Dry Bones

And he said unto me, son of man shall these bones live? And I answered, O Lord thou knowest”. Ezek 37 v 3And he said unto me, son of man shall these bones live? And I answered, O Lord thou knowest”.

If God showed you a valley of dry bones what would be your reaction, how would you cope?

With men it is impossible but with God all things are possible, Here a picture of God’s own chosen nation, Israel , living in idolatry and sin completely given over to paganism. Is this a picture of England today?

The Lord speaks to Ezekiel. Prophesy over them.   Heb 4 v 12

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17 v 22

Bones are significant and important to God, He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Psalms 34:20

And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged. 2 Samuel 21:13 1. Chron 10 v 12

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. Genesis 50 v 25

Job complained of his bones, My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat. Job 30 v 30

Elisha’s bones were so anointed with the Spirit of God that to touch them could bring the dead back to life! And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. 2 Kings 13:21

We too have an inheritance in Christ that is more than skin deep. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Ephes 5 v 30

On the cruel cross at Calvary the bones of Jesus were all pulled out of their sockets. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. Psalms 22 v 14

Sadly many folks today are like Lazarus coming from the tomb, they need releasing from the death pall that surrounds them. The grave clothes are still clinging to their bones. Lazarus was alive, praise God, but he was not able to function.

Samson “wist not that the spirit had left him. Poor man, they bound him hand and foot and put out his eyes. “This was the man that had slain a thousand Philistines with the jaw bone of an ass. “And he found the jaw bone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith”. Judges 15 v 15 and 16 v 20

When God spoke to Jeremiah regarding the sin and wickedness in the land he said, Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake. Jer 23 v 9.

Are we dry? Do we need the Word of God to put flesh on our spiritual bones?

“Breathe on me breath of God”

Certain Men

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our Lord Jesus into lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God, and our Lords Jesus Christ” Jude 4 v 4

How did these men creep in? It was apparent what they were. How do evil thoughts arise in our hearts? Unexpectedly, unannounced and unseen they creep in.

What sort of men were these? “Having eyes full of adultery that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practises; cursed children”. 2 Peter 2 v 14

These certain men are easily identifiable today; you do not have to look far to find them for they are ubiquitous

Jesus spoke of the wheat and the tares growing up together. The enemy has sown the tares. They grow up just like the wheat but at the last, on judgement day, the angels will separate them and burn the chaff. Ye shall know them buy their fruits. Math 13 v 41

The Son of man shall send out his angels, and they shall gather out of the kingdom, all things that offend, and them that do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be a wailing and a gnashing of teeth”             Math 13 v 41

A buglar does not ask for permission. He creeps under cover of darkness. Certain men crept in unawares. The devil is a thief and a liar. “The thief cometh not but for to steal and to destroy”. Math 13 v 41

The devil can appear as an angel of light, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ, and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also are transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works”. 2 Cor 11 v 13

“Cursed is everyone that doeth the Lord’s work, deceitfully” Jer 48 v 10

Can God be deceived? Are we to be deceived? You will know them by their fruits. “Beloved believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God”. 1 John 4 v 1

We are to be on guard and aware of certain men. “This know in the last days perilous times shall come.

 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those who are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Tim 3 v 1/5

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.1 Tim 4 v 1

Let us beware of men!

A Defeated King

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephes 6. 12

Wrestling is a very close contact sport it is very physical. Years ago it was a national pastime on the television with screaming fans getting very excited and angry as the battle raged. The controversy was whether it was a real contest, or acted out with exaggerated groans and pain?

Jacob wrestled with an angel, who later turned out to be the Lord. As he struggled all night, his hip was put out, but as daylight approached her cried, “I will not let thee go unless thou bless me”. Jacob had prevailed with God but his struggle in the physical realm, brought him great spiritual blessing.

Thou shalt no more be called Jacob but Israel , for as a prince hast thou power with God. Gen 32 v 26

Why do we let go so easily? We sometimes struggle and strive in prayer for a season, then without reason, we throw in the towel, we abandon all attempts to change, God’s mind. For thus saith the Lord God; I will yet be enquired of by the house of Israel . Ezek 36 v 37

Moses fell on his face before God,  to intercede and plead for Israel . He succeeded and the guilty were punished when the earth opened up and swallowed them and the fire fell and consumed the 250 princes who also were rebelling. Num 16 v 22/35

The Lord Jesus had to face a terrific struggle in the wilderness and endured it for 40 days and nights without food. He wrestled in the garden as he faced the cross. The spiritual conflict was so intense that he sweated as it were, drops of blood. It was close contact with the principalities and powers. The spiritual conflict that we are engaged in is as intense and real. Ephes 6 v 12

It is said of praying Hyde that his heart burst with the agony of intercession.

The Word tells us that, Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin: Hebrews 12:4

There are times and seasons when every step we take is contested. We are oppressed and under attack from the rulers of darkness, who want to divert us, defeat us, and to deflect us from prayer.

Jesus said, that since the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Math 11 v 12

Job agonised with God in argument and reasoning almost to the point of confrontation, yet he prevailed and won through.

Professional wrestlers spend a long time in the gym training and practising their holds. Can we take hold of God’s promises and not let go until we have our petitions?

It seems there are giants in the land can we say with Joshua and Caleb  “We are well able to overcome them”. Num 13 v 30

A Defeated King

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shall bruise his heel”. Gen 3 v 15

I was in Faversham in Kent , distributing Gospel tracts and preaching. I approached a man who was limping along, dragging one leg behind him. He was obviously in pain. I offered a tract with love in my heart, and was shocked and hurt when he shouted, “Get away from me, don’t tell me about God”.

He rejected the tract and went on his way, still in pain, still dragging his painful leg, and carrying bitterness and anger in his heart. I was much grieved and prayed for him; Oh Lord touch his hardened heart!

However many people are just like that man, they would rather struggle along in life, in pain and with anger and enmity against of God in their hearts.

Enmity and hostility are just under the surface in many people.

One evening while we were conducting a Gospel service in a local hospital I went to speak to an elderly lady in a wheel chair. The meeting was at its end and we were saying our good-byes. This lady was 100, years of age and as I approached her, she turned on me with fearful hostility, saying “get away from me, don’t tell me about God”. Exactly the same words and the sadly the same sentiment.

“Then there were two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying. “If thou be the Son of God come down from the cross”. Math 27 v 39

You would think, passing by a man, crucified on a cross, that people would have had some compassion? But no they reviled him.

He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53 v 3

What appalling, hateful words were uttered when the chief priest and officers cried out; Away with him, Crucify him, crucify him. John 19 v 6

How dreadful the un-regenerate, human heart! Ye adulterers and adulteresses know ye not that friendship with the world is enmity against God James 4 v 4

How it must hurt Gods heart.  God is love; “For God so loved the world, that he gave us his only son that whosoever should believe on him should not perish but have everlasting life”. John 3 v 16

A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15 v 1

A Little Chamber

Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a and a stool and a candlestick, and it shall be when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. 2 Kings 4 v 10

The Shu’nam’mite, woman had both perception and compassion. “Let us make a little chamber I pray thee, on the wall, not much by today’s standard. An extension to the home was an easy task in those days. No planning permission was needed but it would be a simple construction. Today we are comforted, cosseted and surrounded with every luxury.

Some evangelists say they cannot manage to proclaim the Gospel, without an amplification system or a computer. Some churches cannot manage without a new carpet or a new kitchen suite; other wise they say the people will not come to the meeting.  Many congregations cannot survive without being mollycoddled and resuscitated with tea and biscuits after the message.

And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there. Genesis 43 v 30

For Amnon his chamber was a place of appalling sin and shame. And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. His unrestrained passion led to the defilement of his sister and eventually to his murder. 2 Samuel 13 v 28

The much loved Dorcas was laid in an upper chamber And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. Acts 9:37

True. “My God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in Christ Jesus, but I believe our riches in glory are spiritual riches.  This is not a licence to indulge in gratifying the flesh make ourselves comfortable and fossilise in materialism. Why be cumbered around with this world’s bric-a-brac? When the Lord Jesus returns are we to be found like the dogs who returned to their own vomit and the sow that is washed to her wallowing in the mire? 1 Peter 2 v 22. In India , my room had a cement floor, cement walls, and a wooden rack for my suitcase, and a chair. Yes praise God also a mosquito net. The Lord himself drew near and it was a precious place of prayer.

