What a heart-rending prayer from the Lord Jesus “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who killed the prophets and stoned them that are sent unto thee; how often I would gathered thy children together as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not. Behold your house is left unto you desolate”.

Luke 13 v 35

Words, warning of judgement for a rebellious city. How many of our cities are going to be judged? Math 11 v 21

The consequences of sin are terrible. For Israel the Lord said, ”Because of the multitude of thy sorceries and the abundance of your enchantments. Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know the dawning thereof: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it away: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou knowest not”. Isaiah 47:11

The Egyptians came to Joseph in the famine and said, give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land be not desolate. Genesis 47:19

The Psalmist cried to God. “Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted” Psalms 25:16

David had left his wives and children in Ziglag while he consorted with the Philistines, in the rear of their army. When he was rejected and returned to Ziglag he wept as he found a scene of utter desolation. The city had been smitten and burned with fire.

I Sam 29 v 17

Sin has awful consequences, ”And I will send the beast of the field among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your ways shall become desolate. Lev 26 v 22

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, and if any man destroys the temple, him God will destroy; for the temple of God is Holy, which temple are ye.

1 Cor 3 v 17

“What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction”. Rom 9 v 22

After an earthquake you see scenes of utter destruction and desolation. Let us cry out to God for mercy for our land, for our cities and towns, our friends and families, our homes that they may stand having, been built on a rock, Math 7 v 24

“Alas for that great city Babylon, that mighty city, for in one hour thy judgement is come Rev 18 v 10

Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth”. Luke 11:17

Seperated

I am separated unto the Gospel of God”. This is not a phrase you hear these days. Paul a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, was separated unto the Gospel of God”.  Rom 1 v 1

Samson was called to be separated, no razor was to touch his head and he was to drink no wine. He failed in the end, tempted by Delilah.  How canst thou say, I love thee, when thy heart is not with me, thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein lies thy great strength.  Judges 16 v 15. Judges 13 v 5

When Siamese twins are born they often are joined together and need radical surgery to separate them. Together life would be impossible but separated they can live a normal life.

When a baby is born the umbilical chord connecting the mother must be cut, the baby must be separated from its mother.

God told Abraham to leave his home and family to go to a land that I will show thee. He had to be separated from all he knew, much which was idolatrous and evil. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Ephes 5 v 11

The Levites were also separated unto the Lord. Numbers 8 v 14

We are told”, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and have no fellowship with the works of darkness”. 2 Cor 6 v17

Now we command you, brethren in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly.

2 Thess 3 v 6

Are we separated from the world? Are we so distinctive?

Touch not the unclean thing, the Nazarite did not touch dead bodies.

This world is full of uncleanness and filth on every side. Like a refuse dump, a virulent infectious disease, a plague we should keep well clear of.

The lepers came calling unclean, unclean. They did the community a service in calling out a warning of contagious disease. Today some of our broadcasting networks, our newspapers and magazines, could benefit from having unclean, unclean stamped on them.

God showed Ezekiel in a vision the temple and the wall of separation between the sanctuary and the profane.. He measured it on the four sides: it had a wall round about, the length five hundred, and the breadth five hundred, to make a separation between that which was holy and that which was common. Ezekiel 42:20

Paul warned Timothy to keep well clear of perverse men, who taught that gain is godliness. Having a form of godliness, who deny the power thereof, from such turn away.

2 Tim 3 v 5.- Tim 6 v 5.

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 1 John 2 v 10.

Abstain from all appearance of evil”. 1 Thess 5 v 22

Set Free

He whom the Son sets free is free indeed. John 8 v 31

While visiting a hospital in Battle in East Sussex, for a Gospel meeting, my wife and I entered into the lift to ascend to the second floor wards. Unfortunately the lift got stuck in between the floors and we had to press the alarm bell and wait to be rescued. We were trapped for twenty minutes before the lift shuddered and we were winched slowly to the next floor.

There was a lot of banging, leverng and shouting before we were finally released. You can imagine our relief and joy when we were set free!  On arriving at the ward we composed ourselves and then sang our first chorus with some feeling

It made a suitable introduction to my message on the One who came to set the captives free!

Sadly there are many Christians who are not free at all. Some are still wearing the old grave-clothes of Lazarus, bound up with the old attitudes, the old nature and old habits. They seem to be set in cement!

Following a tradition of religion, on a treadmill, like a goat tethered to a stake, they go around and around all daylong. There is no progress; they never stretch themselves they never change. Oh dear!

Have you ever noticed how short the grass is when an animal is tied to a stake? It is well worn and there is no life in it after years of being trodden underfoot.

Lazarus was still bound in grave clothes on emerging from the gloom of the tomb. Yes he did have life but he did not have liberty. John 11 v 44

David the shepherd boy likewise was bogged down with Saul’s armour and could not fight in it.

1 Sam 17 v 39

Are you free? If you are still bound what will it take to free you, an axe, some dynamite?

Many prisoners have used a smuggled file or hacksaw blade to file away at the bars of their prison cell. What long hours of patient secret work is involved. Yet they desire to be free so nothing is too much trouble.

In the prison camps British servicemen tunnelled underground to make a break under the fence. Freedom is a great motivator!

My father fought in the Second World War for freedom Millions died for this cause! Jesus said, “Lo ought not this woman whom Satan hath bound lo these eighteen years be set free”? At Ga Dara he set the demonic man free from the unclean spirit. This man could break the physical chains that bound him but could not break free from the demons that possessed him! Luke 8 v 29

And one of the elders said unto me, Weep not, for the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof” Rev 5 v 5

I Cannot do Anything

It is amazing to think that the angel could not do anything because of Lot’s prevarication. Verse 16 says that he lingered. Perhaps he was concerned for his unbelieving sons- in -law. For he seemed as one that mocked. v 14Haste thee, escape thither, for I cannot do anything until thou be come hither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar

Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”. John 15:5

How much more amazing that the Lord Jesus himself could do no mighty works because of unbelief. Save that he laid his hands on a few folks and healed them. Mark 6 v 5

Unbelief is a great sin. Jesus marvelled because of it. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24

What great and mighty things God can do if we believe. Call upon me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jer 33 v 3

So we see they could not enter in because of unbelief. Heb 3 v 19

How much we miss of Gods richest blessings because we do not believe.

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:20

Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left of us entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Faith is the essential ingredient.

Hebrews 4 v 1/2

Lot had to be almost dragged out of that evil, wicked city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold of his hand, and the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. Gen 19 v 16

What plans has God planned for our lives ? Am I a stumbling block to faith ?  And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief; for verily I say unto you,  If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Matt 17 20.

God is able to do,… exceeding  abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. God has provided the power, where is it  ?  In us. Ephes 3 v 20

The Lord Jesus said, greater things than these shall ye do,  “For greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world”.  I John 4 v 4

Let us go forth in the power of His might and claim the land, for we are well able to overcome  them.

Num 13 v 30

Paul said, I can do all things through Christ, which strengthen me.

Phil 4 v 13

Kaleidascope

As a child I was fascinated by the kaleidoscope, which we made out of a shoebox. You know the sort of thing, with coloured sweet papers stuck in the lid to make lights, and a little hole one end to look through. It was primitive but effective.

