The goodside. [ Psalm 145 ]

The last day of another year, this year has held many things,tears, fears,worries, concerns, maybe for you the loss of a loved one. Yet it has held blessings, each new day we have experienced Gods faithfulness,I look back with gratitude , I have had enough to eat and drink, clothes to wear, so the list goes on. But the one thing above all else ,that has remained constant, my Saviours presence, everyday I have been conscious of Him. I have mention what we may call the downside of life tears etc, and yet those things have their goodside, in that they draw us to God,to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him. Andrae Crouch wrote,/ I thank God for the mountains, and I thank Him for the valleys. I thank Him for the storms He brought me through. For if Id never had a problem, I wouldnt know that He can solve them, Id never know what faith in God could do. Through it all , Ive learned to trust in Jesus, Ive learned to trust in God. Through it all , Ive learned to depend upon His word./[ Dear faithful loving Heavenly Father thank You for being there for us, in every situation, thank You, in Jesus name Amen ]

Seeking . [ Luke 15 ]

I was thinking of those words in Romans 3 v11,/There is none that seeketh after God/, here ,it is speaking of the natural man, in other words all humankind.It is not that humankind are not seeking,we are all seeking , but the question is what are we seeking?,sin has so blinded our eyes we seek everything and anything ,except Jesus. Most people are seeking happiness, security,but not God,we live in a secular society, secular means, relating to worldy, as opposed to sacred things, that sums up the society we live in. The words of an old hymn come to mind,/I sighed for rest and happpiness, I yearned for them, not Thee./This is the experience of so many people,this is the lost generation,it is a tragedy, but here is the good news there is a Saviour and He is seeking, if you are not saved ,He is seeking you in all your lost condition,in all your emptiness, seeking to save you, will you respond to Him and accept Him as your Saviour.[Dear God for to long I have sought for the things of time,right now I turn to You, and ask Jesus to be my Saviour. Amen ]

Eternal values[ 1Corinthians 4v18 ]

Well for me and many others it is back to work, we have had our turkey,tinsel and gifts, our family get togethers, what are we going to do with those gifts?. Now we are heading with great speed towards the end of this year,soon 2010 will just be a memory, as I get older, time appears to pass so quickly, I have not reached the old persons point where the years pass quickly, and the days slowly, or maybe I have and I am not aware of it. One thing I see ,life is not a rehersal, we have only one shot at it,we cannot go back and live those pass events, only Doctor Who can do this, but for us ,we only have the here and now.As I write this blog, I am listening to an old gospel song, reminding me of this fact,/that there is a better home awaiting in the sky Lord./The Bible tells us that the things that are seen are temporal,and the things that are not seen are eternal [2 Corinthians 4v 18 ].Today the challenge is to live this life in the light of eternity, to not miss the opportunity of trusting Jesus as our saviour, and then to serve Him, to realize that it is only whats done for Christ will last.[ Dear God help us to know Your son Jesus ,and to serve Him,to live with eternal values in view, in Jesus name we ask this Amen ]

Being different. [John 3 v16 ]

I watched the movie ,Happy feet, yesterday ,about a little penguin, who was different, it reminds me of a joke, a penguin walks into a bar and asks the bartender, have you seen my brother?, and the bartender replies, whats he look like?. Now of course to us all penguins look alike,we often say that about other races, and of course they may look alike,but in fact they are all different. My sister-in-law has a little dog and it likes cheese, strange but true,it is no less a dog for all that, and we are no less human because we are different, nor does our being different make us of less value.Let us not devalue anyone because they are different,let us accept everyone whatever their difference ,God does. [Dear God help us to accept everyone, even though they are different, in Jesus name. Amen ]

A true worshipper [ John 14 v6 ]

If everyone is a worshipper, which I believe they are, where will they be worshipping today? not far from where I live is a modern shopping center. Yesterday many went there to worship, am I being to cynical, maybe , but it may be true, the word of God declares,that we should have no other gods but one[ Exodus 20 v3].Remember if we erect our own gods,they will fail us,and indeed mock us,let us make no mistake about this, they cannot satisfy ,cannot satisfy,and they cannot save us.Jesus came to bring us into a place of being a true worshipper, he continually challenged people as to their empty worship, their false gods, and said if they wanted to be a true worshipper they must cast down their idols,and trust in Him,He said that no one could come unto the Father but by Him.[ John 14 v6 ].The gods of gold , silver,materialism, people,politics ,science, knowledge,health,sport,entertainment, are not the answer, cannot be the answer,God has provided the answer by sending His son into this world, to save us, to bring us into a place of being a true worshipper.[ Dear God help me trust Jesus, to cast out the false gods ,I have erected, help me to become a true worshipper,in Jesus name Amen ]

Lord make me beautiful.[ 1 Corinthians 13 ]

My mind turned this morning to the true story of Joseph Merrick,who unfortunately is known as the elephant man, because of his deformities, caused by the disease, Proteus Syndome. The movie of his life is not totally accurate, but it helps us to appreciate his condition. Joseph suffered a great deal,his mother died when he was eleven, his father remarried ,and in the end he was turned out of that home,he suffered a great deal because of his appearance. He was eventually befriended by a surgeon called Treves, and was cared for until he died, although he was disfigured physically, ,he was a very cultured,educated, and a sensitive person, and a devout Christian.It reminds me how people judge so often on outward appearance, no matter how we may appear physically, no matter, about our circumstances we can by the grace of God, and the Spirit of God manifest a lovliness ,that can leave a lasting testimony to the glory of God.[ Dear God help us to be like your Son Jesus, inspite of difficulties, help us by Your grace ,to be more like Jesus in every situation, for Jesus, Your sons sake. Amen ]

It can be a happy Christmas.[Romans 6 v23 ]

Well the snow is nearly all gone, I hope for good, I dont want a white Christmas, what do I want for Christmas?, maybe I will get something I dont want, although I arise early, I have not opened my presents, we will see.What I do have this Christmas is Jesus, Gods unspeakable gift, what want I more, He is with me after the Christmas season, ,and indeed in all the seasons of my life, He is the one who said I will never leave you ,nor forsake you. [Hebrews 13 v5 ]. There is no greater blessing than to know Him as Saviour, Lord ,and King, but also as a friend, He gives us many gifts, but most of all He gives Himself, many people will recieve gifts today, but will miss out on the wonderful opportunity of recieving Jesus as Saviour, if you have, rejoice, if you have not, God would offer that gift to you, ask and you will recieve, and then it will be truly a happy Christmas for you.[ Dear God thank You for Jesus Your dear son, help us all to see our need of Him, and to recieve Him as our Saviour. Amen ]

Merciful. [ Isaiah 53/ Luke 23 v34]

The O T prophets were called to speak for God, often against a tidal wave of immorality, injustice, and idolatry, they pleaded and wept, it was not easy being a prophet. They would point people to the consequences of their actions, and tell the people how God felt, at their sinful behaviour. They told of Gods judgement if they refused to repent, but most of all they pointed the people to Gods mercy ,and forgivness, I love those words from Micah 7 v 18-19./ Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage, and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob , and the mercy to Abraham, which Thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old/. God has not changed the God of the OT is the God of the NT ,He still challenges us as regards our sin, and warns us of the consequences, but above all else He offers forgivness to all who repent and trust His son Jesus. [ Dear God we deserve Your judgement for our sins, yet we thank You that You are merciful and forgiving, which we can know through Thy son Jesus, Amen]

All will be well. [ Psalm 42 ]

Its one of those days, like the hymn writer wrote , days of darkness still come over me, it is Joyce Meyer who spoke of the battle of the mind, and of course it is. Whats the answer take a pill?, no ,the answer is not there ,deney it ?, no, the answer is, hope in God. Thats what the Psalmist did,Psalm 42/43, and so must we, a dear saint who suffered much for Christ,imprisoned in a deep dungeon,made to exsist on a little bread,she felt overwhelmed, and then she remembered the words of Psalm 42/ Why art thou so heavy my soul? And why art thou so cast down within me? Still trust in God/, at this she said/ Gods right hand can change all this/, this gave her comfort in her sorrows, and she continued joyful until she was released.[ Dear God You know how easily we can feel cast down, help us to be like the Psalmist ,to hope in You, knowing if we do ,all will be well, in Jesus name we pray this Amen ]

Snow ,Gods call. [ Isaiah 55v6 ]

I found myself asking the question, why the snow?,after all ,it only appears to inconvenience us, traffic jams 20 mls long, dangerous to walk on, maybe I am getting old, I have not thrown one snowball, or built a snowman. Yes snow can be fun ,but mostly we see it as an inconvenience ,something we wish would not happen.Here is another question, who made the snow?, and of course God did,so what does that mean for us, well it reminds us that in inspite of all our advances in technology, that we are only the creatures, not the creator, that God is incontrol not us. Yes there are lessons from the snow, and from sickness,from even death,they are the voice of God , calling to us, reminders of who we are,and who He is. The next very important question is are we listening?. [ Dear God snow ,floods, earthquakes, sickness, help me to here Your voice calling me back , from my sinful independance,to Yourself,help me see that only in you am I trully secure, in Jesus name Amen ]

He sees, He hears. [ Psalm 34 v15 ]

Psalm 34v15 ,reads ,/The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous , and His ears are open unto their cry/. If we are children of God, we are being told two very important things, God sees us and He hears us. We need to take these words to heart,maybe you feel isolated today, as I write , the words of a song comes to my ears, Lord have You forgotten me?. I wonder is that how you feel?, you are feeling empty and misunderstood, mybe your family dont bother, and thats painful. The path of the Christian can be a lonely one, and loneliness is painful, be encouraged dear child of God, you cannot drift beyond His care, He sees You today, sees your situation, sees the pain in your heart, hears your hearts cry, His loving eyes are on you today, He is listening. [ Dear God thank You for not only ,seeing and hearing me, but most of all being with me ,in Jesus name Amen ]

One day, one task. [Matthew 6 v 25-34 TM ]

One day at a time, one task at a time,sometimes our to do list ,is a bit daunting, so many things to do, so little time to do it,well, do one thing at a time. It works,so often we carry to many burdens, and we feel overcome, our Saviour warned about carrying what we shouldnt. Consider the follow words ofour Saviour,/Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and dont get worked up about what may or may not happen happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes./[Matthew 6 v 34 TM] So today, let it be,one day at a time , one task at a time.[ Dear God help me to trust You for this day,help me to trust You, for every task I have to perform, in Jesus name Amen ]

Survival .[ Lamentations 3 v 22 ]