We are a far cry from the simplicity of the Bible, but with all our technology and sophistication, we lack the anointing and the power of God.

It is difficult to lead a simple life today. The utilities demand their direct debit and planning permission is only given when the modern trend has been incorporated.

Of course there are many that will say,   “How shall he not with him, give us all things to enjoy”. Rom 8 v 32.

Our riches in glory are spiritual; our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost. Our physical frame is temporary and earthy for we are only passing through this worldly scene. We are pilgrims and strangers, looking for a city whose builder and maker is God”.  Heb 11 v 10

While visiting India , my room in Madras was a simple affair. It had a wooden rack made with slats for a suitcase a chair, and a table. In the centre of the room was a bed with a mosquito net completing the furniture.

Yet while in prayer and meditation the Lord himself drew near and it became a place of great blessing. Elijah was content with a table, a stool, a bed and a candlestick! Are you sitting comfortably?

However this is not a licence to indulge in gratifying the flesh. To make ourselves comfortable and become fossilised in materialism. Why be cumbered about with this world’s bric a brac. Dead men’s cast off’s. When the Lord Jesus returns to this earth are we

“Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also”.   Math 6 v 21

The Mind

I read the other day of a doctor who told a patient that he was dying with terminal cancer. The man felt very ill and took to his bed and lay there day after day expecting to die.   He lost weight at an alarming rate and he grew weaker and weaker.

The doctor discovered a mistake had been made in the diagnosis and returned to tell the dying man that there was nothing wrong with him after all, that his cells were perfectly healthy. As this news sank in the man began to improve, put on weight and made a full recovery, but this story illustrates the power of the mind over the body. The book of Proverbs tells us, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is”. Prov 23 v 7

“Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus”. What a concept to have the mind of Christ. Many will say, How is this possible”? Phil 2v 5

The mind is an amazingly complex and intricate structure. Who can fathom it out? Many psychiatrists have mental breakdowns, trying vainly to search the mind and solve its problems. Mental hospitals are full of people with damaged minds. Their thoughts constantly trouble them. The Bible has the answer, The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? Proverbs 21 v 27

So our minds need renewing. Is it possible to give them an overhaul? God says the mind is contaminated, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient”.  Romans 1 v 28

God humbled Nebuchadnezzar because his mind was hardened in pride, But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: Daniel 5 v 20

The demon possessed are out of their minds! And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. Mark 5:15

As the Lord walked on this earth what did He think about?  On the road to Emmaus he expounded in all the Scripture the things concerning himself. In his fellowship with the Father God’s Word dominated his thoughts. Luke 24 v 27

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

God knows what is in the mind of man, For I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them. . Ezekiel 11 v 5

Moses told Israel ; Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. Num 16 v 28

When we are in glory we will not remember this earth. For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. Isaiah 65 v 17

If

If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked way, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land”. 2 Chron 7 v 14

“If”, is such a small word. The Bible is full of promises, but many are conditional on that small word “if”. Compliance and acceptance are dependent on the conditions being fulfilled.

Every promise of God is true. It will never fail. Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall never pass a way”.  Math 24 v 35“

For all the promises in Christ Jesus are Yes and Amen, unto the glory of God by us” 2 Cor 1 v 20

“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ, Gods Son, cleanseth us from all sin”. 1 John 1 v 7

Are we walking in the light as he is in the light?  No wonder we lack power in our fellowships and churches. Have we obeyed the conditions set out? God has not changed His word has not changed, nor ever will. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Many folks have got so used to having their own way that they would move to another church rather than submit to the truth.

This is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. Which say unto the seers see not; and to the prophets, prophesy not unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits. Isaiah 30 v 9/10

Some may say, “Oh brother, this is legalism say no, these are Gods conditions not mine.  But today a majority has got so used to having there own way in everything, they would rather move to another

“If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me”. Psalm 66 v 18

Any business, when marketing its goods and services, prints the terms and conditions in small print on the back. God has printed out His conditions, plainly for all to see. Do we need spectacles? Or is it our stubbornness that prevents us from remembering the conditional promises of God?

Many have walked away from spiritual things in apparent disgust saying; “It did not work”. It is almost impossible to win these folks back. Let us therefore tell the truth. Let us tell it, as it is.

God’s word says “If thou wilt diligently hearken unto the voice of the Lord, and give ear to his commandments, and keep his statutes, then I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I put upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord that healeth thee”. Ex 15 v 26

When we obey God, in  detail, and fulfil his conditions, we can be assured God will keep his promise.

Can we humble ourselves, pray, seek his face, and turn from our wicked ways! Yes we can pray but do we fulfil the other conditions?

If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1 v 19

I AM the door

An elderly lady moved to a door and with a withered painful hand slowly turned the key in the lock, and unlocked the door. We were in an old folks home conducting a Gospel meeting, telling forth the simple truth that, Jesus Christ is the door, the only door; “By me if any man enter in he shall be saved”. John 10 v 9

When I was involved in door knocking as a salesman, there were many doors that were slammed in my face. Similarly knocking on doors to witness and testify can result in similar actions. It can hurt when people shut the door.

The Tabernacle type clearly shows an entrance that is both wide and narrow. There is only one way to enter the outer court. It is wide enough to allow all who may, to enter in. Narrow enough to keep out the proud, unrepenting, boastful sinners, yet allowing the humble, the meek and lowly and the seeking soul to enter in.

An Israelite, and a sinner, would come to that entrance, to confess and forsake his sin. He would bring with him a spotless lamb, selected from his flock. The best, one without blemish or any spot.

Walking through the vast tented city, the folks would notice as he passed by, that he was making his way to the tabernacle, or tent of meeting.

As he approached he would see the high white barrier, made of fine linen separating him from the tabernacle. This was supported with 60 brass posts, topped with silver, with silver hooks and pegged into the ground with brass pegs. The posts themselves were set in block of solid silver, provided by the redemption money.

The only access to the court and the priest was through the one entrance.

On entering in, he would have to confess his sins, while laying his hand on the innocent animal’s head, he would watch as the priest cut the throat of the beast. The blood would be caught in a basin and sprinkled on the altar post and the remainder poured out, while the carcass was burnt in the fire in sacrifice to God.  The innocent lamb died, and the guilty sinner went free. His sin atoned for. Here was a foretelling, a picture of the sacrifice which Christ was to make at Calvary , the Lamb without spot.

Our approach to God is always barred by our sin. Sin separates us from God. The fine linen curtain spoke eloquently of the righteousness of a Holy God. The brass post spoke of Judgement for sin and the silver of redemption through payment of a price, a half a shekel of ransom money

We are redeemed not with silver or gold but by the precious blood of Jesus. “Forasmuch as ye know not that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as with silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers. but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without spot or blemish” 1 Peter 1 v 18

“For such an entrance shall be ministered unto you, abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1 v 11

The door of Salvation is still open today. Will you enter in?

Confession of Faith

Go home to your friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for thee and hath had compassion on thee”. Mark 5 v 19

The demon-possessed man had been delivered from those awful demons. They had asked permission of Jesus to go into the pigs, thinking they could escape the water that way. The Lord allowed them, knowing that they would run wildly down to the water and plunge in to destruction. Now the man sat with Jesus. What a lovely picture of the Gospel.

Set free, delivered from evil and sitting in his right mind with Jesus, his Saviour, and his deliverer. He wanted so much to be with him, to follow him wherever he went. But Jesus said no, “Go home to thy friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for thee. Our testimony is important to God.

