Free to See Reality

Every day people are seeing things that are not there. They are presented with a vision of things as they are which leads them to behave in line with what they see. History is littered, however, with how people following these presentations only for wider forces to show that this was a false reality. It is not just those taken with a religious fanaticism or rabid obsession that are similarly blinded – anyone whose vision does not allow them to see love and pursue peace needs to be free to see reality.

He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." (John 9:25)

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Shalom

Freedom From Fear Fortress

It happened before – it might happen before it really hurt and that does not want to be experienced again. What if the response is negative? They don’t like it. They are not for it. What if an embarrassment is made? What happens if the finished article isn’t good enough? Constantly second-guessing, never quite certain of the now, the paralysis is set because of gear. Male or female there is something about negative forecasts that can dissuade from a position. The foundations of fortress fear crumble at the sound of love that sets people free to live above their fears.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18)

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Shalom

Freedom From The Prison of the Past

Wracked with guilt for what was done, continually haunted by what was never done, experiences of yesterday hold today captive. As the memories thicken and the hurt intensifies, so the suffocating choke of yesteryear prevents any ability to breathe the fresh air of the present. The keys to the jail are found in discovering that though nothing can change what has happened, it does not have to cripple today. The hope is for the power of that release to be the present of the present for those still behind the bars of the prison of the past.

My friends, I don't feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. (Philippians 4:13)

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Shalom

Freedom When The Wise One Comes Along

Sometimes the odds may seem overwhelming and considering defeating something that has dominated for so long might seem hard to almost impossible. It is the wise one, however, who can see all there is about something so imposing and still detect the weak points. It is the wise one who exercises faith, hope and love to believe that no matter how great the odds, freedom can still be achieved. The wise one does not put trust in self to overcome, but believes one far greater than the stronghold to secure freedom.

A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. (Proverbs 21:22)

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Shalom

No More Strongholds

Some things become so deep rooted in us that when they are removed the foundation of our life seems to go. It is as though such was its hold on us such a strong hold that we were indistinguishable from it. Such was its stronghold that the values of life revolved around it life itself was determined by the fortunes of that which held us. Such was the temporary nature and lacking quality of that thing that life was never fulfilling, but such was the strong hold that no freedom seemed in sight. However a wise man came along …

A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. (Proverbs 21:22)

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Shalom

Break Free … from Without: External Expectations

Peer pressure has a lot to answer for. As relational beings prone to enjoy the company of others and looking to maintain the status quo in certain characters can easily get sucked up in portraying someone that fits in. The pressure to live up to people’s expectations can be oppressive and leave people cold inside without ever understanding where they can truly be themselves. The cry to break free enables people not to please people but find that place of fully realising who they are called to please.

God was pleased to trust us with his message. We didn't speak to please people, but to please God who knows our motives. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)

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Shalom

Break Free … From Without: Materialism

The cycle is as tragic as it is inevitable. They say it’s the thing to be wearing, the game to be playing, the phone to be using, the car to be driving, the food to be eating, etc. The pressure is on to buy it, watch it, wear it, eat it and no sooner have we bought it then it’s time to buy something else as trends change, because we’re living in a material world. Freedom from materialism lets us see the truth that life is less about what we own, and more about who we are within.

Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot. (Luke 12:15)

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Shalom

Dawning Realisation: What's Going On?

If you’ve been doing something the same way for a number of days, weeks, months and years it can become an engrained part of life. Some of these grains inhibit growth and freedom and are so deep that it takes something shocking, something that rocks the foundations of the grain for us to have a realisation that something is wrong. The reason why in some cases the pattern of pressure and slavery continues is because some of us need that dawning realisation that brings up that age old question ‘What’s Going On?’

