Wrestling

 

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

The Blackbird

A friend of mine was in the kitchen when he heard a commotion in his garden. Looking out of the window his attention was drawn to a disturbance in the hedgerow. What was it? Something was struggling?

Going out into the garden he found a bird, a blackbird had got caught in the hedge and was unable to get free.

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound, lo, these eighteen years, to have been loosed from this bond on the day of the Sabbath? Luke 13:16

Taking a closer look my friend saw that the bird had a thin cotton thread entangled around its legs. The bird was very agitated and nervous but the more it struggled, the worse things became.

Holding on to the terrified bird, my friend realised he was unable to untie the knots and needed a scissors to cut it free. Fortunately at that moment a neighbour came out to see, “what all the fuss was about”.  The bird struggled frantically as my friend waited for him to bring the scissors. He told me, ” I could feel his little heart beating wildly”. John 16:22

Still waiting for the neighbour, my friend looked down at his feet. There was a black cat. His eyes looking up expectantly at a possible feast!

Genesis 26:30

Soon however the neighbour returned with the scissors and the bird was cut loose and set free. Math 16 v 19.

What a marvellous Gospel picture this is! To be captured, ensnared and in bondage to sin and Satan. The more we struggle against the flesh the more we entangle ourselves, and make things worse. We need to be rescued. We need to be cut loose. We need to be set free. We cannot rescue ourselves. We need a Saviour. Luke 2:11

“For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like we, yet without sin”.Heb 4 v 15

The cat is like a malevolent, implacable enemy, seeking and desiring to destroy us. “The devil goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”. 1 Peter 5 v 8

But here comes Jesus! He comes to seek and save that which is lost. He feels our heart beating wildly. He sees we are trapped, unable to free ourselves. He breaks the bonds that bind us. He holds us in his loving hands and calms our fears, then in mercy and love, sets us free. He gives us liberty to fly away, to have life, eternal life, abundant life, spiritual life, glorious life. Rom 8 v 21

Are we like a caged bird?

If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

Enmity

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

The Sheep Pool

John 5 v 3The sheep pool attracted a multitude. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for a moving of the water.

As a sales manager I noticed at sales conferences that all-similar type of folks would all gather together. All the office staff in one corner of the room, in another corner all the managers and in another place all the salesmen, while the directors clustered together in another unit

It was the feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem to the sheep pool, to find a man. Of course the Lord Jesus knew that he had been there a long time, 38 years of useless waiting. Waiting for a moving of the water.

Sometimes religious people are just like that; they are constantly waiting for something to happen. Sometimes they attend a religious place regularly, but the water is stagnant and nothing seems to move? Many are disabled in mind or body, they desire to be healed, but remain bound.

This man was carried every day to the pool but strangely he had no man to help me when the water moved. He was not expecting, nor looking for Jesus. Yet out of that entire multitude he was chosen.

A multitude of impotent folks, blind, halt, withered. Even today crowds of afflicted people congregate together.

Some people are happy with their lifestyle, happy in their sin happy in their affliction. It gives them a lever, so they can obtain some sympathy, some attention, they can play upon others emotions, manipulate them and enjoy,  to some degree their self-pity.

“Wilt thou be made whole”? John 5 v 6

A spirit of self-pity is revealed in this mans answer to the challenge of Jesus. “Wilt thou be made whole”! What an attitude! Sir I have no to help me”.

After 38 years of watching and waiting, he was probably very depressed, despairing and with hope.

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel , neither seek Jehovah! Isaiah 31:1

How many Christians are still looking for men to help them?  The Psalmist warns us not to trust in man in his  request for help, Give us help against the adversary; For vain is the help of man. Psalms 60:11

Jesus said Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

So believers must not look to man or his institutions, let us seek God and God will give us help and wisdom.

This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. Psalm 34 v 6. Jesus said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went away therefore, and washed, and came seeing. John 9:7 Jesus said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went away.

Unity

How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

“If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven”. Math 18 v 19

The Bible states, “that a three fold chord, cannot easily be broken”.  A husband, and wife and the Lord Jesus. Eccl 4 v 12

For where two or three are gathered in my name there I am in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Power is dissipated in the church by discord and disagreements. Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:19

A simple formula, what could be easier! And yet how powerful, when two do agree.

“And some days after Paul said unto Barnabus, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabus determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pam’phy’lia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other”. Acts 15 v 39

Contention and dissension!

 The church system, with committee’s and business meetings can often be a hot bed for intrigue, and self-seeking. Factions and divisions hinder the work o and witness of a church. There are some folks who have entrenched opinions, who refuse to yield, or bow the knee; such people do incalculable damage to Gods work. United we stand divided we fall is the watchword of many a trade union.

In a relay race or any team effort we each have to rely on the other to do their bit. If one falls we all fall. If one should drop the baton the race is lost!

Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself cannot stand.  You see how Satan can checkmate the work of God.

How many Christian homes, Christian marriages are divided. Math 12 v 25

A house divided against itself can only fall. “Or how else, can one enter a strong mans house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house”. Math 12 v 29

One of the main reasons Christian marriage has been, and always will be attacked, lies here. I would call it the embryonic church, in its cell form. Two individual’s. A husband and wife, if they are truly united in love, when they agree before God, on any matter, can wield great power for good.

Before we pray together, let us agree. Let us find and know the mind of Christ on the petition. When we agree in love and unity, then we will see the great works of God, his mighty power manifest in our time. God, his mighty power manifest in our time.