And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord God of Israel , and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. Joshua 7:19

Our mission is to tell others of the great things God has done for us. Our friends and neighbours. “The Lord has done great things for me”, holds much power. Folks may or may not be ready to believe Gods word, but they cannot deny your testimony. “They will find it hard to argue with you, for it is your personal experience.

The woman that met with Jesus at Jacob’s well went back to her village. She was so excited, she had forgotten to take her water jar with her. What a powerful effect her testimony had on those villagers. “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him, for the saying of the woman, which testified, “He told me, all that I ever did”. John 4 v 39

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

Daniel a godly man made confession. And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, Oh Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; Dan 9 v 4

“If thou shalt confess me”, could we ever be ashamed of the Lord Jesus? How can we pass the time of day with folks talking of the weather, or this and that? “If any man confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven”. Math 10 v 32

I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 1 Timothy 6 v 3

How amazing to be presented to the Father! The Lord of all. The Ancient of days. A glorious thought. To be presented by the Lord Jesus himself. “Father this is my blood bought child, my treasured friend, whom I have redeemed. He/She has testified of me.  Will there be a cloud of witnesses looking on?  Will Moses or Elijah, or Solomon be looking on?

It is a privilege to speak a few words of life, of truth. Words of testimony. Let us open our mouths and broadcast the good news. To testify to some needy soul today. What great things the Lord has done for us.

“Ye are my witnesses”, saith the Lord”.  Isaiah 43 v 10

Cast your Net

Simon Peter said I go fishing. They say unto him, We go also with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately: and that night they caught nothing”. John 21 v 3

A long dark night of toil, back breaking work, without sleep, casting the net, waiting for it to settle and sink, pulling it in slowly, expecting fish and finding nothing. Start again, cast the net, again and again, all nightlong.

Many of us have been working through the night, the long dark night of sin, seeking to win souls, casting the gospel net, time and time again. Then when the dawn is about to break, and the light starts to appear on the horizon, we are tired and disappointed. No fish! An empty net!

Imagine the scene, the shore is coming up ahead the disciples half awake, weary in body and soul. They are looking forward to getting ashore, to rest and perhaps sleep. Suddenly, as they draw near to the shore a voice greets them. “Children have you any meet?  Perhaps they answer the stranger with a murmured “No”.

The stranger commands them, “Cast your net on the right side of the ship and you shall find”.  The orders are specific, not just to try again, or keep going or bad luck but, Cast your net on the right side and ye shall find”. Who would dare say such a thing?

What did it cost them to cast once more? Some may have said, as many do today, “We have done it all before”. How many times I have heard this excuse. “We did this ten years ago, and it did not work, it is a waste of time”. Negative attitudes permeate our churches.

“Cast your net on the right side”.

The disciples found fish. Are we to gain a harvest of souls? The sea is full of fish! The Lord himself knows where they are. Shoals of fish waiting to be caught.

Is the problem with the nets we use, with the boats? Is the problem with the lake or is it the fishermen?

Cast your net on the right side! What is missing in so much of our evangelism today, and in our Christian lives, is direction, the very clear direction from God.  Gods divine appointments.

In Capernaum they that received tribute money came to Peter.  Jesus directed him to cast a hook and take up a fish and pay them lest they should be offended Math 17 v 27

I will make you fishermen of men. If God has made us fishermen then God will surely direct us to where the fish are. We need to listen to that still small voice that says, “Go near”. Acts 8 v 29/30

We are to cast our Gospel nets in the sewers of this life where lost needy souls are sinking in sin.

The Root

It is wonderful to see a tall, magnificent tree, with its branches swaying in the wind.

In the hurricane in 1987, in the South of England, thousands of trees were uprooted, and lay blocking the roads. It was a scene of devastation. While walking around to view the damage, I noticed how shallow some of the tree roots were, no wonder they fell in the wind!

When describing the seed of the Gospel Jesus warns of some that will not bring forth fruit because,”…  he  hath not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Matthew 13:21

How deep are my roots? Are they anchored deep in the heart of God? Those roots seeking nourishment beside the river of life, feeding upon the refreshing, life giving waters. “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye be rooted and grounded in love”. Ephes 3 v 17

We must be watchful to see where the roots are heading? Houses have their foundations undermined by the roots of nearby trees. Attracted by the water in the drains, the roots can entwine themselves around them and crush them beyond repair.

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness, spring up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled”. Heb 12 v 15

“Many are defiled by the root of bitterness! Like underground roots, hidden, unseen, the root can entwine the water pipe and crush it.

So too the human spirit can be crushed and overwhelmed by the pressure of the daily load. Bitterness regarding the things that have happened to us can make us bitter or better.  Which is it to be?

“And he showed me a pure river of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and out of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruits every month and the leaves of the trees were for the healing of the nations”. Rev 22 v1/2

But for the wicked Gods says, “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble. The day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch”.  Malachi 4 v 1

How far do our roots go down?…. for his root was by great waters.  drawing up the life sustaining water to give sap to the tree. Ezek 31 v 7

Job testified that he had,”… seen the foolish taking root…” Job 5:3

God has promised that his chosen nation Israel is the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit. 2 Kings 19:30

Isaiah 27 v 6

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. Isaiah 11 v 10.  Isaiah 53 v 2

Husbands love your wives

Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it without spot or blemish”.  What a commission. Impossible in the flesh but God command, in the Spirit.1 Peter 3 v 1

Some years ago I was in a little Gospel hall where a man gave a short word. He confessed that he had not been treating his wife correctly and asked her forgiveness. It was a very moving confession not something you usually hear. ”.  I was a young Christian at that time, just a babe in Christ and this confession was a revelation. It was a shock. How honest, how revealing! How real!  How humbling.

The word of God warns us that our prayers will be hindered if we do not honour our wives as the weaker vessel!

As a husband, I have to give honour to my wife as the weaker vessel! And as being heirs together of the Grace of Life, that your prayers may not be hindered.  1 Peter 3 v 7

Christ instructed husbands to love their wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify it and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word. Ephes 5 v 25

Today marriage is on the scrapheap and partners are the latest vogue. Divorce is soaring to new heights and broken relationships are causing immense and incalculable harm. Children are the poor victims of our low morals, yet all of this is accepted as the norm. What dreadful damage has been done to so many young lives!

The wife also is exhorted to be in subjection to her husband and of a chaste conversation, the ornament of a meek and quite spirit, which in the sight of God is a great price. 1 Pet 1 v 1/ 4

God’s word clearly sets out the demeanour and example of both husbands and wives. Loving your wife as Christ loved the church and gave him self for it. Christ loved the church so much, that he left heavens glory to humble himself and die on a cruel cross for sinners, thus creating the church. He ever lives to make intercession for us.

Can our prayers be hindered?  Is this possible?   Yes, because of how I treat my wife? Husbands love your wives.

Love is always thinking of the other person. It suffereth long, and is kind, it enveith not, does not vaunt itself, does not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own is not easily provoked, it thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity but in the truth, it beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things. Love never fails

Husbands, let us give honour to our wives, let us love them, more! Its Gods commands.

Stale Bread

Joshua had entered the Promised Land, a land full of milk and honey. He was deceived when some men from Gil’gal … lied and did work wilily”, and made out they were friendly ambassadors from afar country, when all the while they were enemies, afraid of defeat.

Joshua was taken in. He did not enquire of the Lord. He did not check their credentials. Taken in by their tale and seeing the evidence of the old sacks and the wine bottles, the old clouted shoes upon their feet and then the stale bread which had gone mouldy, he made a league with them, a peace deal.

As a young lad my brother and I ran away from home seeking to find my Mother inScotland . Of course we did not get to far as we were so conspicuous.  We took a sack and filled it with utensils for cooking but soon we ran out of money and became very hungry. After sleeping rough in the ruins of a bombed building we were cold and hungry. As it happened I found a packet containing some stale bread. We were so hungry we ate with relish what we could, even though it was rock hard.

