A few days ago I went swimming and I was really out of sorts. My coordination was off, breathing out of sync. I must have looked a mess! I kept going but I was getting really frustrated. I was thinking about God and what to do. I heard this verse from Zechariah 4:6:

`Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.

I did not start swimming perfectly immediately! But. I did relax, think more upon God and at the end of the next length I felt more coordinated again.

God has used this example for me with my daily life and the issues I am going through currently. I'm thankful for His gracious reminders.

So, lean into God, do what you need to but it's not by you alone, we get to work through with the Holy Spirit. This always lifts me up and spurs me on. Have a great day !

God has been highlighting this verse to me of late ...

Why do you look at the [insignificant] speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice and acknowledge the [egregious] log that is in your own eye?

Matthew 7:3 AMP

(This verse is even better in the Message version)

Jez encouraged us recently to look for the gold in each other, the treasures God has placed in all of us. We all have flaws and failures as we are not yet fully matured in Christ.

All of us have gifts and treasures given by God. They are all different and all can be used by him. One might be anointed in worship but hopeless in hospitality. Another gifted in sharing the good news but doesn't has the same joy serving in another area. All I know is when someone is serving in the area they should be, God really works through them. It's like they have such an ease and a joy serving in this area. Everyone is blessed by them serving.

Don't look at the faults in our brothers and sisters. Seek out the gold, the treasure and fan into flame the gifts inside us all.

I encourage us this week to see the gifting in someone and tell that person how awesome they are. Why they bless you so much and why by them serving they are extending God's kingdom.

Let's always see the gold, see the potential and look at others the way God sees them.

Be very blessed

This morning I was thinking and asking God what time share and this scripture came to mind:

1 Corinthians 14:1-5

14 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.

Following on from the teaching Jez brought, prophecy has been on my mind. The first line of the scripture says to “earnestly desire” prophecy and that made me think how often or how much, in my busy day to day life of work and family, do I earnestly desire to prophecy? Not as much as I’d like to or as much as this scripture encourages I think would be fair to say!

But reading this scripture definitely increased my desire and stirred me more to seek it. What excites me about prophecy is what it says in the scripture: “the one who prophecies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” and “the one who prophecies builds up the church”

For me this is deeply exciting and a rewarding venture! Being used by God to build up, encourage and console His people and to ultimately build up His church!

I pray that God would increase your desire for prophecy.

Despite having a very busy and, in some ways, a difficult few weeks, I can confidently say that I have known the love, grace, gentleness and peace of God. On multiple occasions He has made me feel so held, understood and filled with confidence to face the challenge. Praise God! I am so grateful that He is alive, active AND answers prayer! So this week, I pray the Lord gives you a fresh revelation of how He is our advocate (John 24:26 & Romans 8:34) and treasures you so deeply (Jeremiah 31:3 & 1 John 3:1). When thinking about what to share, I was reminded of this recorded word that I heard a number of years ago. You may want to listen to this when you have a spare or quiet(er) 10 minutes. God really spoke to me through it and I believe He can do the same for you. Be encouraged God’s beloved, He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)!