Blessed. [ Matthew 12 v 50 ]

I was reading the paper, when my eyes fell on a picture of people living in the state of Acre in Brazil. They were people who resented outsiders because they brought diseases and took land. Why this picture interested me
went back to a time in my Christian life, when I felt God was calling me and my family to go there and serve Him. At that time I belonged to a church which was missionary orientated. One of the ex-pastors, had founded the Acre Gospel mission, and so a work began, A couple from this church had gone out to Acre, but on their way there they both became ill, and the wife died. The husband was told he needed to go home because of his illness ,but he didn't, He believed Gods call was still on his life, he was a very gifted man, and God used him, to establish churches, For the rest of his
life he served God in Brazil, until he went to be with the Lord, his name may not appear in ,whose ,who book of fame,but we are told,''Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.......they will rest from their labour,for their deeds will follow them''[Revelation 14 v13-14 ]
                                          A  prayer.
Dear God we thank you for those people who  served You in very difficulty
circumstances ,who were faithful, and are now blessed in glory, in Jesus name Amen.
                [ I will return to my Blog Monday 2nd of Jan,  every blessing]

God loves that church. [ Nehemiah 1 v 1-6 ]

I was talking to a friend on the phone, who lives in Ulster, and I asked him,
had he heard how the church we used to attend is getting on. His reply
caused me great sadness, he said people were leaving the church, and there was no Sunday school. I sort of felt like Nehemiah ,when he was told of the state of  Jerusalem, we read, that the walls of the city were broken down,
like Nehemiah, I did shed a tear, and offered up a prayer. This was the fellowship that I went to as child, were I first trusted the Lord. They always had a thriving children's work ,I remember teaching a Sunday school glass , of the lively missionary interest they had. It was the place were I met my first wife and it was there I got married. The Pastor was a faithful minister of Gods word, and ministered there for many years. So you can imagine how I feel, and yet it is the story of many churches, once thriving affairs,
they are now no longer in existence . One wonders why,there are different reasons, disunity, lack of love, unforgiveness , lack of meaningful outreach.
Whatever the reason it saddens me greatly, What can one do?, well our first port of call must be prayer, now I must pray on a regular bases for this fellowship, which I love, and most of all, God loves, will you join with me in praying for that church,?.
                                              A prayer.
Dear God have mercy upon that church ,and all such churches,in mercy
may the Holy Spirit move in that situation, in Jesus name Amen

I am a witness. [Acts 1 v8 ]

I had taken a person to  a hospital appointment, and I was going to fetch my car, and I noticed a lady in her nightgown sitting smoking, there is no smoking allowed in hospitals. I felt led to ask her how she was, it turned out she had cancer, she said it could be treated but there was no cure. I felt laid to witness to her, I spoke of Christ, and the importance of knowing Him. That if one knows Christ ,then death brings glory, you close your eyes in death and the next moment you open them in heaven. I realise I may the only person she would hear these words from, but she has heard, so we water our witness, by our prayers. I must be faithful, I must, and the same goes for all Christians, oh yes show them you are a Christian, but do not make this an excuse of not telling them about Christ, let us remember its not about us, it is about Christ. who said ,we are to be His witnesses [ Acts 1 v8 ].
                                         A  prayer.
Dear God  help us to be faithful ,not just by our lives, important as that is, but to speak to people about their need of Jesus your son Amen.

A favourite actor. [ 1 Timothy 1 v 12-15 ]

Just recently I watched a famous actor being interviewed, it  was awful to watch, I do not know how to describe his, manner and attitude. I hope I am not judging him, it just made me feel so sad, for as a child, I remember going to the cinema and watching him, he made us children laugh and even cry. But there he was a hard and cynical old man, he was no longer that person, he portrayed on silver screen. I am so glad that he is not my next door neighbour, and yet as I wrote this blog, I offered up a prayer for him. For I know that Jesus did not come into a world that is perfect, He did not come for those who thought themselves righteous, He came for sinners, yes even for the hard and cynical people, let us not write anybody off, no one is beyond redemption.
                                        A  prayer
Dear God we pray for that old  hard, and cynical actor, have mercy upon him, we thank you that Christ came into the world to save sinners, In His name we ask this Amen.

