The central point is [ Romans 12 v1 -2 ]

We read in Acts 16v6, that Paul and his companions were forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.Now why  was this so?,I do not know,I do not know why I was stopped going to Brazil,or other places,does it really matter were one goes to preach Gods word?,seemingly it does. It is at times difficult to know why we are not allowed to do certain things,noble ,honourable things   important things, and yet God the Holy Spirit says no.I find myself asking,is it possible to know Gods will ,in all things, and to keep in step with the Holy Spirit?. These words remind us first,about a Sovereign God,we can see the need,that is as far as we can go,but God see's the whole He has a plan.That plan in relation to us is, His will,His will, not ours,so if He forbids us to not go to a certain place,or to not speak to a certain person or people,thats part of His plan,and perfect will for us..The central point of Christ's coming is, that the will of God may be fulfilled,so likewise the central point of our Christian life is to yield our lives in total surrender to His will whatever the cost.
A  prayer ......../..Dear God forgive us for choosing dross instead of the perfect pure gold that is your will in Jesus name Amen /

He is unchanging. [Malachi 3 v6]

This Thursday I will be seventy,I was born in 1944,and it really amazes me how in my short life,so many changes have taken place.Materially things have change,for the better,I live in England not Ireland,when I was very young horses where still being used,to some extent.One could not have envisaged the changes that has taken place,people have changed in some ways,but our fallen nature will never change. Then there are changes that we experience,that unnerve us,and maybe frighten us,and even frustrate us,yes we live in a world of change.Here is the good news He who made this world, does not change,in the book of Malachi [3 v6],we read,/For I am the Lord, I change not/.,and then we read,/therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed/.The first thing is Gods unchangableness ,that is a great comfort,He will continue to be faithful,yes even to this world for He is a faithful creator[1 Peter 4 v19] To his children He will remain faithful,loving and caring,that will not change.Then we read,therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed,as children of God,the fact of the matter is ,we are far from being perfect children,but God being is unchanging in His mercy,that will never change,to an unfaithful, disobedient people He declared I have loved you with an everlasting love.[ Jeremiah 31 v3 ]
A  prayer..../Dear God we praise You for Your faithfulness,,for the fact that your love for us will never, never change, in Jesus name Amen /

Pure gold [ Job 23 v10]

I was reading from an old devotional called ,Steams in the desert, by L.B.E. Cowman,it was about a cocooned emperor moth,which a person kept for nearly one year.When the time comes for it to come out of its cocoon,it emerges through a narrow opening,so small one wonders how on earth,it can break free from its cocoon. Well as the person watched one day the moth started to exit from the cocoon,she felt compassion for the moth in its great struggle. She did not realise that the pressure that the moth experienced forced fluids into its wings ,so causing their perfect development. Well the person thought that they would help that moth so with a pair of scissors they enlarged the opening of the gap. Well the moth emerged from that cocoon, but not with those beautiful  wings which all admire,No as the author writes ,/the moth suffered an aborted life,crawling painfully through its brief existence instead of flying through the air on rainbow wings/. It was the patriarch Job who suffered so much who declared,/But He knoweth the way that I take ,when He hath tried me,I shall come forth as gold/[Job 23 v10] Let us remember that while the world try every means to improve and preserve their carcass of dust, God has a plan and purpose for all of our lives,that goes beyond the body beautiful,it is called perfect through suffering,this cannot be accomplished in the gym,or by plastic surgery,men  and women of God are developed ,into creations of beauty to the  glory of God, by the firey trials they go through.
A  prayer...../ Dear God help us to see the that You have a loving transforming purpose for all our lives, in Jesus name Amen /

24/7 [Proverbs 3 v5-6 ]

I have stared to read again a book by George Muller,called ,/Answers to  prayer,/,for you ,who don't know about George, in the 19th century he started an orphanage work up in Bristol,which continued to expand during his life.He did not receive any financial assistance,but simply trusted God to supply the needs of the children,himself and fellow workers.Money came in , in ,various ways,by prayer and faith he looked to God to supply the money that was needed. Yet he also stressed the importance of trusting God in everything,and seeking His will in everything.The scripture tells us,that in all our ways we are to acknowledge God [Proverbs 3v6],in other words to bring Him into everything,cooking a meal,driving ,friendships,buying ,giving,everything.When we do this God is honoured,when our plans our falling apart,He can guide us through,let us see that our relationship with God is just that,which means every moment of everyday ,can be filled with His presence.We need  to seek God continually,not just in moments of crisis,not just in the major things,but also in the minor things.In the Bible we have the major and minor prophets,they are all part of the whole,let not despise the day of small things,but let make our walk with God all inclusive.
A  prayer....../Dear God forgive our sinful independence,and grant that we may invite You into every aspect of our lives,in Jesus name Amen/