Lost

Either what woman, having ten pieces of silver, if she lost one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it” ? And when she has found it, she calleth her neighbours together, saying, rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I have lost”.Luke 15 v 8 /9

Today while in the town, I lost some money. I had gone shopping and slipped some change into my trouser pocket, not realising that it had a small hole in it. I discovered my loss on my return home and immediately set forth, back over my tracks to find my money. Although I searched diligently , I did not find it. Gone forever !Either what woman, having ten pieces of silver, if she lost one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it” ? And when she has found it, she calleth her neighbours together, saying, rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I have lost”.Luke 15 v 8 /9

In the parable, the woman who lost her coin is frantic, the coin represented her wedding dowry. Immediately she lights a candle and searches all those dark corners till she finds it. Then she calls her neighbours and friends to share the good news. That which was lost has been found.

In Ireland, I climbed  and sat on a mountainside overlooking Bray, in County Wicklow, on my descent I realised that I had left my glasses somewhere on the mountain. I quickly retraced my steps, searching all the time. I found it difficult to remember where I had sat and rested. It was a nightmare. “Lord, I cried, where are they”? On descending the worn track, the Lord led me to a place where I had rested before, and there, yes, “Praise the Lord” were my glasses. I needed them for driving. Hallelujah.

We all have had similar experiences no doubt.

In Luke chapter 15, there are three missing things. A coin, a sheep, and a man. How much more valuable is a lost man? The prodigal son.

How the Father longs for his pleasure loving, self seeking son, to return home. He went out searching the horizon, each day for a returning figure. How many times were his hopes dashed? Then one day he recognises his son and runs to embrace him.

What a joyful scene. He flings his arms around his rebellious son, now repentant and contrite. “Father I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son”.. The Father does not notice, does not care that he is covered in filth, and smells so bad! He quickly calls for a feast.

“Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and be merry.  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found”. Math 15 v 24

Do you remember the Shepherd of the sheep who leaves the ninety and nine and goes to seek for the lost one?  And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing” .Math 15 v 5

Have we lost something? It may be that we do not realise until much later, that something is missing.  We are busy with the Lords work, involved in  some project. It is religious, it is in a good cause, it is well meaning, and it is a good work. But our relationship with the Lord has suffered.

“I know thy works, and thy labour,, and thy patience, and how thou cannot bear them which are evil: …. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love”.           Rev 2 v 4

Have we lost our first love?

Sovereign

And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go ? I know not the Lord; neither will I let Israel go. Ex 5 v 2

How stubborn and rebellious the human heart can be. Who is the Lord?  How strange that the human race should rebel and fight against God. Denial and defiance of God is commonplace today.

We will not have this man rule over us, is the attitude of most people concerning Jesus Christ who are ignorantly unaware of his divinity…

“And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers, even as I received of my Father”. Rev 2 v 17.

“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou”? Dan 4 v 35

King Nebuchadnezzar who ruled a vast empire was humbled before God. I Nebuchadnezzar blessed the most High, and praised and honoured him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion and his kingdom is from generation to generation

Dan 4 v 34

“Today, if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts” is Gods word. Heb 3 v 15.

What a terrible price Egypt paid for the rebellion of Pharaoh’s rebellion. “And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt , from the first born of the Pharaoh that sat on his throne, unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and the firstborn of all the cattle.     Ex 12 v 29

“When I see the blood, I will pass over you. What astonishment and relief for those who had obeyed Gods commands. The blood applied to the lintel and to the doorpost of their homes had protected them. They were safe, and unharmed. They had been feeding upon the lamb. It must have been awesome during that night of death to hear those awful cries of anguish and terror.

Ex 12 v  29

God’s Sovereignty was proved in Egypt . For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, “Even for this purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, that my name might be declared in all the earth”.

Rom 9 v 17

Today God has not changed. He is Sovereign. He commands and we must obey or be in peril. God is not mocked. Will be bow the knee to Ba’al of to Jesus?  1 Kings 18 v 21

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2 v 10

Why wait until judgement day? Let us bow before His throne of Grace and humbly submit our lives to him, who is Sovereign!

Mind of Christ

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took on the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Phil 2 v 5 /7

Travelling on the top deck of a bus can be very revealing when you overhear other folk’s conversations. These may be mundane of shocking!

And the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Gen 6:5

I gave him a piece of my mind, is an expression often used. An uncontrolled tongue indicates an uncontrolled mind. Some folks assiduously tidy the home or workshop but their mind is cluttered up with worldly cares.

The mind of Christ, within me! What a staggering thought. Can it be ? What should be the normal thought pattern of a Christian?

We are called to have the mind of Christ at all times and for all things. Loving thoughts, compassionate thoughts, merciful thoughts, heavenly thoughts, eternal thoughts, gracious thoughts, life-giving thoughts, creative thoughts.

What are our usually minds full of? When all around the storm rages, will we be able to speak peace. Will our hearts be untroubled?

Peace and serenity. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, who’s mind is stayed upon thee, for he trusteth in thee”. Isaiah 26 v 3.

Controlling out thoughts is part of the armour of a Christian. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal,  but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and  bringing into captivity every thought, unto the obedience of Christ”.

 2 Cor 10 v 4

Every thought. What a challenge.

What if our thoughts were put on a big screen for all to see? How would we feel?

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. Sometimes we think we can stand on our own two feet, yet this is the time we are in danger. We think we are all right.

1 Cor 10:12

Can it be done. I believe it is Gods way for us to obtain the victory, over the world, the flesh, and the devil. Rev 12 v 11

“Think on these things. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”.         Phil 4 v 8

Shall we ensure that our minds do not wander. Why let our minds, thoughts, have freewill? Why let them go where they will, let us bring them under control. Let us think on these things and have the mind of Christ.

What a thought !

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 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.      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.