It is no myth. [ John 3 v16 ]

I transported a lady to a friends funeral, those gathered were told that the
deceased had not wanted a service. A young man took the service, he did pray the Lords prayer, but it was obvious that he did not touch on anything spiritual . He spoke well from a purely secular point of view, after the service I spoke to him, he told me he was funeral facilitator, and said he was an agnostic. I felt laid to say to him, that the resurrection of Jesus was an
historical fact. Our faith is not built upon myth, or make believe, Christ was born in Bethlehem, the story of his birth is not just a little homely, it actually happened .When a follower of Christ wrote about Him, he testified
how he had heard Him speak, seen Him, touched Him.[ 1 John 1 v 1 ].They saw the miracles that He had performed, listened to His teaching, heard him tell them of His death and His resurrection. [ Matthew 17 v 22-23]. The
disciples witnessed His death, and His resurrection, they heard His farewell
message, before He was taken up to heaven. Many stop thinking about Christ after Christmas,but the story is larger than His birth, the meaning
of His birth, life and death, is of vital importance for the whole of humanity
To sum up, when it come to Christ ,He was a historical reality, the meaning
of that reality, was, Gods answer to mans great need, the salvation of this world, that does not mean that all will be saved, even though Christs death
could save everyone, it is a gift freely offered, and as many as receive that gift, receive forgiveness, and eternal life.
                                           A  prayer.
Dear God we thank you for Jesus ,His birth , life, death and resurrection,
grant that this Christmas,many will receive,Him as their Saviour Amen.

Nice people. [ Romans 3 v23 / 6 v23 ]

Lionel Blue a well known radio rabbi died aged 86,I remember listening to
him years ago, he seemed a nice person. A newspaper published an article
by him, where he related how he came to a belief in God, at a Quaker meeting, and how he eventually became a Rabbi .The god he discovered he called Fred, he believed in an afterlife. As I thought of him my mind turned to another religious person ,the Dalai Lama, aged 81,he is still alive, he like LB appears a nice person, he is a Buddhist. There are many nice people in the world, nice Muslims, Hindu's, non -Christians ,atheist, and so on, nice people, that 's how we see them, but the important question how does God see them?.How  can a person know, does He see people as I see them?,no , He see's that we are all sinners, who are in rebellion against Him. It is interesting that the Dalai Lama is called ,''His Holiness'', like a certain nice man in the Vatican. There is an old hymn which proclaims ,''Only Thou art Holy''. speaking of God, we should call no man his holiness, for only God is truly holy. The fact is nice people are but sinners, and who do they  need ? Jesus who came to save sinful nice people.
                                       A  prayer.
Dear God forgive us in ignoring what Your word tells us ,that we all have sinned and come short of Your glory, and that all men need a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord Amen

The seriousness of.....[Romans 6 v 23 ]

A man called Kellogg wrote the following,  ''Many are exceedingly loth to
believe that sin can be such a serious matter''. As I study the book of Leviticus ,it is becoming more and more clear how serious sin is, how contact with God was a very restricted affair,this is seen in the sacrifices, in all the regulations, in the tabernacle, and in the temple, there was a place called ,the holiest of hollies. Gods presence was there, He who is holy, only one person could enter that place, and that only once a year, on the day of atonement, and when he did he had to take the blood of  a sacrificed animal,
and sprinkle it on those things within. We read in Hebrews 9 v22,''Without
shedding of blood there is no forgiveness''. These animal sacrifices did not completely deal with sin, they were but a temporary answer  [Psalm 40 v6], but God had a plan, The plan God came up with was extreme ,and this plan shows the seriousness of sin, it was beyond words to fully describe. Gods ,
answer was Jesus His son, He would leave heaven, be born of a virgin,He
would have an earthly name Jesus which means ,that he would save people from their sin[Matthew 1 v21].The seriousness of sin meant that if Jesus had not come, Hell for all us would be the result, that's the consequence of sin. But Jesus did come, and through His death sinners could be saved. The awful tragedy is this most people do not see the true meaning and purpose
of  Christs coming. We return to that opening statement, ''Many are exceedingly loth to believe that sin can be such a very serious matter''
                                               A  prayer
Dear Holy God and Father, open the eyes of our understanding, to the seriousness of our sins, and the vital importance  of accepting Christ as our Saviour. Amen.

