You will not always win.

I support a very special football team, my expectations are that they win every match, win the league every year, but let us be realistic, and it hurts me to write this, it wont happen. The fact of the matter is they will not always win, and the fact of the matter, irrespective of what certain Christian teachers tell us , we will not always have perfect health, life will have its downside, we will yield at times to temptation, we will not always win, but with Christs help we will get through, and even in the downsides, God will be overseeing us, and making us better people. [ Father I acknowledge that I fail you, I recognise that life has its downside, help me press on in our relationship, rejoicing in the truth that you will always love me , come what may.I offer this prayer in Jesus name. Amen]

Hold your tongue

I saw a program on TV called the lion man, were a man walked about with a tiger on a lead,and it reminded me of what James tells us in his letter chap 3V7-8. ever kind of beasts......has being tamed of mankind. but the tongue can no man tame. This little member can cause so much trouble for all of us, think of the hurt ,pain, trouble, the tongue causes, so be warned, take care as to your words today. [Father forgive me for those words that I have spoken , that have dishonoured You, help me today to control my tongue, in Jesus name, Amen.]

Jigsaws.

I had a friend who loved doing jigsaws, I personally dont, but I thought on this idea of jigsaws, and how this applies to us as Christians. First of all , the parts of the jigsaw are all different, but they are all important to the whole, we as Christians are all different, different gifts, and abilities.Likewise we are all important to the whole of the body of Christ . How do you see yourself as a Christian ?. I believe we are all important, ask God to show you how this applies to you.[ Father help me to see that you have blessed me with gifts and abilities, also that I am part of the whole, and the importance of playing my part within your church, I ask this in Jesus name. Amen]

How ?

Do you ever ask the question , how, as I sit here I do, how have I come through the Christian life, over forty years I have been following Jesus. It was Spurgen who said every day you are a Christian, it is a miracle, I believe this is so true, a miracle of Gods grace, it can be the only answer to the question of how we come through , grace and grace alone. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come, tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me safe home, wrote John Newton, so true. [ Father I give you thanks for your grace, that has kept me, and helped me in my walk with you, in Jesus name. Amen.]

Thank goodness its all over.

Shopping for presents ,buying enough food to feed an army, decorations, writing out Christmas cards, preparing the Christmas dinner, etc, I am sure there are many who do say thank goodness it is all over. I dont want to load you with guilt on top of everything else, for thinking ,for saying thank goodness it is all over, we carry many things around with us, often one of those things is guilt, when we shouldnt, so get rid of any guilt you may be carrying, bring everything to Him who bore all your guilt on the cross, and leave it there.[ Father so often I feel crushed by many things , even guilt, so right now I ask you to take every burden , as I cast it upon you, in Jesus name. Amen.]

Memories.

This is a time when we will begin to look back, for some that will be a painful experience, for most of us nothing dramatic may have happened. Memory is there for a reason to help us in our everyday affairs, I wish I could remember all my families birthday, or were I parked the car when visiting the supermarket, still I can always put it down to getting older.God has a memory, He can remember everything if he chooses to, but here is a wonderful truth to all who know the Saviour, I hope this will bless you. In Jeremiah 31 v34 God says to His children, I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins. [ Father I give you thanks that through your Son I have been totally forgiven, my sins will never be cast up to me. Amen]

Intervention

Christmas is about God intervening in peoples lives, Mary , Joseph, shepherds, wise men ,and Herod, all these were touched by Gods intervention. Consider how God has intervened in your life, and what this has meant, remembering God always acts with a purpose, from the moment God intervened you became His child, you came under his special care. Give thanks today that God did not leave you in your unsaved state , but in His great mercy, He saved you and has cared for you ever since. [ Father thank you for coming into this world in the person of your Son, and thank you for coming into my life , changing me, and caring for me. in Jesus name. Amen]

The thought and the deed.

