There is a little song which was popular years ago,it reads,
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'm a child of His care,
For his word teaches me,that His love reaches me
everywhere.
Those words remind me,just how great Gods love is towards His children,I
like the words,for His words teaches me. It reminds us that we are not resting on what others say,or what we may think,it is what Gods word tells
us, that matters.I used to visit a person ,who often said, God doesn't hate me
I would reply, no He loves you, Gods love is for everyone.He loves everyone,if you are not Christian, God loves you,the cross says it all,this is Gods declaring His love,in its fullest measure.that we sinners may be forgiven.For those who are Christians, He loves you ,even though you have failed him,even though you are reminded of your past,when you were told that you were worthless,for His word teaches,hear the word of the Lord,you are loved,more than you can ever appreciate.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank You for Your word ,that tells us plainly that You love us,through Your son Jesus Amen.
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Our imperfections. [Isaiah 6 ]
Although our Lord Jesus is perfect and sinless,when we read His genealogy,those chosen by God to be part of the covenant people,none of them were sinless.Even David was far from perfect,likewise Abraham,kings prophets,priests,wealthy or poor they were sinners,chosen by the grace of God,to serve His purpose.
God does not choose perfect people, for then there would be no one to choose,if we are a Christian,it is totally by Gods unmerited favour,in other words by His grace.Salvation is a work of grace from start to finish,now of course that does not mean we are not to seek to be holy [ Matthew 5 v48 ].
Life is ongoing our walk will never be a one hundred percent perfect,so there must perfect repentance.One child of God prayed,/make as me as
holy as a sinful man can be/.
Again let me stress God can use us even though we are imperfect to one
degree or another.If we are willing God can even bless our ministry,yes we
can be a blessing to others.When David sinned ,he repented,and continued
to serve his God,so we can rise even from most gross of failures,and still serve our God.
A prayer
Dear God ,You who are holy,we are amazed that we can be used by You
in spite of our flaws and imperfection's,we thank You in Jesus name Amen.
God does not choose perfect people, for then there would be no one to choose,if we are a Christian,it is totally by Gods unmerited favour,in other words by His grace.Salvation is a work of grace from start to finish,now of course that does not mean we are not to seek to be holy [ Matthew 5 v48 ].
Life is ongoing our walk will never be a one hundred percent perfect,so there must perfect repentance.One child of God prayed,/make as me as
holy as a sinful man can be/.
Again let me stress God can use us even though we are imperfect to one
degree or another.If we are willing God can even bless our ministry,yes we
can be a blessing to others.When David sinned ,he repented,and continued
to serve his God,so we can rise even from most gross of failures,and still serve our God.
A prayer
Dear God ,You who are holy,we are amazed that we can be used by You
in spite of our flaws and imperfection's,we thank You in Jesus name Amen.
Tuesday, 28 April 2015
How long?[ Revelation 6 v 9-11]
In many countries Gods dear children are suffering,a person from North Korea told how he witnessed his brother being beheaded.I receive a magazine,informing me of the suffering that many of Gods children are enduring.Thousands have had to flee from persecution,and so it goes on,and on. As I thought on these things,my mind was directed by Gods Spirit,to the book of Revelation,a book in which we read of many of Gods people being
persecuted. In chapter 6 we read how John the apostle see's an altar and under the altar,the souls of them that were slain,for the word of God,and for the testimony they held.Many are still being added to their ranks,many are being faithful even unto death to this day,v11 stresses that the dying for Christ will be ongoing. We should not be surprised at this,but it of course saddens us immensely, that such suffering is still going on,and there appears
no easing of it,in fact the ferocity of it is increasing.
In verse 10 we read,/And they cried with a loud voice saying,How long,
O Lord,holy and true,dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?./ W Barclay describes an insanity of evil,which is involved in Gods people being persecuted,we can reason with
or hope that it will cease,no the only way it will cease is when God intervenes,like the N T Christians we cry out,how long Lord before You intervene and deal with the wickedness that Your dear people are having to endure?.
A prayer.
Dear Lord we ask that You will uphold,and help those of Your children who
are suffering for You,and ask that You will intervene,Amen
persecuted. In chapter 6 we read how John the apostle see's an altar and under the altar,the souls of them that were slain,for the word of God,and for the testimony they held.Many are still being added to their ranks,many are being faithful even unto death to this day,v11 stresses that the dying for Christ will be ongoing. We should not be surprised at this,but it of course saddens us immensely, that such suffering is still going on,and there appears
no easing of it,in fact the ferocity of it is increasing.
In verse 10 we read,/And they cried with a loud voice saying,How long,
O Lord,holy and true,dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?./ W Barclay describes an insanity of evil,which is involved in Gods people being persecuted,we can reason with
or hope that it will cease,no the only way it will cease is when God intervenes,like the N T Christians we cry out,how long Lord before You intervene and deal with the wickedness that Your dear people are having to endure?.
A prayer.
Dear Lord we ask that You will uphold,and help those of Your children who
are suffering for You,and ask that You will intervene,Amen
Monday, 27 April 2015
The Lord will provide .[John 3 v16]
It was Abraham who declared to his son, God will provide,[Genesis22v8 ],
the context in which this was said involved Abraham ,and his son Isaac.One of the greatest challenges Abraham was to face was being commanded to
offer his son him as a literal sacrifice.As he travelled to the place where he would do this,his son who was ignorant as regards what was really going to happen,asked a question,where is the lamb,for the burnt offering?.It is
then that Abraham,spoke those words,God will provide himself a lamb for
a burnt offering.
Isaac was not sacrificed, and at the altar ,a ram was provided.God indeed had provided a lamb.That animal died in place of Isaac ,and in this we are taught the great truth of substitution,which clearly points to Him,who was called the Lamb of God[John 1 v29/36]. His death on Calvary was a substitutionary death,in other words He was dying for others.Philipp Bliss wrote,/Bearing shame and scoffing rude,in my place condemned He stood/.
All mankind no matter who we are,are sinners by nature and practise,
let me stress the importance of this,for we are all inclined to underestimate this truth,and its terrible consequences.Hell is not something I or any other person has made up,it is clearly taught in Gods word, that sinners will suffer as regards their sin,eternally .
Through His death on the cross Christ has paid the price for our sin,so that we need not be punished,This will take place the moment we trust Him
as our own and personal saviour.
A prayer.
Dear God we praise and thank You for Jesus Your son who died that we may be forgiven,and that we at last can go to heaven Amen .
the context in which this was said involved Abraham ,and his son Isaac.One of the greatest challenges Abraham was to face was being commanded to
offer his son him as a literal sacrifice.As he travelled to the place where he would do this,his son who was ignorant as regards what was really going to happen,asked a question,where is the lamb,for the burnt offering?.It is
then that Abraham,spoke those words,God will provide himself a lamb for
a burnt offering.
Isaac was not sacrificed, and at the altar ,a ram was provided.God indeed had provided a lamb.That animal died in place of Isaac ,and in this we are taught the great truth of substitution,which clearly points to Him,who was called the Lamb of God[John 1 v29/36]. His death on Calvary was a substitutionary death,in other words He was dying for others.Philipp Bliss wrote,/Bearing shame and scoffing rude,in my place condemned He stood/.
All mankind no matter who we are,are sinners by nature and practise,
let me stress the importance of this,for we are all inclined to underestimate this truth,and its terrible consequences.Hell is not something I or any other person has made up,it is clearly taught in Gods word, that sinners will suffer as regards their sin,eternally .
Through His death on the cross Christ has paid the price for our sin,so that we need not be punished,This will take place the moment we trust Him
as our own and personal saviour.
A prayer.
Dear God we praise and thank You for Jesus Your son who died that we may be forgiven,and that we at last can go to heaven Amen .