When Moses went up the mountain to meet with God, He saw the similitude, of God.    Num 12 v 8

When he descended, his face shone with some of the reflected Glory of God, to such an extent that the people could not look at him, and he had to put a veil over his face.

And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of the testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with him. Exodus 34:29

Christians are being changed, 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 Cor 3 v 8.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life”.

I John 1 v 1

How wonderful it would be to see Jesus in all his resurrected glory.

In India many state they have seen a vision of Jesus standing on the platform, behind the speaker. How wonderful when blind eyes are opened to see Jesus?

Bartimaues the blind man calling out to Jesus, “Thou Son of David have mercy on me. When Jesus called him over he asked him a simple question. What would you have me do? He replied, Lord that I might receive my sight”. Immediately his eyes were opened to see the glory of Gods creation, but for the first time he saw Jesus, the Son of God. Mark 10 v 51

Another blind man saw only partially, I see men as trees walking. Mark 8 v 24

The city of London suffered for many years with impenetrable fog that inhibited sight.  Flying over any city on a clear night you will see a kaleidoscope of lights stretching for miles.

Sadly many folks live until they are eighty or ninety years of age and still have never seen the Light of this world Jesus. The god of this world has blinded their minds.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.  Isaiah 6 v 1

When we examine a diamond under the light it sparkles and gleams with shafts of brilliant light. When we look into the Word of God it reveals the glory of Christ, truly a Kaleidoscope!

Perserverance

The distraught widow cried and cried out to the unjust judge, eventually he grew tired of her constant and persistent petitions, and although he did not want to he gave in, and granted the petition. Luke 18 v 5

Two airmen were shot down over a desert region, and started walking in the direction of the base. It was very hot, and as they walked they soon exhausted their meagre supply of water. Struggling up and down the hills of sand, their feet slipping and sinking, they soon began to tire.

As they reached the crest of a hill, they would look expectantly to the horizon, straining their eyes for any signs of water. The two men persevered, perspiring and sweating, climbing up yet another crest, falling back-exhausted time after time, yet renewing their efforts once more seeking to reach yet another hill top.

Eventually they both collapsed in the sand near the crest of a hill. This time the heat and the struggle had defeated them. They could go no further, they gave in.

Two more pilots searching for them in a helicopter passed overhead and seeing the two limp and lifeless pilots in the sand were sadly amazed. For over the hilltop lay a lake of beautiful clear water? The dying airmen had missed the sweet, life giving water, by a few hundred yards. It was so near, yet they did not see it.

So it is with our spiritual life. We struggle on against all odds, we strive, and we push, reaching the top of crest after crest expecting to see our hearts desires.

We beseech God time after time, and then often nearly exhausted we give up the struggle and collapse.

A child may tug repeatedly at fathers clothing, daddy please may I, and the child keeps tugging until finally the father gives way and the child gets its request.

Oliver Twist was not satisfied with his portion he came asking for more!

Prayer can be like this, a struggle to touch God’s heart. Once we have touched his heart we can have the petitions we desire.

Blind Bartimaues, when told to hold his peace cried out all the more. Mk 10 v 48

The woman seeing the crush around Jesus pressed through to touch his garment. Jacob wrestled with an angel and struggled to get a blessing.  And he said, “I will not let thee go unless thou bless me”. Gen 32 v 26

Intercessor’s cry unto the Lord until they get their request. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Matt 11 v 12

Paul could say, “I have fought a good fight I have kept the faith”. Despite the opposition, the dangers in many journeys his fasting, shipwrecks and floggings he kept on, pressing on and won a crown.

James 1 v 12

Jacob said to the Angel of the Lord, I will not let thee go except thou bless me” Gen 32 v 26

Perseverance pays.

Attention

The coach crouches down beside them, running up and down to encourage, urging them on to greater efforts at a critical time. Listening and responding to his voice can mean the difference between winning and losing.Have you ever watched a tug of war? Each team hanging on the end of a rope digging in their heels and taking the strain when the coach tells them. They wait muscles ready and then at the word of command, they pull together, with all their might.

It is the same in many other sports, the Cox in the rowing boat keeps the oars in unison, and the boxer hears his ringside attendants as they give him instructions and advise between the rounds.

God spoke to Elijah after he had run away from the threat of Jez’a’bel. and as God passed by. God was not in the mighty wind the earthquake, nor the fire but spoke in a still small voice.

1 Kings 19 v 12

The trouble with a still small voice is that it can so easily be drowned out by noisy distractions. Some people including my wife can knit, read a book, listen to the radio, she can be thinking of tonight’s dinner, and answer me when I speak. This is a gift that many women seem to possess. A woman can hear a babies cry in the midst of a cacophony of noise.

Sometimes it is difficult to get a child to pay attention. When a child is engrossed in its playtime, everything else disappears, and his world shrinks to his immediate activity. I have to ask myself have I become so engrossed with the activity of the world, including church activities that I fail to listen and fail to hear the Lord speaking.

Rev 2 v 11

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die. Exodus 20:19

Martha was a busy person. That was good, she was ministering to the Lord, but her sister did better to sit at Jesus feet and hear his words.

Luke 10 v 39

I will hear what God the Lord will speak. Psalm 85 v 8

We can only get the victory when we hear clearly from the Lord. And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle; for God is gone out before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.1 Chron14:15

Is there a word from the Lord? This should be our hearts cry. I must know what God’s word says? Today in many of our housegroups, you may hear the question, What does yours say? referring to the different versions of the Bible.  What confusion!  Often the question changes to. “What do you think?

We need to hear again, Thus saith the Lord, in our churches, and we must listen constantly and diligently to that still small voice, that says, this is the way walk ye in it. Isaiah 30 v 21

The Finger of God

A woman who had been caught in the very act of adultery was brought before Jesus. Master they said, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us that she should be stoned.: but what saith thou?

Jesus knew this was a trick question that they might accuse him of breaking the law.

He stooped down and without saying anything wrote with his finger in the sand. He then spoke these words of truth, “Let him that is without sin cast the first stone”. John 8 v 3 and 4.

Did those Scribes and Pharisees remember that the law had been written in tablets of stone, with the finger of God?

And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, the two tables of the testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. Exodus 31:18

Can you see the finger of God?

I wonder, what did the Lord Jesus write in the dust?  Was it Lord, have mercy, or judge not, that ye be not judged?  Math 7 v 1

Belshazzar called for an idolatrous feast and worshipped the gods of gold, silver, of brass, wood and stone. In the same hour came forth the fingers of a man’s hand and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace and the king saw the hand that wrote. Dan 5 v 5

God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it. Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Thy kingdom is divided

Sometimes it may need the hand of God to write on a wall before we take notice of what God is saying.

God wrote the Law with his finger in the tablets of stone.

God sent a messenger to King David when he had secretly arranged the murder of Uriah the Hittite. Nathan the prophet came to challenge him with these words, Thou art the man”. Did Nathan point his finger at David?

