Millions of people will sing a famous song ,known as ,/Auld lang syne,/ by Robert Burns,that great Scottish poet.I have the poem before me.It is written in an old Scottish dialect,so it is difficult to understand,it is described as being extremely nostalgic,and a sincere expression of friendship.As its sung people usually join hands in friendship,as they look forward to the new year.They pledge that whatever changes life may bring,that old friends will not be forgotten.Friendship is important for us all ,some have many friends,
some have few,and some may not have any.The word of God tell us about a friend that sticketh closer than a brother [Proverbs 18 v24]. Charles Landsborough,wrote a lovely song called ,/My forever friend/,here are a some verses from it.
He's my forever friend,my leave me never friend,
From darkest night,to rainbow's end,
He's my forever friend.
If you don't know the one I'm talking of,
I think it's time you knew,
Long ago and far a way upon a cross.
My friend died for you.
So if you'd like to meet Him,
And don't know what to do,
Ask my friend into your heart,
And He'll be your friend too.
Thursday, 31 December 2015
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Filled with fear [Psalm 23]
Writing on Peter ,when he acted in a detrimental way to the gospel,and when the apostle Paul had to challenge him,and remind him of the truths of the gospel,and that what he was doing was wrong[Galations2 11-16]. John Stott writes,/Paul knew Peter was acting from fear,not conviction,and even
Barnabas,inspite of everything he had seen during their first missionary
journey,was carried away by the flood and led astray/Fear can cause us to forget Gods truth,Gods promises,and cause us to act contrary to our held conviction based upon Gods word.Dear child of God are you filled with fear,are you acting out of fear,stop and remind yourself that God is with you.Retire into some quite place and talk to your Loving heavenly Father,
remind yourself that He is in control,and that He has promised to provide for you,to care for you 24/7.
The Lord is my Shepherd,I shall not want,
He maketh me to lie down in green patures,
He leadeth me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths
of righteousness for His names sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of death I
fear no evil:for Thou art with me.
Thou prepares a table before me in the presence
of my enemies:Thou anointest my head with oil,
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord for ever.
[Psalm 23]
Barnabas,inspite of everything he had seen during their first missionary
journey,was carried away by the flood and led astray/Fear can cause us to forget Gods truth,Gods promises,and cause us to act contrary to our held conviction based upon Gods word.Dear child of God are you filled with fear,are you acting out of fear,stop and remind yourself that God is with you.Retire into some quite place and talk to your Loving heavenly Father,
remind yourself that He is in control,and that He has promised to provide for you,to care for you 24/7.
The Lord is my Shepherd,I shall not want,
He maketh me to lie down in green patures,
He leadeth me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths
of righteousness for His names sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of death I
fear no evil:for Thou art with me.
Thou prepares a table before me in the presence
of my enemies:Thou anointest my head with oil,
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the
days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord for ever.
[Psalm 23]
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
There is a purpose in Life.[John 3 v16]
In the movie,'I robot',one of the robots said the one who had made him,the
one he called father,had made him for a purpose.As a Christian I believe my
loving heavenly Father has made me for a purpose.Gods ultimate purpose
is that we may all know Him,He made none us that we may end up in Hell.
At Christmas each year in the church I attend, we hold a Christingle service,in which an orange is used in getting over the message of Christ.The orange represents the world,four little stakes are put into it,they represent the four seasons in the year,these have sweets on them, these represent the fruits of the earth, A candle is attached to the orange which is lit,the candle represents Christ,who is the light of the world,and red tape is also attached,this goes round the orange,this represents Gods love for this world,the whole world, every single individual in this world.For we are told in scripture that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believed in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life[John 3 v16 ] No one needs to be lost,that is not Gods purpose,we all can be saved ,because God sent Jesus to rescue us ,forgive us,free us ,and care for us,because He loves everyone of us.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank you that you are a God of love,and that your ultimate
purpose in sending Jesus was because you love everyone of us,without exception. Help us to see beyond the lie that there is no purpose in life,and help us to accept Christ as our Saviour . Amen .
one he called father,had made him for a purpose.As a Christian I believe my
loving heavenly Father has made me for a purpose.Gods ultimate purpose
is that we may all know Him,He made none us that we may end up in Hell.
At Christmas each year in the church I attend, we hold a Christingle service,in which an orange is used in getting over the message of Christ.The orange represents the world,four little stakes are put into it,they represent the four seasons in the year,these have sweets on them, these represent the fruits of the earth, A candle is attached to the orange which is lit,the candle represents Christ,who is the light of the world,and red tape is also attached,this goes round the orange,this represents Gods love for this world,the whole world, every single individual in this world.For we are told in scripture that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believed in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life[John 3 v16 ] No one needs to be lost,that is not Gods purpose,we all can be saved ,because God sent Jesus to rescue us ,forgive us,free us ,and care for us,because He loves everyone of us.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank you that you are a God of love,and that your ultimate
purpose in sending Jesus was because you love everyone of us,without exception. Help us to see beyond the lie that there is no purpose in life,and help us to accept Christ as our Saviour . Amen .
Monday, 28 December 2015
Gods enough.[ Philippians 4 v19]
One of the gifts the wise men brought ,was gold,now we know that the gifts
had a symbolic meaning,but to this poor couple,who would have to flee to
Egypt,the gold was a very practical gift.It was Gods provision,it would help them,enabling them to survive, to feed them,and to care for baby Jesus.God is very practical,he understands what we need.I praise God for all his provision,for supplying my needs.He enabled me to learn to drive,without that ,I would not have been able to work as a support worker for 23years.I have mentioned that I lived by faith,when attending Bible college.There were times when we had literally no money and no food in the house,and had children to feed.God provided often with little gifts of money,but they were enough ,Gods little is always enough,remember the five loaves and
two small fish,it was Gods enough,remember the widow woman ,whom
Elijah was sent to,all she had was a little handful of meal,and little cruse
of oil[1 Kings 17],it was Gods enough,to feed Elijah,the woman and her son.So what ever your need may be,ask God ,and you shall receive,and
whatever He provides it will be enough.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank you that you promise to meet all our needs,and we thank you that what ever you supply will be enough,Amen.
had a symbolic meaning,but to this poor couple,who would have to flee to
Egypt,the gold was a very practical gift.It was Gods provision,it would help them,enabling them to survive, to feed them,and to care for baby Jesus.God is very practical,he understands what we need.I praise God for all his provision,for supplying my needs.He enabled me to learn to drive,without that ,I would not have been able to work as a support worker for 23years.I have mentioned that I lived by faith,when attending Bible college.There were times when we had literally no money and no food in the house,and had children to feed.God provided often with little gifts of money,but they were enough ,Gods little is always enough,remember the five loaves and
two small fish,it was Gods enough,remember the widow woman ,whom
Elijah was sent to,all she had was a little handful of meal,and little cruse
of oil[1 Kings 17],it was Gods enough,to feed Elijah,the woman and her son.So what ever your need may be,ask God ,and you shall receive,and
whatever He provides it will be enough.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank you that you promise to meet all our needs,and we thank you that what ever you supply will be enough,Amen.
Sunday, 27 December 2015
Earthly power verus spiritual power. [Daniel 2v44/ John 18v 36]
I wrote the following recently, /earthly power versus spiritual power/,so many only see the earthly power, Earthly power takes many forms, political,
financial,sexual abuse,military,possible you can think of other aspects,of
earthly power.Because we live in a fallen world,earthly power can be cruel,
corrupt,and oppressive.The New testament was written when a mighty power ruled,Rome,an empire that lasted for about 500years.In Palestine the
people were ruled also by their religion ,we see this in so many place now,
and it is not a happy situation for many people.The religious power,looked
with anticipation for a Messiah who would,break the yoke of their slavery,
take from them the burden of their oppressors. And so a child was born, born in obscurity,the long awaited Messiah had come,but He represented not earthly power but a spiritual kingdom.He was Gods gracious gift ,He loved this sinful world,and his purpose and plan would be at total odds with the earthly power,of Rome,and earthly religion.His power would be a spiritual power,that would bring in an eternal kingdom.this Messiah ,would defeat and conquer,death ,the Devil,and sin,these forces no earthly power can conquer,or defeat. To all who accept Him as Saviour they alone would be free, and would be part of a kingdom of unlimited power.of course the name of that Messiah would be Jesus.
