Author: renaissanceideal

Business and Finance

Banks face £1.3 billion CPP Compensation Bill

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Millions of people could be receiving compensation for being mis-sold credit card and identification protection. British Banks will share up to £1.3 billion in compensation to over 7 million people, which on average is £185 a person.

Thirteen Banks including Santander, Royal Bank of Scotland and MNBA have agreed to a compensation scheme. This would compensate customers who were mis-sold products by the insurer CPP. The city regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that the banks along with CPP (the company behind policies) has agreed to the compensation package which is likely to start from next spring.  The FCA stated that customers had been “given misleading and unclear information about the policies”. The FCA has said that customers can expect to receive letters from the end of August explaining how to get compensation. Before the compensation scheme is given a green light, it has to be voted on by customers and allowed by the high court. After it is approved, the FCA said that the customer will need to complete a single form.

Britain’s banks continue to set aside millions for for payment protection insurance (PPI) and interest rate swaps mis-selling. There is still an estimated £15 billion compensation bill faced by the banking industry, which is approximately double the cost of the London 2012 Olympics.

Faith

False WOLVES?

by renaissanceidealLeave a Comment on False WOLVES?

A couple of weeks ago, I was looking through Twitter and saw a discussion between some people slating certain pastors. Many where tweeting that these pastors were preaching ‘Fake Christianity’ and insulting them. Fair enough, there are false wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) but do not label any pastor a ‘false wolf’ because you simply do not like the message they preach.  Yes, there are many who preach wrong messages. However there is no need to insult them. The Bible tells us that we shall know them by their fruits, so if their messages are not of God we should be able to discern that they produce bad fruits.

Many bash Pastors and churches because they dislike the teachings and messages that is given. Some may dislike them because they have a certain message that is key to their ministry for example some churches are known for deliverance, or their praise and worship ministry, or for their charitable causes. Everyone is called for their own purpose and ministry which may be similar to another but is different to many. Many forget that the heroic figures in the Bible had a common purpose but different goals. For instance take a look at Jesus’ disciples they were all called to preach the good news but they ended up in different places geographically. Each church may have its focus but the majority of them teach the truth and preach the most important message-there is salvation through Jesus Christ. You and I have a common purpose to share the good news but the way it would be explored may be different. Some would explore it by spreading the good news through preaching, teaching, music, writing and even tweeting. Do not hate just because it may not be done the traditional way and then label someone or a ministry a false wolf. 

Stay Blessed

x

Politics

Syria-IS THE CALL FOR ENDING OF VIOLENCE ENOUGH?

by renaissanceidealLeave a Comment on Syria-IS THE CALL FOR ENDING OF VIOLENCE ENOUGH?

Thousands of people have been killed in a chemical weapon attack in Damascus. Activists have described as more than 1,400.  This attack took place in rebel held parts of Damascus. The Syrian government has denied the allegations of  being responsible for the attacks. They said it was “illogical and fabricated”.

There has been great concern in the international community. The UN Security council met yesterday for an emergency meeting after the news broke out.  The UK along with other 35 countries including France and Turkey are asking for a tough international response to the chemical weapons attack. The White House has called for the UN to investigate the attack. Likewise, the UK is calling for UN inspectors to be be given immediate access to where the attacks took place. Currently, the UN Weapons team only has permission to visit three sites under an agreement made by Syria and the UN. The weapons team is in Syria investigating previous claims of chemical weapons. For a mandate for an investigation into yesterday’s attack, permission will need to come from the UN Secretary General and be approved by Syria.

Experts believe that that the chemical weapons used in the attack was mustard gas and sarin nerve agent. The rebels and the Syrian government have been accused of using chemical weapons. Moreover, the Syrian government also has been accused of having stocks of chemical weapons. Several videos have been released onto the internet, showing men and women suffering from the effects of the chemical weapon attack in Damascus. Many are seen with white foam bubbling at the mouth. Also, victims have been suffering from respiratory distress. The French foreign minister, Laurent Fabius has said that the use of chemical attacks if proven would allow a “reaction of force”. However, the British Foreign Office has said that “We believe a political solution is the best way to end the bloodshed”. Nevertheless, the Prime Minster and the Foreign Secretary have both suggested that they cannot rule out any options.