Merry , ?. [Isaiah 53 ]

Do you believe in Santa?well of course ,as an adult you don't, but if one  is a parent we play a pretend game with our children .Our next door neighbour has a little sign outside her door which reads, ''Santa call here''. Now of course it is just make believe, we sing about him getting stuck up the chimney,even though many new homes have no chimneys. People even put food out and we sing about his reindeer's, and the one with the shiny nose, hopefully all it is, is innocent fun. Many put on nativity plays, mainly for the children,that tells the story of a couple who find themselves with no shelter for the night, but manage to find room in a stable, were baby Jesus is born, later shepherds come to see the child, that angels told them about. Then we have the wise men coming who bring gifts, so that's it, a nice little story, for children ,along with Santa, it all adds up to what? .For many that is all there is to it, along with the carols, turkey and Christmas lights, Christmas cards, and a merry Halloween, oh I mean Christmas.
                                        A   prayer.
Dear God we ask that in your mercy ,that the true meaning of the Christ event may ,become real to each of us, in Jesus name Amen.

Christmas Carol. [ Matthew 1 v 23 ]

Charles Dickens wrote many wonderful stories, that have given millions of
people great pleasure. Christmas Carol is a great favourite  at this time, which has a message for everyone of us. The main character in the story is
Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean, and miserable person,  who hates Christmas.
Then one  night when he goes to sleep, he has a visit from the ghost of Christmas past, who takes him on a journey, of his past history, and how unloving he had been, and other aspects of his existence, and ends with him
 looking at a gravestone with his name on it. All this awakens him, the awfulness of his past life, and the fate that awaits him. So he turns to his ghostly companion, and he asks this question,''Are these things that shall be, or are they things that may be?''. I do not believe in fatalism, we can choose, just like our first parents did,[Genesis 2 v 15-17].in Deuteronomy 30 v15, we read,'' See, I set before you today  life and prosperity, death and destruction''.  Continually God pleads through the prophets, to turn from their sin, warning them of the consequences if they didn't. Judgement which fell upon them was not fixed, but alas they maintained a stubborn resistance and so they suffered. Yes nothing is fixed Nineveh repented and was shown mercy,in the book of Revelation  the seven churches ,are warned [chapter 2-3] the church at Ephesus was called on to repent, in other words, they had
a choice. The coming of Christ, means we all have a choice, when we accept Him, we can be different, we can change, we can know there is a wonderful future.
                                         A  prayer.
Dear God we thank you that in Christ we can change, and our future ,both for time, and eternity can change Amen.

Denial [ John 9 v25 ]

Many people are in denial, those who have addictions, will deny that they
have a problem, many of us will not acknowledge our short comings. The result is we continue on,and suffer, or make others suffer, because we are not willing to face reality. Better to face up to the truth, for its only as we do
will we hopefully begin to deal with those things ,that need dealt with. they say that honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to ourselves. Especially when it comes to knowing God, we can never know Him unless we are honest with Him. Until we realise that He demands and expects openness from everyone, nothing will change, and its change that we all need, if we are honest enough to admit it. Think about the most important thing that you need, your salvation, yes we all need to be saved.
Right away pride raises its ugly head and we are into denial, I have been there, we all start there. From the moment we are born we go astray, and we
will not acknowledge the truth ,that we are sinners. We  are on the run from
a holy God, yet denying that reality, Germany were never willing to face the
reality of Nazism, because under Hitler they had employment, and food on their tables, and we all know where that led to.