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

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Shalom

Break Free Together

When there are complaints on things like not having the latest brand named goods or not having access to the best things in life it seems to miss the whole point of community. When someone is complaining about the name of the shoes, where their sister in another country has no shoes, something’s wrong. When someone expects all their rights to be met, where the rights of others are neglected something’s wrong. Something within the human condition cries out for us all to break free together.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

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Shalom

Break Free … From Without: Injustice

There are still vile human rights abuses taking place around our world. There are still traumatic offences committed in this country. There are still horrendous crimes carried out in our cities. There are still miscarriages of justice occurring in our towns. There are still tragic wrongs done in our homes. There are still sins committed in our own lives. Injustice is still somewhere, so the fight for justice – the fight to break free must carry on everywhere.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

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Shalom

Break Free … From Without: Discrimination

It’s almost as if someone else’s insecurities can put a barrier on someone else’s freedom. Negative discrimination is the thinking that describes that state of mind where our own inability and insecurity to celebrate our own identity is then forced outwards to others. We pick on any difference not as something to build on and explore but to crush others. Some people, communities and cultures still suffer greatly from accepted norms of negative discrimination and so desperately need to be set free.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

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Shalom

Under Pressure

Slavery maybe something of an abstract concept to those in the western world privileged to be told that they live in a free society. However when the challenges of daily living are considered – bills to pay, onerous responsibilities to meet, friends to retain, personal image to sustain, rat-race to maintain – then it’s no wonder even those in the ‘free society’ appear just as enslaved as those from previous eras or other countries. Everyone is under pressure to some extent and that pressure can cripple, depress and rob the joy to be discovered when we break free.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

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Shalom

Break Free: An Introduction

From the chick breaking through the egg shell to the moth emerging from the chrysalis there are experiences of the desire to break free. Even the wonder of seeing the birth of a newborn baby highlights the wonder of someone entombed for so long finally breaking free. This desire is not reserved to birth as the histories of peoples and individuals are full of struggle, triumph and tragedy to get and enjoy some physical, emotional, financial or spiritual freedom. This month is dedicated to exploring and reflecting on this crucial theme. What does it mean to you?

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

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Shalom

Going Where You Don’t Know

Directions in the journey of life are especially crucial when you don’t know where you’re going. So many distractions and ‘helpful’ pointers can leave things confusing. Faith acts as a steer and a guide to the direction you should go. So in those times when you don’t always know how to get to where you’re going, faith fundamentally gives reassurance not of reaching the destination, but relationship on the way.

The LORD said to Abram: Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you. (Genesis 12:1)

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Shalom

One Small Step For Man

The biggest achievements started small. The longest journey starts and ends with a single step. Wherever you are in your journey, maybe you haven’t even left the comfort of your own surroundings. There are, though, significant, positive life-changing experiences waiting on the way towards conquering something of eternal value. The invitation has been made for you to go to a land promised for you far better than where you are at the moment. Respond to the call today; take that one small step for man …

The LORD said to Abram: Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you. (Genesis 12:1)

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Shalom

Directions to Life

How can you know the directions a full life if you’ve never been there before? Help will be needed in getting the map on how to get where you’re heading. Acknowledging that having not been there before it is not possible to know the directions the next best thing is to check if someone has been there before or if fellow travellers have any travel tips. The smallest search will uncover good instruction for direction to life – it is to now look for it and accept to get ton that destination of life in all its fullness.

The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you're lost for good. (Proverbs 10:17)

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Shalom

Distractions

Where are you going? People who have succeeded in life are usually driven forward towards accomplishing a goal. It gives them something to work towards and when they have achieved that they move onto another. Success is achieved by being clear and focussed. Where things go awry is through distractions. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. In fact with the vast array of choices available it is easy to get side-tracked into noble activities but actually detract from reaching life’s goal. Are you distracted? Where are you going?

Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, (Joshua 23:6)

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Shalom

When All Hope Appears Gone

When their brother fell ill, his two sisters hoped that he would help. Hours and days passed. All hope appeared to be lost when their brother eventually breathed his last. Their brother dead, they buried him and some days later this great teacher they had hoped in turned up. Moved with compassion, this man brought hope when it appeared to have died by bringing him back to life. There are other stories of lost situations miraculously recovered. These say one thing – however dim the glimmer, however overwhelming the darkness, the smallest light says where there is life there is hope.

So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." (John 11:41-43)

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Shalom

Is All Hope Gone?

What we find exciting in some movies is that bit where it seems as though all avenues have been blocked and the hero is trapped in a perilous situation. Sadly for some life is like that without the miracle solution. So what happens when all hope appears gone? First realise that your situation as unique as it appears it is part of a story of similar dark episodes. In these, however there are seeds that provide the source for the belief that in spite of those dark days, as long as there is life, there is hope.

