Hello all,
I’ve just been listening to my church’s 1st preach from their new series on the ten commandments and felt inspired to share from it. To listen to it: http://rrcc.org.uk/index.php/resources/rrcc-talks/340-number-10-do-not-covet
Commandment number 10: Do not covet.
How often do I do that daily? I see some nice clothes I like and want it. But if I had it, would that satisfy? No, it wouldn’t be long until the next trend kicked in.
The western world is obsessed with money and possessions. I’ve seen that for myself after living in another culture.
The media tells us, have this, you’ll be happy. Have loads of money and you will be so happy, you’ll never have to scrape together money to pay a bill again. Ok so even if you had all the money in the world, you could buy anything you wanted, go anywhere you wanted, would you deep down be happy? If you think yes, then why do so many celebrities express their feelings of loneliness and unhappiness, often plastered all over the magazines and papers?
Life is not about money and getting high up in life...an amazing job doesn’t bring you real joy, only God does.
So as Jesus said in Matthew 6: 33-34:
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Let’s follow God with our all and trust that the God that placed the stars in the universe will provide for us :D X
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Friday, 20 August 2010
How powerful do we really believe God is?
This was a question I realised I was faced with in the recent months. Had I let my expectation of God be limited to a box which is comfortable and makes sense and anything beyond that was not on my radar?
In the Bible we read about people being raised from the dead, leprosy healed in an instant, breakthrough and salvation to those a million miles away from living an ‘ok’ life, but do we really believe God could move in the same way today?
I came to a place recently where I was surprised God had answered my prayers in such an obvious and amazing way! I realised these feelings of surprise showed beneath I had limited my expectations of God and let apathy creep in.
God remains faithful and so good to me despite how I doubt Him at times. I am humbled by His unfailing love and how he never lets me go. In the midst of a situation we may honestly think ‘what is going on, where is God and what is He doing here’, but hindsight is a beautiful time and in times of difficulty I’ve seen God’s constant hand upon and presence with me.
Romans 8:11: The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Let’s believe that verse everyday! Amen. XxX
In the Bible we read about people being raised from the dead, leprosy healed in an instant, breakthrough and salvation to those a million miles away from living an ‘ok’ life, but do we really believe God could move in the same way today?
I came to a place recently where I was surprised God had answered my prayers in such an obvious and amazing way! I realised these feelings of surprise showed beneath I had limited my expectations of God and let apathy creep in.
God remains faithful and so good to me despite how I doubt Him at times. I am humbled by His unfailing love and how he never lets me go. In the midst of a situation we may honestly think ‘what is going on, where is God and what is He doing here’, but hindsight is a beautiful time and in times of difficulty I’ve seen God’s constant hand upon and presence with me.
Romans 8:11: The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Let’s believe that verse everyday! Amen. XxX
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Because I know you're all missing them....Rachelisms....
So you’re sure if I eat the pips I won’t have the nutrition to grow a tree? Cos there always seems to be an exception!
I get architecture and archaeology confused sometimes. Archaeology, that’s to do with dead people right?
A guest: The beaches in Aberdeen are lovely. Me: Yer but you’ve gotta watch out for the lochness monster. The Guest: Yer that’s in the loch not the beach! Me: Oh is that why it’s called lochness, I’d always wondered!
Fliss: I found a clam in the sea. Me looking confused: What, but isn’t clams the things that are tribes from Scotland uno? A guest: Yer there’s a bunch of angry scots running around the sea!
What do you call it the sound a bird makes, hawk isn’t it?
The main problem is I don't think before I speak....leading to much amusement!!:D Hope you're all well X
I get architecture and archaeology confused sometimes. Archaeology, that’s to do with dead people right?
A guest: The beaches in Aberdeen are lovely. Me: Yer but you’ve gotta watch out for the lochness monster. The Guest: Yer that’s in the loch not the beach! Me: Oh is that why it’s called lochness, I’d always wondered!
Fliss: I found a clam in the sea. Me looking confused: What, but isn’t clams the things that are tribes from Scotland uno? A guest: Yer there’s a bunch of angry scots running around the sea!
What do you call it the sound a bird makes, hawk isn’t it?
