Recently a friend said to me ,prayer is not being answered,she was upset,
things where getting on top of her.She reminds me of one the prophets ,
Habakkuks,who asked the question to God,/How long,O Lord,must I call for help,but you do not listen?or cry out to you,''Violence'' but you do not save.[ Habakkuk 1 v2]Now Habakkuk was a godly man,and my friend is a godly person.So for whatever reason,they reached the conclusion that prayer was not being answered. Now I am sure my friend has had many prayers answered,likewise Habakkuk,likewise myself.So when my friend
said prayer was not being answered,her precept was not taking into account
the times God had answered prayer.When it comes to prayer we must
appreciate that we are limited as to,the why's and wherefore,of Gods perfect will.The fact is, our all wise God has His own reason as to why and how He responds to all our prayers,Charles Swindle in his book perfect trust, writes,/It is a waste of time trying to unscrew the inscrutable workings of God. You will never be able to do it/.Now surely this applies to prayer,if God appears not to be answering our prayers then He has a perfect reason.Now my friend still believes in God,but is struggling with this one issue.The most important thing to do is simply to trust in our God who loves us,to just tell Him,that you trust Him,and will leave the unanswered prayer with Him.
A prayer.
Dear God help us to trust You,even when our prayers appear not to be answered,in Jesus name Amen.
Friday, 8 April 2016
Thursday, 7 April 2016
He was the last person I thought would become a Christian. [John 3 v8 ]
In his book 'Perfect Trust',Charles Swindle',wrote the following,/Our sovereign Lord operates from an eternal agenda,not a daily planner.
Sometimes,when we expect Him to charge over the hill with the cavalry,He holds back,other times, at the exact moment we think He has misplaced our address,He comes in through the back door.And when we wonder if we'll
ever feel His warmth,He pulls us in from the cold and sets us in the front of
crackling fire...Even with all He has revealed about Himself in His Word, His works often in ways we can't explain.'/I found these words very meaningful and helpful,it reminds me that we cannot tie God down,and that
the predicting game,as to Gods ways,is foolish.In John 3 v 8,we read,/The wind blows wherever it wants,just as you can hear the wind but can't tell
where it comes from or where it is going,so you can't explain how people
are born of the Spirit/.My Study Bible comments on this,/Jesus explained
that we cannot control the work of the Holy Spirit,He works in ways we cannot predict or understand./ A friend of mine told a person she knew,how
a certain man had become a Christian,the person replied that he was the last person in the world she thought would become a Christian,but the fact is he did become a Christian.
A prayer.
Dear God forgive us for our foolishness,You do work so often in ways we do not understand,saving the most unlikely people,and doing the most
unexpected things.in Jesus name Amen.
Sometimes,when we expect Him to charge over the hill with the cavalry,He holds back,other times, at the exact moment we think He has misplaced our address,He comes in through the back door.And when we wonder if we'll
ever feel His warmth,He pulls us in from the cold and sets us in the front of
crackling fire...Even with all He has revealed about Himself in His Word, His works often in ways we can't explain.'/I found these words very meaningful and helpful,it reminds me that we cannot tie God down,and that
the predicting game,as to Gods ways,is foolish.In John 3 v 8,we read,/The wind blows wherever it wants,just as you can hear the wind but can't tell
where it comes from or where it is going,so you can't explain how people
are born of the Spirit/.My Study Bible comments on this,/Jesus explained
that we cannot control the work of the Holy Spirit,He works in ways we cannot predict or understand./ A friend of mine told a person she knew,how
a certain man had become a Christian,the person replied that he was the last person in the world she thought would become a Christian,but the fact is he did become a Christian.
A prayer.
Dear God forgive us for our foolishness,You do work so often in ways we do not understand,saving the most unlikely people,and doing the most
unexpected things.in Jesus name Amen.
Wednesday, 6 April 2016
The word was God. [ John 1 v 1]
The Jehovah Witness's are active in the area where I live,and so it happen that two called at my door.What does one do,talk to them?,now that is a challenging thing to do,for the enemy is strong.The important thing to remember ,because this is a stronghold of Satan ,it does not mean they are right.This organisation was borne out of a rejection of Biblical truth,what they do not understand ,what appears to their rational mind as irrational,they reject.Now that may sound reasonable,but it is not,they will reject the doctrines ,which the Bible clearly teaches,they have a translation,which has been changed to fit in with their beliefs.One simple but very important
scripture,illustrates this is John 1 v1,which reads,/In the beginning was the the word,and the word was with God,and the word was God./Now this is clear statement on the divinity of Christ,but because they have rejected that doctrine ,they have slipped in an a,to make it read ,/a god/.We must appreciate the importance of this,instead of accepting what scripture says,
the JW's,have perverted the scripture.Paul Barnett states,/Christianity stood
or fell depending on one's view of the person and work of Jesus.False views
of Jesus have been promoted throughout history,including in these present
times.Such views must be firmly opposed in our generation as they were then by Paul if the true gospel is to have its power to mediate salvation.
