Tag: Love

The Birth of Christ

Luke 2:1-7New International Version

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

The birth of Christ in a manger exemplifies the essence of servant leadership. As Christians we are called to serve rather than be served. A servant leadershipstyle involves putting the needs of others first, empowering members and helping them reach their full potential.

In the midst of challenging circumstances, Mary & Joseph exhitbited grace and compassion towards each other and the new born Jesus. As Christians we are bound to encounter obstacles & uncertainties, and how we respond to these situations impact’s our teams morale & resilience. By leading with grace & compassion, we create an atmosphere of support and understanding, fostering a culture of growth & resilience.

Prayer

Father, we are humbled by the life of Jesus’ humble birth, which teaches us the value of servant leardership. Help us lead with humility,grace and compassion always seeking to serve. May our lives reflect your love & humility, creating a culture of trust, growth & resilience. Guide us to identify with the needs of our members and provide support and empowerment they need to thrive. May we flourish finding strength in humble beginingsand reaching their full potential. Amen

Glory in the highest

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.

The angel’s proclamation of peace on earth reminds us of the importance of fostering a culture of peace and unity in our Christian lives. As Christians, we have the responsibility to create a harmonious and supportive environment for those we come in contact with. This peace, rooted in God’s love, extends beyond the mere absence of conflict to a deep sense of well-being and emotional safety. Let us strive to be peacemakers in our lives, promoting understanding, empathy, and collaboration, among others.

Prince of peace, we come before you, longing for peace that only you can bring. As Christians help us to be instruments of your peace, fostering unityand understanding among those we come into contact with. Grant us the wisdom and patience to address conflicts with grace & humility. May our lives reflect the peace that comes from knowing and trusting in you. Amen.

A Servant King

During the period of Advent I itend to post a daily thought and prayer leading up to Christmas day.

Luke 2: 11 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

As Christians let us remember that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of th ultimate servant, Jesus Christ. His willingness to humbly enter the world and serve humanity sets a profound example for us to follow in our Christian roles. In a world that often glorifies power & authority, Christ’s leadership shows us the true greatness lies in serving others selflessly. As we reflect on the manger scene, may it serve as a powerful reminder that our lives should be charecterised by love, humility & compassion, just as Christ demonstrated through his life and ministry.

Prayer

Heavenly Father we come before you in humility, acknowledging that true leadership is found in serving others just as your Son, Jesus Christ, examplified. Grant us the wisdom & strength to lead with love & compassion, prioritising the needs of those we serve. May our leadership be a reflection of your servant – hearted nature, bringing Glory to your name. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

A Christian Journey

In a world that’s ever spinning, midst the noise and ceaseless din, Christian life is but beginning, when we let the Savior in.

From the cross at Calvary’s hilltop, to the empty tomb so grand, Echoes love, forgiveness, mercy, reaching out to every land.

With each step upon the journey, through the valleys and the peaks, There’s a hand that gently guides us, even when His voice seems meek.

Faith, the cornerstone of ages, hope, the anchor for our soul, Love, the greatest of all virtues, makes the broken spirit whole.

In the trials and tribulations, in the joys and moments sweet, Christian life is not just living, but in Christ, we are complete.

Doubt may rear its head and tempt us, shadows creep and cause us strife, Yet the Light, forever shining, cuts the dark with a sacred knife.

Living water, bread of heaven, feed our souls and quench our thirst, In His word, we find our refuge, in His arms, we’re always first.

Cherished tales of saints and martyrs, testament to enduring grace, Speak of passion, faith, and purpose, and the promise we embrace.

Through the seasons, through the ages, with the cross as our true north, Christian life is not mere passage, but a beacon leading forth.

With a song of hallelujah, with a prayer in quiet night, We pursue the path of righteousness, ever towards His holy light.

In the end, as dawn is breaking, when the final race is run, Christian life’s true destination, is in union with the Son.

Living a Godly life

1 Peter 2 New International Version

Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society

11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[e]

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[f] but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

What is the love of Jesus to thee?
Art thou its claims denying?
Dost thou e’er think how he on the tree
Gained thy salvation by dying?