Sunday, 26 April 2015
Send the fire. [ James 5 v16]
I try to attend a prayer meeting each month,to pray for persecuted Christians,I am sure many people do not realise the extent of whats going on. Last meeting we were told of a young lad of 13 who had petrol pored over him,and set on fire,and of course he died.A great percentage of persecution,is from Islam,the Barnabas aid agency makes this comment,
/Even moderate Muslin's seem to accept the need
for violence against infidels,apostates ,those who
criticise Muhammad and perceived enemies of Islam./
That statement gives me great concern if it is true,and I have no doubt,that it probably is. All I can say in all my time I have prayed for many persecuted
Christians living under political oppression,that is still going on,but Islam
gives me great concern.What can one do?, yes we can approach our own
governments,the United Nation,the European union, but it does not appear
to be making any difference. It appears that many Christians are in Gods sovereignty having to suffer,even martyrdom.
So what can we do ?,we can look back in history, to the early church were many Christian suffered ,Paul was beheaded.Well getting back to my question , what can we do?,we can pray.On our last prayer meeting I was particularly touched by a young women's prayer,as she prayed, she wept'ed.
I could not understand what she was praying,but I did understand the tears,
as indeed does God, such prayers I believe accomplish much.
A prayer.
Dear God deliver us from cold indifferent praying,send the fire Lord ,send the fire,in Jesus name Amen.
/Even moderate Muslin's seem to accept the need
for violence against infidels,apostates ,those who
criticise Muhammad and perceived enemies of Islam./
That statement gives me great concern if it is true,and I have no doubt,that it probably is. All I can say in all my time I have prayed for many persecuted
Christians living under political oppression,that is still going on,but Islam
gives me great concern.What can one do?, yes we can approach our own
governments,the United Nation,the European union, but it does not appear
to be making any difference. It appears that many Christians are in Gods sovereignty having to suffer,even martyrdom.
So what can we do ?,we can look back in history, to the early church were many Christian suffered ,Paul was beheaded.Well getting back to my question , what can we do?,we can pray.On our last prayer meeting I was particularly touched by a young women's prayer,as she prayed, she wept'ed.
I could not understand what she was praying,but I did understand the tears,
as indeed does God, such prayers I believe accomplish much.
A prayer.
Dear God deliver us from cold indifferent praying,send the fire Lord ,send the fire,in Jesus name Amen.
Saturday, 25 April 2015
Requests. [ Psalm 23 v1]
Well the drain problem has been sorted out, of course I did pray, and I believe God answered.If you are facing difficulties, think on the following.
/Be careful for nothing ,but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus[ Philippians4 v6-7 ]/
Think on these words, that is the word of God for us today,and may the
Lord help us to put it into practice.
A prayer.
Dear we place all our needs,worries and difficulties into your hands,
confident that You will answer our requests,in Jesus name Amen.
/Be careful for nothing ,but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus[ Philippians4 v6-7 ]/
Think on these words, that is the word of God for us today,and may the
Lord help us to put it into practice.
A prayer.
Dear we place all our needs,worries and difficulties into your hands,
confident that You will answer our requests,in Jesus name Amen.
Friday, 24 April 2015
Small difficulties.[ Psalm 41 v1 ]
Last night as I walked into our kitchen I found myself treading water,one of the drain pipes was blocked.So I set to work and dried up the water ,but the problem that has caused it has to be sorted out.It is a problem but my mind
turned to the problems that many dear children are suffering,my problem
appears so small and insignificant,compared what they are having to cope with.
I pray for seven dear young Christians in Iran who are in prison for being Christians,now that's big,I think of so many who are suffering
blindness,which a simple operation could solve. Of children left with no one to care for them because their parents died of whatever,of children who are
taken into the sex trade. Keep our small difficulties in proportion,it is not that God will not help us in those difficulties,for even the very hairs on our
counted by Him.
The blocked drain will be dealt with,but let us remember the many today
who are faced with major problems,that are not being dealt with,and let us pray,and if we can,let us help,in some way.
A prayer.
Dear God help us to keep our small difficulties in proportion,help us to see them as small reminders by You to think,pray,and help the many who are
suffering in this world,in Jesus name Amen
turned to the problems that many dear children are suffering,my problem
appears so small and insignificant,compared what they are having to cope with.
I pray for seven dear young Christians in Iran who are in prison for being Christians,now that's big,I think of so many who are suffering
blindness,which a simple operation could solve. Of children left with no one to care for them because their parents died of whatever,of children who are
taken into the sex trade. Keep our small difficulties in proportion,it is not that God will not help us in those difficulties,for even the very hairs on our
counted by Him.
The blocked drain will be dealt with,but let us remember the many today
who are faced with major problems,that are not being dealt with,and let us pray,and if we can,let us help,in some way.
A prayer.
Dear God help us to keep our small difficulties in proportion,help us to see them as small reminders by You to think,pray,and help the many who are
suffering in this world,in Jesus name Amen
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Life is complicated [Psalm 124 ]
Life can be so complicated,with the world,think of all the political turmoil,
the religious turmoil,within industry,society,relationships,and individual
lives.
I have 5 sons who are all married,I have 13 grandchildren,inevitably one observes,or hears of things,that our complicated and it can be one thing after another,it can be all so complicated.The words of Psalm 124 come to mind,there David,reminds his people to consider there past difficulties,the enemies who would have destroyed them.What is David answer to there past difficulties?what is yours?,well David says ,/If it had been the Lord who was on our side,let Israel now say,If it had been the Lord who was on our side,when people rose up against us/
So let us all say those words if it had been for the Lord, what is your
testimony?,how has the Lord undertaken for you?.What difficulties has He brought you through,look at your life ,he spared you in the womb,he delivered you safely at birth, He has brought you through so much,as He has me.The difficulties He has delivered you from,think of those difficulties
,if it had been the Lord intervening,.
If you are saved,then you have experienced the mercy of God through His son Jesus,you are not going to hell ,you are going to heaven.
And so David reminds us that God is still a very present help in time of need,and he boldly declares,/Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earthv8.
A prayer.
O God our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.
Amen.
the religious turmoil,within industry,society,relationships,and individual
lives.
I have 5 sons who are all married,I have 13 grandchildren,inevitably one observes,or hears of things,that our complicated and it can be one thing after another,it can be all so complicated.The words of Psalm 124 come to mind,there David,reminds his people to consider there past difficulties,the enemies who would have destroyed them.What is David answer to there past difficulties?what is yours?,well David says ,/If it had been the Lord who was on our side,let Israel now say,If it had been the Lord who was on our side,when people rose up against us/
So let us all say those words if it had been for the Lord, what is your
testimony?,how has the Lord undertaken for you?.What difficulties has He brought you through,look at your life ,he spared you in the womb,he delivered you safely at birth, He has brought you through so much,as He has me.The difficulties He has delivered you from,think of those difficulties
,if it had been the Lord intervening,.
If you are saved,then you have experienced the mercy of God through His son Jesus,you are not going to hell ,you are going to heaven.
And so David reminds us that God is still a very present help in time of need,and he boldly declares,/Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earthv8.
A prayer.
O God our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.
Amen.
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
I am also important. [ 1 John 3 v 1 ]
I am reading about Abraham, God chose him,promised him great things,we can think of the many other great people in the Bible,Moses,Joshua,Samuel,
David,and many other great people. They were great people,called to do great things,but what about you and I,is God just concerned with these great
people?,and the answer is no.
We are equally important to God,you may ask ,well how is that so?because Jesus died for you,that's how important all Gods children are to Him,that is how precious you are to Him
God had a purpose for the lives of those great people,so He has a purpose for your life and mine. Like them we are to live by faith,in the situation we are in,and the circumstances we have to face,and the path,and purpose God has chosen for us.
Consider how this applies to us,what are our circumstances?where has God placed us,how are we coping?I Where in His sovereignty has He placed us,Joseph found himself in prison,many of Gods dear children are in prison.
Now where has He placed you and me?,Paul also found himself in a prison
yet it is obvious that in his imprisonments he learnt many lessons,are we
teachable?.Joyce G.Baldwin writes,/Faith requires testing if is to grow/,
next she writes,/Even more fundamentally,faith can be exercised only
when its focus is unseen/.In other words we must kept our eyes of faith on Him who is invisible,and in what He has promised us.The God of Abraham
is with us and He will fulfil what He has promised us,for He is no respecter of persons.[Acts 10 v34]
A prayer.