How do the birds survive when it snows?, with great difficulty I am sure ,but on the whole they do, there will still be a bird population, come summer.One looks at humanity and wonders how have we survived, wars ,disease, crime, how ?, as I look at my own life, and the difficulties one has had to face from childhood, how have I survived?. How indeed, the answer as far as I can see is God,there can be no other explanation, God. Even though man has turned their backs on Him, chosen other gods, God who is merciful and continues to pour out His love, on us all, that is a statement of faith. Without faith it is so easy to be skeptical, faith in God is not a head in the sand experience, it is rather, looking beyond the natural, with all its difficulties, as P Yancey writes,/Evil reigns in the visible world,presenting itself brazenly and in your face/. But by faith we see a God who is at work inspite of evil,and in the person of His Son, triumphed, in the strangest of ways, on a cross. [ Dear God help us to enter the way of faith, and to walk in it daily, in Jesus name. Amen ]

Death of a Christian. [John 10 v 27 -30 ]

I have just heard that a dear Christian I know has died, he had cancer,I knew that he was near the end, but was affected when I was told of his death. It is right that we sorrow when a person dies,I feel in this country, we do not take this into consideration enough. As a Christian we realize that death is not the end, for that dear Christian ,we know that he is with the Lord which is far better [ Philippians 1 v23 ], for those who are not saved ,it is far worse. How vital it is to know Christ, in life and in death, to have the wonderful assurance that when death comes ,we need not fear [Psalm 23v 4 ]. At this time of the year we rejoice in the coming of our dear Saviour, consider if He had not come, we would have no hope,in this life or the next, so let us rejoice at the birth of our wonderful Saviour, who has brought hope, to humanity. [ Dear God thank You for Jesus, who came from heaven, to bring us to heaven. Amen ]

Fear. [Matthew 10 v28 -31 ]

I read on the internet of a lady who has no fear,the part of her brain which relates to fear ,does not function, the result of this she puts herself in danger. We think would it not be great to be free from fear, not so ,fear can be a healthy thing,but it can also be an unhealthy thing. It is the unhealthy aspect of fear that we need to deal with, if we are children of God, we are not meant to be controlled by fear, fear of poverty, even fear of death, fear of the devil, fear of people, because God has promised to care for us, to protect us.Even as Christians we need to have a healthy fear of the Lord ,we are told that it is the beginning of wisdom [Psalm 111v10] ,it is an unhealthy aspect of the unsaved that they have no fear of the Lord [Romans 3 v18 ], one day that fear will kick in, [ Matthew 25 v41 ] [ Dear God help me to fear You, to walk in that fear, if I fear You ,I need fear nothing else in Jesus name Amen ]

Heaven here I come [John 14 v1-6 ]

I was watching a TVprogram, and in it,a long lost sister returns home, and as she comes up to the family home, there is a sign over the door ,which reads, /Welcome home Beth/. This made me think of heaven, my homeland,and I found myself thinking,will there be a sign up that says welcome home Billy?,I hope so. While this life is important,and we all should see it as important, yet there is a greater reality, heaven,of which every child of God is a citizen [Philippians 3 v20 ]. I dont appreciate those words by John Lennon, /Imagine theres no heaven/,because there is a heaven ,a land that is fairer than day, and by faith I can see it afar, and one day soon I am going there,and in the words of an old hymn, Oh that will be Glory for me ,Glory for me Glory for me ,when by His grace I shall look on His face that will be Glory, be Glory for me/, Heaven here I come.[ Dear heavenly Father, I thank you that I am Your child , and that one day I am going to Heaven, to be with You ,and Your dear Son Jesus Amen ]

Who cleared up?.[ John 13 v 3-17 ]

I was looking at my daughter-in laws blog ,and on it she asked a question, who did all the clearing up after after Jesus fed the 5.000? well the answer is the disciples. [John 6v 12] The fact of the matter is ,being a servant is part of being a Christian, we do need ,to some extent be like Martha,without the complaining.[ Luke 10v 38-42 ]. My serving is mainly connected with my work, I work with people with mental illness,but I also serve in my home ,have I a servants heart?. We are all called to serve in different ways, we must not judge others, but just get on with what we have to do [ Romans 14 v10-12 ] Our dear Saviour said that true greatness is to be found in serving[ Luke 22v26],the poet said something interesting ,that those whose stand and wait can be also be considered servants. Our Saviour did not only talk about serving ,He practiced what He preached [ John 13 v 3-17 ], let us follow in His footsteps. [ Dear God help me to be servant, be it at the sink,or in the pulpit, in Jesus name Amen ]

Dross. [1 Corinthians 3v 11-15 ]

As I was praying this morning ,I found myself saying ,Lord hear my prayer inspite of the dross, for when I pray often my mind wanders to inappropriate things. Dross ,there is so much of it in our lives ,in our conversations ,in so many things, of course there is coming a time when ,all the dross will be burnt up [1 Corinthians 3 v 11-15 ]. On that day ,perfect judgement will take place, I wonder what will survive the fire, well ,we will see, but in the meanwhile let us ask God to help us to aim for excellence. Now of course I am not talking about being saved, nothing we can do will save us [Ephesians 2 v 8-9 ], no I am pointing us to that day when ,our Lord will reward us, when all our service will be seen for what it is. Let us not despair at our shortcomings, let us by the grace of God, press on towards our eternal goal, unward ever upward. [ Dear Lord purify me from the dross in my life,help me not to grow complacent, but ever strive for heavenly excellence, in Your name we ask this Lord Jesus Amen ]

Disruptions [ Romans 8 v28 av ]

I found myself asking the question why the disruptions in life ?, a sudden accident, a change in circumstances,an earthquake.I have a picture in front of me of a group of elderly believers who have been forcibly ejected from their church premises, and then the building was demolished. The question arises as to why these disruptions, why cant things just go on quietly,yes often they do, but there is an uncertainty in life.For the Christian disruptions are often difficult to handle, just like anybody else, a person I know was out in her husbands car and she had an accident, I am told she cried for two days, the accident was not her fault. Yes we dont like disruptions,but they happen, so what are we to do?, the answer is trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding. [Proverbs 3 v5] [ Dear God as I look at life, my own included ,I ask the question why the disruptions,and yet I know that Your way is perfect, help me to trust in Your perfect will for my life,in Jesus name Amen ]

The secret. [ Philippians 4 v13 ]

Weakness is not a reason to give up, or not try, it is an opportunity to prove the reality of Gods enabling , and to declare by faith that we can do all things through Christ. [Philippians 4 v13]. God desires that we acknowledge our weakness, and not make excuses ,He desires that we rise to the challenge of life , and those tasks He wants us to do. In the book of Revelation [ 4 v7 -13] we read of the church of Philadelphia, Jesus said as He looked at them, that they had little strength , but He says this, behold I have set before thee ,an open door , which no man can shut. Whatever task our Saviour calls us to , He will help us to do it,just like that church ,we may be weak and limited in our abilities, but the secret of serving God is not our abilities, but the strength that God grants us. Whatever abilities we have, be they many, or be they few,let us not rely on them , but on the Lord and His strength.[ Dear Lord grant me the strength I need to live and serve You . Amen ]

Tell My people. [ Ezekiel 3 v4-11 ]

Two of my favourite prophets is Jeremiah ,and Ezekiel, both recieved a call to witness mainly to their own people, and were warned that it would be difficult, [Jeremiah 1 v17-19/ Ezekiel 3 v 4-11 ]. Sometimes it seems one of the most difficult people to witness to is Gods people, God often calls his servants ,to situations that they would not choose to go to, I wanted to go to the mission field, to tell those who have never heard the gospel, but He called me to so called Christian England, mainly my ministry has been to Christians, and often it has been difficult. I believe I still have a ministry, and that God is pointing in a certain direction, all I know is I must obey Him, and be faithful,what goes for me goes for every child of God, where He sends us we must go, and be faithful. [ Dear God help us to be obedient children, in Jesus name Amen ]

Blessed. [ Ephesians 1 v 3 ]

I found myslf dancing around my living room, to the beat of the music this morning, oh I may be getting on but I still enjoy a lot of things. I consider myself so blessed,, and here is the point, the best is yet to be, yes blessed now , but what will heaven be like?, wonderful. Oh yes, days of darkness still come over me, but I know I am blessed, I have a loving heavenly Father, who is looking after me, come rain ,come shine. And it is all down to Jesus, sweet Jesus, at times my heart bursts with love for Him, Bill Gaither, wrote, /The longer I serve Him , the sweeter He grows, The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows, The more I love Him, more love He bestows. Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows, The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows./ [ Dear loving heavenly Father ,thank You for loving me, I owe You so much, I am blessed, I love You, I love You, I love You, in Jesus my wonderful Saviours name I offer up this prayer Amen ]

The devil .[ Ephesians 6 v10 -18 ]

There is always an enemy who wants to pull us down, Satan, that is his obsession, to pull down every child of God, he comes to steal and rob. He is totally committed to oppose everything that would help man spiritually,and while the angels in heaven rejoice whan a sinner repents and believes in Jesus [Luke 15v10], the devil gnashes his teeth, does his nut, pulls his hair out, in other words he is not a happy bunny. But of course he then sets out to destroy that repenting sinner, he disguises himself in all sorts of ways, coming as angel of light [2 Corinthians 11v 14], as a serpent [Genesis 3], seeking to decieve, and trip the Christian up, at other times he is like roaring lion[ 1 Peter 3v10],seeking to put fear in the hearts of believers.So today let us be on our guard, let us, stay alert, let us resist him in the power of God and with the word of God. [ Dear God enable me to resist the devil,help me not to be decieved by him, give me victory over him in Jesus name Amen ]

Throwing stones . [John 8 v1 -16 ]

Im sure we all have experienced loosing something , a key,ah ,the panic when that happens,not so long ago a friend of mine lost the keys of the church hall we use for a group. I remember telling the person who was in charge of the hall this, she was so unpleasant , it appeared to me she was the perfect person, who had never lost anything , not even a key. One day the religious people brought a woman to Jesus, this woman had been caught in the act of adultery,they wanted to hear what Jesus would say,if He said the wrong thing they would accuse Him of underminding the law. Well what did Jesus say, did He say, stone her, as they wanted do, no He said something that many of us need to hear,[ if only the Moslems would hear this] /He that is without sin cast the first stone/. The impact of those words had a dramatic effect, they all left ,for the truth of those words cut into their hearts. Now of course Jesus was not condoning adultery, but He was reminding all of us,that when we point a finger at someone, we have three fingers pointing back at ourselves, point the fallen to Jesus, tell them of the one who forgives, because He forgave you and me. [ Dear Saviour ,help me not to throw stones at those who fall into sin, but to point them to You , the one who will forgave and save them . Amen ]

Hold Thou my hand.[ Isaiah 41 v10 ]