A prayer.
Dear God help us to look beyond earthly power,to our Saviour to whom all
power and authority has been given Amen
financial,sexual abuse,military,possible you can think of other aspects,of
earthly power.Because we live in a fallen world,earthly power can be cruel,
corrupt,and oppressive.The New testament was written when a mighty power ruled,Rome,an empire that lasted for about 500years.In Palestine the
people were ruled also by their religion ,we see this in so many place now,
and it is not a happy situation for many people.The religious power,looked
with anticipation for a Messiah who would,break the yoke of their slavery,
take from them the burden of their oppressors. And so a child was born, born in obscurity,the long awaited Messiah had come,but He represented not earthly power but a spiritual kingdom.He was Gods gracious gift ,He loved this sinful world,and his purpose and plan would be at total odds with the earthly power,of Rome,and earthly religion.His power would be a spiritual power,that would bring in an eternal kingdom.this Messiah ,would defeat and conquer,death ,the Devil,and sin,these forces no earthly power can conquer,or defeat. To all who accept Him as Saviour they alone would be free, and would be part of a kingdom of unlimited power.of course the name of that Messiah would be Jesus.
A prayer.
Dear God help us to look beyond earthly power,to our Saviour to whom all
power and authority has been given Amen
Saturday, 26 December 2015
Becoming a child [Philippians 2 v 5-11]
About seven hundred years before Christ Isaiah the prophet,gave a wonderful prophecy,/Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign.
Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,and shall call his name Immanuel/.Those words were spoken to a unbelieving king called Ahaz,
it is interesting that when our Saviour spoke about those who would enter
the kingdom of heaven,must become as a little child,[Matthew 18v3]Christ was rejected by Herod the king,and by the educated religious leaders.I believe in child evangelism,for it was as a child I trusted Jesus,of course
salvation is not just for children.The words were spoken to His disciples,
who had been discussing who would be the greatest in Gods kingdom,they were thinking of a kingdom where they would rule over mankind,an earthly Kingdom[Acts 1v6]It took a long time for then to grasp,that Christs kingdom was not of this world[John 18v36].Not a kingdom with earthly values,but of spiritual values,the disciples did not grasp what that meant,it was ,A.Lukyn Caffin, who wrote,/a kingdom in which earthly pride,and ambition,find no place/.
Make me,O Lord,a child again,
So tender,frail,and small,
In self possessing nothing,and
In thee possessing all.
O Savior, make me small once more,
That downward I may grow,
And in this heart of mine restore,
The faith of long ago.
[Dutch poem]
Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,and shall call his name Immanuel/.Those words were spoken to a unbelieving king called Ahaz,
it is interesting that when our Saviour spoke about those who would enter
the kingdom of heaven,must become as a little child,[Matthew 18v3]Christ was rejected by Herod the king,and by the educated religious leaders.I believe in child evangelism,for it was as a child I trusted Jesus,of course
salvation is not just for children.The words were spoken to His disciples,
who had been discussing who would be the greatest in Gods kingdom,they were thinking of a kingdom where they would rule over mankind,an earthly Kingdom[Acts 1v6]It took a long time for then to grasp,that Christs kingdom was not of this world[John 18v36].Not a kingdom with earthly values,but of spiritual values,the disciples did not grasp what that meant,it was ,A.Lukyn Caffin, who wrote,/a kingdom in which earthly pride,and ambition,find no place/.
Make me,O Lord,a child again,
So tender,frail,and small,
In self possessing nothing,and
In thee possessing all.
O Savior, make me small once more,
That downward I may grow,
And in this heart of mine restore,
The faith of long ago.
[Dutch poem]
Friday, 25 December 2015
Hope. [ 1 Timothy 1 v1]
When Germany invaded Poland,Britain and France declared war on Germany,this created hope,many Poles breathed a sigh of relief. Yet there hopes were soon dashed to the ground these two nations did not do anything.The result was, poor Poland,was conquered and so began a period of terrible suffering for the Polish people.For the Jewish population it was a death sentence,but the whole population suffered,under the Nazi's and under Communism.The hope they had when Britain and France declared war on Germany,had been a false hope.The message of Christmas is one of
hope,because it comes from God,all who place their trust in Christ will not be disappointed.Mankind's condition is terminal,we are all sinners and the wages of sin is death.When we trust in Christ we come from a place of no hope to a place of hope.The coming of Christ means lives can be changed,
sins forgiven,and deliverance from its power.Yes death will continue to happen, but it has not the final say,no,when Christ died he rose again,He defeated death,so that all who trust in Him,would likewise be resurrected.
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie,
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in your dark streets shining
is everlasting Light
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in you tonight.
How silently,how silently,
the wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts,
the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming;
But in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him,still
the dear Christ enters in.
[Words by Philips Brooks]
hope,because it comes from God,all who place their trust in Christ will not be disappointed.Mankind's condition is terminal,we are all sinners and the wages of sin is death.When we trust in Christ we come from a place of no hope to a place of hope.The coming of Christ means lives can be changed,
sins forgiven,and deliverance from its power.Yes death will continue to happen, but it has not the final say,no,when Christ died he rose again,He defeated death,so that all who trust in Him,would likewise be resurrected.
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie,
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in your dark streets shining
is everlasting Light
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in you tonight.
How silently,how silently,
the wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts,
the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming;
But in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him,still
the dear Christ enters in.
[Words by Philips Brooks]
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Good bye. [ Colossians 1 v 27]
It was just recently that I discovered ,that the original meaning for,good bye
is ,God be with you.Of course it has taken on a different meaning,but I must
confess I like the original meaning.It reminded me of the words of the prophet Isaiah ,a word spoken as to the coming Messiah,/Behold a virgin
shall be with child,and shall bring forth a son,and they shall call his name Emmanuel,which being interpreted is ,God with us,/[Isaiah7v14/Matthew 1 v23] In other words ,that little child in the manger was none other than God manifest in the flesh,truly God and truly man.This truth should take our breath away,it is absolutely mind blowing,something beyond our comprehension,I cannot explain the fullness of this,no one can. That is why
many people reject this truth,but not understanding something ,is no reason
to reject it.Why did God the Father send God the Son into this world?,well because He loves this world,yes love came down at Christmas.His love
caused Him to want to rescue us,from the power,and consequences of our sin.This meant that this child would have to die,and bear the punishment
for our sins,our part for this to happen,is to believe in Him,and then God
would be in us and with us.
Good bye,
is ,God be with you.Of course it has taken on a different meaning,but I must
confess I like the original meaning.It reminded me of the words of the prophet Isaiah ,a word spoken as to the coming Messiah,/Behold a virgin
shall be with child,and shall bring forth a son,and they shall call his name Emmanuel,which being interpreted is ,God with us,/[Isaiah7v14/Matthew 1 v23] In other words ,that little child in the manger was none other than God manifest in the flesh,truly God and truly man.This truth should take our breath away,it is absolutely mind blowing,something beyond our comprehension,I cannot explain the fullness of this,no one can. That is why
many people reject this truth,but not understanding something ,is no reason
to reject it.Why did God the Father send God the Son into this world?,well because He loves this world,yes love came down at Christmas.His love
caused Him to want to rescue us,from the power,and consequences of our sin.This meant that this child would have to die,and bear the punishment
for our sins,our part for this to happen,is to believe in Him,and then God
would be in us and with us.
