Do we all worship the same God ? [ Exodus 20 v 3]

I come from a divided land,Ulster,the division is political and religious,at this time things are more settled,the nationalist politicians have thankfully
chosen the ballot box,over the bullet.I was encouraged on my recent visit
as the degree of normality there was,no bombs,no road blocks.Now of  course there is still a lot of undercurrent,which we hope will lessen as time goes on.But what about the religious divide?,in politics  there has to be
a willingness to compromise, but what about the religious situation?, can their be compromise?.Why do we not just all worship as one?,are we not
going against what Jesus said ,that we should be one? [John 17v21]Are
we just being difficult,when we refuse to join with the Roman Catholic
church?.we could widen the question,do we not all worship the same God?
In the USA,a professor at Wheaton college has put on facebook that Christians, and Muslims worship the same God.Now these are the questions that many people are thinking about,and asking.Tomorrow I will seek to 
address these issue's,as to how we should look at them,from a biblical point of view.
                                              A  prayer.
 Dear God open the eyes of our understanding,help us to be open to what you have to say to us,in Jesus name Amen.

The most important prayer. [ Ephesians 2 v1-8]

Recently I paid a visit to my home town of Belfast,with two of my sons, before I went ,I asked, that the weather would be kind to us,and it was,,no rain,and the temperature was very reasonable.On our visit we called into a café to have something to eat,I spoke to the girl who was taking my order.I
mentioned that I was visiting,she mentioned how the weather  was nice,then
I said had prayed about it,and that God had answered prayer.Then I asked her did she believe God answered prayer?,she replied no,I ignored this,and said to her do you know the most important prayer one can pray?,God be merciful to me a sinner, and I left it at that.
                                        A prayer.
Dear God have mercy upon that young girl,help her to see that her greatest need ,is your mercy,through Jesus your Son Amen.

Im not going up on the roof. [Psalm 46]

There is a song with the words ,/when this old world is getting me down/,
and then it speaks of getting away from it all on the roof.What do you do when this old world is getting you down?,well I know I could not go on my
roof,I would fall of it,but there is a place I go to,not so much a place but a person,His name is Jesus.Elijah a prophet fled into the wilderness,David
fled into the land of the Philistines,who were the enemies of Israel.Naomi
and her family went into the land of Moab,because of a famine in there own country.Many in these days are fleeing from trouble, from war,oppression,
and poverty.It is a vivid reminder of the insecurity of life on planet earth,
75 percent of people who win the lottery end up bankrupt.Now I do not want to put fear into your hearts,but the reality is , that life is uncertain,we know not what a day may bring forth. So what is the answer to all this uncertain?,well consider the following words,  [Psalm46]
                           God is our refuge and strength
                            a very present help in trouble.
Where or what are you looking to,today,this man is saying that the person of God is his security.
                             Therefore will not we fear.
Be very clear about this,only faith in God, and his son Jesus,can bring us into a place of true security,only faith in a sovereign God,can bring peace,
and hope.
                                       A prayer.
Dear God and Father we draw near to you ,because you alone are,our security,which comes when we know Jesus as our Saviour, Amen.

Old age. [ Psalm 92 v 12-15]

Old age brings its problems, many my age  end up with prostate problems, diabetes,I just heard that a friend of mine had two hip replacement operations.Yes there are problems but that does not mean we are of no use,as long God grants us life,we can still serve Him,as He enables us.I may not be in employment but in the words of the little chorus ,there is a work for Jesus that I can still do .I can still pray,in a world were many are sadly  to busy to pray,I have time to pray. There are so many things to pray about.
,family,friends,neighbours ,missionaries,governments,and so many other things.As a Christian of many years I know how vital prayer is,our prayers can change situations,can change government's,can touch the ends of the earth.Let none of us doubt the importance of prayer,I can hear you say but what about the prayer that did not appear to be answered?.No one has all the answers  as to the whys of life,but in the end we leave it with God whose will is perfect. The work of prayer is like any other work,in spite of the difficulties we are called to be faithful,don't give up,press on,pray on,it is a most valuable service.A service that the world needs.your family needs,those you come in contact need,the need of the hour is prayer.
                                          A prayer.
Dear God as we grow old,let us not give in to despair,you still love us,help us ,and use us, in some way,help us to serve you in prayer,in Jesus name,
Amen.
         