Imagine being a little child ,and you feel afraid ,you have got separated from your mum or dad, you feel all alone, you are crying ,and a big friendly police man comes along ,speaks words of assurance, says, take my hand and we will go and find your parents. This morning mybe you feel like that little child ,you are anxious, afraid, and alone ,you feel like crying,yes big people cry,even Christians of many years cry. Well this morning as I prayed, the words of a hymn, came to me,and I prayed those words,/ Hold Thou my hand, so weak I am and helpless. I dare not take one step without Thy aid. Hold Thou my hand, for then O loving Saviour. No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid./ Our Saviour said the following, that we are in His hands we are safe and secure,[ John 10 v27-30 ] that all will be well, so dry your tears, hold unto Your Saviours hands, and all will be well.[ Dear Saviour , /Hold Thou my hand ,and closer ,closer draw me . To Thy dear self, my hope, my joy,my all. Hold Thou my hand, lest haply I should wander,And missing Thee, my trembling feet should fall, Amen] [ Words of hymn G J Frances]

No second causes. [ Romans 8 v28 ]

The subject of Gods providence is very important, and important for us to think on, to realize that God who is Sovereign is managing our affairs.The old Puritans wrote much on the subject, seeking to direct our thoughts from second causes to God ,the one who is directing all the events in our lives, Richard Stibbs wrote,/ Gods providence extends to the smallest things, to the sparrow and to the hairs of our head. He governs every particular passage in our lives/.We mentioned yesterday about the seasons of our lives, in the providence of God ,we may be in a season, of sickness or health, of poverty or wealth, of promotion or demotion, as the hymn writer wrote , Every joy or trial Falleth from above, Traced upon our dial , By the Sun of love/, in the providence of God it is so, in saying this ,the hymn writer goes on to write,/We may trust Him fully , All for us to do, They who trust Him wholly ,Find Him wholly true,[Frances R Havergal] [ Dear God help me to see beyond second causes, to You ,help me to see that You are in control of all the events of my life,in Jesus name Amen]

The seasons of our lives. [ Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-8]

In Ecclesiastes 3 we read ,/ To every thing there is a season...... A time to weep, and a time to laugh/, we will all know these times. Mybe you are experiencing the time of weeping , so here is a verse for you,/ Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning [Psalm 30v5] Remember this time of weeping will pass. What about a time to laugh, yes we need to laugh, so here are two Ronnie Corbetts jokes,/ A cement mixer has collided with a prison van. Motorists are asked to look out for 16 hardened prisoners/ We have just heard that a juggernaut of onions has shed its load all over the M1. Motorists are to find a hard shoulder to cry on/.So laugh today and dont feel guilty, it is permitted. What ever season God has brought you into may you know that God loves you, and understands how you feel. [ Dear God in this life of changing seasons, we thank You, that You are with us, when we weep and when we laugh, in Jesus name we praise You Amen ]

We thank You Lord.[ Psalm 150 ]

In the bleak winter ,there are things that lighten are lives, like the woman who phoned the police because someone had stolen her snowman,or watching a repeat of last of the summer wine,or listening to a bit of nice music, or reading a nice book, or watching an old western movie. And the warm sense of Gods presence caring for us, watching over us, for His word that so often encourages us, so often He encourages just when we need it. An item on the internet blessed me it was about a young who finished a race on her hands and knees, she finished 37th but this enabled her team to win, what inspired her to keep going , was her coach, who has a serious illness, she did it for him. [ Lord there is much in this world that is bleak and dark, but we thank You for those things that bless us ,cause us to smile and laugh, and for those acts of courage and sacrifice that inspire us in Jesus name . Amen ]

Rubbish [ Psalm 139 v23-24 ]

Recently I expressed my desire to find a book written by favourite author ,and what do you think ,I found one,and have started reading it. We all have desires, for money , well the list is endless, I have a desire for a number of things, legitimate things, I have and am praying about them, will God give me the desire of my heart?.The Psalmist David had a desire for God [Psalm 27v4 ], how is our desire for God?, do we love Him, more and more ?, instead of walking with Him,or are we just paying Him fleeting visits, even those are becoming less and less. Is our vision taken up with Him ?, or is it becoming less clear. I recently had my eyes tested,the floaters in my eyes appeared to have increased, there was no serious problem , the person who tested my eyes , used the word rubbish to describe what was affecting my sight.So often it is rubbish that effects our relationship with God, it was the optician who recognised the rubbish, sometimes we dont see what is affecting our relationship with God, but we have one who does, He is the Holy Spirit, let us ask Him to reveal the rubbish in our lives, and let us also ask for the grace to deal with this rubbish.[ Dear God open my eyse to see those things that are rubbish in my life, and help me to get rid of them in Jesus name. Amen ]

Slippery places. [ Psalm 73 ]

I will try not to mention the weather,although yesterday my car could not move, I was on ice ,and my tyres just kept spinning, eventually I managed to get moving.The problem with snow it turns to ice,which makes it very slippery, which reminds me of what the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 73. The Psalmist is facing a crises, he is struggling to understand why, people who dont take God into account, prosper,they are often wicked, and have no fear of God. He felt like giving up, it seemed to him ,that inspite of the fact ,he sought God,he experienced nothing but pain and heartache. I wonder do you ever think like this, you look at life and you say to yourself whats the use, you look at the many around you who dont give a thought for God, and yet they appear to get on alright, yet you struggle. The Psalmist did something very important v17 -18, he sought God, and as he did, he declares,/ Then understood I their end. Surely Thou didst set them in slippery places, Thou castest them down into destruction./ The non Christian only lives for the here and now,they do not realize that after death the judgement. [ Dear God help me not to envy the non Christian, help me to see their end is destruction, the loss of their soul, in Jesus name Amen ]

Tell them [ Romans 10 v13-15 ]

I suppose you have noticed that I have been mentioning the weather, it is something we do in this country,I wonder why?. As I grow older I find it harder at times, to know what to say to people, in other words I appear to be struggling with the art of conversation. Or mybe I am beginning to realize that ,it is better to be quite, I dont know, but I hope that I will never become so quite ,that I will not witness to others about Jesus. Yes our lives must witness for Jesus, but we must, I stress ,we must tell others about Jesus,otherwise how shall they hear?. The fact is they wont, people dont attend church services,not many, we may see them at Christmas ,at our carol services. But the vast majority of people will stay at home, and avoid us Christians, and so they will not hear, what they need to hear, the Gospel, they will not hear about Jesus, and their need of Him. People need many things,jobs, money,health the list is endless, but most of all they need Jesus, and it is our task to tell them.[ Lead me to some soul today ,help me Lord just what to say, friends of mine are lost in sin ,and cannot find their way, I ask this in Your precious name .Amen ]

Suffering Christians. [ Hebrews 13 v3 nlt]

Well the thing I have dreaded has arrived, no not the electric bill ,the dreaded snow, I have made up my mind ,that I am not going to build a snow man, or a snow woman[ She would just melt in my arms ], and I am not going to go sledging, or throw snow balls. But what I am going to do is carry on as best I can, and prayerfully and carefully drive my car,as I do my job of visiting my clients.My mind turns to people who are suffering not just inconvenience, but real difficulties,my dear brothers and sisters in North Korea, many of them in awful prisons, my dear brothers and sisters in so many places ,who are suffering for Christ.In Hebrews 13 v3, we read,/Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies./[ Dear God we bring to You, our fellow Christians who are suffering for our Saviour, have mercy upon them today in Jesus name. Amen ]

The dark clouds. [ Romans 8 v28 ]

Still no snow ,thank goodness, but the weather forecast tells us it is only a matter of time, I must confess if I had my way ,snow would be restricted to the Christmas card. I dont really mind snow, it is the fact that I have to drive in it, concerns me, I have had ,a few hairy moments in the past, that have unnerved me.I dont like the cold, but then I think well it may snow, but I have a nice warm home, I have warm clothes, God will watch over me,He does not suddenly disappear ,whatever the weather. Why do we so many times think the worse?, well its part of our human condition, and of course some of us our more pessimistic than others. William Cowper, suffered from mental illness, as a child He was bullied at school ,and I am sure this must of had an affect on him. but he was a man of God,and inspite of his illness ,he expressed words of deep faith, here is a verse of his most famous hymn. /Ye fearful saints fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread ,are big with mercy, and shall break with mercy on your head./[ Dear God help me to see beyond the dark clouds in my life, and to trust in You, in Jesus name . Amen ]

An old friend.2 Peter 1 v 4]

I met an old friend this morning, I have a great love of him,for he encourages me everytime I meet him, his name is, Precious Promise,I meet him often as I read Gods word. He comes to me when I am struggling,and directs me, assures me of Gods love ,stills my fearful heart, directs my steps in the right way, encourages me not to fear, but to trust in my God who cannot lie. Let me intoduce you to my friend,/ Casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you [1Peter 5 v7 ]. Now consider what my friend is saying , he is saying if this day we are facing difficulties of any kind, he tells tells us not to hold unto anything, all means all. Then he tells us what to do with all our cares, give them to God, He wants to relieve us of our anxieties. Then my friend tells us something wonderful, he tells us that God cares for us, yes, you and me, we may believe the devil who is a liar, that no one cares for us, but it is not true , God cares for us. [ Dear God thank You for your precious promises, help me to believe them, in Jesus name Amen ]

Give thanks.[ Ephesians 5 v20]

Sometimes we forget to say thank you, especially to God, it is legitimate to ask, but it is important to say thank you, to Him. Stop for a moment this day and say ,thank You God, for Jesus , think of all we have been blessed through Him, Chosen,forgiven, a relationship with God,justified, a reciever of the grace of God, the mercy of God, a home in Heaven, saved from Hell. Then there are the blessings in life, food ,fresh drinking water,no shortage, clothes ,shoes,a bit of money, holidays, the ability to do so many things. Then there is Gods protection , and so it goes on, and on ,and on, I know there are the difficulties in life, but I also know that all things, let me repeat this, all things , are working together for the child of Gods good, so today let us lift our voices, and hearts and say ,thank You God . [Dear God we raise our hearts and voices to You in thanksgiving,for loving us, and blessing us in Jesus. Amen ]

Uncertain riches. [Luke 16 v16-21 ]

I just saw on the news that a pensioner lost 80 thousand pound, he had put it on the roof of his car,it was his lifes saving, I do feel for him. Yet this story illustrates the truth being taught in 1Timothy 6v17 , of not trusting in uncertain riches, money is like many things , here today gone tomorrow. A few years ago I was talking to my cousin who lives in Dublin, the Irish economy was thriving, and He mentioned how people were just focused on that, they were living just at the level of financial gain. What the vast majority of people where doing was trusting in uncertain riches,now what have they got ?,a country on the brink of financial meltdown. No matter who we are let us learn the important lesson of not trusting in uncertain riches. Our Saviour told the story of a rich farmer who trusted in uncertain riches, and in a moment he lost all, and God called that man a fool,Christians need to remind themselves continually ,that God is their security, and if we are not Christians, to realize the folly of living just on a material level, Jesus said what does it profit a man if they gain the whole world and loose their souls[ Matthew 16 v25 ff] [Dear God help me never to loose sight ,that my security is in you, and You alone, and in knowing Jesus as my Saviour Amen ]