We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. (Romans 5:3-5)

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Shalom

What Hope of Deliverance?

When the clouds are grey and the nights are long and lonely it’s difficult to hope in deliverance. Visiting that loved one as they undergo chemo therapy, unsure as to whether they will pull through it’s difficult to hope in deliverance. When there’s another relapse after so long it’s difficult to hope in deliverance. Yet every time we get out of some tricky situations we may think it is our ingenuity. In actuality there is an Unseen Mover delivering you. This is the start to have that assurance of the presence of One who delivers with His loving right hand.

And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you!" (1 Samuel 17:37)

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Shalom

Hear Me Out

The cry for deliverance is something that is as natural a part of the human condition as the need for food, clothes, shelter and relationship. Although we all need it in different ways whether economically, physically, relationally and spiritually, please spare a thought today for those who need to have deliverance from substance addition. For those who struggle under the pressure of temptation this part of the prayer is particularly apt. For that person share the message – there is hope of deliverance.

Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! (Psalm 142:6)

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Shalom

Deliver Us

Deliver us – from the past that would enslave us; Deliver us – from future unknown that brings anxiety; Deliver us – from relationships that would crush us; Deliver us – from the pride that poisons us; Deliver us – from the fear that cripples us; Deliver us – from the world quickly fading; Deliver us – from thinking that aggravates; Deliver us – from a life of boredom, apathy and neglect; Deliver us – from masks that hide real struggles of life; Deliver us – from injustice and hatred; Deliver us – inside and out. Deliver us by Your power and love. Deliver us with Your touch from above.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:13)

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Shalom

Deliverance

Deliverance. The boy bullied at school needs it;

the girl facing abuse at home needs it; the young man constantly criticised by friends needs it; the addict struggling to stay clean needs it; the business in the downturn needs it; the community threatened by loss needs it; the family on the brink of eviction need it; the frail elderly person suffering with aches and pains needs it. Though we look for it in many things and different places, there is only One who has died for us to get it and lives again for us to embrace it.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:13)

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Shalom

Responsible Drinking

It is sadly funny seeing large packs of lager or beer being sold at discount rates with the tag ‘drink responsibly’. Although there are merits to social drinking, the dangers of excessive drinking physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally and otherwise are so overwhelming it is patently obvious what approach is wise when it comes to alcohol. What’s patently obvious, though, and what we follow are often two different things and the motive that can keep us focussed is that fine balancing act of determining consequences on ourselves and others and looking to enjoy life responsibly.

Leaders should not get drunk or even want to drink. Drinking makes you forget your responsibilities, and you mistreat the poor. (Proverbs 31:4, 5)

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Shalom

Getting the Balance Right

Too much of most things are bad. So what’s good to aim for is the right balance between things. It’s good to aim for a good balance between poverty and riches – the extreme either way could lead to a loss of proper perspective on life. Such a loss would mean missing on what is true and enjoying it. So rather than necessarily aiming to be over the top, an enjoyable lifetime’s pursuit is looking for that balance in life.

There are two things, Lord, I want you to do for me before I die: Make me absolutely honest and don't let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. If I have too much to eat, I might forget about you; if I don't have enough, I might steal and disgrace your name.. (Proverbs 30:6-8)

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Shalom

Resist Reproof At Your Own Risk

It may hurt and feelings may be bruised, but it’s better to take a telling off and actively seek to improve by it than by getting all resentful and stubborn and resist that which is said for your own good. Failure to do so and insisting your way is best will take you to places that you don’t want to go with no return ticket at hand.

For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it'll be too late to help them.. (Proverbs 29:1)

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Shalom

Admit It And Move On

It is difficult to admit you have a problem and harder still once admitted to effectively deal with it. What makes it so difficult at times is being surrounded by people who put on masks that suggest everything is well with them and any issue they have is external and so they carry on with their self-delusion. That’s why it is a brave step to admit that you have a problem and one that is good for beginning the process of working towards that conscience free of guilt. Don’t follow the crowd confession really is good for the soul.

