The small things. [ Joshua 7]

Little things are important, especially in our prayer life,God nudged me this week, reminding me that we need to pray about the little things. I had two tasks to do ,one large one small,I prayed much about the large task, but not so much about the small task, I succeeded in the large failed in the small ,and I was reminded of how Israel succeeded at Jericho ,and failed at Ai,Jericho was a large city, Ai was small, it seems to me that after the victory over Jericho ,an unhealthy self confidence had set in,the result ,defeat. I know sin was at the bottom of their defeat, but I feel if they had taken time to seek God before the battle that could have been dealt with, and victory would have been assured, lets not neglect to seek God in the small things. [Dear God help us to acknowledge You in all things, to seek your help with the big and small , in Jesus name, Amen ]

Joy will come in the morning. [ Psalm 30v5 ]

In Psalm 30 v5, we read,/ Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning/, a wonderful promise to all Gods children,especially those who are enduring times of trials. God often permits His children to experience times of trials, times of weeping,times of pain, emotional and phyisical suffering. This scripture speaks of enduring, and this is an aspect of life that many dear Christians have to exercise,we are not going to be carried to heaven in flowery beds of ease. In the world we will have many trials and sorrows , so said our Saviour [John 16 v33],that is the reality of life, we can think of those who are suffering for their faith,and all that means for them and their families. Whatever suffering we have to face, yes we will have to endure, but listen , joy will come in the morning, so hold on dear child of God. [ Dear God grant unto us the grace to endure, in our trials,and help us to hold unto the wonderful truth, that joy will come in the morning, in Jesus name Amen ]

We are to be different. [ Acts 4 v13 ]

In Colossians 4v5-6, we read/ Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive, so that you will have the right response for everyone./ My study Bible says ,/ We should be wise in our contacts with non-believers, making the most of our opportunites to tell them the good news of salvation/. My son was telling me of where he worked, the foul and filthy language which is common, we can by our language and manner speak to such people, but in speaking ,we also need to manifest a godliness, that will affect them. So today wherever we find ourselves, may God enable us to count for Him and His kingdom. [Dear God, in this fallen world help us to manifest a godliness, that will count for Your glory in Jesus name Amen]

The place of safety. [ Psalm 46 ]

The life of faith is the only safe life, so wrote Thomas Case,I wonder do you agree? I believe it to be so, and yet there are times one may want it different. The believers security is not in winning the lottery, having perfect health , but simply to have faith in our God. Let us ask the question ,are the rich secure because of their riches?, no, are the philosophers secure because of their philosophy?,no, are the nations secure because of their armaments?no. The life of faith is the only safe place to be ,it saved Noah , and his family from drowning[Hebrews 11v 7], the scriptures tell us ,/ By faith the harlot perished not with them that believed not[Hebrews 11v31]/ . Faith in Christ alone saves, from sin,and satan, it saves us from Hell ,and takes us to heaven,and the life of faith will bring us safely through ,difficulties and dangers, and will cause the Lords favour to rest upon us. [ Dear God help us to walk more by faith and less by sight in Jesus name Amen ]

Jungle and grace . [Ephesians 2 v1-8 ]

As Tarzan said to Jayne, its a jungle out there,sad to say for many people ,out there is a jungle,life can be dirty ,damaging, and dangerous. Some of us are sheltered from the excesses, but we live in a sinful world,were one only has to scratch the surface, to reveal its real nature. Come to think of it I am a bit like that, as one man wrote ,we have the same blood running through our veins as those in Hell. Am I being a bit extreme?, read the lives of David and his son Solomon, read what Paul said in Romans 7 v 18-25 ,I know that nothing good lives in me, that is , in my sinful nature, but then he goes unto say, O wretched man that I am, Who shall deliver me from this body of death. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. William Plummer writes,/How amazing is that grace, which shall take away his divided heart, and gives him one heart, one mind, one will,as He has now one God , one Redeemer, one comforter..... Christ is our Salvation./[ Dear God thank You for saving us through Your Son Jesus Amen ]

A good day. [ Numbers 6 v24-26 ]

There is a song by Don Williams which I like ,it goes, /Lord I hope this day is good,Im feeling empty and misunderstood.I should be thankful, Lord I know I should, but Lord I hope this day is good/. If we are honest I am sure we all can identify with those words,there are days when we do feel empty and misunderstood, the important thing is , the Lord understands. The Psalmist felt like this[cp Psalm 42/43], so we are in good company, so let us pray our prayer of honesty,and grant it that the Lord ,may lift up the light of His countenance upon us, and bless us with a good day.[ Dear Lord Jesus we love You, and we know You love us,we ask that You would bless us with a good day today, Amen ]

No turning back. [ John 21 v20 -22 ]

Run with your vision,that is one of the great lessons of the Christian life, I am sure I have been judged as being foolhardy, in my time as I stepped out ,into the vision God had placed on my heart. To go where others to not see ,or do not want to be, but thats what one has to do, follow what God has put on ones heart. Our Saviour was rebuked by Peter, because He had told his disciples, of his forthcoming suffering, and death [Mark 8v31ff], you see that was Christ vision,consider the consequences of Him not fullfilling it,for the whole world, for you for me. In following Gods vision we will need courage and faith ,we must follow that star,and in doing so,we will be will be wise in the sight of God. May our prayer be,[ I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back. Though none go with me,I still will follow, no turning back, no turning back.Amen ]