Hope

Regrets

2012-02-09T16:54:00.000Z

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Strangers

2012-02-06T21:57:00.000Z

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Pick up your mat and walk!

2012-02-06T21:25:00.000Z

This last weekend we had Pastor Matthew Barnett from the Dream Center in LA come and do a conference at Church. Unfortunately I couldn't go, as I was already bus. However at Church on Sunday morning and on Sunday evening I heard Pastor Matthew Barnett preach. He has some amazing stories to tell and is a gifted speaker. On the Sunday morning meeting he spoke on 'you can do more than you can do.' Basically he preached on John 5:1-10 (hence the title) and that Jesus doesn't ask you to do what you can do, but what God can do through you in order to glorify Him. Then at the evening meeting Pastor Matthew Barnett spoke on Obed-Edom and how once he had experienced the power of God he was addicted to it and how he had a serving heart (1 Chronicles 13:12-14, 1 Chronicles15:18, 21 and 24 and 1 Chronicles 16:5 and 38). They were inspiring talks and God really touched my heart in both meetings, all I have to do now is take that one step that may dramatically change my life, as Pastor Matthew said.
God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Bible Verses for the Week

2012-02-01T21:12:00.001Z

God Bless

Love an Prayers
Beth

xxx

Favourite of the Month: January

2012-01-31T07:25:00.001Z

Song

We sung this at Church recently and I am really loving it.

Book
I have finally finished reading 'More than Conquerors' by Simon Guillebaud, which I would recommend to everyone. It is a challenging but great read and is a great encouragement. However I would say, be warned, this book is very challenging.

Verse
"Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't be afraid,
because the Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go."
Joshua 1:9

Blog/Video

I am really liking the spoken word videos and poems that 'bball989' on YouTube does.

Sermon

I am currently listening to that Acts series that KKC are doing. I found that the Acts 2, The Father's Promise one was extremely good.

I hope that the first month of the 2012 has been a good one for you and I hope that you journey with God has continued. I personally cannot believe that January has gone by so fast!

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Martin Niemoller

2012-01-23T21:05:00.001Z

They came for the Communists, and I

didn't object - For I wasn't

a Communist;

They came for the Socialists, and I

didn't object - For I wasn't a Socialist;

They came for the labor leaders, and I

didn't object - For I wasn't a labor leader;

They came for the Jews, and I didn't

object - For I wasn't a Jew;

Then they came for me -

And there was no one left to object.

Martin Niemoller, German Protestant Pastor,
1892-1984

After having learnt about Martin Niemoller and the Confessional Church (who opposed the Nazis) in Germany only last Friday, I have come across this poem twice in the last few days. Once in the 'More than Conquerors' book by Simon Guillebaud (which is amazing! A must read!) and in an assembly. So I felt that I should share it with you.

It shows us just how much we need to speak up and out about things and not just let them pass because they have nothing to do with us.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Identity

2012-01-23T20:45:00.000Z

Oftenin this day and age our identity is connected to our job/carer, ourfamily, status, spouse, sexuality, school, gender, ethnicity, financial stabilityand appearance. This is especially true in the secular world- people often ask'what's your name?' and 'what do you do?' in the same sentence, as if youridentity is linked with your what your job is. Another part of our lives thatpeople associate with our identity, as my wonderful friend Lucy from Our God is King pointedout, is who our friends are. If we are in with the 'cool' people then ouridentity is being part of the 'cool' group. Or if you have friends who are 'geeks'you may be seen as a 'geek’. As Lucysaid to me "If you associate with people that 'aren’t cool' then you automatically become a loser." and this is to do with people judging you and automatically giving you a label as to whom you are. But these things shouldn't be our identity; it shouldn't identify who we are. What should identify us as to who we are is Jesus.

We are God’schildren whom he loves: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right tobecome children of God, even tothose who believe in His name,” John 1:12 and “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christdied for us.” Romans 5:8.

Similarly weare chosen by God and are His adopted children: ^“Blessedbe the God and Father of our LordJesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world,that we should beholyand blameless before him. In love hepredestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace,with which he has blessed us in theBeloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness ofour trespasses, according to theriches of his grace, which he lavishedupon us, in all wisdom and insight.” Ephesians 1:3-8

All we are isowed to God, He created us and made us who we are. He gave us the opportunitiesfor our jobs and work: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

As well asthis we are foreigners in this world since we are not of the world or from itbut we are citizens of heaven: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord JesusChrist,” Philippians 3:20 Therefore we should not act as if we are partof the world and that the job and possessions that we have and own are a partof us.

We are alsofree in Christ: “And you will knowthe truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32. The truth, beingthe good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ is enough to set us free from sin andfor us to ask God for forgiveness.

So ouridentity does not lie in worldly things, but in Christ who loves us and has setus free. Try and remember this when somebody judges you or when you try andimpress someone in order to gain a higher status since there is no higherstatus than belonging to Christ.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

2 Peter 1:3-4

2012-01-14T10:37:00.002Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Prayer Journals

2012-01-14T10:12:00.000Z

So what is a prayer journal? I hear you ask. Well, people may have differnt version of a prayer journal, but for me, and prayer journal is a notebook where you record pictures, verses, prophecies etc that you have been given either by other people (so God gives them an image or verse etc for you) or for other people (God gives you an image or a verse etc for somebody else).In my prayer journal I also make notes from sermons because otherwise Or cannot concentrate very well, I tend to daydream.

Below are all the prayer journals I've had.

The below pictures are of my current prayer journal.

What is also good about prayer journals is that you can look back at prophecies, verses and pictures that people have given you and you can see how a picture was appropriate at that time, or how it may still appropriate in your life etc.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Funny, Embarrassing Typo

2012-01-13T22:27:00.001Z

So today in the misdst of writing a blog post, I had to go back and read through an old post since I thought it would be relevant to the blog post I was writing. I was half-way through reading this old blog post (all the way back from 26th November 2010), when I realised I had mad a mistake; a typo in fact. So I thought it was so funny that I told my good friend from 'Our God is King' about it. But I have also decided to share it with you, because some of you may have read and I think it is funny enough to share with you guys.

So at first there may not seem anything wrong with this blog post. But take a closer look.

Notice it?

Cannot believe I made such a drastic typo and this just proves what I've always been told: that I'm rubbish at proof reading!

I hope you found this amusing.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

P.S. If you were wondering I have now corrected this typo!

Sexual Healing

2012-01-11T19:55:00.002Z

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Future Husband: These are really the only requirements I want to ask of you.

2012-01-06T07:35:00.000Z

I love this! And I hope you do too.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

The Blessing of this Blog

2012-01-03T19:18:00.002Z

This blog is an amazing blessing to me; not only is it a blessing to be able to spread the wonderful news of Jesus Christ across the world (while sitting in my house!) but this blog has encouraged me and helped me grow in faith. So thank you to everyone who reads this and for everyone's prayers and messages, but I have to thank The One who enabled me to start this blog and to continue blogging- thank You Lord for giving me this opportunity and blessing, thank You.
God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Homecoming

2012-01-03T07:12:00.002Z

In my house, on a pin board in a faded piece of paper, the words are barely readable, but today I looked at it and read it. And now I want to share with you what I read:

Homecoming
"Good to have you back Son." The Old Man said.
"Nice to be back."
"You've had a rough time." The eyes clouded with guilt. "Hope you don't think I let you down."
The Younger shook His head. "You warned me Dad. But it wasn't the nails. It was the kiss."