A prayer.
Dear God help to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all
entrusted to the saints,in Jesus name Amen.
scripture,illustrates this is John 1 v1,which reads,/In the beginning was the the word,and the word was with God,and the word was God./Now this is clear statement on the divinity of Christ,but because they have rejected that doctrine ,they have slipped in an a,to make it read ,/a god/.We must appreciate the importance of this,instead of accepting what scripture says,
the JW's,have perverted the scripture.Paul Barnett states,/Christianity stood
or fell depending on one's view of the person and work of Jesus.False views
of Jesus have been promoted throughout history,including in these present
times.Such views must be firmly opposed in our generation as they were then by Paul if the true gospel is to have its power to mediate salvation.
A prayer.
Dear God help to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all
entrusted to the saints,in Jesus name Amen.
Friday, 1 April 2016
Is it I?. [ Psalm 51 ]
According to Pablo Picasso, a fascist officer barked at him,'Did you do that?,and pointed to a photo of the huge painting Guernica,which graphically depicts the bombing of civilians, 'No, you did',the artist replied.
Sometimes we are blind to the way we are behaving,and the trouble we are causing.King Ahab blamed Elijah for the trouble Israel was having,when in
fact,the king was to blame[ 1 Kings 18 v17-18 ].When Nathan the prophet
told King David,of an rich man who was oppressing a poor man David,
became angry,and threatened to have that rich man put to death.Imagine his surprise and horror when the story was turned on him,when Nathan said to
David, 'you are the man'.The point of all this is,that often we are into denial
as to where the blame really lies,we blame others,we blame circumstances,
we even blame God.As long as we keep doing this ,things will not change,
and whats most important we will never change.When our our Lord told his
disciples that one of them would betray him,they began to say to one another, is it I?. [Mark 14 v19]. Are you into some addiction that is causing
you trouble,but you are unwilling to admit it,not willing to take responsibility,for the mess your in.Is it not time to face your demons,to
acknowledge them,and to pray to Christ to forgive you,and for grace to
change whatever the price.Instead of asking ,is it I?,acknowledge ,that it is you.
A prayer.
Search me,O God,and know my heart,test me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting. in Jesus name Amen.
Sometimes we are blind to the way we are behaving,and the trouble we are causing.King Ahab blamed Elijah for the trouble Israel was having,when in
fact,the king was to blame[ 1 Kings 18 v17-18 ].When Nathan the prophet
told King David,of an rich man who was oppressing a poor man David,
became angry,and threatened to have that rich man put to death.Imagine his surprise and horror when the story was turned on him,when Nathan said to
David, 'you are the man'.The point of all this is,that often we are into denial
as to where the blame really lies,we blame others,we blame circumstances,
we even blame God.As long as we keep doing this ,things will not change,
and whats most important we will never change.When our our Lord told his
disciples that one of them would betray him,they began to say to one another, is it I?. [Mark 14 v19]. Are you into some addiction that is causing
you trouble,but you are unwilling to admit it,not willing to take responsibility,for the mess your in.Is it not time to face your demons,to
acknowledge them,and to pray to Christ to forgive you,and for grace to
change whatever the price.Instead of asking ,is it I?,acknowledge ,that it is you.
A prayer.
Search me,O God,and know my heart,test me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting. in Jesus name Amen.
Thursday, 31 March 2016
A shelter in the time of Storm . [Psalm 61 ]
In Psalm 61v 1-2, we read,/Hear my prayer,O God,attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,when my heart is overwhelmed;lead me to the rock that is higher than I./As I write these words, a severe storm is raging,garden furniture has been blown over.It reminds me of many of Gods children who are facing severe storms,in so many countries, storms of persecution.There are all sorts of storms,I was asked to pray recently for a couple ,the husband is at the early stages of dementia. Are you in a storm?well what can you do?, you can pray that prayer, David prayed. It commences,/Hear my cry,O God,listen to my prayer/,we are assured in Gods word that God listens to his childrens prayer,not only listens ,but answers,[Psalm 107]Next we read,/From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed ,/When I'm far from anywhere,down to my last gasp [T M]/, in other words no matter where you are,and no matter how you feel,God will hear,he is no local diety,He the God of all the earth,and He is your God.Lastly he asks to be lead to the rock that was higher than I,/God is seen as a rock[Psalm 62v2].David was praying to God to keep him safe, and secure from the storm he was in.