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7 v15, I want to do what is right, but I dont do it, if we are honest, and I do believe being honest is the best policy, especially in our relationship with God. Now lets face it, we all feel what Paul felt, we need not despair, God understands, the old hymn says ,Jesus knows all about are struggles ,think how He put up with the disciples, yet all the time He was teaching and moulding them, and preparing them for service in His kingdom. [ Father I rest on the solid fact that you are merciful ,loving and patient, while I dont make that an excuse for my failures, help me to not despair, I believe you are pleased with my weakest efforts, in Jesus name. Amen]

A true estimate

In romans 12 v3 we read ,Be honest in your evaluation of yourself, my study Bible, commenting on these words, writes,[some of us think to little of ourselves, on the other hand , some of us overestimate ourselves.] When I was a young man I played football, I was no George Best, but I had a certain degree of skill, I have a reasonable singing voice, but I know there are those who are more gifted. There is a saying which goes ,you are good for nothing, that is not true, we all good for something, and good at something.[ Father I know I am only a sinner saved by grace, but I also know you have blessed me with gifts and abilities, help me to use them, trusting you to bless them, in Jesus name. Amen]

The kingdom of God.

One of the most unthought out statements in the N.T. I believe are the words of our Saviour in John 18v36, they read ,My kingdom, is not of this world. There appears often to be such a tension, in these words ,it raises questions in regard to so many areas of life.So much of life appears to be at odds with the kingdom of God, I dont have all the answers to what those words mean, but I do believe them , there is a tremendous challenge to be faced in them. [Father help me to see and obey what it means to be a citizen of your kingdom, in the name of Jesus my King. Amen]

Victory.

How do we get victory in those areas of our lives,in which we struggle? a good question, first let us remember that life is ungoing, every new day brings the challenge to be holy, loving and kind.This means a continual reliance on God, an awareness of our weakness, we are never really out of the wood, so each day ask the Saviour to help you,and to fill you with His Spirit. Remember our very weaknesses are important whatever they may be, and we all have different weaknesses, you may want to be rid of your weakness, but God who knows best says no, [read 2 Cor 12][ Father I often wonder why I have to put up with those things, that cause me so much pain, wonder why you dont remove them, and then I hear you saying , My grace is all you need, through My grace you will have the victory. Amen]

The morning star.

Twinkle ,Twinkle little star, how I wonder what thou are, so goes the little poem, I have just recently observed a star , a very bright star, I believe it is called ,the morning star,[Venus] it really stands out, in the darkness. In 2 Peter1v19, we read, a light shining in a dark place, you and I are called to be light , let your light shine today,were ever God has placed you. that means many things, what does that mean for you?. [Father fill me with your Spirit, that I may shine in this dark world of sin, in Jesus name. Amen]

Christmas.

Every year I hear people say it does not feel like Christmas, I wonder what Christmas is supposed to feel like?. A friend said to me, she felt Easter had a deeper meaning for her, I understand what she meant, I suppose there is much in the Christmas season, that gives one concern, as Christians we try to make people awere what Christmas is really about.Let us remember that it is not the season that blesses, it is the Saviour, it is not Christmas that blesses ,it is Christ. [Father help me to see that it is in my Saviour your Son , that I am blessed, not in a season, not in the shadows of his world. Amen]

Presents.

Our Saviour said it is more blessed to give than to recieve, and yet there is a blessing in recieveing, I have recieved presents that have blessed me, in fact every day I recieve from God. , blessing after blessing, presents from the giving God. Think for a moment of what God has blessed you with today, they are new every morning, great is His faithfulness[Lamentations4v22-23] , and give thanks. [ Father I want to give you thanks , for the many blessings, you shower upon me,I recieve so much, so I offer my humble thanks, in Jesus name. Amen]

Moods.

I use to laugh when Joyce Meyer said there were some days she felt like slapping someone, our moods are real, we may be smiling on the out side but in the inside, we want to , ah well you know what I mean. This is were grace kicks in ,how do I live above my moods ?, the Grace of God, dont let our moods shut us out from seeking the God of all grace,Hebrews 4v16, reads, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,that we may obtain mercy, and find help in time of need. [Father you know me better than I know myself ,you know me inside out, grant me your grace today ,that I may glorify you in this life of mine, in Jesus name. Amen.]

Things I dont understand.

I have been a Christian a long time, and there so many things I dont yet understand, I am reading the book of revelation at this time,so much in there I dont understand, and yet there is a good percentage of it I do understand. The apostle Paul wrote, now I know in part[1 Cor13 v12] , it will always be that way, the important thing is dont let it trouble you, as to knowledge it is ungoing, God asks us to trust Him, it is a vital part of walking by faith, and is important in our relationship with Christ. [Lord there is so much in life I dont understand, help me not to let this become a stumbling block in my relationship with you, in Jesus name. Amen ]

Let it go.

