The thought and the deed.

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7 v15, I want to do what is right, but I dont do it, if we are honest, and I do believe being honest is the best policy, especially in our relationship with God. Now lets face it, we all feel what Paul felt, we need not despair, God understands, the old hymn says ,Jesus knows all about are struggles ,think how He put up with the disciples, yet all the time He was teaching and moulding them, and preparing them for service in His kingdom. [ Father I rest on the solid fact that you are merciful ,loving and patient, while I dont make that an excuse for my failures, help me to not despair, I believe you are pleased with my weakest efforts, in Jesus name. Amen]

A true estimate

In romans 12 v3 we read ,Be honest in your evaluation of yourself, my study Bible, commenting on these words, writes,[some of us think to little of ourselves, on the other hand , some of us overestimate ourselves.] When I was a young man I played football, I was no George Best, but I had a certain degree of skill, I have a reasonable singing voice, but I know there are those who are more gifted. There is a saying which goes ,you are good for nothing, that is not true, we all good for something, and good at something.[ Father I know I am only a sinner saved by grace, but I also know you have blessed me with gifts and abilities, help me to use them, trusting you to bless them, in Jesus name. Amen]

The kingdom of God.

One of the most unthought out statements in the N.T. I believe are the words of our Saviour in John 18v36, they read ,My kingdom, is not of this world. There appears often to be such a tension, in these words ,it raises questions in regard to so many areas of life.So much of life appears to be at odds with the kingdom of God, I dont have all the answers to what those words mean, but I do believe them , there is a tremendous challenge to be faced in them. [Father help me to see and obey what it means to be a citizen of your kingdom, in the name of Jesus my King. Amen]

Victory.

How do we get victory in those areas of our lives,in which we struggle? a good question, first let us remember that life is ungoing, every new day brings the challenge to be holy, loving and kind.This means a continual reliance on God, an awareness of our weakness, we are never really out of the wood, so each day ask the Saviour to help you,and to fill you with His Spirit. Remember our very weaknesses are important whatever they may be, and we all have different weaknesses, you may want to be rid of your weakness, but God who knows best says no, [read 2 Cor 12][ Father I often wonder why I have to put up with those things, that cause me so much pain, wonder why you dont remove them, and then I hear you saying , My grace is all you need, through My grace you will have the victory. Amen]

The morning star.

Twinkle ,Twinkle little star, how I wonder what thou are, so goes the little poem, I have just recently observed a star , a very bright star, I believe it is called ,the morning star,[Venus] it really stands out, in the darkness. In 2 Peter1v19, we read, a light shining in a dark place, you and I are called to be light , let your light shine today,were ever God has placed you. that means many things, what does that mean for you?. [Father fill me with your Spirit, that I may shine in this dark world of sin, in Jesus name. Amen]

Christmas.

Every year I hear people say it does not feel like Christmas, I wonder what Christmas is supposed to feel like?. A friend said to me, she felt Easter had a deeper meaning for her, I understand what she meant, I suppose there is much in the Christmas season, that gives one concern, as Christians we try to make people awere what Christmas is really about.Let us remember that it is not the season that blesses, it is the Saviour, it is not Christmas that blesses ,it is Christ. [Father help me to see that it is in my Saviour your Son , that I am blessed, not in a season, not in the shadows of his world. Amen]

Presents.

Our Saviour said it is more blessed to give than to recieve, and yet there is a blessing in recieveing, I have recieved presents that have blessed me, in fact every day I recieve from God. , blessing after blessing, presents from the giving God. Think for a moment of what God has blessed you with today, they are new every morning, great is His faithfulness[Lamentations4v22-23] , and give thanks. [ Father I want to give you thanks , for the many blessings, you shower upon me,I recieve so much, so I offer my humble thanks, in Jesus name. Amen]