2 Sam 12 v 7

The magicians standing before Pharaoh, seeing the power of God in the plague of lice, had to declare, This is the finger of God. Exodus 8 v 19

We too must avoid pointing the finger. Let us look into the mirror and examine our own hearts. Let him that is without sin, cast the first stone. The adulterous woman must have walked away knowing the mercy of God. “Neither do not condemn thee, go and sin no more”. John 8 v 11

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger,…., and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

John 20:27

Is the finger of God pointing at you? 1 Kings 12 v10

Eating

Hunger is a strong desire. In the Book of Proverbs we read, When thou sittest down to eat with a ruler, put a knife to thy throat if thou be a man given to appetite.                        Proverbs 23 v 1

While preaching in Canterbury, Kent, I made the mistake of standing outside a bakery shop. As I preached a strong aroma of freshly baked bread wafted out to my nostrils. Hunger pangs soon assailed me and on concluding my message, I capitulated and entered the shop to buy a sticky bun.

When Moses had gone up the mountain, the people sat down to eat and drink and then rose up to play

Soon the people were in open idolatry and worshipping naked before the golden calf. What a tragedy. Exodus 32 v 6.

How the devil loves to snatch away the precious seed of God’s Word, usually just after it has been sown in the heart. In the gathering after the meeting, while drinking the inevitable cup of tea and biscuits, the tongues wag, the idle gossip is exchanged, and the Word is soon forgotten.

And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

Mark 4 v 15

Jesus said, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth  my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  John 6 v 53/54

Paul said, if the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take some food, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing. Acts 27:33

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not. John 4:32

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work. John 4:34

To the Syrophenician woman Jesus said, let the children first be filled: for it is not meat to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.  Mark 7 v 27

Let us also remember that temperance is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Gal 5 v 22

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. But I keep under my body, and bring it under subjection; lest by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. I Cor 9 v 27

Beware there is danger in the dining table.  Another biscuit  anyone?

Secret Things

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but those things that are revealed belong unto us and our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law”. . Deut 29 v 29

What a blaze of publicity is demanded of every Christian activity today. I am thinking of the news letters, prayer letters, updates, and appeals for money that circulate and dominate our Christian life.

Jesus said, For nothing is hid, that shall not be made manifest; nor anything secret, that shall not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17

Here are three things, three secret things that God requires. Math 6 v 6

Giving

“Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven”. Math 6 v 6.

When we sound a trumpet before us we are like those hypocrites in the synagogue, who give that they might receive the glory of men. The Lord says, They have their reward. v 3

God’s way for us, in our giving, is for our right hand not to know what the left hand is doing, and to give sacrificially. The Lord noticed the widow giving her mite. She had given her all!  Luke 21 v 2.

Sometimes it is good to find a secret place. And Jonathan told David, saying, “Saul my father seeketh to slay thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself in the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself”: 1 Samuel 19:2

Jesus also advocated as secret things, fasting and praying. Not as the world would do, with much self-advertising, we are not to be of a sad countenance, or to disfigure our faces, but fast and pray secretly unto the Lord V 16. One day all that has been done secretly will be revealed.

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men’s hearts by Jesus Christ, according to my Gospel”.

Rom 2 v 16.

The Lord blessed Daniel with gifts of wisdom and understanding. The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou hast been able to reveal this secret. Daniel 2:47

God spoke to Tyrus through his prophet Ezekiel, “Behold thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that is hidden from thee”; Ezekiel 28:3

Nathan the prophet came to warn King David of his duplicity in the murder of Uriah the Hittite and his adultery with Bathsheba said, Thou didst it secretly. His hidden, secret sins were known to God and exposed. 2 Sam 12 v 9/12

Paul said, “For  it is a shame even to speak of which are done by them in secret”. Ephesians 5:12

Moses said, “The secret things belong unto Jehovah our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law”. Deuteronomy 29:29

“I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that it is I, Jehovah, who call thee by thy name, even the God of Israel”. Isaiah 45:3

The Storm

Euroclydon. A storm was raging. Paul a captive was being transported to Rome. Sailing at that time of the year was dangerous, because the fast was past. V 9

It was beautiful weather for sailing, ideal circumstances for men who had no thought for God

Suddenly without any warning a storm arises. Not any storm, but Euroclydon, that tempestuous, autumn raging storm. The seas grew to mountainous heights, the wind raged and the ship was tossed helplessly this way and that. The sails were torn to shreds and the decks were strewn with broken debris from falling spars and shattered beams.

How quickly our circumstances can change. The sailors were worried. They bound the ship together, they lightened the ship, the cargo went, the tackling, important for the sailing of the ship was thrown overboard. The storm continued to rage unabated, until all hope was gone.

Our lives can be the same. Suddenly everything is threatened. All things we count dear, necessary for life, things we once put our trust in our ambitions, possessions, loved ones and friends.

Yes a smooth calm sea. We have a home, we have a measure of health and strength, we have family, we have a little money, we have some interest from savings, and dare I say it, we have a little religion, just enough to salve our conscience .So we think, we are all right!

We hardly need God, except perhaps in an emergency. We are ready to believe the devils lie. It will be all right.

John 8 v 44

When I was in the Merchant Navy I sailed the beautiful calm blue seas in the Caribbean. The water was like a pond, smooth and still. Passing beautiful islands with sandy shores and palm trees blowing in the breeze.  Then abruptly without warning, a squall would arise.  The wind would rise to screaming point, the skies would release torrents of water and it would lash down in a fury.

In life too sickness can come unexpectedly, a loved one can die, a marriage can fail, business can fail, and hopes can be dashed.

Jesus said, What if a man gains the whole world and loses his own soul.

Math 16 v 26

How gracious God is. He had his man in the ship. We too have a friend in the storm, one who can speak peace be still. Paul stands forth and gives his message, Wherefore be of good cheer; for I  believe God, that it shall be, even  as he told me. Howbeit we must be cast on a certain Island. Acts 27 v 26. Thank God for his messengers in the storms of life. Jesus said, come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.             Matt. 11 v 28

Heavenly Places

How sad  that some Christian folks are almost grounded. Like a plane that has every facility to fly, which is designed to take off to the higher realm, has the power inherent to rise up, yet despite this, remains grounded.

In Gulliver’s travels, Gulliver the giant is tied down by a thousand ropes, unable to move.  Should a believer be bound like this?  Before a flight a hot air balloon when inflated and ready to fly strains at its moorings , but is tied down, staked to the ground

As a young man I visited New York City and gazed up at those Skyscrapers. In the foyer  a row of  elevators await to whisk you to your floor. When you enter the lift what floor are you going to choose?. Will you go right to the top?

Those that wait upon the Lord shall rise up with wings as eagles.  Do you ever see an eagle flapping its wings in the gutter ? No they fly at mountain height enjoying the views. Nor is it hard work, they relax, spread their wings and let the thermals do the work.

Moses went up the mountain to be with God. Later at the end of his life after striking the rock in anger, God took him to a high mountain and showed him the Promised Land, but he was unable to enter. He saw all the land of Gilead unto Dan.  What a breathtaking view he had.