Dear God and Father,thank You that You love all Your children equally
that You have a purpose for all our lives, help me to have faith in You and
Your purpose,and plan for my life,in Jesus name I ask this Amen .
David,and many other great people. They were great people,called to do great things,but what about you and I,is God just concerned with these great
people?,and the answer is no.
We are equally important to God,you may ask ,well how is that so?because Jesus died for you,that's how important all Gods children are to Him,that is how precious you are to Him
God had a purpose for the lives of those great people,so He has a purpose for your life and mine. Like them we are to live by faith,in the situation we are in,and the circumstances we have to face,and the path,and purpose God has chosen for us.
Consider how this applies to us,what are our circumstances?where has God placed us,how are we coping?I Where in His sovereignty has He placed us,Joseph found himself in prison,many of Gods dear children are in prison.
Now where has He placed you and me?,Paul also found himself in a prison
yet it is obvious that in his imprisonments he learnt many lessons,are we
teachable?.Joyce G.Baldwin writes,/Faith requires testing if is to grow/,
next she writes,/Even more fundamentally,faith can be exercised only
when its focus is unseen/.In other words we must kept our eyes of faith on Him who is invisible,and in what He has promised us.The God of Abraham
is with us and He will fulfil what He has promised us,for He is no respecter of persons.[Acts 10 v34]
A prayer.
Dear God and Father,thank You that You love all Your children equally
that You have a purpose for all our lives, help me to have faith in You and
Your purpose,and plan for my life,in Jesus name I ask this Amen .
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
I hate people [John 3 v16 / Exodus 22v 21]
A musician called Tom Lehrer said/ I know there are people who do not love their fellow man,and I hate people like that/ I suppose a lot of people do not really love their fellow men,there are people who love animals,more than humans,there are people who love their money more than there fellow
human beings,and so we could go on.
At this time Italy is being inundated with people from Africa,many are fleeing from oppressive regine's,many our poor and our seeking a better life. We may frown at immigration,but it has always been so,English people have immigrated all over the world,like the Irish,the Italians and so many more.
I come from Northern Ireland,I now live in England,I had two uncles who
did likewise.
We have a political party whose main emphases is on emigration,so do I hate my fellow man ,because they are doing what millions have done before?,and in a sense what I have done.?
It may seem obvious but God loves everyone,yes everyone, I am sure his heart goes out to those trying to escape from poverty,persecution,and a multitude of other reasons.
I suppose a lot people do not really love their fellow man,and I hate people like that.
A prayer.
Oh God of love help me to love everyone,as You do in Jesus name Amen.
human beings,and so we could go on.
At this time Italy is being inundated with people from Africa,many are fleeing from oppressive regine's,many our poor and our seeking a better life. We may frown at immigration,but it has always been so,English people have immigrated all over the world,like the Irish,the Italians and so many more.
I come from Northern Ireland,I now live in England,I had two uncles who
did likewise.
We have a political party whose main emphases is on emigration,so do I hate my fellow man ,because they are doing what millions have done before?,and in a sense what I have done.?
It may seem obvious but God loves everyone,yes everyone, I am sure his heart goes out to those trying to escape from poverty,persecution,and a multitude of other reasons.
I suppose a lot people do not really love their fellow man,and I hate people like that.
A prayer.
Oh God of love help me to love everyone,as You do in Jesus name Amen.
Monday, 20 April 2015
New hearts for old ones.[ Ezekiel 19 -21 ]
There it was on the front page of a newspaper,daddy has become mammy,there is much talk driven by the media as regards gender.We read of children who have a fixation in their minds are acting in a confused manner, end up saying, God has made a mistake,boys say that they believe they are girls,and girls saying they are boys.It is all very confusion,long held views are discarded,mans fallen nature takes over,people become trapped in a wrong thought process.
One of my sons spoke of the supermarket he shopped in,a person on the till,was dressed as woman,but it was very obvious the person was a man,if that person was a woman they would have one first prize in the ugly sisters competition. One can smile at this but it is all very sad,and one wonders,
whats next on the agenda?.
Now I know from experience how ones mind can become ensnared in
wrong thought patterns ,that can destroy our lives.Millions of people are ensnared in pornography,years ago people used to buy sexual explicit
photos,from wherever,now it is so easy to view these things on the net.
Mankind is advancing in so many areas of life in health,in technology,
but none of these things can change the human heart,which the Bible
tells us is deceitful and desperately wicked [Jeremiah 17 v9] Thankfully
there is an answer, God,who can change us when we repent ,seek forgiveness and trust Jesus to be ones Saviour.
A prayer.
Dear God help us not be drawn into a world of confusion,and for those who have ,grant mercy,save and deliver them through Your son Jesus,Amen.
One of my sons spoke of the supermarket he shopped in,a person on the till,was dressed as woman,but it was very obvious the person was a man,if that person was a woman they would have one first prize in the ugly sisters competition. One can smile at this but it is all very sad,and one wonders,
whats next on the agenda?.
Now I know from experience how ones mind can become ensnared in
wrong thought patterns ,that can destroy our lives.Millions of people are ensnared in pornography,years ago people used to buy sexual explicit
photos,from wherever,now it is so easy to view these things on the net.
Mankind is advancing in so many areas of life in health,in technology,
but none of these things can change the human heart,which the Bible
tells us is deceitful and desperately wicked [Jeremiah 17 v9] Thankfully
there is an answer, God,who can change us when we repent ,seek forgiveness and trust Jesus to be ones Saviour.
A prayer.
Dear God help us not be drawn into a world of confusion,and for those who have ,grant mercy,save and deliver them through Your son Jesus,Amen.
Sunday, 19 April 2015
Looking back. [Psalm 37 v 23 ]
Let us consider a looking back that is profitable,and for that, we turn to king David,the man after Gods own heart,and the words he wrote in Psalm 37v25
/I have been young,and now am old ,yet I have seen the righteous forsaken ,
nor his seed begging bread/. I would say a big amen to that.I have just turned 71,and have retired, I have been following the Lord for 51 years,I have brought up a family of 5 lads,and in all this ,I can say God has been faithful.Although all this is true I continually need encouragement,because life is ongoing,one is still prone to worry,still vulnerable,still tempted to doubt,still tempted and attacked by the Devil.
So like David I can take encouragement from looking back at how God has cared for me,and for others who know the Lord.Yes God has no favourites,He loves all His children,not just the privileged few.
Consider all that David experienced,he had his successes,but he also had his failures,but God continued to be faithful.
In this Psalm he tells us to keep our eyes firmly on the Lord,v1 we are told not to worry about those who do wrong.Stop looking at others ,that can only pull us down,why? may be, the word you are continually using?,God says, stop it, instead we are told to do three things.
[a]Trust in the Lord and do good.v3.
[b]Delight yourself in the Lord.v4
[c]Commit your way to the Lordv5
Each of these verses stress , when we do those three things, good will follow.
A prayer
Dear God we praise you for your faithfulness, and that You are the same yesterday,today,and forever, in Jesus name Amen .
/I have been young,and now am old ,yet I have seen the righteous forsaken ,
nor his seed begging bread/. I would say a big amen to that.I have just turned 71,and have retired, I have been following the Lord for 51 years,I have brought up a family of 5 lads,and in all this ,I can say God has been faithful.Although all this is true I continually need encouragement,because life is ongoing,one is still prone to worry,still vulnerable,still tempted to doubt,still tempted and attacked by the Devil.
So like David I can take encouragement from looking back at how God has cared for me,and for others who know the Lord.Yes God has no favourites,He loves all His children,not just the privileged few.
Consider all that David experienced,he had his successes,but he also had his failures,but God continued to be faithful.
In this Psalm he tells us to keep our eyes firmly on the Lord,v1 we are told not to worry about those who do wrong.Stop looking at others ,that can only pull us down,why? may be, the word you are continually using?,God says, stop it, instead we are told to do three things.
[a]Trust in the Lord and do good.v3.
[b]Delight yourself in the Lord.v4
[c]Commit your way to the Lordv5
Each of these verses stress , when we do those three things, good will follow.
A prayer
Dear God we praise you for your faithfulness, and that You are the same yesterday,today,and forever, in Jesus name Amen .
