Its not a word commonly used today but it does describe passion, enthusiasm and fervour towards something.

The Bible encourages us to have spiritual fervour and zeal for God and His way of life.

Its easy to fall in to the trap of working up a passion & to try hard in our own strength to do all the things we think we should do to please God.

In Galatians the Christians  had made a similar mistake. Having become Christian by spiritual new birth & life they then tried to live this life without the power of God.

We need to realise that God has given us His Holy Spirit (John 14) to enable us to live His life of Zeal in us.

Thanks  Ian  (22nd June 2014)

Chris Evans: (MP) As the Minister will know, in conflicts such as those in
central Africa, child soldiers are open to all kinds of physical, sexual
and mental abuse. What are the Government doing to put pressure on those
countries to stop the use of child soldiers in conflicts of that nature?

GUIDELINES ON ASSISTED SUICIDE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

• Session: 2013-14
• Date tabled: 10.03.2014
• Primary sponsor: Bruce, Fiona
• Sponsors:
  • Glindon, Mary
  • Dobbin, Jim
  • Jackson, Stewart
  • Shannon, Jim
  • Meale, Alan

That this House notes and draws to the attention of those wishing to change the law on assisted suicide, the remarks of the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Lord Faulks, during a debate on 5 March 2014 in the House of Lords, that since the publication of the Guidelines of Assisted Suicide four cases were referred onwards for prosecution for murder or serious assault; believes that the emergence of these cases shows how well the current guidelines are working; and reasserts its belief that to relax the current law would add further to the number of unlawful killings and murders and that the most important considerations are the protection of vulnerable people and public safety.

“forgiveness made me free from hatred. I still have many scars on my body and severe pain most days but my heart is cleansed. Napalm is very powerful, but faith forgiveness and love are much more powerful. We would not have war at all if everyone could learn how to live with true love, hope and forgiveness.”

Kim Phuc Spoken Essay ” the long road to Forgiveness  30th June 2008

A Song about the Lord’s Vineyard (Isaiah)

5 Now I will sing for the one I love
    a song about his vineyard:
My beloved had a vineyard
    on a rich and fertile hill.
² He plowed the land, cleared its stones,
    and planted it with the best vines.
In the middle he built a watchtower
    and carved a winepress in the nearby rocks.
Then he waited for a harvest of sweet grapes,
    but the grapes that grew were bitter……..

Film Synopsis

Present-day college freshman and devout Christian, Josh Wheaton, finds his faith challenged on his first day of Philosophy class by the dogmatic and argumentative Professor Radisson. Radisson begins class by informing students that they will need to disavow, in writing, the existence of God on that first day, or face a failing grade. As other students in the class begin scribbling the words “God Is Dead” on pieces of paper as instructed, Josh find himself at a crossroads, having to choose between his faith and his future

See  Showcase Nantgarw  19th & 22nd April

Chris Evans:(MP) To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and
Skills how many people in each (a) age group and (b) parental income
group resident in Islwyn constituency entered higher education in each
of the last 10 years for which figures are available

Nick Smith:(MP Blaenau Gwent).” Blimey, what a cop-out! With a third of children under 18
either obese or overweight, what action has been agreed with the
Secretary of State for Education to stop the consumption of sugary
drinks in schools?”

” I think there are three reasons why we need to pray. The first is, we pray because we care. If you don’t pray for someone, you probably don’t really care about them.

The second reason we pray is because we can. Its awesome that the God who created the universe wants to walk & talk with us. Why on earth wouldn’t we take up that invitation?

The third reason we need to pray is because we count. There are stories throughout scripture that suggest that God listens when we pray and may even change His purpose and His will as a result of prayer. Karl Barth said thay prayer does seem to have some bearing upon the purpose and will of God. The reason Jesus told us to pray,” your kingdom come, your will be done” is that its not automatic. We are in a battle and Gods will is often contested. If we don’t pray, there are things that wil not happen as a result. and if we do pray, there are things that will happen, because we prayed. So we have an awesome resposibilty to pray.

Source. Pete Greig (YFC council of Reference) YFC News Summer 2011

The resurrection, which some of us still celebrate today, symbolises the ultimate defeat of cruelty & cynical human power by a far greater force. Among other things, Easter enshrines the idea that what we do here matters somewhere else, that there is an absolute standard by which our actions are judged
(April 24th Mail on Sunday. Comment)