Good bye,
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Stop talking and start praying.[ Jeremiah 29 v12 ]
Recently while visiting certain people I got drawn into conversation about others,later as I thought on this conversation,I felt a bit uneasy.Should I not have guided the conversation in a more positive way,stressing the need to pray for those situations and people we had been talking about.The most important thing we can do is to pray,the thing is, there are so many people
with imperfections and only prayer can bring a change into their lives and for that matter,our own lives.I can think of circumstances in peoples lives that are beyond any help that I could can give . The main thing we can do is pray to God ,who alone can change people,who alone work in situations,that are beyond us. Pray and do not stop praying to our sovereign God ,is He not the only one that causes wars to cease to the ends of the earth.He is one who
spoke and all things came into being,is He not the one who saved the demon possessed,those no one could help.Is he not the one who changed David,when he was acting like a tyrant[2 Samuel 11-12].Talking about situations and people in a negative way is not helpful to any of us,we need to talk to God,first and foremost.
A prayer.
Dear God forgive our foolish negative talking,help us to talk to you ,who alone can bring change in Jesus name Amen.
with imperfections and only prayer can bring a change into their lives and for that matter,our own lives.I can think of circumstances in peoples lives that are beyond any help that I could can give . The main thing we can do is pray to God ,who alone can change people,who alone work in situations,that are beyond us. Pray and do not stop praying to our sovereign God ,is He not the only one that causes wars to cease to the ends of the earth.He is one who
spoke and all things came into being,is He not the one who saved the demon possessed,those no one could help.Is he not the one who changed David,when he was acting like a tyrant[2 Samuel 11-12].Talking about situations and people in a negative way is not helpful to any of us,we need to talk to God,first and foremost.
A prayer.
Dear God forgive our foolish negative talking,help us to talk to you ,who alone can bring change in Jesus name Amen.
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Guidance assured. [ Psalm 48 v14]
The Christmas story involves different things,when I think of the wise men,
I am reminded of a God who guides . He may use different things and circumstances,but the important thing in the story of the wise men,that the word of God shone into their lives.[CP Matthew2 v4-6]. When I am seeking Gods will ,I always look for scripture to speak to me,to bring that note of assurance to my heart,as to His will.God used a star,the religious leaders to
guide those wise men and confirmed by His word..It was when God spoke to Abraham did he act,[CP Hebrews 11v8]when I travelled to England to take up my appointment as a minister,God spoke to me ,and said,/Behold, I send my angel before thee,to keep thee in the way,and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.[Exodus 23v20].What a wonderful word of assurance and comfort as we travelled to our destination.As I am retired I have been much in prayer as to what God would have me do,looking for a words of guidance .Surely I should put my feet up,and not be to concerned about doing this and doing that,the word that came to me was,/Son go work today in my vineyard /[Matthew 21v28].The scriptures tells us,/For this God is our God forever,He will be our guide even until death/ [Psalm 48 v14]
A prayer.
Dear God we thank that you are leading your children ,just as sure as you led the children of Israel in the wilderness,and just as sure as you guided the wise men,we thank you in Jesus name Amen .
I am reminded of a God who guides . He may use different things and circumstances,but the important thing in the story of the wise men,that the word of God shone into their lives.[CP Matthew2 v4-6]. When I am seeking Gods will ,I always look for scripture to speak to me,to bring that note of assurance to my heart,as to His will.God used a star,the religious leaders to
guide those wise men and confirmed by His word..It was when God spoke to Abraham did he act,[CP Hebrews 11v8]when I travelled to England to take up my appointment as a minister,God spoke to me ,and said,/Behold, I send my angel before thee,to keep thee in the way,and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.[Exodus 23v20].What a wonderful word of assurance and comfort as we travelled to our destination.As I am retired I have been much in prayer as to what God would have me do,looking for a words of guidance .Surely I should put my feet up,and not be to concerned about doing this and doing that,the word that came to me was,/Son go work today in my vineyard /[Matthew 21v28].The scriptures tells us,/For this God is our God forever,He will be our guide even until death/ [Psalm 48 v14]
A prayer.
Dear God we thank that you are leading your children ,just as sure as you led the children of Israel in the wilderness,and just as sure as you guided the wise men,we thank you in Jesus name Amen .
Monday, 21 December 2015
Blessed unity [ Psalm 133 ]
I like the church I attend,they appear to be caring,and friendly,and are trying their best to influence their community,Now of course it is not a perfect church,I have my concerns,but I do thank God for his people,and pray for
many of them each day,and for the church in general.I would say it is the church that I have been most happy in,my sincere prayer is that I may not be a hindrance but a help to this church.It is a church in the past that has known conflict and division,but thankfully that has passed.The local church should be a place of refuge,not of conflict,a place of love,not hate ,a place of healing,not a place of wounding.In Psalm 133 we are told the blessing that are a result of unity,there the Lord commands the blessing.W Plummer,
writes, /Study to imitate the Lord Jesus Christ, who was meek and lowly,
who did not strive nor cry,nor lift up his voice in the streets,and never opened his blessed lips but in love/. Remember the words of our Saviour
that we should love one another,and that love will be an witness to the world [ John 13 v14],and as John the beloved disciple wrote that love is a very clear evidence that we are Gods children,if it is missing then we are deceiving ourselves,as to our relationship with God who is love.[CP 1 John 4]
Where unity is found,
The sweet anointing grace,
Extends to all around,
And consecrates the place.
To every waiting soul it comes,
The grace on one descends on all.
[Words by Charles Wesley ]
many of them each day,and for the church in general.I would say it is the church that I have been most happy in,my sincere prayer is that I may not be a hindrance but a help to this church.It is a church in the past that has known conflict and division,but thankfully that has passed.The local church should be a place of refuge,not of conflict,a place of love,not hate ,a place of healing,not a place of wounding.In Psalm 133 we are told the blessing that are a result of unity,there the Lord commands the blessing.W Plummer,
writes, /Study to imitate the Lord Jesus Christ, who was meek and lowly,
who did not strive nor cry,nor lift up his voice in the streets,and never opened his blessed lips but in love/. Remember the words of our Saviour
that we should love one another,and that love will be an witness to the world [ John 13 v14],and as John the beloved disciple wrote that love is a very clear evidence that we are Gods children,if it is missing then we are deceiving ourselves,as to our relationship with God who is love.[CP 1 John 4]
Where unity is found,
The sweet anointing grace,
Extends to all around,
And consecrates the place.
To every waiting soul it comes,
The grace on one descends on all.
[Words by Charles Wesley ]
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Old age [ 1 Kings 11 v 4 ]
The challenge of the Christian life,is just that,it is for life,one does not retire
from the challenges and the trials,that life brings us.It is a lifetime commitment,think not, that just because you are old that you will not face temptations.In 1 Kings 11v4,we read the following,/And it came to pass,when Solomon was old,that his wives turned away his heart after gods.
/Yes when he was old,as long as we are in this body of flesh,we can be assured that we still be capable of sinning in gross ways.If it happened to a godly man like Solomon,it can happen to any of us whatever our age.
There is no early retirement from being a Christian,we have to keep vigilant
to the very gates of death.Many a race horse has fallen at the last hurdle,and many a Christian has fallen in their old age,bringing shame on themselves,
and there loved ones,and on their Lord.Satan takes no pity on any one,be it
a child or old person,the flesh is not dead until we are dead,old age may bring limitations,but it will not limit our ability to sin.Solomons heart was turned away from his God,remember the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked,time and old age will not change this.So today let us old ones be on our guard,to remain vigilant,alert,and continually reliant upon our God.
A prayer.
Dear God and Father,help us who are old,to not act like old fools,in Jesus name Amen.
from the challenges and the trials,that life brings us.It is a lifetime commitment,think not, that just because you are old that you will not face temptations.In 1 Kings 11v4,we read the following,/And it came to pass,when Solomon was old,that his wives turned away his heart after gods.
/Yes when he was old,as long as we are in this body of flesh,we can be assured that we still be capable of sinning in gross ways.If it happened to a godly man like Solomon,it can happen to any of us whatever our age.
There is no early retirement from being a Christian,we have to keep vigilant
to the very gates of death.Many a race horse has fallen at the last hurdle,and many a Christian has fallen in their old age,bringing shame on themselves,
and there loved ones,and on their Lord.Satan takes no pity on any one,be it
a child or old person,the flesh is not dead until we are dead,old age may bring limitations,but it will not limit our ability to sin.Solomons heart was turned away from his God,remember the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked,time and old age will not change this.So today let us old ones be on our guard,to remain vigilant,alert,and continually reliant upon our God.