Precious blood of Christ. [ 1 Peter 1 v 18-19]

In 1Peter ,it mentions the word precious, in chapter one, we read that we have been redeemed [1v18-19], why redeemed ?well it reminds us that in our unsaved state we were as slaves, W Barclay, says this involved three things,[1] A life of ignorance. [2]A life dominated by desire. [3]A life characterized by futility. We were in the slave market,Peters readers would have fully understood what that meant,living in a time when slavery was common, Peter reminds us that we who were once slaves have been purchased and set free. In the normal course of events a slave would be set free if someone paid a price, silver or gold, but Peter is writing of us being set free spiritually. That redemption involved a greater price to be paid, silver or gold has no value in Gods sight,no, it needed something of more value, if we were going to be rescued from the slave market of sin,the precious blood of Christ. Through His death on the cross He was paying the price of our redemption,we are not redeemed with siver or gold, but with His precious blood. [ Dear God thank You for Jesus who shed His precious blood to redeem me . Amen ]

Be ye holy[ Psalm 139 v 23-24 ]

I wonder do you like a challenge?, well here is one that no Christian can op out of, /Be ye holy/[Leviticus 20v7],what does it mean to be holy?. Well I believe it means two things,to refrain from anything that is evil,and to seek to aspire after God, to love Him with our whole being. We live in a world of changing standards, and sometimes as Christians we loose sight of the important fact that ,we must march to the beat of a different drum. The ten commandments are not reduntant, [Exodus 20], nor is the teaching of the sermon on the mount[ Matthew 5-7]. While we must be careful not to judge others, we must judge ourselves.[ 1 Corinthians 11v31],we must be senstive to the Holy Spirit, that we do not grieve Him.Within everyone of us , God has placed a conscience,,we need to take heed to it more often than we do.When we do sin as we will[1 John 1 v8] then we must confess our sins to God,and seek His forgiveness, which He has promised to grant us[1 John 1v9][ Dear God help me by Your grace to be holy as You are holy, in Jesus name. Amen ]

The waiting game. [ Psalm 40 ]

I am sure we all have had the experience of tired of waiting, to the point that we give up, this is understandable in many cases,but not in the case of the Lord. Psalm 40v1 reads ,I waited patiently for the Lord,one of the most important aspects of our relationship with God , is trust, and along with that ,patience. If God has given us a promise we must trust God to fulfill it, and often it involves been patient, the promise is all we have to go on, but God who cannot lie will fulfill it.[ Titus 1 v2 ]God promised Abram that he would have a child by Sarah,and instead of waiting, for God to work ,they became impatient,and they leaned upon their own understanding, and acted in a way that was not in accordance with Gods purpose. Inspite of this God was faithful and fulfilled His word, but this account is a reminder for us all ,to be patient, and to trust God to fulfill His word to us.[ Dear God help me to be patient, help me to trust you to fulfill Your word to me , in Jesus name Amen ]

What can we do?. [Psalm 34]

Winter is closing in fast, I have heard the word snow mentioned on the weather forecast, it is enough to make make one shiver, still I have warm clothes, a warm home, and a warm car.We cannot do much about the weather, I suppose we can complain, but what good will that do?, none. Lets face it there are things we cannot do anything about, things we cannot change,the weather is one of those things. So the question is this ,what can we do, with the things we cannot change, our age,our health,our circumstances?.We can become descouraged, and even bitter,or we can look up,that is a simple thing to do ,or so it seems, but sometimes we forget ,or find it hard to do,but it is the most positive thing we can do, we can look up,and remind ourselves that ,our help comes from the Lord [Psalm121 v1-2 ].We can also look at Gods word,for in that wonderful book the bible, there are words of instruction, and words of encouragement, especially in the book of the Psalms, if we are letting things get us down read Psalm 34,pray over it meditate upon it. [Dear God help me to look to You today,and help me to see that You are with me, inspite of those things I cannot change, in Jesus name Amen ]

The travelling people. [ Hebrews 11v 8-16 ]

The only way for the Christian is forward, if we are Christians there can be no going back or even looking back [ Luke 9 v62 ],onward ever onward must be our motto, we are strangers and pilgrims ,[Hebrews 11v 13 ]. We have Jesus saying these words Follow Me, if we are following we are on the move, though none go with us ,still we must follow. We are travellers on a journey, and our destination is heaven,people on the move, the book by John Bunyan , Pilgrims progress, illustrates the nature of the journey we are on, do read it.The first thing we must do on our Journey is to keep our eyes on Jesus,[ Hebrews 12 v 2], next we must persevere, this is set out in a hymn by J. Bunyan, which reads,/ He who would valiant be , gainst all disaster, let him in constancy follow the Master. There,s no discouragement shall make him once relent , his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim./[ Dear God grant me the grace I need this day , and every day to follow Thy Son Jesus . Amen ]

Comfort zones. [ Deuteronomy 32 v 9 -12 ]

A bit foggy last night here, sometimes life is like a fog, we cannot see anything because of circumstances, or things dont appear very clear,its a bit like that at this time for me, as I will leave my present church at the end of December. I keep trying to peer into the future ,will I cease to minister on a regular bases?what church will I attend? at this time all is like a dense fog, and I am trying to stay calm. I read this recently,/ God requires His followers ,and those who seek Him, to step outside of their comfort zones.[From a Poem a day]Many of Gods servants had their comfort zones, and were reluctant to step out of them,Moses, Jonah, Jeremiah, Peter and many others, we are no different than them, we have our comfort zones. At this time I am being pushed out my comfort zone,again another quote from ,a poem a day,/ May we never allow security to hinder our obedience to God.[ Dear Lord help me to move in obediece to Your will, help me see that I must not cling to anything other than You, for only in You ,and in Your will is true security,Amen]

A time for running. [Genesis 39 ]

There is a place for running away ,and a place for standing, when we are in moral or spiritual danger we need to run ,like Joseph [ Genesis 39 ],unfortunately some people appear to run into moral ,and spiritual danger. In 2 Timothy 2v22 we are told to flee youthful lusts, if one tarries one is in danger, Lot and his wife were told not to look back[ Genesis 19v17],his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt[ v26],mybe she was curious, or mybe her heart was still inclined towards those evil places, and their evil way of life. Better to have heeded God, we are always better heeding God, to not play with fire ,for if we do ,we shall be burnt. In these days when the majority are doing whats right in their own eyes, there will be a price to pay,sin always carries with it serious consequences.As Christians we should know this ,but like so many things, there is often a gulf between the knowing and the doing.[ Dear God lead us not into temptation, deliver us from all evil, in Jesus name . Amen ]

I forgot.[ Psalm 137 ]

As I was looking at things on my PC ,I forgot about the bread I had put under my grill, I rushed to retrieve it,fortuonately it had not reached the burnt offering stage, so I was still able to eat it,and I enjoyed it. It brought to mind a certain English king who burnt some cakes,forgetting is something we all do, I have a good excuse being a senior citizen.Israel is warned by Moses not to forget [Deuteronomy 4v9], unfortuonately their history was one of forgetting, God and His commandments ,so God had to deal with them continually. Our Saviour told us to remember Him in communion, in breaking of bread and drinking of wine, have you done this recently?. One of the reasons I cannot stay in my present church,is I do not believe that people should be barred from the table because they have not been immmersed in water, now of course I am a Baptist, but I recognise that many people who are not immersed,are Christians, just as much as I am, and they have a right to remember their Lord, as He commanded.I believe that as the hymn writer puts it,that, we can make Gods Love to narrow by false limits of our own, and we magnify His srictness with a zeal He will not own. [ Dear God help me not to forget You ,and help me to not put barriers up in relation to other Christians, in Jesus name Amen ]

Love is not a game.[ 1Corinthians 13 ]

I heard someone say,/love is not a game/,the old song, reminds us that so many moonlight kisses seem to cool in the light of the sun. To love ,is the most challenging thing in the whole world,it will take everything we have to love, while our God is a consuming fire [Hebrews12 v 29] we are told that He is love[ 1 John 4v8 ]He is comsumed with love for you and me, the old hymn declares , /O the Love that drew salvations plan/.To save mankind it meant love in the fullest measure, a love that words are so inadequate to describe, every day God witnesses so much hate ,lust,selfishness, His commandments are broken continually, in mans natuaral state, he acts worse than an animal, but of course He is not animal. Yet God continues to love, and continues to reach out to mankind, inspite of their deliberate rejection of Him, consider His love ,in Philippians 2 v8, we read that Christ became obedient unto death even the death on a cross, yes truly, love is not a game.[ Dear God for Your love to me ,I thank You, that love that saved me, that is so on going,help me to to love like You, in Jesus name Amen ]

God loves to surprise us. [ Psalm 30 v5 ]

Life can so often throw up surprises, I am listening to Susan Boyle, a lovely singer ,one who has has become a world star,who would have thought it. As we read the Bible we see surprises all the time, nobodies raised to be kings, a young lad defeats a giant,fishermen, tax collectors raised to be apostles,angels suddenly appearing to people,pensioners having children.God manifest in the flesh in the form of a little baby, now that trully is a surprise,to Mary and Joseph it must have been a big surprise.I like to think of God as the God of surprises,the fact that I have lived for 66years, thats a surprise, I was ever so small when I was born, and when I was a youngster I was rescued from drowning, but the greatest surprise is that I am a Christian,and have been following the Lord for 46yrs. Let hope burn in our hearts today,God can surprise us, financial needs can be met,sickness can be healed,a door into employment can open, God is the God of surprises, so dont despair. [Dear God help me not to despair , no matter how difficult it is, let hope arise in my heart, and help me to trust in You, the God who loves to surprise me, in Jesus name .Amen ]

Never out of His sight.[ Genesis 16 v13 av]

The choice of David is interesting, a young man in an obscure occupation, out on his own ,each day, looking after sheep, no one could have guessed , including himself ,that he was destined for greatness. The only one who knew about this young man was God, His destiny lay in Gods hands , God had a plan that would take Him from the place of obscurity, to be king. Many of Gods choices saints have come from obscure places, places of humble activity, David Livingstone, John Bunyan, and yet God saw them and raised them up,to serve Him. The point of this ,is none of Gods children are hidden from Him , be they in the most obscure of places, we may not be raised to be a king, but we are the children of a King ,Jesus. He has not forgotten us, as the hymn writer wrote, /His eye is on the sparrow , and I know He watches me./ [ Dear God I thank You that You have not forgotten me, that I am never out of Your sight,and that You will always care for me, I pray this in Jesus name. Amen ]