Strength [ Ephesians 6 v 10]

Before Moses was about to die, he blessed the tribes,to Asher he declares ,/Thy shoes shall be iron and brass,and as thy days, so shall thy strength be/[Deuteronomy 33 v25]Two things are implied ,first security,and safety. The tribes where  about to leave the wilderness,the wilderness sounded a pretty dangerous place,in the wilderness God had watched over them.,but now they were about to lave the wilderness and face enemies, they may face them,but they will not be overcome by them,they will not be removed from their inheritance,they shall be as a nail in a sure place.No enemy can rob us of those gifts that God has given us,but God may, if we forsake Him remove them./Next He tells them of a very wonderful truth,/ and as thy days, so shall thy strength be/.what new thing has God prepared for me to do?, will I have the strength to do it?,of course you will,here is the promise for you,As thy days , so shall thy strength be,we mayfeel like a flat battery,but the Holy Spirit will empower  us, for any appointed task, and we will declare like  Paul, I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me[Philippians 4 v13]
A  prayer....../ Dear God we thank,that You are ,our security and strength, through Jesus Thy Son Amen/

More than enough [ Matthew 22 37-39]

There are always reasons to be annoyed at people,be it your wife ,husband,children neighbours,we have a neighbour who lives near us,and  he is noisy.I did think of having it recorded and played back to him. There used be little bracelets with the letters WWJD,which stands for what would Jesus do?,it is a good question,what would He do with a noisy neighbour?,or a violent neighbour.?.The challenge for all Christians,is to live out a Christlike life in the nitty gritty of life,not necessary to go and live a sacrificial life on the mission field . The life we are called to live starts where we are,in our home,with our spouses,our children,our work colleagues,and not forgetting those within our local church fellowships.Is this not enough to go on with?,I would think so,more than enough,
A  prayer....../Dear Lord help me where I am to do,what You would do, at all time Amen/

The author [ Hebrews 4 v12]

I  have a kindle in which I can download books ,it is a wonderful blessing,because it gives me access to a vast selection of books. I was looking through a book list ,under each book the authors name appears. My eyes fastened on one, the Bible ,and underneath I read ,by God,I smiled when I read this.Yes the author of the Bible is God, so when we pick it up to read, we are in actual fact reading the word of God.In Gods Sovereignty He has brought it into being, and in His sovereignty, He has preserved it,although it has been translated into many languages, it is still  Gods word,it contains history,but it is not a history book,it is a sacred history, It is not a science book ,but it tell us what science does not know,that God created this world,it tells why man  commits so much evil,sin.It tells us of the consequence of sin,spiritual death,which resulted in eternal separation from God. Here is the good news ,woven into this book, from Genesis to Revelation, we have Gods answer to sin and its consequence, His name is Jesus,we are told that God so loves this world that He  gave his only begotten Son,that whosoever believed in Him would not perish but have everlasting life[John 3v16]
A  prayer...../ Dear God we thank You for Your word,bless it everywhere today that it is read, and taught,in Jesus name Amen /

Not just a job. [1 Corinthians 13]

I have been working at the same job for about 22yrs,it has never just been a job,I believe God has given me a ministry among the mentally ill.Sometimes I feel like a father figure,I suppose it could be easy,to become cynical,and untouched by those suffering from this illness,but this has never been the case. Recently I  cried in relation to a dear clients condition,I am glad I did,for it reassures me that I care for those I work with, that as I said it is not just a job. It is in 1 Corinthians 13 that we are reminded that where is a lack of love,then we are a failure,no matter how noble we may act,no matter how much we sacrifice,if love is lacking,it counts for nothing in Gods sight. Everything God does is out of a heart of love,He loves ,and loves,and loves, and loves,we cannot out do Him, but we are  called  to be children of God to  love, and love and love.
A prayer...  /Dear God of  love,forgive us for our lack of love,in judging others,in not helping others,of  just doing our duty,forgive us in Jesus name Amen /

Nostalgia. [ Numbers.11v4-9]