You can't whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them. (Proverbs 28:13)

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Shalom

Nothing Like A Good Friend

Be grateful for good friends. Those around you to share your journey who are interested in you not for what they can get out of you but out of a genuine delight in getting to know and support you. Nothing beats a good friendship, so enjoy the ones you have and spare a thought and kind deed for those who need a good friend.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. (Proverbs 27:9)

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Shalom

What Goes Around

So many traditions from faith and culture reflect a similar value – what goes round comes round. It is of no surprise when we see people suffering in the very same situation they sought to set up for someone else. Whether its bad karma, being hung by your own petard or on gallows you set for your enemy, the hint is very clear the best response to wickedness is goodness because what goes around …

If you dig a pit, you will fall in; if you start a stone rolling, it will roll back on you. (Proverbs 26:27)

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Wait For The Call Up

Bobby barges into the wedding reception heading for the head table, after all, he’s known the groom for years and anyway Bobby is the man. As the place fills up John, the groom’s best friend discreetly takes a seat at the back table. As the festivities grow, the groom recognises John and calls him up to the top table, unceremoniously kicking Bobby from the table much to his shame and embarrassment. Morale of the story – there’s no need to be pushy, but in due season you will be recognised by others to take the place where you belong.

Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence. It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted. (Proverbs 25:6, 7)

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Shalom

Getting Good Sense From Ol’ Big ‘ead

Just look at their track record, two European Cups, several league championships, other trinkets and memorabilia. It is no surprise that Brian Clough’s best days in management were when he had Peter Taylor by his side. It is no surprise that people tend to succeed well when they are surrounded by good people who help to form good decisions and so see victory in the issues of life. Are good people around you? Or are you isolated in decision-making? Life gets better as we surround ourselves with good people and follow their advice to make the most of life.

A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. (Proverbs 24:5, 6)

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Shalom

Don’t Be Jealous

The poor get poorer, the rich get richer. People who ruin economies get massive bonuses as unemployment rises. The lifestyles of the rich and famous appear to be above the law and not get punished as much as the little man. It’s easy to get caught up in the feeling of unfairness in the world, but as there is more to life than material goods so there is more to life than what we see in terms of justice. Hope for the future is always assured when we don’t envy wrongdoers, but rest in the assurance of peace in right-doing.

Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:17, 18)

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Shalom

That’s A Good Name

Reputations can be built on a name. Do you know that Matty? Yeah he’s a good bloke. What about that Vicky? Nah she’s a bit nasty actually. Qualities of friendliness, trustworthiness, generosity, good humour can have a great impact than a big bank balance. Here’s hoping that today these qualities can help make an investment in those you meet that will give you a good name.

A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)

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Shalom

Diligent Work Pays Off

There is an amazing generosity of spirit found in diligent hard working people. Not workaholics, but those who put such care and attention in giving their best in their honest endeavours that the reward is the feeling of a job well done. Such is the purity of such motives it beats the alternative of wanting to get loads but not putting in the effort. Such a desire without effort leads to the tragedy of hoping for so much and achieving so little. There is much to be said, then for the diligent focussed attention to work and corresponding generosity.

The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labour. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back. (Proverbs 21:25, 26)

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Beaten to Life

It’s tricky isn’t it? When is a bad thing a good thing in disguise? That’s where wisdom helps in determining these things. What is clear, however, is that some of the worst things to happen are some of the best things to happen. Sometimes it takes adversity to recognise who your real friends are. It takes adversity to discover how rotten you can be and live away from that. It takes adversity to highlight issues and rise from the ashes with renewed purpose, trust and hope in things that are true. Sometimes we need to be beaten to life.

A severe beating can knock all of the evil out of you! (Proverbs 20:30)

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Listen and Accept Good Advice

There’s nothing you can tell me. I know it all. Who are you to talk to me? Do you know who you’re talking to? We don’t always say it but actions and sentiments reflect this independent attitude. Great people over time, for all of their strength of character, have been successful because of their ability to look for and take good advice. It’s a great thing to recognise that even from the most unlikely sources if we but have the eyes to see and ears to hear there’s lots of wisdom to help us now and for the future.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. (Proverbs 19:20)

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Are You Listening? Hello? Are You … Ahhhh Forget It

It’s hilarious thinking of the scene. You’re talking to your ‘friend’ sharing on an issue. They then go off on one and for all your best efforts it’s as though all that matters is their way of seeing things. After a while that ‘friend’ doesn’t last long as you choose to go to someone who will listen and seek to understand rather than just spout out their answers. Listening to understand is one of the hardest and yet most worthwhile pursuits to go on to build effective relationships – it’s not just with your ears, it’s with a compassionate heart.

