Blessed are the Meek

Thought I would start a conversation about something i'm reading. I'm going through Dave Andrews Book, Plan Be, and got through to

'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.'(Matt5:5). Dave gave an insight to the meaning of meek that i hadn't heard before.

'But in Jesus' day, the word 'meek' was often used to connote quiet, controlled, internal strength of character, which oponents would interpret as a sign of weakness at thier own peril.' He then goes on to link being meek with learning to 'turn the other cheek', 'go the second mile' and give the people the 'shirt off our back'.

This is really interesting and challenging for me at the moment as I wrestle with people who can be really annoying and difficult and sometimes downright abusive. I am encouraged that in these situations by being meek I am a part of Gods Kindgom a new place where all people are acceptable and loved even if they are annoying.

What do you think, have you anything to add?

Katrina

Summer Retreat

Hello all you nobodies out there, Katrina here.
I was wondering if anybody had some ideas that they would like to explore for the imput of our retreat in January. Maybe there is a theme you are interested in, or a speaker you have heard from or a book you would like to explore. I suppose the way to do it would be to add a comment to this blog thingy. Of course only one thing will be the ultimate direction, but I find it usefull to think about thing that I would like to learn about anyway. Hope you are all well.
Blessings
Katrina

"I'm Abandoned"

Hi guys, I thought I'd put up a post to get things moving on the blog. Cath and I went on our Church family camp on the weekend, a lot of good conversation, food and Port was had. We talked about the Lords Prayer, particularly focusing on 'Your Kingdom come'. For some reason God brought to mind a song we used to sing at youth group 25 years ago

I'm abandoned to the Captain of the mighty host of heaven
and I pledge Him my allegiance till the earth beholds His kingdom.

We've been raised for such a time
History comes to the finish line
and the saints who've gone before
watch to see us and our course
I'm abandoned to the Captain of the mighty host of heaven
and I pledge Him my allegiance till the earth beholds His kingdom.

So lay aside each wring that binds
enter in the harvest time
until the kingdoms of this world
become the kingdoms of our Christ
I'm abandoned to the Captain of the mighty host of heaven
and I pledge Him my allegiance till the earth beholds His kingdom.

Let Your kingdom come
Let Your will be done in me
I'm abandoned
I'm abandoned

Abandoning myself to Jesus each day excites and scares me at the same time, lots of days I fail to see his Kingdom, but some days I get a glimpse and those are exciting days. My Calvinist theological upbringing makes me cringe a bit at pledging my allegience, but the more I've thought about it, the more appropriate the response seems, Jesus calls us to follow him, to abandon ourselves to him and when we meet Him and know him any lesser response would be inadequate, would demean Him. Cheers, Nigel