This week's theme

Letters to Timothy (1)

Today's reading

1 Timothy 4

Today's prayer

Loving God, teach me your ways and help me to be rooted and grounded in your love and compassion.

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Futher thought 2

For further thought

Which spiritual habits would you like to develop? Would a habit tracker journal help with that?

What styles of leadership have you observed? What would you say makes a good leader?

Who was the last female preacher or teacher who inspired you?

Blessed are the peacemakers. Are there situations at home or church where you can bring people together? Is exclusion or factionalism hurting your community?

Reflect on these words of the Lords Prayer: thy will be done. Where is the Holy Spirit urging you to change your tune?

Reflect on 2 Corinthians 9:67. Are you miserly with your love, time or money? Where could you be more generous?

What can you, or your faith community, do to support those who have been imprisoned for their beliefs? Aid to the Church in Need (www.acnuk.org) and the Barnabas Fund (www.barnabasfund. org) are two organisations working to help persecuted Christians.

They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord (Psalm 112:7). Look for good news today and give thanks.

Which is your favourite psalm? Reflect on it and write your own psalm in response. What do you want to say to the Lord today?

Read through Psalm 95 a number of times. Listen to what God is saying to you with each reading.

What is your favourite hymn/song? Sing it aloud today or find a recording of it to listen to.

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?

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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

Mandy Briggs is a Methodist minister who lives in Bristol. She is Education Officer at John Wesley’s New Room, the oldest Methodist building in the world (www.newroombristol.org.uk). She works with schools and other groups to tell the st

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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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