There are so many things we cannot do anything about, the aging process, the past, so many things, we need to come to terms with.In 1Peter 5v7 we are instructed to cast our burdens upon the Lord , for He cares for us,do it, right now, whatever your burden is, cast it upon Him who cares. In other words let it go, stop struggling, when a person is drowning, they must stop struggling, in order for their rescuer to save them, so it is, the longer we keep struggling,the more difficult it is for the Lord to help us, so let it go.[ Lord help me to let go of those things I struggle with, to cast all my burdens upon You, in Jesus name. Amen]

Everyone is in a hurry.

We are all awere of road rage, often the result of frustration, driving is becoming more and more of a nightmare, people feel more and more pressure , is there a better way? surely there has to be . The good news is, that God has provided a better way, in His Son, who invites us all to come unto Him, and find rest Matthew 11v28, He invites us all to expearence peace in the midst of a mad ,bad , world, so let us each respond to Christs graciuos invitation.[ Lord there is so much pressure on people, grant that I may expearience in your Son that peace that is beyond my understanding, Amen]

The challenge.

I cannot say I ever liked to fight, yet when I was a wee lad, I remember fighting, when I was in primary school, there was a big fellow called Billiy Harris, I fought Billy , I must confess I fought dirty, for I remember I bit him. Shame you say , I know.Listen in 1Timothy 6v12[AV] we are exhorted to , fight the good fight of faith, we all without excepion, must be involved in this fight,[ and for goodness sake dont bite]. [ Father, help me to be involved in this good fight of faith, and not just to be a spectator. in Jesus name, Amen.

Dream on.

It was Martin luther king, who declared I have a dream, when I was a child , money was scarce, I used to dream , if I had a pound[ it was a long time ago]I could buy stacks of sweets. Dreams ,have you got a dream? I hope so. The question is, what do you do with your dreams,go for them, wait for them to be fufilled, mybe some dreams are best just remaining dreams, but there are those dreams that can be and should be fulfilled in our lives. Dreams can become a reality, pray about them, who knows you may even get your dream. [ Lord I bring to You all my dreams, please sort out, whats best for me , help me to fulfill my destiny, in Jesus name, Amen.]

Look for it.

The other day, I was going to see someone, I was worried about it, I prayed about it, and it worked out alright. Often at the end of a dayI look back and see how God has undertaken with those things I had been concerned about, in fact as I take a look back at all of my life, I am so encouraged, to see how the Lord has over-ruled in so many situations, its very humbling.I would encourage you to look and see this in your life,and give thanks to your loving heavenly Father.[ Father I want to thank you for undertaking for me in every situation in life, help me to see ,that this care for me will never cease, in Jesus name, Amen.]

Rewards.

There is a saying goodness has its own reward, often we do things for others, and we dont get a word of thanks, we need to feel appreciated, often we dont feel we are, and it can eat a way at us, we dont say much but we think about things. In the book of Revelation 22v12, we read these words , it is Jesus speaking, He says , behold ,I come quickly,and my reward is with Me,let us remember that even a cup of cold water will recieve its reward,[Mt 10v42].So look beyond those you are serving, to Jesus , who fully appreciates all we do. [ Lord help me to do all things as unto you, knowing of you I will recieve my reward. Amen.]

You better believe it.

The heart is deceitful above all else, and despertly wicked, so reads Jerimiah 17v9, I am so very glad you cant see into my heart, I really mean that. The old puritans spoke of common grace, that grace thats granted to those who are not saved, thats stops and prevents the whole human situation deteriorating into absolute choas. So lets not be fooled , by any teaching that weakens the truth that we are sinners, that our need is great, and that all of us without exception need to be saved, to know the saving grace of God. [Dear father I thank you for your grace, that has saved me, and kept me, I know that without it ,I would be lost, thank you in the name of Jesus. Amen.]

Dont apologize.

In one of John Waynes movies, he says dont apologize its a sign of weakness, much as I loved old John as an actor, to apologize can in fact be a sign of strength. Lets consider the following , our Saviour, told us that we were to be His witnesses,to make disciples, to go into all the world and preach the gospel,for all of my Christian life I have sought to be obedient to this command. I must confess I have not always , been as faithful as I should have, but in my heart I still long to tell others about about my wonderful Saviour, and I will never apologize for that, never.[ A prayer- Father let me never lose sight that everyone without exception needs Christ , let me never weaken in this belief, and somehow use me to bring others to your dear Son, Amen.]