One of my favourite movies is, /The quite man/,it is about an a man called John going back to his roots in Ireland,how I would describe this movie,well it is full of nostalgia. Ireland is a lovely country,of course you know that I am an Irish man,from the dark north. Our reminiscence of our past is often not based on reality,Ireland's history is a sad history,of poverty,of a religion that was oppressive,I speak of the south mainly. Although the north in my lifetime has known as most people know a terrible degree of violence.I love my country and of course there is much that is good in it,but I don't let that love blind me to the realities that are not nice. There was time in Israels history, that the people were complaining,about Gods provision,/We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing,the cucumbers,the melons,the leeks,the onions and the garlic./[ Numbers11]As R.C. Sproul wrote,/They forgot the whips,the torture,the sweat,and the impoverishment of their slavery/,nostalgia blinded them to reality.Their distorted thinking blinded them to Gods blessing in their lives,because they were dissatisfied,with their lot.There are no advantages in living in the past,or going back to try and capture our past,as Israel should have realised.
A prayer...../Dear God forgive us,for our distorted thinking,our foolish looking back,that causes us to murmur and complain,in Jesus name Amen /

There is an unseen enemy.[Ephesians 6 v 10-18]

It is said that behind every great man there is a woman,I am sure that there is a grain of truth in that,so behind every evil being perpetrated in this world there is a evil being and his evil forces.Consider what the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6 v12,/For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,against powers,against the rulers of the darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in high places./. When Gods children are attacked ,behind that attack,is the Devil,the one the world never mentions,because the god of this world has blinded them. [2 Corinthians 4 v4] Again in 2 Timothy 2 v26 we read of those who are held captive by him,and that those outside of Christ,walk as he dictates [Ephesians 2 v2],and when our Saviour challenged His attackers,He told them they were of there father the Devil[John 8 v 44].He so blinded then,that they saw Jesus as their enemy,and one who needed to be destroyed, and so the battle goes on,the children of light,are still under attack,from the Devil.The days are evil because we live in a world where most of its inhabitants are to different degrees controlled and led by Satan.As Christians we need to be on our guard ,we need to be prayerful,we need to walk in Gods truth,we need to walk in righteousness,in faith,confident in our salvation,and confront the enemy of our souls with Gods word.
A  prayer...../ Dear God we thank You for saving us from Satans power,as we face this day,give us the wisdom, and strength we need ,to resist him, in Jesus name Amen /

Secularism [2 Corinthians 10 v 3-5]

As I listened to a radio program on a very serious moral question,I was made aware that it was a secular discussion,with no reference to God.This was borne out when people e-mailed in to object to one of the people being involved in the discussion,because of her involvement with a Christian organisation. The lady declared she was an atheist,did not believe in God ,but found the Christian organisation helpful. It made me sad,even angry how this BBC programme, excluded any Christian point of view,such are the times we live in.What is the answer?well we must not overreact,and we must recognise ,that this sinful world is no friend of God or His word.We must pray for wisdom,as to how we can make the Christian voice be heard,and courage to stand and to speak. We are not persecuted although I am sure there are Christians who are having a hard time because of their faith. The problem is that in this so called tolerant society,there is a great deal of intolerance,and Christians are intimidated. Non Christians want to blame a God they don't believe in,for all the ills in the world,how often I have heard that all wars are caused by religion. Wars are caused by sin,by a humanity whose feet are swift to shed blood,now of course this is not what people want to hear,but it is true.
A  prayer.....Dear God,in this secular,sinful world,helps us to  not be afraid or be to intimidated, help us to speak for You,in Jesus name Amen /

Nothing can change this. [ Romans 8 v 38-39]

I found myself repeating a children chorus this morning as I prayed,it goes,/Wide wide as the ocean,high as the heavens above,deep,deep as the deepest sea is my Saviours Love,Though I am unworthy ,still I am a child of His care.For his word teaches me,that His love reaches me,everywhere./A simple little chorus which God brought to my mind. It is the apostle Paul who wrote ,that he was persuaded that neither,death,nor life,nor angels,nor principalities,nor powers,nor things present,nor things to come. Nor height,nor any other creature,shall be able to separate us from the love of God,which is in, Christ Jesus our Lord.[Romans 8 v38-39].Whatever our condition,whatever negative thoughts we may be thinking,whoever ,and whatever the Devil may be using to discourage us, God says He loves us,and nothing,and no one can change this.
A prayer...../ Dear God we praise that You Love us ,so fully,unconditionally,and eternally ,through Jesus Your son Amen /

Faithfulness [ Lamentatations 3 v22-23]