Happiness. [ Psalm 32]

A popular entertainer,used to sing about happiness,the greatest gift that he possessed,what causes you to be happy?.What is the secret of happiness,
winning the lottery?,Helen Green a banker said,/You meet as many people
made unhappy by wealth as happy by it/.When I worked in the mental team,
I found a lot of unhappy people,one lady was always looking for something that would make her happy,a sort of do this,do that thing,she never appeared
very happy.Happiness is a feeling,and the fact is none of us are happy all the time.I think that to some extent we will all experience a degree of feeling happy.We all know about Snow White and the seven dwarfs,only one was called happy,there was one called grumpy,which one are we to today.Now as a Christian I have much to be thankful for ,the greatest gift I have is Christ who is my Saviour,and friend.To know Christ is to be blessed,even when one is sorrowful,even when trials come into ones life.As I face every day,my feelings may alter,because of whatever,but one thing will never alter,knowing Jesus, and the multitude of blessings,that brings into my life.
                              When peace like a river,attendeth my way,
                              when sorrows like sea billows roll;
                               whatever my lot You have taught me to say,
                               It is well,it is well with my soul.

                               Though Satan should buffet,if trials should come,
                               let this blessed assurance control,
                               that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
                               and has shed His own blood for my soul.

                               My sin-O the bliss of this glorious thought-
                               my sin-not in part-but the whole
                               is nail to His cross,and I bear it no more;
                                praise the Lord,praise the Lord,O my soul.

                                For me,be it Christ,be it Christ hence to live,
                                if Jordon above me shall roll.
                                No pang shall be mine,for in death as in life
                                You will whisper Your peace to my soul.
                                      [Words by Horatio G Spafford]
                    [I will return to my blog on Monday,every blessing]

A handful of weeds.. [Revelation 22 v12 ]

In Matthew  5  v12, our Saviour says to those who are suffering persecution
,/ for great is your reward in heaven/.CP also Luke 6 v35/,also 1 Corinthians 3v 11-15.Now let me make it clear that salvation cannot be earned,1 Corinthians 3 v15,makes that clear.rather it appears to be given for the service we have performed for our Saviour. My study Bible reads,/Good work will be rewarded,unfaithful work will be discounted/.The word of  God tells us that our works will be tested in the fire,the good will survive the fire,that which is not good will be burnt up.[1Corinthians 3 v13-15]. The other day I was working in our garden with my wife,she was digging up the
weeds which she handed to me ,which I disposed of.As she handed me those weeds I could not help but think of that day when I will stand before my Saviour,and all I give Him was  a handful of weeds,I would be absolutely ashamed.There is an old Gospel hymn which reads,/By and by when I look on His face I wish I had given Him more/.We who are debtors should at least seek to show our appreciation to our Saviour,for saving us .
                                          A  prayer.
Dear God we thank you for saving us,we owe you so very much,help us to show our appreciation,by lives that are fruitful in serving you,in Jesus name we ask this. Amen.

A sure and certain foundation.[ Acts 4 v 11-12 ]

In 1 Corinthian 3v11-15,we are told a number of truths,that faith is built on Christ,as the old hymn puts it,/On Christ the solid rock I stand,all other ground is sinking sand/.So the apostle declares,/For other foundation can no
man lay than that is laid,which is Jesus Christ/.If any building is going to stand it must have a foundation,without it will fall down,so we are reminded the importance of having Christ ,the life without Christ,will eventually manifest weaknesses,and those without that foundation,will one day,find
the house  that they have built collapsing.I was speaking to my sister recently,and I mentioned that I prayed for her to be saved.She  replied,to be saved,what did I mean?,yes what did I mean,I meant this if our lives are not
built upon Christ,then we will be lost.It is a sad thing to say,but a necessary thing to say,to warn her that there is a storm coming,the judgement of God.
I hear people speak a lot of nonsense as regards what happens when we die,that somehow we will pick up where we have left off.Not so ,we will no longer be husband and wife,parent and child,no, those earthly ties will have ceased.The most important thing about the after life is that we are in that vital relationship of knowing Christ as our own and personnel Saviour.
                                        A prayer.
Dear God in an uncertain world we that for Jesus on which we can build our lives on .Amen.