As a young lad my brother and I ran away from home seeking to find my Mother in Scotland . 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

Soldiers leave home

Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. The concept of a soldier who is willing to leaves home, who is proud to wear the uniform of his regiment, to  leave his family, loved ones behind , to endure rigorous training at a camp , and then, to be posted to some foreign battle, is now little more than a memory.

While visiting Margate in Kent , I  came across the beautiful harbour where dozens of yachts were at anchor. As a land -lubber, they looked lovely with every kind of needful thing for a cruise in the Mediterranean. Radar and radio mast reached skywards, the rigging whistled in the wind, powerful marine engines, with glistening paintwork  varnished decks and stainless steel handrails. As I gazed across the harbour I suddenly realised that they were anchored in mud.

With the harbour wall protected them, as the tide came in and out the yachts only moved up and down, and around and around. They were firmly anchored.

It suddenly struck me that many Christians are like these yachts. They posses every facility and needful aid to sail  and cruise the high seas. The are provided with compass and charts, heavy waterproof clothing to keep out the salty spray.  Yet they never leave the harbour.

They have the ocean before them but they go around and around chained in mud. They could sail off with the tide and overcome the storms, reach untold parts of the world.  They could experience Gods richest blessing in uncharted waters. Yet they remain immovable.

 Ten years later you may find them still anchored in mud. They will never drown, or get shipwrecked. They will never do anything for God.

A disciple of Jesus is willing to go anywhere, at any time, to do anything. A soldier is expected to obey orders, all orders. The disciple of Jesus left their nets, their homes and families and followed Jesus. It was not after a long sermon but just to words of command. Follow me!

And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed Matthew 9:9

On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee , and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.  him. John 1:43

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. Acts 12:8

“There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or Father, or Mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and the Gospels. But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time ,houses and brethren, and sisters and Mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions, and in the life to come eternal life. Mark 10 v 29/30

Eagles push their young fledglings out of the nest. It sounds very risky but it is only way they will ever learn to fly. Do we need a heavenly push?

The Shore

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”?

Yes or No

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Math 5 v 37

I once asked a Christian to make something for me. He readily agreed. “Yes”.  I gave him some money and waited. I never received my goods.  This man was an elder in a local church, counselling needy folks.  It is just a small thing, but how important. Let your Yes be yes and your No, be no.

My word is my bond, used to be the standard in Victorian days. We know that we cannot trust the world or its promises but how appalling, not to be able to trust a brother in Christ, when he gives his word.

Did God ever break his promise?  Did God ever go back on his word? “I will never leave you nor forsake you. Did he really mean, I will come again?

God is a covenant keeping God. “All the promises of God, in him, are Yea, and in him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us”. 2 Cor 1 v 20

We are living in an age where the attitude is, you may do as you please, do your own thing! This is the order of the day self-interest is paramount. Politicians promise the earth before an election and many times fail miserably in  keeping of them.

The telephone also, is an instrument of danger to many, who can easily say, Yes brother, I will do it, before they have time to think, consider the matter, or, bring it to the Lord in prayer. Yes, slips very easily from their lips.

Our illustration is Christ for they declared of him, Never a man spake like this man. John 7 v 46

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that, which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Ephes 4 v 29

But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first and said Son go to work today in my vineyard. And he answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his Father? Math 21. v 31?

Many people say, Yes, to Jesus and promise I will do anything for you, then sadly they fail.

Some people are big with their promises when they decide to serve God they say, We can do it, only give us the money. And later after the campaign there is little to show for it, empty words.

How many say, unto death do us part, in their marriage vows, then some years later they walk out on their wives and go off with the another woman? They stood before God and promised to be faithful all their lives,  unto death do us part.!

This awful spirit is now permeating the churches with the attitude, we can do what we like. No promise is too big to break1

Let your Yes be yes, and your No, be no. Math 5 v 37.

The Barrel of Meal

And the barrel of meal shall never waste, the cruse of oil shall never run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain. Elijah lived through a time of famine with Gods curse upon the land for idolatry!

In England today, it is a time of plenty. Overeating, obesity, weight watching are common. Elijah had prayed that it would not rain, and it did not rain for three and a half years. The consequences were apparent in the land.

Our daily needs are guaranteed by the Lord, He is mindful of our need for bread and oil. We feed on Word of God, the living Word, and the oil, that speaks of the Holy Spirit filling us and empowering us for daily work.

More important to the Lord, than our material well being, is our spiritual growth and our developing spiritual character.  Forming, moulding and conforming us to the image of Christ.

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord”. 2 Corinthians 3:18

“Therefor if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold all things are become new. That morsel, that crumb, that tiny seed of Gods word 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.

My heart is always thrilled when  reading of Gods provisions, they are inexhaustible from his riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.     Phil 4 v 19.

All your need; there should be no debate, no prevarication, no means test, all that is required  from a Christian is that we come and humbly ask God.  We must give what we have first.  “Fear not; go and do what thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and thy son. This was one of Gods divine appointments. It was no accident of chance, but God was going to prove this poor woman. I only have a handful of meal in a barrel, I have not a cake” .1 Kings 17 v 12

Bring me a morsel of bread is not much to ask. The widow’s obedience and compassion on the man of God was rewarded. “As you do it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”. Math 25 v 40

God is mindful of the poor for He sees the widows mite. He takes the two small fishes and He loves to multiply. The widow woman went and did according to the saying of Elijah, and she and her house did eat many days.

Constantly looking into the bottom of a barrel can be a hindrance to Faith. The barrel shall never waste, the cruse of oil shall never run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain.

In England today, it is a time of plenty, overeating, obesity, weight watching are common. The consequences are apparent in the land.