Moses reminds the people of Gods faithfulness,/These forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee,thou  hast lacked nothing[Deuteronomy 2 v7] Faithful as to His presence,yes with them,in chapter 9, the people are described as being, stiffnecked,or stubborn people,and a rebellious people.Gods faithfulness is not according to merit,but according to His love and grace,that's why it is so amazing,He knows the worst about us,but He remaineth faithful.Is this not so,as we look back at our imperfect history,when love was lacking,holiness was lacking,faithfulness was lacking.Yet wonder of wonders the Lord our God has been with us.F.J.Crosby, wrote/,I know not why Gods wondrous grace,To me He hath made known. Nor why,unworthy,Christ in love,redeemed for His own./.
A  prayer...../Dear God we praise You for Your faithfulness,to us unworthy sinners in Jesus name Amen/

He is watching. [Hebrews 3v 7 -19]

Let us continue to consider Deuteronomy2 v7,and the words,/He has watched your every step through this wilderness[NLT].  The Israelites were not meant to go their own way,no they were meant to go Gods way,in order to keep them right ,God provided a pillar of cloud to guide them by ,and a pillar of fire to guide them by night.,it was always there[Exodus 13v21-22].So they had no excuse,to go the wrong way,but they did so often,or I should say they desired to[ Numbers 14 v 1-4].They also had a godly leader, God was grieved ,who conveyed unto them Gods will,in the commandments,but we read God was grieved with that generation,and said,They do always err in their hearts[Hebrews 3 v10]. They had come out of Egypt but there was still a lot of Egypt still in them,so often instead of walking in Gods way they walked in their own way,and God was watching .Inspite of all the evidence that God was there with them,they acted as if God did not exist.So often God had to deal with the people,in the most severe way,to bring them back to Himself.Things have in a sense not changed,like Israel of old,we often turn aside from following in the footsteps of our Saviour,and  when He deals with us,to bring us back into His way,as L. Weaver wrote,/When I would wander from the path astray,then He will guide me back into the way/.
A  prayer..../ Dear God,You who are watching our footsteps,forgive us when we would wander from your path,and guide us back to that place of totally following You in Jesus name Amen /

He is watching over you. [Psalm 121]

Let us continue to look at Deuteronomy 2 v7.we have considered how God will bless us,now we read,/He[God]has watched your every step,through this great wilderness/..We say sometimes,I better watch my step,but here we are being told that God had watched Israels every step.There are two ways of considering these words,God was watching over Israel so that no harm would come to them.So God is watching over His dear children that no harm may come to them.There are many dangers in this life,seen and unforeseen,but always seen by God,the old hymn puts it this ways His eye is on the sparrow,and I know watches me.What a great comfort that is ,to know that as we  go into this day,my loving Heavenly Father is watching over me.So let us not fear the unknown day,and the unknown future ,He will protect ,and keep your every step.He will not suffer thy foot to be moved.He that keepeth thee will not slumber.The Lord shall preserve thy going out,and thy coming in from this time forth,and even for evermore.[Psalm 121]
A  prayer..../Dear God we thank You that You are watching over us,in that knowledge we rejoice ,we thank You in Jesus name Amen /

Bless others. [ Luke 6 v 38]

In Deuteronomy 2 v7 Moses speaks to Israel,/For the Lord God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand,He knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness,these forty years,the Lord thy God,hath been with thee,thou hast lacked nothing/.We can easily apply these words to Gods children,consider the opening words ,/for the Lord God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand/.I know there are many dear Christians who are suffering in the will of God, but here is the point God .has blessed you and me,in our employment,and business. So let us bless others,let us seek to fulfil all those good works which He has planned for us to do[Ephesians2v 10] ,remember He blesses us that we may bless others.
A prayer....../ Dear God thank You for all your blessing,help us to bless others as You have blessed us,in Jesus name Amen/

Unbelief. [ Deuteronomy 1 v32]