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Psalm 90:14

2012-01-02T08:56:00.002Z

I've been up quite a bit of the night since I couldn't sleep. So i decided to channel my sleeplessness and creativity into a little project.

Here's some pictures:

And the final product:

Hope this was a fun video to watch.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Welcome to 2012!

2012-01-01T12:26:00.001Z

Happy new year! I wish you all the best this year and pray that your journey with God will grow and continue.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Favourite of the Month: December

2011-12-31T16:33:00.001Z

Song

I have also seen a more amusing version:

Book
For my baptism a great couple I know gave me 'More than Conquerors' by Simon Guillebaud. As of yet I haven't finished reading it, but I am finding it an amazing, enjoyable and immensely challenging book. Not because it is a difficult read, but because the topic of the book- radical discipleship- is so challenging to my lifestyle and everyone who I know has read this says the same.

Verse
"The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of waters, whose waters never fail."
Isaiah 58:11

Blog and/or Video
This is a blog of a great friend of mine and I love it. And I am not just saying that because she is my friend, but because I mean what I say. Check it out: http://ourgodisking.blogspot.com/

Sermon
I am currently listening to the 'Peasant Princess' and 'Redeeming Ruth' series from Mars Hill Church. All of what I've listened to from both series are great. Check them out: http://marshill.com/media/sermons

Hope you've had a great month and let me know what your favourite's from this month are.
God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

This is Church

2011-12-31T16:07:00.001Z

Many people get confused by what the Church is and seem to think that a building is the Church, but in reality it is the people of Christ that is the Church, it's not a specific location but a worldwide and international family. J.John once said in a preach entitled 'Chosen to be Fruitful':

“I sat next to this lady on an airplane at Heathrow airportand I said ‘Hello!’ and she said ‘Ooh hello.’ And I said ‘Where are you going?’and she said ‘Well I’m going to Singapore’ then she said ‘Where are you going?’and I said ‘I’m going to Perth Australia’. I said ‘What do you do?’ so she toldme, then she said ‘What do you do?’ and I said ‘Well... I work for a globalenterprise’ She said ‘Do you?’ I said ‘Yes I do’ I said ‘We've got outlets innearly every country of the World.’ I said ‘We've got hospitals and hospicesand orphanages. We do marriage work; we've got feeding programmes; we’ve got reconciliationwork; we've got justice work. I said ‘Basically’ I said we look after peoplefrom birth to death and we deal in the area of behavioural alteration.’ Shesaid ‘Wow!’ Honestly it was a really loud ‘wow’; everyone turned round andlooked at us. She said ‘What’s it called?’ I said it’s called the Church, haveyou heard of it?”

I think that that is an amazing way to think of the Church. And this video sums up what I wanted to say in this post, so I hope you enjoyed it.
God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Advent Calender: 25th December

2011-12-25T18:05:00.002Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 24th December

2011-12-24T10:44:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 23rd December

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 22nd December

2011-12-22T21:40:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

A Social Network Christmas

2011-12-21T09:53:00.001Z

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Advent Calender: 21st December

2011-12-21T09:50:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 20th December

2011-12-20T18:44:00.001Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

P.S. Only five days till Christmas!

My Story and Struggle 2

2011-12-19T14:34:00.000Z

So as many of you might know, or have guessed, is that in the past I have struggled with doubting my self worth.

Previously I have shown you this picture (below) and explained 'My Story and Struggle', however for a while I have felt prompted to share it with you again now that I have completely passed and come through that part of my life.

So, I don't know when I started to feel the way I did, but I soon felt ugly and just plain disgusting. Previously I hadn't felt beautiful but I didn't feel ugly. I think it may have been triggered and become worse than it already was when I was model scouted, but then wasn't contacted again. I had wanted to be a model so that I could just be recognized as beautiful. I saw girls all around me in the media who were super skinny, had the perfect figure and were well... beautiful! I hated my body, my facial features and the way I looked. Not only did I think I was ugly on the outside but I began to think that I was ugly on the inside as well. I began to shrink inside myself and tried to act like somebody else. I wanted acceptance. But I didn't find it in the way I wanted it. The acceptance I found was short lived. Every compliment I treasured. When I felt down about myself I would sometimes remember the compliments. Although it didn't help. I tried to make myself beautiful and attractive with clothes, make-up and a new 'personality' that wasn't me. I had lost my confidence in myself.

To the outside world it may not have seemed that I hatedmyself, but that's because I put up a front. I didn't want people to see that Iwas struggling since that would appear weak and also I didn't want to believethat I was struggling. However, slowly I began to realize that I was struggling and that I needed help. God leftme little reminders and pointers all around me. Whether it was a verse, acomment someone had said, a sermon or a compliment. Slowly, but surely I beganto see myself in a new light. And as I said in my last post on this ‘SlowlyI began to see that God was working in my situation, healing me and taking awayold scars.’

Tiffany Myers (from Huge Love)'s video about changing the way you see yourself, from hate to love andread her blog post helpedme realised that I needed to ask God for help. And when I did ask Him for help,miraculous things happened. God opened my eyes and my heart. My opinion on myself changed when God brokethrough my wall of self-hate. He helped me see that I was beautiful- inside and out. He healedmy wounds, however deep, and removed my scars that were caused by hate. Hatewill never get you anywhere, but love, the love of God can do the impossible.

God made you for a purpose whether it be to be amodel and have that worldly view of beauty or to be a mother with the beauty ofa mother. Whoever you are, you are beautiful and God made you that way for areason. We may not know what that reason is, but one day God will show us, asthis poem says:

"My life is but a tapestry...

My Life is but a weaving

between my Lord and me;

I cannot choose the colors

He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow

And I, in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper,

And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver's skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,

Nothing this truth can dim.

He gives His very best to those

Who leave the choice with Him."

If you have struggled with self-hate or doubting your self-worth, then, first off, ask God to heal you, then tell someone. You can always leave a comment here or send me an email. I'll be praying for all those who have been through or are going through what I went through.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 19th December

2011-12-19T12:56:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Jesus and Santa

2011-12-18T20:14:00.001Z

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Advent Calander: 18th December

2011-12-18T08:54:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 17th Calender

2011-12-17T12:00:00.001Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

The Digital Story of the Nativity

2011-12-16T16:12:00.000Z

Love this video! Hope you do to!
God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Advent Calender: 16th December

2011-12-16T06:47:00.001Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 15th December

2011-12-15T07:27:00.001Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Galatians 4:4-5

2011-12-14T07:32:00.000Z

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5 ESV

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Advent Calender: 14th December

2011-12-14T07:31:00.002Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Talent as Worship

2011-12-13T07:28:00.001Z

People often think of worship as something you just do at Church and sing songs and pray. But in actually fact as I have already addressed is that worship is a lifestyle and not just for Sundays or just in an act of singing some songs, although that is still a great form of worship.
So I have already talked about speech as worship, but what about talents? What have they got to do with worship?

