Search Results for: blog priorities and tlc1

Ritual and Rules or Relationship?

Jesus taught that Christianity is about a relationship, not the keeping of rules and rituals. Jesus warned his disciples they would be cast out of the synagogues, for following Him rather than abiding by the rules and laws of the Jewish religion, John 16: 1-4. Jesus’ prayer, for his early disciples and for us, is that we may be one with him and with the Father, John 17:20-23. That’s relationship! If we look back earlier in John’s gospel we see another example of Jesus in relationship with his people. Jesus taught He was ‘the good shepherd.’ He is our shepherd … Continue reading →

The Way out of Despair

Lamentations is not exactly the book you expect to find hope and encouragement. Its very name implies otherwise and yet there are some great verses filled with hope and joy. The writer of Lamentations is not identified, though many believe it was Jeremiah. If you read Jeremiah and all that happened to him and read Lamentations with that in mind, it’s more than likely. The writer of Lamentations was doing it hard. He felt he had been given suffering and affliction by God, Lamentations 3:1. He felt completely in the dark, Lamentations 3:2. In his view God had repeatedly turned … Continue reading →

Connected to the Source

Are you unconnected to the source of life? Jesus reminds us in the parable of the vine that God’s aim for our lives is that we bear fruit. The only way this can happen is if we are connected to the main part of the vine. Left to run wild though, it will not bear fruit properly either. The vine needs to be pruned so it will bear more fruit, verse 2. Although we are made clean by the Word and by believing in Jesus that is not enough for us to have a fruitful productive Christian life, verse 3. … Continue reading →

What Do You Need?

In these days of economic recession, it’s time for us to take stock and think about what we really need. The other day I saw some T-shirts advertised cheap. When I went in they were sold out but they did have lots of lovely blouses at reduced prices. ‘Why don’t you buy one?’ my husband said when he saw me looking at them. ‘Because I don’t need them.’ I needed a cheap T-shirt to wear to tennis. I didn’t need pretty blouses to wear out, though I have to admit it was tempting. It’s so easy to get caught up … Continue reading →

Enjoy Joy

Stop and smell the roses. That old expression is still meaningful today — take the time to appreciate the little things around you. When you open yourself up to the good little things in life, you can be a happier, healthier person. According to a study from Yale University, people who have a cheerful outlook live an average of seven and a half years longer than the doom-and-gloom crowd. A positive attitude can help you recover more quickly after an illness, too! Be proud of yourself. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating your successes — whether you finished a big project … Continue reading →

The World is Watching

Our dog is afraid of thunderstorms. This is not the puppy, who is totally unfazed by storms. This is our big cross Kelpie and Border Collie. The other week he tried to tunnel under the fence and became so agitated by the storm that last time it thundered we took pity on him and let him inside. We figured that the little pup was unfazed because she was inside with us and knew she was safe. So we thought it would calm our big dog down too if he was allowed in with us. The plan certainly didn’t work out … Continue reading →