Deuteronomy is Moses farewell speech to Israel,the name Deuteronomy means second law which indicates that the law is repeated.Israel had wandered the wilderness for 40years ,now they about to enter the promise land.The first chapter reminds Israel of their past failure,that 40 years ago they had failed to miserable to enter the promised land,not because  of the difficulties,but because they,give  into unbelief, [1v3]The result was that generation where not allowed to enter the promise land,the writer of the book of Hebrews ,warns us about the sin of unbelief,he calls it an evil heart of unbelief[Hebrews 3v12].Unbelief is not a trivial thing, it is a deplorable sin,and has consequences,both for time and eternity.Unbelief shuts us out of heaven,and all that that means,the writer of Hebrews speaks of a hardening through the deceitfulness of sin. Millions and millions of people are deceived by sin,be it money,fame,lust,I was listening to a program dealing with prostitution,and there was lady on it,who spoke of her life of prostitution as if it was just another means of getting money,she is deceived,but so are those who just live for the things of time.Religious people are deceived in many things,by error,by their law keeping,non religious people are deceived by a misguided belief that God will show mercy apart from Christ,He is sidelined and rejected,but not by God.So the writer of Hebrews tells his readers,/Today, if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts[3v7-8]/
A  prayer...../ Dear God save us from ourselves,from hearts of unbelief in Jesus name. Amen/

Let go . [ James 4 v 1-3]

I read an amusing story recently,it is about a man who was climbing a mountain,and he slipped ,so he grabbed hold of  a plant growing out of crevice in the rock,as he hung there, he look up and he prayed,if there is anybody up there, help me. Well a voice replied,yes there is,and I want to help you, so simply let go of that plant. Well the man looked down to the rocks below,and thought,and then cried out,is there anybody else up there,that can help me?There is a saying which goes,be careful what you pray for,you may get it. I wonder,when we pray,are we prepared to accept Gods answer?God may say something that appears to be painful,to be risky,or to be challenging,and so we end up not only not responding.,but seeking an answer somewhere else.Balak king of Moab,sought out a prophet called Balaam,he wanted this prophet to call down a curse on Israel,but God refused to do it,but time after time he would not accept Gods answer. You see it is not what he wanted to hear,when we come to God with our requests,in all likelihood God may say something we do not want to hear,but if we accept what He says,bow to his will,we will discover Gods will is always best.
A  prayer....../ Dear God,help us when we pray,to pray according to Thy will,and help us to accept the answer You give, in Jesus name Amen/

Like father like son. [Matthew 5 v 43-48 ].

When I get impatient with someone,or have been hurt,and feel tempted to complain,I am reminded by the Holy Spirit how much God,has to deal with.How much pain he observers,how much rejection He experiences,and so on.I know we are speaking about God,one can so easily think ,it is all right for Him,why do we think it comes easy for God,as He observes the rebelliousness of humanity.God is not unfeeling, Jesus wept over Jerusalem [ Luke 19 v41],we are told we can grieve the Holy Spirit [ Ephesians 4 v30].The point I am trying to make is this,inspite of all humanity does that's wrong,God is not finished with us,He keeps on loving,the word of God speaks of His longsuffering.It also challenges me to be more patient with my fellow human beings,if God in love puts up with so much,so must I,when people dont  thank God, He still blesses them,and so it is, we are to follow the principals of Gods kingdom,that is to love our enemies,to bless them that curse us,to do good to those who  hate us,and to pray for those who despitefully use us,and persecute us.Why?The answer is,that we may act as our Father in heaven acts,for He maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good,and sendeth rain,on the just and the unjust.[Matthew 5 v44-45]
A  prayer..../Dear God help us show at all times  ,that we are Your children in Jesus name Amen /

Foolish dog. [ John 3 v16]

I was driving home from church when I noticed a little dog standing in the road, as I drew near to it,it did not budge,,so I slowed down, and stopped to see why this little dog was standing there oblivious to all around it,especially the danger of getting knocked down. The answer was a cat , that stood not far from it,I shouted at it,clapped my hands, that woke it up , and it soon ran away from danger.I thought of that little dog,how it could have been killed or seriously injured,because it ignored the oblivious danger it was in,well what do you expect from a dog. This incident made me think how millions of people are so careless to the danger they are facing ,like that little dog,their minds ,often there whole beings are taken up with the things of time,and all the time they are but a breath away from a lost eternity.Christmas  and Easter come and goes ,occasions that tell forth  the the fact that a Saviour has come,to seek and save the lost.The verse of an old Gospel puts it like this, /I once was a stranger to grace and to God,I knew not my danger, and felt not my load/.If you know not Christ you are in great danger,for it is appointed unto men once to die and after that the judgement,I hope and pray that this little word may cause you to think,and to flee from the wrath to come, by trusting Jesus as your Saviour.
A  prayer..../ Dear God have mercy,for you are merciful,on the many who appear oblivious to their eternal danger, in Jesus name Amen /

Maturity. [2 Peter 3 v18]