A prayer.
Dear God and Father,help us who are old,to not act like old fools,in Jesus name Amen.
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Venial or mortal. [ Isaiah 53]
Isaiah is the prophet,who under the Spirits power, was granted wonderful visions of the coming Messiah.He lived over 700 years before the Messiah
would come,and yet the visions are so clear,amazingly so,chapter 53,shows clearly the Messiahs death,it is as if he stood at the foot of the cross.Yet he
prophesied not just about the physical suffering,but the significance of his suffering. To appreciate the significance of the sufferings of Christ on that
cross,we must look beyond our human understanding,and focus on a three letter word.sin.Oh I hear you say,not sin again,yes we must not forget the truly awfulness of sin,in relation to a holy God. The consequence of sin is beyond our mind to grasp,the universal reality of sin,it is something that we are all involved in,sin.We are told clearly in Gods word that all have sinned
and come short of the glory of God.[Romans 3 v23 ]The Roman Catholic Church,have two classes of sin,mortal and venial,they see such things such
as those sins that are not so grave,as venial,such sins are seen as comparatively light affairs.Mortal sins are very serious ,like murder,sexual
offences,the so called seven deadly sins.Now lets not judge the poor RC's
are we not all like them,Hitler,Stalin,deserves Gods judgement,but not me
,like the RC's we see ourselves,as only committing venial sins,nothing to much to worry about.So I am as good as the next person,yes you possible are, maybe there are more RC's in the world ,than we realise.We think this way, because it comforts us, and because we do not want to face the gravity of our condition in the eyes of a holy God.The fact is in Gods eyes all sin is mortal,for if it is not forgiven,will take us to a lost eternity.
A prayer.
Dear God although all sin is abhorrent to You,and separates us from you,
and can take us to a lost eternity,you have provided the perfect remedy,
through Jesus death on the cross,as the prophet foretold,He would be
pierced for our rebellion, and crushed for our sin, help us to see our true condition,and save us by your grace , though Jesus your Son .Amen.
would come,and yet the visions are so clear,amazingly so,chapter 53,shows clearly the Messiahs death,it is as if he stood at the foot of the cross.Yet he
prophesied not just about the physical suffering,but the significance of his suffering. To appreciate the significance of the sufferings of Christ on that
cross,we must look beyond our human understanding,and focus on a three letter word.sin.Oh I hear you say,not sin again,yes we must not forget the truly awfulness of sin,in relation to a holy God. The consequence of sin is beyond our mind to grasp,the universal reality of sin,it is something that we are all involved in,sin.We are told clearly in Gods word that all have sinned
and come short of the glory of God.[Romans 3 v23 ]The Roman Catholic Church,have two classes of sin,mortal and venial,they see such things such
as those sins that are not so grave,as venial,such sins are seen as comparatively light affairs.Mortal sins are very serious ,like murder,sexual
offences,the so called seven deadly sins.Now lets not judge the poor RC's
are we not all like them,Hitler,Stalin,deserves Gods judgement,but not me
,like the RC's we see ourselves,as only committing venial sins,nothing to much to worry about.So I am as good as the next person,yes you possible are, maybe there are more RC's in the world ,than we realise.We think this way, because it comforts us, and because we do not want to face the gravity of our condition in the eyes of a holy God.The fact is in Gods eyes all sin is mortal,for if it is not forgiven,will take us to a lost eternity.
A prayer.
Dear God although all sin is abhorrent to You,and separates us from you,
and can take us to a lost eternity,you have provided the perfect remedy,
through Jesus death on the cross,as the prophet foretold,He would be
pierced for our rebellion, and crushed for our sin, help us to see our true condition,and save us by your grace , though Jesus your Son .Amen.
Friday, 18 December 2015
A new song [Psalm 40 v3]
In Luke 2v 13,we read how the angels praised God,at the birth of Jesus,it is called ,'the angels song of adoration.W Hendriksen,/If the word song is used in its broadest meaning,not necessarily being a description set to music
....but rather of words which because of the parallelistic structure can be adapted to music, then we may speak of the angels song of adoration/ the birth of Jesus before and after is filled with song,the song of Mary[Luke 1v46-56].the song of Zachariah [LK 1 v67-80],the song of Simeon [LK 2 V25-32]. In the OT we have the Psalms which were sung in the temple,by a choir.It is in Psalm 40v3, we read,/And He hath put a new song in my mouth,even praise unto our God/. He was praising God for his deliverance,
ever since God delivered me I have had a song in my heart.For most of my Christian life I have had a song,a song of deliverance,a song of praise,most of the songs I have sung have been written by godly people. They have become my song,I remember my wife telling me how a well known Gospel
singer,sang to his dying sister. I remember a young Christian being critical
of a certain Christian songs,he did not see much difference between that and
a non Christian song,as to the music.He had point,as regards the music,but he missed the point,its the words, that are important.The words transport us to the eternal realms,reminding us of eternal truths and eternal values,yes God has placed a new song in the Christians heart,and on their lips,even praise unto our God.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank you for the song you put in our hearts,and upon our lips,in Jesus name Amen.
....but rather of words which because of the parallelistic structure can be adapted to music, then we may speak of the angels song of adoration/ the birth of Jesus before and after is filled with song,the song of Mary[Luke 1v46-56].the song of Zachariah [LK 1 v67-80],the song of Simeon [LK 2 V25-32]. In the OT we have the Psalms which were sung in the temple,by a choir.It is in Psalm 40v3, we read,/And He hath put a new song in my mouth,even praise unto our God/. He was praising God for his deliverance,
ever since God delivered me I have had a song in my heart.For most of my Christian life I have had a song,a song of deliverance,a song of praise,most of the songs I have sung have been written by godly people. They have become my song,I remember my wife telling me how a well known Gospel
singer,sang to his dying sister. I remember a young Christian being critical
of a certain Christian songs,he did not see much difference between that and
a non Christian song,as to the music.He had point,as regards the music,but he missed the point,its the words, that are important.The words transport us to the eternal realms,reminding us of eternal truths and eternal values,yes God has placed a new song in the Christians heart,and on their lips,even praise unto our God.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank you for the song you put in our hearts,and upon our lips,in Jesus name Amen.
Thursday, 17 December 2015
Until then. [ Philippians 3 v 8- 14]
I appear to be dreaming more, the other night I dreamt of someone I knew years,as I woke I thought on my past life,as a young man. The fights I got into,that aggressiveness and sillyness,the lonliness I felt,as I think upon the
past of my childhood,I realize if I had only continued to follow Jesus,I did trust Him as a child,went away,came back,went away.What a fool I was,if only,I had not gone away,life would have been better,and I would have been a better person.Yet God was faithful,and in His mercy I came back,and my life changed,oh yes I have had to battle,with mindsets of the past,still am
battling,and by His grace I will continue to battle.Through many dangers toils and snares I have already come,tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,and grace will lead me home.I am not a prisoner of my past,I do have many regrets,but I am not the person I once was,I am not the person I should be ,but one day,I will be.So until then my heart will keep on singing,
until then with joy I'll carry on,until the day I see that city,until then I'll carry on.
A prayer
Dear God thank You for rescuing us from our past,for helping us day by day,and the changes you have made in our lives,and for the grace to carry on,until that day we reach that city,to be with our wonderful Saviour. Amen.
past of my childhood,I realize if I had only continued to follow Jesus,I did trust Him as a child,went away,came back,went away.What a fool I was,if only,I had not gone away,life would have been better,and I would have been a better person.Yet God was faithful,and in His mercy I came back,and my life changed,oh yes I have had to battle,with mindsets of the past,still am
battling,and by His grace I will continue to battle.Through many dangers toils and snares I have already come,tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,and grace will lead me home.I am not a prisoner of my past,I do have many regrets,but I am not the person I once was,I am not the person I should be ,but one day,I will be.So until then my heart will keep on singing,
until then with joy I'll carry on,until the day I see that city,until then I'll carry on.