So what does this mean for Syria and its people? Many comments have been made from several states calling for the end of violence in Syria. But is this enough? It seems that more may have to be done. Whether the solution to the crisis is going to be political or use of force, it is yet to be seen. There have been stronger responses of late to the Syrian Conflict. Many have suggested the use of force as an possible solution. However, this is unlikely. China and Russia are against the use of force. They have repeatedly backed the Syrian government since the conflict started. Both countries supposedly blocked a stronger Security Council press statement supported by 35 states.

For the violence to end, whether the solution would be done politically, legally or by use of force-everyone in the international community would need to come to to an agreement.

Faith

GREAT WOMEN OF THE BIBLE CHALLENGE-BATHSHEBA & DEBORAH

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I hope you all had a great weekend and a blessed start to the week. Great women I looked at was Bathsheba and Deborah. Hope you are blessed by it. Enjoy!

Bathsheba-A woman who turned her sin around

Bible Reference- 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 12, 1 Kings 1:11-31, 1 Kings 2:13-19, 1 Chronicles 3:5

Family Background-She was the daughter of Eliam and was married to Uriah the Hittite

Name Meaning- Bathsheba means the daughter of an oath

Who is Bathsheba?

Bathsheba is introduced to us from 2 Samuel 11:2 onwards. She is described as a very beautiful woman and her family background is given.

David got up from his bed one evening and saw Bathsheba bathing. He saw how beautiful she was and sent someone to find out about her. He found out her family background and that she was married yet he still sent for her. They slept together and she conceived. What I find hard to understand is why was Bathsheba bathing outside? The fact that David saw her bathing must have meant she exposed herself for all to see. If she was modest then she would have realised that people may have been able to see her. Additionally, if she had been a faithful wife, she would have refused David when he had sent for her. If she was a woman of principle she would have refused to take part in adultery.

After Bathsheba tells David of her pregnant condition, David comes up with a plan. To hide his sin, he sends for Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah the Hittite. Uriah was fighting as a solider in the Israelite army. Uriah refused to come back home and have physical contact with his wife whilst his colleagues was fighting. Uriah was a man of integrity and honour. He wished to be with the rest of the soldiers and serve his King. David even made Uriah drunk, but he did not go home. Realising that his plan had failed, David sent a letter to Joab for Uriah to be put in a place where the he was likely to be killed. I find it shocking that Bathsheba could take part in an affair with a man her husband risked his life for. After her husband’s death, Bathsheba mourned for him. However after mourning, Bathsheba she moved to David’s house. She became his wife and bore a son.

God was displeased with Bathsheba and David’s behaviour. God sent the prophet Nathan to make David and Bathsheba realise the sins they had committed. As a result the son they bore died. Nathan told David, God had forgiven him but there would be calamity in his household.

 

Why is Bathsheba great?

You must be wondering why I think Bathsheba is great. After all she did with David committing adultery, murder, deceit, lust and betraying Uriah. However she turned it all around. From a woman whose sin resulted into murder, became a blessed woman with favour. God blessed David and Bathsheba with a son called Solomon which the Bible says the Lord loved him. David was repentant of his sin and it seems Bathsheba was too, otherwise God would not have blessed her with this child. God could have given Solomon to one of David’s wives, but he chose Bathsheba. Bathsheba continued to have influence over David which is seen when she reminded David of his promise to her. This promise was that their son would be his successor. Bathsheba’s son, Solomon was known for his wisdom which is seen in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon. Solomon became King and was known not for only his wisdom but also his wealth and power. To have a child who was an extraordinary blessing, Bathsheba herself must have been great.

Indeed, Bathsheba was a great woman as she was included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1. This is evidence that God restored Bathsheba to divine favour.

 

What can we learn from Bathsheba?

We can learn from Bathsheba, that God can turn it around. He can take away our sin and make it clean. All we need to do, is to be repentant of our sins. I am amazed at how God blessed Bathsheba- look at how she started and look at how she ended! From the woman who lead a King to commit murder, then give birth to a renowned wise King and became an ancestor of Jesus. This is a 360! Bathsheba did not allow one sin to ruin her life. Instead she used her mistake to  direct her future steps.  God can take our sins and turn it into something great!

Deborah-The Prophetess Judge

Bible Reference-Judges 4, Judges 5

Family Background-She was the wife of Lappidoth

Name Meaning-A bee

Who is Deborah?