I read a hymn by F.Pratt Green and it deals with the important aspect of maturing,when we become a Christian we are called babes in Christ.We are at the beginning of a process that should mean growth,the Bible speaks of growing in grace ,and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ[2 Peter 3v18].I was thinking this morning, how many years ago as a young Christian,I acted in an immature manner, and hurt a dear friend,and how I wish she could have made allowances for my immaturity.
Growing in our faith, is linked with our relationship with our Lord,and applying His truth into our lives. When we are hurt we are called on to forgive,how many dear Christians have stopped growing,because they have not learnt to forgive. This is one aspect of growing,but there are many other aspects of our lives, that need the transforming power of the Holy Spirit,there is so much dross, that needs dwelt with. Now the Christian life is a life of faith,and that is continually under attack,we must not be surprised at this,consider our Lords life,which ended on a cross. Again think how this affected the disciples,F.P. Green ,wrote,/When our confidence is shaken,in beliefs we thought secure/,for them it was a devastating experience,but it would be part of faith maturing.
Let me finish with the last verse of F.P.Greens hymn,.
                                God is love,and He redeems us,in the Christ we crucify.
                                 This is God's eternal answer ,to the worlds eternal why,
                                  May we in this faith maturing,be content to live and die....Amen/

Who is guilty? [John 8 v1- 11]

In John 8 v 1-11 we have the account of the woman who was caught in the very act of adultery,but the question many ask,  where was the man?. This missing man appears to have had his cake and ate it,with no consequences,yet they where both guilty.There is no disputing this woman's guilt,even Jesus recognised that v11,but a point of the law stipulated  that both parties  were  to be put to death[Leviticus 20v 10]. The religious leaders who had brought this woman to Jesus did not need His opinion as to what they should do,they were just using this situation in order  to trap Him.It appears that Jesus was reluctant to join in their little ,but serious game,but it also appears to me that Jesus was slowly considering,how to reply to their question,and what a wonderful reply He gave,/He that is without sin among you,let him first cast a stone at her/. I remember watching a movie ,I think it was called the kite fliers,I am not sure,it was about the time the Taliban where in power,in Afghanistan,it showed a lorry pulling up,where a crowd of men had been watching a football match,on the lorry was a young woman judged guilty of some sexual offence. She was taken from the Lorry and stoned to death,the religious leader was not only there,to see that she was punished,but he also cast the first stone. Later on in the movie it turned out that he was involved in abusing a child,it is so easy to hide behind a religious veneer,and at the same time,commit all sorts of evil,as the clergy in the RC community,have been doing. We need to broaden this out to include all of us,we may not be child abusers,but we are all, yes all, without exception, sinners. Evil needs to be exposed,and one of the greatest of evils is hypocrisy,would you not agree.?.
A  prayer..../ Dear God let us leave judgement to You the righteous Judge in Jesus name Amen /

No looking back [ Luke 9 v51]

Let us now consider the last of the three men,[Luke 9 v61-62],He declares  boldly to  Jesus, I will follow thee,now that sounds good,you remember what James and Peter did in  [Matthew 4 v22],they immediately left the ship,and their father,and followed Him.this man in Luke 9v61-62,did not do this,he added let me first go,bid them farewell,which are at home at my house.Instead of looking forward he was looking back,the very thing we must not do,it would appear that to linger over the past,could disqualify us from Gods kingdom.I wonder do you think that what Jesus said was a bit extreme?.many people live in the past,are stuck in the past,and unwilling to move forward.W  Barclay, writes,/The Christian marches on, not to the sunset,but to the dawn. The watchword of the kingdom is not backward,but forward/.When God called me to England I did not spend my days moping about Ireland,no I am here,and here I will stay,if God wants me to move on I will move on. Lots wife looked back and lost all,Paul the apostle looked forward, and gained all.We read how our Saviour,steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem[Luke 9 v 51],and what awaited Him there?, suffering,and what awaited Him beyond the suffering?, Glory.[Hebrews 12 v2]
A   prayer / Dear Saviour help us not to waste our lives looking back, but to be like You,to steadfastly look forward, to  the joy of an eternal kingdom. Amen /

Lovest thou Me more than these[John 21v 1-16]