And she and her family did eat many days. Bon appetite

The Wrong Motive

And the King of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel . And he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment”.

2 Kings 5 v 5

And the King of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel . And he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment”.

Many of us have mixed motives, sometimes they are just under the surface, out of sight and when they manifest themselves, we try quickly, to hide them. The Lord looks into our hearts. But Jesus perceived their thoughts he answering said unto them, Why reason ye in your hearts?

Luke 5:22

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Naaman the leper had the wrong motive he thought he could buy his way out of trouble. He was used to excerting his authority. He was a powerful man, the King of Syria’s right hand man. He was well respected for he had been victorious in battle and had power and influence. The King highly regarded him. However he was a leper.

Imagine the scene. He had travelled hundreds of miles to get to Israel ; he would have been tired, and dirty. He fully expected the man of God to come out and speak a few words and he would be healed. He relied on the ten talents of silver, the six pieces of gold and ten changes of raiment, and a fortune by anyone’s standard.

However his motive was wrong. How quickly he became angry. He dismissed the prophet’s simple instruction to, “Go wash”. Such a basic thing. Yet very costly. For such a man, admired and respected by his entourage, his servants and fellow soldiers. To undress publicly, to reveal what was hidden in his skin, for all to see. They would be shocked at his condition, the awfulness of his affliction. See clearly the sores, the rotting flesh.  And then to dip in the muddy waters of the Jordan .

 2 Kings 5 v 12

Many come to God with the wrong motive. Ba’laam had the wrong motive when he was asked to curse Israel , refused and yet later he reneged on his conscience for greed.  Ba’laam the son of Bo’sor who loved the wages of unrighteousness: But was rebuked for his iniquity 2 Peter 3 v 15/16

Many come to God saying “I will do this for you, on condition, if you will give me …? Maybe but we ought to examine our motives in serving the Lord.

Saul thought to please the people in keeping back the best sheep and oxen from the destruction of the Amalakites, his wrong motive cost him dear.

1 Kings 15 v 9

Judas had the wrong motive! He held the purse and the thought of 30 pieces of silver dominated his mind. What a price for that kiss and his loveless words “Hail master”! Cursed is the man who does the Lords work deceitfully! Jer 48 v 10

What are our motives?  Are they true, unsullied?  Will they say of us, He was a man without guile? Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. Psalm 32 v 2

Come and rest

For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Psalms 132:14

The Lord was busy, the disciples were busy, and there was revival, with the works of God being made manifest. The sick were being healed, the blind received their sight, the dead were raised and the poor had the Gospel preached to them.

The crowds flocked around the Lord Jesus. They wanted to get near him, to bring their friends, to ask him to touch them. They found they did not have a moment for leisure. Jesus said, Come ye apart and rest ye awhile. Mark 6:31

When God says rest why do we rebel and persist in our own efforts?

Resting is vital for all and God himself is our example. And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

Hebrews 4:4

When Noah sent out the dove it could not find a place to rest. Genesis 8 v 9

Israel , Gods commanded the nation of Israel to rest, on pain of death. Ex 31:15

As young Christian in full time work for the Lord, I endeavoured to be conscientious, diligent and hard working. For three years held many Gospel meetings each week, without a break, without any thought for rest. Then one day while working on a home improvement, I cut my hand badly and I rushed to the hospital. Later with my hand stitched and bandaged, I realised that I could not possibly play my guitar with an injury like this. Praise God with time, the hand healed up.  But I was forced to rest for the next six weeks.

You may be like me, slow to learn. I had foolishly thought I was indispensable and needed to carry on, now I would have to stop. Did God plan it all? In one sense yes. He allowed it, that I might learn the lesson.

This is my resting-place forever: Here will I dwell; For I have desired it. Psalms 132:14

King Asa did that which was right in the sight of the Lords and the Lords gave him rest. And he built fortified cities in Judah ; for the land was quiet, and he had no war in those years, because Jehovah had given him rest. 2 Chronicles 14:6

We all have to learn that “In returning and rest shall ye be saved, and in quietness and confidence shall be your strength”. Isaiah 30 v 15

Jesus said to his disciples in the garden, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Matthew 26:45

“He giveth power to the faint; and to those who have no might he increaseth strength, Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.  But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint”. Isaiah 40 v 29

Now I know that you have much to do, perhaps you better make a start!

The wind blows

The wind blow’s where it will, and you hear it, but cannot tell from where it comes from, or where it is going, so is everyone that is born of the Spirit. John 3:8

Hurricane Mitch caused devastation and damage in South America and it will take years to rebuild and rectify. Many lives were lost and thousands made homeless through this terrible tempest.

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. And he awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. Luke 8:24

As a youth I was in the Merchant Navy, and while sailing through the Caribbean there was a terrific hurricane. When the storm had abated  we came across the wreckage of another oil tanker, which had suffered terrible damage.  The ship had broken into two halves. The half we could see, still floating was the aft half in the water, half out. What damage had been done, lives had been lost and the ship was wrecked!

And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. John 6:18

Our lives can suffer much damage when a storm comes; we can easily be blown off course. It is essential that we seek protective measures, to put on, daily, the whole armour of God, to seek safety and shelter in the arms of Jesus. Ephes 6 13

That we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; Ephesians 4:14

Noah was protected in the Ark. Moses life too, was protected and spared as he was laid in another much smaller ark, and we too, who trust in Jesus are safe from all alarms.       1 Cor 9 v 27

The storm raged around Jonah and the crew recognised that the cause of the storm was, a rebellious and disobedient messenger of God, hiding asleep in the bowels of the ship. Quickly he was thrown overboard. Jonah 1 v 15

Life is full of storms. Both in the Caribbean Sea and on the Sea of Galilee , squalls will quickly arise and the winds will suddenly gust. “The wind blows where it will, and you hear it, but you cannot tell from where it comes from, or where it is going, so is every one that is born of the Spirit”. John 3 16.