Deborah was a prophetess, a judge and a warrior. She is introduced to us in Judges 4:4 as a wife and a prophetess leading Israel. At this time, Israel was under the King of Canaan who was oppressing them. The commander of his army was Sisera. Immediately as you read this passage, you get a sense that Deborah was a woman of substance. She was leading a nation, was a wife, prophetess and a counsellor. She is also described as the ‘mother of Israel’ in Judges 5:7. This shows that Deborah was a maternal figure to all of Israel, that she took everyone in and was a mother to all.

Why is Deborah great?

I believe Deborah was great because of her role as a Judge of Israel. She is the only noted female judge in the scripture where  she sat under a palm tree named after her. Deborah’s role as a ruler is extraordinary, as at that time women would have been in the background. However she gave justice and settled disputes under her palm tree. Deborah was  a wise and intelligent woman to lead a land where it had peace for forty years.

I also admire the patriotism and fight Deborah had in her. She was brave and had great courage. This can be seen when she sent Barak to lead the 10,000 army and deliver Israel from their oppressors. Barak was hesitant to go, but he wished that Deborah would go with him. This shows that Deborah was respected as a fearless and brave warrior. Sisera had commanded 900 iron chariots. However Deborah declared that God had given Sisera into their hands. This came to pass where Barak and his men won the battle where not one man was left. Deborah knew that when God is on your side of the battle, that the enemy cannot win.

In Judges 5, the song of Deborah can be seen. This demonstrates not only could Deborah prophesy, lead battles and counsel but she could write. Deborah was a songwriter and a poetess. The song gives praise to God for delivering Israel through their leaders. Deborah was a woman of many talents.

What can we learn from Deborah?

Deborah was an incredible leader. Deborah had a remarkable personality and various gifts which delivered Israel from its enemy. She was gifted with wisdom and courage. I also admire how her reputation is based on her own merit, rather than coming from someone else. Most great women in the Bible, were married to great men or related to one. However Deborah did it on her own. Girl power! From this I learnt that you do not always have to rely on someone’s name to be great, you can carve out a name for yourself. She trusted in God’s words that he gave her. I also learnt that in a powerful position you must be grateful, thankful and humble. This is seen in the Song of Deborah when she magnifies God for enabling her and Barak to conquer Israel’s enemy.

 

Stay Blessed

x

Literature

SISTERS AND BROTHERS WHERE ARE YOU?

by renaissanceideal3 Comments on SISTERS AND BROTHERS WHERE ARE YOU?

© Rae Dosoo 2013

Rae Dosoo asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. All rights reserved. No part of this can be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of Rae Dosoo.

Sisters and Brothers where are you?

I am crying, I am hurt, I am distraught

My people’s tears soak my land

Even though we have sun

It hasn’t been enough to put a smile on my people’s faces,

Or warm our hearts

There has been rainfall for over two years

And…

You! My sister ask how the weather is

The weather is bleak here

And it does not look like it is getting any better

We do not know when the sun will smile on us again

My soil continues to be wet with mothers’ tears

Many have lost their sons and husbands

I ask you my Sisters and Brothers, Where are you?

 

My sisters and brothers have deserted me

Why are you punishing me?

Is there not more you can do, my sisters and brothers?

My cities are painted red

The sky has been brushed black

All I can see is Red and Black, Red and Black

Ashes and Dust

My beautiful home,

My beautiful home,

My… beautiful… home

Is no more

My sisters and brothers have deserted me

Why are you punishing me?

Please, my sisters and brothers come together, where are you?

 

I am so sorry, I have been rude

I am so upset, I am so distraught, I cannot cope, and I am far too distraught

Shall I introduce myself?

Here I am!

Is there even any time?

Before we ruin our selves

Before my beautiful home

My beautiful home

My… beautiful… home

Is ruined

They have once called me Assyria

They called me Levant

I’m one of many who has been in the hand of many carers and guardians

I have been adopted many times

From the Canaanites, to the Ottomans, to the French

I have never really had full ‘independence’

Like my acquaintances in the western lands

 

You know when a child moves out of his father’s house

The child goes out into the world and does things for himself

I am waiting… to… experience… this

You see, we are being controlled

You see, I have an overbearing and overreaching oppressor

Who is overstepping his boundaries?