Godlike[ Luke 23 v34]

I was thinking of Joseph how he was carried along by events, in which he had no control over, slavery, imprisonment, prime minister, he had no control over any of those things. Both the bad things and the good things came to him uninvited, the one thing he did have control over was how he reacted. He resisted temptation[ Genesis 39] and he showed a gracious spirit towards those who had wronged him, towards his wicked brothers[ Genesis 50], we do not even read of him getting his own back on the woman who had falsley accused him of rape. He manifested a godlike character, in his forgiving spirit, so it is with us,there will be events that we have no control over, people will wrong us,and hurt us, the challenge is this, how are we going to react?. [ Dear God help me to show a right spirit , when people seek to harm me, help me to be godlike in my attitude in Jesus name . Amen ]

A broken heart . [ Luke 4 v18]

What do you do when your heart is breaking? people have died of a broken heart, now I am not suggesting we should do that, but it is what some people do. I can understand how people give up and die ,a breaking heart cant be fixed with a pill, nothing appears to help, and the pain just goes on.Well I believe there is one who can help, His name is Jesus, He proclaimed,/The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has annointed Me. To preach the Gospel to the poor,He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted[ Luke 4 v18] If your heart is breaking , come to Jesus, ask Him to heal your broken heart, and He will.The hymn writer wrote,/ No one understands like Jesus. Hes a friend beyond compare, meet Him at the throne of mercy ,He is waiting for you there/. [Dear Lord Jesus I bring my broken heart to You, please heal it Amen ]

The Holy Spirit. [ John 3 v 1-8 ]

November is bringing with it strong winds, winds that can cause damage, and choas as the bridge into the county of kent is closed, the result grid lock.Our Saviour spoke of the wind, He likened it unto the Holy Spirit [ John 3 v8 ], D A Carson writes ,/ The wind can be neither controlled nor understood by human beings[ he does mention that this was written before modern meteorology alleviated at least some of our lack of understanding] But that does not mean that we cannot detect the winds effects...... so it is with the Spirit. We can neither control Him nor understand Him. But that does not mean we cannot witness His effects. Where the Spirit works the effects are undeniable and unmistakable/. [ Dear God as we live for You today ,fill us with You Spirit, that through Him and His power, we may be channels only,let us witness His powerful effects on our lives and in those we come in contact with today, in Jesus name we ask this Amen ]

He led them on safely. [ Psalm 78 v 53 ]

This is a special day for me and my family, 30 odd years ago we travelled from Ulster to this country, I had recieved a call from a church , and was travelling there to take up my position as a minister. On the day we were travelling over I read these words in the Daily Light,/ He lead them on safely [Psalm 78v53] ,followed by ,/Behold ,I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.[Exodus 23v20 ]. These were tremendous words for us as we set out on our journey,and they have remained with me ever since.On our journey in our little Morris Minor, there were six of us, we travelled to Scotland , then right down through England, we got a puncture, and had to stop to have the fan belt tightened,drove through London, but we got there . God did trully lead us on safely, he did not fail us, and the journey is not finished yet, for you and for me, whatever the future holds, God will continue to lead us on safely. [ Father we thank You that You are leading us on safely , in Jesus name .Amen ]

Debt. [ 1 Peter 1 v 18-19]

As I opened up the internet I noticed that the UK is in debt to the little sum of 10 trillion pounds, my goodness how on earth did that happen?. Gone are the days when people did not get into debt, debt is a sign of the times, although many people may now begin to change, mybe not, bad habits are hard to break. Hopefully our country can get out of the hole they have dug for themselves, I pray so, as indeed I pray that the many who are struggling with debt may cope. Of course there is a debt that no one can pay, each sin we commit can be likened to a debt, this debt will not go away, and each day it just keeps mounting up,and up, and up, till the day we die. And here is the point we are absolutley unable to pay that debt off, there is no earthly solution, and the consequences of this debt is horrendous. Thats the bad news ,but the good news, there is one who can clear that debt, His name is Jesus, for that is why He came and died ,to save us from our sins. [ Dear Jesus I ask that You would clear my of sin, that debt I cant clear, Amen]

Insight [ Romans 8 v28 ]

I have in recent times been praying about a certain thing,as to a need, not material, or physical, but a personal need, when reading a Christian book, God give me insight, as to why I had that personal need. That which I considered a need may not be answered in the way I want ,but I can have peace, because God has shown me why. God always has a reason ,he sometimes reveals His reasons ,sometimes He may not,Job was never given a reason, Paul was [ 2 Corinthians 12 ]. But this I do know, with all my heart, that all things are working together for my good[Romans 8 v28 ],so it is for every child of God. Norman R Perry wrote the following, let us make this our prayer[ Teach me ,O Lord ,to understand,even in darkest night. When storms are high and seas are wild, Thy way is right. Grant me O Lord ,to feel Thy hand of tenderness and power, is holding mine ,and leading me,Each day , each hour. Amen ]

The old paths.[ John 3 v16]

In the book of Jeremiah God speaks to His people ,He tells them to return to the old godly paths, and in so doing they would find rest for their souls, and they answered, we will not[ Jeremiah 6v16 ]. As I look at life so much has changed, and much for the better, in so many areas of life, the modern car is better than the old ones, with its power steering, air condition etc. Our homes are better, the advancement in medical care is better, people are better fed, yes there is much that is better.But spiritually things are not better, people have left the old paths, they feel they dont need God, but they do, and they always will, for there is a hole that only God can fill. We need God for time and for eternity,God said ,if they would return to the old paths they would find rest to their souls. Yes ,rest to their souls, it was Jesus who said,/ Come unto me , all ye that labour and , and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me , for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy , and my burden is light . [Matthew 11v 28-30] [ Dear God help this generation return to the old paths, to Jesus Your son. Amen ]

Panic. [ Psalm 91 ]

If you can keep your head when all around are loosing theirs, so wrote the poet, I work with some people who get panic attacks,they have no control over what is happening.There are reasons for their panic attacks,but they appear not able to do anything about them, just hang in there until they subside. Sometimes I feel panic creeping into my heart, things are happening that I dont have any control over, what can I do? , in one of the Fraizer programs , his brother panics and hides under the grand piano,reverting to what he did as a child. In my times of panic I turn more and more to the Psalms, Psalm 91v1-2, comes to mind,it reads, /He who dwells in the secret place of the most High,shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God in Him will I trust. [ Dear God help me when panic is arising in my heart to trust in You, for in You alone is peace and security, in Jesus name . Amen ]

A block.[ Psalm 66v18]

When will God answer?I suppose the answer is when He sees fit,why does it seem He is in no hurry to answer? is He going to answer?will He answer?.When we pray we want an answer, we desire an answer, I wonder do we make it difficult for God to answer?, do we put barriers in the way?. One of my sons saw a young lad doing something wrong,when he was challenged about it ,he denied that he had done anything. I dont know all the answers to my questions as regards prayer, but I do believe that when we come to God in prayer, it is no use being into denial, and act as if God does not see everything. Let us remember a blockage will block the flow,an unconfessed sin,an unwillingness to be humble,will hinder our prayers being answered. It is in Jeremiah 11v14 we read,/Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them, for I will not hear them in the time they cry unto me for their trouble./The people of Isreal refused to acknowledge their sin ,refused to change, would not listen to Gods voice,so there was a block in their relationship with God. [Dear God help me to be honest with You, help me to be humble before You,help me to not act in anyway that would put a block in my relationship with You in Jesus name. Amen ]

Gambling. [1 Corinthians 6 v12 ]

I dont gamble,It was one of those things one didnt do in Ulster when one became a Christian, also my father gambled, and that caused problems. In the place where I work a number of the workers are clubbing together to do the lottery, I dont judge people if they gamble, as to the rights and wrongs of gambling I am not sure. It does seem to me ,another potential area for people to be sucked in, with the possiblity of it becoming addictive, In 1 Corinthians 6 v12,we read /All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient, all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any/.My study Bible says ,/ Some actions are not sinful in themselves, but they are not appropriate because they can control our life, and lead us away from God/.[ Dear God keep me from anything that could control or destroy my life, in Jesus name. Amen ]

The faith of expectation [ 1 John 3 v22]

At this time I have come to the place of change in relation to my church situation, and so I am seeking God, as to His will. I am praying, reading Gods word for guidance, waiting, and expecting.It was William Gurnall who wrote ,/The faith of expectation engages God to help us. When you have been with God expect good from Him. For the lack of this , many a prayer is lost. If you do not believe , why do you pray? if you believe, why do you not expect?. By praying, you depend on God, but by not expecting, you unravel your prayer.O Christian , offer your prayer in holy expectation, upon the credit of the promise/. When we pray it is not a wish list, it is an act of faith to God, who has promised to hear and to answer, so today let us pray expectantly. [Dear God I bring my requests unto You, that You would grant what I ask in accordance with Your perfect will in Jesus name .Amen ]

Live like Jesus.[ 1 Corinthians 10 v32 ]

It was George Orwell who wrote [He wrote Animal farm]/ It is not strictly fair to judge a movement by its adherents , but the point is, people invariably do/. This can be applied to many movements, and it can be applied to Christianity,I remember my old gran saying,how my grandad would never contribute to a certain Christian group, because of something he witnessed ,by one of their adherants. Now of course as a Christian we will face criticism ,no matter what we do,but it is also true that we will do and say things, that will warrant criticism.The offence of the cross will always be there, but let us not give offence, by some hurtful or unwise action, when Daniels enemies tried to find fault with him ,they could find none occasion ,nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him .[Daniel 6 v4] [ Dear God in Thy great mercy help me live like Jesus today Amen ]

Forgive them. [Matthew 5 v44]

Christless religiosity can be and is a dangerous thing, I read continually of people being persecuted for their faith in Iran,where apostasy can be punished by hanging, I can only assume this is what the Koran teaches. Christless Christianity has in the past acted in ways that was so contrary to the Bible,they actually burnt people alive, tortured people. Thankfully those things do not happen now,and one wonders how people could have could done such things .Nowhere in the Bible are we instructed to torture or kill those who do not believe in Jesus, or to burn to death heretics.On the cross our Saviour prayed that those who had crucified Him would be forgiven [Luke 23 v34 ], and He taught us to ,love our enemies,to bless them, to do good to them, and to pray for them .[ Matthew 5 v 44]. This does not mean we agree with those who are heretics , or with those who are doing wicked things, but it does mean that we behave ,as true followers of Christ.[ Father we pray for those who are persecuting Christians, and for those who oppose the truth , that you would have mercy on them , in Jesus name .Amen ]

