This week's theme

Readings from Song of Solomon - 2 Intimacy with God

Today's reading

Song of Solomon 6:1-13

Today's prayer

Lord, thank you for drawing me into your covenant of love. Keep me faithful to you, and to all those to whom you send me.

Fresh From the Word

Futher thought 2

For further thought

Play or sing your favourite love song. Imagine yourself and God singing this song together. Now imagine God singing similar love songs to the whole of creation.

Use the most beautiful words and images you know to describe God, who is both your lover and friend. What sort of picture are you conjuring up? Who might you share it with?

Have there been times when you struggled to find, hear or connect with God? Who, where or what has helped you to revive your relationship with God?

Look back through this weeks reflections. Has anything changed or deepened in your relationship with God this week? Do something creative to express your love for him, and for those around you.

In 2 Corinthians 2:15, Christians are called the aroma of Christ. What do you think this means? How is your life perfumed with Jesus?

Do something today that shows your care and concern for those who live near you. Let the Holy Spirit guide your words and actions as you show Gods love to your neighbours.

Spend some time outdoors. Be attentive to the signs of God in the natural world around you. What can you see? How does the created order bear witness to its Creator?

If you can, use raisins and apples in a recipe or as part of one of your meals today. Give thanks for the many ways in which Gods love sustains and refreshes you.

Continue to imagine God, using all your senses. What new things are you experiencing as you do this?

What is your response to Philippians 4:6, a well-known verse that tells us not to be anxious?

Meditate on these words from John 10:3 He calls his own sheep by name._x000D_

Do you feel expressing anger the way Jonah does is contrary to your Christian belief and practice?

Can you recall the last time you acted as your brother or sisters keeper?

Jesus said, You will always have the poor with you. Does this mean that we should disregard those in need?

Every believer has something to offer in relation to Gods mission. What might yours be?

Meditate on what an incredible day of celebration it will be when we finally get to share bread and wine with Jesus.

Have you ever judged someone for not living their faith the same way you do? Have you ever thought of another believer as a lesser Christian?

On the third day of the wedding, Jesus turned despair into celebration. Meditate on the other third day: Easter Day. Which areas of your life need that same miracle? Ask him ...

Revelation 4 pictures the elders repeatedly laying down their crowns to worship God. Perhaps this is less about a task they must perform and more about the fact that each time they look up they discover something new about God.

Isnt it comforting to know that one day there will be true justice for every wrong and evil deed that has ever happened?

Jim Elliot famously said: He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose. (E. Elliot, Through Gates of Splendor, Wheaton: Tyndale, 1981)

Where can you go in your community to share bread with new people and discover new possibilities?

How can Christ sustain my life and the life of my community?

How does Christ enable you to share your bread, your life, with those who are in need?

When have you needed something without knowing it until you have received it? How will you know if you need something again?

How can I be part of Gods response to those who are seeking sustenance and security in uncertain times?

When someone gave you food you had never eaten before, did it open your heart to something new?

Consider the source of your rejection of Gods love and your rebellion against his goodness. What makes you turn against God?

Consider what makes you unwilling or unable to be consistently dedicated to God. What makes you waver? What threatens your ability to stand firm?

Consider the commitments you have made and the extent to which you are faithful to them. Do you honour them in thought, word and deed?

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International Community

The states in which our FfTW notes are used in IBRA Nigeria, include the following states; Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, Kano, Oyum Kaduna, Edo, Ondu Osun and Taraba. The National President Rt Rev Dr Segun Okubadejo

It makes Bible become more relevant to their everyday situation and aiding the development of their spiritual stamina

Nigeria

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This week's writer

Catherine Williams is an Anglican priest who works as a freelance spiritual director, retreat conductor and writer. She writes biblical reflections for a variety of publications and is the lead voice on the Church of England’s Daily Pray

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IBRA celebrated 140 years in 2022!

The knowledge and appreciation of the Bible carries on the 140-year-old IBRA tradition of encouraging people around the world. 

Read about our rich history and the origins of our founder Charles Waters, bank manager and Sunday School teacher – not a scholar, preacher, or public speaker – who had a gift for organisation and a vision for making the Bible accessible to all.

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