Refrain:
O remember, O remember
All a loving Saviour bore for thee!
O remember, O remember
Jesus dying on the tree!

What is the call of Jesus to thee?
Say, is thy heart replying?
Henceforth is he thy Master to be?
Wilt thou as rebel defy him?

What is his grace, O sinner, to thee?
O ’tis of thanks deserving,
Waiting so long thy soul to set free,
Love in its purpose ne’er swerving.

What is the name of Jesus to thee?
Art thou his fame extending?
Dost thou obey? He says: Follow me,
Life in my service be spending.

Divine Image

In realm divine, a quiet mirror stands,

Reflecting softly our Creator’s hands.

In gentle stillness, sacred silence bides,

Where God’s own heart with tender love abides.

Within this glass, the cosmos finely spun,

A reflection gleams—the holy, blessed Son.

Jesus, the mirror, vast Divine,

Where God’s own face in tender mercy shines.

A boundless Love, in earthly guise confined,

A mirror’s depth in human form we find.

His sacred heart, a reflection pure and true,

God’s loving gaze cast in a holy hue.

In every act, in every gracious word,

The Divine Image faithfully was heard.

His mercy’s mirror, held to fallen man,

Reflects redemption in salvation’s plan.

Amidst the mortal realm,

He walked upon our soil,

A Divine Reflection given

amidst the human toil.

Jesus, the glass,

in which God’s Light gleamed,

Invites our souls

In His reflection be redeemed.

So let us gaze, upon this sacred glass,

And see God’s love, His image, come to pass.

In Jesus’ face, the heart of God we find,

A loving Reflection, to the earthly blind.

The Love of Jesus

Like to a lamb who from the fold has strayed
Far on the mountain, of the dark afraid,
Seeking a shelter from the night’s alarm,
Longing for comfort of the shepherd’s arm,
So Jesus found me on sin’s mountain drear,
Gathered me close and banished all my fear.

In the love of Jesus there is all I need,
While I follow closely where my Lord may lead;
By His grace forgiven, in His presence blest,
In the love of Jesus,
In the love of Jesus is perfect rest.See the source image

Like to a pilgrim in an unknown land,
Seeking the comfort of a guiding hand,
Fearing the perils of the winding way,
Pleading for strength sufficient every day,
I met my Lord; and though the path be dim,
He knows the way and I will walk with Him.

Like to a child who, when the night may fall,
Out of the darkness hears his father call,
Far and a weary though his feet may roam,
Sees in the distance shining lights of home,
So at the last the music of His voice
Will calm my fears and make my heart rejoice.

This is one of many beautiful, heart-touching songs whose lyrics were written by Colonel Mrs. Ivy Mawby. Ivy was born in 1903 and entered the Salvation Army Training College for Officers in London at the age of eighteen. In 1929 she married then Major Arthur Mawby. Ivy spent much of her lifetime speaking and writing, with particular interest in the needs of women. She travelled extensively and was known for being able to see the Divine in life’s ordinary things. She served in France and Great Britain. At International Headquarters, Ivy worked in the Editorial Department, using her admirable writing skills. She retired as a Colonel in 1963. Mrs. Mawby was Promoted to Glory in 1983, having enriched the Salvation Army with her writing of poetry, prose and song.

Unchanging Love

Image result for unchanging love

Psalm 103:13-22 New International Version – UK (NIVUK)

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children –
18 with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
    and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his bidding,
    who obey his word.
21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
    you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the Lord, all his works
    everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Such love, pure as the whitest snow
Such love, weeps for the shame I know
Such love, paying the debt I owe
O Jesus, such love

Such love, stilling my restlessness
Such love, filling my emptiness
Such love, showing me holiness
O Jesus, such love

Such love, springs from eternity
Such love, streaming through history
Such love, fountain of life to me
O Jesus, such love

Helping each other

Galatians 6 New International Version – UK

Doing good to all

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

I think at times such as the COVID-19 we all need uplifting words such as the words of this song

Why suffer as a Christian?

1 Peter 4 New International Version

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.