Paul was caught up into a third heaven! How that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter

2 Cor 12 v 2/4

After ministering to the needs of the people the Lord Jesus often went up the mountain to pray, to be alone with God to seek his face and commune with him. And after he had taken leave of them, he departed into the mountain to pray. .Mark 6:46

And the devil took him…to an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.            Math 4 v 4

Yes the higher we go the better the view. The views are breathtaking at the top.

In Southern Ireland while staying with friends in County Wicklow who lived in a bungalow at the base of the mountains. I took the opportunity to climb up the mountainside. The weather deteriorated with wind and rain increasing as I climbed higher. But as I prayed the Lord drew near. I was due to speak in a local church but such was the blessing as I communed with him, that I was very reluctant to descend the mountain and return again to the worldly scene.

There is a little chorus that runs

Count your blessings.

Mount up really high.

You will feel much better.

When you learn to fly.

In the gutter of this world, all we see is the dirt and filth. Let us rise up with wings as eagles. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall rise up with wings as eagles.

Isaiah 40 v 31

Poison in the Pot

The apple in the garden looked innocent enough. Mushrooms also can look innocent enough, appetising and innocuous! Today there are many people who worry over the contamination of food supply. The tragedy of mad cow disease, and genetic engineering of animals, with pesticides, the big question occupying people’s minds today is, is it safe?  Young mothers feed organic food to their babies, seeking to protect them from health problems.

But there is a bigger problem, Jesus said, “for from within, out of the heart of man proceed, evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these things come from within and defile the man”

Mark 7 v 21

A defiled man!   In hospitals great precautions are made to ensure that infections and viruses are contained. Isolation and barrier nursing are employed. White coats, disinfectants, gloves, washing of hands, sterilisation, and face mask all to keep the germs at bay.

As a sales manager, I have often warned my salesmen of the danger of being negative, of promulgating and spreading negative thoughts and attitudes to other salesmen. You know the kind of thing. People do not have money today? It’s raining so I cannot go out!

As an illustration I would tell them of the danger of taking poison. That cyanide kills instantly. If you take the slightest amount it will kill you instantly. Even if your friend offers you cyanide on a spoon, disguised and covered over with sugar, if you take it, if you swallow it you are dead. You die!

Elisha seeking to feed the sons of the prophets, instructed them to, set the great pot, and seeth the pottage. However it was soon discovered that there was death in the pot.

Poison in the pot! Are we to be the receptacle of poison?

Speak not evil of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law. James 4 v 11

A Christian woman would insist on telephoning my wife every evening and sharing an hour or more of pure poison. My poor wife tried to escape but the woman insisted on telling her of every dreadful experience and gossip she could. Of course the woman was lonely and this sadly was her occupation! Spreading poison!

Taking poison is like standing on the target of a gunnery range and expecting not to be hit by a bullet!

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place bitter and sweet!

James 3 v 11

But the tongue can no man tame, it is unruly, evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith we bless God, even the Father and therewith we curse men, which are made after the similitude of God.

Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be.   James 3 v 9 to 12

Let us be sure, that our best friend does not give us poison!

The Diamond

A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

In my wedding ring there is set a small diamond. Sometimes under a bright reading lamp, I notice the flash of brilliant light as I move my finger and catch a glimpse of the different colourful hues. In a jeweller’s shop the lights are extra bright and the diamonds shine out clearly, and sell more easily!

One day after working in my garden, I noticed my diamond was dull and listless. No light was reflected. The ring and diamond were full of mud.

I believe that part of Gods plan for our lives is to reflect light, something of the glory of the Lord Jesus. We can only reflect more light as we spend more time in the presence of Jesus.

Moses wist not that his face shone as he descended the mountain. …and when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come nigh to him. Exodus 34 v 30

In the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus, his raiment became shining exceeding white as snow, so as no fuller on earth can white them. Mark 9 v 3

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered and his raiment was white and glistening.

Luke 9 v 29

Oh to be a diamond, shining forth for Jesus. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine, as lights in the world.

Phill 2 v 15.

Paul was blinded by the glory of Jesus, when he suddenly appeared on the Damascus road. One day believers will be transformed into that likeness and glory.1 John 3 v 2

And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebecca: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. Genesis 24:53

In the winter time when the light bulb fails in the street light, the area outside our home is plunged into darkness. If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Math 6 v 23

In Princess Alice Hospital after a Gospel meeting, a nurse came to say. “I have been watching you, all you, (Christians) you have something”.   Yes, I was happy to tell her we do have something, rather someone.…to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Colossians 1:27

Let us not be sullied or dirtied by this world, with its mud and muck. We are rather like the lighthouse keepers of old. Our duties are to make sure that the light shines in the dark, that the lamp is kept burning, the wick is trimmed, the oil is replenished.

And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts in that day when I make up my jewels. Malachi 3:17

Let us shine forth today!

I Saw the Lord

The earth was without form and void. And darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.                    Gen 1 v 2

Cataracts grow slowly, unnoticed as the years go by; gradually our sight grows dim. Jesus said …if the light that be in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.                   Math 6 v 23

In my home we have a basement room, which I use as my prayer closet and study. If I do not turn on the light, it is very dark down there. Yet after a time, your eyes get adjusted to the gloom, and you can actually see a little.

With the passing of time Christians can get used to the gloom. We adjust our mentality, we accept the darkness and half-light, and we start groping with hands held in front of us. We get used to the increasing spiritual darkness around us. And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the Ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep.1 Sam 3 v 2

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

Eyesight is a wonderful gift from God. But what do we really see? Saul was blinded as he walked on the Damascus Road. He saw a bright light, the Light of the world, which blinded him. The Glory of the Lord Jesus had appeared to him. Later Ananias came to pray for him, ”And immediately there fell from his eyes, as it were scales”.

Acts 9 v 18.

How is your sight today? Are there scales in your eyes? The blind man whom the Lord Jesus touched said, I see men as trees walking”.  He needed another touch from the Master.

Mark 8 v 24

Do we need a fresh vision of God? Where there is no vision the people perish.   Prov 29 v 18

Isaiah had a vision of the Lord, …”I also saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, He was high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple” .Isaiah 6 v 1

That was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness,, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.

I John 1 v  1/2

Then shall eyes of the blind be opened. Isaiah 35 v 5

“If we walk in the Light as he is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin”.

1 John 1 v 7

Let us pray today, Lord open my eyes, I want to see Jesus.

Lines Down

Therefore pray not for this people, neither lift up a cry nor prayer for them: for I will not hear them in  the time that they cry out me for their trouble.

Jer 11 v 14.

Sin separates us from God.

While out walking the dog this morning I came across a linesman, perched precariously up a ladder, repairing the telephone lines. Communications is the growing industry these days, with fax machines, e-mails, and mobile phones proliferating.

As a child my father made up a crystal set. I looked on as he carefully tuned it. It took ages and when he had found the station, it often sounded distant and faded. The signal was affected by atmospherics and hiss on the line muddied the signal, and, distorted the message! What would happen if the line goes dead?  Would we continue to carry out  our last orders ?

The indwelling Holy Spirit speaks to us in a still small voice, that say’s , This is the way walk ye in it.                                           Isaiah 30 21

The lines of communication can go dead, when we grieve the Holy Spirit, the signal fails when we quench the Holy Spirit, and certainly they go completely dead, when we resist, and disobey his commands. The static of worldliness and sin in the heart, jam up the lines and we lose contact with God.