Let us consider the next person whom our Lord speaks to in Luke 9 v57-62, we read that Jesus speaks to the man ,and simple says ,follow Me. The man answers with what appears to be a very genuine answer,Lord yes he calls him Lord,but that's as far as he was prepared to go.Then he says ,permit me to first go and bury my father.As I said this appears to be a genuine request,but Jesus cut across it,with the following words,Let the dead bury their dead,but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.it is W .Barclay who points out that in all probability the mans father was not dead,he may have been saying when my father dies I will follow you. Remember Jesus in challenging the man was not advocating an uncaring attitude towards his father,but rather to simply obey Him.In many places when one becomes a Christian,it means being cut off from ones family,there will be those today who will hear those challenging words from Jesus ,follow Me. We have to make a choice,we cannot continue to sit on the fence,no matter how seemingly legitimate are reasons appear to be.It is a matter of obedience and trust,and indeed it is a challenge as to  our love for Jesus,remember what Jesus said to Peter ,do you love me more than these?[John21 v15]
A  prayer....../ Dear God help us to love You ,with all our heart,soul, and mind in Jesus name Amen/

A reality check. [Luke 9 v 57-58]

In  Luke 9v57-62 ,we read of three people ,who are challenged as regards following Jesus, the first says to Jesus./I will follow Thee,whithersoever Thou goest/. We applaud his enthusiasm,but it is obvious that he did not appreciate what  that would mean.Enthusiasm can blind us to the reality,of what a commitment means,when a young couple stand before God on their wedding day,a wedding day that can be divorced from reality,they look at each other,all  made up in glorious technicolour,they do not think of the future realities,that he or she may snore,that the wedding has to be paid for,that she may have children,but she will have to keep working,look after the kids,and run a home. Shakespeare,wrote,/The course of true love,never did run smooth/.they take their vows,but when it comes to the reality to fulfil those vows,that's another story. The man said Lord ,I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest,then Jesus cuts in and says ,listen to what it means to follow Me,Jesus tells him how it is for Him,it is sacrificial,not many if any home comforts,and as it is for Him so it will be   for those who choose to follow Him. This challenges the so called prosperity gospel,and rightly so,it is the  way of the cross that leads the saint home,was this man willing to accept this ,and to follow Jesus,the question is, are we?.
A  prayer...../ Dear God help us to be willing,  to be willing,in our commitment to Thy son Jesus Amen /

It is agressive.[Hebrews 4 v 13-15 ]

One of the consequences of our Lord becoming a human being was ,we are given the assurance that He knows and understands how we feel when we suffer.We are told that He was tempted in all points like we are ,yet without sin[Hebrews 4v15],because of his personal knowledge of suffer,He knows how we feel when we go to him in all our need,and pain.Last night I phoned a friend who has endured a great deal of suffering,to be told by his wife,that he has a cancer that is aggressive,the dear lady was crying. It took me back to the time when my first wife was diagnosed as having cancer and being told those self same words,it was aggressive.Because of this I understand what that meant and understood the pain she was feeling,that is one the consequences of the suffering  we experience ,we no longer are spectators,but we become fellow companions of those who suffer.We who have walked the path of suffering and experienced Gods comfort,can help others who are suffering. Going beyond the comfort we can give, we can point people to Jesus who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities,in the words of a hymn no one understands like Jesus,again as the poet puts it , with every pang that rends the heart the man of sorrows has a part/
A  prayer..../ Dear Lord Jesus you who were no stranger to suffering, we bring our pain to You,and ask for mercy and grace. Amen /

Wisdom. [ 2 Timothy 3 v15-16]

Paul Getty said the formula for success,rise early.work hard,strike oil, such is the wisdom of this world,but in the Bible we read of wisdom,and how vital it is.Solomon was granted special wisdom by God[1 Kings 4v29],and in many ways he was a very wise person, but he did not always act in the most  wise manner.God will give us wisdom but there is no guarantee,that we will act with wisdom.There are two types of wisdom, the first one is described as ,earthly,sensual,demonic,self seeking, mean spirited,this wisdom was manifest by Hitler,Stalin,and ourselves.The other wisdom is described as from above,and is pure,peaceable,gentle,willing to yield,full of mercy,and good faith, without partiality,and without hypocrisy[ James 3 v 13-17]James reminds us that all we need to acquire the wisdom from above, is simply to ask and we will receive.Consider the words of James ,which is also the word of God [1 v5-6]/ If any of you lack wisdom,let him ask of God,/so that is the first thing we should do,ask and we shall receive,next he reminds us of the generosity of God,/who gives to all liberally,and without reproach,and it shall be given him/.The one stipulation is ,for all who seek God for wisdom, /Let him ask in faith/. The Christian life starts by faith, and continues by  faith, without faith nothing will happen, but with faith many things can happen. Do you want the wisdom that is from above? well it yours for the asking.
A   prayer...../Dear God grant us the wisdom from above in Jesus name Amen /