The preacher.[ 2 Timothy 4 v 1-5 ]

My blog is called ,Bill the preacher, I named it so because I believe God called me to preach, a friend of mine stressed how important preaching was to him. If one is called to preach then it is very important , it is very challenging, we have to discern what we are going to preach on, that in itself is challenging, then we have to study, then preach it, sounds simple, but I can assure you its not , but it is very rewarding.Some people feel in these times it is not so important to preach, but they are wrong, I know the times are changing, but the need for preaching is as vital as ever.The preacher is one who calls people back to Gods word, reminds people continually of the truths of Gods word, to sinner and saint alike. So today pray for preachers ,that they would be faithful to their call, and that they would be guided as to what they preach, and that God would annoint their ministry, to the salvation of souls, and the building up of Gods people.[ Dear God we ask that you would bless all those You have called to preach Your word, in Jesus name Amen ]

Change for the better. [ 1Corinthians 13 ]

I was reading how we can be evaluated, one persons took a test, and the result was they are among the limited number who are champions. I am not sure I want to do the test ,I may be told that I am a chump[ not a chimp, you cant make a monkey out of me]. I think we are all different,we may be champions, or chumps, but here is the important thing, God loves us. We may fail or succeed,be dull or bright, literate or illiterate, tall or small, tidy or untidy, but God still loves us. It is true,that we are all different, we are not clones, nor are me meant to be, but having said that, we all need to change, no matter who we are,and it should be a change for the better.If you want to know what that involves read 1 Corinthians 13, if we change in that way then it trully will be a change, for the better.[ Dear God I praise You ,that You me love as I am, but I also realize that Your aim is for me to change,this day help me by Your Spirit to change ,in Jesus name. Amen ]

My Shepherd . [John 10]

The 23Psalm is a wonderful Psalm, often my thoughts turn to it for reassurance, and comfort,and thats exactly what we need so often. It speaks of a personal relationship with God, a God who made Himself known to us as a man, Jesus, who was God manifest in the flesh.Relationships take on different levels, there are people we know ,and we dont know their names,people we do know their names, people we live with ,people we work with, but there is no relationship so personal as that of knowing Jesus .When we know Jesus ,the outcome should be,that we become more like Him, this also means getting to know Him in every aspect of life, of relying on Him, of following Him. It is a relationship ,that is not just onesided ,a relationship in which He reveals Himself to us,it trully is a very personal relationship, as the words of Psalm 23 declares the Lord is my Shepherd, is he yours? [ Dear Lord thank You for being my Shepherd . Amen ]

A vital discipline. [Psalm 119 v10 ]

One of the very important disciplines in our Christian life ,is to hold fast to what Gods word says, this is ongoing, I read these words in Jeremiah17v9,/ The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked/. I wrote in response to these words,/ believe it/. We may not believe it ,it goes against our human reasoning,we think it is to extreme, after all there are people who do a lot of good. Again in the book of Jeremiah we read these words about the people of his day,God declares ,/ Ye walk everyone after the imagination of his evil hearts. [16v12]. Recently I was talking to someone who was advocating praying to Mary, he told me why it was appropriate, yet it was all based on his human reasoning,and not the word of God, which clearly teaches us that there is only one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus. [1 Timothy 2v5]Today let us hold fast to Gods truth,to not let our human reasoning or imagination take over. [ Dear God help me to hold fast to your word in Jesus name . Amen ]

We can be strong. [ Philippians 4 v13 ]

We are weak but we can be strong,so often we are reminded that we are weak,when faced with temptation, when we fail, and fall flat on our faces. Yes we are weak but we can be strong, God says ,I will strengthen you, [Isaiah 41 v10 ] .Life in itself , is a daily challenge, to get on with people, to cope with shopping,bills, organising different things, looking after children, just the everyday things, the list goes on. We may cope with all these things very well, but there is always something that we struggle with, temptations, holiness, having a quite time, the challenge of life is ongoing, and so often we feel our weakness. Here is the good news , we can be strong, not in ourselves, but in the Lord, [Ephesians 6v10 ]the one who wrote this was the great apostle Paul,think of all he accomplished, how did he do it? ,what was his secret, the answer is found in Philippians 4v13,/ I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me/. [ Dear Lord help us in our weakness to be strong in You. Amen ]

Lonely people. [ 1 Corinthians 13 ]

We have had some visitors for a few days, my son /wife and 3 children,it is lovely to have them stay, and to spoil our grandchildren, family is so important. We went out to a number of places and had family meals together, so many dont have this blessing, I am fortunate that I have. Today let us consider those people who have no friends ,and no family,the lonely ones, I think lonliness is one of the most difficult things to cope with. How can we help?well we can pray for them, and befriend them , my daughter -in-law has just recently, started to minister to the elderly, and she commented how lovely they are, but lonely. A person I know said I was the only person she had to talk to,imagine the only person to talk to, I usually just listen. It was the Beatles who sang of all the lonely people, where do they all come from? well I want to tell where they are, in your street, and in your church, and mybe in your family.[ Dear God in a world driven by materialisim, help us to see beyond this , and see that people need friendship, need a chat, need love,use me to befriend and love someone this day in Jesus name Amen ]

Riches. [1 Timothy 6 ]

I have just read 1Timothy 6 and thought that I would love to preach on this chapter, it appears to deal with a wrong attitude in relation to money.There were those who thought that godliness was a way into riches,[ v5] I wonder how this ties up with the so called prosperity gospel.The fact is that many NT Christians were poor, and in their poverty they would become disheartened and discontent,so Paul emphasizes certain things,[1] that true godliness with contentment is itself great gain [6 ]. [2] The dangers of wealth v9. [3] That the love of money is an evil that can cause all sorts of problems. [4] the uncertainty of riches, here today gone tomorrow [v17]. There is nothing wrong with being rich ,many of the OT saints had great riches, but their riches did not have a hold on them.[ Dear God help me to see things from a spiritual point of veiw, especially in relation to money, in Jesus name Amen ]

24/7. [ Galations 3v3 ]

Yesterday I mentioned needs, well I dont need any more clothes I have enough to do me if I should live to 100, I dont need any food ,our cupboards ,fridge,freezers, are full. I have enough money to live on, in other words the Lord has blessed me, so what do I need? I need the Lord. Oh yes ,He is my Saviour, I am conscious of His presence everyday. But it is so easy to become complacent, to be waylaid, to start to neglect prayer, to be busy, busy , busy, to begin to live independantly from the Lord, like those we read about in the epistle of Galations. The apostle declares,/ Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit,are you now being perfected by the flesh?[Galations 3v3].There is an old hymn ,which reads ,/I need Thee every hour/,thats what we need more than anything else, the Lord, a reliance on Him 24/7. [ Dear Lord Jesus forgive me for taking my eyes of You, of forgetting that it is You ,I need every hour of everyday. Amen ]

Needy world.[ Matthew 6 v19-21]

Needs and need, consider what that means, the world is full of people who have needs, we recieve literature from different organisations ,expressing their needs,we watch the news and we hear of disasters,and the cry is they need help. There is resentment at this time with all the cut backs ,that we are giving over 10 billion pounds, is a step to far.But is it? I dont think so, for all our cut backs we still are a wealthy country,it is Bill Gates one of the worlds wealthiest people, who has set up a foundation to combat global health, who declares,/ The UK,s spending on development for the worlds poorest people is the best investment that you can make for improving lives. Bar none./God wants us to look out beyond ourselves, to others in need,and to respond, as a nation and as individuals.[ Dear God help me to help people in need, to give, of my time ,talents, finance, and love, in Jesus name Amen ]

We shall not want. [ Psalm 23 ]

At this time across the land ,many are worrying, the budget announced is going to bring changes, the times they are changing, are the good times past?.As a Christian of many years I have experienced being unemployed,of living on benifites, and when I did work , my wages were small, in fact, I remember during my times in Bible college I lived by faith,and often we had no money, and no food in the house. What did we have in all those times? we had the Lord, the Lord who loves His children, who does not forsake his children when things get tough. I have never had a rich benefactor , but I have a loving heavenly Father , who ownes the cattle on a thousand hills, who has promised to supply all His chidrens needs. If fear is creeping into your heart today,repeat these words to yourself ,/The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want /[Psalm 23 v1] [ Dear God so many things we hear can cause us to worry,and we find fear taking over,Lord in all the uncertainties of life, we look to You, our Rock, in Jesus name. Amen ]

How to cope. [ Psalm 27 ]

I love the Psalms ,I love reading them ,studying them ,preaching them, I was looking at Psalm 27 this morning, and it fitted my mood, it is a Psalm by David the man after Gods own heart. David it appears had to face difficulties all his life, as a shepherd boy he faced wild beasts, he then had to face a giant, then he had to fight against the Philistines. Next he had to face the murderous intent of king Saul, then later on he had to contend with his own son who wanted to kill him. If we are a Christian, we will have to face the world the flesh and the devil, this is ongoing, the Christian life is a battle, and a challenge, none of us are going to be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease.So how are we going to make it, how are we going to cope? well how did David cope? here is the answer,/ The Lord is my light, and my salvation, whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid. [Psalm 27v1] How did he cope? the answer was the Lord ,how are we going to cope? the answer is the Lord. [ Dear Lord Jesus help me to cope with the ongoing problems of life, help me to see that no matter how big the problems are, they are not bigger than You. Amen ]

Honest to God.[Psalm 142 ]

It is one of those mornings when some things are getting me down, I feel a degree of frustration, feel like tearing up a tissue, what does one do? well I suppose we could pray nice platitudes, pretend that everything is wonderful, or I could just tell God the way I really feel. People often use the term ,honest to God, affirming their truthfulness, lets take those words into our relationship with God, lets tell Him how we really feel, let us be trully honest to God. Let us not hide just how we feel,lets us tell Him that certain things are getting us down,let us pour out our hearts to Him, He can take it, in fact He wants to take it, He wants us to stop pretending. God already knows how we feel, He knows everything, but He wants us to be open with Him, and in that open heartedness He will speak and responed, I am not talking about rebellious complaining, but about honesty in our relationship with Him. [ Dear God help me to be honest with You at all times,help me to tell You whats on my heart, the pain caused by frustrating circumstances, things that never appear to improve,in Jesus name Amen ]

Dwelling. [ Psalm 91]