^"14"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called hisservants and entrusted to themhis property. ¹⁵To onehe gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Thenhe went away. ¹⁶He whohad received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he madefive talents more. ¹⁷So alsohe who had the two talents made two talents more. ¹⁸But hewho had received the one talent went and dugin the ground and hid his master’s money. ¹⁹Now after a long time the master of thoseservants came and settledaccounts with them. ²⁰And hewho had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more,saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made fivetalents more.' ²¹Hismaster said to him, 'Well done, good and faithfulservant. You have been faithfulover a little; I will set youover much. Enter into the joy ofyour master.' ²²And healso who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to metwo talents; here I have made two talents more.' ²³Hismaster said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have beenfaithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of yourmaster.' ²⁴He alsowho had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gatheringwhere you scattered no seed, ²⁵so Iwas afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' ²⁶But hismaster answered him, 'You wickedand slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gatherwhere I scattered no seed? ²⁷Thenyou ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I shouldhave received what was my own with interest. ²⁸So takethe talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. ²⁹ For to everyone who haswill more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who hasnot, even what he has will be taken away. ³⁰And castthe worthless servant into the outer darkness. Inthat place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"

Matthew 25:14-30

The passage above is the Parable of the Talents told by Jesus, as I'm sure you'll know. So this passage clearly shows that we need to use our talents in the world. But we need to use them for God's glory. So your talents may be essential to what God is calling you to do. So for example, if God was calling someone to be a worship (as in music) leader they need to be able to sing or play an instrument. Or if God calls someone to be a doctor, they need to be able to be academically intelligent and knowledgeable. You get what I mean?

But we don't just have to use our talents in our calling. We can use them in everyday life. For example the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit can be used.

^"7To each is given themanifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ⁸For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance ofknowledge according to the same Spirit, ⁹to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰to another theworking of miracles, to another prophecy,to another the ability todistinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each oneindividually as he wills."

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

^"22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-23

So we should use these things in everyday life. Say if someone needs help with a problem, use love, peace, gentleness and wisdom to be able to help them. Its fairly simple really. We just need to get into the practice of using the talents that God has given us to glorify and worship Him in our lives.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 13th December

2011-12-13T06:45:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 12th December

2011-12-12T07:08:00.001Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 11th December

2011-12-11T08:40:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 10th December

2011-12-10T19:55:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 9th December

2011-12-09T06:57:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 8th December

2011-12-08T06:51:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 7th December

2011-12-07T07:10:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Our God is King

2011-12-06T17:14:00.001Z

My friend has recently created a blog of your own and I would love it and really appreciate it if you would all go and check it out (and I know she would feel exactly the same way)! She has some amazing stuff on there already even though it is a very new blog. Her name is Lucy, and she has an amazing testimony, hence the picture below, and I recommend that you take a look. Her blog is http://ourgodisking.blogspot.com/. And I have to credit her with an amazing blog name!

Thank you!

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Baptism

2011-12-06T16:40:00.002Z

So, I have some very exciting news for you all! I got baptised (by full immersion) on Sunday! It was an amazing experience and the next step in my journey with God. I would like to share my testimony which I read out in front of the congregation on Sunday. However I have had to change some of it as it mentioned something that had happened to someone else and I know that they would not appreciate that news/event to be published on the internet and I hope you can understand this. So here it is:

I have grown up in aChristian family and have always believed in God. However throughout my life Ihave turned away from God many times, but every time God, in his grace, hasforgiven me and made me feel valued, accepted and loved. This is especiallysignificant to me, as in the past I have struggled with doubting my self-worth,but God has shown me that he made me who I am and that He loves me. He has shownme this through the sacrifice Jesus made for me on the cross and also through Jeremiah1:5which says: ‘Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before youwere born, I set you apart for a special work.’ God has given my life a newmeaning, purpose and a hope. And today Iwant to publically declare my dedication to Him.

Hope that what God has done in my life encourages you.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 6th December

2011-12-06T16:40:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 5th December

2011-12-05T06:59:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 4th December

2011-12-04T19:51:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Speech as Worship

2011-12-03T17:59:00.000Z

As I have said in previous posts that worship is a lifestyle and that we should worship God in the way we live our lives. So a main aspect of our lives is speech and what we say has a massive impact on people. For example, negative comments about somebody can totally destroy their view of their self-worth and positive comments can build somebody up and make them fell better. What people say to us, or about us, has a strong influence on us. So before I go any further, lets see what the Bible has to say on speech and words:

"Taming the Tongue

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water."

James 3:1-12

(ESV)

"Controlling the Things We Say

¹ My brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.² We all make many mistakes. If people never said anything wrong, they would be perfect and able to control their entire selves, too.³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can control their whole bodies.⁴ Also a ship is very big, and it is pushed by strong winds. But a very small rudder controls that big ship, making it go wherever the pilot wants.⁵ It is the same with the tongue. It is a small part of the body, but it brags about great things. A big forest fire can be started with only a little flame.⁶ And the tongue is like a fire. It is a whole world of evil among the parts of our bodies. The tongue spreads its evil through the whole body. The tongue is set on fire by hell, and it starts a fire that influences all of life.⁷ People can tame every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish, and they have tamed them,⁸ but no one can tame the tongue. It is wild and evil and full of deadly poison.⁹ We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself.¹⁰ Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen.¹¹ Do good and bad water flow from the same spring?¹²My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree make olives, or can a grapevine make figs? No! And a well full of salty water cannot give good water."

James 3:1-12
(NCV)

So as you can see, the book of James shows us some shocking truths about what we speak. Verses nine and ten, show us that what we say can often be hypercritical, without us even noticing whether we are or not. For example when we swear at someone or call them a horrid name and then we also praise God, we don't often have the thought process that God made the person that we were swearing at or calling names. That person is as much God's creation as you and me are.

Another thing is that what we say can often impact what we do. James likens it to a very small rudder that controls a boat and how it steers it. For example if we start to say nasty stuff about people, even without meaning it, we can begin to mean it and that can infiltrate our actions.

There are many more examples of how we use our words to hurt and harm others, even if we don't mean it.

So how do we control what we say? How do we worship God with what we say? What is the secret to holding our tongues?
Well Jesus transforming our lives is the first thing that will help us with our speech, but second to that is prayer. Pray, pray, pray. If you really want to control what you say then you should show that through prayer. Ask God to help you control what you say. Ask God to give you the strength you need to control what you say. God will always give you a way out of temptation as it says in 1 Corinthians 10:13-

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

1 Corinthians 10:13

(ESV)

"The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it."
1 Corinthians 10:13
(NCV)

So to conclude:

God has given us speech and in that speech we should worship him.
We shouldn't be hypocritical in our speech.
We should we careful with what we say because what we say can effect both other people and ourselves.
And if God has transformed our lives we should what to worship and therefore control what we say.
God always allows a way out of temptation.

I hope this has helped you.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 3rd December

2011-12-03T08:43:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 2nd December

2011-12-02T16:15:00.000Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

World Aids Day

2011-12-01T07:26:00.001Z

Today, the 1st December, is World Aids Day. Here are some facts from the World Aids Day website:

"HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body's immune system — the body's defence against diseases.HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.

There are now more people than ever living with HIV in the UK — more than 90,000 — with around a quarter of those unaware they have the virus.
Here are a few more facts about HIV in the UK:

Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
You can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes
There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV"

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Advent Calender: 1st December

2011-12-01T05:38:00.000Z

Like last year I am going to do an advent calender, but this year I am hopefully going to do one every day (since I have planned ahead this year) and it is going to be a picture advent calender. So today, as you probably know, is the first of December, so above is the first picture.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Favourite of the Month: November

2011-11-30T10:36:00.001Z

First off as you can see, Spot of Hope has a new look, which, personally, I am very excited about. Hope you like it!