                                        A prayer.
Dear God open our minds, and help to see our lostness, our need of Christ,
Amen.

So thats it [John 11 v25 ]

I was watching a comedy program about a person trying to think of a place
to scatter his aunts ashes. Ashes, is that all its about? ,it is a fair question likewise as one who has taken funerals, be it at a grave or  crematorium ,the question is still the same. I attended a cousin,s funeral ,and when it came to the graveside there was nothing said ,prayed, or read, it gave the impression  that was that. The death of a person appears to me as being unreal, the persons is there one moment, then they are gone ,it is real but on the other hand it is hard to get ones head around what has happened. It appears that Queen Victoria, found it very hard to come to terms with the loss of Prince Albert. I suppose I am touching on something that is very sensitive, so what can I say?. I write as a Christian, and as Christian I know that when a Christian dies, there is hope, when our body dies we go to heaven,[ John 17v 24] Then there will be a moment when Jesus comes back again,[ 14 V 1-3], then something wonderful will happen, all those who died whatever way, will miraculously , be resurrected, with new new transformed bodies, and will forever be with the Lord.[ 1 Corinthians 15 v 35-49]
                                                
                                         A  prayer.
Dear God words fail us to adequately to praise You for the hope we have as Christians, that we hope that goes beyond our deaths ,because of Jesus.
Amen.

Lonliness [ Hebrews 13 v 5 ]

I do not have a twitter account, nor do I go on face book, this is not saying its wrong,but for me at this time it is not for me . Face book and twitter meet a need within our modern society, why is that? , it could be that many people are lonely and isolated. That is not good, the word of God tells us it is not good for man to be alone [Genesis 2 v18],God made us to be social
beings.It is a strange thing, as the population of the world has grown,there
are cities with populations of 20 million, many people are lonely and isolated. I myself at times have felt lonely, less than I used to, but it is not a nice feeling, yes even as a Christian one may feel lonely. And so we have
these web sites, that do help ,in some sense to meet a need, though they are not perfect, and can be used as channels of abuse. That's why we must show a degree of caution in what we put on these sites, everyone reading what you put on ,is not your friend. Can anything good come out of our times of loneliness?, well if we are a Christian, we are in a very favourable position
there is one with us ,who understands our need, for social contact, but He also wants us to develop a deep relationship with Him. I have come to realise that my Saviour seeks what is best for me, He has sent different friends into my life, will remove them as He sees fit, to remind me that the only relationship that is permanent is His.

                                           A  prayer.
Dear Lord ,you know just how we feel,when we are lonely, you know what
we need, and can supply our needs, help to see our greatest need is you, in
your name we ask this Amen.

Support the family. [John 13 v 34 ]

The term backslider is a term that I never hear these days, but where I come
from, it was a common expression, used of someone who had gone away from  the Lord.  I have met many professing Christians who have gone back from following the Lord, and there are those I pray for everyday. Because
I remember my backsliding days, yes I trusted the Lord, but it was an off and on relationship, it was not till a week before my 20th birthday, I finally came home again. I was fortunate  that I was supported by a dear Christian, and that helped a lot, in fact I am indebted to different Christians, who have supported me through my Christian life. We all need those Christians who will support us, and befriend us, on our journey to glory, Timothy had his Paul, David had his Jonathan. Some  Christians have only churches they go to, but have no fellowship, some Christian ministers rarely visit their folk.
Yet let me stress it is important for us all to support our family, for that's what the Christian church is, a family. One of my sons who is a leader in a fellowship, arranged a curry evening, for folk in his fellowship . A lady who did not like curry volunteered to babysit, for a young couple, so they could go.that young couple really enjoyed their evening out, it had been a long time since they had enjoyed such an occasion. We need to support our family of believers, lets not leave it to others, or to the Pastor.

                                Blest be the tie that binds
                                Our hearts in Christian love;
                                The fellowship of kindred minds
                                 is like to that above.

                                 We share our mutual woes,
                                 Our mutual burdens bear,
                                 And often for each other flows
                                 The sympathising tear.