In Psalm 91v1 we read,/ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty/. In these words we see that there is a place of safety, and security for all who make God their refuge, all who put their trust in Him. I must confess it does not take much to make me feel insecure, to worry and fret, when we let those feelings take over and run with them ,we loose our peace. He that dwelleth, we have a choice to make , am I going to rest in the Lord?, am I going snuggle up to Him,and let Him be my protector, my provider, my peace, the choice is ours.Let us remember in the words of Joseph Parker, that God holds the key of all unknown, and if other hands should hold the key ,of if He trusted it to me, I might be sad.[ Father in heaven, help me to never forget that You are my security,help me to live in Your presence today and always, in Jesus name. Amen ]

Four things we must do. [ Psalm 37 ]

In Psalm 37 v 3-7 ,we are told 4 things that we should do[i] Trust in the Lord and do good, and if we do, we will be secure and supplied. [ 2] Delight thyself also in the Lord, is He your delight?, is He mine?if He is He will give us the desires of our heart. [3] Commit thy way unto the Lord,trust also in Him, run not before Him ,commit all to Him,and trust Him to undertake, He will. [4] Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently,dont panic, dont fret, rest,wait,He will come to your aid His timing is perfect. [ Dear God help me to hear what You are saying, and help me to obey , in Jesus name. Amen ]

Willing to change. [ Philippians 3 v13 ]

There is change happening in the church I attend ,I believe it is for the best, the church is not growing, and will eventually die of, and just be a memory.I remember visiting Turkey years ago, and going to the site of the ancient city of Ephesus, all there is there, is ruins, no people no church. Turkey is in fact a Muslin country, what went wrong? I dont know, could it happen here?, yes it could, whats the answer?to be willing to be led and guided by God. This applies to us as a church, and to us as individuals, the purpose of Christ coming into the world was to bring change,for sinners ,to become saints,and for those saints to be Gods instruments to bring change where He has placed them. As I said it is all about change, for us not to be yesterdays people, to not live in the past, the past is history, reminding us of what God did do,let us put away our history books, and let us move forward into what God will do now.[ Dear God help us to be willing to change ,to accept change, and to be your instruments ,that will bring change in Jesus name. Amen ]

The whys and hows. [Romans 8v28]

I wonder why, about many things,or even how, how does a magnet word ?or how does electricity work?, or how did Noah and family cope with living in the ark, it must have been a very smelly place with all those animals.[ As I clean birds mess of my car , I often thing ,thank goodness that elephants cannot fly]The whys and hows of life are unending ,and often we may never know the answers,but some cause us pain, particular the whys in life. As I write, some whys come to mind, why was I not allowed to be the missionary, I wanted to be, I did all the right things,went to Bible college.Why? ,yes there are the whys , but what about the hows?,so we could go on, but in the end we must simply leave all these things with God. Whatever the whys or hows, let us remember our loving heavenly Father is in control ,and that all things are working together for our good[ Romans 8v28 ], we may ask how?but the fact is He does and will. [ Dear God in faith we look up to You, we believe that You are in control of our lives, and so we let drop at Your feet our whys and hows ,in Jesus name. Amen ]

The wind of change. [ Acts 2 v 1- 4 ]

It was Harold Macmillon who spoke of the wind of change blowing over Africa,many in that continent resisted that wind of change, but to no avail, it happened. As I look at the church in England ,see it diminishing more and more, it is as if a wind of change is blowing over this country. The forces of secularism ,materialism,atheism and many other isims are in the ascendancy, people are being swept along in a blind mad rush ,oblivious to their to real need, and oblivious to their fate. What is the answer for us who are part of another kingdom?,well we need to be concerned, but more than that ,we need to seek God , and be guided ,by the Spirit of God. We need to pray that the Spirit of God may be out poured upon us,and begin to weep for ourselves, and for the lost. [ Dear God we feel so weak ,and yet we realize, that the need of the hour is great, millions upon millions of souls are lost,in Thy mercy send forth the wind of Thy Spirit to bring change, in Jesus name and for His sake we ask this. Amen ]

Thieves and robbers. [ Luke 23v 39-43 ]

A person shared with me how he was robbed of 400 pounds, a person he did not know offered him a computor,he handed over the money,and recieved what he thought was a computor, the person then drove off, when he looked inside the computor case ,all he found was magazines .It is so easy to be cheated and decieved,it is happening everyday to people,intelligent people,the person who was robbed said to me how the person who robbed him would have to give an account to God for their actions.This brings to mind a story I read of Charles Wesly who was held up and robbed, Charles spoke a verse of scripture to the thief, / The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1v7/. He later met that person ,and he had become a Christian, through the words that had been spoken, let us pray for thieves and robbers, that they may seek forgivness and trust Christ as their Saviour. [ Dear God we pray for the many thieves and robbers there are in in our neighourhood ,family,town,that You would convict them and save them through Your dear son Jesus .Amen ]

The influence of a steady ,quiet faith .[ 1 Peter 2 v12 ]

It is A W Tozer who writes of ,/the influence of a steady ,quite faith/, today let us take up the challenge of those words, to live a consistent life, in our homes ,in our streets, in our schools, in our jobs. That means living a life of holiness, faithfulness,and kindness, in 1 Peter 2 v12 we read,/ Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they,ll be won over to Gods side and be there to join in the celebrations when He arrives. [T.M]/ Again quoting Tozer,/ If I live right and walk before them as I should, I am putting up an argument they cannot successfully dispute/.We may not think we are accomplishing much, but the influence of a steady ,quite faith ,will have an effect, while we live, and even after we are gone.[ Dear God help me to live in a way ,that will bring Glory to You, and a blessing on others in Jesus Amen ]

We can survive. [Romans 8 v37 ]

A friend of mine has a daughter who wanted to insure her car, the highest quote was 7.000 pounds , and the lowest was 2.400 pound, the car only cost 500 pound,granted the girl has had a couple of claims, but the quotes seem a bit over the top.I suppose everything can be insured at a price, it is not wrong to insure things, to take precutions against the unexpectant . Yes life can throw up the unexpectent, the Bible tells us ,boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth [Proverbs 27v1 ]. Life is uncertain , I met a friend who told me how she had lost everything,business ,home , yes life is uncertain, but she mention that she and her husband had both jobs, where attending a local church,she had started a Sunday school, and her husband was on the oversight of the church,her faith shone through. Yes life is uncertain but we can come through, how?well just like those people in the Bible who experienced trials and difficulties, by faith in Our God and Saviour, the One who said He will never leave us, nor forsake us. [Hebrews 13v5][Dear God in the uncertain world, help us to trust in You, help us to be more than a conqueror through Jesus Your son. Amen ]

Lose not heart. [ Psalm 27 ]

There is a hymn by Frederick W Faber that is very meaningful,it is written to those who may be struggling in Christian service.Although we are all called to serve, so mybe it is for us all,it reads,/Workman of God,O lose not heart,But learn what God is like, And in the darkest -field, thou shalt know where to strike. Ah, God is other than we think, His ways are far above. Far beyond reason,s height, and reached only by childlike love. He hides Himself so wondrously, As though there were no God. He is least seen when all the powers of ill are most abroad. Thrice blest is he to whom is given the instinct that can tell . That God is on the field, when He is most invisible. For right is right, since God is God,and right the day must win. To doubt would be disloyalty, to falter would be sin./ [ Dear God help me to look beyond my natural sight, to pierce through the darkness ,to see You, and to trust in You, in Jesus name. Amen ]

Marriage. [ Colossians 3 v18 - 19 ]

And so they lived happily ever after, so ends the words of the fairy tale, is that possible?,I remember working with a man ,who said he and his wife never ,had fall outs.To me that seems impossible ,for some it may be,but for the majority of people it is not,I wonder how many people really think about the vows they make,/Forsaking all others,For better for worse,for richer for poorer,in sickness and in health/. They are very challenging words, not light words, not trivial words , they bring a life long challenge,when you make those vows you have to realize that there is no get out clause. Many people are breaking these vows, I am not judging them, but I would say, if you are thinking of entering marriage,consider carefully what you are going to do,and if you are married and struggling, remember what you vowed before God. [Father help those who are about to enter into marriage , and help those who are already married,in Jesus name .Amen ]

The accusing finger [Job 1]

We visited one our sons and his wife yesterday, it was not just a social visit, I had been asked by my boy to wallpaper, just two walls. Now wallpapering is not one of my favourite activities, for one thing I dont feel very confident in doing it, I am never sure how it will turn out. So I started the wallpapering praying asking God to help,at one time I found myself saying to God,how it was Him and I ,doing this,and then jokingly, I added if I get it wrong I will blame You Lord.This made me laugh and I hope it made the Lord smile,but there is a more serious aspect to my joke, people do blame God, the world is full of people pointing their accusing finger at Him.The reasons for this are many, but in the end misjudged, and wrong, simply because it a is a cry of unbelief,better to be silent and to trust,let us never forget whatever wrong there is in this world ,God is not at fault, in time He will put everything right,in time He will sort out this mess, in time we will understand. [Dear God help me to trust You, help me to refrain from pointing an accusing finger at You,in Jesus name Amen ]

How can I cope? [ 2 Corinthians 12 v 7ff]

It is funny the things one still remembers like a question asked in a quiz many ,many years ago,my team got it wrong,the question was,what are the last words in the book of Revelation?. the answer is ,/The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen./ Paul ends his epistle to the Philippians with the same words. It is significant that both John and Paul were experiencing trials at that time, Paul was a prisoner, John an exile,and in their difficult situations, they emphasize the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.Mybe the people they were writing to had problems,difficulties,how could they face them?, how could they come through them?. Before I answer let me share something I have read about the suffering of some Christians in North Korea at this time,I recieved this information from Christian Solidarity Worldwide. /Stories are coming out of N/ Korea of Christians being crushed under steamrollers, herded of bridges, and in prison camps being publicly trampled underfoot by guards and then by coerced prisoners until they die/.Now let me answer the question as to how the Christians in NT times coped with their difficulties, and the Christians in N/Korea cope, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The answer for all of us ,as we are faced with difficulties, is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.[ Dear Lord Jesus we ask for an abundant portion of Your all sufficent Grace, so that we may glorify You in all our trials .Amen ]

Waiting and walking.[Hebrews 11v5 ]

I was thinking of the words ,/pray without ceasing/ [1 Thessalonians 5v17], I wonder what you think of those words,is it possible to pray without ceasing?. I see it as an exhortation, something we are to aim at,we may not achieve what it says,but we can try. There are many exhortations in the Bible which we may find hard to fulfill but we are to try,and in our trying we will be blest. We must be careful not to let our walk with God become to ridged, a quite time is important,a time when we pray and read the word of God, yes let us wait upon God, but let us also walk with Him, throughout our day. The old testament saint Enoch did this [Genesis 5v22/ Hebrews 11v5 ] he walked with God ,let us follow his example, let us walk today with God,and if we do, who knows what we may experience, we will be blessed and we will be a blessing to others,of that I am sure.[ Dear God help me to wait upon You, but also help me to walk with You throughout this day in Jesus name Amen ]