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:2)

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Peace And Quiet Over Beans On Toast

Wisdom keeps saying it’s not about what we have materially but what we have inside that makes the difference. Seriously, consider what it would be to have the money, the cars, the homes, the sex – everything and yet still deal with tension and unease from without and within. Contrast that with someone content with the simpler things in life – no fine wine, more diluted Ribena, no nouveau cuisine, more beans on toast. With that though, there is love, joy and peace just because there is life found not in the things that we have, but the good relationships we have.

A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues. (Proverbs 17:1)

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He Said She Said End Up Friendship Dead

There’s something about being straight with people that at least leaves things in the clear. There’s nothing as poisonous as the slow-working effects of gossip. Just passing information about what you heard someone said gets to your system and gets you seeing someone you thought you knew in a different light. Knowing the dangerous effects of it, good sense suggests that rather than taking someone else’s word for it, we go straight to the source so as to protect relationships. Or ‘he said’ and ‘she said’ will end up with good things ending dead.

Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends. (Proverbs 16:28)

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Good News – Glad Heart – Great Feeling

What do you mean there’s no good news? Ahhh come on, you’re reading this, right? Well it’s good news that you can still read! You can probably read this to someone as well! That’s good news that your ears are still functioning. Who’s to say that today is where you get some even better news – steps to resolving problems, good friends share good things, that funny joke, that cute baby’s birth, that sale going on. Rather than getting miserable over the inevitable bad news of life, rejoice at the equally inevitable good news waiting to be discovered and celebrated!

A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle. (Proverbs 15:30)

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Just A Man

Rich man, poor man, black man, white man, educated man, uneducated man, good man, bad man, funny man, serious man, healthy man, sick man. There are many titles we use before acknowledging someone’s humanity. Sometimes we use these titles to justify our behaviour towards them. Failure to treat people on the basis of their simple wonderful humanity, though, is not offending them alone but offends that basic quality that makes us who we are and the genius of a Creator whose special imprint is expressed in them. For when all is said and done he is still just a man.

If you mistreat the poor, you insult your Creator; if you are kind to them, you show him respect. (Proverbs 14:31)

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Satisfied?

There is a fine line between complacency and contentment. The line is not so fine between discontent and contentment. Even rich people never appear to be content, but there’s something about doing good and being satisfied with what you have. Seeing the riches in the blessings around you from health and provision to having good relationships around you should at least leave you content without having room for complacency. Especially in trying times, finding contentment in doing that which is right is worth its weight in gold.

If you live right, you will have plenty to eat; if you don't live right, you will go away empty. (Proverbs 13:25)

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Count to Ten

Just mention this one thing and it riles you up big time and you look foolish. Beyond the taunts there is the truth – if what is being said is not true, there’s no need to get upset. If it is true then there’s a matter of taking the necessary steps to address the situation as discreetly as possible. People can talk, but they don’t look the fool when the fireworks are set off. So as you count to ten under pressure count the blessings of truth, love, grace, forgiveness, peace, patience, mercy, kindness, compassion and generosity that counteract the obstacles.

Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults. (Proverbs 12:16)

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Benefits of a Generous Heart

Not everyone suffers in times of economic crisis. Although greedy appear to get richer, there are those who legitimately prosper even in trying times. These people are generous people making the most of any opportunity to give to others things to benefit them – time, words of wisdom and encouragement, much needed resources sometimes just their presence. Where others see crises as a time to withhold, these people see it as an opportunity to give all the more. Such is the spiritual economy that people of such generosity remain refreshed internally as well as externally.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. (Proverbs 11:25)

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Shalom

Love's Got You Covered

The papers are full of the exclusive revelations of the love life and failings of people as friendships are sold for the price of a good story. Rumours among colleagues that undermine people’s characters are often the product out of broken trusts to fit in with others. Good friends, however, can challenge each other privately, but won’t allow the faults of each other to be exposed. However bad things get, whatever depths of hurt, love will always have you covered.