Saturday, 18 April 2015
Looking back. [Philippians 3 v 10-14 ]
Next let us consider a looking back that is unprofitable ,and hindering,we read about in Philippians 3 v12-14. The great apostle had achieved much,he
was a very spiritual mature man,but he makes it clear that he is not resting in that,no he declares,/I focus on this one thing,forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race/.
I come from a country that has known so much trouble,so much conflict,when I was young I used to go and watch the 12th of July parades.
banners would be carried depicting the victory of William of Orange a
Protestant King and his victory over James a Catholic king,at the battle of
the Boyne,in 1690.The battle of the Boyne is over but unfortunately the war continues on,because so many are prisoners of their past.
The second world war was caused because of the 1st world war,and Germany pride,the result they embraced Hitler the mass murderer.
So many present troubles between nations and individuals can be traced back to the past,the Muslin's still hold bitterness because of the Crusaders.
A prayer.
Dear God help us not to be prisoners of our past hurts,failures,traditions
successes,grant unto us us the freedom to move to forget and move on in Jesus name Amen.
was a very spiritual mature man,but he makes it clear that he is not resting in that,no he declares,/I focus on this one thing,forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race/.
I come from a country that has known so much trouble,so much conflict,when I was young I used to go and watch the 12th of July parades.
banners would be carried depicting the victory of William of Orange a
Protestant King and his victory over James a Catholic king,at the battle of
the Boyne,in 1690.The battle of the Boyne is over but unfortunately the war continues on,because so many are prisoners of their past.
The second world war was caused because of the 1st world war,and Germany pride,the result they embraced Hitler the mass murderer.
So many present troubles between nations and individuals can be traced back to the past,the Muslin's still hold bitterness because of the Crusaders.
A prayer.
Dear God help us not to be prisoners of our past hurts,failures,traditions
successes,grant unto us us the freedom to move to forget and move on in Jesus name Amen.
Friday, 17 April 2015
Looking back [Genesis 19 v 26]
Today let us consider ,/Looking back/, firstly, the looking back that is dangerous, the greatest example of this ,was Lots wife,we do not know her name,other that she was Lots wife.She lived with her husband and family in
a place called Sodom,now that was a very wicked place,so wicked that God decided to destroy it. God is a God of mercy,we are told that He delights in mercy,but if men and women reject that mercy,and continue to live in sin He will judge. Sodom and its sister city Gomorrah were such a people, and were ripe for the judgement.
The godly Abraham,had pleaded with God ,the words he used in Genesis
18v23,very significant,Shall not the judge of all the earth do right,and God
did just that,yes He judged the wicked,but He rescued Lot and his two daughters.He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy.
Before God judged these cities,Lot ,his wife,and daughters were told,
escape for thy life,look not behind thee[Genesis19v17]. Unfortunately she did not take those words serious ,in 19 v27,she looked back and immediately,she turned into a pillar of salt.We cannot tell why she did this,
But we do know the consequences,whither it was curiosity,or nostalgia.The sad thing is she paid a terrible price.We must learn the lesson of taking God serious,and obeying Him,for if we don't we may have to pay a terrible price.
A prayer.
Dear God help us to take serious what You say,by our obedience,in Jesus name Amen.
a place called Sodom,now that was a very wicked place,so wicked that God decided to destroy it. God is a God of mercy,we are told that He delights in mercy,but if men and women reject that mercy,and continue to live in sin He will judge. Sodom and its sister city Gomorrah were such a people, and were ripe for the judgement.
The godly Abraham,had pleaded with God ,the words he used in Genesis
18v23,very significant,Shall not the judge of all the earth do right,and God
did just that,yes He judged the wicked,but He rescued Lot and his two daughters.He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy.
Before God judged these cities,Lot ,his wife,and daughters were told,
escape for thy life,look not behind thee[Genesis19v17]. Unfortunately she did not take those words serious ,in 19 v27,she looked back and immediately,she turned into a pillar of salt.We cannot tell why she did this,
But we do know the consequences,whither it was curiosity,or nostalgia.The sad thing is she paid a terrible price.We must learn the lesson of taking God serious,and obeying Him,for if we don't we may have to pay a terrible price.
A prayer.
Dear God help us to take serious what You say,by our obedience,in Jesus name Amen.
Thursday, 16 April 2015
A delema [ Jude v3 ]
There is a Christian of long standing,he is in church,which is friendly,the minister is a nice person,who he prays for every day.It is an evangelical
church,but the minister lacks a evangelical voice,this causes my friend great concern.For my friend knows that faith cometh by hearing and hearing
by the word of God.
What can my friend do?,he does not want to cause trouble in the church,
before the present minister came,the church had experienced a lot of trouble
So again the question arises what should my friend do?to speak out or not to speak that is the question?.
The words of our Saviour come to mind,speaking as regards His church,
that they may be one [John 17v21].It should always be our chief concern to promote unity within the church.In Psalm 133 we read,/Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity. Is this always possible?, it may not always be ,but it appears to me,it should be our aim.
It was the apostle Paul who had challenged Peter,who was by his
behaviour compromising the truth of the Gospel[ Galatians 2 v11ff].Paul
puts this way,/I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel/.So it would appear to be acceptable to intervene when the truth of the Gospel is being undermined.
The importance of unity is of major importance,and so the truth,
A prayer
Dear God grant that we will all we can to maintain unity,but help us also be faithful to truth in Jesus name Amen.
church,but the minister lacks a evangelical voice,this causes my friend great concern.For my friend knows that faith cometh by hearing and hearing
by the word of God.
What can my friend do?,he does not want to cause trouble in the church,
before the present minister came,the church had experienced a lot of trouble
So again the question arises what should my friend do?to speak out or not to speak that is the question?.
The words of our Saviour come to mind,speaking as regards His church,
that they may be one [John 17v21].It should always be our chief concern to promote unity within the church.In Psalm 133 we read,/Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity. Is this always possible?, it may not always be ,but it appears to me,it should be our aim.
It was the apostle Paul who had challenged Peter,who was by his
behaviour compromising the truth of the Gospel[ Galatians 2 v11ff].Paul
puts this way,/I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel/.So it would appear to be acceptable to intervene when the truth of the Gospel is being undermined.
The importance of unity is of major importance,and so the truth,
A prayer
Dear God grant that we will all we can to maintain unity,but help us also be faithful to truth in Jesus name Amen.
Wednesday, 15 April 2015
Christ [Jude 3-4]
The reformation came about because the visible church ,had fallen into error
,often this has been the case.The church under the Papacy had become
political powerful,with its own army,one does not have to look back on the history of Rome,to see how far from the truth they had strayed.But they are not on their own, Germany the birth place of the reformation,gave way to liberal Theology,when the Nazi party came into power,some Christian groups identified with them.In South Africa the church took on board
apartheid,with all its evils,and in the land of the free,many churches were deeply racist.
It is in 1 Corinthians 1 v23,we,/ But we preach Christ and Him crucified,/
having said that,it is one thing to say that,and unlike Paul not really preach the the truth of whom Christ really is, and miss out in what His death is really about.The cults can sound like Christians, but under the searchlight of
Gods word,they show themselves to be in the land of make believe.
True Christian faith is commitment to the Christ of the Bible,when we stray from this then we have left the path of truth. This means accepting
who the Bible says He is,the Son of God,which means He is divine,God manifested in the flesh.It means trusting in him alone,and his saving work,
on the cross,we must not add to it,or weaken this truth.
Now there will be many things that even as Christians we will differ on
that is no a problem,we will have to agree to disagree,but there it must stop.
We must not compromise,must not ,on the person of Christ,and His atoning work.
A prayer.
Dear God help to hold fast to Your word,and the truth who Christ is and His saving work on Calvary. in His name we ask this Amen .
,often this has been the case.The church under the Papacy had become
political powerful,with its own army,one does not have to look back on the history of Rome,to see how far from the truth they had strayed.But they are not on their own, Germany the birth place of the reformation,gave way to liberal Theology,when the Nazi party came into power,some Christian groups identified with them.In South Africa the church took on board
apartheid,with all its evils,and in the land of the free,many churches were deeply racist.