Certainly, for sin separates us from God. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.  Isaiah 59 v 2

Do you need a hearing aid? Are you a good listener? He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.                      Rev 2 v 17.

Therefore pray not for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out unto me for their trouble.

Jer 11 v 14

In the great war 1914 -18, men hazarded their lives in laying down telephone lines to keep the troops in contact with headquarters, ready to receive fresh orders as the battle raged around them It was essential to keep in contact. When the lines were down, when the lines were cut, the troops were isolated, without news and vulnerable to attack.

In our Christian walk we need to keep in close touch with our commander in Chief. Are there any changes in the orders? Should we rest in the barracks and clean our weapons, or will we be posted to a new area of conflict?  How is the battle going?

We need to listen carefully, is that crackle or interference on the line, distorting the message? What would happen if the line goes dead?  Would we continue to carry out our last orders?

Oh Taste and See

How good is your memory? Do you remember the black and white T.V. programs?   There was a cowboy film and often a horse drawn wagon would roll into this western shantytown.

Crowds would be attracted to the slick salesman who told of the medicine that cures all. It was he said the elixir of life This medicine was guaranteed to cure all ills and ailments. He claimed it would cure, lumbago, arthritis, housemaids knee, gangrene, indigestion, back pain, toothache, baldness, sun stroke, pimples, skin rashes, boils and heart pain.

Amazing and all for only a dollar a bottle!

People are still gullible today; they flock to the doctor to restock on the tablets, potions and medicine that cures all. The doctor’s surgeries are full to overflowing with the sick, some hypochondriacs, and many malingerers too.

I feel sure, that if I possessed a cure for cancer, the folks would queue for miles to obtain it. How they would rush to buy it!

God has medicine too. Sadly it is neglected by most. God’s medicine for sin is completely ignored. Yet the damage done by a sinful lifestyle is enormous. The medicine is freely available, but the medicine in the bottle does you no good, it must be taken into the system.

People are dying in their sins. The world is suffering from the maladies of evil and sinful lifestyles. Yet God says. With every temptation (testing) the Lord has made a way of escape

Gal 6  v 7/8

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12 v 3

Are we to continue to neglect God’s medicine? To forget to apply God’s healing balm?  Song of Solomon 1 v 30

Jesus turned the water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. He kept the best wine until the last.  “Draw out now and bear it unto the governor of the feast”.    John 2. V 8

And as he rested at Jacob’s well requested, “Give me to drink”.

John 4 v 7

Oh taste and see the Lord is good, blessed is the man that trusts in him.

Psalm 34 v8

The preacher, the evangelist, the Christian,  all can tell you, the Lord is good, how wonderful he is.

They have tasted and know how wonderful it is to know, love,  and serve him. But you may never know until you taste yourself and see!

Hebrews 6 v 4.   I Sam 14 v 43.   Hebrews 2 v 9.   I Peter 2 v 3.

Soldier Ready to Die

A soldier is trained to fight, to kill, to survive, but also to be ready to die for the cause, the king country.  Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man on his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.   Exodus 32 v 27

Greater love hath no man than this than a man lay down his life for his friend.

John  15 v 13.

Wartime often produces acts of extreme bravery, with a friend laying down his life for a comrade. It has happened many times. I ask myself would I be willing to die for a friend ?

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die: But God commended his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5 v 8

I believe that sacrifice is God’s highest ideal for us. To lay all on the altar, the most precious thing we hold dear. To live a crucified life, laying down, yielding all in obedience to Gods plan and will. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Titus 2 v 12

Many people are afraid to die.  Today’s armies are ready to fight with rockets, satellite guided missiles and helicopter gun ships but will not accept the loss of their soldiers. The cost is too high!

Paul faced death many times and could write. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and weather we die we die unto the Lord, weather we live therefore or die, we are the Lords. Rom  14 v8.

When the prophet Agabus challenged him and told him that the man wearing this girdle would be imprisoned in Jerusalem, Paul replied, I am ready not to be bound only  but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 21 v 13

The Lord Jesus went all the way to the cross. And being found in a fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death.     Phill 2 v 5/ 8

The death sentence for Jesus had already been decided, before the foundation of the world. He willingly accepted it.

John 17 v 24

Can we be obedient unto death ? This is precious to God. Take now thine  son,  thine only son whom thou lovest, and get thee to the land on Moriah, and offer him there for a burn offering upon one of the mountains, which I will tell thee of. Gen 22 v 2

Abraham passed this test and became the Father of all the faithful. Rom 4 v 16

Can we say with Paul, For me to live is Christ to die is gain.? Yes it is a wonderful thing to live for Christ but are we prepared to die?  Phil 1 v 21

The Hungry

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.       Math 5 v 5

A disabled friend of mine told me that he had been observing the blue tits, visiting the nesting box in his garden. He sat watching all day, apart from meal times and had counted each time they visited the nest, to feed their young. 700 times! What a labour of love it was. How diligently and industriously those parent were in making sure their hungry ones were fed.

Today we see little desire for God’s Word, or the things of God. As a young Christian I cried out to the Lord to give me a desire and a hunger for his Word. I thought to myself that if I read God’s Word at least for the same amount of time that I spent at the dinner table, eating my meal, I would improve my knowledge of Gods Word. It would be a good start.

God answered my prayer and soon I was reading, rather devouring God’s Word at the rate. However I replied, no I love to read it, more and more.

I have observed many older folks, who are suffering through having neglected Gods Word, when they had opportunity. Neglected to feed.

One great failure of Pastors and teachers is they neglect to teach new disciples how to self feed. To dig deep for those diamonds that are hidden away, yet so precious when discovered.

Let us ask God, that we may feed upon that living bread. Not yesterday’s stale portion but that living portion that comes, fresh as it were, from God’s heart.

Dr Eric Hutchings told us in a meeting in Portman Square London, some years ago, when he visited South Korea. A Pastor of a large church with 260,000 members explained how they had grown so large numerically. The Pastor stated, The sheep make the sheep.

Apparently all  the house groups operate by this method. They invite the unsaved to join them at their usual Bible studies and house group meetings, on the ratio of 50 unsaved to 50 Christians. The new visitors, witnessing the love ,fellowship, and joy of the believers,  soon absorb the fundamental Faith and  learn to trust, believe, and have faith in the promises of God. They read and meditate on Gods Word.

At one meeting, arranged at a football stadium, there were 10,000 folks at 9 P.M. who were all writing out God’s promises. At 10, P.M. they commenced to pray and claim God’s promises, they continued all night. No wonder that miracles were almost normal events.

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  Math 4 v 4

How hungry are you?

Ever Learning

Ever learning, and never able to come to the truth.

Strange people! Ever learning, yet not learning. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. How hard it is for some folks to receive the truth the Holy Spirit wants to impart. Are we so dull witted?

Do we need remedial teaching? I believe the lesson remains on the blackboard of our hearts until we receive it, then and only then will the teacher wipe the board clean and draw a new lesson.

The children of Israel wandered in the desert region, around and around for forty years. They had murmured and rebelled against God.