                                 [Word by John Fawcett]
   [I will return to my Blog on Sunday, every blessing ]

Secure [Psalm 121 ]

My wife and I were returning from the supermarket, she was driving, when all of a sudden, a car swerved around the central reservation into our paths. Fortunately my wife swerved, and the car missed us, it could have been so serious, but God protected us. I have driven thousand and thousands of miles I am not a perfect driver, yet God has preserved me form all harm. We live in a potentially dangerous world, we could be the best driver in the world, but that will not stop us being in an accident, being injured, or even killed,now I am not wanting to put fear into you, but rather to encourage
you to look to God, who alone is able to keep us safe, in the battle field, or on the road. It was John Ryland who wrote the following

                                Plagues and deaths around me fly;
                                Till He bids, I cannot die;
                                Not a single shaft can hit,
                                Till the God of love sees fit.

Open hearts. [ Acts 16 v 14 ]

Lead me to people whose hearts are open, that is a prayer I pray continually, so many people, hearts are closed  to Gods word. So is He?, I believe He is.
Let me share something, we had to have our boiler serviced, so a man came,
appeared to do the job. But later we were concerned that there was  a problem so we phoned the gas company, they sent another man to look at it. The first thing about this young man he was very polite, and before he left,
he shared with me that his mother had died, and how it made him realise how short life is, this opened up the door that enabled me to speak to him.I
suggested he read a particular scripture, which he said he would. I really
felt that here was a man whose heart was open to Gods word. All my Christian life, the importance  of witnessing about Christ has stayed with me ,it is a challenge,
I leave the result with God, I can do no other.

                                 When Jesus has found you,
                                 Tell others the story.
                                 That my loving Saviour
                                 is your Saviour too;
                                 Then pray that your Saviour
                                 may bring them to glory,
                                 And prayer will be answered,
                                  was answered for you.
                               [Words, Samuel. O.M.Cluff.]
                                



                                           

Thine be the glory [ Jeremiah 9 v23-24 ]

We finish the Lords prayer with the following words,''Thine be the Glory for ever and ever, Amen ''in other words we want to give all the praise to God.There's a term which I have not heard for a long time, and its this, ''He was a self made man''. Right away we are attributing praise to that person, consider the following words,' 'No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great army[Psalm33 v16]. Wealth and honour come from you, you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now ,our God, we give you thanks and praise your Glorious name.[ 1 Chronicles 29 v12-13 ]Why is it ,God throughout the Bible, chooses the most unlikely people for His purposes?. Consider a few Jacob, the twister, Rehab a harlot, Samson a strong but weak man, Gideon's 300,David the shepherd boy, who defeated a giant , Ruth a Gentile, and so the list goes on. Why did He choose them?, so that He would get the glory, He choose you and me in order that He would get the glory, the thing is, let us give Him the Glory, which is His due
                                      A  prayer.
Dear God we give you all the glory, for you alone worthy,in Jesus name Amen

Holy Ground [ Exodus 3 v1- 6 ]

I have read the book of Leviticus many times, but personally I have not studied it in depth,at this time I am studying it,using as a help a book by Derek Tidball ,I am up to chapter 8 and have found this book very helpful,
this chapter deals with the ordination of Aaron and his sons.This was carried out publicly by Moses,for all to see,it was not done in secret.The first thing that was done was,they were washed,symbolically indicating
cleansing.there is standard for all Christian ,holiness,besetting sins must be dealt with.So from cleansing to clothing.and it is here that DT points out that there is no mention of footwear,I never noticed that before ,indicating
that they performed their duties barefoot,as DT points out,''as was considered fitting for those who were standing on holy ground in the
presence of the Lord''My mind turned to the time when Moses met with God at the burning bush,and was told,'' Take  of your sandals, for the place
where you are standing is holy ground''[Exodus 3 v 5 ]Now I am not saying that we should take of our shoes  when we come to worship Him,but I would say we should at all times remember that God is Holy.Robert Louis Stevenson,would conduct family worship in the mornings for his household.
he always concluded by praying the Lords Prayer.One morning in the middle of the prayer,he left the room.His wife followed him ,thinking he was unwell.He told her, I am not fit to pray the Lords Prayer.''Robert had suddenly discovered that when one comes into Gods presence we are standing on Holy Ground.

