Matthew 5:14-16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Are you a light in a dark place?
I was reminded of being a light after reading an article in a Christian Newspaper. The man in the article was telling how, when camping, fishermen were guided unto the beach by seeing his small candle.
Ye are the light of the world.
It is clear from scripture that we live in dark times. The bible says in Philippians 2:15, “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;”
Have you ever thought of yourself as a candle? It is clear that others may never read the bible but they will read your life. Those in the world may live however they want but we are to be a warning light to them.
Do not hide your light
We are not to hide our light. We are to show forth what God has done for us and what He means to us. We should be burning brightly with zeal of the Lord. It is impossible to hide the city that is on the hill. It is impossible to hide our light if we fellowship with Jesus Christ. Moses in Exodus 34:30-35 is a living example of a burning candle.
Good Works
We are to let our light shine so that others can see our good works. If a person claims to be a Christian then they should be active in good works. What good works have you done this week? This is not something you do because you have to. You should want to do them.
James 2:18
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Keeping your light trimmed
Every so often the light goes dim and the wick needs to be trimmed. John 15:2 “…every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”
Sometimes we will go through a time of purging but our light will shine brighter. Often it is those in the church who have gone through trails that are the ones who shine most brightly for the Lord.
Trim your wick so that you too might shine brightly for the Lord.
Let us this week, with God’s help, be a bright light in a dark world of sin.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The Floods of Necessity
Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Last week we looked at the great flood of Noah’s day. This great flood was the judgment of God upon the human race. It was and is a reminder of a greater judgment to come. This week I want to think of the floods that are needed.
As we look over the world we find many places in need of water. People are crying out for water in the hope that their crops might grow. Many areas have to go without food due to the lack of water. Water gives and brings life.
As a result our nation is blessed to be located in a fertile area. We live in a prosperous society. From a material point of view we are very well off. Everyone seems to have all his or her needs met. There is plenty of food to eat, cars to drive and holidays to go on. The housing market has been booming over these last few years. We are flourishing as a people and nation.
From the material stand point it looks and seems that we are doing great but what about our spiritual state. As a nation we have left God behind as we disregard His Word. There is no fear of God. Government has brought in new laws that contradict the Bible. Sinful lifestyles are accommodated and elevated. We do not want to infringe someone’s human rights. They use the phase “live and let live”.
What do we see in the Christian community? Do we see a church that is flourishing or a church that has been affected by a drought? Is the church growing or is it stagnant? Maybe the church of Jesus Christ needs to have a Spiritual check-up. We also need to remember that the church of Jesus Christ is made up of individuals. Let us look at our own life first.
Water in the Bible is a symbol of the Word of God and also of the Spirit of God. As you read our verse today ask yourself the following questions. Are you thirsty? Are you spiritually dry? Let us pray that God might give us a vision of what we are really like. Let us cry for God’s mercy so that He might pour out His Word and Spirit upon us.
If we know the outpouring of God’s Goodness then we will be a flourishing people. Others will see us as a garden that is beautiful to look upon. The fruit of the Spirit will be evident for all to see.
Young people pray for rain that the floods might flow on the dry ground of your life and your community.
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
Last week we looked at the great flood of Noah’s day. This great flood was the judgment of God upon the human race. It was and is a reminder of a greater judgment to come. This week I want to think of the floods that are needed.
As we look over the world we find many places in need of water. People are crying out for water in the hope that their crops might grow. Many areas have to go without food due to the lack of water. Water gives and brings life.
As a result our nation is blessed to be located in a fertile area. We live in a prosperous society. From a material point of view we are very well off. Everyone seems to have all his or her needs met. There is plenty of food to eat, cars to drive and holidays to go on. The housing market has been booming over these last few years. We are flourishing as a people and nation.
From the material stand point it looks and seems that we are doing great but what about our spiritual state. As a nation we have left God behind as we disregard His Word. There is no fear of God. Government has brought in new laws that contradict the Bible. Sinful lifestyles are accommodated and elevated. We do not want to infringe someone’s human rights. They use the phase “live and let live”.