Paul had problems, being in the deep a night and a day. 2 Cor 11 v 25

And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. Acts 27:40

After his I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that no wind should blow on the earth, or on the sea, or upon any tree. Revelation 7:1

Oh Lord; let the wind of your Spirit blow on me

Last Orders

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me do ? And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do”. Acts 9 v 6

In the army barracks, a soldier will search the notice board for his daily orders. He may be called into the presence of an officer and told privately what his orders are, then he sets off to obey. “Go into the city and it shall be told thee”. It is a first step. Further instruction or events would take place following obedience.

I once owned a dog named Jason and I had great joy in training him on a football field to stay on the line at one end of the field.  Gradually I would walk father and father away. The dog stood rigid and unmoving until I called. He was so obedient that I could walk almost out of sight before I called him and he would race down the field to be rewarded with praise.

“Go into the village over against you, and straight away ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her; loose them, and bring them unto me” .Math 21 v 2

These are simple, clear, unambiguous instructions. God’s commands are always clear and precise.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Psalms 37:23

King Saul’s personal bodyguards failed him. They were asleep, found wanting when David found Saul and his guards asleep in the cave and cut of his skirt. The guards were not altogether to blame for they were in a deep sleep, induced by the Lord! 1 Sam 24 v 4

However the Word of God exhorts us saying, “Take ye heed, watch and pray, for ye know not when the hour is”. Mark 13 v 33.

A good commander will make spot checks on his sentries to see if they are awake, while they guard the camp at night. The lonely sentry has important work to do. The enemy often attacks when the camp is asleep.

Last orders are frequently called by the owner of a public house, the very last time to order more drinks! What were your last orders?  Are you alert or are you sleeping?. “Could you not watch with me one hour”? Math 26 v 41

The Lord Jesus had to endure the agony alone. The disciples, who said they loved him, were asleep. There are many precious souls labouring for the Lord, unnoticed, who are faithfully keeping to their last orders.

In the Second World War, on certain islands in the Pacific Ocean , there were guards who kept the watch, day and night. They were cut off from headquarters. There had been neither news nor any fresh orders for many years. Some were still faithfully keeping watch when unknown to them the war had ended. Yet they had remained faithfully at their post.

Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them. Luke 12:37

The Sun Stood Still

And the sun stood still and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is this not written in the book of Ja’sher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was not a day like that before or after it that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of man. for the Lord fought for Israel “. Joshua 10 v 13

The Lord, Almighty God, the God of battles, is fighting for his people.

 “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  2 Thess 1 v 8

The Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man. When some Muslims and Hindu’s hear of our God who speaks, who hears and answers prayer, they will willingly spend a week or more praying and continue in prayer until they receive an answer. The concept of a God who speaks is shocking to them. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it unto you” John 16 v 23.

“And if we know that he hear us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him”. 1 John 5 v 15.

What an amazing day, the sun stood still in the sky. The battle raged on the earth, and God hearkened unto the prayer of a man. As the spiritual battle rages on earth the Lord Jesus Christ ever-lives to make intercession for us. T People are seeking for a sign. And Jesus said, “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonah. Luke 11 v 29

The sun stood still. “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken”.

Math 24 v 29.

“And the foundations of the earth do shake. The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage”…Isaiah24 18/20

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and there was no more sea”.     Rev 21 v 1.

There are going to be some mind-blowing changes around here.  For God has said so!  “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness”. 2 Peter 3 v 13.

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring. Luke 21:25

Obedient

And being found in a fashion as man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross”. The Son of man, the Son of God humbled himself and became obedient “.    Phil 2 v 8

My father was a stickler for discipline and we feared him. He spoke with authority and we new there would be dire consequences if we did not obey promptly and with diligence.

As a child I was constantly being warned of the dangers of fire. Of playing with fire, not to play with matches. One day we were playing a new game with a box of “Bryant and May” matches. The idea was to flick lighted matches across the room, seeing how far they would go.

As you can imagine disaster struck when a lighted match settled on the net curtains and the curtains burst into flames. It was only my sisters quick thinking and immediate response in rushing into the kitchen and grabbing a bowl of water that saved the situation. However much damage was done and a ruined curtain revealed our foolishness and sin.

Miracle’s happen when we totally obey Gods commands. To obey those prompting’s of the Holy Spirit, and the commands of Jesus to go into the village, to go into the city. God commanded Joshua to “compass the city  all ye men of war; and go round about the city once. Thus do six days”.                     Joshua 6 v 3

Victory came through obedience. “So the people shouted when the priest blew with the trumpets, and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat…Joshua 6 v 20

Great exploits are done for God when implicitly obey his divine instructions.

In the feeding of the five thousand the Lord Jesus commanded, make the men sit down

Moses was instructed to strike the rock, and on another occasion to speak to the rock. This time he was angry and he disobeyed striking the rock, which had terrible consequences for him. Deut 33 v 4

King David enquired of the Lord; the Lord gave him a victory.

The temptation of the flesh is to repeat the strategy; this is often just the flesh. ” Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them, turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry tree”s.1 Chron 14 v14

We must be diligent in listening, and then obedient in carrying out the commands of God, written in his Holy Word.