An old prophet also was taken in by a man of God. He had been on a mission for God and while sitting under an oak was deceived by the man of God who told him, an angel of God spoke to me, saying, bring him back with thee into thy house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. 1 Kings 13 v 14

The lesson surely, is that we must be careful, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world”. 1 John 4 v 1

We must feed only on that bread “that comes down from heaven. I am the bread of life, he that cometh to me shall never hunger”. “John 6 v 35

In my younger days the wartime stale bread would be put into the oven to freshen it up. Again any stale bread left over would make a bread pudding. Nothing was wasted.

Today we are often offered yesterdays stale portion. Stale mouldy bread, contaminated with the leaven of this world. “Know ye not that a little leaven, leaveneth the whole lump. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”.  1 Cor 5 v 6/8

Are we giving our bread to the birds? Jesus  said, Then cometh the devil and taketh away the word out of their mouth. The fowls of the air devoured it! Luke 8 v 5/12

Let us not be deceived. “I am the bread of life, he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst”. John 6 v 35

They Overcame Him

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death”. Rev 12 v 11

The overcoming life is to be well rewarded,  to eat of the tree of life, not to be hurt of the second death, to eat the hidden mamma, to receive the white stone, to be given power over the nations, to be clothed in white, to have your name confessed before the faith, by the Lord Jesus himself, to a pillar in the Temple of God with God’s name written on you, to sit with the Lord Jesus Christ in his throne, with him! Amazing and glorious rewards.  Can we conceive such things?

“To overcome” is this possible? Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12 v 21

There are many failures in the world. Experience will not help you, education will not help you, wealth will not help you, and a committee will not help you”. “They overcame him, Satan, by the blood of the Lamb. The blood must be applied to the heart and life by faith.

A testimony is a powerful thing…By the word of testimony “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved”. Rom 10 v 9

Our testimony needs to be sounded forth, confessed. Are we to become dumb dogs? “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, and they cannot bark”. Isaiah 56 v 10

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. Numbers 13:30

“They loved not their lives unto death. A much neglected doctrine. The laying down of our lives. They loved not their lives, it goes against the grain this is a rare gem in God’s kingdom.  They loved not their lives.

“Give me” and an aggressive ”I must have”, is today’s attitude. Not only from the world and its camp, but grievously men demand from God with the same aggressive satanic lust. “I must have”. The selfish “I will, is satanic, and deifies the flesh. “I will ascend above the height of the clouds; I will be like the most high”. Isaiah 14 v 14

I am reminded of the spoilt child, irritably and constantly demanding from its longsuffering parents, “Give me”. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

“I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one”. John 2 v14

They overcame him strikes note of triumph. These are victorious brethren, who were accused day and night before God yet they endured, they overcame, and they were rewarded. Hallelujah.  Rev 12 v 10

Resist the Devil

It was about midnight on the fourteenth night; the ship carrying Paul as a prisoner had been driven by the huge storm up and down in A’dri’a, they drew close to some unknown shore. Acts 27 v 27

How close they were to being shipwrecked! The sounded and found it was twenty fathoms. It was twenty fathoms at first, them a little further along 15 fathoms: Then fearing the worst lest we should have fallen upon some rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. Acts 27 v 29

They wished for the day! Friend in this dark night of sin, how I long for the day to dawn. How wonderful when the daystar arises in your hearts. This long night of sin is nearing its end, the light is coming and an eternal day is going to dawn. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning” Psalm 30 v 5

The Holy Spirit tells us we are drawing near to a country. Although it is midnight and dark, the sea is stormy, and the wind rages around us, we know we are near to land. Alien territory perhaps?  Hell?

When we sound our own hearts and fathom its depths, what do we find?

On many shores today you will find only flotsam and jetsam. A beech full of debris plastic bottles various odd pieces of wood, rotten ropes, broken glass and discarded beer cans?

What do we find in our hearts, misery and sin, or do we find faith?  We must sound until we reach the bottom, the miry clay.

Only then may we realise the immeasurable love of Christ. The loving Saviour, who walked upon the water, is still speaking  “peace be still”. When there are rocks ahead and all hope is gone. When the cry goes up, abandon ship will you be found still clutching on to this worlds goods?  Will you be drowning in a sea of bric a brac? Dying in icy waters of despair?

Is your ship being steered by human hands?  Is Satan at the helm? Are your sails full of self-righteousness? Is your cargo self and pride?  Are you hoping to reach the port of good works? Then I must warn you, your ship will founder.

In a stormy sea any rock will mean salvation. The shore if you can reach it will mean safety and security.

“Call upon the Lord, while he is near, and he will save you. “For all who call upon Him, will be saved”. Set your feet upon the rock Christ Jesus. Here he comes! Walking on the water, will you cry  “Master save me or I perish”?

Wells

Isaac had dug a well;  “And the herdsmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac’s herdsmen saying, the water is ours”. Gen 26 V 20

In the desert life depends on availability of water, there is always conflict when it is in short supply. For all the wells, that his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. Gen 26:15

What tolerance and magnanimity Isaac displayed. He dug another well and when this was disputed and then was stolen. Again he dug another well…”And for that they strove not: and he called the name of it, Re’ho’both, and he said, “For now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land”. Gen 26 v 22

Notice here that there is no indication of anger, of hostility, or confrontation, he took the spoiling of his goods joyfully, and just went to dig another well. ”For ye had compassion on me in my bonds, and ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing that in yourselves ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance”. Heb 10 v 34

Moses leading Israel through the wilderness sought permission from the King of E’dom to pass through his land but was refused.

Moses pleaded “Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells. We will go by the king’s high way; we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders”. Num 20 v 17

In India when they dig a well, they excavate the earth with shovels, levering the large stones and rocks away and use pickaxes to break up the stubborn rocks. When they come across solid rock the pickaxes are useless and they resort to dynamite. After blasting away the solid rock, they, dig deeper and deeper until they come across patches of damp, then mud and then water, pure clear water.

In the spiritual realm too, we will often have to dig and dig into a man’s heart, seeking life or light. When we hit solid rock, often abandon our attempts to reach that man and win him for Christ. We need to reach for the dynamite of prayer and God’s living word.  Jer 23 v 29

In evangelism this can be true too, we hit some hard rock, and reach a solid bed of rock. What will we do, will we walk away? Many will stop right there, leave the well half dug and walk away in defeat, still thirsty!

When we enter into glory in the heavenly city we will find an abundance of water from the river of life. Water clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb of God. Rev 22 v 1

When Israel had conquered the Promised Land they found the wells were already dug. And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged,…. Nehemiah 9:25

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7 v 37

Is the water of life worth digging for? 

Jerico

A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, which and stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed and left him half dead”. Luke 10 v 30

I often ask the question why? Not in any sense doubting God, but why did he leave Jerusalem at all? There are other pictures here beyond the Good Samaritan story we all know so well.

Consider this man and what motivated him? He had been brought up in a safe city Jerusalem, the heavenly city. He would have been surrounded by priests, religious activities with the sacrifice of animals in the Temple but as far as we know, he was safe and secure from all alarms.

The man leaves the security of the Holy City and heads down the road to Jericho, from the heavenly to the worldly, from the spiritual to the fleshly scene.

Of course he never arrived, he was attacked on the road and left for dead, well half dead. What lessons can we learn from this parable? Was there something he desired in Jericho? Was his heart still in Egypt?

The Jerico road was notorious for bandits, everyone would be aware of that. Thieves were a common-place hazard. Anyone venturing down that road would be wise to travel with others and make provision for protection.

This man seemed to have neglected that. “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking whom he may devour”. 1 Peter 5 v 8

Was he going against God’s will? Was he sure this was the right road to travel on? When we step off the king’s highway, we can be attacked; we are in grave danger. He was attacked and left in the gutter. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: John 10 v 10

Like Sherlock Holmes, you do not have to look far for the one who would rob you of life, steal your faith, and leave you in the gutter. Just what the devil does today? Having stolen your love and peace, he snatches away your faith.