It is in 1 Corinthians 1 v23,we,/ But we preach Christ and Him crucified,/
having said that,it is one thing to say that,and unlike Paul not really preach the the truth of whom Christ really is, and miss out in what His death is really about.The cults can sound like Christians, but under the searchlight of
Gods word,they show themselves to be in the land of make believe.
True Christian faith is commitment to the Christ of the Bible,when we stray from this then we have left the path of truth. This means accepting
who the Bible says He is,the Son of God,which means He is divine,God manifested in the flesh.It means trusting in him alone,and his saving work,
on the cross,we must not add to it,or weaken this truth.
Now there will be many things that even as Christians we will differ on
that is no a problem,we will have to agree to disagree,but there it must stop.
We must not compromise,must not ,on the person of Christ,and His atoning work.
A prayer.
Dear God help to hold fast to Your word,and the truth who Christ is and His saving work on Calvary. in His name we ask this Amen .
Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Christ alone [ John 14 v6]
David Atkinson writes the following , /Christian faith is not in baptism,or faith in the church. Nor is it faith in faith itself,as though our believing was what mattered. Christian faith is commitment to Christ Himself./
I believe that we need to grasp what that brother has written, because there are so many,who believe that Baptism saves on its own,and there are millions who believe that their church will save them.As to the latter, how
many churches in New Testament times fell into error[CP.Revelation 2-3]
The fact of the matter churches can get it wrong, and when they do,it can cause tremendous problems.As one reads the New Testament the people who opposed our Saviour the most were the church leaders.Compare what
He said to them in John 8 v44,that they were of their father the Devil.also chapter 23 of Matthew,which is very scatting,and its in verse 15,the awful effect they had on others in their care.
Now let us seek to balance things up,I am not seeking to provoke a riot,
or unsettle you as regards your church or church leaders.In 1 Corithians11 v1,the apostle wrote ,/Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ/.
Also in Galations 1v8,the apostle writes,/But though we,or an angel from heaven,preach any other gospel unto you.....let him be accursed.
We will consider this more tomorrow,
A prayer.
Dear God help us to be sure that we are trusting in Christ alone for our Salvation,Amen.
I believe that we need to grasp what that brother has written, because there are so many,who believe that Baptism saves on its own,and there are millions who believe that their church will save them.As to the latter, how
many churches in New Testament times fell into error[CP.Revelation 2-3]
The fact of the matter churches can get it wrong, and when they do,it can cause tremendous problems.As one reads the New Testament the people who opposed our Saviour the most were the church leaders.Compare what
He said to them in John 8 v44,that they were of their father the Devil.also chapter 23 of Matthew,which is very scatting,and its in verse 15,the awful effect they had on others in their care.
Now let us seek to balance things up,I am not seeking to provoke a riot,
or unsettle you as regards your church or church leaders.In 1 Corithians11 v1,the apostle wrote ,/Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ/.
Also in Galations 1v8,the apostle writes,/But though we,or an angel from heaven,preach any other gospel unto you.....let him be accursed.
We will consider this more tomorrow,
A prayer.
Dear God help us to be sure that we are trusting in Christ alone for our Salvation,Amen.
Monday, 13 April 2015
Driving [ 1 Thessalonians 5 v18]
My daughter in law passed her driving test recently,there are things one never forgets ,passing ones driving test is one of them. I can remember passing mine and how being able to drive,has been such a blessing,and indeed still is.I have been able to work at my present job,without it,it would not been possible,being able to drive ,has enabled me to do it.
As I look back I am truly thankful for Gods provision,at this time my wife and I both have a car,it was not also so,my first three cars were given to me by Christians.I never did have much money to buy or to run a car but God provided,in wonderful ways.
I have travelled thousands of miles and God has kept me safe,that is not
because I am a great driver,no it is because God has kept me safe,oh yes I have been in accidents, some my fault,not all,but I have not sustained any
injury. I have never received a speed ticket,not because I have kept to the speed limit,I have tried,as a Christian I should keep the speed limit,but it is not always possible
The reason I am telling you these things is to express my thanks to God
for His goodness in that area of my life.
A prayer.
Dear God thank You for ever blessing in our lives,especially for being able to drive,providing the means to drive,and keeping us safe in Jesus name Amen
As I look back I am truly thankful for Gods provision,at this time my wife and I both have a car,it was not also so,my first three cars were given to me by Christians.I never did have much money to buy or to run a car but God provided,in wonderful ways.
I have travelled thousands of miles and God has kept me safe,that is not
because I am a great driver,no it is because God has kept me safe,oh yes I have been in accidents, some my fault,not all,but I have not sustained any
injury. I have never received a speed ticket,not because I have kept to the speed limit,I have tried,as a Christian I should keep the speed limit,but it is not always possible
The reason I am telling you these things is to express my thanks to God
for His goodness in that area of my life.
A prayer.
Dear God thank You for ever blessing in our lives,especially for being able to drive,providing the means to drive,and keeping us safe in Jesus name Amen
Sunday, 12 April 2015
A wise old owl. [James 1 v 26-27]
I received a present from a a group I have run for many years,on my coming retirement,it is a large garden ornamental wise old owl. I hope I am
a wise old owl.I hope you are,wisdom is so very important in life,of course ,
there is a vast difference between earthly wisdom, and Godly wisdom.There
is a big difference between the two,as indeed there is a big difference
between the worlds idea of love and Gods,
Lets return to the wise old owl,there is a little poem about a wise old owl,
it reads. A wise old owl lived in an oak.
The more he saw the less he spoke.
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can't we all be like that wise old owl.
It is James who wrote, /If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue ,you are fooling yourself,and your religion is worthless./Sometimes I let my tongue run a way with me,sometimes I say the the wrong thing.
Verse 27 of James 1,reminds us that good and godly actions speak louder
than words,/Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father,means caring for orphans and widows in their distress,and refusing to let the world corrupt you./
A prayer.
Dear God forgive us for our uncontrolled tongue,and our lack of good works in Jesus name Amen .
a wise old owl.I hope you are,wisdom is so very important in life,of course ,
there is a vast difference between earthly wisdom, and Godly wisdom.There
is a big difference between the two,as indeed there is a big difference
between the worlds idea of love and Gods,
Lets return to the wise old owl,there is a little poem about a wise old owl,
it reads. A wise old owl lived in an oak.
The more he saw the less he spoke.
The less he spoke the more he heard.
Why can't we all be like that wise old owl.
It is James who wrote, /If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue ,you are fooling yourself,and your religion is worthless./Sometimes I let my tongue run a way with me,sometimes I say the the wrong thing.
Verse 27 of James 1,reminds us that good and godly actions speak louder
than words,/Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father,means caring for orphans and widows in their distress,and refusing to let the world corrupt you./
A prayer.
Dear God forgive us for our uncontrolled tongue,and our lack of good works in Jesus name Amen .
Saturday, 11 April 2015
Unfairness. [ Hebrews11 v36 ff ]
I read this recently/Faith has to live with what seems to us unfairness,and
leave some uncertainties unresolved, within the mystery of Gods gracious providence/.It is children who usually say its not fair,many adults may say it also or at least think it.
The bible is full of people who experienced what I see as unfairness,
Joseph,what did he do ,to warrant such hatred,Job a very godly person likewise, many of the prophets had to cope with so much,and as for the disciples,and the apostle Paul,surely they did not deserve such awful treatment. I often hear said as regards suffering, Christians,how unfair it is to suffer just for being a Christian. Consider what we read in 2 Peter 4 v12,/
/Beloved , think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened unto you./In other words do not think that your suffering is strange,We follow Him who ended up on a cross even though it was unfair,He never uttered the words it is not fair,
of course it was not fair.Why should He die because I did wrong,but die He did.
DA remarks ,/Faith has to live with ,what seems to be unfairness/,the question is, am I prepared for that?am I prepared to leave uncertainties
unresolved,am I prepared to do this, ?.Am I prepared to leave all the unfairness ,within the mystery of Gods gracious providence?/
A prayer.
