Friendship.

A friend of mine told me about his father, a fellow Ulster man, he was a Roman Chatolic, he served in the British army in the second world war,most of his companions were Protestants, having come through the war with them , there was a strong bond between then, which lasted for the rest of their lives. This bond was demonstrated during a time of sectarian violence,where they all worked in the shipyard,if you were a Chatolic you were in mortal danger, but his friends protected him,they said we will look after you, and they did, friendship is so important. [Thank you God today for friendship and especially, for the greatest friend of all Jesus. Amen]

An important truth.

Twelve months, fifty two weeks, hundred of days, thousands of minutes,@seconds,that is what the new year holds for all of us. So what is this important truth? , simply this , one day at a time, this is what Jesus told us, dont worry about tomorrow, it does not mean we should not plan or think about the future, but we are not meant to live with anxiety as regards the future,live with a trust in your loving heavenly Father, day by day. [ Father help me to not worry as regards the future , I confess I do worry , forgive me, in Jesus name, Amen.]

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]