The Thur Collective

 We come to God humbly.  He works the miracle of salvation. He immerses us in mercy. He stitches together our shredded souls. He deposits his spirit and implants heavenly gifts and fruits. Our big God blesses our small faith. We understand the roles. We need a big God because we have made a big mess of our lives. Gradually our big God changes us. And gratefully,  we lust less,  love more, lash out less, look heavenward more. We pay bills, pay attention to spouses, pay respect to parents. People notice the difference. They commend us. They applaud us. They promote us. Admire us. Appoint us. We--who came to christ as sinful, soiled and small - accomplished things. We lead people, organisations,  deliver the confused out of depression and the sick out of disease. Speaking of which, I am thinking about a person right now... A very close friend (more or less like a brother to me), used to be a notorious sinner - so to speak. About two years ago while in college, was nicknamed "

We begin our spiritual journey as small people. The act of conversion is a humbling one. We confess sins, beg for mercy, bend our knees. We let someone lower us into water of baptism. We begin as self effacing souls. Timid children who extend muddy hands to our sinless God. We relate to the thief on the cross, identify with David's forgiven adultery and find hope in Peter 's forgiven betrayal. We challenge Paul 's claim to the chief - of - sinners title,  wondering if anyone could need or treasure grace as much as we do. We come to God humbly. No swagger, no boasts, no "i-must-be-really-spiritual" and "all by myself" declarations. We flex no muscle and claim zero achievements. We lift up soiled hands to God as we would a crushed flower: "can you bring this to life?"          **********                 See Part 02          *********

Jesus pointed out that because believers are children of God or children of the light, they are in the world BUT not of the world. (John 17:14).  The devil can also rule over us if we "unknowingly" through ignorance of God's  word or "willingly" give him permission to rule over us. That's why the Bible tells us to walk in Light! The Night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the "works of darkness" and put on the ARMOUR OF LIGHT.  (Rom. 13:12). Be ye not equally yoked with unbelievers,  for what has light got to do with darkness? II Cor. 6:14 FEED YOUR SPIRIT! DON'T STARVE IT. Just in case you've been starving it, it's never too late to start feeding it...   -JESUS LOVES YOU .

WHEN YOU MOVE, MOUNTAINS ARE REMOVED! Today: 2016-07-14 All the difficulties that are hanging around you now are simply waiting to see your action. When you start moving they will move. Stop talking about your beautiful plans and the things you hope to do soon. Start doing something now! “Soon” is a language of deception. It keeps people hoping endlessly until they waste. If you introduce massive action into your life, in a short while, you will become a man of your dreams. The Bible says concerning the disciples, “They went forth everywhere, the Lord working with them…” (Mark 16:20). God’s help is available in its fullness for those who take steps. Even in the natural, when you start taking steps, you become a rallying point, people become eager to help you. A great door and effectual is opened before you and God will not take away the adversaries. You have to discipline yourself to keep your eye off the adversaries, focus on the open door and keep moving towards it. Tha

*WHEN SHOULD YOU BE SILENT?* 1.  Be silent In the *heat of anger* - (Prov 14:17) 2.  Be silent *When you don't have all the facts* - (Prov 18:13) 3.  Be silent *When you haven't verified the story* -  (Deut 17:6) 4.  Be silent *If your words will offend a weaker person* - (1 Cor 8:11) 5.  Be silent *When it is time to listen* - (Prov 13:1) 6.  Be silent *When you are tempted to make light of Holy things* - (Eccl 5:2) 7.  Be silent *When you are  tempted to joke about  sin* - (Prov 14:9) 8.  Be silent *If you would be ashamed of your words later* - (Prov 8:8) 9.  Be silent *If your words would convey the wrong impression* - (Prov 17:27) 10. Be silent *If the issue is  none of your business* -  (Prov 14:10) 11. Be silent *When you are tempted to tell an outright lie* - (Prov 4:24) 12. Be silent *If your words will damage someone else's reputation* - (Pro16:27) 13. Be silent *If your words will damage a friendship*   - (Prov 16:28) 14. Be silent