Dear God grant us grace to leave unfairness to Your sovereign providence,
in Jesus name Amen.
leave some uncertainties unresolved, within the mystery of Gods gracious providence/.It is children who usually say its not fair,many adults may say it also or at least think it.
The bible is full of people who experienced what I see as unfairness,
Joseph,what did he do ,to warrant such hatred,Job a very godly person likewise, many of the prophets had to cope with so much,and as for the disciples,and the apostle Paul,surely they did not deserve such awful treatment. I often hear said as regards suffering, Christians,how unfair it is to suffer just for being a Christian. Consider what we read in 2 Peter 4 v12,/
/Beloved , think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened unto you./In other words do not think that your suffering is strange,We follow Him who ended up on a cross even though it was unfair,He never uttered the words it is not fair,
of course it was not fair.Why should He die because I did wrong,but die He did.
DA remarks ,/Faith has to live with ,what seems to be unfairness/,the question is, am I prepared for that?am I prepared to leave uncertainties
unresolved,am I prepared to do this, ?.Am I prepared to leave all the unfairness ,within the mystery of Gods gracious providence?/
A prayer.
Dear God grant us grace to leave unfairness to Your sovereign providence,
in Jesus name Amen.
Friday, 10 April 2015
The land of restlessness. [ John 14 v27]
The result of Cain's sin was, he became a fugitive and a vagabond,he had entered what David Atkinson calls,the land of restlessness.As we consider
the history of humanity,and even present humanity ,we see nothing but restlessness. Oh, does one not long for peace,for nation to stop striving with
each other,it seems to me that people take pleasure in conflict.
A man called Helmut Thielocke writes about the world becoming fatherless,so becoming a weird and homeless place,driven into unending flight.Every tree,every milestone becomes a threat.
Think of the many people who are on the move in this world,refugee's,
asylum seekers,economic immigrates.So many people seeking a better life,risking their lives to achieve their aim.There are so many whose spirits are truly restless ,who find it hard to rest,hard to settle.
Ask yourself are you at rest?or am I driven human being,is your continual thought if only my ship would come in.
There was a time when divorce was very limited,not now with the
advance of the a so called liberation spirit,many find it hard to be settled,many have not only been divorced, but divorced many times,many have taken on the mantle of Henry the 8th.
Again let me quote by D.A. /To live within the will of God is the way of peace,when we are separated from God, our world is one constantly
searching anxiety. Only in God is our satisfaction,anywhere else, as Augustine said,our hearts are restless until they rest in God/
A prayer.
Dear God we thank You that You sent Your son in order that we may know
peace,Amen
the history of humanity,and even present humanity ,we see nothing but restlessness. Oh, does one not long for peace,for nation to stop striving with
each other,it seems to me that people take pleasure in conflict.
A man called Helmut Thielocke writes about the world becoming fatherless,so becoming a weird and homeless place,driven into unending flight.Every tree,every milestone becomes a threat.
Think of the many people who are on the move in this world,refugee's,
asylum seekers,economic immigrates.So many people seeking a better life,risking their lives to achieve their aim.There are so many whose spirits are truly restless ,who find it hard to rest,hard to settle.
Ask yourself are you at rest?or am I driven human being,is your continual thought if only my ship would come in.
There was a time when divorce was very limited,not now with the
advance of the a so called liberation spirit,many find it hard to be settled,many have not only been divorced, but divorced many times,many have taken on the mantle of Henry the 8th.
Again let me quote by D.A. /To live within the will of God is the way of peace,when we are separated from God, our world is one constantly
searching anxiety. Only in God is our satisfaction,anywhere else, as Augustine said,our hearts are restless until they rest in God/
A prayer.
Dear God we thank You that You sent Your son in order that we may know
peace,Amen
Thursday, 9 April 2015
My work. [ John 9 v 4]
With retirement looming up,I am continually asked what am I going to do?
I reply I do not know.So what am I going to do?,Well here is my answer,
it may not satisfy everyone,but it is this,my work is to do the will of Him
who saved me.
I spend a good deal of my time in prayer,I am sure that will not change,
prayer is so vital,so many people and situations to pray about,so what will I do?,I will spend time in prayer.
I will continue to study Gods word,the little children's chorus ,goes read your bible pray everyday if you want to grow.The Christian life is, or should be, a growing experience.
Where God grants me the opportunity I will continue to preach,hopefully that will not change,He can make a way.
I will continue to do my blog,I am so grateful to be able to minister on the Internet,my prayer is that God will encourage and instruct believers,and those who are not saved may come to Christ.
I will continue to serve ,in my home,or wherever God wants me to,
whatever His will is for me,that will be my work.
A prayer.
Dear God I pray that Your will be done in me,in all the work I carry out,
in Jesus name. Amen .
I reply I do not know.So what am I going to do?,Well here is my answer,
it may not satisfy everyone,but it is this,my work is to do the will of Him
who saved me.
I spend a good deal of my time in prayer,I am sure that will not change,
prayer is so vital,so many people and situations to pray about,so what will I do?,I will spend time in prayer.
I will continue to study Gods word,the little children's chorus ,goes read your bible pray everyday if you want to grow.The Christian life is, or should be, a growing experience.
Where God grants me the opportunity I will continue to preach,hopefully that will not change,He can make a way.
I will continue to do my blog,I am so grateful to be able to minister on the Internet,my prayer is that God will encourage and instruct believers,and those who are not saved may come to Christ.
I will continue to serve ,in my home,or wherever God wants me to,
whatever His will is for me,that will be my work.
A prayer.
Dear God I pray that Your will be done in me,in all the work I carry out,
in Jesus name. Amen .
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
God [Isaiah 40]
When I played the guitar I had to tune it,with the help of a little electric tuner,now one of my grandsons plays the guitar. Now he has a part time job,so he saved his wages up and bought an electric guitar,it cost him quite a lot.He brought it out to show me.Now the thing about this guitar it tunes itself,I watched in amazement as I saw the screws turning,on their own,
I found it absolutely fascinating.
As a man of 71, I have seen so many new inventions the list is endless,
and I take them for granted, I cease to be amazed. But that changed in
that moment when I saw that guitar,to me it was truly amazing.
I think it is possible we as Christians can loose our sense of amazement
in relation to God,and how amazing He is, just in Himself truly amazing.
God is Spirit what does that mean?,it means something truly amazing,which we can only grasp at.Jesus tells us God is Spirit,the Mormons god has a body,not so the God of the Bible.
God is a triune being Father, Son ,and Holy Spirit,try to work that out,one cannot,so the JWs rationalise this truth away. They say how,the Bible does not tell us the how,but it declares it to be so.
God is holy,again it is something we fail to really appreciate,we are ,sin has clouded our perception of all things especially, God who is Holy. The natural man thinks that they will be accepted by a god that to some extent is a concoction of their own fallenness.We who are Christians,
know that God is Holy,but how careless we are ,with our minds,eyes,ears,
and actions.
A prayer.
Dear God forgave us for loosing sight of You,awake in all us a sense of
amazement as to You,our amazing God ,in Jesus name Amen .
I found it absolutely fascinating.
As a man of 71, I have seen so many new inventions the list is endless,
and I take them for granted, I cease to be amazed. But that changed in
that moment when I saw that guitar,to me it was truly amazing.
I think it is possible we as Christians can loose our sense of amazement
in relation to God,and how amazing He is, just in Himself truly amazing.
God is Spirit what does that mean?,it means something truly amazing,which we can only grasp at.Jesus tells us God is Spirit,the Mormons god has a body,not so the God of the Bible.
God is a triune being Father, Son ,and Holy Spirit,try to work that out,one cannot,so the JWs rationalise this truth away. They say how,the Bible does not tell us the how,but it declares it to be so.
God is holy,again it is something we fail to really appreciate,we are ,sin has clouded our perception of all things especially, God who is Holy. The natural man thinks that they will be accepted by a god that to some extent is a concoction of their own fallenness.We who are Christians,
know that God is Holy,but how careless we are ,with our minds,eyes,ears,
and actions.
A prayer.
Dear God forgave us for loosing sight of You,awake in all us a sense of
amazement as to You,our amazing God ,in Jesus name Amen .
