Retreat with Jesus: Day Nine

Yesterday, for the first time in my life I went for a sports massage. I have been suffering chronic pain in my right arm and elbow since September. I decided enough was enough. I had ended up losing strength in my hand to the point where I had difficulty holding a cup! My sleep was also being affected as I was in great discomfort when lying on my right hand side.

Turned out it was muscular. On receiving strong massage on certain muscles in my neck - my whole arm went tingly and the 'trapped nerve' pain subsided!

In a very practical way I learned the significance of the passage today. Every part of our body is important and affects wider parts. One small muscle in tension can cause the loss of the use of an arm! It could be a while before strength returns fully to my arm  - but hopefully it WILL now recover fully :-)

Retreat with Jesus: Day Eight

'The message' version tells us that Jesus told this story in the presence of some who were 'complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people.' There was certainly never a boring minute around Jesus. He must have kept everyone on their toes because he wasn't dictated to by social 'norms' or expectations.  Reading this story 2000 plus years later - I am challenged by the 'topsy turvy ' world of the Kingdom Jesus championed - one where heartfelt humility is rewarded.

Retreat with Jesus: Day Seven

This was a rich reading today - It was the last verse however that struck me most! How quick we can sometimes be to judge each other. Been also pondering the Lord's prayer today and there was a deep overlap of revelation around ' forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors'. We are indebted to God for His grace, mercy and forgiveness….who are we to pass judgement on others? Let grace ABOUND!

Retreat with Jesus: Day Six

If you're tracking with these blogs you may like to know that I'm using two translations of the bible. Both my favourites - if they did a dual bible with both the 'Message' and 'Amplified' translations - I'd buy it in a shot!

I love the 'Message' for it's simplicity and use of everyday language - always sounds like you're having a chat. The Amplified on the other hand - is VERY wordy - expanding and using several words to get across the description or meaning of the text. In the pictures I've tended to put any words from the 'Message' bible in red to distinguish between the two translations - though watch out! I may even throw in another translation before the 40 days is up!

Retreat with Jesus: Day Five

Wow! Personally challenged by this one. It's so easy to walk by and ignore needs in our world today. There's a horrible term called 'compassion fatigue' - referring to the fact we've become bombarded by horror stories and pictures of people in need so much on a daily basis that it's caused us to become hardened and dispassionate. I pray that Jesus will keep my heart soft and willing to put FAITH and ACTION in place where necessary.

Retreat with Jesus: Day Four

First day back at work after New Year and REALLY had to squeeze this in the day! Some deep revelation. I loved the bit in the 'message' translation about letting God landscape you with His word.

Retreat with Jesus: Day Three

The choice is always ours in terms of what we believe about God and His love and goodness to us. It's sad that so many people are misled into believing God causes pain and suffering. Scripture clearly tells us that it is our birthing of SIN that matures into death and all of it's consequences. We can be a kind of  first fruits of all He created by believing in the word of truth - the gospel of Jesus…..there is a birth that leads to abundant life.
An added bonus for today is this picture of Noodle trying to join in the painting!