A prayer.
O Rock Divine,O Refuge dear:
A shelter in the time of storm,
Be Thou our helper ever near,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Amen.
[Words by F.R.Havergal]
A prayer.
O Rock Divine,O Refuge dear:
A shelter in the time of storm,
Be Thou our helper ever near,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Amen.
[Words by F.R.Havergal]
Wednesday, 30 March 2016
Regrets. [ Romans 5 v 6-10 ]
I attended a course in preparation for me eventually being part of the
chaplaincy team at a local hospice.I found it very helpful,for it dealt with such things,as death and dying,loss,grief bereavement care,dignity and respect,listening,responding and communication skills.They were all extremely helpful,I am sure many people would benefit from such a course.
Though I found some of it difficult emotionally to deal with,as it made me focus on the death of my first wife,and how I handled it,the regrets I have in relation to how I handled my boys.I wish I could say that I have no regrets
but the fact is I have many,I cannot join in the song,sung by the little sparrow,no regrets.I am a flawed human being,but this I know that I am loved by my loving heavenly Father.He knows the best about me and the worst,and yet His love remains constant,there is nothing hidden from Him,
but everyday as I pray and thank Him for Jesus,He whispers, Billy that's how much I love you,and that will never change.
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss-
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory.
[Words by Stuart Townend]
chaplaincy team at a local hospice.I found it very helpful,for it dealt with such things,as death and dying,loss,grief bereavement care,dignity and respect,listening,responding and communication skills.They were all extremely helpful,I am sure many people would benefit from such a course.
Though I found some of it difficult emotionally to deal with,as it made me focus on the death of my first wife,and how I handled it,the regrets I have in relation to how I handled my boys.I wish I could say that I have no regrets
but the fact is I have many,I cannot join in the song,sung by the little sparrow,no regrets.I am a flawed human being,but this I know that I am loved by my loving heavenly Father.He knows the best about me and the worst,and yet His love remains constant,there is nothing hidden from Him,
but everyday as I pray and thank Him for Jesus,He whispers, Billy that's how much I love you,and that will never change.
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss-
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory.
[Words by Stuart Townend]
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Attending church. [ Psalm 122v 1]
Peter Adams write of Jeremiah Burroughs one of the great preachers of the
seventeenth century.He wrote a book called Gospel Worship,a series of sermons on how to relate to God.He thought the most important thing we do each week is to go to church,to listen to the reading,and preaching of the
Bible.As you sit still to listen,he explains....you come to tender your homage to God, to sit at Gods feet and there to profess your submission to Him''. The fact is we need to meet with Gods people,to hear the ministry of Gods word,by the minister.As a minister I am continually studying Gods word,I pray for guidance,and Gods help,that the hungry sheep may be fed.That is my calling,I do it not for money,glory,but because I have been called by God to do it.When I go to preach I am not going to a debating
society,I am going to preach the word God has given me.Recently when I had finished preaching,a brother stood up,this brother is a difficult chap,he
wanted to say something,I asked him to sit down,he became angry and stomped out of the building.The point is ,it would have been better for him,and for those gathered, to just to take in the message that had been preached,in a submissive manner,as Jeremiah wrote.And for our own spiritual well being we really need to take seriously,the importance of attending church.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank you for being able to attend a church,where Gods word is preached,help us to not neglect this,help us to see its importance to our spiritual well being,in Jesus name Amen.
seventeenth century.He wrote a book called Gospel Worship,a series of sermons on how to relate to God.He thought the most important thing we do each week is to go to church,to listen to the reading,and preaching of the
Bible.As you sit still to listen,he explains....you come to tender your homage to God, to sit at Gods feet and there to profess your submission to Him''. The fact is we need to meet with Gods people,to hear the ministry of Gods word,by the minister.As a minister I am continually studying Gods word,I pray for guidance,and Gods help,that the hungry sheep may be fed.That is my calling,I do it not for money,glory,but because I have been called by God to do it.When I go to preach I am not going to a debating
society,I am going to preach the word God has given me.Recently when I had finished preaching,a brother stood up,this brother is a difficult chap,he
wanted to say something,I asked him to sit down,he became angry and stomped out of the building.The point is ,it would have been better for him,and for those gathered, to just to take in the message that had been preached,in a submissive manner,as Jeremiah wrote.And for our own spiritual well being we really need to take seriously,the importance of attending church.
A prayer.
Dear God we thank you for being able to attend a church,where Gods word is preached,help us to not neglect this,help us to see its importance to our spiritual well being,in Jesus name Amen.
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