Little things mean a lot.[ 1 Corinthians 5 v 6-7 ]

The words of an old song comes to mind, little things mean a lot, and this is very true, in Cliff Richards account of his life, he mentions how is father lived with the old truth, look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. It is a good practice, there are other things that stress the importance of little things, like a stitch in time saves nine. In 1 Corinthians 5v6 we read ,know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?, we may not be aware of the process of leaven,but we may be aware of what tiny sweetener tablets do. They are ever so small yet they will sweeten a bowl of porridge, or a mug of tea,what we are been taught, is that even a so called little sin can have devastating effects on us, on churches, on families. Let none of us underestimate the affect of sin in any shape or size, let us forsake all sin, no matter what the cost, for the cost of not dealing with it can destroy us and others.[ Dear God grant me the grace to forsake anything thats tainted or evil, in Jesus name Amen ]

Faithful to the end.[ 2 Timothy 4 v7-8 ]

The seasons are changing, I noticed that the leaves on the trees are changing colour,autumn has arrived, the days are shorter, we do have occasional sunny days. I often think that our lives are like the seasons,I suppose I am in that season called old age,I am reminded of this by the different ailments I have, I wont bore you with them,but they are increasing. I am not too concerned about the season I am in, it is a time when one reflects on life, and remembers, and yes I still want to serve God, I want to end my life in His service. I want to say with the apostle, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. [2 Timothy 4 v7 ] J E Bode wrote, O Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end, that is my desire, I hope and pray that it is yours .[ Dear God help me to be a faithful servant of Yours, all the days of my life ,in Jesus name Amen ]

A person in the making.[ 1 Corinthians 1 v 25ff ]

This thought has come to me as I start to write,/ A person in the making/, what it reminds me of is that we all are in a process of change, the apostle Paul writes of the believers being changed by the Spirit of God [2 Corinthians 3v18 ]. It is very important to remember that God is changing us , that I am not the person I once was,I know there is is still much that needs changed, but I am confident that God will perfect that which concerneth me [Philippians 1v7/ Psalm 138v8]. We speak of people in a dismissive manner as if we are perfect,and say they cant be used of God, or serve God,we say this, because they appear to have certain inperfections.Let me say this, all of the greatest servants of God had their imperfections, Moses had his temper[Numbers 20v 7-11], Peter his inconsistences ,[Galations 2 ] and so one could go on. Make no mistake about it ,we are all people in the making, but here is the important thing, God will still use us in our imperfectness, if I did not believe that ,I would never preach another sermon. [Dear God, perfect that which concerneth me, and help me to see that inspite of my failings You are still willing to use even me ,in Jesus name Amen ]

The messenger of death.[ Acts 16 v31 ]

I have just been informed of the death of a dear aunt, I did phone her occassionally, she was a good mother, and a kind person, memories come back, of spending a holiday at her home, but now she is gone ,but not forgotten. In Ecclesiastes 7v2 we read,/ It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to his heart/. In these days of forgetfulness of our mortality, a death of a loved one or a friend is a reminder to us all, that we should consider our latter end, for after death the judgement. The death of someone should not just cause us to remember, but cause us to consider,our condition spiritually, and ask serious questions, like where will we spend eternity?, and are we saved?.In these days when Christianity is being marginalised, the death of a loved one or whoever,is meant to draw us back from the margins to consider our need of Jesus as our Saviour.[ Dear God I acknowledge that I am a sinner and I accept Jesus as my Saviour Amen ]

He knows His own. [John 10 v 1- 18]

In one of James Herriots books, he tells of attending to a shepherds sheep [He was a vet],and speaking to the shepherd he says ,as he looked for one particular sheep ,how they all looked the same to him.Well it was no problem to the shepherd,who knew all his sheep, he immediately points out the sheep to James.In John chapter 10, Jesus declares v14,/ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine/.As I look at people and speak to them I am not always sure if they know the Lord,they attend church ,sing the hymns,but I am still not sure, but Jesus knows. He knows who is His, He knows who trully has trusted Him to be their Saviour,He knows whom He died for,He knows His own.There is coming a day in which we will know ,who belongs to our Saviour, [Matthew 25v31 ff] let us ask ourselves the very important question,not in relation to others,but in relation to ourselves, am I trully one of Jesus sheep?. [ Dear Lord I thank You that You know Your own, help me to be absolutley clear that I am one of Your own Amen ]

Feeling overwhelmed. [ Psalm 91]

Sometimes life overwhelmes one, you feel the burden of life greatly, for those who are in pain, and indeed the pain we may carry within our own hearts. I get annoyed at those who preach a prosperity gospel, they intice you into the kingdom with a promise of wealth and health, a teaching that is so far removed from reality, did Jesus ever say if we follow Him ,we would have perfect health, and abundant wealth ?,no, His very act of coming into this world was one of great sacrifice, He was rich yet for our sakes He became poor, He had no where to lay His head. The very nature of Christianty is one that will bring you persecution, and many are experenceing this now. Jesus told us to lay up treasures in heaven, He tells us to deney ourselves and to take up our cross, and to follow Him, and for this challenge He promises that He will be with us, He promises to meet our needs, He will pour into our lives His love , and grace,and continually show us mercy, yes life can be overwhelming, but Jesus will uphold us, and bring us through. [ Dear God help me in the ongoing battle of life, to not give up, grant me the grace I need, fill my heart with Your peace, and a sense of Your presence , in Jesus name Amen ]

Our part.[ Acts 1v 8 ]

In Ephesians 1 v7 we read that God chose us before the foundation of the world, this is a great mystery ,but that is what God did, we were not an after thought, God planned it this way.God does not work haphazardly, He is never caught out ,He has a plan, and He will fulfill that plan ,nothing can stop it, and the core of His plan is redemptive, the salvation of people. Not only were we part of His plan, He will even use us in working out that plan, how?, by telling others about Jesus,in bringing others into His kingdom [Matthew 28 v19-20].He expects us to play our part in telling others about Jesus ,to be soul winners, the results of our witnessing , are in His hands, ours is not to reason why,ours is to simply obey. [ Dear God help me to tell others about Jesus, to not be disobedient to this heavenly calling, in Jesus name we ask this , Amen ]

My friend . [ 1 Peter 1 v 8-9 ]

I just heard yesterday that a friend has died suddenly,I have known this friend for a number of years ,I sometimes spoke to her on the phone, but mainly I wrote to her, and she would send me a postcard when she was on holiday. The thing is I have never seen her, I dont know what she looked like, but she was my friend, and I am sad at her death.This reminds me of my relationship with my Saviour, I have not seen Him,yet He is my closest friend, I speak to Him every day ,and He speaks to me continually,in so many ways,He is that friend that sticks closer than a brother, He comforts me , guides me,protects me, shapes me. This is a relationship of faith, it is real and deeply meaningful, a relationship that will never end, I know Him and I love Him ,and He loves me. He wanted to be my friend so much He was prepared to die for me on a cross,when I realized how much He loved I fell in love with Him, Iasked Him to be my Saviour, and I committed my life to Him.[ Dear Lord Jesus thank You for being my friend, Amen ]

Disruptions. [ Daniel 4 ]

I am sure none of us like disruptions,when our well ordered lives,are suddenly become not so ordered, by an accident, a sickness,a toothache,, some of these things are serious some things are not so. A friend calls in when we are in the midst of watching our team playing,or we are just about to go out,or we arrive at the airport,going on that holiday we have saved for, and looked forward to, only to discover that we have left our passport at home, or the flight has been cancelled.I could go on, you get the picture, but the point is this,why the disruption?could it be that we are being reminded that we are not in control, God is, and just mybe ,we have forgotten that very important truth. There is a number of ways we can react to disruptions, we can rant and rave,we can huff and puff, or we can simply turn afresh to God,and acknowledge our dependance on Him, and ask Him to overrule in all things.[ Dear God forgive me, for leaving You out of my life,forgive me for forgetting who is in control, thank You for reminding me of this truth, in Jesus name Amen ]

Dont give up.[ John 19 v30 ]

This is the third time I have attempted to publish my blog, Im not sure why it never saved it, mybe it is because I am tired, or mybe, just mybe, God wants me to change it. Mybe He is saying I need to persevere, and get the right message, perseverance is very important in life, in relationships,like marriage, or friendships.It may seem sometimes that things are to difficult in certain situations,to go on,so we give up, mybe God is saying dont give up ,persevere. We may ask why,we should not give up?,because our Saviour did not give up,on the cross He cried ,it is finished,the work of salvation was finished. Also let us remember when we are about to give up on someone , that Jesus never give up on us, He persevered with us, and continues to persevere, in spite of all our faults, I love those words in John 13v1 which reads ,/ having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end./[Dear Saviour thank You for finishing the work of salvation, and thank You for not giving up on me Amen ][ I will be doing my blog in evening until Monday]

Human reasoning. [Proverbs 3v5 ]

Yesterday we mentioned about the importance of the scripture , let me say we are not to worship the scriptures,we are to honour them as Gods word. The scriptures reveal all we need to know as regards salvation, we must accept what the scriptures say by faith,the problem with mankind is they lean upon their own understanding. When we do this we can get ourselves into so much trouble, the Roman Catholic Church is not the only ones who do this, the cults do,and the vast marjoity of people in this world do. More and more ,do I take to heart the words of Proverbs 3 v5 /Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding/, if we do this we will not fall into error or be led astray. So let us all hold fast to the truth of Gods word,to read it,believe it,to be guided by it, and to practice it. [ Dear God help me to not lean upon my own understanding, but to trust in You, with all my heart, in Jesus name I ask this Amen ] [ I will be on holiday for a week ,I will return to my blog on the 25th]

The popes visit. [ 2 Timothy 3v15- 16 ]

I was informed by a friend who was a Roman Catholic, that the priest never preaches from the word of God, it appears that the R C faithful completly trust their church,without question.This is wrong, our Saviour told us to search the scriptures, to find Him,[ John 5 v39]it is only Gods word that is infallible, and it is the scriptures that make us wise unto salvation, not a church, especially not the R C church, a church that for most of its history has denied the scriptures to its followers. A church that believes so many things contrary to scriptures, the position of Mary,the priesthood, and their perverted ideas as regards so many things.At this time when there is much hipe as regards the popes visit, let us not be carried away by this event, for as we consider his position,and his so called churches teaching, in the light of scripture, let us see it all for what it is, a church that is in deep error. [Father in heaven help me to hold fast to Your word, to see that ,it is only in Your word is there truth, in Jesus name Amen.]