Song

This month I'm loving the Newday 2011 'We are Yours' Album and the Matt Redman '10,000 Reasons' album. My favourite from both is 10,000 reasons. So here it is:

Book
I haven't really had time to read any books this month, I've been so busy. But as part of my Bible study I've been reading Genesis and am now in the middle of Exodus and am loving reading them and learning more about God and His promises.

Verse
So, just this morning as part of my Bible study, I read Pslam 71, which I love so here it is:

Psalm 71

An Old Person's Prayer

¹ In you, Lord, is my protection.
       Never let me be ashamed.
² Because you do what is right, save and rescue me;
       listen to me and save me.
³ Be my place of safety
       where I can always come.
    Give the command to save me,
       because you are my rock and my strong, walled city.
⁴ My God, save me from the power of the wicked
       and from the hold of evil and cruel people.
⁵ Lord, you are my hope.
       Lord, I have trusted you since I was young.
⁶ I have depended on you since I was born;
       you helped me even on the day of my birth.
       I will always praise you.

⁷ I am an example to many people,
       because you are my strong protection.
⁸ I am always praising you;
       all day long I honor you.
⁹ Do not reject me when I am old;
       do not leave me when my strength is gone.
¹⁰ My enemies make plans against me,
       and they meet together to kill me.
¹¹ They say, "God has left him.
       Go after him and take him,
       because no one will save him."

¹² God, don't be far off.
       My God, hurry to help me.
¹³ Let those who accuse me
       be ashamed and destroyed.
    Let those who are trying to hurt me
       be covered with shame and disgrace.
¹⁴ But I will always have hope
       and will praise you more and more.
¹⁵ I will tell how you do what is right.
       I will tell about your salvation all day long,
       even though it is more than I can tell.
¹⁶ I will come and tell about your powerful works, Lord God.
       I will remind people that only you do what is right.

¹⁷ God, you have taught me since I was young.
       To this day I tell about the miracles you do.
¹⁸ Even though I am old and gray,
       do not leave me, God.
    I will tell the children about your power;
       I will tell those who live after me about your might.

¹⁹ God, your justice reaches to the skies.
       You have done great things;
       God, there is no one like you.
²⁰ You have given me many troubles and bad times,
       but you will give me life again.
    When I am almost dead,
       you will keep me alive.
²¹ You will make me greater than ever,
       and you will comfort me again.

²² I will praise you with the harp.
       I trust you, my God.
    I will sing to you with the lyre,
       Holy One of Israel.
²³ I will shout for joy when I sing praises to you.
       You have saved me.
²⁴ I will tell about your justice all day long.
       And those who want to hurt me
       will be ashamed and disgraced.

Blog and Video
My favourite video of the month is one from the A21 Campaign, unfortunately my YouTube will not allow me to embed it so I will just have to link it. Click here for it.

Sermon
At the moment I am listening to Mark Driscoll's Religion Saves and nine other misconceptions series, which I am really enjoying. Although it is pretty heavy stuff, more of a meaty sermon. I a currently listening to the fourth sermon in the series about Grace.

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Screaming Injustice

2011-11-29T17:35:00.001Z

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

John 3:17

2011-11-23T19:13:00.001Z

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Transformation

2011-11-21T20:25:00.000Z

When Jesus comes into our lives, he transforms them and gives us a new purpose. So, before I go any further, lets get into the Word of God.

"The Conversion of Saul

¹But Saul, still breathing threats andmurder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ²and asked him for lettersto the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he foundany belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound toJerusalem. ³Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus,and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴And falling to the ground he heard a voice sayingto him, "Saul, Saul, why are youpersecuting me?" ⁵And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And hesaid, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ⁶But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." ⁷The men who were traveling with him stoodspeechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. ⁸Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyeswere opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought himinto Damascus. ⁹And for three days he was without sight, andneither ate nor drank.

¹⁰Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias.The Lord said to him in a vision,"Ananias." And he said, "HereI am, Lord." ¹¹And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go tothe street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man

ofTarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, ¹²andhe has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands onhim so that he might regain his sight." ¹³ButAnanias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, howmuch evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. ¹⁴Andhere he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call onyour name." ¹⁵But the Lord said to him, "Go, forheis a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kingsand the children of Israel. ¹⁶For I will show him how much he mustsuffer for the sake of my name."¹⁷So Ananiasdeparted and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said,"Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which youcame has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with theHoly Spirit." ¹⁸And immediately something like scales fell from hiseyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; ¹⁹and takingfood, he was strengthened.

Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues

For some days hewas with the disciples at Damascus. ²⁰And immediately he proclaimed Jesus inthe synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." ²¹And all who heard him were amazed and said,"Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those whocalled upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring thembound before the chief priests?" ²²But Saulincreased all the more in strength, and confoundedthe Jews who lived in Damascus by provingthat Jesus was the Christ."

Acts 9:1-22

As we can see here Saul, later known as Paul, is completely transformed. He goes from murdering and persecuting Christians to becoming one and preaching the gospel. Now, that truly shows the transformation that should take place in our lives once we know God.

Transformation is marked in many ways, and in the Bible we often see that once people have seen God their names are changed. For example Saul's name changes ti Paul, and in Genesis Abram's name changes to Abraham:

"No longer shall your name be called Abram, but yourname shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude ofnations."

Genesis 17:5

Not only do we see names changed but we see people's bodies being transformeed. Now what do I mean by that? People were healed by Jesus, healed by his touch:

^“20And behold, a woman who hadsuffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him andtouched the fringe of his garment, ²¹for she said to herself, "If I only touch hisgarment, I will be made well." ²²Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Takeheart, daughter; your faith has made you well." Andinstantly the woman was made well.”

Matthew 9:20-22

Going back to Paul, we see that his purpose in life completely changes and that what he once valued and thought important was nothing compared to Christ We see this in his letters to Philippians, in verse 7-11:

^"7But whatevergain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸Indeed, I count everything as loss because of thesurpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I havesuffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I maygain Christ ⁹and be found in him, not having arighteousness of my own that comes from the law, but thatwhich comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends onfaith— ¹⁰ that Imay know him and the power of his resurrection, and mayshare his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹that by any means possible I may attainthe resurrection from the dead."

Philippians 3:7-11

In this translation they us the word 'rubbish' but in the original language it was a much stronger word and that it was worthless. In the King James Version the word 'dung' is used to describe, so we can see how radical Paul's view is and how much it has changed. In the verses prier to verse seven Paul is talking about what he valued and how he was a 'Hebrew of Hebrews from the tribe of Benjamin' and how he was a 'Pharisee' and how he valued all this and then he goes on to say they are worthless to him now, now that he has seen Christ.

Not only did Paul's priorities on what is important in life change, but his purpose changed, like ours should. He went from having a purpose of crushing the Christians in Damascus and Jerusalem to becoming one and radically displaying his faith to many nations. His faith and new purpose to spread the gospel landed him in jail many times and while he was writing the letter to the Philippians he was in jail.

Our lives should be completely transformed once we know Christ. Our purpose and priorities should change completely. And like Paul we should step out in faith, whatever the cost, so that we can see others become transformed. Our transformation will show others the difference Jesus makes in our lives. When I look over my day and the things I've done, some of it seems useless anyway, but compared to spending time with God? Rubbish!