What do we see in the Christian community? Do we see a church that is flourishing or a church that has been affected by a drought? Is the church growing or is it stagnant? Maybe the church of Jesus Christ needs to have a Spiritual check-up. We also need to remember that the church of Jesus Christ is made up of individuals. Let us look at our own life first.
Water in the Bible is a symbol of the Word of God and also of the Spirit of God. As you read our verse today ask yourself the following questions. Are you thirsty? Are you spiritually dry? Let us pray that God might give us a vision of what we are really like. Let us cry for God’s mercy so that He might pour out His Word and Spirit upon us.
If we know the outpouring of God’s Goodness then we will be a flourishing people. Others will see us as a garden that is beautiful to look upon. The fruit of the Spirit will be evident for all to see.
Young people pray for rain that the floods might flow on the dry ground of your life and your community.
Flooding
Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
I was speaking to a Jewish friend from England. I inquired of him which bible character did he like most; knowing that the Jews hold Abraham in high regard. After a moment he said, ”Noah”. Noah indeed was wonderful character. Can you imagine what it must have been like for him to build an ark, when he had never even see rain. As a result he became the laughing stock of the community.
Today many people do not believe in God or that a flood took place as it says in the Old Testament. A few days of rain here have filled the news coverage of our papers and televisions. We have seen houses, businesses, cars etc destroyed and even lives have been lost due to the floods. It is estimated that five million people in England and Wales are now at risk from flooding every year. It is said that six inches of fast flowing water will knock you off your feet; four inches of water will ruin your carpet, and two feet of water will float your car.
The worldwide flood in Noah’s day was the judgement of God. Is it possible that God is speaking to us through these localised floods? We all know that the majority of people have no fear of God. In a recent survey published by the BBC it stated that 6.7% of people attended church. These floods should at lest remind us of the flood in Noah’s day, but also that a greater judgement is coming after we die. If we search the find web you can ways to prepare yourself in the event of floods.
Noah was a man who prepared. When the floods came he was in the ark. The ark was pitched within and without. The word pitch is the same word for atonement but it was also a barrier against the judgement of God. Atonement means, in the simplest form, to cover over.
The Lord Jesus Christ, with all of His love, sacrificed His life at Calvary. Through the shedding of His blood He has made atonement for those who trust in Him, the ark of our salvation. This blood was not only shed for our atonement but it is to be a protection against the judgement of God.
Hebrew 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
Let us be like Noah who obeyed God and prepared for the future judgment. Remind people of the great flood of God and of a greater judgment to come. Be like Noah and become a preacher of righteousness.
2 Peter 2:5 says, “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;”
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
I was speaking to a Jewish friend from England. I inquired of him which bible character did he like most; knowing that the Jews hold Abraham in high regard. After a moment he said, ”Noah”. Noah indeed was wonderful character. Can you imagine what it must have been like for him to build an ark, when he had never even see rain. As a result he became the laughing stock of the community.
Today many people do not believe in God or that a flood took place as it says in the Old Testament. A few days of rain here have filled the news coverage of our papers and televisions. We have seen houses, businesses, cars etc destroyed and even lives have been lost due to the floods. It is estimated that five million people in England and Wales are now at risk from flooding every year. It is said that six inches of fast flowing water will knock you off your feet; four inches of water will ruin your carpet, and two feet of water will float your car.
The worldwide flood in Noah’s day was the judgement of God. Is it possible that God is speaking to us through these localised floods? We all know that the majority of people have no fear of God. In a recent survey published by the BBC it stated that 6.7% of people attended church. These floods should at lest remind us of the flood in Noah’s day, but also that a greater judgement is coming after we die. If we search the find web you can ways to prepare yourself in the event of floods.
Noah was a man who prepared. When the floods came he was in the ark. The ark was pitched within and without. The word pitch is the same word for atonement but it was also a barrier against the judgement of God. Atonement means, in the simplest form, to cover over.
The Lord Jesus Christ, with all of His love, sacrificed His life at Calvary. Through the shedding of His blood He has made atonement for those who trust in Him, the ark of our salvation. This blood was not only shed for our atonement but it is to be a protection against the judgement of God.
Hebrew 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
Let us be like Noah who obeyed God and prepared for the future judgment. Remind people of the great flood of God and of a greater judgment to come. Be like Noah and become a preacher of righteousness.
