General Chat

Good morning :-)

Today's bible shopping list: Meat

The Bible distinguishes between clean and unclean animals. In the Old Testament, clean meats are those from animals with a cloven hoof and chew the cud. Jewish dietary laws taught God's people not to eat the blood of animals or any meat that had been sacrificed to idols. These foods were considered unclean. Clean animal meats of the Bible were:
• Calf (Proverbs 15:17; Luke 15:23)
• Goat (Genesis 27:9)
• Lamb (2 Samuel 12:4)
• Oxen (1 Kings 19:21)
• Sheep (Deuteronomy 14:4)
• Venison (Genesis 27:7 KJV)

These birds were considered clean and suitable for eating in the Old Testament.
• Partridge (1 Samuel 26:20; Jeremiah 17:11)
• Pigeon (Genesis 15:9; Leviticus 12:8)
• Quail (Psalm 105:40)
• Dove (Leviticus 12:8)

ln general, meat was either boiled in a stew in an earthenware pot or roasted over an open fire. Meat was also frequently salted to preserve it. Various condiments and spices, familiar throughout the ancient Near East, were eaten with the meat.

In Christ, we have freedom of choice in this matter. However, as with all Christian freedom, we are to use self-restraint to avoid hurting another believer. Ultimately, eating anything should be done to the glory of God.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Glad you like them kandj, :-D

Shopping List: Vegetables
The benefit of having ‘5-a-day’ is not new.

Vegetables formed a very important part of the diet in biblical times. Two main types were used: those whose nutritious seeds could be easily stored and those which were eaten freshly gathered from gardens.

Pulse seeds provided a useful source of vegetable protein, while fresh green vegetables were vitamin rich. Pulses could be eaten boiled, or their dried seeds could be ground up into flour and then made into nutritious soups. Fresh vegetables were eaten either raw or lightly cooked, usually by boiling in water.

At one time, in Babylon, Daniel and his friends observed a diet of only vegetables (Daniel 1:12).

• Beans (2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9)
• Cucumbers (Numbers 11:5)
• Gourds (2 Kings 4:39)
• Leeks (Numbers 11:5)
• Lentils (Genesis 25:34; 2 Samuel 17:28; Ezekiel 4:9)
• Onions (Numbers 11:5)

“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; I give you everything, as I gave you the green plants and vegetables.” - Genesis 9:3

Cx :-)

Hello all

More interesting postings... where do you find them Cynthia?

Bring forth the fruits of the Spirit in your life,
Let the life of Christ be seen in you;
Bring forth the fruits of the Spirit in your life;
And let the Lord be glorified in you.

Sending gentle hugs to all who are upset today.

Good morning :-)

Shopping List: Fruit

The Bible mentions six types of tree fruit, which have different symbolism:

o Grape : the most mentioned fruit, symbolizing blessing, abundance, and joy.
o Fig: a fruit with hidden flowers, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and fertility.
o Olive: a fruit with oil, symbolizing healing, anointing, and the Holy Spirit.
o Pomegranate: a fruit with many seeds, symbolizing beauty, wisdom, and the church.
o Date : a fruit with a sweet taste, symbolizing righteousness, endurance, and the Messiah.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Shopping List. Bread, Milk, Honey.

Something we may not often think about is….what did they eat in bible times?
When we go to the supermarket or the bakers, we are often bewildered by the different types of bread available, but this isn’t a new thing:
Healthy grains were a primary staple in Bible times. Grains are some of the easiest, natural foods to preserve for years. Throughout the Bible, bread is a symbol of God's life-sustaining provision.

• Barley (Deuteronomy 8:8; Ezekiel 4:9)
• Corn (Matthew 12:1; KJV - refers to "grain" such as wheat or barley.
• Flour (2 Samuel 17:28; 1 Kings 17:12)
• Millet (Ezekiel 4:9)
• Spelt (Ezekiel 4:9)
• Unleavened Bread (Genesis 19:3; Exodus 12:20)*
• Wheat (Ezra 6:9; Deuteronomy 8:8)

• Unleavened bread, which does not contain yeast, is eaten during Passover. God gave Moses instructions to avoid yeast during the first Passover in Egypt and remove all yeast while celebrating Passover in the future.

Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” He is
our true source of spiritual life. Unlike the bread we get today, the bread that Jesus represents never perishes or spoils.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer for today)
Let your merciful ears, O Lord,
be open to the prayers of your humble servants;
and that they may obtain their petitions
make them to ask such things as shall please you;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Gospel tells the story of when Jesus walked on water.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Congratulations Vera and OH.... welcome to your new great grandchild.... a new leaf for your tree.

Shine Jesus Shine is a favourite hymn of mine.

Sleep well everyone.

Good morning :-)


Congratulations Vera - what lovely news for you and your family. May God bless this little one on her journey through life. <3

I also remember that hymn and I hadn't realised that there were so many hymns based on the word 'light'. The list seems endless!



Consider the life you live-how do other people perceive your faith? While God doesn't expect you to live in perfection, He desires that you would do all you can to shine forth His light so others will see Him clearly.
- Paul Chappell


Cx :-)

Interesting posts again this week Cynthia. I've been reminded of when I was a very little girl and I insisted my mother (who had a terrible singing voice, bless her) sang three songs to me before I would go to sleep. One of the three was Jesus Bids Us Shine which seems relevant to this week's postings.