And this know, that if the Goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Luke 12 v 39

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jerico, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand.  Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? Joshua 5:13

“There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”. Proverbs 14 v 12

There are times when we travel on life’s road, when we come under attack there is opposition at every turn, difficulties, trials, and tribulation. Robbers are not far away, they are ready to move in and attack if we should let down our guard.

Let us make sure we are on the right road. The upward road, that pilgrim road, that leads to the eternal city, “Whose maker and builder is God”.  Heb 11 v 10

planted like a mustard seed, can and should grow and become a huge harvest. And she and he, and her house did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not neither did the cruse of oil fail, according the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.

1 Kings 17 v 16.

Call Upon Me

All upon me and I will answer thee, and show thee, great and mighty things which thou knowest not” .Jer 33 v 3

Prayer has unlimited potential, with inexhaustible supplies of God’s word, which are so very much neglected these days. Unused power much neglected just for the sake of calling.

Did you ever receive a cheque for a thousand pounds? Did you cash it or leave it neglected and unused on the shelf gathering dust? The Prophet Samuel called upon the Lord “and the Lord sent thunder that day”.1 Sam 12 v 18

Call upon me! When people are trapped and injured in some terrible disaster, if they are conscious, they will call out for help. Are we unconscious? And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.  Psalms 50 v 15

As a boy I could always hear my Dad calling me from play when our dinner was ready. I would always come running. When he was in an angry mood I would respond immediately, fearing the consequences while at other times I would delay and need repeated calling.  Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: Prov 1 v 28

Peter and John had been imprisoned, threatened by the priest; the captain of the temple and the Sad’u’see’s not to speak of Jesus. The Roman power was invincible, but the disciples were released from prison, when prayer was made for them unceasingly. “And now Lord behold their threatening’s and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word. By stretching forth thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word with boldness”. Acts 4 v 29/32

 Prayer that shakes the place, that reaches up to heaven, that touches God’s heart! How long has that happened in our assembly?

“Call upon me and I will answer thee”. Are we so weak and feeble, that we cannot call? Is our call, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man”? James 5 v 16

“And if we know that he hear us, we know that we have the petitions that we have desired of him”1 John 5 v 16

Do we have this assurance? That we have our petitions?  When the Lord prayed outside the tomb of Lazarus he said, “Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me, and I knew that thou hearest me always”. God hears that humble prayer, the heart cry. John 11 v 41/42

The prophet Samuel challenged the people at harvest time; he was able to prove that he was in contact with God, he said “Is this not the wheat harvest today? I will call upon the Lord and he shall send thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel”. 1 Sam l2 v 18

“I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears”. Psalm 34 v 4

More Fire

A fire was blazing in the kitchen, not in the  grate, nor in the stove, the kitchen itself was on fire!

The families were in the next room totally unaware and oblivious of any danger, engrossed in watching the television. In those ancient days, at the beginning of the television broadcasts there used to be an interval midway through a play. A bell would ring and a picture of a potter moulding the clay on a potter’s wheel would appear. Time for tea.

As it happened  it was my turn to put the kettle on but as I walked into the kitchen I was shocked to see it ablaze.  Some washing had fallen from a line above the gas stove and a gas had been inadvertently left on. The clothing had caught alight and fallen to the floor igniting the linoleum and chair.

My father soon came running, in response to my cries of  “Fire, fire” and he tackled the blaze. It was a frightening experience, which left a deep impression on me and a healthy fear of fire. Touch not the unclean thing. 2 Cor 6 v 17

Fire is everywhere in the Bible. Staring at the burning bush.  God spoke to Moses from the midst of the flames, yet the bush remained untouched, and undamaged. Moses had been curious when he noticed the burning bush and he drew near. The fire of the Lord was on the mountain;  over the camp at night and the fire was to consume the offerings unto the Lord.

And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn them upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before the Lord: it is an offering made by fire unto the Lord. Exodus 29:25

When Elijah challenged the false prophets of Baal, and had ordered the water to be poured on the burnt sacrifices and the wood…”Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifices and the wood, and the stone, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.1 Kings 18 v 38

“Truly our God is a consuming fire”. Heb 12 v 29

How much we need that fire today. The fire that burns up all the dross, the fire that refines. “ For behold the day cometh that shall burn as the oven and all the proud, yea and all that do wickedly, shall be as stubble, and the day that cometh shall burn them up”, saith the Lord of host, “that it shall leave them neither root nor branch”. Malachi 4 v 1

“A fire goes before him, and burns up all his enemies. ”Psalm 97 v 3

There are many enemies of God today who will all get their just reward. The fire of judgement is coming, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into a lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever”. Rev 20 v 10

The fire did not consume the burning bush!

Nor does the tormenting flame consume the devil or his demons or the beast or the false prophet, for they are tormented in unquenchable flames. They survive, forever and ever.

How awful and righteous are the judgements of God! “For true and righteous are his judgements”. Rev 19 v 2

Call For the Elders

Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  James 5 v 13/14

When a house is on fire you call the fire brigade, you do not hesitate, or delay. You call immediately without too much thought or contemplation. When there is a violent struggle or a physical attack in the street, you do not delay, you immediately call for the police. You do not stand and discuss, the matter is urgent, you call immediately.

There are categories in this text. The afflicted, let him pray. The merry, let him sing psalms, and the sick let them call. Is there any sick among you, yes from time to time there are. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us”. 2 Cor 4 v 7

Let him call. It takes faith to call publicly for the anointing with oil. However the prayer of faith shall save the sick.

A baby is not ashamed to call for its mother, rather it bawls very loudly and carries on alarmingly until it is attended to. Thousands will call for the doctor without hesitation, without any thought for God, or his word. God however has made provision for the sick.

Did you hear of the priest, who started to anoint the dying with oil, he was shocked when they started to recover? Many wonderful miracles have occurred through simple obedience to God’s word in faith. It is God’s part to do the healing, our part is to humble ourselves and obey.

“They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. I believe this is a promise to the unsaved. We Christians will lay hands on them and they shall be healed as a demonstration of Gods power. Luke 16 v 18

Many unbelievers have this testimony, that state they were sceptical but they came forward for prayer and the Lord healed them. Through this they were saved.  Following the preaching of the word, signs and wonders”. Hallelujah. Mark 16 v 15/18

But God has made special provision for the Christians who are sick. For the believer in Christ, God has provided oil. For the blood bought child of God he must call for the elders of the church. James 5 v 14.

His Face

And all that sat in the council, looked upon him, saw his face, as it had been the face of an angel”. Acts 6 v 15

As I stand in the street preaching the Gospel, I observe the faces of the folks who pass by. They all tell a story some are a revelation.

Sad faces, wrinkled faces, young faces, old faces, faces full of pain, others empty, blank. Some forlorn others are sad, some are wild looking, still others desperate and many full of fear. Others reveal despondency, the fear of death, and a few, a very few, show signs of life, love and peace.

Stephen was a man full of faith and power, it showed in his face. The Cyrenians, Alexandrians and those of Celicia and Asia were disputing with him over religious things, looking steadfastly in his face. “And they all sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face, as it had been the face of an angel”. Acts 6 v 15

These men had the power of life or death. They could condemn him to death, which they later did. However God had a witness, testifying, preaching, and his face shone”. They would remember his face long after he was dead.