When I look over myday and the things I've done, some of it seems useless anyway, but compared tospending time with God? Rubbish! Recently I have been really challenged aboutspending my day doing nothing. Although I don't do this, I am quite happy tospend an hour or more trawling Facebook, blogs and Lookbook, not really doing much. When that time could be somuch more productive. I suppose my excuse is that it's my relaxation time, butwhy can't I relax with God? Why can't I just listen to a sermon? Or worshipsongs? Why can't I just be immersed in the peaceand joy that God provides for me? Rather than doing something that when I lookback over my day I think was a pretty pointless task. That is what God has beenchallenging me about and since it relate to what Paul said in Philippians Ithought I'd share it with you.

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Don't be Oblivious: Stop the Traffik

2011-11-18T20:45:00.001Z

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Epitaph of B. Franklin

2011-11-10T17:56:00.001Z

The body of
                    B. Franklin, Printer
               Like the Cover of an Old Book
                    Its Contents torn Out
          And Stript of its Lettering and Gilding
                 Lies Here, Food for Worms.
               But the Work shall not be Lost;
        For it will as he Believed Appear once More
              In a New and More Elegant Edition
                    Corrected and Improved
                       By the Author.

This is the epitaph of Benjamin Franklin, who was one of the founding fathers of the Untied States. He wrote this for himself as a young man.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

The Story of Sin and our Saviour- a short study of Genesis 3

2011-11-07T21:05:00.000Z

Many of you are probably familiar with thestory of how sin came into the world, and I thought I was too. But afterre-reading it recently as part of my Bible study I realised that there wereaspects and parts of the story that I either hadn’t thought of before or that Ihad forgotten. So to start this post offwe’re going to read through Genesis 3.

Genesis 3 (ESV)

“The Fall

¹Now the serpent was more craftythan any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.

He saidto the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any treein the garden'?" ²And the woman said to theserpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, ³butGod said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst ofthe garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" ⁴ Butthe serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. ⁵ForGod knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will belike God, knowing good and evil." ⁶So when thewoman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to theeyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took ofits fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, andhe ate. ⁷ Then the eyes of both were opened, andthey knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and madethemselves loincloths.

⁸Andthey heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool ofthe day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of theLORD God among the trees of the garden. ⁹But the LORDGod called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" ¹⁰Andhe said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, becauseI was naked, and I hid myself."¹¹He said, "Who toldyou that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded younot to eat?" ¹²The man said, "The womanwhom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." ¹³Thenthe LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?"The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

¹⁴TheLORD God said to the serpent,
"Because you have done this,
   cursed are you above all livestock
   and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
   and dust you shall eat
   all the days of your life.
¹⁵I will put enmity between you and the woman,
   and between your offspringandheroffspring;
he shall bruiseyour head,
   and you shall bruise his heel."

¹⁶Tothe woman he said,
"I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
   in pain you shall bring forth children.
  Your desire shall be for yourhusband,
   and he shall rule over you."

¹⁷Andto Adam he said,

"Becauseyou have listened to the voice of your wife
   and have eaten of the tree
   of which I commanded you,
   'You shall not eat of it,'
    cursed is the ground because of you;
    in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
¹⁸thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
   and you shall eat the plants of the field.
¹⁹By the sweat of your face
   you shall eat bread,
   till you return to the ground,
   for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust,
   and to dust you shall return.”

²⁰Theman called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. ²¹Andthe LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.

²²Thenthe LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowinggood and evil. Now, lest he reach out his handand take alsoof the tree of life and eat, and live forever—"²³thereforethe LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from whichhe was taken. ²⁴He drove out the man, and at the east ofthe garden of Eden he placed thecherubim and a flaming swordthat turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” Genesis 3 (ESV)

Okay,so I know it’s quite a lot to take in, in one go. But for now we’re going tofocus in on verses 8 and 9: ‘⁸And they heard the soundof the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the manand his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among thetrees of the garden. ⁹But the LORD God called to the manand said to him, "Where are you?"’

Thefirst thing I got from this verse is that God walked in the garden. Now, isn’tthat incredible! Before sin entered the world, we can see that it [the world] wasperfect: one because God said ‘It is good’ after he created the world; twobecause God walked in the Garden of Eden. But because of our sin He couldn’t walkamong us anymore since our imperfections separated us form God’s perfectness. HoweverGod is with us now through the Holy Spirit.

“Do you not knowthat you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells inyou?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

Inheaven the paradise of the Garden of Eden will be restored, since heaven willbe paradise and paradise means park or garden.

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water oflife, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through themiddle of the street of the city; also, on eitherside of the river,the tree of life with its twelvekinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healingof the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2

The next thingthat grabbed my attention in verses 8 and 9 is that Adam and Eve, in theirshame, hid from God. I totally understood why they did this as I have oftendone this. Not physically, but emotionally because I’ve ashamed and feel I’mnot worthy to be in God’s presence, but also I hid because I’m afraid of God’s disappointmentand anger. Adam and Eve had realised they had done something wrong and because ofthis, were ashamed and scared of God’s anger.

But look at whatGod does next, He searches for them and calls for them. Just like today Godcalls for us and searches for us. Yes you may say that, ‘look at what God didnext, he punished Adam and Eve.’ But that’sbecause God is a just and fair God and Adam and Eve had disobeyed God, just aswe have. But there is hope for us through Jesus- Jesus died in our place andtook all our sin and punishment and in exchange we got the perfect righteousnessof Christ.

"For Godso loved the world, that he gave his only Son, thatwhoever believes in him should not perishbut have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in orderthat the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17

That really is good news!

Another thing that struck me about this passagewhen I was reading it was that in verse 21 God clothed them, thus taking awaytheir shame at being naked. To me this shows of a loving merciful God; andreflects of how we can be without shame today if we accept Jesus as our Lordand Saviour.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Seven Pictures

2011-11-07T07:19:00.001Z

There are seven pictures here, one for every day of the week.

Enjoy!

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Prayer for the devastating pile-up on the M5

2011-11-06T12:55:00.004Z

Lord, I pray for all those involved in the pile-up on the M5 last Friday. I pray for the 51 who are injured and I ask for a speedy recovery. I ask for Your healing hand to be upon them. I also pray for those who have been affected through family members or friends being involved in the crash and that You will bless them will a sense of peace and calm so that they can deal with the situation. Please Lord I pray that You will come into this situation and heal hearts and bodies of those affected.

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Psalm 130

2011-11-05T19:20:00.002Z

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

1 Corinthians 16:4

2011-11-01T18:47:00.002Z

I try and remember this verse at all times.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Prayer

2011-10-31T19:48:00.003Z

Lord, I just want to ask that you strengthen all those out there that need your strength. Give courage to those that need it please. Oh Father please help us to tell others about you and your amazing love, give us the courage and the love to do so. Help us to be an example in Your name, and to shine out your light. Guide us with your light and help us be a light to others. Give us a righteous anger for all the things you hate. Give us a heart for the broken and weary. Give us passion to spread your word and love. Give us the knowledge and wisdom in the words that we speak.
Thank You Father for all that you have done for us. Thank You for the pain and anguish you went through for us. And yes, I know Lord, that pain and anguish do not fully describe what you went through. But thank You. Thank You for your love and thank You for those around us that are guides in our lives and give us help.
Please forgive me for what I have done wrong. Forgive me for my anger, lies and big mouth. Forgive my heart for all its wrongs. Forgive me for giving in to temptation. Grant me words of love, wisdom and hope. Please Lord, make me more like you everyday. Help me to mean the word sorry, help me not to go back on what I said. Thank you.
Amen

Favourite of the Month: October

2011-10-31T19:32:00.002Z

So this is the second in this series so far. Can't believe October has gone so quickly! It'll be Christmas before we know it!

