Have a look at this video and know that you can do the same

Daniel 5:14 (Amplified Bible)

Mmmmm how do we shine like stars? Polish our forheads, wear go sticks or cover ourselves in led lights? The verse is talking about shining in our spirits whilst living amongst the spiritual darkeness of the earth. The stars speak of heavenly bodies - spiritual things. Just as Abraham was promised his offspring would be as numerous as the stars - God was promising him not just loads of grandkids but an offspring not of the earth but of heavenly places - a spiritual people. We have been born again, our spirits are alive and we are full of God’s Spirit. We are Abrahams kids.

We shine when we are full of the life of God. When we smile, enjoy God and enjoy ourselves. When we speak positively and well of people and life. When we stick to the things we know are true and right even if it means we sacrifice what appears to be the most fun. When we live lives that are hard working and honouring. Most importantly it means life full of love and purity that we are looking out for one another and pour our lives out for others. Shining isn’t just about powerful times like healings, money provision and touches of God - it is about our everyday living.

Shining like stars is all about being different. Standing out. Being noticed. Putting your light on a stand. It does mean that the attention you recieve will not always be good - but then we are strong enough to take the flack arn’t we?

We are to shine like the one that we love. He is the Morning Star. If you ever need an example of how to shine - follow Him.

Revelation 22:16 (New Living Translation)

 ¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne.^[a] I am the bright morning star.”

Philippians 2:15 (New Living Translation)

¹⁵  Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Everytime I look up into the skys on a dark night I am reminded of the calling to shine like stars. I think stars are amazing. They are vast, splendid, awesome and declare the glory of God. We are to shine like this.

(It is incredible how God works because I had this post in rough ready on Monday after a bible study group I work with has been researching on this subject (great talks everyone). I have subsequently found out that Chris HH has put the same verse on his blog on Monday! click here for link)

What time is it Eccles

Well it is Saturday and I have a busy weekend ahead. My sister’s family are coming to visit with their three children and we have another wedding.

The holidays are the time when you think you will get so much done - but then find you are out and about or visiting. In between the BBQ’s, days out, days in and seeing friends the jobs list doesn’t go down very much!

Anyway - just thought I would let you know that on Monday the family and I are having a few days rest in the lakes. Mmmmmmm Have a great week - be good and I’ll be back blogging and facebooking soon.

Les Paul is know as a guitar pioneer for his incredible work with the electric guitar. He invented his own electric guitars - his first was known as ‘the log’. Everyone thought that he was crazy and wondered why anyone would not prefer the old acoustic guitar. He created a whole new sound and era - and even invented multi-track recording.

Not only did he invent - he played incredibly well. He must have spent hours practicing as he won many awards for the skill and creativity of his playing. See more of his life story here.

The thing that makes me smile about this man is that even when he was involved in a serious car accident, seriously broke his arm and told that he could not play again he told the hospital staff to set his arm in a guitar playing position!!

Let’s take inspiration from this man’s life.

God loves mavericks of his kingdom. Even when the odds seem stacked against you - keep your dreams alive. Be a pioneer in the area you are great at. Think up new ideas, be different, break new ground and be amazing. Live life not for the average, or the best but for the outstanding and new.

God’s Message:

 “Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches. If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me.

Jeremiah 9:23 (message)

This was made by a friend of mine. Enjoy

I saw the youth that were in the room forming a triangle of people. They were moving forward slowly together, step by step. As they gathered strength and pace others were joined to them, forming a massive army of young people all in step with each other. They moved with grace, strength and power and most importantly functioned as a team. The key was that they began to move. Now is a time to begin to move.

Claire F

Have you heard that James May is trying to build a full size house out of lego bricks - with full working shower and toilet!! He is asking members of the public to help him. Talk about boys and their toys!! Read more? Click here

Try listening to this without moving!! It is impossible!

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Habakkuk 2:14 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁴But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

This is such an overwhelming verse - knowing that God will do this. Knowing that his glory will fill the earth. WOW what will it look like? Will it be a hazy glow? Perhaps a strange aura? No it will be men and woman full of God living out fantastic lives all over the earth. They will live in communities that care for the lonely, sad and outcast. They will work hard and honour one another in submissive lives. They will dream big dreams and fullfill all that God has placed on their hearts to do. They will open their homes, share their things, love their neighbours, give generously, heal the sick and cast out demons. These will be those of integrity, wisdom and upstanding goodness whom others will ask help from. They will be nation changers.

The time is coming, and has never been as close as it is right this very minute as you read this. This prophecy has never been so near to being totally fulfilled. How exciting!! And yet now is the time when it is being fulfilled. I see it already happening. I see the kingdom of God expanding. I see lives changing, marriages restored, addictions broken, people healed and generosity increasing. The time is coming - but it is already happening!! You can and are being part of the fulfillment to this prophecy. Keep on filling your life with the Holy Spirit and we will see the glory of the Lord cover the earth.

This another cool verse about standing on a rock:

Habakkuk 3:19 (Amplified Bible)

The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! For the Chief Musician; with my stringed instruments.

This verse is about climbing high. High in spiritual things, in responsibility and in daring circumstances. Life isn’t about walking on the flat. I originally come from Bedford (yes I am a southener!) where it is so flat you could lie on your side and just keep rolling out of the county. We have one hill (mmm biggish bump) in which even John Bunyan was so taken aback by he included it in his book - Pilgrim’s Progress. Don’t be boring - take risks on the heights. Ever tried high ropes, rock climbing, abseiling? How your heart beats fast as you climb up higher. The adreline flows. your courage is put to the test - but boy do you feel alive!!!

When God asks you to climb high you will not stand in terror because he is your strength, your personal bravery, and your invincible army. He will give you all you need to succeed and be the best for him. So when God asks you to step out by praying for a stranger’s healing, talking to a friend about Jesus or standing out in a situation where you look so different - it is ok-  being on the heights might seem dangerous, but really it is the safest place to live.