Noise

We live in a noisy world, you go into a supermarket your ears are assulted by noise, I once heard a Christian saying God loves noise., I know He loves our praise, but does He love noise ?.Noise has its place, but there is a lot to be said for quietness, I love the story of Elijah. In 1 Kings 19, we have the prophet depressed, even suicidal , how did God communicate with him?, a still small voice, a gentle whisper. A prayer [ Father I come to you because I need your stillness, I need to hear that gentle whisper,dear Father in the midst of this manic , noisy world, minister to me, and bring Thy peace into my heart, in Jesus name, Amen]

More jails.

Our goverment is going to build more jails, in spite of all the progress we have we have made, materially , people are better of than ever, in this country. I speak from experience, I remember the pawn shop, going there in my childhood,I remember the hardtimes, yet we live in a prosperity, that to our grandparents would have been inconcievable. Yet we have this statement from the goverment, more jails. Why?, we have a nature that materal prosperity can not change, I love those words in Isaiah 61v1-3 , where Jesus declares, He has come to set free those who are bound, He knows us, He loves us , and saves all who call on Him. A prayer[ Lord from experience I know you are the answer, the only answer, to mankinds condition,use me this day to be your messenger, Amen.]

Repeating oneself.

They say it is a sign of old age, repeating oneself, it may be, but if you think about it, parents do it , teachers do, and surprise , surprise, God does it. I am a Christian of many years, and my experience is this ,God repeats Himself , time after time, to me , it is a fact, that it is necessary . There are a number of reasons for this, life is on going, we are forgetful, we are wayward, we are careless and inclined to wander a way from the right path, we also are inclined to panic , God then speaks again to us ,as our situation requires.A prayer,[ Father you know me through, and through, how forgetful , and careless I am, speak into my life , remind me again of those things I need to hear, in Jesus name, Amen]

Is any body out there?.

I enjoy star trek , many people believe that there other planets out there like ours , the question they are seeking to answer is , are we alone in all this vast universe ?. The answer is we are not alone ,there is a spiritual reality, God. Isaiah 40 reminds us of the greatness of our God, one who rules over the whole of the universe, whose knowledge if infinite, whose greatness and power,dwarfs all things. We are not alone , for the God of all creation, is in love watching over His children,yes He is great in his being, but He is also great in His love and care, and He assures us, that in His Son He is Emmanuel , God with us. Let us finish with a prayer,[ Father I sometimes feel alone ,even feel unloved, help me today to find comfort in this wonderful truth, that you are with me,that you love me unconditionally, and will never leave me, in Jesus name.]

Leaves falling of the trees.

I wonder why the trees loose their leaves in the winter, it sort of reminds me of a person taken their clothes of , when it is cold . Funny the things we think of , there will always be things we dont know , always questions to ask, about the mystery of life, somethings we may never understand, tragedies, personal lost, what can we do ?,the answer is to be found in the following words, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart , and lean not upon thine own understanding[ Prov v5,A.V.],let us end with a prayer.[ Father there are things that I dont understand, things that cause me pain, things I struggle with, help me to trust you ,in Jesus name. Amen.]

The sky is going to fall on us.

Imagination , I know people whose imagination controls them, in a wrong way, it causes them to think the sky is going to fall on them. A problem comes up they imagine the worst, and this controls them, and makes their lives a misery.Let us be honest, we all get on like this at times to some degree, being a Christian we need to be honest with ourselves, and with God, we are not perfect, we imagine all sorts of things, and usually the worst of things. Whats the answer? , faith in God , remember what He has promised to you His child, that the sky is not going to fall on you, He will not let it. Let us end with a prayer, [ Father , help me not to be ruled by my imagination, but by You ,and help me to realize more and more , that you will always undertake, for me your child, in Jesus name.Amen.]

Humour.

There are all types of humour, I love humour, after reading the sport in the paper I often turn to the cartoons, I used to buy the readers digest, especially for the humour. I know life is a very serious business, tell me about it, so it is, good humour helps us, it plays a very inportant part in in the human experience, and is helpful in many ways, I know there is the downside to humour, , I love ,Stan and Ollie, they had an innocence , a childish innocence, alright let us finish with a prayer. [ Lord , you who made us, forgive of us for being to serious, and develop in us a sense of humour, that will bless others , and even bless us, in Jesus name. Amen.]