God would have taken them straight to the Promised Land for it was near, a land full of milk and honey but they complained. “Would to God we had died in Egypt, you have taken us away to die in this wilderness”. They had not learned the lessons of peace in obedience! Ex 14 v 12/ 13

Today’s society is the same. We are in the information and technology age and fare inundated with facts and figures yet we remain ignorant of God’s word.

Today the human heart still cries out.. “Why doesn’t God do something about suffering”? . Some Christians are murmuring in the camp, they are ever learning and never come to knowledge of the truth. Sunday after Sunday they endure God’s Word and with some relief exit the doors, with little of the living Word retained, and none entering their hearts. Hardened hearts. Heb 3 v 15

Some folks level off. They have reached a plateau of knowledge, and they settle back to rest on their laurels. They believe they have achieved, but in reality they are just on the periphery, of the ocean of Gods love, they have hardly got their feet wet, never mind enter into the deep water.

Are we always going to be paddling in the shallows?

Oh to cry out to God for a deep revelation of his Word. To hunger and thirst for the truth. To dig deep for those precious diamonds, hidden in the Word.

How they sparkle and gleam and shine forth the light! Often I realise it is my stubbornness, my own foolishness, my self will, that is the stumbling block.

Years later after wandering around in the wilderness, the Holy Spirit brings me back to that same lesson, which has been forgotten, neglected, and stored away without being applied.

The Passover blood needs to be applied, for the blood in the basin  the  is ineffectual , so too the lessons God is teaching us. A closed Bible is impotent.

Let us ask God for revelation. More light on the truth. Let those diamonds shine and they are moved in the light, revealing precious hues, of love and mercy.

Ever learning.

If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

James 1 v 5

Obedience

It is better to obey than sacrifice. “Whatever he saith unto you do it”, this was Mary’s instructions to the fledgling disciples. John 2 v 3

Filling water jars is not so difficult “Fill the pots with water” was the command of the Lord Jesus. Anyone could do it! When we obey Gods word, miracles quickly follow. They must do.

Imagine a General ordering his crack troops into battle. It is a difficult situation but they refuse to go. How can he win the battle? Would he win the war?

I told my salesmen, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”.

Soldiers are trained to obey. The Apostle’s seeking to preach the Word of God were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go to Asia. “The Spirit suffered them not”. Acts 16 v 7

Orders are orders, the commander in Chief has the bigger picture, and we see only the detail.  The Apostles were Spirit- filled men yet they were forbidden to go into Asia. What would have happened if they had foolishly gone ahead to Asia?

The preaching of God’s word is vital, but I believe the Spirit should lead us. “As many as are led by the Spirit, they are the sons of God”.

Romans 8 v 14

God knows what he is doing, “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.

Math 16 v 18

All that is done in fleshly activity, done in the effort of the flesh, shall be burned up. The wood, the hay the stubble. “Every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is”. 1 Cor 3 v 13

“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me,  and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”.

If we allow the old man to continue to live in our hearts, in some secret hidden compartment, then, like the old Am’a’lek, he will rise again, in some weak moment, and find us out.

Gal 2 v 20

Saul had disobeyed and eventually it cost him dear. What a price he paid! He lost his family, his crown and his Kingdom. What a tragedy!

We are trained to obey.

“The Spirit suffered them not”.

What disasters or tragedies did the Lord protect them from?

“As many as are led by the Spirit, they are the Sons of God”.

Romans 8 v 14

Making Bricks

Ye shall no more give the people straw to make bricks as before, let them gather straw for themselves”. How the devil loves to increase the pressure on Gods people.

Israel had been in bondage to Pharaoh in Egypt for 400 long years. As the tribes of Israel had increase in strength and numbers Pharaoh had become aware they could be a threat to his power base.

He forced them to work, increased the toll of bricks and when they complained increased the workload. God’s chosen people in slavery and forced to work making bricks.

Some Christians are slaves to Satan still.  He forces them to make bricks, to be slaves to sin, often because of disobedience and compromise with the world and its ways. “He that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption. Gal 6 v 8

What are those bricks?  Unbelief!  “Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God

“Heb 3 v 12

Notice this is addressed to the brethren, to Christians. Unbelief is common today, the Lord Jesus said, “When the Son of man come to earth, will he find faith”?          Luke 18 v 8

Other bricks. Yes there are plenty. I see bricks of discord, apathy, indolence, idol worship, fear, bitterness, a critical spirit, Jesus said. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed, evil thoughts, adulteries, fornication’s, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man” A defiled man! Mark 16 v 9

Yes it is the stones in our hearts, the bricks, and the old nature that keeps us on that treadmill of making bricks. Satan loves to have us as slaves to sin.

Jesus breaks the power of cancelled sin. When we walk in the light, as we walk in the Spirit, as we believe and receive God’s Word, as we neglect the old nature and feed the new, day by day we are changed.

2 Cor 3 v 18

Rather than making bricks lets us redeem the time and work out our salvation. Let us serve God and be found busy in the Masters service.

I Cor 15  v 58

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey; his  servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Romans  6 v 16

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine that was delivered unto you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness”.

Romans 6 v 16

Foolish Talking

It is so grievous to hear foolish talk. People forget that it is all being recorded in heaven. “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgement. “. Math 12 v 36

God’s word tells us that.. “Foolish talk is not convenient, but rather giving of thanks”. We have much to thank God for, we have everything to thank God for. “Giving thanks always, for all things, unto God the Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ”. Ephes 5 v 20

“Foolish talk is on the same level to God, in the same category as, fornication.!  Shocking isn’t it!

“And all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not be once named among you”. Ephes 5 v 3

Indeed a book is written of those who spoke often about the Lord. “They that feared the Lord, spake often to one another, and the Lord heard it,, and a book of remembrance was written before him of all them that feared the Lord, and thought on his name”.    Mal 3 v 16

On the mount of transfiguration, Jesus talked with Moses and Elijah about his decease. What a conversation ?

The Lord, when he spoke with his disciples, used words that were truthful, and without guile. What a contrast these words were to those, Ò deceivers, and vain talkers, who’s mouths must be stopped”. Titus 1 v 10

The devil is the father of lies and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, so is the tongue among our members,, that it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature, and is set on a fire of hell”. James 3 v 6

And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things, which they ought not. 1 Timothy 5:13

It was said of Jesus, Never a man spake like this man. A man without guile

Grace and truth John 1:17  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me. Luke 24:44

As he spake these things, many believed on him. John 8:30

What damage idle words can cause. Have you ever overheard someone talking about you ? How awful to speak with a forked tongue!

How can we control such an unruly member ? The victory can come when we learn how to bring our thoughts unto the obedience of Christ. When our thoughts are in control, then whatever, and whenever we speak our words will be unsullied  loving, edifying, and gracious.

Let our prayer be, Lord set a watch over my tongue. Keep me from idle chatter and foolish talk. Never a man spake like this man.           John 7 v 46

And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement.

Matthew 12:36

By the way, did I tell you about  ! ! !