I want freedom, liberty and equality

I want justice, representation and true emancipation

I want freedom! I want freedom! I want freedom!

Instead there’s confinement, imprisonment and suppression

 

I have so many siblings, I am one of five

Let me tell you about them

They all surround me

The other is an estranged sister

It does get heated between us

We have never ever, never ever, got along

They all banned me from our brotherhood

It’s not my fault that the head honcho misbehaves

Many of these leagues and clubs don’t know me

They acknowledge the mother’s tears

But do they really understand what is happening?

It’s not one team against the other

‘It’s one against one’ the news reporters say

Its asymmetrical, my brothers and sisters

One against the other, Two against the other, Three against the other,

Two against the Two, Three against that one and OHHHH!

It just does my head in

Why, oh, why my beautiful people, Can’t we just be a family?

 

My house is full of people from different faiths and different people

My brother believes in Allah, My half-brother believes in him too.

But their beliefs are different

My mother believes in Isa but shhh it’s a secret

I heard that my Auntie married a man who is Jewish!

My distant cousin is a Druze

I am home to people from diverse backgrounds

My grandma is Kurdish, My grandpa is Arabic

The other side of the family there are Armenians, Assyrians and Turkmen

I wish there wasn’t a divide in between my family

There is discontent between the ruling family and the other relatives

Why can’t we respect our differences brethren?

 

My sisters and brothers where are you?

You have all called for an end to the violence

Yet my mothers still cry, crying out for their fruits of their womb to come back to them

Do not sanction us, do not punish us my brothers and sisters

Let us all my sisters and brothers, Come together and let us find us solution.

Faith

Word of the week- HOPE (11/8/13-25/8/13)

by renaissanceidealLeave a Comment on Word of the week- HOPE (11/8/13-25/8/13)
Word of the week- HOPE (11/8/13-25/8/13)

Psalms 39 7

This week I chose hope as my word. I have decided to do my 2 in 1 again, focusing on hope for two weeks. The word hope means the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. It also means a person or thing in which expectations are centred. The word hope along with faith and love are important concepts in Christianity. Hope biblically means a strong and confident expectation. It is the anticipation that there is something favourable coming under God. Hope is based on God’s promises and having confidence in them. This differs to the earthly hope where hope is a feeling that what is wanted. Earthy hope is a feeling where there there can be doubt. Biblical hope is an assurance that there is an favourable outcome-there is no doubt attached. The earthly hope definition can cause vagueness. However when hope is based on something and has a foundation, then it can be considered genuine. The bible bases its hope in God. The word of God gives us hope and gives us confidence for our hopes to be fulfilled.

Hope is a fundamental part of our lives. Without hope in our lives, life loses its meaning. In Job 7:6, it describes how your days can be lifeless without hope. The Bible states those who hope and trust in the Lord, they shall be helped. This is seen in Psalms 28:7.  Additionally, those who have hope in the Lord will not put to shame or be disappointed (Isaiah 43:29). Jeremiah 29:11 is a verse that I love and live on. It reminds us that our hopes and plans are under all God’s control. He promises us not only a hope in the future but protection and help. God’s got it! In Matthew 12:21, we can find hope in Jesus. It in his name that we can all find hope. We can find this hope through the salvation that Christ gave us when he died for us. Through this hope, our lives are forever changed because the gift of salvation. We can  have assurance that Christ is in our lives because of this. Christians can have hope in the return of Christ,  resurrection of Jesus, the presence of the holy spirit, eternal life, the salvation of God, eternal glory and the promises of God.

Romans 5:2-5 tells us that there is glory in sufferings. This is because it states that our suffering produces perseverance, perseverance builds character and this gives us hope. This journey gives us assurance in the things of God. The things we may be expecting or hoping for may not happen at the time we want it. However, God’s time is the best. My hope is in God and his promises. Sometimes we may go through difficult things. It may be that we are facing rejections and having bad days but we have to remind ourselves that there is hope in Jesus. I am constantly reminding myself of this. I also have wonderful friends and family who tell me this too. Sisters and Brothers, Encourage yourselves!

Here are some bible verses on hope:

Romans 12:12 (NIV)- Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)- Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Psalms 33:22 (NIV)-May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.

Romans 4:18 (NIV)-Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, So shall your offspring be.