And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. Ex 33 v 11

Moses came down from the mountain, from being in the presence of God and his face shone with a heavenly glow, “And when Jesus was transfigured before them, “His face did shine”. Math 17 v 2

Joseph told his brethren, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more. Genesis 44 v 23

Jacob could not look into his brother’s face because he had deceived him “…because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother”. Gen 35 v 7

“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself and goeth on his way, and straight away forgetteth what manner of man he was” James 1 v 23/24/

God looks not, on the outward man but on the heart. “And it came to pass when they were come, that he looked on Eliab and said, Surely the Lords anointed is before him. But the Lord said unto Samuel, look not on his countenance or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance but the Lord looketh upon the heart. 1 Sam 16 v 7

“And in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were as a flame of fire: And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.: And his countenance was as the sun  in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead”. Rev 1 v 13/17

The Trumpet

When the trumpet sounded long, they shall come up to the mount . Ex 19 v 13

Three months after leaving Egypt , Israel was camped in the wilderness, before mount Sinia, Moses was with God on the mountain, and had received a wonderful message. Israel was to be God’s peculiar treasure; if they obeyed his voice. Later, down below in the camp, the people made promises, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do”. Ex19 v 8

Moses returned to God and received further instructions for the people to sanctify themselves and be ready for the third day, and…”When they hear the trumpet, sounding long, they were to draw near to the mount”. Ex 19 v 13

We are living in the last days , a time when we need to blow the trumpet. “Blow ye the trumpets in the land” Jer 4 v 5

Gideon told his small band “When I blow the trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also, on every side of all the camp and say, The sword of the Lord and of Gideon”. Judges 7 v 18

“When the trumpet sounded exceeding long, the people in the camp trembled, they were to meet with God, on the mountain,  “and the Lord descended upon it in fire. Ex 19 v 1

The people feared to meet with God. “No man shall see his face and live”

“And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. Today I believe we are at such a moment, the angels are ready to sound”. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God. 1 Thess 4 v 1

Before a train leaves the station, the driver waits for the signal, the all clear, the green light. The guard will blow his whistle. When a luxury liner departs from dock it sounds out a blast from its fog horn for all to hear.

The New Year revellers in London ’s Trafalgar Square , wait for the chimes of Big Ben to sound out before they loose off their songs to usher it in. The orchestra waits while the conductor holds up his baton for the commencement of the concert.

The Jewish nation is still awaiting the arrival of the Messiah. “Waiting to be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Groaning within themselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit the redemption of the body”. Rom 8 v 21/23

Friends it is that midnight hour, the clock is about to strike. The trumpet is about to sound forth, we have very little time left to prepare. The Lord Jesus will come in a moment that you think not.

Suddenly in the twinkling of an eye, while many sleep and slumber, while others have no oil, He will come. No man will know the hour, but we are told, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Mark 13 v 33

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight , or at the cock crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he finds you sleeping”.  Mark 13 v 35/36

Glory

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering, and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house” 2 Chron 7 v 1

When the woman poured forth the ointment upon the Lord Jesus, the fragrance filled the house. The glory of the Lord filled the temple when Solomon had made an end of praying. Is this what happens when we pray? I believe it should. The glory of the Lord should fill us! Will our faces shine with the reflected glory of the Lord, as we descend from the mountaintop? Ex 34 v 29

What a testimony!  The priest could not minister. Revival had come. When the glory of the Lord fills God’s earthly temples there is no fleshly activity, no soulish desires. There cannot be. “But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head”. Psalms 3 v 3

One day the glory of God will fill this whole earth, And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:5

Many Old Testament prophets have seen the glory of the Lord, “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain”.  Ezek8 v 4

“Know ye not, that ye are the temple of God , and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you”? 1 Cor 3 v 16

“If any man defile the temple of God , him God shall destroy: For the temple of God is holy, which temples are ye”. 1 Cor 3 v 17

A death sentence from God! If any Christian should defile the temple. Should we not be very careful about living a holy life? The indwelling Christ, a glorious, sit in. The incorruptible seed planted and living within us! “Christ in me the hope of glory. Gal 2 v 20

Paul could say, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. and the life I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God , who loved me and gave himself for me” Gal 2 v 20

Christ in me, is the glory. When the glory comes into the temple of our body, it is like a baptism of fire, refining, renewing, and cleansing. The refiner’s fire. “But who may abide at the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiners fire, and like a fuller’s soap”.. Mal 3 v 2

Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord and I fell upon my face. Ezekiel 44 v 4

To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Psalms 63 v 2

Let us beseech him, for that heavenly flame to descend once more, and fill his temples.

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30

The Heat

A fire devoured before them, and behind them a flame” “Like the noise on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array”. Joel 2 v 3/5

I am told frozen, must be heated in a very hot oven, to be sure of cooking well. These days we can zap things in the Microwave oven to heat them or reheat them very quickly. I realise when I cook, that I often leave tell tale signs of my endeavours, by the lingering smell of burning and smoke.

Fire does have it’s beneficial effects. “We went through the fire and the water, but they brought us out to a wealthy place”. Psalm 66 v 12

God’s purpose is to form Christian character, and to bring us through spiritual tests. “For with every temptation, (testing) God will make a way of escape”.  1 Cor 10 v 13

One day God will display his fire as before. “And I will show, wonders in the heavens. And in the earth blood and fire, and pillars of smoke. Joel 2 v 30

One day, indeed, the heavens will be on fire. “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgement and perdition of ungodly men”.  2 Peter 3 v 7

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up”. 2 Peter 3 v 10/12

“Shadrach, Me’shach. And A’bed’ni’go, all came out of the fire unsinged, without even a trace of the smell of burning on their clothes. King Neb’u’chad’nez’zar full of fury, had ordered the fire to be heated up seven times more than usual. It must have been, a raging inferno for it cost the lives of those who stoked it up, and they died feeding the flames.

Often the fire of God’s testing is heated up seven times  to test out faith. Will we say, “We will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up”. Whatever it cost, if it means fire and death, we will not bow down to worship the golden image. Dan 3 v 19

I believe we are called to go through the fire of testing. The dross in our lives must be burned up, the silver must be refined. The gold must be purified in the fire. We can sing enthusiastically, “Lord send the fire”, but can we endure its searching flame, and heat?  Are we brands plucked from the burning? Zech 3 v 2b

Be assured that when we pass through the fire, the Lord will be with us. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned: neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. ”Isaiah 43 v 2

Yes in the fire, the form of the fourth man, having the likeness of the Son of God, shall be seen walking with us”. Dan 3 v 25.

But who may abide at his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire and a fuller’s soap. Mal 3 v 2 .

He Waited

And he stayed yet another seven days Gen 8 v 12

What amazing patience! We all know of the patience of Job, but this is Noah. Waiting for a bus can be frustrating. I sometimes can get steamed up, irritable when I am forced to wait. What a trial, I declare. I am the type that likes to get up and get going. Longsuffering or patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5 v 22

I marvel therefore at Noah who was cooped up in the Ark for all those days and months. Imagine the rain constantly falling, the seas rolling, the clouds and winds shrieking, the animals bleating, crowing, mooing, squawking, quacking, roaring, a constant cacophony of sounds. Perhaps he enjoyed Gods orchestra?

When at last the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, when the rain abated, he waited another 150 days until the ark rested. Was that the end of the journey?

When we have been sitting on a ferry, a coach or train, after so many hours we like to get out and stretch our legs and relax. Noah waited. He had to for at first he was surrounded by water but after the seventh month the waters decreased till the tenth month, when only the mountaintops were seen.

Gen 7 v 27. Gen 8 v 5

After forty days, Noah opened the windows and sent out a raven, and then a dove. And Noah stayed another seven days, and…”Sent forth the dove once more; which returned not again to him anymore”. Gen 8 v 12

When finally, after all that waiting, the earth was dried up, he waited some more, waited for God to say, “Go forth”. Gen 8 v 16

How impetuous we are in comparison. Surely we would have said, “Let us go out and see what it is like it must be dry by now, we will be OK”. No, Noah waited, what a lesson! He just waited. Are we prepared to wait until the Lord says “Go forth”?

Elijah waited at the brook Cherith; the ravens visited him each morning and evening bringing bread and meat. He watched the brook gradually drying up, but he waited until God spoke. And it came to pass that after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. And the word of the Lord came to him saying, Arise get thee to Zarephath…1 Kings 17 v 7/9

Moses patiently kept the sheep on the backside of the mountain for 40 years before the Lord called him to lead his people out of Egypt . We too must be patient and wait for the Lords return.

“Be ye patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth and hath long patience for it, until he receives the early and the latter rain”. James 5 v 7

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 2 Thess 3 v 5

Not resigned in dejection and apathy but occupying until he comes and being busy in the Master’s service.