Song
I have already posted this song, but I really like it, so here it is again, Forerunner's We are Yours:

Love it!!

Book
My favourite book this month has actually been a novel and there is also a film out based on the book which I would love to see but haven't had the chance. The book I'm talking about is called 'Hadassah: One Night with the King'. It is the story of Esther and meant to be quite historically correct. I loved it! It gave me a lot of insight to what it might have been like for Esther.

Verse
As I have said previously I have recently been reading Job. So it comes as no surprise that my favourite verse, well actually three verses, for this month is from Job..
"If a tree i cut down, there is hope that it will grow again and will send out new branches. Even if its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the earth, at the smell of water it will bud and put out new shoots like a plant." Job 14:7-9 (NCV)
The reason this is my favourite verse this month is because for me it symbolized that no matter how hopeless a situation seems there is always hope. To me it also says that no matter how sinful you've been, what you're past is like, however many wrong things you've done, there is also the hope and love of God.

Blog and Video
I don't actually have a favourite blog or video this month which I have been loving particularly, but I am currently trying to discover more Christian blogs, so let me know of any please.

Sermon
It's not actually a sermon, but a book, but as I have been listening to the audio book on my Ipod I'm going to call it a sermon for this purpose. It is 'The Case for Faith' by Lee Strobel. However I haven't finished listening to it yet, but hopefully will soon.
I also have a favourite sermon/testimony that I heard last night at a meeting. It was the story of Reaska Himm. It is an incredible testimony telling of how he went from being the victim in the killing fields in Cambodia to Christ and the forgiveness of those that murdered him 13 family members including his parents. He has also written two books 'The Tears of my Soul' and 'After the Heavy Rains Come'.

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

We are Yours- Forerunner

2011-10-30T09:03:00.000Z

I love this song! I love the lyrics especially the 'We are free to live as sons & daughters in your house,

We are chosen & invited to run in,We Are Y-O-U-R-S' part. But I love them all.

Here are the complete lyrics:

"Once I was dead in sin,

No hope for me within,

I was broken from the start,

But in your mercy you saved me,

We are free to live as sons & daughters in your house,

We are chosen & invited to run in,

We Are Y-O-U-R-S

Now I'm alive in Him,

My life His work of art,

Through Jesus saving blood,

I'm forever at peace with God"

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Common thoughts and questions about the Bible

2011-10-29T20:57:00.000+01:00

Sometimes people feel that Christianity is a set of rules and regulations, which it isn't, but more on that another day. One thing people feel you have to do as a Christian is read your Bible everyday. They feel a sense of obligation, a feeling that 'they have to do it'. This isn't the way it should be, it shouldn't be a rule. You should want to read the Bible, want to find out more from God's book and His word. It is a sense of want, rather than must.

Now this is where people get really surprised. They say 'You mean you want to read the Bible?' Yep, I want to read the Bible. 'But isn't it a bit boring and tedious? Isn't it confusing?' Well it can be boring and tedious if you take that view on it. And yes it can be confusing at times, but not if you read it carefully, slowly and reflect and pray on what you've read. I would recommend getting a version that suits you. Personally I have a youth Bible in the New Century Version. It is simple and easy. I know some people find it too simple, however its what you find best. The reason I got the NCV is because, one, it was a youth Bible and two, because for reading the Bible the first time round I wanted a simpler version.

Back to the 'Isn't the Bible boring?' part. If you are really passionate about God, the Bible is not boring. Trust me. Yes, some parts can seem more boring than others, but as Stef Liston says (something along the lines of this) 'The Bible is a meal for the us spiritually, we need it, but not very meal we eat is memorable, it's not always the best or tastiest meal we've had.' Not only is the Bible food for us spiritually, it is great when it comes to resisting temptation.

"ThenJesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by thedevil. And after fastingforty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Andthe tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son ofGod, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But heanswered, "It is written,
"'Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth ofGod.'"

Then the devil took him tothe holy city and set himon the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God,throw yourself down, for it is written,
"'He will command his angels concerning you,'

and
"'On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"

Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lordyour God to the test.'" Again,the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms ofthe world and their glory. And hesaid to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worshipme. Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! Foritis written,
"'You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shallyou serve.'"

Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him."

Matthew 4:1-11 (ESV)

There are lots of Bible guides out there that you can read alongside your Bible. However I prefer not to use them. But I know plenty of people that do use them. Now you may remember me saying that instead of giving something up for Lent, I was going to take something up: reading the Bible every evening. I didn't even start reading the bible chronologically. I read Acts through to Revelations, then I read the Gospels. I am currently reading Job. Instead of just having a quiet time with God in the evening and reading my Bible in the evening, I now read the Bible (a chapter or two) in the morning and pray for the day ahead of me and in the evening I read the Bible (a chapter or two again) and pray over the events of the day. Sometimes I forget to read the Bible, sometimes I'm to tired, so I don't always read it every morning and every evening. I'm not saying you should do what I do, I'm just giving an example of what I do. Do what is best for you and what suits you.

Hopefully this has helped.
God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Sometimes I want to ask...

2011-10-28T12:17:00.000+01:00

Saw this on someones Facebook page. Totally agree with it.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Taking a Page out of Job's Book

2011-10-27T18:29:00.001+01:00

Recently I started reading Job. I'm only a few chapters in but already i'm challenged by how Job responds to times of hardship.

" But Satan answered the Lord, "Job honors God for a good reason.¹⁰ You have put a wall around him, his family, and everything he owns. You have blessed the things he has done. His flocks and herds are so large they almost cover the land.¹¹ But reach out your hand and destroy everything he has, and he will curse you to your face."

¹² The Lord said to Satan, "All right, then. Everything Job has is in your power, but you must not touch Job himself." Then Satan left the Lord's presence.

¹³ One day Job's sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine together at the oldest brother's house.¹⁴ A messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were eating grass nearby,¹⁵ when the Sabeans attacked and carried them away. They killed the servants with swords, and I am the only one who escaped to tell you!"

¹⁶ The messenger was still speaking when another messenger arrived and said, "Lightning from God fell from the sky. It burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who escaped to tell you!"

¹⁷ The second messenger was still speaking when another messenger arrived and said, "The Babylonians sent three groups of attackers that swept down and stole your camels and killed the servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you!"

¹⁸ The third messenger was still speaking when another messenger arrived and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine together at the oldest brother's house.¹⁹ Suddenly a great wind came from the desert, hitting all four corners of the house at once. The house fell in on the young people, and they are all dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you!"

²⁰ When Job heard this, he got up and tore his robe and shaved his head to show how sad he was. Then he bowed down to the ground to worship God.²¹ He said:
    "I was naked when I was born,
       and I will be naked when I die.
    The Lord gave these things to me,
       and he has taken them away.
       Praise the name of the Lord."