A prayer
Dear God thank You for rescuing us from our past,for helping us day by day,and the changes you have made in our lives,and for the grace to carry on,until that day we reach that city,to be with our wonderful Saviour. Amen.
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Fools. [ Hebrews 11 v 36-38]
There he was standing holding a large board,with a Bible verse on it,he was just standing there.So I went over to him,introduced myself,and he told me that he had been a Hindu. He told how he had become a Christian,he had cancer ,and he tried to take his life,but God wonderfully intervened,and spoke to him,and he became a Christian.So there he was witnessing for Jesus,it challenged me,as it should challenge us all.We are all called to be witnesses [Acts 1 v 8 ],have we forgotten this?,are we neglecting this?. In
Acts 8 we read how the church was suffering persecution,the result was the Christians were scattered everywhere,but they did not retreat ,they preached the word.I read of many Christians who are in prison,and yet they continue to be a witness.When Paul and Silas where thrown into prison,they were a witness,and people got saved[Acts 16v24-34 ] The never ending challenge is to be a witness for Jesus,are we prepared for that. I am sure there are many who looked at that young man and thought he was a fool,yes he is a fool for Christ sake,God needs more people who will be fools for His sake.
A prayer.
Dear God bless that young man's witness for you,help us all to be witness
for You,even if we are considered fools,in Jesus name we ask this Amen.
Acts 8 we read how the church was suffering persecution,the result was the Christians were scattered everywhere,but they did not retreat ,they preached the word.I read of many Christians who are in prison,and yet they continue to be a witness.When Paul and Silas where thrown into prison,they were a witness,and people got saved[Acts 16v24-34 ] The never ending challenge is to be a witness for Jesus,are we prepared for that. I am sure there are many who looked at that young man and thought he was a fool,yes he is a fool for Christ sake,God needs more people who will be fools for His sake.
A prayer.
Dear God bless that young man's witness for you,help us all to be witness
for You,even if we are considered fools,in Jesus name we ask this Amen.
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Confession time. [Psalm 51]
Jesus take as I am,I can come no other way
Take me deeper into You,make my flesh life melt away.
Make me like a precious stone,crystal clear, and finely honed
Life of Jesus shining through,giving glory back to You.
[Words by Bryant]
I want us to consider the words of this song,it is a song of confession,a song of desire, it is a song of surrender ,and it is a song with an aim. Song of confession,he writes of his flesh life,that carnal side of his nature,where does our flesh life manifest itself?.The apostle Paul,[yes the apostle Paul],
wrote,/For I know that in me[that is in my flesh]dwelleth no good thing.
[Romans 7 v18].Have we not all felt the power of our flesh life?, I have,
everyday it rears its ugly head.I see what no else sees,nor would I want anyone else to see.But I see,and I know God see's,when our parents sinned
they covered themselves with fig leaves,and then they hid,from Him who see's everything[Genesis 3]. No there must no attempt by any of us to try
a cover up,or to think we can hide from Gods holy gaze. So lets not fool ourselves,and let us not fool around,but lets us come,confessing all to Him
who loves His imperfect,and flawed children.
A prayer.
Holy God and Father,we come just as we are,confessing that we have lingered over fleshy thoughts, impure thoughts even in the most sacred times when speaking to You.We do not always think aright,speak aright,do aright.So often we follow afar off,lingering behind,because of our cold hearts,and weak desires,in your great mercy forgive us,through your Son Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
[PS. My computer skills are limited,so please make allowances ,for any faults you may see , when I publish my thought for today,I am not awhere how to put things right,every blessing]
Take me deeper into You,make my flesh life melt away.
Make me like a precious stone,crystal clear, and finely honed
Life of Jesus shining through,giving glory back to You.
[Words by Bryant]
I want us to consider the words of this song,it is a song of confession,a song of desire, it is a song of surrender ,and it is a song with an aim. Song of confession,he writes of his flesh life,that carnal side of his nature,where does our flesh life manifest itself?.The apostle Paul,[yes the apostle Paul],
wrote,/For I know that in me[that is in my flesh]dwelleth no good thing.
[Romans 7 v18].Have we not all felt the power of our flesh life?, I have,
everyday it rears its ugly head.I see what no else sees,nor would I want anyone else to see.But I see,and I know God see's,when our parents sinned
they covered themselves with fig leaves,and then they hid,from Him who see's everything[Genesis 3]. No there must no attempt by any of us to try
a cover up,or to think we can hide from Gods holy gaze. So lets not fool ourselves,and let us not fool around,but lets us come,confessing all to Him
who loves His imperfect,and flawed children.
A prayer.
Holy God and Father,we come just as we are,confessing that we have lingered over fleshy thoughts, impure thoughts even in the most sacred times when speaking to You.We do not always think aright,speak aright,do aright.So often we follow afar off,lingering behind,because of our cold hearts,and weak desires,in your great mercy forgive us,through your Son Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen
[PS. My computer skills are limited,so please make allowances ,for any faults you may see , when I publish my thought for today,I am not awhere how to put things right,every blessing]
Monday, 14 December 2015
Looking unto Jesus .[Hebrews 12 v 1-3 ]
Stephen was the first martyr of the NT church,of course there had been many martyrs in the OT church.We read of Stephen in Acts7,his death sparked of a great deal of persecution, for the early church,this persecution was laid by a man called who later became a Christian.As to Stephen ,he
was arrested ,and brought before the Jewish authorities,there he preached a wonderful sermon,full of deep spiritual truths,of a people favoured by God,
and yet a people who time after time forsook God, a people who persecuted
the prophets,but it did not stop there,for when the promised Messiah came, they not only rejected Him,they had Him crucified.The more he spoke the more angry they became,It was W.Barclay who wrote, /But Stephen did not see their faces distorted with rage. His gaze had gone beyond time and he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God/ when he said that they rushed upon him and took him out and stoned him to death.Those words are a
challenge to all of us who may be enduring persecution,sickness,difficulties,
even death,like Stephen we must with the eyes of faith,look to Jesus. The book of Hebrews was written to people who where struggling with so many trials,so the writer of that great book,exhorts them, to cast of every hindrance,and to look unto Jesus, who endured the cross,despising its shame,because the eternal glories which he would enter into[Hebrews 12 v 1-2],so the question is for all us,where are we looking?.
A prayer.
Dear Lord Jesus we turn our gaze to you this day,to your glory,and the glory
that awaits us, Amen.
was arrested ,and brought before the Jewish authorities,there he preached a wonderful sermon,full of deep spiritual truths,of a people favoured by God,
and yet a people who time after time forsook God, a people who persecuted
the prophets,but it did not stop there,for when the promised Messiah came, they not only rejected Him,they had Him crucified.The more he spoke the more angry they became,It was W.Barclay who wrote, /But Stephen did not see their faces distorted with rage. His gaze had gone beyond time and he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God/ when he said that they rushed upon him and took him out and stoned him to death.Those words are a
challenge to all of us who may be enduring persecution,sickness,difficulties,
even death,like Stephen we must with the eyes of faith,look to Jesus. The book of Hebrews was written to people who where struggling with so many trials,so the writer of that great book,exhorts them, to cast of every hindrance,and to look unto Jesus, who endured the cross,despising its shame,because the eternal glories which he would enter into[Hebrews 12 v 1-2],so the question is for all us,where are we looking?.
A prayer.
Dear Lord Jesus we turn our gaze to you this day,to your glory,and the glory
that awaits us, Amen.
