story mean for you?

Are you filled with hope and joy?

Or...

As Mary Magdalene approached the tomb, shesaw the stone had been moved away. This wasone of the first signs that the resurrection ofJesus had taken place.

The stone can act as a reminder of this sign.

Today choose a stone, draw a cross on it andplace it in your pocket as a reminder that Jesuslives with you and the journey continues.

Leave...


Helpful Passages

Genesis 22:1-18Luke 24:26-49I Corinthians 15:1-111 Corinthians 15:12-34I Corinthians 15:35-58Romans 10:9

Prayer

Breathe on me, Breath of God,Fill me with life anew,That I may love the way you love,And do what you would do. Church of Ireland Hymnal

Day 29 >Renewal...


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I went down to the potters house and saw himworking at the potters wheel.4He was using hishands to make a pot from clay, but somethingwent wrong with it. So he used that clay tomake another pot the way he wanted it to be.Jeremiah 18: 3 & 4

God is the Potter, we are the clay!

Think of a time when you watched a potter at work.Did you feel confident that the potter had the skilland experience needed to create something?

Look...

God wants us to walk the path that he has setout for us. He gives us free will to make decisionsand will deal with our mistakes as we make themagain and again.

God is the potter, we are the clay. Just as a potterworks with the clay to create something beautifullyformed in every way, God wants to shape andmould us.

Sometimes we forget that we are a vessel shapedand moulded by the greatest potter. Our humaninstincts drive us to become the potter thinkingthat if we become who we want to be we could fixeverything. At times we all want to be Frank Sinatrasinging I did it my way, when really we need to letourselves be the clay and allow the potter to mouldand shape us according to his will.

We are reshaped right through our lives.Sometimes it comes from making wrong choiceswhere we have to have think and try again. At othertimes the shaping comes as we pursue a dream.

Above all we must truly accept that God is shapingus the way he wants to. We also remember thateven with all our faults or mistakes, he can stillshape us into the new creation that he madeus to be.

God is the potter. We are the clay. God never givesup on us. He uses things that may happen in ourlives to reshape us. Beware of the change in youas you let God reshape and mould you.

Linger...

At a time when you feel conscious of Gods

presence imagine you are like the potter, findsomething that you can break, melt, mould orfill to make something completely new as areminder that this is what you must let Goddo for you.

Or

Find a magazine about making pottery. Thinkabout the concept of the Potter and the clay.

Repeat quietly to yourself as you go about yourdaily business: God is the Potter, I am the clay.

Leave...


Helpful Passages

Psalm 46Daniel 3Matthew 1:18-24Matthew 16:24- 27John 3:1-21Philippians 2:12-16

Prayer

Spirit of the living GodFall fresh on meBreak me, melt me, mould me, fill meSpirit of the living GodFall fresh on me.

Amen

If God is in the passenger seat beside you,swap and let Him drive!

What does this mean for you as you live yourdaily life?

Can you identify aspects of your life that youneed to entrust to God to allow you to beremoulded and renewed?

Day 30 >Preparation...


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So after they fasted and prayed, they laid theirhands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them out.Acts 13:3

Preparation is the action of making ready or beingmade ready for use. What things have you had toprepare for this week?

Look...

Luke 10:1-11 - Jesus sends out the Seventy-Two

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two othersand sent them two by two ahead of him to everytown and place where h

Growing Deeper

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