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. (Proverbs 10:12)

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Slap Up Meal For Wise Living

There’s nothing like a good meal with friends to create a good atmosphere for sharing the issues of life in a relaxed setting. The food is not just the meat, potatoes, vegetables and salad. The drink is not just the vintage selection from the cellar. With some of life’s deep insights and joyful and sobering experiences there is plenty of food for thought and life-giving water to sooth the soul. Invite someone over to your place for that chance to feast on the food of life.

"Are you confused about life, don't know what's going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me! I've prepared a wonderful spread--fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines. Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning." (Proverbs 9:4-6)

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Listen to Lady Wisdom for Life

What one outstanding feature would attract you to something? Possibility of more money? Possibility of a better job? What if the value on offer was to experience real fulfilling life? Would that be more valuable than money, fame or possessions? Like no other commodity or value available in all the world wisdom is the quality that guarantees enriching, enjoyable and encouraging existence. Wisdom turns empty lives to exciting ones. Wisdom turns problems into opportunities. Wisdom sees light where others see darkness. Available on diligent request, wisdom invites you to join her to make the most of life’s journey.

Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each morning, alert and responsive as I start my day's work. When you find me, you find life, real life, to say nothing of God's good pleasure. (Proverbs 8:34, 35)

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Seduced into Stupidity

Ever seen an appealing advert? Buy now and don’t start paying until … consolidate all your loans in this fantastic offer … be on the cutting edge with this new product! All with the desire to ensnare you into something that could cost you more than you could ever pay. Sweet talk and flattery can lead you to a fate worse than death – a life of misery with the consequences of those foolish decisions.

And so, she tricked him with all of her sweet talk and her flattery. (Proverbs 7:21)

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Stay Alert: No Time To Waste

At a critical time like this the thing to avoid is a complacent attitude. There is no time to waste – for every moment spent in lazing around someone else is picking up opportunities. Someone else is taking stuff that could leave things looking bleak. Stay vigilant and aware so as to maintain what is already there and not get caught out.

Sleep a little. Doze a little. Fold your hands and twiddle your thumbs. Suddenly, everything is gone, as though it had been taken by an armed robber. (Proverbs 6:10, 11)

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Value Wisdom To Avoid Trouble

The person who remains calm in the middle of panic is able to think through the factors that surround the situation and considerately select the right act. Often things are said rashly not because it is not meant but because it was not thought through with good sense. Thankfully good sense is all around us, and if we but take the time to listen to these words we will know exactly what to say without regret because it comes from a heart that values wisdom above all.

My son, if you listen closely to my wisdom and good sense, you will have sound judgment, and you will always know the right thing to say. (Proverbs 5:2)

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Shalom

Take Good Advice: Stay Well Clear

You know that daring spirit that hears some advice not to do something and go ahead and do it anyway? It can often back-fire big time. There are those times when the experience of others and the detrimental effects it brings it’s best not to even think about some things. It’s not about being a coward, it is about heeding the warning signs and steering well clear of potential danger. There is something far more interesting and less hazardous waiting down the way.

Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. (Proverbs 4:15)

Safe Journey
Shalom

When Daddy Disciplines

‘Daddy doesn’t have the money, ask and you may get one tomorrow.’ Deborah proceeded to cry at not getting her way. Daddy gave the stern look. Deborah started grumbling and received what the stern look promised. After she finished crying, she approached Daddy and said ‘Sorry, Daddy’. As they hugged Daddy explained. Deborah didn’t get it altogether but she nodded and settled in Daddy’s arms. Sometimes we don’t get it, but it’s best to settle into Daddy’s loving arms rather than reject Him when challenging times come along to teach patience, persistence and peace in the pain.

My child, don't turn away or become bitter when the LORD corrects you, The LORD corrects everyone he loves, just as parents correct their favourite child. (Proverbs 3:11, 12)

Safe Journey
Shalom

The Company You Keep In The Right Direction

Have you ever paid attention to the company you keep? Are they going in the right direction? More than meaning well, do they put it in action? How do they rub off on us? How do we rub off on them? Managing life is as much about the choices we make in our relationships that shape us as they are about the decisions we make that shape us.

So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. (Proverbs 2:20)

Safe Journey
Shalom