²² In all this Job did not sin or blame God."

Job 1:9-22 NCV

Isn't that amazing! He lost everything- from his wealth (livestock in those days were currency) to his children- but he still bowed down and worshiped God.
When times get hard people can often turn their back on God saying 'If God loved us then this wouldn't be happening.' or 'If there was a God why would he let this happen?' I know I've done that, maybe not directly, but in my heart I have.
A couple of years ago after I lost a loved one, I didn't initially blame God but over time I turned away from him. I still belived in Him but in my heart I had turned my back on Him. To everyone else it may have seemed as if I hadn't but deep down I had. It took a lot of prayer from both me and others (and a lot of tears) to heal my heart and my relationship with God.

Whether you directly blame God and know it, or, like I did, blame God in your heart, we forget the good things God has given us. I think that often in the western world, we are so consumed with what we want to have that we forget to thank God for what he has given us. Even in times of hardship we need to remember all God has given us. Especially in times of hardship we also need to remember that God loves us and since he is outside time knows what is best and knows the best outcome. As Kreeft said in an interview with Lee Strobel in 'A Case for Faith' that what looked like the greatest tragedy of all, Jesus dying on a cross turned out to be the best thing. Trusting God is the best thing we can do in times of hardship since he's the only one who can help us through it.

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

A Conversation between a Student and his Professor...

2011-10-27T11:33:00.000+01:00

Found this and thought you'd like it...

Hope you do.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Devotion, Jules Burt

2011-10-25T15:27:00.001+01:00

I have finally found a version of Devotion by Jules Burt on Youtube which I mentioned in my favourite of the month for september. Here it is:

Hope you enjoy.
God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

The Truth about Halloween

2011-10-25T14:42:00.000+01:00

So we all know Halloween is coming up. Some of you may participate in it as a bit of 'harmless' fun. Some of you may not. Even if you do or don't do you know the origins of Halloween? Where it comes from? Well I know that not until last year I wasn't absolutely sure on the origins of Halloween was. I knew it was something bad and wasn't Godly but I didn't know a great lot of detail. There was something inside me that hated it and well, I understood it was a dark night. But it wasn't until last year that I truly knew the origins of Halloween and even this year I've learnt more.

Last year i did a post on Halloween which you might find useful: http://spotofhope.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-gods-veiw-on-it.html

Recently I've been reading Huge Love's posts on Halloween. They tell you the truth about Halloween and their origins. I was thinking of writing a post or two like hers but since she did such a great job I don't see the point, so here they are:
http://hugelove.blogspot.com/2011/10/its-samhain-again-aka-halloween.html
http://hugelove.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-is-halloween.html
http://hugelove.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-and-your-child.html
http://hugelove.blogspot.com/2011/10/from-former-witchnow-converted.html
http://hugelove.blogspot.com/2011/10/some-final-thoughts-on-halloween.html

In the post entitled 'From a former witch...now converted Christian' Tiffany shows four videos by a former witch who, as the title suggests, is now a Christian called Carol Kornacki. In these videos Carol Kornacki talks about the origins if Halloween. I have also found a video of her testimony:

It is an amazing story that really shows the strength of God and his love, grace and mercy.

"There shallnot be found among you anyonewho burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD.And because of these abominations the LORD your Godis driving them out before you."

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (ESV)

"Do not beconformed to this world, but be transformed bythe renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptableand perfect."

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

I hope this post has helped reveal to you the origins of Halloween. Of course it is your choice to celebrate Halloween if you wish but after all that you've read and heard about do you really want to celebrate it? Do your really want you're children to celebrate it?

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Faith without Works is Dead

2011-10-20T06:47:00.003+01:00

"Whatgood is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not haveworks? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed andlacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, bewarmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body,what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not haveworks, is dead.

But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Showme your faith apartfrom your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Youbelieve that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from worksis useless? Was not Abraham ourfather justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to himas righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God. You see that aperson is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out byanother way? For as the body apartfrom the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."

James 2:14-26

ESV

If you have never read James, then I would recommend that you read. Even though it is such a small book, it is packed full of great verses and chapters, just like the one above.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Inspirational Video

2011-10-12T18:40:00.003+01:00

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Seven Wonders of the Natural World: The Harbour of Rio de Janerio

2011-10-09T16:29:00.000+01:00

'The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is located in Brazil and was created by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean and is also known as Guanabara Bay. The Harbour is surrounded by gorgeous granite monolith mountains that include the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain at 1,296 feet (395 m), Corcovado Peak at 2,310 feet (704 m), and the hills of Tijuca at 3,350 feet (1021 m). Visitors will also experience numerous islands including Governor's island, Fundao and Snakes Island.'

http://sevennaturalwonders.org/the-original/harbour-of-rio-de-janeiro

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Seven Wonders of the Natural World: Mount Everest

2011-10-08T09:06:00.000+01:00

'Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world with the summit reaching a peak of 29,029 feet (8,848 m). It is located in the Himalayan mountain range on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China.

Mount Everest represent the highest spot on earth, but it is not the tallest mountain in the world. Mount McKinley in Alaska is the tallest mountain based on measurements taken from the base of the mountain, which is above sea level, to the peak. However, Mauna Kea in Hawaii is the actual tallest mountain in the world measured from its base, of which most of it is under water. Collectively, it rises 6.3 miles (10,200 m) from the base beneath the sea to the peak at 13,796 feet (4,205 m).

The Challenger Deep, off the Mariana islands, is the deepest spot in the ocean. If Mount Everest were placed inside the cavern there would be more than 1.3 miles (2 km) of water still covering it.'

http://sevennaturalwonders.org/the-original/mount-everest

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Seven Wonders of the Natural World: The Great Barrier Reef

2011-10-07T19:06:00.000+01:00

'The great barrier reef is the world’s largest individual formation created by living organisms. As the largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef includes over 900 islands, over 2,900 separate reefs, and supports one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.'

http://sevennaturalwonders.org/the-original/great-barrier-reef

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Seven Wonders of the Natural World: Paricutin

2011-10-06T17:55:00.000+01:00

'Paricutin is a cinder cone volcano in Michoacán, Mexico. Paricutin was named one of the seven natural wonders as an active volcano. The volcano has been dormant since the last eruption in 1952. It was established as a natural wonder because mankind witnessed its birth. The volcano was also fast growing reaching three-fourths of its size within the first year.'

http://sevennaturalwonders.org/the-original/paricutin

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Seven Wonders of the Natural World: Aurora Borealis

2011-10-05T17:57:00.000+01:00

'The auroras, also known as the Northern Lights, are naturally occurring lights that create intriguing and spectacular displays in the sky. The aurora lights frequently appear as diffused glow lighting up the horizon. The most amazing sight is when the northern lights appears as waves across the sky; it is almost as if the lights are dancing.'

http://sevennaturalwonders.org/the-original/aurora-borealis

God Bless

Love and Prayer

Beth

xxx

Trust God

2011-10-04T17:44:00.000+01:00

Last weekend I went to a football (or if you're in America Soccer) match between my home team and another team. All the way through the match people were screaming and shouting their praises at the players

then as soon as the players did something the crowd didn't like some member of the crowd would critise them. This not only got on my nerves but it got me thinking. Sometimes this is like our relationship with God. When we see his good works we praise Him, yet when God does something we don't like and don't agree with or when something bad happens we complain and blame God. Of course this is an analogy, and a football player is human and will make mistakes whereas God won't. This is the difference. God always keeps His promises. He know the best for us. Although sometimes it doesn't feel this way, it is true.