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Ugly. [Matthew 22 v37-40 ]
I read on the internet of a young girl who was voted one of the ugliest girls in her school this was shown on face book. One wonders why would people do such thing,they maybe think they are being funny,but they are not,they are being cruel.Yet it goes further than this ,they are sinning,every time we are unkind,and hurtful,in anyway we are sinning.An unkind word,and unkind look,a failing to help others in need,a putting oneself before others,To succeed at the cost of anothers well being,to trample down others ,because we can ,to refuse to help someone in need when
we can.When we gossip and spread rumours about others,all these and more are sinful,we are told to love others,yellow black and white,poor, rich,and
whoever,the downtrodden,the refugee,the vunerable,those who are vunerable,the successful,and the failures.Love others as ourselves,to even love our enemies,to bless them that curse us,to do good to them that hate us,
and pray for them which despitefully use us,and persecute us[ Matthew 5 v44].Going back to that young girl,who was called ugly,will she sin by not loving those who have tried to hurt her?,if she doesn't then she is sinning.
A prayer.
Dear God who is love,you who loves us all,inspite of the fact that people
are your enemies,help us to love,help us to love,in Jesus name Amen.
.
we can.When we gossip and spread rumours about others,all these and more are sinful,we are told to love others,yellow black and white,poor, rich,and
whoever,the downtrodden,the refugee,the vunerable,those who are vunerable,the successful,and the failures.Love others as ourselves,to even love our enemies,to bless them that curse us,to do good to them that hate us,
and pray for them which despitefully use us,and persecute us[ Matthew 5 v44].Going back to that young girl,who was called ugly,will she sin by not loving those who have tried to hurt her?,if she doesn't then she is sinning.
A prayer.
Dear God who is love,you who loves us all,inspite of the fact that people
are your enemies,help us to love,help us to love,in Jesus name Amen.
.
Saturday, 12 December 2015
What is that light? [ Psalm 23]
The days during this time of the year are dark and dreary,the trees are naked
and bare,such are the seasons.Our life is like the seasons,and while we may fly of to sun drenched places,the seasons we experience in our lives can not
be avoided.I know some Christians who are going through seasons of pain,
cancer is ravaging,their bodies,and death looms up.This applies to everyone
no amount of money,no position of power can change this,it is part of the human experience.These seasons of pain are reminders of the extent of sin
on this world.I am convinced that most people even many Christian,fail to appreciate the truly awfulness of sin.Jesus knew,he knew that the only answer,to mankind's awful condition ,was the awfulness of His death on a cross. From the awful darkness of Calvary,light eternal shone forth,hope came,that light would lighten our darkness.The dreary dark seasons of our lives,could be transformed,my son Brian,speaking on the 23rd Psalm v3,as regards walking through the valley of the shadow of death,said where there is a shadow there must be light.What is that light?,well David says,I will
fear no evil for you are with me.The you, is none other than Jesus who is the light of the world,who says to all who trust Him ,I am with you always.
Standing somewhere in the shadows you'll
find Jesus.
He's the only one who cares and understands,
Standing somewhere in the shadows you'll
find Jesus.
And you'll know Him by the nail prints in His
hands.
and bare,such are the seasons.Our life is like the seasons,and while we may fly of to sun drenched places,the seasons we experience in our lives can not
be avoided.I know some Christians who are going through seasons of pain,
cancer is ravaging,their bodies,and death looms up.This applies to everyone
no amount of money,no position of power can change this,it is part of the human experience.These seasons of pain are reminders of the extent of sin
on this world.I am convinced that most people even many Christian,fail to appreciate the truly awfulness of sin.Jesus knew,he knew that the only answer,to mankind's awful condition ,was the awfulness of His death on a cross. From the awful darkness of Calvary,light eternal shone forth,hope came,that light would lighten our darkness.The dreary dark seasons of our lives,could be transformed,my son Brian,speaking on the 23rd Psalm v3,as regards walking through the valley of the shadow of death,said where there is a shadow there must be light.What is that light?,well David says,I will
fear no evil for you are with me.The you, is none other than Jesus who is the light of the world,who says to all who trust Him ,I am with you always.
Standing somewhere in the shadows you'll
find Jesus.
He's the only one who cares and understands,
Standing somewhere in the shadows you'll
find Jesus.
And you'll know Him by the nail prints in His
hands.
Friday, 11 December 2015
Jesus .[ Matthew 1 v 21 ]
I was at a church meeting and I was told that the former leader was called Manasseh,he came from Africa. Seemingly when Calvin was in Geneva,
all children when baptised had to have Biblical names.A father wanted his
son called Martyn,but the priest baptised him Abraham.I called one of my sons Evan,which would be alright in Wales but we lived in England,and so he suffered,from the other children,making fun of his name.I like my name,William Alexander, now of course ,names usually have a meaning.
Take the name of Jesus ,it means, the Lord saves,my study Bible says,
'Jesus came to earth to save us,because we can't save ourselves from sin and
its consequences.No matter how good we are,we can't eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Only Jesus can do that,Jesus didn't come to help people save themselves He came to be their Savior from the power and penalty of sin.' So when you hear that name mentioned remember its meaning,and what that means to you personally.
A prayer.
Come ,Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free.
From our sins and fears release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
[Words by Charles Wesley ]
all children when baptised had to have Biblical names.A father wanted his
son called Martyn,but the priest baptised him Abraham.I called one of my sons Evan,which would be alright in Wales but we lived in England,and so he suffered,from the other children,making fun of his name.I like my name,William Alexander, now of course ,names usually have a meaning.
Take the name of Jesus ,it means, the Lord saves,my study Bible says,
'Jesus came to earth to save us,because we can't save ourselves from sin and
its consequences.No matter how good we are,we can't eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Only Jesus can do that,Jesus didn't come to help people save themselves He came to be their Savior from the power and penalty of sin.' So when you hear that name mentioned remember its meaning,and what that means to you personally.
A prayer.
Come ,Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free.
From our sins and fears release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
[Words by Charles Wesley ]
Thursday, 10 December 2015
We know in part [ 1 Corinthians 13 v 12 ]
Alfred Delp a Christian ,was arrested by the Nazies and executed,as he was being led to be put to his death,he nudged the person who was walking with him ,and said,' in half an hour I will know more than you do'.As to this life we know a lot and yet often it appears we know so little.We struggle with terrible things that are happening,we struggle as to God and His ways.
We stare into the grave of a loved one and are mystified,we think ,why,was that dear man murdered by the Nazies?,why was millions of Jews exterminated?,and why this and why that,the scripture reminds us then shall we know.yes half an hour after we die we shall know more that any earth born being.I fear the problem is,God is to big for us to take in,He knows all about us how we think [Psalm 94 v11],and why we act as we do. But when
it comes to God we may know Him but it is a very partial knowledge,and so it will continue.But half an hour after we die,then shall we know,more than any person still on planet earth.So until that day comes let us content ourselves and trust in Him who is all knowing,and is all kind and all loving.
A prayer.
Dear God grant us grace,to trust ,in You and in your ways in Jesus name Amen.
We stare into the grave of a loved one and are mystified,we think ,why,was that dear man murdered by the Nazies?,why was millions of Jews exterminated?,and why this and why that,the scripture reminds us then shall we know.yes half an hour after we die we shall know more that any earth born being.I fear the problem is,God is to big for us to take in,He knows all about us how we think [Psalm 94 v11],and why we act as we do. But when
it comes to God we may know Him but it is a very partial knowledge,and so it will continue.But half an hour after we die,then shall we know,more than any person still on planet earth.So until that day comes let us content ourselves and trust in Him who is all knowing,and is all kind and all loving.
A prayer.
Dear God grant us grace,to trust ,in You and in your ways in Jesus name Amen.
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
The greatest miracle[John 3 v16/ 36 ]
People struggle in accepting the story of Jonah,who was swallowed by a great fish,but that is not the most astounding part of story.It is in chapter 3 v5 we read ,/ So the people of Nineveh believed God/, yes to me those words have greater touch of the miraculous that Jonah's experience in being
rescued by the fish from drowning.The people of Nineveh where facing
possible annihilation, by God,so believing and repenting of their sin saved them.During His earthly ministry,Jesus performed many wonderful miracles
but the greatest of miracles that He ever performed was when He died to save,men and women from the judgement of God .Some professing Christians,are uncomfortable with the doctrine of the wrath of God,and find it hard to accept OT accounts of God judging cities like Jericho,Sodom and
Gomorrah. They find it difficult to understand God who is love doing such things,but the fact is He did.The death of Chist was a death that appeased an angry God,that is what the the word propitiation means[Romans 3v25.
