At different points in the year we often think something along the lines of “I need a holiday”.  The ongoing pressures of life can wear us down. Living without margins or with a messy work life balance takes its toll.  Our bodies tell us in different ways that we need a break!

While we may recognise these times, we often forget that there is a spiritual side that we need to take care of too.

And that’s why we need to connect and stay connected to Jesus!  “He restores our soul”.  He is our Life Source. He refreshes us Spiritually which has a massive effect on how we are physically and emotionally.

We are presently looking at the fruits of the Spirit… Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.  Fruit that we can know and enjoy in our lives when we connect and rest in who God is..  Refresh on our vision from John 4.  See how the woman’s life was refreshed and transformed when she met with Jesus.  He wants to do the same in you! Jesus says Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

Jesus warns the religious leaders - part 7 - Matthew 23:1-36

How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy full of greed and self-indulgence! Blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup, and then the outside will become clean, too.

Matthew 23:25-26.  [NLT]

We continue to look at the warnings that Jesus gave to the religious leaders, but before you switch off and say I'm not a religious leader, notice that Jesus says we are to do what they say and not follow their example which means that these warnings are for all of us, because we all represent Christ in the way that we live for Him.  How we live out our faith is very important and while some things may come easy to us other parts take discipline.

Some areas of our lives are obvious to everyone and so we make a special effort to make sure that on the outside, we look good.  We watch our behaviour when we are in the company of certain people.

But God isn’t restricted to seeing our outward appearance or the parts of our lives that we are willing for him to see.  God sees our heart, and knows the inner most secrets.  We can look squeaky clean from the outside but God knows what we are really like and so he says if you clean yourself on the inside, the outside will be clean.  If our hearts are clean and pure, then our thoughts, words and actions will be pure.

 How wonderful God’s care for the ship ministry has been during the past months. The workers have experienced His provision of sufficient finance for the “Power Up Logos Hope” project. Also they have seen His working through the thousands of personal encounters for the ship staff spread around the world. They also give thanks for the skills of the technical staff. The largest distribution of ship personnel in their 45 year history has taken place over the past six months. Many thousands of people in 40 countries have been helped practically and heard the Good News of the Gospel. Logos Hope welcomed a record breaking 28,931 people in one day in Anping, Taiwan. After a number of years in Asia the ship will be heading back to Africa this year and then eventually across to South America.

Remember to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world

1. Thank God for everyone He has called to serve on Logos Hope at this time and that each person would sense His blessing and growth.

2. Pray for health and safety for all those working on the ship.

3. Pray for safety on the sea.

4. Pray for wisdom for those involved in outreach to Muslims in the UK.

5.    Keep praying for Syria’s people. Many Muslim widows and orphans are being cared for by Christian workers. Pray that this terrible war will be brought to a swift conclusion.