'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil,to give you a future and a hope.'
Jeremiah 29:11(ESV)

'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.'

Isaiah 55:8 (ESV)

'There is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children shall come back to their own country.'

Jeremiah 31:17 (ESV)

God loves you more than you can ever imagine. He loves you more than you can ever love Him. He loves you so so much- there aren't enough times I can say that. And if he loves you that much then He is certainly going to want the best for you. You are His son, His daughter and you have an inheritance beyond your wildest dreams waiting for you. God is wise and is outside of time, of course he knows what's best for you.

'For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.'
1 Corinthians 1:25 (ESV)

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Seven Wonders of the Natural World: Grand Canyon

2011-10-04T06:48:00.000+01:00

'The Grand Canyon is a massive gorge located in the state of Arizona in the United States, and was created by the Colorado River. Although not the steepest nor the longest canyon in the world, the Grand Canyon is recognized as a natural wonder because of the overall scale and size combined with the beautifully colored landscape. The canyon offers a variety of lookouts and experiences that provide visitors with a view that cannot be matched.'

http://sevennaturalwonders.org/the-original/grand-canyon

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Seven Wonders of the Natural World: Victoria Falls

2011-10-03T20:14:00.002+01:00

'Victoria Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in southern Africa on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River serves as the fall's water source. With the collective height and width of the falls, it is attributed as the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The name Victoria Falls was given by the Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone.

Victoria falls is accessed through either Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. It is recommended that which ever city serves as the entry point that visitors take advantage of the complete natural wonder experience and cross over to border to see what Victoria Falls has to offer from the differing perspective'

http://sevennaturalwonders.org/the-original/victoria-falls

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Light

2011-10-01T13:16:00.002+01:00

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Favorite of the Month: September

2011-09-30T20:08:00.002+01:00

So this is a very popular video on you tube, especially I've noticed with make-up gurus. But my favorite of the months are going to have a slight twist than the usually ones. So I am going to tell you my favorite Christian song, book, blog and video as well as my favorite Bible verse and sermon of the month. So here goes...

Song
So my favorite song this month I have only heard once in a live worship session. The song is originally from Newday 2011- which sadly I didn't do to :(. So because of that I cannot find it anywhere on line. But here it is 'Devotion' by Jules Burt. But my second favorite song is 'Through it All' by Matt Redman.

Book
I haven't actually got a favorite Christian book of the month since I haven't really read one this month since I have been studying loads. But I have chosen one I read in the last days of August that I enjoyed. It was 'Every Young Woman's Battle' by Shannon Ethridge and Stephan Arterburn. Although I did find you had to take it with a pinch of salt, but overall it was good.

Verse
I have two favorite verses, I know its cheating kind of. But they do link together.
"Then he said to humans,
       'The fear of the Lord is wisdom;
       to stay away from evil is understanding.' "
Job 28:28

"Knowledge begins with respect for the Lord,
       but fools hate wisdom and discipline."
Proverbs 1:7

Blog
I love this blog, it is full of encouraging sayings and pictures.
http://godsradicaldaughter.tumblr.com/

Sermon
My favorite sermon I have heard this month has not been uploaded online so I don'tr feel I can share it with you, but I will share one of my other favorite sermons. It's by Stef Liston- an amazing preacher (!!!!)- and it is about the 'Fear of the Lord' in a series he did on 'Wisdom'. I love the series and this is a really good sermon. Listen to it!!!
http://www.revelationchurch.org.uk/sermons/10-02-28.mp3

Video
This video holds some shocking facts that really hit home.

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Autumn

2011-09-23T11:48:00.003+01:00

I have to admit it, Autumn is my favorite season. I love it. All the reds, golds, oranges, browns, yellows and all the other beautiful colours. Below my favorite tree:

When I was younger me and my siblings used to call it the 'sun' tree since when you looked through the leaves and the sun was in front of them the leaves glowed like the sun.

I love autumn leave,s the colours they bring, and I know this is sad, but I love stepping on crunchy leaves.

Autumn is when it isn't too cold that I'm wearing so many layers I look like a stuffed turkey but when I have an excuse to wear jumpers, scarfs, gloves etc and not look strange. I am actually warm for once in the year.

Autumn gives me an excuse to snuggle up in front of the fire with a good old book or watch a classic film with a mug of Whittard's white hot chocolate in my hands.

Although I don't agree with halloween (click here to know why) as a family we put a pumpkin outside our door with a cross cut out of it. And pumpkin soup and pie are very yummy also.

Bonfire night is also in autumn. I love the colours, the sparkle and the beauty of them.

Anyway I think you have see and heard enough of why I love autumn. And I truly thank God for the seasons. And for times of change. Without seasons are world couldn't cope and I think we would all get bored if there was only one season.

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Life is fragile...

2011-09-21T20:30:00.001+01:00

I saw this saying on a sign recently and I loved it, so here it is:
"Life is fragile, handle with prayer."

God Bless
Love and Prayer
Beth
xxx

Keep Calm

2011-09-18T21:23:00.004+01:00

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

What are your fears?

2011-09-11T17:10:00.000+01:00

What do the 3 pictures above have in common? They are all things I'm afraid/ scared off among other things. Picture 1 represents my fear of moths, picture 2 represents my fear of spiders (big ones that is) and Picture 3 represents my fear of heights (not goats!).

Why am I telling you this well I am trying to find out what the most common fears are for a project I am doing. I would love it if you could help me out and either comment below or I have a poll on the right hand side of my blog underneath the followers section, however if you answer is 'other/s' please could you state what it is in the comments below. Thank you enormously for your help!

I may even do a post about the results I have received from the project as a whole.
Thanks once again!
God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx

Ten years ago today...

2011-09-11T15:36:00.002+01:00

Today, as we all know, is the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. I don't know about you, but I can still remember seeing the images on the TV, and being quite young, asking my mum 'What happened?'. Telling a young child about how some people would intentionally want to kill other people is a hard thing in its self, but telling your child that someone they know- a friend or a family member- died because of what happened that day must have broken peoples hearts. My prayers go to all those who lost loved ones 10 years ago today.

Anextract from Wikipedia:

"The September 11attacks (also referred toas September 11, September 11th or 9/11^[ werea series of four coordinated suicideattacks upon the United States in New York City and Washington,D.C. on September 11, 2001. On that morning, 19 terrorists fromthe Islamist militantgroup al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger jets. Thehijackers intentionally crashed two planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175,into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; bothtowers collapsed within two hours. Hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 intothe Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth jet, United Airlines Flight 93,crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania afterpassengers attempted to take control before it could reach the hijacker'sintended target in Washington, D.C. Nearly 3,000 died in the attacks."

God Bless

Love and Prayers

Beth

xxx

Eternity

2011-09-06T07:05:00.001+01:00

You're probably thinking 'why on earth have I got a picture of Gladiator?'. Well all you Gladiator will know the tagline/quote: 'What we do in life echoes in eternity.'
This is a great quote that rings very true:
"God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life."
John 3:16

God Bless
Love and Prayers
Beth
xxx