Panic. [ Psalm 91 ]

If you can keep your head when all around are loosing theirs, so wrote the poet, I work with some people who get panic attacks,they have no control over what is happening.There are reasons for their panic attacks,but they appear not able to do anything about them, just hang in there until they subside. Sometimes I feel panic creeping into my heart, things are happening that I dont have any control over, what can I do? , in one of the Fraizer programs , his brother panics and hides under the grand piano,reverting to what he did as a child. In my times of panic I turn more and more to the Psalms, Psalm 91v1-2, comes to mind,it reads, /He who dwells in the secret place of the most High,shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God in Him will I trust. [ Dear God help me when panic is arising in my heart to trust in You, for in You alone is peace and security, in Jesus name . Amen ]

A block.[ Psalm 66v18]

When will God answer?I suppose the answer is when He sees fit,why does it seem He is in no hurry to answer? is He going to answer?will He answer?.When we pray we want an answer, we desire an answer, I wonder do we make it difficult for God to answer?, do we put barriers in the way?. One of my sons saw a young lad doing something wrong,when he was challenged about it ,he denied that he had done anything. I dont know all the answers to my questions as regards prayer, but I do believe that when we come to God in prayer, it is no use being into denial, and act as if God does not see everything. Let us remember a blockage will block the flow,an unconfessed sin,an unwillingness to be humble,will hinder our prayers being answered. It is in Jeremiah 11v14 we read,/Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them, for I will not hear them in the time they cry unto me for their trouble./The people of Isreal refused to acknowledge their sin ,refused to change, would not listen to Gods voice,so there was a block in their relationship with God. [Dear God help me to be honest with You, help me to be humble before You,help me to not act in anyway that would put a block in my relationship with You in Jesus name. Amen ]

Gambling. [1 Corinthians 6 v12 ]

I dont gamble,It was one of those things one didnt do in Ulster when one became a Christian, also my father gambled, and that caused problems. In the place where I work a number of the workers are clubbing together to do the lottery, I dont judge people if they gamble, as to the rights and wrongs of gambling I am not sure. It does seem to me ,another potential area for people to be sucked in, with the possiblity of it becoming addictive, In 1 Corinthians 6 v12,we read /All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient, all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any/.My study Bible says ,/ Some actions are not sinful in themselves, but they are not appropriate because they can control our life, and lead us away from God/.[ Dear God keep me from anything that could control or destroy my life, in Jesus name. Amen ]

The faith of expectation [ 1 John 3 v22]

At this time I have come to the place of change in relation to my church situation, and so I am seeking God, as to His will. I am praying, reading Gods word for guidance, waiting, and expecting.It was William Gurnall who wrote ,/The faith of expectation engages God to help us. When you have been with God expect good from Him. For the lack of this , many a prayer is lost. If you do not believe , why do you pray? if you believe, why do you not expect?. By praying, you depend on God, but by not expecting, you unravel your prayer.O Christian , offer your prayer in holy expectation, upon the credit of the promise/. When we pray it is not a wish list, it is an act of faith to God, who has promised to hear and to answer, so today let us pray expectantly. [Dear God I bring my requests unto You, that You would grant what I ask in accordance with Your perfect will in Jesus name .Amen ]

Live like Jesus.[ 1 Corinthians 10 v32 ]

It was George Orwell who wrote [He wrote Animal farm]/ It is not strictly fair to judge a movement by its adherents , but the point is, people invariably do/. This can be applied to many movements, and it can be applied to Christianity,I remember my old gran saying,how my grandad would never contribute to a certain Christian group, because of something he witnessed ,by one of their adherants. Now of course as a Christian we will face criticism ,no matter what we do,but it is also true that we will do and say things, that will warrant criticism.The offence of the cross will always be there, but let us not give offence, by some hurtful or unwise action, when Daniels enemies tried to find fault with him ,they could find none occasion ,nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him .[Daniel 6 v4] [ Dear God in Thy great mercy help me live like Jesus today Amen ]

Forgive them. [Matthew 5 v44]

Christless religiosity can be and is a dangerous thing, I read continually of people being persecuted for their faith in Iran,where apostasy can be punished by hanging, I can only assume this is what the Koran teaches. Christless Christianity has in the past acted in ways that was so contrary to the Bible,they actually burnt people alive, tortured people. Thankfully those things do not happen now,and one wonders how people could have could done such things .Nowhere in the Bible are we instructed to torture or kill those who do not believe in Jesus, or to burn to death heretics.On the cross our Saviour prayed that those who had crucified Him would be forgiven [Luke 23 v34 ], and He taught us to ,love our enemies,to bless them, to do good to them, and to pray for them .[ Matthew 5 v 44]. This does not mean we agree with those who are heretics , or with those who are doing wicked things, but it does mean that we behave ,as true followers of Christ.[ Father we pray for those who are persecuting Christians, and for those who oppose the truth , that you would have mercy on them , in Jesus name .Amen ]

The preacher.[ 2 Timothy 4 v 1-5 ]

My blog is called ,Bill the preacher, I named it so because I believe God called me to preach, a friend of mine stressed how important preaching was to him. If one is called to preach then it is very important , it is very challenging, we have to discern what we are going to preach on, that in itself is challenging, then we have to study, then preach it, sounds simple, but I can assure you its not , but it is very rewarding.Some people feel in these times it is not so important to preach, but they are wrong, I know the times are changing, but the need for preaching is as vital as ever.The preacher is one who calls people back to Gods word, reminds people continually of the truths of Gods word, to sinner and saint alike. So today pray for preachers ,that they would be faithful to their call, and that they would be guided as to what they preach, and that God would annoint their ministry, to the salvation of souls, and the building up of Gods people.[ Dear God we ask that you would bless all those You have called to preach Your word, in Jesus name Amen ]