The main problem is I don't think before I speak....leading to much amusement!!:D Hope you're all well X
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Perfect love casts out fear
Hello all,
1John 4:18: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Amen to that!
This is a massive thing God has taught me in my time out here. So often we may fear, it may be small things like other's opinion of us which can turn to constantly seeking approval. We may worry how are we performing in our jobs, how we are coming across to others, the reprocassions if we make a mistake. We can fear stepping out and being bold for Jesus, but if we believe the word, we have nothing to fear. I've seen in my time here that by trusting God there is love, security and He alone will catch me when I fall. If we trust God then we shouldn't fear, for He holds all things in the palm of His hands and He loves us.
The only way you can know perfect love is through God, others will let you down as much as they try, only God will never leave, forsake you and will love you unconditional, no matter how you behaviour or feel.
Much love to you all XxX
1John 4:18: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Amen to that!
This is a massive thing God has taught me in my time out here. So often we may fear, it may be small things like other's opinion of us which can turn to constantly seeking approval. We may worry how are we performing in our jobs, how we are coming across to others, the reprocassions if we make a mistake. We can fear stepping out and being bold for Jesus, but if we believe the word, we have nothing to fear. I've seen in my time here that by trusting God there is love, security and He alone will catch me when I fall. If we trust God then we shouldn't fear, for He holds all things in the palm of His hands and He loves us.
The only way you can know perfect love is through God, others will let you down as much as they try, only God will never leave, forsake you and will love you unconditional, no matter how you behaviour or feel.
Much love to you all XxX
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Highs and Lows
Hello all,
Sorry for not updating this lately.
I've had a rollercoaster few weeks and massive thanks for all the support, it's helped me out loads.
I had a well needed amazing week with my family last week. Was so good to have them with me, was so precious and lovely. I think now they can visualise what I'm doing and where I am now they've seen it. We had lots of fun together, on the boat trip, at a local market. One of my highlights was going on a jetski with my brother, loads of fun and a quality adventure! I also had a great time at the Turkish Bath with my Mum, was less dawnting than I'd imagined and ended up being so refreshing and relazing! My dad casued much amusement when we went to a really busy market and we casually forgot how much he hated big crowds!
Another awesome thing about the week with my family was the wise words and advice they gave me, which helped me out and kept me grounded with everything going on out here.
I found it hard once they left and hasn't helped that this week the hotel is sooo quiet, with only 3guests. Means it's a bit boring and nothing to do, which means a lot of time sitting about doing nothing, which can't be good for you. I've found myself missing everyone a lot, but knowning you're all behind me, praying and supporting me, gives me the strength to not get down, but stay my happy smiley self.
As the wise words of many have told me to clothe myself in the armour of God:
Ephesians 6:10-17:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Much love,
Rachel XxxX
Sorry for not updating this lately.
I've had a rollercoaster few weeks and massive thanks for all the support, it's helped me out loads.
I had a well needed amazing week with my family last week. Was so good to have them with me, was so precious and lovely. I think now they can visualise what I'm doing and where I am now they've seen it. We had lots of fun together, on the boat trip, at a local market. One of my highlights was going on a jetski with my brother, loads of fun and a quality adventure! I also had a great time at the Turkish Bath with my Mum, was less dawnting than I'd imagined and ended up being so refreshing and relazing! My dad casued much amusement when we went to a really busy market and we casually forgot how much he hated big crowds!
Another awesome thing about the week with my family was the wise words and advice they gave me, which helped me out and kept me grounded with everything going on out here.
I found it hard once they left and hasn't helped that this week the hotel is sooo quiet, with only 3guests. Means it's a bit boring and nothing to do, which means a lot of time sitting about doing nothing, which can't be good for you. I've found myself missing everyone a lot, but knowning you're all behind me, praying and supporting me, gives me the strength to not get down, but stay my happy smiley self.
As the wise words of many have told me to clothe myself in the armour of God:
Ephesians 6:10-17:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Much love,
Rachel XxxX
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Out of my Comfort Zones
Hello all!!
Weeks seem to be flying by in this place!! I've been here exactly a month now!!
Mad to think this time a month ago I was boarding the flight from Gatwick, sad to say goodbye but excited about the adventure in front of me!