2 Peter 2:5 says, “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;”
Perfume
I was reminded this week about the fragrance of the Saviour when I was reading Song of Soloman chapter 1 verse 3.
“Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth”
Is it not true that the name of Christ brings a fragrance into lives and homes that surpass any other odour?
The subject of perfume came up again when I bought some toiletries from a local shop, which was having a sale. It amazing what you buy when there is 50% off. When we think of perfume in the Bible it is always synonymous with Mary of Bethany.
The generosity of Mary can be seen when she brings the alabaster box with the spikenard into the meal. This spikenard was very PRECIOUS. The bible says that it could have been sold for 300 pence. We should remember that a day’s wages was a penny. What is a day’s wages today? If we take the minimum wage of £5.35 per hour multiply it by 8 hours and the by 300 we will get a cost of nearly £13,000.
Not only was this a PRECIOUS ointment but it was also POURED out upon the head of Christ according to Mark 14:3. What a lavish display that Mary shows of her gratitude for what the Saviour had done for her. How thankful are you for what the Saviour has done for you? When Mary took that box and broke it the fragrance must have filled the room. So it should be with our lives and will, they must be broken. It is only when our lives and wills are broken can people smell the fragrance of Christ in our lives.
This ointment was not only PRECIOUS, it was not only POURED but it was used for the PREPARATION of Christ body for his burial. Christ called this act of generosity a good work. In Mark 14:8 Christ said, “She hath done what she could:”
Mary was always willing to do what she could.
Young person let us live our lives doing what we can for Jesus Christ. Does your life give off that fragrance of Christ in your life? Maybe it is time you changed your perfume or aftershave.
“Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth”
Is it not true that the name of Christ brings a fragrance into lives and homes that surpass any other odour?
The subject of perfume came up again when I bought some toiletries from a local shop, which was having a sale. It amazing what you buy when there is 50% off. When we think of perfume in the Bible it is always synonymous with Mary of Bethany.
The generosity of Mary can be seen when she brings the alabaster box with the spikenard into the meal. This spikenard was very PRECIOUS. The bible says that it could have been sold for 300 pence. We should remember that a day’s wages was a penny. What is a day’s wages today? If we take the minimum wage of £5.35 per hour multiply it by 8 hours and the by 300 we will get a cost of nearly £13,000.
Not only was this a PRECIOUS ointment but it was also POURED out upon the head of Christ according to Mark 14:3. What a lavish display that Mary shows of her gratitude for what the Saviour had done for her. How thankful are you for what the Saviour has done for you? When Mary took that box and broke it the fragrance must have filled the room. So it should be with our lives and will, they must be broken. It is only when our lives and wills are broken can people smell the fragrance of Christ in our lives.
This ointment was not only PRECIOUS, it was not only POURED but it was used for the PREPARATION of Christ body for his burial. Christ called this act of generosity a good work. In Mark 14:8 Christ said, “She hath done what she could:”
Mary was always willing to do what she could.
Young person let us live our lives doing what we can for Jesus Christ. Does your life give off that fragrance of Christ in your life? Maybe it is time you changed your perfume or aftershave.
Banners Unfurled
Psalm 20:5
We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
If you live in Northern Ireland it would have not gone unnoticed that this past week has seen “The Twelfth” come and go. For those who live outside Northern Ireland, The Twelfth is a commemoration and celebration of the victory of King William over King James at the battle of the Boyne. This commemoration is held on the 12th July every year.
The men who march are called orange men as King William was known as Prince William of Orange, from Holland. These men march behind banners, bannerettes and flags. The banners depict different scenes of victories of the Battle of the Boyne or of a memorial of some hero past. There is normally some reference to God, the Bible or a Bible scene on the Banner. Some of the quotations noted were:
My faith looks up to Thee
Saved by faith alone
Stand fast in the faith
David in the verse that we have read tells us about setting up our banners. This could also mean a flag, but the thought is that it is to be conspicuous.
Why are we to set up our banners as Christians? I believe there are 3 reasons given in this Psalm.
Verse 5 says we are to REJOICE in thy salvation.