                                      This is the place
                                      Where dreams are found,
                                      Where vision comes
                                      Called holy ground.

                                       Holy ground,
                                       I'm standing on holy ground
                                       For the Lord my God
                                       Is here with me.

                                       Your fire burns
                                       But never dies;
                                       I realise
                                       This is holy ground.

                                       The Great I Am,
                                       Revealed to man;
                                       Take off your shoes,
                                       This is holy ground.
                                    
                                       [Words by Dave
                                         Bilbrough]

Tiny sins and big sins.[ James 2 v10 ]

The Roman Catholic church teaches that there are two classes of sin, mortal and venial '',Mortal sin is described because it is a great offence against the law of God, and is so called because it is deadly ,killing the soul and subjecting it to eternal punishment. It can be forgiven. but they believe that an unknown amount of punishment remains to be expiated in purgatory. Venial sins on the other hand, are small and pardonable offences against God or our neighbour. Technically, venial sins need not to be confessed since they are comparatively light and can be expiated by good works, prayers, extreme unction,and the torments of purgatory''[Loraine Boettner]It is Derek Tidball who says that there is no hierarchy of sin, and yet many people see that there is, of course there are sins that are more serious ,and yet all sin in Gods eyes is serious. God we are told is holy and the reality is that all sin is equally offensive to God, He looks not on any sin in a light manner,and will judge the offender,our human reasoning thinks that, the Hitlers,child murders,etc deserve hell,in fact we would rule  them out of ever getting into heaven.But the fact is even one sin would bar us from heaven,because in Gods sight all sin is an act of rebellion,and must be
dealt with ,rebels will never be allowed into heaven. Until we see sin in its entirety, and that it needs  forgiven, we will never be saved, never.
                                    
                                         A  prayer.
Dear God help us all to see the seriousness of all sin,that there is no hierarchy of sin,that all sin needs to be forgiven ,or it will condemn us to a lost eternity,in Jesus name we ask this Amen.

The fire is extinguished [Isaiah 53 ]

Let us return to that verse in Leviticus 6 v13,''The fire must be kept burning
on the altar continuously, it must not go out''. Consider what this may mean
in relation to Christ ,for as Derek Tidball writes,'' The ultimate significance of  Leviticus finds its fulfilment in Christ''.It was John the Baptist who called Jesus the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.[ John 1v29],and in that great chapter of Isaiah 53,we read of one who was a lamb
being led to the slaughter[v7 ].Now consider those words in Leviticus as regards the fire on the altar not going out. In Hebrews 12v29 and Deuteronomy 4 v24, we are told that God is a consuming fire, the animals
that were sacrificed by fire, reminds us of Gods wrath  being poured out, continually. All through Israel's history the fire on the altar would continually be as it were be poured out on the animals that were sacrificed. So it would continue until the lamb of God, Jesus would experience the wrath of God for all who would be saved, in other words the wrath of God that was their due would be extinguished, they would be saved from wrath to come.[1 Thessalonians 1v10]For as we are told in Isaiah 53 v10,that it was the Lords will to crush him, the result would be ,those who trusted in Him would not be crushed.So it is that on a coming day those who have not trusted Him will be crushed.

                           The wrath of God that was my due
                            upon the Lamb was laid.
,

Do it. .[Philippians 2 5 -11]

In the book of Leviticus 6 v13 we read that ,''The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually it must not go out'' First of we see it was a command of God, let us consider what it meant for them, it meant what it said, it was as simple as that, God said it they must simple do it. there's was to reason why ,there's was to obey .May be there were those serving in the tabernacle,
may have  thought it was beneath them to do that job. Listen any job, task God gives us to do is important,no matter what it is. Consider that great an important lesson Jesus taught us when he took a bowl of water, and washed the disciples feet. He said'', I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you[John 13 v15]Jesus said that He was a servant[Luke 22v27],  consider those awe inspiring words we read in Philippians 2v6-7,''Who being in the very nature  God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped ,but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant''. Today the challenge comes afresh to us to serve,
no if's or but's, do it, no matter how lowly a task it is.
                                            A  prayer.
Dear Lord as you served others, so help us all to be  obedient servants, Amen.

