Retreat with Jesus: Day Sixteen

I love the Voice translation for this reading today - I can say it no better than the way its already written! Until tomorrow - pressing on:-)

I’m not there yet, nor have I become perfect; but I am charging on to gain anything and everything the Anointed One, Jesus, has in store for me—and nothing will stand in my way because He has grabbed me and won’t let me go. Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission. I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusivelyin Jesus the Anointed. All of us who are mature ought to think the same way about these matters. If you have a different attitude, then God will reveal this to you as well. For now, let’s hold on to what we have been shown and keep in step with these teachings.

Retreat with Jesus: Day Fifteen

Today's reading is another one that I wouldn't naturally have chosen to read! I have been using the recommended daily readings for a retreat with Jesus found at the back of 'The Voice' translation of the bible.

Sometimes scripture can be a sobering reminder of who we are in relation to God. We are like the grass as 1 Peter 1 v 24  says 

All flesh is like grass,

and all its glory like a flower of the grass.

The grass withers, and the flower falls,

25 

but the word of the Lord endures forever.

This season of study and pondering is bringing me into a new place.  My mind is being stretched and hopefully transformed  more into the likeness of Jesus - the one who I love and desire to follow above all else. The book of Revelation points to the future when we all face eternity - I'm trusting that as I journey authentically in faith, my name is written in the book of life. May I keep alert to Holy Spirt and never find myself too busy to be conscious of His presence in every moment of my life here on earth.

Retreat with Jesus: Day Fourteen

Todays reading was from Luke 15: 11-32 and is the story Jesus told of the prodigal son.
A few years ago I did the above painting for a friend's birthday. She collects all things PIG. I named the painting 'Where's that prodigal gone'….

I doubt the pigs really noticed that the prodigal left them…but it's a comical picture of two pigs looking like they're discussing life over the garden wall. I wonder what conversation they would have had should they have known the love and acceptance the father showed to the wayward son.

The prodigal son story is so similar to my own experience. I am forever grateful for the love of the Father and so glad I found my way HOME to His heart.

Retreat with Jesus: Day Thirteeen

Today is one of those days I regret being so public about my intimacy in retreat with Jesus!

It's been a busy day - juggling a lot of STUFF and feeling like at the end of the day I deserve a glass of wine. Except…..glass of wine in hand I read today's scripture! (Having already partook of a glass of damson gin given at Christmas from the mother in law!)
Looooooong pause…..
Those of you who know me from years ago will remember my nick name. It rhymed with Chris!

I am challenged to take those huge draughts of God's Spirit that I know from experience far out weigh any need for alcohol. I don't want to cheapen who I am……I know that one touch from God can obliterate any need for the soothing effect of alcohol.

I may regret this post in the morning but feel obliged at this moment to be honest with those following my journey!

Jesus reveals some HARD stuff at times….I choose Jesus.

Retreat with Jesus: Day Twelve

Every day is a challenge to hear and connect with what God may be revealing to me through His word. Today I was quickly inspired as I read about being imitators  of God - as we would imitate a loving Father. I was immediately reminded of a little boy called *David who came to stay with us over several weekends last year. Hubby was busy renovating our newly bought home and this little chap would gather all the building toys in the house and 'play' outside in the corridor as Bri worked away on renovations.

It was the cutest thing to see him imitating Bri and wanting to be like him….the biggest loving compliment one could have:-)

*Name changed to protect identity

Retreat with Jesus: Day Eleven

Another translation of the bible that I love to read is 'The Voice'. Todays reading in 'The voice' puts it like this -

"For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing. 10 For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago.'

It's such a relief that it's not by our plan or effort and on busy days like today it's good to be able to rest back into God's love and not feel pressure to be anything other than a child of God.

Retreat with Jesus: Day Ten

My heart is feeling full as today draws to a close. I simply loved being back at my home church Hillsong Oxford this morning. What an amazing bunch of people. So blessed by the message shared and the after church lunch. I also loved spending time with extended family this afternoon and evening - I am truly grateful to God for each and every person I can think of! Paul's prayer flowed out of heartfelt appreciation and love for those around him. I come into agreement with his prayer for you dear reader -  that you would enter deeply into the revelation of Father's love for you. Receive the blessing!