We are to put up and display our banner because we should be rejoicing in our salvation. Are you rejoicing in your salvation? Displaying a banner is not easy. When carrying the banner you will find many reasons not to carry it.
It’s too heavy
The road’s too long
There are too many hills
My feet are sore
The wind is too strong
My arms hurt
But if we have a rejoicing spirit the banner will become lighter, the road shorter, smoother and you will have the determination to walk the path and carry the banner against the storm.
Verse 7 tells us to REMEMBER the name of the Lord our God.
We are a people who are prone to forget. We only have to look at the Old Testament to note how God’s people forgot about Him. There are certain things that we are encouraged to remember: birthdays, anniversaries or events in history. I am sure you have heard that rhythm, “remember remember the 5th November”. We are to remember the Lord our God the one we trust. Remember His:
Birth
Life
Death
Resurrection
Ascension
Salvation
Let us raise the banner high displaying “The God of our salvation”. Let us remember Him and not forget.
Verse 8 says, “but we are RISEN, and stand upright”
The banner is to be set-up as it is a call to action. I am sure you have noticed that many who go into battle are led by one carrying a banner, flag or a standard. We are not to be lying about or sitting. We are to be up and doing for the Lord. This banner is a call to action. What are you doing for the Lord in your church, community or among your companions? God needs you to be active in His army. We are to be out there fighting the world, the flesh and the devil. The bible says in Isaiah 59:19, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”
Young person this week let us REJOICE in and REMEMBER the Lord God in whom we trust and let us be RAISED in action for Him.
If you have not done so, unfurl your banner today.
We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
If you live in Northern Ireland it would have not gone unnoticed that this past week has seen “The Twelfth” come and go. For those who live outside Northern Ireland, The Twelfth is a commemoration and celebration of the victory of King William over King James at the battle of the Boyne. This commemoration is held on the 12th July every year.
The men who march are called orange men as King William was known as Prince William of Orange, from Holland. These men march behind banners, bannerettes and flags. The banners depict different scenes of victories of the Battle of the Boyne or of a memorial of some hero past. There is normally some reference to God, the Bible or a Bible scene on the Banner. Some of the quotations noted were:
My faith looks up to Thee
Saved by faith alone
Stand fast in the faith
David in the verse that we have read tells us about setting up our banners. This could also mean a flag, but the thought is that it is to be conspicuous.
Why are we to set up our banners as Christians? I believe there are 3 reasons given in this Psalm.
Verse 5 says we are to REJOICE in thy salvation.
We are to put up and display our banner because we should be rejoicing in our salvation. Are you rejoicing in your salvation? Displaying a banner is not easy. When carrying the banner you will find many reasons not to carry it.
It’s too heavy
The road’s too long
There are too many hills
My feet are sore
The wind is too strong
My arms hurt
But if we have a rejoicing spirit the banner will become lighter, the road shorter, smoother and you will have the determination to walk the path and carry the banner against the storm.
Verse 7 tells us to REMEMBER the name of the Lord our God.
We are a people who are prone to forget. We only have to look at the Old Testament to note how God’s people forgot about Him. There are certain things that we are encouraged to remember: birthdays, anniversaries or events in history. I am sure you have heard that rhythm, “remember remember the 5th November”. We are to remember the Lord our God the one we trust. Remember His:
Birth
Life
Death
Resurrection
Ascension
Salvation
Let us raise the banner high displaying “The God of our salvation”. Let us remember Him and not forget.
Verse 8 says, “but we are RISEN, and stand upright”
The banner is to be set-up as it is a call to action. I am sure you have noticed that many who go into battle are led by one carrying a banner, flag or a standard. We are not to be lying about or sitting. We are to be up and doing for the Lord. This banner is a call to action. What are you doing for the Lord in your church, community or among your companions? God needs you to be active in His army. We are to be out there fighting the world, the flesh and the devil. The bible says in Isaiah 59:19, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”
Young person this week let us REJOICE in and REMEMBER the Lord God in whom we trust and let us be RAISED in action for Him.
If you have not done so, unfurl your banner today.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Stain Removal
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
I was reminded this week how hard it is to remove a stain. A garment was handed to me that had been stained with oil. On a number of other occasions I have been forced to scrap the garment after trying to clean it with a number of different cleaning agents.