After a few difficult weeks things are improving for us and I am feeling very grateful for that. We have also been given great joy - the birth of our first great-grandchild, a beautiful baby girl born yesterday. OH and I haven't stopped smiling yet. We are indeed blessed.

Good morning :-)

The Transfiguration.......so much light.

There’s nothing quite like coming home on a dark night and seeing a warm light glowing as a welcome sign. Teenage children, and spouses working late may have no need for the light as navigation, but as a sign that they are welcomed and loved, it is very special.

It was often the case that, when a young soldier left for war, his mother would light a candle and place it in the window ready for his return.
There is, apparently, a house in the USA where a candle (now electric) has been glowing for over 100 years. The young man never returned home and subsequent owners have honoured the mother’s wish.

For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.
- Psalm 18:28

Cx :-)

Hello all

We have bright sunshine for a change. Hurray!

Thank you Cynthia for your ongoing postings.

Thinking of all who are struggling today.

Good morning :-)

Light is something that we take for granted. Turn on a switch and voila, light! In most cities, streetlights shine throughout the night. Our homes can look like Crystal Palace at times. A few hundred years ago, though, people really appreciated light. Once the sun went down, the only light they had came from candles, simple lanterns, or the stars and moon. Night time must have been a literal nightmare for them!

If we are grateful for light in our everyday use, how much more should we be grateful for Jesus – the Light of the World.

Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)

We are called to be lights in the world…………maybe we could…….

Respond to a stranger with a smile
Help someone out
Make a meal for someone who is sick or grieving.
Letting someone go before you in the checkout line.
Praying for your enemies or people who annoy you

“Don't shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.” —C.S. Lewis

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, we also had Christ be Our Light on Sunday....a favourite of mine and so I was singing the chorus driving back home, it's very catchy.

Gentle hugs for all who feel sad today x

Good morning :-)


The Transfiguration – so much light!

The Transfiguration

Evening fast was falling
As Peter, James and John
Accompanied their Saviour
Sense of weariness forgone.

As they climbed the mountain
That led them to the place
Where an expression of His divinity
Left its illuminating trace.

While Jesus bowed in lowliness
Upon the stony ground
The heavens suddenly opened
And God’s glory shone around.

Holy radiance descended
Enshrouding His slight form
Divinity flashed through humanity,
His Godlike countenance was born.

Besides Jesus stood two beings
In the light of glory bright
It was Moses and Elijah
Seen so clearly in the night.

Clothed with the light of heaven
Christ, the King of Heaven stood
Before the crown, must come the cross
Followed by Priesthood.

Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)

I had an unexpected visitor this morning so am running late...... :-D


The Transfiguration – Light

One of the hymns we sang yesterday fits the bill perfectly. It’s a tune that can go round and round in your head - all day! Happy singing! https://youtu.be/Tr5XhaRaL0M


Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Chorus

Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Chorus

Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Chorus

Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Chorus

Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come.
Chorus

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration - the day Jesus was made radiant in Glory.


Collect (special prayer) for today:
Father in heaven,
whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured
before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain,
and spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem:
give us strength so to hear his voice and bear our cross
that in the world to come we may see him as he is;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Hello Vera and its good to know that, despite a couple of setbacks, your OH is progressing well. There's never a dull moment is there? Sending love. <3

Miserable weather today - so a couple of questions:


Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 117

Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
A: Psalms 119

Q: Which chapter is in the centre of the Bible?
A: Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118
Add these numbers up and you get 1188.

Q: What is the central verse in the Bible?
A: Psalms 118:8
Which reads:
"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?

You bet it does! <3

Cx :-)

Good to see you Tabitha. Very belated congratulations on your 25th anniversary. Your "Carp Ark" story made me smile :-)

I am enjoying this week's stories.

Thank you for your kind thoughts for my OH. He has made an amazing recovery. 7-8 days ago he was so ill that I thought it would take him weeks to recover and yet he is almost back to normal already. Without going into the boring details we have had another couple of setbacks this week but we're getting over them. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger so I think we must be getting very strong now ;-)

Sending a hug to anyone who looks in who is also going through a rough patch <3

Good morning :-)


Uncertain weather - read a story :-)


A well-respected scholar and avowed atheist was speaking at a large outdoor picnic. He spoke for two and a half hours attempting to prove that the resurrection of Jesus was false. He quoted scholar after scholar and book after book. He concluded that, as there was no such thing as the historical resurrection, the religious tradition of the church was groundless emotional nonsense because it was based on a relationship with a risen Jesus, who never rose from the dead in any literal sense. He then asked if there were any questions.

After about 30 seconds, an old preacher stood up. "Sir, I have one question," he said as all eyes turned toward him. He reached into his bag and pulled out an apple he had been eating. "My question is a simple question," he said before taking another bite of the apple. He continued, "I haven't read all the books you have, and I can't recite the Scriptures in the original Greek." He took a couple more bites of the apple and said, "I don't know a thing about Niebuhr and Heidegger."

He finished the apple and said, "All I want to know is: this apple I just finished, was it tart or sweet?"

The speaker paused for a moment and answered in exemplary scholarly fashion, "I cannot possibly answer that question, for I haven't tasted your apple."

The white-haired preacher dropped the core of his apple into his crumpled paper bag and said calmly, "Neither have you tasted my Jesus."

Have you tasted Jesus?

Cx :-)