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: Romans 2 v 7

“And they cried with a loud voice, How long Oh Lord”. Rev 6 v 10.

The Wall

Prime Minister Churchill spent time at Chartwell, his country home in Kent , building a wall. When I visited the home I inspected the wall around the kitchen garden  and found it to be straight and true. It is still looking good today. “Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and it shall be found no more”. Rev 18 v 21b

In the hurricane of 1987 our small terraced house, shook with the violence, as the end wall, (next door to us) fell out. It was a frightening experience. The wall had recently been repointed, and this may have weakened it? By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. Hebrews 11 v 30

Nehemiah returned from captivity to Jerusalem and God gave him the vision of restoring the city walls. And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem , which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire. Nehemiah 2 v 13.

Because of the threat by Sanballat and Tobiah, the builders divided into two shifts. One team worked on the walls, while the other stood guard their weapons in their hands, their shields, spears, bows, and habergeons”. Neh 4 v 16

The walls of Jerusalem had been burned and broken down as part of God’s judgement on Israel because of the sin of idolatry. And all the army of the Chaldeans that were with the captain of the guard, brake down all the walls of Jerusalem round about. Jer 52 v 14

Rebuilding those massive walls of protection, so high so wide. “Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered”.  2 Chron 14 v 7

Walls are for protection and a city without them is open to attack He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Proverbs 25 v 28

In Israel the priest had to examine the walls of the homes of those suspected of leprosy, And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall; Leviticus 14 v 37

The Lord Jesus spoke of the walls of the Temple falling down. “There shall not be left, one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Mark 13 v 4

Walls! We must build our walls with good materials. Today’s plastic and fibres can be unsuitable. A wall with a crack in it can be dangerous. The Tower of Siloam fell and killed 18 men”. Luke 13 v 4

Can we ask God for that protection? “For thus saith the Lord, I will build unto her, a wall of fire, round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her”. Zech 2 v 5

“ And the wall had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostle of the Lamb”.Rev 21 v 14

The Kings Decree

A mighty king made a decree. Free land would be made available to al his subjects, as much as they desired. There was only one condition that on a certain day those who desired land would be required to run around the perimeter of the land they selected. Whatever they encircled in this manner they could keep.

One man set off very early on the appointed day, he started to run before breakfast, and he ran, and ran, and ran. He did not stop for food but continued to run. He decided not to stop for dinner but ran on, and on. When it came to the afternoon, he kept running in the hot sunshine. Tea was missed and the perspiration ran down his face, he was very tired now but continued to run. Finally he arrived back at the starting point having encompassed a huge tract of land, but then fell down dead at the feet of the king.

What is the morale to this tale? How much land did he need?

A plot, six feet by two feet!

“For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give for his own soul? Math 16 v 26

We live in an age of avarice. Greed is top of the list, priority is goods and lands ownership, profit is the essential thing. How much, are you making, is the question? What is the margin? Are you stacking something away for a rainy day?

An’a’nias and Sap’phira his wife kept back part of the price of the land they had sold. There was no need for them to deceive. All they had to do was to tell the truth, to say we have sold the land and we desire to give a half of the money to the Lord”. That would have been accepted gladly I am sure. “Whilst it remained was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart”? Thou hast not lied unto men but unto God”. Acts 5 v 4

They paid a high price for their deception. They died before the Lord for their lies. No liar shall enter the kingdom of God . “But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and the murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone: which is the second death” Rev 21 v 8

Despite the two deaths, the Lord used this incident for the good of the church.

“And a great fear came upon all the church, and upon all who heard these things. And by the hand of the apostles were many signs and wonder wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch”. Acts 5 v 12

It is worth noting the sequence; first there was deception and sin, then judgement, then fear, then mighty signs and wonders and then unity in the church.

What did this lead to? “And the believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both men and women”. Acts 5 v 14

What is the Kings decree? “Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul”. 1 Peter 2 v 11

Lovers of Pleasure

Lovers of pleasure, more than lovers of God” In these last days, men shall be? What a catalogue of apostasy and evil!

This know that in the last days, perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despises of those who are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure, more than lovers of God”. 2 Tim 3 v 1/4

This is an exact picture of men today, in every detail.

The apostasy in the church today is revealing many that call themselves Christians, who yet are tainted with this spirit of covetousness, with worldly, carnal appetites and aspirations.

Just take a look around and observe. There is the new car syndrome, every year it must be renewed. The holidays in Switzerland and Austria for yearly rest. The visits to the Holy Landwith the Evangelist being the tour guide. The luxury cruise in the Mediterranean following Paul’s footsteps. The big house with every comfort mentality. How does this square up with the sacrificial life?  Phil 3 v 18

“And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Oph’rah, and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house”. Judges 8 v 27

Idol worship can be a subtle thing. “Little children, keep yourselves from idols”. 1 John 15 v 21

“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls; a heart they exercised with covetous practises; cursed children. 1 Peter 2 v 14

When Moses departed the camp the children of Israel waited for his return, soon they had sat down to eat and drink, and soon they rose up to play. They were corrupted into idol worship and worshipped the golden calf. Exodus 32 v 4

To be delivered from covetousness is a great deliverance indeed. The rich young ruler went away sad, when he was told to sell all that he had and give it to the poor and follow Jesus. Mind you it was to test his motives. To be religious, or to be perfect?

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Mark 10 v 21

The rich fool, with his ambitious plans for bigger and better barns, found to  his shock, that his soul was required of him that night. The disciples of Jesus, sold their possessions and goods, and parted with them to all men, as every man had need”. Act 2 v 45

Are we to be lovers of pleasure?

“For all men seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s”. Phil 2 v 21

Why has this happened?

It was a staggering thought. The angel of God had told Gid’e’on, “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour”.  But Gid’e’on could not see, what God could see. He knew the enemy filled the land, for he had been hiding the wheat from the Midanites by the winepress. He was afraid of being discovered, and the wheat being snatched away.

God had sent prophets to tell Israel , “Thus saith the Lord”, I brought you up out of Egypt , and brought you forth out of the house of bondage.  And I said to you, “I am the Lord your God, fear not the gods of the Am’o’rites in whose land ye dwell, but ye have not obeyed my voice”. Judges 6 v 10”

The result of disobedience? “And Israel was greatly impoverished, because of the Midianites and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord”. Judges 6 v 6

The wages of sin is death. This is inescapable. Israel had done evil, they had disobeyed the Lord, and they were paying the terrible price, suffering for it.

So Gidion had had his answer. What he did not expect or realise was that God was to use him as an instrument to defeat the Midianites.  When we ask God to work, he often will say “Yes”, and choose us to complete the work .1 Cor 1 v 27

Will God use you? He has plans for your life. Are you a willing instrument, or willing at least to be willing?  Have you been hiding because of the strength of the enemy?

The land has certainly been invaded. Some have said, “By a host of demons”. Sin abounds, fear fills the land, and the question is what is going to happen? Or “Why then, have all these things happened unto us”? Where is the God of miracles?

“And the Lord looked upon him and said, “Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites, have I not sent thee” is there any more we can say? God had spoken.  Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, Psalms 42:11

Children often besiege their parents with the question, Why? As Christians we must bring our questions to  the Lord . Most are already written in the Word. Some are God’s mysteries and we will have to wait until that day, when we shall know as we are known.

God asks the same question of us! Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? Gen 4 v 6

God may ask another question of us, Why stand ye here all the day idle? Math 20 v 6

One thing is sure, God has made known to us the way of salvation. The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen. Psalms 98 v 2

“Why Lord”? Is a question we well may ask? For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known. 1 Corinthians 13 v 12

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptised, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22 v 16

He Ran

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, “Go near and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him and heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Understandest what thou readest”? Acts 8 v 29/30

Philip ran. What a good thing he did. Today you would be startled to see a Christian running to God’s will. You would stand amazed, in dazed wonderment. Running to do God’s will!