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
A declaration of intent [Romans 6 v1-6]
On Sunday I had the joy of seeing my grand daughter being baptised,she is aged 15,three other young people were baptised also.Baptism is not something we have thought up,it is something that our Saviour commanded us to do[Matthew 28v19].
Baptism does not save us,but it speaks to us of salvation,the apostle Paul said he had not been sent to baptise,but to preach the gospel.[1 Corinthians 1 v17]He left others to carry out that task,but it was through his preaching
the gospel, that others were saved.Many people who have been baptised have never been saved,a religious rite does not save us,but a personal faith in Jesus does.[CP John 1 v12-13].
In Romans 6 the apostle Paul writes on baptism as symbolising the death and burial of the old way of life.The problem that Paul was dealing with in Romans 6 was caused by people who did not understand,that by their
babtism they had died to sinful practises.Those young people who were baptised were saying that they can no longer run with the crowd,in relation to sexual activity,drug taking,and so on. That does not mean just, not doing certain things,but also facing each day ,in an attitude of love and Christian service. Now although I am stressing these things to those young people,it applies to all Christians . Baptism is not just an emotional experience,it is a declaration of intent for all Christians.
A prayer.
Dear Lord help us to take on board what baptism really means in Your name we ask this Amen.
Baptism does not save us,but it speaks to us of salvation,the apostle Paul said he had not been sent to baptise,but to preach the gospel.[1 Corinthians 1 v17]He left others to carry out that task,but it was through his preaching
the gospel, that others were saved.Many people who have been baptised have never been saved,a religious rite does not save us,but a personal faith in Jesus does.[CP John 1 v12-13].
In Romans 6 the apostle Paul writes on baptism as symbolising the death and burial of the old way of life.The problem that Paul was dealing with in Romans 6 was caused by people who did not understand,that by their
babtism they had died to sinful practises.Those young people who were baptised were saying that they can no longer run with the crowd,in relation to sexual activity,drug taking,and so on. That does not mean just, not doing certain things,but also facing each day ,in an attitude of love and Christian service. Now although I am stressing these things to those young people,it applies to all Christians . Baptism is not just an emotional experience,it is a declaration of intent for all Christians.
A prayer.
Dear Lord help us to take on board what baptism really means in Your name we ask this Amen.
Monday, 6 April 2015
Not knowing [Psalm 23]
It is the not knowing,that we find hard,not knowing,I must confess as I come nearer retiring from my job, I am finding it hard,simple because I do not know how my days will be full,will I become a couch potato?. I am even asking myself should I have made the decision to retire,so if you are a
child of God do pray for me.
I suppose my experience is not unique ,but it is to me,or is it?as I look back, I can truly say,He has been my guide. It has been challenging,but testing, so many times,looking for a way to go forward ,trying doors,that remained shut.
There are valuable lessons to be had in all our experiences,they are Gods means of teaching us,that no matter how long we live,it is a life of faith. You see we are so prone to do it our way,to lean upon our own understand-
ing,so prone to walk the path of seeing,instead of the path of faith.That is
something that we find hard,and yet it is the path we must go,for only the
life of faith honours,and glorifies God.
Another lesson is,the not knowing ,will drive us to Him who is all knowing, it was Job in his not knowing experience,when he was suffering
dreadful things.When God appeared to be no where to be found, Job in faith
declares,/but He knoweth the way I take[Job 23 v10]/ Not only does He know ,but we need to remind ourselves,that He has not,nor will He ever,
forsake us.
A prayer.
Dear God we confess that we worry in so many situations,not knowing is
but one of them grant us grace to be still and know that Thou art God in Jesus name Amen.
child of God do pray for me.
I suppose my experience is not unique ,but it is to me,or is it?as I look back, I can truly say,He has been my guide. It has been challenging,but testing, so many times,looking for a way to go forward ,trying doors,that remained shut.
There are valuable lessons to be had in all our experiences,they are Gods means of teaching us,that no matter how long we live,it is a life of faith. You see we are so prone to do it our way,to lean upon our own understand-
ing,so prone to walk the path of seeing,instead of the path of faith.That is
something that we find hard,and yet it is the path we must go,for only the
life of faith honours,and glorifies God.
Another lesson is,the not knowing ,will drive us to Him who is all knowing, it was Job in his not knowing experience,when he was suffering
dreadful things.When God appeared to be no where to be found, Job in faith
declares,/but He knoweth the way I take[Job 23 v10]/ Not only does He know ,but we need to remind ourselves,that He has not,nor will He ever,
forsake us.
A prayer.
Dear God we confess that we worry in so many situations,not knowing is
but one of them grant us grace to be still and know that Thou art God in Jesus name Amen.
Sunday, 5 April 2015
Faith, Hope, and Love. [ Hebrews 12 v 2 ]
And now abideth,faith,hope ,love[1 Corinthians 13 v13]let us briefly examine these three things.Faith in its purest form, is a spiritual exercise,
it believes in that which it cannot see,the message puts it like this,/Its our handle on what we can't see.The act of faith is what distinguished our
ancestors,set them above the crowd[Hebrews 11 v1]/ I have never seen the risen Christ,but I believe in Him,believe that He died for me on the cross.
Hope ,for the Christian this is not a maybe hope but a sure and certain hope,one could say it is the fruit of faith. I am told certain things from Gods word, I believe them,we believe the Easter message,forgiveness ,and the
resurrection,so hope is placed within my heart.My sin is forgiven, I will
be resurrected from the dead .Here we have a sure and certain hope,which
come through faith in Jesus.
Love is manifested in its fullest measure through Christ,dying on the
cross for us sinners,the hymn wrote ,Love so amazing, so divine demands,
my soul ,my life ,my all. He never gives up on us,He cares for us,He not
only forgives,but He chooses not to remember,our past sins and failures.
A prayer.
Dear God we praise You that through faith in Jesus Your son we are blessed,with hope,and love. Amen.
it believes in that which it cannot see,the message puts it like this,/Its our handle on what we can't see.The act of faith is what distinguished our
ancestors,set them above the crowd[Hebrews 11 v1]/ I have never seen the risen Christ,but I believe in Him,believe that He died for me on the cross.
Hope ,for the Christian this is not a maybe hope but a sure and certain hope,one could say it is the fruit of faith. I am told certain things from Gods word, I believe them,we believe the Easter message,forgiveness ,and the
resurrection,so hope is placed within my heart.My sin is forgiven, I will
be resurrected from the dead .Here we have a sure and certain hope,which
come through faith in Jesus.
Love is manifested in its fullest measure through Christ,dying on the
cross for us sinners,the hymn wrote ,Love so amazing, so divine demands,
my soul ,my life ,my all. He never gives up on us,He cares for us,He not
only forgives,but He chooses not to remember,our past sins and failures.
A prayer.
Dear God we praise You that through faith in Jesus Your son we are blessed,with hope,and love. Amen.
Saturday, 4 April 2015
Time [ 2 Corinthians 6 v2 ]
One of the most popular TV programmes is Dr Who,he is a time lord who travels through time in a Tardas which is in the shape of an old fashion
police box.A time lord,I wonder how you look at time,David Atkinson, writes,/To the Hebrew mind,what matters about time was not so much in
what things happened,as the significance that the moment held/. When I come into Easter time,I am reminded of what took place,over 2000yrs ago,on a personal level it reminds me of that evening 51yrs ago,when I came back to the Lord.
I wonder can you look back at a time when you trusted Jesus as Saviour,
John and Charles Wesley were remarkable men,they both were ministers,and even went to America to minister .They gave up in the end and returned to England,a religious group called the Moravians,had a distinct influence upon them.One day the Moravian pastor spoke to John,he asked him,do you know Jesus Christ?,John replied,I know that he is Saviour of the world,true replied the pastor,but do you know that He has saved you?.Although John said he did,he feared that they were vain words./
Vain words because they were not true,if you were asked the same question what would your answer be?.Could this time become significant to you?,in that you come to know Jesus,and know that He has saved you.
A prayer.
