Rewards.

There is a saying goodness has its own reward, often we do things for others, and we dont get a word of thanks, we need to feel appreciated, often we dont feel we are, and it can eat a way at us, we dont say much but we think about things. In the book of Revelation 22v12, we read these words , it is Jesus speaking, He says , behold ,I come quickly,and my reward is with Me,let us remember that even a cup of cold water will recieve its reward,[Mt 10v42].So look beyond those you are serving, to Jesus , who fully appreciates all we do. [ Lord help me to do all things as unto you, knowing of you I will recieve my reward. Amen.]

You better believe it.

The heart is deceitful above all else, and despertly wicked, so reads Jerimiah 17v9, I am so very glad you cant see into my heart, I really mean that. The old puritans spoke of common grace, that grace thats granted to those who are not saved, thats stops and prevents the whole human situation deteriorating into absolute choas. So lets not be fooled , by any teaching that weakens the truth that we are sinners, that our need is great, and that all of us without exception need to be saved, to know the saving grace of God. [Dear father I thank you for your grace, that has saved me, and kept me, I know that without it ,I would be lost, thank you in the name of Jesus. Amen.]

Dont apologize.

In one of John Waynes movies, he says dont apologize its a sign of weakness, much as I loved old John as an actor, to apologize can in fact be a sign of strength. Lets consider the following , our Saviour, told us that we were to be His witnesses,to make disciples, to go into all the world and preach the gospel,for all of my Christian life I have sought to be obedient to this command. I must confess I have not always , been as faithful as I should have, but in my heart I still long to tell others about about my wonderful Saviour, and I will never apologize for that, never.[ A prayer- Father let me never lose sight that everyone without exception needs Christ , let me never weaken in this belief, and somehow use me to bring others to your dear Son, Amen.]

Noise

We live in a noisy world, you go into a supermarket your ears are assulted by noise, I once heard a Christian saying God loves noise., I know He loves our praise, but does He love noise ?.Noise has its place, but there is a lot to be said for quietness, I love the story of Elijah. In 1 Kings 19, we have the prophet depressed, even suicidal , how did God communicate with him?, a still small voice, a gentle whisper. A prayer [ Father I come to you because I need your stillness, I need to hear that gentle whisper,dear Father in the midst of this manic , noisy world, minister to me, and bring Thy peace into my heart, in Jesus name, Amen]

More jails.

Our goverment is going to build more jails, in spite of all the progress we have we have made, materially , people are better of than ever, in this country. I speak from experience, I remember the pawn shop, going there in my childhood,I remember the hardtimes, yet we live in a prosperity, that to our grandparents would have been inconcievable. Yet we have this statement from the goverment, more jails. Why?, we have a nature that materal prosperity can not change, I love those words in Isaiah 61v1-3 , where Jesus declares, He has come to set free those who are bound, He knows us, He loves us , and saves all who call on Him. A prayer[ Lord from experience I know you are the answer, the only answer, to mankinds condition,use me this day to be your messenger, Amen.]

Repeating oneself.

They say it is a sign of old age, repeating oneself, it may be, but if you think about it, parents do it , teachers do, and surprise , surprise, God does it. I am a Christian of many years, and my experience is this ,God repeats Himself , time after time, to me , it is a fact, that it is necessary . There are a number of reasons for this, life is on going, we are forgetful, we are wayward, we are careless and inclined to wander a way from the right path, we also are inclined to panic , God then speaks again to us ,as our situation requires.A prayer,[ Father you know me through, and through, how forgetful , and careless I am, speak into my life , remind me again of those things I need to hear, in Jesus name, Amen]

Is any body out there?.

I enjoy star trek , many people believe that there other planets out there like ours , the question they are seeking to answer is , are we alone in all this vast universe ?. The answer is we are not alone ,there is a spiritual reality, God. Isaiah 40 reminds us of the greatness of our God, one who rules over the whole of the universe, whose knowledge if infinite, whose greatness and power,dwarfs all things. We are not alone , for the God of all creation, is in love watching over His children,yes He is great in his being, but He is also great in His love and care, and He assures us, that in His Son He is Emmanuel , God with us. Let us finish with a prayer,[ Father I sometimes feel alone ,even feel unloved, help me today to find comfort in this wonderful truth, that you are with me,that you love me unconditionally, and will never leave me, in Jesus name.]