Trust Him wholly.[ Job 13 v 15]

Let us continue on thinking about the words of Peter to the Christians who were suffering all kinds of trials[1 Peter 1 v6]. Now we may not be suffering persecution for our faith,but it does not exclude us from trials,of all different kinds,you may be in a difficult marriages,have a difficult child,a difficult job,with a difficult boss,difficult neighbours,you may be suffering from a painful ongoing illness,that you are going to die off, loneliness. These are just some of the trials we can be suffering from,they are more than 57 varieties,but no matter how many there be ,not one of Gods children are forgotten about. There is general statement that we can use to explain trials,and its this they go with the territory,the Bible speaks of those trials that are common to man.[ 1 Corinthians 10 v13].All mankind suffer from trials of one sort or another,some  may think because they have money, they are safe,but they are not.The difference between the non Christian and the Christian is,their Sovereign God is watching over them ,the hymn writer wrote,/Every joy or trial falleth from above,traced upon our  dial, by the Son of love,/but she did not stop there, she went on to write,/we may trust Him fully,all for us to do.They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true/
A  prayer...../ Dear God grant us the grace we need in all out trials,to trust You wholly,and as we do we will find You wholly true, in Jesus name Amen /

Remember them.[Hebrews 13 v3]

There is a famous brand which most of have heard of,and it is known as having 57 varieties, it reminds me of the words written by Peter,to Christians who where suffering all kinds of trials[1 Peter 1v6]. Everyday I pray for dear Christians who are being persecuted for their faith,they are being murdered,beaten up,imprisoned,discriminated against.,Here in the west,it often appears that Christians feel guilty that they are not suffering in like manner. God is sovereign ,it is not by chance, that we are living where we are,The words of Hebrews 13v3 challenges us as to our response to those who are suffering,/Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners,and those who are ill-treated as if you yourselves were suffering/.Let not our fellow Christians be forgotten by us who are free from persecution, we can write to them,we can financially support them,we can be a voice for them,an organisation I know of, declares itself to be a voice for the voiceless. So today lift up your voice to almighty God for those dear Christians who are suffering for their faith.
A  prayer..../ Dear God have mercy upon those Christians who are suffering for following  for their faith,we thank You that they re not forgotten by You,in Jesus name Amen/

Faith not emotions. [Hebrews 11]

I read these words ,/Faith is not an emotion, it is a decision to stand on Gods word/,these words reminded me,of the occasion many years ago,when with my wife's encouragement I booked  10 driving lessons. Of course we prayed much about it,and I believe God spoke to me ,that He would help me.I had completed a number of lessons,and put in for my driving test,my instructor did not think I would pass my test.The fact was I could only afford 10 lesson,so by faith I went ahead,on the day of the test my wife and children were praying,as was I,during the test my legs where actually shaking. The examiner was very reassuring ,and to my delight I passed,if I had went with my emotions or even my own understanding instead of faith,I would not have done my test. I believe God would undertake and He did. When I arrived home I went to my bedroom and knelt in prayer,and I opened my Bible and read the following words,/Said I not unto thee,that ,If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God[John 11v40]
A  prayer..../ Dear God help us to walk by faith,to not be ruled by our emotions, or even our own understanding in Jesus name Amen /

His presence [ Matthew 28 v20]

There are times in which we are reminded of Gods mercies,of His  power,protection,preserving,provision,and presence,think on those things today.Through His power we are saved,and set free from Hell,set free from sin, and Satans power. His protection ,there are dangers everywhere,God in His mercy has protected us,read Psalm91,written by Moses,a man who was protected and wonderfully preserved.Only the other day while driving  a lady with a child,not looking nearly stepped out unto the road,I could so easily have knocked her down,but I didn't, God preserves us being hurt,and hurting others. His provision,in about a months time my mortage will be paid off,and the house I live in will be mine,to God be the glory. Then we have the most important thing, His presence,Moses said to God,/If thy presence go not with me,carry us not up hence [Exodus 33v15].As we face life with all its uncertaines,as we step out into each new day,the one thing that encourages us, is the fact of our Saviours presence with us[Matthew 28 v 20].Wherever you are going ,remember you are not on your own, Jesus is with you, remember Jesus never fails.
A  prayer...../ Dear God we thank and praise You , for all the wonderful blessing you have granted us,we thank You that the greatest of these mercies is your presence being with us every moment of each day,we thank You in Jesus name Amen /