Give me this Mountain

What a request! What a demand? Caleb was aiming high, a mountain. He was entitled to ask, as he had, “Wholly followed the Lord”. V 8.  The people heart did melt, but Caleb with Joshua, brought a good report of the land.

The land he requested was still occupied with the enemy, the An’a’kims, dwelt in cities and they were great and fenced, but Caleb had the confidence, “If so be the Lord be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said”.

Joshua 14 v 12.

Do we have such high aspirations? If you ask for bread will your Father give you a stone? God said to Solomon, Ask what shall I give thee? How amazing!

Are we confident that we are able to occupy the land, to drive out the enemy and overcome them? Sometimes I believe we are in danger of restricting God. Confining him. The problem lies with our conception of the maker of the universe. Our thoughts are so small.  Is God able?  But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it to thee. Faith. John 11 v 22.

Jacob wrestled with the angel, who was the Lord.  He said, I will not let thee go unless thou bless me.

Gen 32 v 26.

The mother of Zebedee’s children came with her sons worshipping the Lord Jesus and desiring a certain thing of him. Grant that these two sons may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.  This request was not possible, but she was not rebuked for the asking of it ! Jesus said ye know not what ye ask.

Math 20 v 20.

And now I ask one petition of thee; deny me not. And she said unto him, Say on.

1 Kings 2:16

What are we asking from God?

Joshua asked for the sun to stand still!!!  Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel. Joshua 10 v 13

A deep question. What are our expectations? With men it may be impossible, but with God nothing is impossible, for he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think. Psalm 37 v 4

Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Psalms 2:8

And it came to pass, when she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she alighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou? Judges 1:14

Ask thee a sign of Jehovah thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. Isaiah 7:11

“Call upon me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not”.

Jer 33 v3

Euroclydon

Euroclydon. A storm was raging. Paul a captive was being transported to Rome. Sailing at that time of the year was dangerous, because the fast was past. V 9

It was beautiful weather for sailing, ideal circumstances for men who had no thought for God

Suddenly without any warning a storm arises. Not any storm, but Euroclydon, that tempestuous, autumn raging storm. The seas grew to mountainous heights, the wind raged and the ship was tossed helplessly this way and that. The sails were torn to shreds and the decks were strewn with broken debris from falling spars and shattered beams.

How quickly our circumstances can change. The sailors were worried. . They bound the ship together, they lightened the ship, the cargo went, the tackling, important for the sailing of the ship was thrown overboard. The storm continued to rage unabated, until all hope was gone.

Our lives can be the same. Suddenly everything is threatened. All things we count dear, necessary for life, things we once put our trust in our ambitions, possessions, loved ones and friends.

Yes a smooth calm sea. We have a home, we have a measure of health and strength, we have family, we have a little money, we have some interest from savings, and dare I say it, we have a little religion, just enough to salve our conscience .So we think, we are all right!

We hardly need God, except perhaps in an emergency. We are ready to believe the devils lie. It will be all right.

John 8 v 44

When I was in the Merchant Navy I sailed the beautiful calm blue seas in the Caribbean. The water was like a pond, smooth and still. Passing beautiful islands with sandy shores and palm trees blowing in the breeze.  Then abruptly without warning, a squall would arise.  The wind would rise to screaming point, the skies would release torrents of water and it would lash down in a fury.

In life too sickness can come unexpectedly, a loved one can die, a marriage can fail, business can fail, and hopes can be dashed.

Jesus said, What if a man gains the whole world and loses his own soul.

Math 16 v 26

How gracious God is. He had his man in the ship. We too have a friend in the storm, one who can speak peace be still. Paul stands forth and gives his message, Wherefore be of good cheer; for I  believe God, that it shall be, even  as he told me. Howbeit we must be cast on a certain Island. Acts 27 v 26. Thank God for his messengers in the storms of life. Jesus said, come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.             Math 11 v 28

What Do We See ?

“Now while Paul waited for them in Athens, his spirit was stirred within him, when he saw the whole city given over to idolatry” Acts 17 v 16

We can be very blind and inward looking. Mental patients only see their problems. We may be like an elderly person with cataracts. Cataracts grow slowly. The sight is diminished gradually, things grow strangely dim. There was a blind man whom Jesus touched; he could see men as tree’s walking. He needed another touch from the master

What do we see? When I look on the world, I realise we are living in the last days. I can see the signs of the times. “Wickedness abounds on every side….. “Men shall be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”.

2 Tim 3 v 2

When we look upon the flesh, we see the flesh. How accurate and discerning my eyes have become since becoming a Christian. I can see all my brothers’ faults.

Christians see through a glass darkly, and like Isaiah we might say, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King.  Isaiah 6 v 5.

1 Cor 13 v 12

The thief on the cross had his eyes opened by the Holy Spirit. For he could see, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. How precious! He could see the blood, the  precious blood of Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God slain for sinners!

Did he remember the sacrificial lamb that was slain so often under the Levitical law? In the breaking of bread we are reminded we partake of the tokens on the table that the bread and the wine both speak eloquently of the broken body and the blood shed at Calvary. How often do we see that Calvary scene?

When the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon in his glorious kingdom, she saw  such amazing things that there was no spirit left in her! A queen who was used to opulence and the high life style was shocked by what she saw.  Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it, and behold the half was not told me: Thy wisdom and prosperity exceeded the fame, which I heard. 1 Kings 10 v 7

The parents of the blind man, the man blind from birth, were asked this question. Is this your son who you say was born blind? How then doth he now see?  The blind man himself testified, Whereas I was blind now I see.

John 10 v 25

A microscope can detect minute detail, a magnifying glass can enlarge the print, but who can see more clearly in the spirit?  Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus, looking into his face, beholding the Lamb of God.

We can see a lovely picture of God, reflected in the Word of God as the Holy Spirit reveals to us something of the Glory of God.  Math 13 v 16

Forgetting

Memories are very powerful things. I remember distinctly the smell of the shoe repair shop, with its machine oil and the smell of fresh leather. Another strong memory is the mixed smells of the seed merchant shop. There would be the smell of animal foods, and paraffin oil.

Forgetting and remembering is an enigma in the Word of God. Forgetting those things that are behind, yet remembering at the same time the mercies and daily blessing of God, which are new every morning. Also to remember to give thanks for them.

Older folks spend time remembering the good old days, the war time years of rationing in England, the camaraderie as everyone pulled together, bedded down in the air raid shelters and underground.

60 years after the second world war the British Nation still remembers its war dead and poppy day brings many programs on TV and radio as folks love to go down memory lane!

Paul could boast of a lot of things but said,:… but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before I press toward towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3 v 13.

Forgetting. He that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sin.2 Peter 1 v 9

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands, thy walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49 15/16

The thief on the cross said, “Lord when thou comest into thy kingdom, remember me”. Luke 23 v 42

God knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103 v 14

Therefore, if thou bringest thy gift to the altar and thou there rememberest that thy brother has ought against Leave thy gift before the altar and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Math 5 v 23

What a lot there is to remember! Some times my wife gives me a list of things to do when I go to the town.

I leave home with,  “don’t forget to”, ringing in my ears.

Paul remembered Timothy in his prayers by day and night, he remembered especially his unfeigned faith. 2 Tim 1 v 3

Jonah remembered the Lord while he was  in the whale’s belly, when his soul fainted within him.