“Fill the water pots with water”, led to the miracle of Cana . “The Spirit said, Go near and Phillip ran”, this led to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8 v 27

The Lord Jesus, “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared. Though he was a Son, yet he learned obedience, by the things he suffered”. Heb 5 v 7/8

I wonder what miracle’s we have missed because we failed to obey the prompting’s of the Holy Spirit, because we hesitated, doubted or disobeyed?

Jesus became obedient to a death on the cross, what a miracle of love? Phil 2 v 8

Infirmities

Staggering words from Paul. “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,, in distresses for Christ sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong”.2 Cor 12 v 9/10

“I take pleasure”. Sadly many folks cannot, will accept Gods plan for their lives.  They are happy to accept all Gods mercies and blessings, but reject any thought of Gods chastisements, the persecutions, reproach, and tribulations of the Christian walk. These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Beloved!  Does this include you? “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad with exceeding joy. When ye are reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye”. 1 Peter 4 v 12/14

Happy are ye. Can that be true of us? If we are to make progress in the Christian life, and grow in grace, we must accept Gods ways of dealing with us, our lives are to be a daily crucifying of the flesh “And all who will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecutions. Are we to complain, backbite and murmur against God”.  2 Tim 3 v 12

“Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities”. What an attitude!  But why?  That the power of God may rest upon me. Do we posses such a desire? What is it? To have the power of Christ rest on you? Have we experienced the anointing power? Do we desire it? I asked a backslidden soul the other day, “When did you last have a touch from God”? Years ago was the reply!

Can we manufacture power? Or replicate it? Paul said, When I am weak then I am strong”.2 Cor 12 v 10

But God tells Paul, My Grace is sufficient for thee, my strength, is made perfect in weakness.  2 Cor 12 v 9

God uses weak and empty vessels, that His Glory, His Grace, and His Power maybe made known. Can we say, “ I take pleasure in infirmities”?

Whom the Lord loveth he chaseneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as son; for what son is he whom the Father chaseneth not”? Heb 12 v  6 v 7.

Count it all joy. What challenge. We are not to be sad, but count it all joy, to rejoice and to be happy. Are these our reactions when going through a testing time?  The trials of life are only for a season. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

2 Cor 4 v 17

Do we count it all joy? Do we weigh in the balance the eternal weight of glory? Oh that we might be able to say, this trial is a stepping stone to glory.

Attitude makes a difference!

Joseph

Come now therefore let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.  Gen 37 v 20

In this callous story of a murder plot we find the favourite son of Israel cast into a pit. Among the brethren Reuben at least having some compassion and desire to preserve Joseph’s life if he got the opportunity later. And Reuben said unto them Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid out of their hands to deliver him to his father again. Gen 37v22

In the pit, Joseph is a type of Christ in the tomb for three days and three nights.  Can you picture him looking up from the depths of the pit without food, without water, left to die in the hot sun. Joseph must have felt the murderous intent and jealousy of his brethren, for they truly hated him. He was the favourite son. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children.

Gen 37   v3

What a lesson for us parents.

Joseph was to be sold into captivity to be cast into prison accused false of adultery, later to be exalted to the highest position of power, under Pharaoh.

Gods plans for our lives can be strange incomprehensible and inexplicable at times, but we know, “That all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose. Romans 8 v 28

For some Christians, like Paul and Silas it may be a prison, for others like Elijah, it may be the water of a stream drying up. For others it could be a pit, then a palace, for the One who left heavens Glory it was the wilderness, then a garden, and then hill top called, Gol’go’tha and cruel cross.

Can we say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him”? Job 2 v 10

God had a divine plan for Joseph’s life, he has a divine plan for our lives too, a work for us to do. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”. Ephes 2 v 10

“And God sent me before you, to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance”. Gen 45 v 7

“But you thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day,, to save much people alive”.  God sovereign plan. To save much people alive. Gen 50 v 20

How wonderful are Gods plans, His designs and His purposes. “For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face; now we know in part, but then shall I know even also as I am known”.1 Cor 13 v 12.

Are you in a dark place today, a pit, or a prison?

God is working his purposes out.

See here is water

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptised”? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest”. And he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. A heart warming testimony.  Acts 8 v 37

The message was clear and strong as I sat in a crowded church, “See here is water what does hinder you to be baptised”? The people were excited and expectant as they waited to witness their friends, loved ones, being baptised by immersion in a  believer’s baptism.

The preacher continued with his message, he was anointed with power from on high. “What doth hinder you”. I sat back drinking in the word of God it was wonderful.

Sheila and I had been invited to attend the little rural church by Pastor George Smith from a fellowship in Wadhurst. A number of the folk were due to be baptised in obedience to Gods Word,” Repent and be baptised every one of you”. Acts 2 v 38

Every eye was on the preacher, “See here is water”. The powerful message stirred our hearts. Soon we were witnessing around thirteen people going through the waters of baptism, some giving a stirring testimony, others a simple confession of faith, in Jesus Christ. It was later as we congregated over a cup of tea, that there was a sudden gasp of consternation and fear. A woman had fallen into the open baptismal pool.

We leaned over to see an elderly lady standing waist high in water.

Amazingly she was not hurt. The Pastor came out of the kitchen area, and helping hands reached down to lift her from the water. “No”, she did not want to be helped out.  With a feeble and shaking voice she told us, “I have often felt I should be baptised in obedience to Gods Word, but I have always put it off, and made some excuse.

Tonight as I listened to Gods Word, I knew I must be baptised. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. I knew I must go forward but again I hesitated resisted, and held back. I was feeling dreadful but now that I am in the water, I would like to obey God and be baptised.”

The preacher was thrilled and willing to baptise the lady, thus we saw another child of God being baptised, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost”.

Why wait until you are pushed?