God has been my strength and known with no doubt He was with me and for me. At the start of my time here I wanted to become reliant on Him and realised how as great as it was me being independent can at times mean I didn’t rely on God.
I knew from the start I’d be doing a lot of things out of my comfort zones; however I knew God would equip me and help me. At times I would pray ‘Lord help me out here’ as would have no idea as what to say and God gave me words.
This week I’ve been doing some of the ministry and have been amazed at how much God has used me with it. I spoke on Jesus in the Old Testament on evening and really felt God at work. The second evening I was partly nervous wouldn’t match up to the success as the previous evening, silly as it may sound. When I went to do the talk I felt so nervous but just said to myself ‘God’s with you’ and felt peace. I spoke on God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and used the rainbow in Noah to illustrate this. I’ve had guests say it went really well and hope I get more opportunities to speak over the summer, which has been so encouraging. When I first went to speak I literally thought, what can I say, these people are over double my age and probably know it all anyway. It was a completely a different demograph than I’m used to with doing youth work, but out of my comfort zones, I trusted God and relied on Him.
I’ve felt God bless me immensely when I’ve been willing to step out and know He’s with me and will equip me to what He has called me to do.
I’ll leave you with my pray from Scripture:
Ephesians 6:19-20: Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Lots of love,
Rachy Rach XxX
Weeks seem to be flying by in this place!! I've been here exactly a month now!!
Mad to think this time a month ago I was boarding the flight from Gatwick, sad to say goodbye but excited about the adventure in front of me!
God has been my strength and known with no doubt He was with me and for me. At the start of my time here I wanted to become reliant on Him and realised how as great as it was me being independent can at times mean I didn’t rely on God.
I knew from the start I’d be doing a lot of things out of my comfort zones; however I knew God would equip me and help me. At times I would pray ‘Lord help me out here’ as would have no idea as what to say and God gave me words.
This week I’ve been doing some of the ministry and have been amazed at how much God has used me with it. I spoke on Jesus in the Old Testament on evening and really felt God at work. The second evening I was partly nervous wouldn’t match up to the success as the previous evening, silly as it may sound. When I went to do the talk I felt so nervous but just said to myself ‘God’s with you’ and felt peace. I spoke on God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and used the rainbow in Noah to illustrate this. I’ve had guests say it went really well and hope I get more opportunities to speak over the summer, which has been so encouraging. When I first went to speak I literally thought, what can I say, these people are over double my age and probably know it all anyway. It was a completely a different demograph than I’m used to with doing youth work, but out of my comfort zones, I trusted God and relied on Him.
I’ve felt God bless me immensely when I’ve been willing to step out and know He’s with me and will equip me to what He has called me to do.
I’ll leave you with my pray from Scripture:
Ephesians 6:19-20: Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Lots of love,
Rachy Rach XxX
Friday, 4 June 2010
Fun in the sun....
Yesterday I was on a boat trip with most of the guests. We went around all the bays of the local area, was so beautiful and was just so thankful to the Lord for it, was so peaceful and unspoilt creation, hard to describe. I couldn’t believe I would going on this trip many more times while I was out here, this was going to be one day of work a week, amazing! I was like ‘ahh this is the life’ but honestly thought wow God you are so good to me.
Initially I found things hard out here, really missed home and people. Through this whole time I knew God’s real presence with me, I knew He had His hand on me and would help me through. In times of real struggles all I could do was look to God, there was no other option. In the Bible God tells us to expect trials and for these to be a time when we look to Him. Through these times I’ve known God’s faithfulness and love to me. I’ve really valued the support of my family, church family and friends in this time. At times I felt weak but felt a sense of strength from the Lord as knew people back home we’re praying for me.
1 Peter 1:6-7:
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Initially I found things hard out here, really missed home and people. Through this whole time I knew God’s real presence with me, I knew He had His hand on me and would help me through. In times of real struggles all I could do was look to God, there was no other option. In the Bible God tells us to expect trials and for these to be a time when we look to Him. Through these times I’ve known God’s faithfulness and love to me. I’ve really valued the support of my family, church family and friends in this time. At times I felt weak but felt a sense of strength from the Lord as knew people back home we’re praying for me.
1 Peter 1:6-7:
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
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