There are a lot of needy folks about. People, who were seeking the Lord, even reading God’s word. This was indeed a divine appointment. Philip was God’s man for this moment. He had obeyed the angel of the Lord, and was now obeying the Spirit.

Having had the joy of leading souls to Christ, and baptising him in the name of the Father, the Son, and The Holy Ghost.  Philip was yet to have another blessing from God, and very few people have had this experience. He was suddenly, “Caught away, by the Lord and found at Azotus”. Acts 8 v 40

Obeying immediately is a pre-requisite of Divine appointments. Of course Philip had been obedient from the start. “Arise and go towards the south, from Jerusalem , unto Gaza , which is in the desert”. The first steps to blessing. Go to the south.

I always remark, when I see those lone marathon runners, jogging along, pounding the pavement mile after mile in all weathers. “How diligent they are”? Hours and hours of training! Yet, “Bodily excercise profiteth little” is God’s word. “But godliness is profitable unto all things, having a promise, of life that now is and that which is to come”. 1 Tim 4 v 8

Aaron his brother ran into the congregation as the fire of judgement was spreading among the people. And Aaron ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made atonement for the people. Numbers 16 v 47

Abraham ran when he saw three strangers nearby. And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, Gen 18 v 2

The young lad Samuel ran to Eli when he thought he had called him in the night, of course it was the Lord who called but nevertheless Samuel ran. 1. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I. 1 Samuel 3 v 5

As in the Old Testament, so in the New, God calls many folks to do special missions, special tasks. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. John 20 v 4

Rhoda the damsel was overjoyed to hear Peter knocking. Did she hesitate no, she ran, and when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. Acts 12 v 14

Zachaeus wanted to see Jesus but could not because of the throng, what did he do? …He ran before and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. Luke 19 v 4

Can you hear the Holy Spirit bid you, go near to some soul? Will you amble over or will you run?

The Chain

But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him to Gaza , and bound him with fetters of brass, and he did grind in the prison. Judges 16 v 21

Another picture of defeat. The strong one, the one who slew a thousand with the jaw bone of an ass, the mighty champion of Israel, betrayed, captured, humiliated, now blinded, mocked, and now in chains in prison. Samson the strong man who was defeated because he was not able to control his tongue. James 3 v 2

How strong are you? A chain is composed of many links. We are joined together in our churches, fellowships, and house groups, as an evangelistic group and as an army of God. For God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: Psalms 68 v 6

God commanded Moses to make golden chains for the high priest to hold the Urim and Thumin. And the other two ends of the two-wreathen chains thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod before it. Ex 28 v 25

In France , in the trench war of 1918, the line of soldiers would be stretched very thin in places. At headquarters, the generals would be concerned for those area’s where manpower was weak. Would the line hold under pressure? The enemy was constantly on the lookout for an opening, a weak vulnerable area.

In the Merchant Navy, I watched when the ship docked, as the shore crew would grab a line thrown from the ship and haul upon it. Pulling it in it in turn brought a thicker rope, then a steel hawser. This was then secured to a bollard. As the ship veered away from the dockside the hawser would come under tremendous pressure. A huge strain

A chain will always break at its weakest link. The lone sentry isolated, away from the main battle, can be such a weak link. The enemy will always attack at the weakest point in your life. Your Achilles heel. He will amass his heaviest weapons, use his storm troopers at this point.

To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron.  Psalms 149 v 8

Jeremiah was bound with chains but in God’s providence they were removed and he was set free. And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon , come; and I will look well unto thee: Jer 40 v 4

God put the angels that sinned into chains where they still remain, And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day. Jude 1 v 6

Dear friends what is your weakest point? Watch it carefully for the enemy will surely attack you there. He will bring his force to bear upon it.  Now is the time to strengthen your defences. Will your link take the strain?  Or will it break?

The Potters House

Go to the potters house”. Jeremiah was to be taught some valuable lessons. We too must go down to the potters house and learn from our dear Lord, as we observe the potters hands moulding the clay”. Jer 18 v 2

Firstly before commencing any work on the clay, the potter selects the best clay. He will not take any without the right consistency, no grit or specks or dirt, nothing that will mar the finished pot. The potter spends a long time in choosing the clay, and removes any immediate imperfections. We are indeed just clay. “But God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. Cor 1 v 27.

We are chosen in him, before the foundation of the world. Ephes 1 v 4

The potter has something we do not have. He has the image, the outline, the pattern the scaled drawing of the perfect vessel. He works to a plan. He can visualise the finished article in all its beauty and form. When the clay is rough and out of shape, he quickly moulds it and shapes it to his mater gauge his template. As he told Moses, Let them make me a Sanctuary…According to all that I showed thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle. Exodus 25 v 9

The potter throws the clay onto the wheel and sets it spinning. His hand is strong, yet so sensitive, feel the clay beneath them and mould and shape it to the shape required. If the pot should go out of true, the potter will make a quick adjustment. When we who are looking on, see a beautiful pot emerging, then suddenly without any warning the potter will crush the pot, break it down to clay, and begin again. He remoulds it.

His all Seeing Eye has detected something imperfect and he knows that it will show up in the finished jar. The blemish the crack, the grit will mar the pot forever. However he does not abandon the clay he reuses it.

The potter is of course looking for perfection,. We shudder and say, “I cannot be perfect, someone else perhaps, but not me”. But God expects perfection. “Be ye perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”. Math 5 v 48

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. Psalm 18 v 30

Unlike the potters physical hands moulding the clay, we are not made perfect by the flesh”. . Gal 3 v 3

He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4 v 18

We are being changed, conformed to the image of Christ, day by day, as we read and meditate in Gods Words, we become mirrors, reflecting some thing of His Glory

“But we, with open face beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed from glory unto glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord”. 2 Cor 3 v 18

“Behold, I show you a mystery, we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed”. 1 Cor 15 v 51

“Beloved, now we are the sons of God, yet it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is”. 1 John 3 v 2

Fiery Darts

Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”. Ephes 6 v 16

Are you tormented by thoughts? Many people are. The Lord Jesus said, “Why are ye troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts” Luke 24 v 38

In the Middle Ages, an army would besiege a walled city or castle and let fly thousands of flaming arrows. The construction of the buildings wooden huts would be set alight by these fiery darts. The burning arrows falling into the thatch roofs and soon the building would be set ablaze.

The fiery darts of the enemy can often come as evil thoughts, tormenting the minds of believers thoughts of failure, of guilt, thoughts of defeat, and surrender.

The thoughts come often in a vague way; they have an undercurrent of fear, and a deep anxiety within them. They can lurk in the dark corners in the back of the mind, in the unconscious, and the subconscious areas of the mind.

Like shafts of broken glass they can slice through your peace and bring painful cuts, turmoil in a milli second. The repercussions can be tremendous, all form one, fiery dart.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”. Isaiah 55 v 8

God equips us to conquer all fear. “There is no fear in love: but perfect love cast out all fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love”. 1 John 4 v 18b

Perfect love in our hearts, this is the answer to fear. Fear in our hearts is like an arrow, a fiery dart that has reached its target. How tenacious these can be! The shield of faith is the answer, better to put it up, before the assault begins, otherwise it is too late. Armour has to be put on, something we have to do. “Above all take the shield of faith”. Ephes 6 v 16

In a museum or castle, you may see many shields hanging on the wall, as a display. They look good, but are no use in defence as they hang there. The armour has to be, put on, the blood has to be applied, faith has to be engaged, and the sword has to be picked up, and wielded. Ephes 6 v 13

“Bringing every thought unto the obedience of Christ”. We must not let our minds wander. Some folks are always day dreaming. What was it that our dear Lord was thinking as he struggled up the hill of Golgotha? Was He day-dreaming? Were his thoughts negative or positive? 2 Cor 10 v 5

God has given us volition, we can say, “Yes, or No”, to our thoughts, as they arrive. If we allow a negative thought to linger, if we let fearful and faithless thoughts to germinate, it can do untold damage to faith.

“The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart”. Heb 4 v 12