Dear God I want to know Christ as my Saviour,so by faith I ask him to
forgive my sins,in His name I ask this Amen.
police box.A time lord,I wonder how you look at time,David Atkinson, writes,/To the Hebrew mind,what matters about time was not so much in
what things happened,as the significance that the moment held/. When I come into Easter time,I am reminded of what took place,over 2000yrs ago,on a personal level it reminds me of that evening 51yrs ago,when I came back to the Lord.
I wonder can you look back at a time when you trusted Jesus as Saviour,
John and Charles Wesley were remarkable men,they both were ministers,and even went to America to minister .They gave up in the end and returned to England,a religious group called the Moravians,had a distinct influence upon them.One day the Moravian pastor spoke to John,he asked him,do you know Jesus Christ?,John replied,I know that he is Saviour of the world,true replied the pastor,but do you know that He has saved you?.Although John said he did,he feared that they were vain words./
Vain words because they were not true,if you were asked the same question what would your answer be?.Could this time become significant to you?,in that you come to know Jesus,and know that He has saved you.
A prayer.
Dear God I want to know Christ as my Saviour,so by faith I ask him to
forgive my sins,in His name I ask this Amen.
Friday, 3 April 2015
Good Friday,why?. [Isaiah 53 ]
I was surprised to discover that my birthday this year fell on good Friday,I am aged 71 today.Seemingly I have been told that it was on the 3rd of April that Christ was crucified. Now whither this is so I am not concerned ,
what really matters for you and me is,have we have experienced good
Fridays meaning. We need to appreciate why Christ died,and for whom he died,if we don't then we are missing the whole point,of good Friday.
Why did Christ die?for this was no ordinary death,we may ask ,why do
certain people die?,and its so meaningless.Now why did Jesus die?for wrongs that He had done,no,Pilate the Roman governor said he found no fault in him, he even asked the crowds ,what evil had He done[ Mark 15 v14]The two men who were crucified with Jesus,they died because they
had committed crimes [Matthew 27v38]
So why did Jesus die?the answer is for sin not his because He never sinned,but our sin ,if He had not died for the sin, then all mankind would perish in everlasting fire. So when we trust Jesus to be our Saviour our sin is forgiven[John 3 v16],forgiveness of our sin only happens when we trust Jesus. When we do, all our sin ,let me stress all our sin is forgiven us,consider the following words,/There's a way back to God from the dark paths of sin ,there's a door that is open and all may go in.Calvary's cross is were we begin when we come as a sinner to Jesus./
A prayer.
Dear God thanks for good Friday, and all it means,we pray that many today
may trust Jesus and experience forgiveness for all their sins. Amen.
what really matters for you and me is,have we have experienced good
Fridays meaning. We need to appreciate why Christ died,and for whom he died,if we don't then we are missing the whole point,of good Friday.
Why did Christ die?for this was no ordinary death,we may ask ,why do
certain people die?,and its so meaningless.Now why did Jesus die?for wrongs that He had done,no,Pilate the Roman governor said he found no fault in him, he even asked the crowds ,what evil had He done[ Mark 15 v14]The two men who were crucified with Jesus,they died because they
had committed crimes [Matthew 27v38]
So why did Jesus die?the answer is for sin not his because He never sinned,but our sin ,if He had not died for the sin, then all mankind would perish in everlasting fire. So when we trust Jesus to be our Saviour our sin is forgiven[John 3 v16],forgiveness of our sin only happens when we trust Jesus. When we do, all our sin ,let me stress all our sin is forgiven us,consider the following words,/There's a way back to God from the dark paths of sin ,there's a door that is open and all may go in.Calvary's cross is were we begin when we come as a sinner to Jesus./
A prayer.
Dear God thanks for good Friday, and all it means,we pray that many today
may trust Jesus and experience forgiveness for all their sins. Amen.
Thursday, 2 April 2015
Whats it to be? [1 Corinthians 6 v 9-20]
I am an evangelical,that means I accept the Bible as Gods word totally,I do
not change my beliefs because of society. David Atkinson,writes a number of interesting thing,/In this post-Enlightenment age.....we have tended to be persuaded that there are no moral absolutes/.He further writes ,/With Hamlet,that there is nothing either good or bad,but thinking makes it so/
In the January issue of Time magazine there is an article called,'A change of heart',it is about the change that is taking place in America in so called evangelical church's.It majors on the subject of Gay marriages,and Gay relationships,and how churches are accepting such practises as norm.It may
be seen as norm by society,but it is not norm as regards what the Bible teaches.
What does the bible teach?God made man and a woman human but distinct,in Leviticus 18 v22,we read,/Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with woman kind,it is abomination/,strong language.Likewise there was to be distinctness in what the man and woman wore[Deuteronomy22v5]
Well you may foolishly say that's the OT, but when we come into the NT,we just have to read Romans 1v26-27, or 1 Corinthians6 v9-11were we read,/Make no mistake,neither fornicators,nor idolaters,nor adulators, nor sensualists,nor homosexuals.....shall inherit the Kingdom of God./and then he adds,and such were some of you./
It is D Atkinson who writes,/We are not morally autonomous beings,and cannot simply invent right and wrong/ He goes on to point out that which governs our lives is the word of God,mankind is meant to live within the bounds of the divine word/
A prayer.
Dear God help us to govern our lives by your word,irrespective what society thinks and practises in Jesus name Amen.
not change my beliefs because of society. David Atkinson,writes a number of interesting thing,/In this post-Enlightenment age.....we have tended to be persuaded that there are no moral absolutes/.He further writes ,/With Hamlet,that there is nothing either good or bad,but thinking makes it so/
In the January issue of Time magazine there is an article called,'A change of heart',it is about the change that is taking place in America in so called evangelical church's.It majors on the subject of Gay marriages,and Gay relationships,and how churches are accepting such practises as norm.It may
be seen as norm by society,but it is not norm as regards what the Bible teaches.
What does the bible teach?God made man and a woman human but distinct,in Leviticus 18 v22,we read,/Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with woman kind,it is abomination/,strong language.Likewise there was to be distinctness in what the man and woman wore[Deuteronomy22v5]
Well you may foolishly say that's the OT, but when we come into the NT,we just have to read Romans 1v26-27, or 1 Corinthians6 v9-11were we read,/Make no mistake,neither fornicators,nor idolaters,nor adulators, nor sensualists,nor homosexuals.....shall inherit the Kingdom of God./and then he adds,and such were some of you./
It is D Atkinson who writes,/We are not morally autonomous beings,and cannot simply invent right and wrong/ He goes on to point out that which governs our lives is the word of God,mankind is meant to live within the bounds of the divine word/
A prayer.
Dear God help us to govern our lives by your word,irrespective what society thinks and practises in Jesus name Amen.
Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Sorry. [ Matthew 6 v12-15]
Over 40 years ago I hurt a dear friend,at the time I had tried to put it right,but my friend had not wanted to hear,my apology.So for all those years, I had carried a burden,until recently.I live in England my offended
friend lives in Ulster,and it so happened that while speaking to another friend on the phone,I was told the phone number of the person ,I had offended. God helps us if we are willing to do whats right,He is sovereign
and in his providence,He can make a way,
So I phoned the offended person,and reminded her of what happened,and said I was sorry,she sounded as if it did not matter, but it mattered to me,and I believe to my Saviour.
There are burdens that we carry,that a simple sorry would remove,if the person does not forgive that's a burden they must carry,and face the consequences of that.
A prayer.
Dear Lord we owe You so much,we have received Your forgiveness,may we be willing to say sorry to those we have hurt,and may we be willing
forgive as You have forgiven us. Amen.
friend lives in Ulster,and it so happened that while speaking to another friend on the phone,I was told the phone number of the person ,I had offended. God helps us if we are willing to do whats right,He is sovereign
and in his providence,He can make a way,
So I phoned the offended person,and reminded her of what happened,and said I was sorry,she sounded as if it did not matter, but it mattered to me,and I believe to my Saviour.
There are burdens that we carry,that a simple sorry would remove,if the person does not forgive that's a burden they must carry,and face the consequences of that.
A prayer.
Dear Lord we owe You so much,we have received Your forgiveness,may we be willing to say sorry to those we have hurt,and may we be willing
forgive as You have forgiven us. Amen.
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