1 John 2v2/4 v10/In other words the wrath that abides upon all humanity,
[John 3 v36 ],was poured out on Christ.That means the moment we trust Jesus as our Saviour,we are no longer facing the wrath of God.The salvation which God offers to all ,is the greatest miracle ever to performed by God.
When we trust Christ we are experiencing a miracle,that moves us from a place of wrath,to a place of forgiveness and safety.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank You for sending your Son to save us,from wrath to come. Amen.
rescued by the fish from drowning.The people of Nineveh where facing
possible annihilation, by God,so believing and repenting of their sin saved them.During His earthly ministry,Jesus performed many wonderful miracles
but the greatest of miracles that He ever performed was when He died to save,men and women from the judgement of God .Some professing Christians,are uncomfortable with the doctrine of the wrath of God,and find it hard to accept OT accounts of God judging cities like Jericho,Sodom and
Gomorrah. They find it difficult to understand God who is love doing such things,but the fact is He did.The death of Chist was a death that appeased an angry God,that is what the the word propitiation means[Romans 3v25.
1 John 2v2/4 v10/In other words the wrath that abides upon all humanity,
[John 3 v36 ],was poured out on Christ.That means the moment we trust Jesus as our Saviour,we are no longer facing the wrath of God.The salvation which God offers to all ,is the greatest miracle ever to performed by God.
When we trust Christ we are experiencing a miracle,that moves us from a place of wrath,to a place of forgiveness and safety.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank You for sending your Son to save us,from wrath to come. Amen.
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
A tyrant. [John 3 v16]
Nero the Roman emperor was educated by Seneca a Spanish born philosopher,and when Nero became emperor he explained to him the difference between a king that was good and a tyrant,the tyrant sows fear everywhere,while the good king is one ,/Whose care embraces all,who. while guarding here with greater vigilance,there with less,yet fosters each
and every part of the state as a portion of himself,who is inclined to the milder course even if it would profit him to punish/. If only Nero had followed those words ,he would be more fondly remembered.As we look back on history one can see many tyrants,or view present leaders.
Some people view God as a tyrant,some Christians view God in the OT ,
as cruel and vindictive,but He is not.He punishes sin wherever He finds it,and will in a coming day judge all,by Jesus,[Romans 2 v16] that does not make Him a tyrant,no it makes Him just,for sin must be punished.Consider the world is in rebellion against God,He continually pleads with humanity,
continually reminds them just how much He cares for all ,reminding us all each Christmas,of the birth of a child called Christ,born in a manger,who
would die that we may go to heaven saved by His precious blood.
A prayer.
Dear God have mercy upon those who live under the rule of tyrants,
and grant that multitudes of people,will come under the rule of Jesus, Amen
and every part of the state as a portion of himself,who is inclined to the milder course even if it would profit him to punish/. If only Nero had followed those words ,he would be more fondly remembered.As we look back on history one can see many tyrants,or view present leaders.
Some people view God as a tyrant,some Christians view God in the OT ,
as cruel and vindictive,but He is not.He punishes sin wherever He finds it,and will in a coming day judge all,by Jesus,[Romans 2 v16] that does not make Him a tyrant,no it makes Him just,for sin must be punished.Consider the world is in rebellion against God,He continually pleads with humanity,
continually reminds them just how much He cares for all ,reminding us all each Christmas,of the birth of a child called Christ,born in a manger,who
would die that we may go to heaven saved by His precious blood.
A prayer.
Dear God have mercy upon those who live under the rule of tyrants,
and grant that multitudes of people,will come under the rule of Jesus, Amen
Monday, 7 December 2015
Prayer is. [ Romans 8 v 26-27 ]
I read these words,/Their unspoken prayer/, the spoken word is vital in communicating to each other,but when it comes to God,he understands how we feel.I remember seeing a lady sitting in the park,and I could see that she was upset.In Luke 7v36,we read of a lady who came to Jesus ,she never spoke a word,yet Jesus knew what her need was,and He met her need. There are times when the pain we feel,cannot be expressed in words,often the bereaved our so often overwhelmed,by grief,that words fail them.But God their loving heavenly Father can take the meaning,Then there are times when we can only utter a short utterance,as Peter did when he was in danger of drowning,[Matthew 14v30]. A lady had just lost her mother,and when the
minister asked her how she was feeling,she said she was afraid,he asked why?,she replied she was angry with God.He told her to pray,she said she could not tell God she was angry with Him,he said,God already knows that you are angry,so tell Him, well she did and that started a process of healing and salvation.
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
Uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire,
That trembles on the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near
Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;
Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach,
The majesty on high.
[Words by James Montgomery ]
minister asked her how she was feeling,she said she was afraid,he asked why?,she replied she was angry with God.He told her to pray,she said she could not tell God she was angry with Him,he said,God already knows that you are angry,so tell Him, well she did and that started a process of healing and salvation.
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
Uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire,
That trembles on the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near
Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;
Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach,
The majesty on high.
[Words by James Montgomery ]
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Taste [Psalm 34 v8 ]
Recently I had an infection in my gum,the result was the dentist prescribed
me antibiotics,and they have done the job.You are meant to swallow them,
and not to chew them which I did,but on one occasion I got the taste of one of the tablets,and it tasted awful,now I understand why you don't chew them
.Taste is one of the wonders that God granted us,it enables us to have pleasure, in the things we eat.Not everything we like the taste of,will do us good,our government is considering putting a tax on fizzy drinks, because of their sugar content,to much sugar can cause our teeth to rot,this affects
many children.It is said that queen Elizabeth's[ the first] teeth were rotten
because of her sugar intake.We speak of people getting or having a taste for something,often that something may not be good for them. In the Psalm34 v8, we read,/O taste and see that the Lord is good;blessed is the man that
trusteth in Him/.What we are being instructed to do is personally know and trust the Lord,there are countless millions who have looked upon Christmas
cards,depicting Jesus ,who have never trusted Him.A cream cake is only
truly appreciated when we taste it,so it is if we are to appreciate our Lord Jesus we trust Him,and in so doing,we will discover that He is good.
A prayer.
Dear Lord Jesus,we thank you that we have tasted and found that you are good,as to your forgivness,mercy,peace,and love,and our prayer would be
that all would people everywhere would find you Amen.
me antibiotics,and they have done the job.You are meant to swallow them,
and not to chew them which I did,but on one occasion I got the taste of one of the tablets,and it tasted awful,now I understand why you don't chew them
.Taste is one of the wonders that God granted us,it enables us to have pleasure, in the things we eat.Not everything we like the taste of,will do us good,our government is considering putting a tax on fizzy drinks, because of their sugar content,to much sugar can cause our teeth to rot,this affects
many children.It is said that queen Elizabeth's[ the first] teeth were rotten
because of her sugar intake.We speak of people getting or having a taste for something,often that something may not be good for them. In the Psalm34 v8, we read,/O taste and see that the Lord is good;blessed is the man that
trusteth in Him/.What we are being instructed to do is personally know and trust the Lord,there are countless millions who have looked upon Christmas
cards,depicting Jesus ,who have never trusted Him.A cream cake is only
truly appreciated when we taste it,so it is if we are to appreciate our Lord Jesus we trust Him,and in so doing,we will discover that He is good.
A prayer.
Dear Lord Jesus,we thank you that we have tasted and found that you are good,as to your forgivness,mercy,peace,and love,and our prayer would be
that all would people everywhere would find you Amen.