We prayed. [ Acts 12 v12 ]

We prayed. A fellow Christian has Parkinson, when my wife called to see  his wife, she was distressed, her husband was not responding in her efforts to wake him up. My wife phoned me asking me to inform the prayer chain that is set up in our fellowship. This I did and of course I prayed for him, later in the morning ,my wife and I called to see them, and the good news was ,the brother was awake, and reasonably bright, I heard the lady saying that it was an answer to prayer. We prayed,have faith, yes ,faith when you pray, that God hears and answers our prayers. I know there are things we pray about and they are not answered, or so it appears, but the fact is this, we are encouraged and challenged to pray, and keep praying, trusting God whose ways are perfect, and one who will never cause his children to shed a needless tear. So keep on praying,and when we get to heaven we will be surprised to discover just how many times God has intervened, on behalf of others, because we prayed.

                                       By Thy birth,Thy cross,Thy passion,
                                       By Thy tears of deep compassion,
                                       By Thy mighty intercession,
                                       Lord and Saviour,help us.
                                        [Words Henry Alford ]

Think spiritually [Psalm 73 ]

In a movie ,one he character is looking down on someone she loved, she was breaking her heart, because he was dead. She looks to a friend who is standing by, and asks why does it hurt so much, and he replies, because it was real. A person I know who lost his wife many years ago, and yet he still
mourns her death, and he asks the same question that the character asked in that movie, why after all those years does it hurt so much, and the reply is the same as was spoken in the movie, ''because it was real''. How does one cope, how are you coping with your losses and cross's?. The godly people 
in the bible experienced  trials, observed the evil ,and struggled to cope
with what they saw and were going through. I have been following Selwyn
Hughes comments on Psalm 73,which I have found helpful. It is all about a man who was struggling, he did not blurt out his doubts to anyone but sought God, and received an answer. Selwyn points out that the man had been allowing a human viewpoint to dominate his thinking rather than thinking spiritually about his problem. Ultimately Selwyn writes ,''the problems and difficulties of life are all spiritual, so the sooner we learn to think spiritually the better we will be''. That man who lost his wife ,whom he loved dearly,told me looks at a verse which reads,'' And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God''[Romans 8 v28 ],and those words comfort Him, even though he does not fully understand the reason why his wife died, so it is, like him we must think spiritually,
                                      A  prayer.
Dear God help us to think spiritually, to resist the temptation, to give into
doubt and despair, in Jesus name Amen.

Are you thirsty. [ John 4 v 10- 15 ]

I have just purchased a smart TV, I don't thing I will be smart enough to use it other than for ordinary TV. Why is it called a smart TV?, has it been to 
university?, how many O, OR A, levels has it? It again bears in upon me how things have changed, an older brother said they had when he was young a TV, with an nine inch screen. Modern TV screens are getting bigger and bigger. there was time long ago when it was questionable to have TV,it was considered worldly. Now ,that has all changed, leaders of a church years ago, forbid their members to own a TV, but now those same leaders are appearing on TV.I wonder if the thought ,man shall not live for TV alone, is  appropriate for this generation?, we could also apply to  so many things, to  sport ,to buying ,to sex. Do we live in sex grazed world?we can make gods of anything, and everything. I knew a person when he was dying ,he found it hard that he would not be able to drive his car.In our home group we have been looking at the book of Ecclesiastes, it was written by Solomon because he was so rich, and so powerful, he tried everything possible,but in the end, found so much that he tried, pointless ,and meaningless. God speaking of his people, said they had forsaken Him, the spring of living water, for that which could not satisfy.[Jeremiah 2 v 13 ]. It is our Saviour who cried out,''If anyone is thirsty , let him come unto me and drink.[John7 v 37]
                          
                                  Are you thirsty?