Psalms 146:5 (NIV)-Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,whose hope is in the Lord their God.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)-Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Psalms 39:7 (NIV)-But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

1 Peter 1:21 (NIV)-Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Titus 2:13 (NIV)-while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ

Proverbs 23:18 (NIV)- There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Job 11:18 (NIV)- You will be secure, because there is hope;you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)-We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:13 (NIV)-May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalms 119:81 (NIV)-My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word

Romans 8:24-25 (NIV)-For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Psalms 71:14 (NIV)- As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)-For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 43:5 (NIV)-Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,
my Saviour and my God.

Job 14:7-9 (NIV)-At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant.

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)-Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Psalms 119:49 (NIV)-Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)-May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Hebrews 6:18-19 (NIV)-God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.

Acts 24:15 (NIV)-and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked

Titus 3:7 (NIV)-so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Stay Blessed

x

Fashion

FLOWER POWER

by renaissanceideal2 Comments on FLOWER POWER
FLOWER POWER

Florals was one of the key trends for Spring Summer 2013. Florals as a trend has been running for many years. It has been a firm favourite. If you Remember, Miranda Priestley’s statement in Devil Wears Prada-‘Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking’. It is a reminder that Fashion has a never ending love affair with florals. It is not stopping anytime soon. For the 2013 look, florals come 3D with oversized motifs and appliqués. This was seen at the Erdem show-the Master of florals. 

Florals are all about having fun. It looks pretty and flirty in spring. It looks vibrant and exciting in the summer. I went for the girly floral look for my Flower Power OOTD.

Here are some Pictures:

Flower party 1

Flower party 2

Flower party 3

Flower party 4

Flower party 11

Flower party 12

Flower party 13

Flower party 14

Flower party 16

Flower party 25

Flower party 26

I was wearing:

Floral dress- It was made in Ghana

Brown Wedges- Bertie (John Lewis)

Necklace- Wallis

Gold Bangle- a gift

Stay Blessed

x

Faith

Great women of the bible challenge- ABIGAIL & Anna

by renaissanceideal1 Comment on Great women of the bible challenge- ABIGAIL & Anna

I hope you all are having a lovely weekend. I decided early in the week that I would do a ‘Great Women of the Bible Challenge’. This is where I would look at two great women of the Bible each week. I want to be a great woman and there is nothing better than drawing inspiration from powerful women. I was inspired by my best friend who was doing something similar. I saw the great effect it was having on her and thought I need some of that lol! I can’t miss out! This week it starts with Abigail and Anna. Hope you are all blessed by it. Enjoy!

Abigail- A woman with beauty and brains

Bible Reference– 1 Samuel 25:1-42; 2 Samuel 3.3

Family background– The Bible does not point to Abigail’s family history or background. All we know she was married to Nabal. The meaning of Abigail’s name indicates that maybe her father was a joyous person.

Name Meaning– Father’s joy or gives joy

Who is Abigail?

We are introduced to Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:3.  She is married to a man called Nabal who was very wealthy.  Nabal could be viewed as the  modern day Donald Trump. He owned property in Carmel and  4000 goats and sheep.

Abigail’s description in the Bible was that ‘she was an intelligent and beautiful woman’. She was a woman with beauty and brains. Today, many believe that their beauty that will open doors for them. Yes, this is true at times. However, beauty does not last forever. Abigail demonstrates in this passage how important it is to have intelligence. She shows women that beauty and intelligence work hand in hand. Her intelligence equalled her beauty. To have a beautiful mind and a beautiful appearance is highly admirable and something that many should inspire to have.

Why is Abigail great?

I find it fascinating that Abigail was this beautiful and intelligent woman yet her husband Nabal was mean and surly. Abigail was painted in a good light whilst her husband was painted in a bad light. It seems like Abigail and Nabal were opposites. I think Abigail must have been patient to be married to a man who was not kind. This would take a lot of understanding. It also suggests she was down to earth and humble. The way the bible emphasises her beauty, she could have the attitude of  ‘I am far too hot for this, bye’. However she respected the value and the institution of marriage. I think we can learn from Abigail where we should have patience with unkind people. It also teaches us to be humble and down to earth. Just because you are a ‘hottie’ or a ‘great beauty’ does not mean you should be boastful or have a proud heart.