Saturday, 5 December 2015
Gifts [ 2 Corinthians 9 v 15/ Romans 6 v23 ]
My wife and I have thankfully finished wrapping up all the Christmas gifts ,this was made a bit easier,as we were giving some gift vouchers,and we had bought gift bags,but we still had our share of wrapping up to do.But as I said,thankfully it is all done , I hope the presents that we will give,will be a blessing.Of course Christmas is not the only time we gave and receive gifts,maybe your birthday falls on Christmas day,and you receive double the gifts.Of course we receive gifts other than at Christmas ,I wonder what
you consider to be that gift that give you most pleasure?.For me it was the gift of a car,my first car,the person who gave me it was a widow called Lila,I had not long learnt to drive,but could not afford a car.that car was a great blessing ,to me and my young family,I have owned many cars since, but the gift of that first car will always be remembered as the gift that give me most pleasure.As to Christmas,most of the gifts have been sorted out,but
now for the Christmas cards.As a Christian I try to buy cards relating to the true meaning of Christmas,a lot of shops,even though they profit from the season,sell cards with,reindeer's ,Santa,snow,etc,but not with anything to do with Christmas.So I was pleased to see on sale ,a card with the following words on it,/Jesus is our Greatest Gift. Thanks be to God/.
A prayer
Dear God for your many gifts that you give us ,thank you,especially for Jesus your Son Amen.
you consider to be that gift that give you most pleasure?.For me it was the gift of a car,my first car,the person who gave me it was a widow called Lila,I had not long learnt to drive,but could not afford a car.that car was a great blessing ,to me and my young family,I have owned many cars since, but the gift of that first car will always be remembered as the gift that give me most pleasure.As to Christmas,most of the gifts have been sorted out,but
now for the Christmas cards.As a Christian I try to buy cards relating to the true meaning of Christmas,a lot of shops,even though they profit from the season,sell cards with,reindeer's ,Santa,snow,etc,but not with anything to do with Christmas.So I was pleased to see on sale ,a card with the following words on it,/Jesus is our Greatest Gift. Thanks be to God/.
A prayer
Dear God for your many gifts that you give us ,thank you,especially for Jesus your Son Amen.
Friday, 4 December 2015
He does not idly stand by.[Philippians 4 v5 ]
Sometimes anxiety overtakes us,I woke the other morning with the thought on my mind ,what if ?,do you have a what if thoughts?. Oh yes there is a reality to the , what if thoughts ?, or a perceived reality,so what can we do.
Well there is only one port of call when anxiety strikes,God and His word,
consider the following. The Lord is near /Philippians 4v5/ ,consider what that means,the comfort it should give every child of God,it means He is with us in the storms,and He is with us when there is no storm.I remember a
friend telling how someone was attacking him,and people did not come to his aid,the Lord is not like that ,He continually encourages us that He will help us. CP .Isaiah 41 v10,/So do not fear , for I am with you,do not be
dismayed,for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right arm./ Hebrews 13 v 5-6,/Never will I leave you,never will I forsake you./
A prayer.
Dear God and Father help us to be encouraged that You are with us,and will surely come to our aid, in Jesus name Amen.
Well there is only one port of call when anxiety strikes,God and His word,
consider the following. The Lord is near /Philippians 4v5/ ,consider what that means,the comfort it should give every child of God,it means He is with us in the storms,and He is with us when there is no storm.I remember a
friend telling how someone was attacking him,and people did not come to his aid,the Lord is not like that ,He continually encourages us that He will help us. CP .Isaiah 41 v10,/So do not fear , for I am with you,do not be
dismayed,for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right arm./ Hebrews 13 v 5-6,/Never will I leave you,never will I forsake you./
A prayer.
Dear God and Father help us to be encouraged that You are with us,and will surely come to our aid, in Jesus name Amen.
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Keep on praying. [ Philippians 4 v 6 ]
I cannot stress enough the importance of prayer,especially for our unsaved children.Recently I was speaking to Christian lady,she mentioned that her sons were not saved.She mentioned something very unusual, about one of her sons,that when he was four he lost his grandfather,this effected him greatly.One day she saw him lying out in the garden it was summer,he was looking up into the sky,and was saying ,were are you granddad?.From that point on he became a atheist,he is now a grown man,and he is still an atheist.For his Christian parents this is a cause for concern,I have a friend who often mentions his concern for his two unsaved grandchildren.So be it your children or your grandchildren,who are not saved,pray.The conversion of Hudson Taylor is remarkable,he was staying with his sister,at that time his Mother was 50miles away. She was concerned about Hudson,so she went into her room and prayed for his conversion.Meanwhile at that time as she was praying,Hudson began reading a gospel tract,and the result he became a Christian. His mothers prayer was answered,mother, father,pray and keep praying for your children's salvation.
A prayer.
Dear God we bring our unsaved children and grandchildren to you,have mercy and save them through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer.
Dear God we bring our unsaved children and grandchildren to you,have mercy and save them through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
A time of promise [ Genesis 3 v15 ]
We have entered into that period of the year which is called advent,oh no I hear some cry,shopping,writing out Christmas cards etc.I understand but let us all step back from that and remember what it is really about. Well it is about a time of promise,a promise of God sending His son into the world,
when into the darkness of a world lost and lonely,the light of the world would enter.With His coming this world would be changed,men and women would find hope,in their hopelessness,they would find faith instead of
emptiness,they would find and experience that most precious gift love.They would find meaning,in a world without meaning,forgiveness for sins,the burden of guilt would be lifted from their heavy hearts.They would find joy
instead of sadness,death need no longer be feared,it would be conquered.
All this and more would come because of advent when a little child would be born,and a child who was none other than the Son of God. His name was
Jesus and He and he alone would save us from our sin,yes advent is a time of promise.
A prayer.
Dear God ,for Jesus the promised one we thank you,and pray that many will even yet come to know Him. Amen.
when into the darkness of a world lost and lonely,the light of the world would enter.With His coming this world would be changed,men and women would find hope,in their hopelessness,they would find faith instead of
emptiness,they would find and experience that most precious gift love.They would find meaning,in a world without meaning,forgiveness for sins,the burden of guilt would be lifted from their heavy hearts.They would find joy
instead of sadness,death need no longer be feared,it would be conquered.
All this and more would come because of advent when a little child would be born,and a child who was none other than the Son of God. His name was
Jesus and He and he alone would save us from our sin,yes advent is a time of promise.
A prayer.
Dear God ,for Jesus the promised one we thank you,and pray that many will even yet come to know Him. Amen.
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
The best is yet to be .[1 Corinthians 15 v 51-58 ]
I am very fortunate that I live in a country where everybody who lives here,can have free medical treatment. Of course as one grows older the need of ongoing medical treatment increases. Old age brings its blessings but also
its challenges,there is no way we can stop the process of old age.I was
listening to an old gospel hymn,which assured us that as Christians we are going to a land ,where we will never grow old. We need not despair of growing old, it is not the end for the Christian,one glad morning,we leave this old house that we live in,to an eternal existence. The Bible does
not tell us fully what that be like,but it assures us,that we are going to a city where the roses will never die.There will be no need of a health service,no need of medication,no need of false teeth,no more having to camouflage
those wrinkles. No more hearing aids,or walking sticks,or wheel chairs,no more,and so I could go on,no,for Jesus said,He will make all things new.
[Revelation 21 v 5 ]. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes,and there shall be no more death,neither sorrow,nor crying,neither shall there be any more pain,for the former things are passed away.[Revelation 21 v 4 ]
A prayer.
Dear God help those of us who are old ,to trust you,and we thank you that
old age is but the anti-room to a glorious future in Jesus name Amen .
its challenges,there is no way we can stop the process of old age.I was
listening to an old gospel hymn,which assured us that as Christians we are going to a land ,where we will never grow old. We need not despair of growing old, it is not the end for the Christian,one glad morning,we leave this old house that we live in,to an eternal existence. The Bible does
not tell us fully what that be like,but it assures us,that we are going to a city where the roses will never die.There will be no need of a health service,no need of medication,no need of false teeth,no more having to camouflage
those wrinkles. No more hearing aids,or walking sticks,or wheel chairs,no more,and so I could go on,no,for Jesus said,He will make all things new.
[Revelation 21 v 5 ]. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes,and there shall be no more death,neither sorrow,nor crying,neither shall there be any more pain,for the former things are passed away.[Revelation 21 v 4 ]
A prayer.
Dear God help those of us who are old ,to trust you,and we thank you that
old age is but the anti-room to a glorious future in Jesus name Amen .
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