Compromise.

I come from Ulster, the cry of the Ulster man is not an inch , no surrender, a certain minister of the Gospel symbolized this, in his religion and his politics, but recently in his political life he has found out the truth that politics is the art of compromise.[ I can understand why some of his followers are confused] .The fact of the matter is if we are to cope with life we need a degree of compromise, as parents ,politicians, bosses, workers, etc. Now while this is true ,there are those things we cannot compromise on, those essential truths , the gospel, holiness.[ Father help me to see when it is wise and best to yield, and give me the courage to stand firm in those things that I should not yield in, in Jesus name. Amen]

You can win.

Just to balance up yesterdays message, let me say we can win, as I write I think of my last football match, that I ever played it was a five aside tourament on holiday, and I was in goals, I remember making a really good save, and was applauded , and we won the tournament. Listen we can win we can succeed, one of the most important things that has happened in my life was, passing my driving test, I could only afford ten lessons, when I told my driving instructor I was doing my test, he advised me to get out of it, but I didnt. During my test my legs were literally shaking, but I passed, against the odds. God spoke to me afterwards, said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe , thou shouldest see the glory of God[John11v40] ,we can be winners. [Father in Jesus name I thank You , we can win and succeed ,to You be all the glory. Amen]

You will not always win.

I support a very special football team, my expectations are that they win every match, win the league every year, but let us be realistic, and it hurts me to write this, it wont happen. The fact of the matter is they will not always win, and the fact of the matter, irrespective of what certain Christian teachers tell us , we will not always have perfect health, life will have its downside, we will yield at times to temptation, we will not always win, but with Christs help we will get through, and even in the downsides, God will be overseeing us, and making us better people. [ Father I acknowledge that I fail you, I recognise that life has its downside, help me press on in our relationship, rejoicing in the truth that you will always love me , come what may.I offer this prayer in Jesus name. Amen]

Hold your tongue

I saw a program on TV called the lion man, were a man walked about with a tiger on a lead,and it reminded me of what James tells us in his letter chap 3V7-8. ever kind of beasts......has being tamed of mankind. but the tongue can no man tame. This little member can cause so much trouble for all of us, think of the hurt ,pain, trouble, the tongue causes, so be warned, take care as to your words today. [Father forgive me for those words that I have spoken , that have dishonoured You, help me today to control my tongue, in Jesus name, Amen.]

Jigsaws.

I had a friend who loved doing jigsaws, I personally dont, but I thought on this idea of jigsaws, and how this applies to us as Christians. First of all , the parts of the jigsaw are all different, but they are all important to the whole, we as Christians are all different, different gifts, and abilities.Likewise we are all important to the whole of the body of Christ . How do you see yourself as a Christian ?. I believe we are all important, ask God to show you how this applies to you.[ Father help me to see that you have blessed me with gifts and abilities, also that I am part of the whole, and the importance of playing my part within your church, I ask this in Jesus name. Amen]

How ?

Do you ever ask the question , how, as I sit here I do, how have I come through the Christian life, over forty years I have been following Jesus. It was Spurgen who said every day you are a Christian, it is a miracle, I believe this is so true, a miracle of Gods grace, it can be the only answer to the question of how we come through , grace and grace alone. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come, tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me safe home, wrote John Newton, so true. [ Father I give you thanks for your grace, that has kept me, and helped me in my walk with you, in Jesus name. Amen.]

Thank goodness its all over.

Shopping for presents ,buying enough food to feed an army, decorations, writing out Christmas cards, preparing the Christmas dinner, etc, I am sure there are many who do say thank goodness it is all over. I dont want to load you with guilt on top of everything else, for thinking ,for saying thank goodness it is all over, we carry many things around with us, often one of those things is guilt, when we shouldnt, so get rid of any guilt you may be carrying, bring everything to Him who bore all your guilt on the cross, and leave it there.[ Father so often I feel crushed by many things , even guilt, so right now I ask you to take every burden , as I cast it upon you, in Jesus name. Amen.]