Jonah 2 v 7

The Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance all the things he said.  John 14 v 26.

Hallelujah

Weapons of our Warfare

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 exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought unto the obedience of Christ.

We Christians do not have to worry over being ill equipped. God has given us mighty weapons of warfare.  Mighty Samson had to pick up the jawbone of an ass. He killed a thousand men.. Judges 15 v 15.

In the whole armour of God, the Sword of the Spirit, is the only offensive weapon. It is powerful. All-powerful. For the word, shall not return unto him void, but it shall accomplish that which he pleases.  Isaiah 55 v 11

In that wonderful description of the Lord Jesus Christ, coming in mighty power, in the book of Revelation, we read, …and out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron. Rev 19 v 15

The word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword,, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart     Heb 4 v 12

David testified that he had killed a lion and a bear Sam 17 v 36.

Then in the contest with the giant, Goliath, he slew him with a stone.

1 Sam 17 v 49

David could not fight with Saul’s armour. It was too cumbersome too clumsy by far. We too have to put off the old man, to put on the new man.

To resist the devil with the power of God’s Word. To wield the sword.  Many leave the sword in its scabbard, the blade may be sharp but the blade needs to be wielded.  A closed Bible has no effect.  Saul’s armour is restrictive and far too heavy to fight with!

David said, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. 1 Sam 17 39

Today’s weapons may be based on technology, with tanks, helicopter gun ships, rockets and bombs but also chemical and germ warfare are now being considered along with computer warfare. If you can paralyse the enemy’s communications you have him defeated!

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds….

Let us pick up the Word, wield the sword of the Lord and cut off the head of this Goliath, who defies the armies of the living God.

2 Cor 10 v 4. 1 Sam 17 v 26

Three Crowns

I am still young enough to remember the crowning of the queen of England. What a day that was. The preparations were tremendous. There before the whole world, the Princess was to be anointed with oil, take the oath, and be given the royal sceptre of authority after the crown was placed upon her head.

Watching her, were the elite of the land. The dignitaries, the lords of the land, the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth countries, visiting kings and queens of other lands, the cabinet Ministers, the nobles, the judges, the aristocracy, the rich and gifted, the common folks and the poor. All eyes were upon her, on that, her crowning day.God has promised, to those that love and obey his Son, a crown.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life, which the Lord, hath promised to them that love him”. James 1 v 12

Do I deserve a crown?

Can I obtain a crown? Can there be a crown without a cross?

A  crown of thorns! “And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. Jesus won his crown of Glory.Mark 15 v 17 “

And being found in fashioned as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God has highly exalted him, and given him a name, which is above all names. That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Phil 2 v 8                                                                                                                      2 Phil 2 v 9

“The four and twenty elders fell down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and forever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Thou art worthy Oh Lord to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created”.  Rev 4 v 11      Rev 4 v 10       On His head are many crowns                                                                                  Rev 19 v 12 Rev 4 v 11

He now wears a crown of glory. “For we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of his death, crowned with glory and honour, that he by the grace of God, should taste death for every man” Hebrews 2 v 9.   Heb 2 v 9

What price a crown? Yet we, disciple’s the blood bought children of Jesus, undeserving sinners, as believers in Christ, will inherit a crown.  Three crowns in fact…

A crown of life. James 1 v 12.

A crown of Righteousness. 2 Tim 4 v 8.

A crown of Glory  . 1 Peter 5 v 4.

What a privilege to cast our crowns before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Naomi

Now  it came pass in the in  days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. Ruth 1 v 1

Naomi left the Promised Land because of the famine.

In Moab tragedy struck when her husband died, her two married sons Mahlon and Chilion also died.  Stricken with grief and without hope she decided to return to Israel for she had heard that there was food in Israel.   … Ruth  1 v 6

Naomi was bitter with God, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty… The Lord has afflicted me.” Ruth 1 v 2

Naomi’s life mirrors many others down the ages, a life of tragedy Jesus said,  In the world ye shall have tribulation  but fear not I have overcome the world. John 16:33

With her family dead, Naomi was in a desperate situation, what could she do?

God often uses such circumstances to seek and find  lost sheep. Are you the lonely one, the desperate one, the  despairing one?

Hagar was weeping with despair in the wilderness, she had thrown her baby under a bush to die when God called. Gen 21 v 16

Naomi’s life all changed, when she decided to return to Bethlehem. She must have remembered that she had a near kinsman in Israel.

In the troubles of this life when we get to “Wits end corner”, we to must remember that we have a near kinsman, who is acquainted with grief and remembers that we are dust. One who says come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Psalm 107 v 27

God had a plan for Ruth her daughter in law and through the kindness of Boaz her gleaning in the field brought more than food. So Boaz took Ruth and made her his wife…And the women said unto Naomi. Blessed be the Lord that hath not left thee this day without a kinsman.

Ruth 4 v 13/14

The Lord brought Job out of all his troubles…And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends. Job 42 v 10

This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.  Psalm 34 v 6

Though the fig tree does not blossom and there be no fruit on the vine, yet will I rejoice in the Lord                                             Hab 3 v 17

Naomi’s tragedy turned to  blessing. And Boaz was to be in the line of David,  in the genealogy  of Jesus Christ according to  the flesh. Math 1 v 5

What are these Wounds ?

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands?  Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends”. Zech 13 v 6

A strange Scripture and  a poignant one. In the world wars, some soldiers wounded themselves, shooting themselves in the foot, to escape death in the battle. Self inflicted wounds.

The disciple Thomas said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe”. The Lord is so gracious to those who doubt. ! Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing”. John 20 v 25/27

Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53 v 5.

He heals the broken-hearted, and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

There was a prophet who found a man and said “Smite me I pray thee; and the man smote him and he wounded him”. The prophet then disguised himself putting ashes on his face and lay in wait for the King. He had a purpose for those wounds. 1 Kings 20 v 37

We inflict grievous wounds on ourselves when we return to Egypt, operate in the flesh, when we trust in our own resources, abilities, or talents in serving God. When we take our eyes of the commander in Chief, and trust in the flesh. John 6 v 63

Some of the most painful wounds I have received as I have walked with the Lord have been from brothers and sister in Christ. These painful wounds can take a long time to heal up. “But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together and walked in the house of God in company”.    Psalm 55 v 3

Are we shooting ourselves in the foot?

It was the Good Samaritan who went to the injured wounded man binding up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:34

King Saul could not get an answer from God, because of his sin. He disguised himself and went to consult a witch. He asked her to call up Samuel, and was shaken when Samuel pronounced a death sentance1 “Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me”.  1 Sam 28 v 19

Almost self-inflicted wounds. What a high price he paid for his disobedience.

The Lord Jesus was wounded for our transgression, bruised for our iniquities, surely his vicarious wounds are enough!

Dear reader,
I trust that you have been blessed in reading my Daly-thoughts. If you have please feel free to pass them on to a friend. If you would like further copies of other editions, please write to me Tony Daly at,

Peduyim, 22 Gordon Road, Hailsham,
East Sussex, BN27 3JB
England