David moved to the desert of Paran whilst he was there he treated Nabal’s shepherds well. The scripture points out that that Nabal’s shepherds even spent time with David and his companions. At this time David was in the wilderness, he sent his ten young men with a kind message of good health and long life. They heard that it was sheep wearing time and wished Nabal to give them whatever they could find. Can you imagine the rude behaviour Nabal displayed to David’s men? He told them ‘Who is David?’, ‘Who is the son of Jesse?’. This demonstrates Nabal’s churlish behaviour. He definitely knew who David was. How can you mention his father’s name and claim that you don’t know him? As for this Mr Churlish, I think he knew David and that he is the King in waiting. I think Nabal just did not like David. Can you imagine someone displaying that kind of behaviour to Prince Charles? Or Prince William? That is what Nabal did. Adding insult to injury he refused to give food to David’s men. He also said that he would not give it to men that he knows from no where when the food is for his shearers. This shows Nabal’s selfish, harsh and brutal character.

Word got back to David. David was ANGRY. The Bible mentions strapping the sword thrice. David meant business and was coming for Nabal Churlish. A servant told Abigail of her husband’s lack of social graces. The servant mentions that Nabal is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him. The fact that the servant came to Abigail, suggests that she was the logical one in their household. This can be seen when the Bible says she ‘acted quickly’. She went out without telling her husband to meet David with food supplies. A woman of this period, probably risked the anger of their husband by going out without permission. I applaud and commend her bravery! She did what she had to do, to save her household.

When Abigail saw him she fell with face down to the ground. I love the respect, humility and submission she showed David. She mentions that her husband is just like his name-foolish.No wonder his behaviour is foolish. She asks David to spare her household. I love that Abigail knew who David was in the Lord.

‘ The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live. Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant’

Indeed, Abigail was a wise woman. She recognised who David was. She had a great understanding and judgement of David.  I believe that David was moved by Abigail’s wisdom and judgement which lead him to to preserve Nabal’s household. He states that if it was not for Abigail’s wisdom he would have destroyed Nabal’s household. He respected Abigail for the care she had for her husband and household.

When Abigail returned home, Nabal was having a party and was extremely drunk ‘holding a banquet like that of a king’. How did Abigail deal with her husband? I know many of us could not do it. I certainly could not. She told him later of her actions when he was sober. The Bible describes that he had heart failure and become like stone. He died ten days later.

David then remembered Abigail. He sent his servants to ask Abigail to become his wife and she accepted willingly. Lol, who would not remember Abigail? A woman of beauty, intelligence, wisdom, bravery and humility of course David would want to marry her. She saw herself as a servant and even was ready to wash David’s servants feet. Such humility!

Abigail is mentioned another time in the Bible, as the mother of David’s second child.

What can we learn from Abigail?

I have learnt a great deal from Abigail. Her story is an example of submission, courage and wisdom even in times of danger. Abigail was truly an amazing woman. She was respectful and humble. I love the way she was so humble to fall down to the ground. This really moved me. I know many of us would be like I aint bowing down for nobody. However Abigail’s bowing down is something that we can learn from, that we should be respectful, humble and submissive.

Anna- The Prophetess

Bible Reference– Luke 2:36-38

Family background-Anna was the daughter of Phanuel. The name Phanuel means the face of God. This suggests that Anna may have come from a family that seeked God or a devout religious family. She was from the Asher Tribe. Anna had a husband, but he died.

Name Meaning– Grace or Favour

Who is Anna?

Anna appears in the Bible in Luke 2:36-38.  The Bible describes her as a prophet. So Anna was a woman of God who heard and spoke from God. She was a widow, she had been married for seven years but her husband died. The scripture describes her as very old.

Why is Anna great?

Anna was great because she seeked God’s face and presence. She never left God’s temple, fasting and praying everyday. She knew the importance of worshipping God. She recognised that Mary and Joseph’s child, Jesus was the saviour and gave thanks.

What can we learn from Anna?

I admire Anna’s longing to be with God at all times. It seems like she was a woman who loved spending timing with God. The constant fasting and prayer showed she wanted to draw closer to God. Nowadays many of us regard fasting as old fashioned. I, myself was guilty of this some time back. However I have realised the importance of fasting and prayer. Fasting and praying are key principles in our faith. Jesus himself highlighted the importance of fasting and praying. It is important to fast and pray because we may need to seek God on important decisions in our lives. It also makes us stronger against the flesh and can bring breakthroughs. Anna knew the importance of fasting and praying.