I'm accepted. [ Romans 5 v1- 11 ]

Let us remember that all Gods children are precious to Him, He has no favourites. As you listen to certain Christians, it appears they have a greater
position before God than you and I, but it is not true. For we are all accepted equally, by Jesus, none of us are left out in the cold. When I was younger I help run a football team,  we had to leave people out of the team, that is alright in sport, but when it comes to God ,it is about being part of a family.Jacob had a favourite son Joseph, that caused so much trouble. The family was torn apart by it, jealousy, hatred filled the hearts of  those who
felt less loved. Today I want us all to grasp the truth that we are all loved equally by our loving heavenly Father. He loves his bright children and those not so bright, the gifted children and those who are not so gifted.God
is not swayed by a persons success, nor a persons failure, let us take comfort
this day ,because God loves us, nothing can change that, nor will change that.

                             I'm accepted, I'm forgiven,
                             I am fathered by the true and living God.
                             I'm accepted, no condemnation,
                             I am loved by the true and living God.
                             There's no guilt or fear as I draw near,
                             to the Saviour and Creator of the world.
                             There is joy and peace as I release
                              my worship to You, O Lord.
                               [ Words by Rob Hayward ]

                                         

Money. [ Psalm 23 ]

Whither we like it or not ,money is an important part of our lives, we need it to live on, The challenge for the Christian, is to not love money, we need it,
without it ,we would be in difficulties. It is no joke to find yourself with no money, there are times when I had none, when I was young ,money was very scarce, I don't know how my mother managed to feed us and cloth us,
but somehow we got through. I remember a friend of mine, telling me of a time when he had no money, he was Christian, was hungry, so he did something unusual, he went into a cafe and ordered something to eat. When the food came he bowed his head and give thanks to God. He discovered someone had paid for his food, a customer in the cafe, had said to himself
that if he saw someone saying grace,he would pay for that persons meal.
From experience I have proved that God is faithful,our faith can be tried
but God has promised to meet our needs.[ Philippians 4 v19],so trust Him.
                                        
                                             A prayer.
Dear Father God we thank you that you will look after all your Children,
and meet their needs, through Jesus your Son Amen.

My Grace is sufficent for thee. [ 2 Corinthians 12 v 1-10 ]

I was listening to a radio program and it set me of thinking about an aspect of my life, that I have struggled with, Some difficulties do not necessary go away, and one has to rely on God to enable one to cope, by praying and submitting to Gods will, and not run away from the difficulty. There are things that we cannot share with others, and just seek the grace of God, to  help one to cope. Paul had his thorn in the flesh, and  he was told that Gods grace would be sufficient, and it was , so much so, that he was glad of his weakness, because of what God put in its place, His power. As I consider my difficulty I can appreciate what Paul wrote out of his own experience.  God has kept me, and enabled me ,by His power to cope, and so like Paul I can say, when I am weak ,them am I strong.
                                   
                            They that trust in the Lord are secure,
                            Though the storm rages dark o'er the sea;
                            For this anchor of promise is sure-
                            My grace is sufficient for thee.

                            Neither trial nor doubt brings dismay,
                            Nor from danger that comes will I flee,
                            For I stand on this promise to-day,
                            My grace is sufficient for thee.

The day of trouble. [ Psalm 50 v15 ]

A fellow Christian was telling me of an occasion when God answered prayer, he loves sailing, a number of years ago, on a stormy day, he took his boat out, feeling he would be able to cope. But it was not long before he realised that he was in serious trouble, he was being swept out to sea. So he prayed ,he confessed to the Lord how foolish he had been and asked Him to save him. And no sooner had he prayed this ,and he found himself, blown back to the shore and safety. In Psalm 50v15,we read, ''Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you , and you will honour me''.

                                            A  prayer.
Dear God we believe you hear and answer prayer, and so we lift a voice to You, in the name of Jesus Amen.