Loose Him

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptised”? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest”. And he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. A heart warming testimony.  Acts 8 v 37

The message was clear and strong as I sat in a crowded church, “See here is water what does hinder you to be baptised”? The people were excited and expectant as they waited to witness their friends, loved ones, being baptised by immersion in a  believer’s baptism.

The preacher continued with his message, he was anointed with power from on high. “What doth hinder you”. I sat back drinking in the word of God it was wonderful.

Sheila and I had been invited to attend the little rural church by Pastor George Smith from a fellowship in Wadhurst. A number of the folk were due to be baptised in obedience to Gods Word,” Repent and be baptised every one of you”. Acts 2 v 38

Every eye was on the preacher, “See here is water”. The powerful message stirred our hearts. Soon we were witnessing around thirteen people going through the waters of baptism, some giving a stirring testimony, others a simple confession of faith, in Jesus Christ. It was later as we congregated over a cup of tea, that there was a sudden gasp of consternation and fear. A woman had fallen into the open baptismal pool.

We leaned over to see an elderly lady standing waist high in water.

Amazingly she was not hurt. The Pastor came out of the kitchen area, and helping hands reached down to lift her from the water. “No”, she did not want to be helped out.  With a feeble and shaking voice she told us, “I have often felt I should be baptised in obedience to Gods Word, but I have always put it off, and made some excuse.

Tonight as I listened to Gods Word, I knew I must be baptised. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. I knew I must go forward but again I hesitated resisted, and held back. I was feeling dreadful but now that I am in the water, I would like to obey God and be baptised.”

The preacher was thrilled and willing to baptise the lady, thus we saw another child of God being baptised, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost”.

Why wait until you are pushed?

No where

Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nest; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head”. Math  8 v 20

In our cities throughout the world we see the vagrants, the alcoholics and the poor living in the street, sheltering under cardboard and paper and anything that will protect them from the elements. No where to lay there head!

I was lying under a mackintosh as the grey light of dawn seeped through the mist and damp. The crows were squawking and screeching, swirling around my head. I was frozen stiff after lying in an open field all night. I had run away from home, and the night had been alien, eerie, and very cold.

Having somewhere to lay your head every night is important. Sleeping under a railway bridge may be acceptable to some but for most of us a home, a room, a bed in vital. Yet Jesus the Lord of all, had nowhere.

“And Jacob went out from Be’er’sheba and went towards Ha’ran, and he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of the place, and put them out for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

 And Jacob dreamed a dream and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it”. Gen 28 v 11/12

What a dream! God has not finished with us when we lay down to sleep. Elijah slept under a juniper tree, behold and angel touched him, ands said unto him, “Arise and eat”. I Kings 19 v 5.

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; Genesis 2:21

God appeared unto Solomon in the night. “In the night did God appear to Solomon, and said unto him; Ask what shall I give thee”? 2 Chron 1 v 7

Joseph also had divine instructions as he slept, “And being warned of God in a dream, that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way..  Math 2 v 12 . Math 2 v 22

What exciting things can happen in the night !

And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him. Genesis 15:12

“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid, yea thou shalt lie down and thy sleep shall be sweet”.

Prov 3 v 24

A clear conscious lets you sleep the sleep of the just! Jesus was able to sleep in the stormy sea! And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39

How are you sleeping? Do you suffer from insomnia? The Lord Jesus was able to sleep while the storm raged around him. What a lesson, goodnight, sleep tight!

Thou art the man

And Nathan said to David, thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord”…

God always points to the hidden sin in our lives.. King David was resting, relaxing and enjoying the cool evening air, on the rooftop, when he saw a woman washing herself.And Nathan said to David, thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord”…

What consequences were to follow that look. Lust, deception, murders, the death of a child. Uriah the Hittite was a brave soldier mentioned among the valiant men in Gods Word. 1 Chron 1 v

“Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire from him, that he might be smitten and die”. v 15

How terrible this is. Here revealed in Gods Word, the motives in David’s heart. Truly Jesus said” out of the heart of man proceeds evil thoughts, murders”, Mark 7 v 21

The deed was done, Uriah the Hittite was dead and Bathsheba had come to David to be his wife and was now she was expecting his baby. Everything was going according to plan then God steps in.

Nathan the prophet comes to tell David of a parable. Its about a wicked rich man who steals the poor mans only ewe lamb, and killed it because he had a friend visiting him. He had plenty of sheep himself and robbed the poor man of his only lamb.

The King was angry at such injustice, “As the Lord liveth this man shall surely die”, was his verdict, and he shall restore fourfold. 2 Sam 12 v 5/6

The human heart is, “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, can know it”. Jer 17 v 9

 It is a dangerous thing to point the finger in judgement of others. Usually when we see sin so blatant in others, many times it reflects the sin in our own heart. Let us first remove the beam from our own eyes. We forget the besetting sin that we are hiding from the world.

All to often we are able to pronounce judgement, and the sentence on others, without a qualm. Math 7 v 3/5

“Thou art the man”! Gods Word has challenged millions to search their own heart and say, “Lord, is it I?  The answer all too often is, Yes”.

All these things are for our example for Gods Word says, “Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted”.1 Cor 10 v conceive

And Jesus went forth, and his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi: and on the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them,

Who do men say that I am? Mark 8:27

When you pray

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to the Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly”. Math 6 v 6

Daniel prayed three times a day. When Jesus was praying, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and dazzling. Luke 9:29

After preaching in Poland on the subject of prayer, one of the musicians who had been leading the worship time came to seek my help. He confessed that he “never had time for prayer”. I had observed this brother earlier busily setting up the amplification equipment, tuning up the guitars and rehearsing. Through an interpreter I gave him this advice. “If I were you, I would cancel all my engagements, go home to my prayer closet, and ask God to forgive me

Then commence to pray. I would stay in prayer until I had a clear Word from the Lord. I would not move until he spoke to me. Whatever he said I would go and do. Then having completed my mission, I would return to the prayer closet again and wait upon the Lord in prayer.”