 

Stay Blessed

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Fashion

White Everything

by renaissanceideal2 Comments on White Everything
White Everything

Who said it can only be black everything? Who said that black is the only colour for a monochrome look? Girls, Aunties and Yummy Mummies it can be done in any colour. Orange everything, Blue everything or Yellow everything-it can be done! I will definitely try a monochrome look in one of these colours and post it for all of you to see.

For this outfit, it was the ‘White Everything Look’. Summer has been lovely this year, especially by British weather standards lol. Nothing is better than wearing white, which will keep you cool in the summer heat. An all white look signifies class, sophistication and all things diva. When I was wearing this outfit, I felt I was in Saint- Tropez *I wish*. Instead I was in good ole Essex.

Here are some pictures:

White everything 5

white everything 6

White everything 7

White everything 13

White everything 8

I was wearing:

White Sleeveless Shirt-Old

White Palazzo Trousers-Old

Glass sandals- Marks & Spencer

Chunky necklace- Wallis

Gold Cuff- Wallis

Stay Blessed

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Faith

Word of the week-PRAISE & WORSHIP (04/08/13-11/08/13)

by renaissanceidealLeave a Comment on Word of the week-PRAISE & WORSHIP (04/08/13-11/08/13)
Word of the week-PRAISE & WORSHIP (04/08/13-11/08/13)

Hebrews 13 15

This week I chose praise & worship as my word. Praise can be described as the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation. It is also the offering of great homage to God in a words or a song e.g. ‘For who you are’ by Hillsong or the hymn ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’. Worship is defined as reverent honour and homage paid to God. It can also be described as the object of adoration and reverence.

Many of us confuse praise and worship as the same, although its closely related there are differences. The sacrifice of praise is the fruit of the lips whilst worship is the fruit of the heart. Praise can be seen as outward actions whilst worship is the adoration of God in our lives. David was a great example of a man of praise. The book he wrote ‘Psalms’ is full of praises. Praise has elements of sacrifice. In Hebrews 13:15 and  Jeremiah 33:11 it describes how we should give sacrifice of praise to God. When we are giving a sacrifice of praise we are letting go and surrendering to God. This can be done by opening our mouths and praising him. In the Old Testament sacrifice was done by offering the sacrifice of animals. We no longer need to do this. Instead we pour out sacrificial praises from our lips. Psalm 50:8-15  describes that God wants sacrifice of thank offerings rather than sacrifice of animals.Worship can be expressed by living a godly life by honouring God’s commandments. True Worship is done in spirit and truth. This means when we come before God we are sincere in our worship.

It is important to have praise and worship in our lives for several reasons. One is because of who God is-all powerful, all knowing and all loving. We worship him because of who he is not for only what he does. He deserves nothing but honour and reverence.  Another reason praise and worship is important is because it brings us closer to God. We enter into his presence and invite the holy spirit in during time of praise and worship. God inhibits the praise of his people. This means that God enters the atmosphere with his people where there is true praise and worship.  Another reason praise and worship is powerful is because it can send our enemies running. There are many examples of where God has delivered his people from the enemies through praise and worship. In 2 Chronicles 20, the people of Ammon, Moab and others came to battle against Jehoshaphat and Judah. God told his people not to be afraid for the battle is his. Jehoshaphat and all of Judah bowed down and worshipped God. Then Jehoshaphat sent people before the army to sing praises. When the people began to sing praises God ambushed Judah’s enemies and they were defeated. Judah means praise. I believe that Judah being a people of praise, knew the power of praise and what God can do through it.

Here are some bible verses on praise and worship:

Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)-Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name

Psalm 150:1-6 (NIV)-Praise the Lord.Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.Praise the Lord

Psalm 100:4 (NIV)-Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;give thanks to him and praise his name.

Ephesians 5:19 (NIV)-Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord

Psalm 95:1-6 (NIV)-Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker

John 4:24 (NIV)- God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.

Psalm 96:1-9 (NIV)- Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.
 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.  Splendour and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.

1 Chronicles 16:29 (NIV)-Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendour of hisholiness

Psalm 100:2 (NIV)- Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs

John 4:23 (NIV)-Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

Colossians 3:16 (NIV)-Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts

Stay Blessed

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