Posts

In the beginning

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I have astronomer friends who mock this statement and ai constantly pray that their eyes will be opened. To believe the universe came into being without divine intervention requires a lot of faith or blind foolishness the order and the laws that govern space cannot be random. When have we ever seen radom order be created out of nothing? And Yes it requires faith to believe in a God who created all things, but first you need a revelation of His love to understand. All things seen have been created, but the big WHY hangs. When we see the smallest of creatures perfectly formed and most beautiful of flowers how could they randomly come into being. If I wanted to bless my children and create a world they would constantly wonder at, I could do no better. Our God has done just that! We may not love Him, so why would He love us? The answer is, because He is love. The question is now, can ai believe such perfect, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Made right

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Today’s verse is just verse 1, but it does not stand alone, 2 and 3 must be added, and then 4 and 5 begged to be admitted. So here thay all are, in their glory! What power is presented to us! As I believe in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, I stand whole and complete in Him ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The glory

““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ In Australia the sheep farms are huge and the sheep are generally unprotected, apart from fences. Wild dogs, foxes and human predators are common. In the time of Jesus sheep herds were smaller and the shepherd was given charge over the sheep. Jesus spoke about hirelings who were employed to care for the sheep who did not care when wolves came. Whereas Jesus called himself the door. He lay in the opening to prevent the thieves and wolves from entering. How does that apply to me? I can be confident that Jesus is blocking the way from the enemy of my soul. Scripture tells me He sits at the right hand of the Father and gives intercession for me. He is not way off and aloof, but very present through His Holy Spirit that He has given me. The Holy Spirit comforts and guides me. He leads me to trust The word of God; to praise; to worship; to faith; to prayer. I am not alone! Psalm 23 tells me ...
Post a Comment
Read more

A woman who fears the Lord

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I still have a photo of my debut as a 17 year old. The difference between then and now are marked. Whilst I was young and beautiful then, and old now the place of beauty has changed, the inner parts of me now carry the beauty of the Lord. I know this has to be true as so many say they see that beauty, whereas I look in the mirror and see age. A young woman who carried godly beauty is even better. I have a lovely friend who does just that. She is serene with His beauty. This young woman is about to be married to her first boyfriend, at 29. She is a virgin and has never dated until now. This I cherish for her. Our God is beautiful! Imagine the beauty that Jesus carried. He was sinless and stayed close to the Father. What an attractive mix.  The woman in the passage above was praised by her family. A woman who clings to the Lord is beautiful indeed. Amen...
Post a Comment
Read more

His way

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Whist this thought applies to all Christians we must consider where this verse falls. From verse 5 Peter is addressing young men. He says: “In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The first four verses are addressed to elders: “And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are ...
Post a Comment
Read more

No fear

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I love this scripture. Strength and dignity are not found unless the Lord clothes us first. If He is the focus they are automatically present. Laughing without fear of the future are character traits of the daughter of a king. She is secure in the knowledge He reigns. Words of wisdom are found in the mouth of a student of the Lord. Knowing Him and His ways brings wisdom. Knowledge is found in the fear of the Lord. Giving instruction with kindness are traits of one who has been disciplined by the Lord and schooled in righteousness. Training others in His ways, is an act of love, neglect is an act of selfishness. When we are preoccupied with self, we neglect others. The lady in this passage is not a self-centred woman. On the contrary, further reading of the full passage reveals that her husba...
Post a Comment
Read more

Rescued from evil

“Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”  2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ These verses are interesting. First Paul asks for prayer and then promptly answers himself. It appears he is talking to the Thessalonians but in fact his statement answers his own request. Jesus taught us to pray, in the Lord’s Prayer He instructed us to ask the Father for deliverance from evil and temptation. It, therefore, is prudent that we pray thus. I often forget, and then when I remember I do. I am not so spiritual that I can avoid evil, I need the Lord’s help, we all do. Recently Bethel church in America wrote an apology letter for not publicly dealing with the sin of an associate. Pastor Bill mentioned that he is so reluctant to accuse a brother that it became a weakness for him. He has shown us that a strength can be used against us by our enemy. We can asses...
Post a Comment
Read more