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 ]