Listening to God is vital. Time with God can never be replaced. Waiting to hear that still small voice and obedience to the detail is a fundamental lesson for us all to learn. However many of our lives are to tightly structured to do this. It needs the surgeon’s sharp knife to cut us free from much that is not important, and not Gods will.

It is a great day, when we learn to tarry in Gods presence. Light comes; revelation comes when we wait in prayer, worship, and praise.

I often describe prayer in this way. Imagine the Lord Jesus appeared to you in bodily form, in his resurrected glory. There before you, in all his Glory

Would you not fall dead at his feet?  Would you not want to kiss the wounds in his hands and his feet? Would you have any desire to leave that place.? Would you go off to watch the television, or answer the telephone ? . Would shopping be important ?  No, I think not. How wonderful it would be and how glorious !

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

2 Corinthians 3:7

I was in the Spirit on the Lords day… Rev 1 v 10

Moses went up the mountain to be with God. After forty days and nights he returned with a Holy glow in his face. The glory of God, His radiance, reflected in a human face!

There is a beautiful place, to find rest, to find peace, to unload your burden, to make your request known unto God .

A place of healing a place of truth and life,  a secret place. As we tarry in this place it can become Holy ground.

The Lord is there. God will talk with his blood bought children, individually and personally. “Oh, let us speak to a Holy, Righteous, and Loving God, who desires that we fellowship together. Psalm 27 v 5

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty”. Psalm 91 v 1.

Give me a man

And the Philistine said I defy the armies of Israel this day: give me a man that we may fight together.  1 Sam 17  v 10

The Philistines had invaded the land of Israel . They have likewise invaded England too

All around is the darkness of sin, immorality, abortion, homosexuality, vice, pornography, child abuse, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, the occult, the cults proliferating, the false Christ and false prophets, spiritualist, the new age, witches, embryonic experiments, genetic engineering, cloning of sheep, rebellion, lawlessness abounds, and the Nation has become totally Godless and pagan.

These are the signs of the times, the last days of “falling . 2 Tim 3 v 1/5

There is a great danger among Christians, that we accept the status quo, an attitude of, Oh well, we are living in the last days, so we must, grin and bear it. A defeatist attitude which says, We can throw in the towel. Many of us have low expectations, because standards have fallen and continue to get lower, away from Biblical principals, lukewarmness can prevail.

Others have a siege mentality, our backs are to the wall, they say, we had better not aggravate Satan, and otherwise things may get worse. Ye are of God little children and have overcome them: for greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. I John 4 v 4

Do you know anyone like this?

When the Goliath challenged God people, there was fear in the camp. “When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid”.

1 Sam 17 v 1

There was fear in the camp!

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment, He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4 v 18

Goliath said, “Give me a man”. But God always has a man.  God had an Abraham who was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac the child of promise.

God had a Moses, a meek and humble man to lead his people, to the Promised Land.

God had a bold courageous Joshua, to fight in the Promised Land. God had strong Samson, a prayerful Samuel, a young shepherd boy David with a sling and five smooth stones to accept the challenge, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God”.  1 Sam 17 v 26

We do have power, both to fight and overcome. We are told to resist the devil and he shall flee from us. For, “To as many as received him, to them he gave power, to become the sons of God”.

John 1 v 12

“And they that do know there God, shall be strong, and do exploits” Dan 11 v 32b

A dark glass

For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then I shall know, even as I am known”.1 Cor 13 v 12

When my wife was in labour, an ambulance was called to take her to the maternity hospital some miles away. There was a thick fog and the co driver had to get out of the ambulance and walk with a torch before the vehicle. It was a nightmare journey as I sat apprehensively with my wife as we trundled along. Eventually we arrived safely and happily my daughter was born in the light.For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then I shall know, even as I am known”.1 Cor 13 v 12

How dim our sight is. Like that fog that settled in London all those years ago, we grope our way forward with the glimmer of a torch. A glass darkly is how God describes, how we see. It shows us some light, “But if the light that be in you is darkness, how great is that darkness”? Math 6 v 23.

Glasses sharpen up the focus, make the image clear. How blurred things can become when we take the glasses off.

Light illumines the scene; we need to see clearly in these last days. The worldly situation is growing darker, sadly we can grow accustomed to it.

“And the Word of the Lord was precious in those days, there was no open vision. And it came to pass that at the time Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see. He was loosing his sight, slowly, unnoticed perhaps, gradually. He did not notice, that, “Ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was”…1 Sam 3 v 3

Cataracts grow slowly!

How is your eyesight? Stephen cried, “Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God”. What a vision! Acts 7 v 56.

Peter experienced the same thing, “and saw the heaven opened and a certain vessel descending”. Acts 10 v 11

Isaiah had his eyes opened, “In the year King Uz’zi’ah died, I also saw the Lord siting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple”. Isaiah 6 v 1

There are things to see, heavenly, wonderful, glorious things to see. “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament”. Rev 11 v 19

What do we see?  “I see men as trees walking”. Partial sight is distressing; things are confused, out of focus, distorted, forms and shapes without definition. Mark 8 v 24

Post war London , suffered much through, pea souper’s, thick impenetrable fogs. The city would come to a standstill as the traffic snarled and the people groped their way in the mist.

Do, we need new glasses?