This week's theme

Arts in the Bible (1) - 1 The power of song

Today's reading

2 Samuel 22:1-4

Today's prayer

God of David, give us Davids faith. May we build our lives on the One who keeps us safe, and is our rock and our redeemer.

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Futher thought 2

For further thought

Choose one of the psalms of David and meditate on it. Which words meet you where you are today?

Make space to listen to a powerful song or piece of music, and pay attention to the reactions it stirs up in you.

Which song do you want to sing to God today? It could be one that someone else has written or you could even write your own!

Challenge yourself to learn at least some of the verses of Moses song in Deuteronomy 32. Could you sing them?

Given what we have explored this week, are there people with whom you need to reconcile?

Might there be times when it is unsafe to pursue reconciliation, even when there has been forgiveness?

We read in 1 John 89 that if we confess, God is faithful and just to forgive. Can there be forgiveness without confession?

What part do we have to play in repairing and repaying the harm caused by previous generations?

To what extent do we see true repentance as losing, and to what extent do we see it as a natural process of mutually flourishing?

Do I confess in order to be excused or in order to own what I have done?

Do you need to be reconciled? Are you ready to step into the darkness like Peter? When you do, what you find may surprise you.

Is there a difficult matter you must address? How might you speak the truth in such a way that what you say will be heard and received?

There are times we must be in conversation to restore relationships, but there are other times it is best if we leave well alone. What do you think?

Human transformation is an amazing journey, but there are no short cuts. Prayer, introspection and a commitment to becoming more Christ-like are the prerequisites.

We all experience difficult and broken relationships. As tough as they are, would you be willing to learn something about yourself as you reflect on these difficult moments in your life?

Do you identify with the elder brother? If so, seek help. Sometimes we need extra support in dealing with some of lifes toughest issues.

Believing that love defeats death gives us hope that what we invest in now is worth it.

The others who died with Ko Jimmy were Phyo Zeya Thaw, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw. Imagine they are your friends. How would you react? How can you respond now?

How can we resist numbing, violence and betrayal as a way out of our stresses and anxieties?

Research areas of the world where Christians are persecuted and killed. How can we support them and advocate on their behalf?

Just like Mary, we can bless God and minister to him.

Who are we excluding because of our own self-interests?

Think of an invisible thread that goes through us all, stating that we belong to God. Will this affect your interaction with the next person you meet?

Imagine the many small actions of love and care for our world that would stop if we lost our faith in a new tomorrow.

How can we stay aware of what is happening in the world without becoming numb to cruelty and evil?

Can you remember a brief meeting with a stranger that meant a lot to you? Could you have been that stranger to someone else?

Like flowers we change, even though we remain the same. But might it also feel good that some people remember who we once were?

Have you ever felt left out and then experienced someone making you feel more included? What did they say?

God does not want us to be unequally yoked or to take on the culture of the world and influences around us, lest we are led away from him.

What measures have you put in place in your life to enable you to continue growing spiritually, even if your leaders are not around to motivate you?

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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

Liz is a Church of England priest who combines parish ministry with a ministry training role for the Stepney area of the Diocese of London. She also has a research interestin exploring how church impact can be better measured, so we can learn how and whe

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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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