I am sure that many of you are able to sympathise with me. I know that if I wear a tie when eating I am sure to drop something on it.
What do you do when you get a stain? Wash it warm water, add some soap or some other type of cleaning agent. On many occasions we are successful but when it goes wrong what are we to do? We may throw the garment out or use it for an old rag. When the stain is on the carpet it’s not just as easy - we might cover it over with a rug or a piece of furniture.
The greatest stain in the world can be found in the book of Genesis in chapter 3 verse 6. The verse reads “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
This verse shows us how Adam and Eve brought the greatest stain on humanity. This stain was called sin; this stain was rebellion against God. Adam and Eve tried to cover their sin by sewing fig leaves together. Ever since that time man has tried to get rid of the stain of sin by:
Going to church
Doing penance
Taking communion or mass
Getting baptised
Giving money to charity
By doing good works
But it has been to no avail. They have scrubbed hard and used the best detergents that the world can provide but the stain still remains. They have tried on the best clothes that man can provide but still the stain remains.
Maybe we should stop looking for help from man and turn our eyes to God. He promises in our verse that He can turn our sins to be as white as snow and as white as wool. God is the great stain remover.
By the way, going back to the garment with the oil stain. I took the garment added some general purpose cleaner and then I took an “Ultrasonic Fabric Cleaner”. This is a small device that utilizes the advanced theory of ultrasonic vibration; the stain remover takes great advantage of fast and easy cleaning, without damage to fabric.
Don’t ask me how it works because I don’t know. But it worked. The stain was removed. I don’t understand but I can say it works because I witnessed it with my own eyes.
How do we get rid of this stain called sin?
Our stain is removed through the drawing power of the Holy Spirit and the applying of the blood of Jesus Christ to our lives. Do I understand it? No but I know it works. The bible says in Romans 5:8&9 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Remember this week that we cannot remove the stain of sin in ours, or in others lives. We are to look toward and point others to Jesus Christ who is the great stain remover. He is the one who can change a life. He can take the dirty and make him clean.
For those of you who have been saved, remember the following verse.
Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
I was reminded this week how hard it is to remove a stain. A garment was handed to me that had been stained with oil. On a number of other occasions I have been forced to scrap the garment after trying to clean it with a number of different cleaning agents.
I am sure that many of you are able to sympathise with me. I know that if I wear a tie when eating I am sure to drop something on it.
What do you do when you get a stain? Wash it warm water, add some soap or some other type of cleaning agent. On many occasions we are successful but when it goes wrong what are we to do? We may throw the garment out or use it for an old rag. When the stain is on the carpet it’s not just as easy - we might cover it over with a rug or a piece of furniture.
The greatest stain in the world can be found in the book of Genesis in chapter 3 verse 6. The verse reads “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
This verse shows us how Adam and Eve brought the greatest stain on humanity. This stain was called sin; this stain was rebellion against God. Adam and Eve tried to cover their sin by sewing fig leaves together. Ever since that time man has tried to get rid of the stain of sin by:
Going to church
Doing penance
Taking communion or mass
Getting baptised
Giving money to charity
By doing good works
But it has been to no avail. They have scrubbed hard and used the best detergents that the world can provide but the stain still remains. They have tried on the best clothes that man can provide but still the stain remains.
Maybe we should stop looking for help from man and turn our eyes to God. He promises in our verse that He can turn our sins to be as white as snow and as white as wool. God is the great stain remover.
By the way, going back to the garment with the oil stain. I took the garment added some general purpose cleaner and then I took an “Ultrasonic Fabric Cleaner”. This is a small device that utilizes the advanced theory of ultrasonic vibration; the stain remover takes great advantage of fast and easy cleaning, without damage to fabric.
Don’t ask me how it works because I don’t know. But it worked. The stain was removed. I don’t understand but I can say it works because I witnessed it with my own eyes.
How do we get rid of this stain called sin?
Our stain is removed through the drawing power of the Holy Spirit and the applying of the blood of Jesus Christ to our lives. Do I understand it? No but I know it works. The bible says in Romans 5:8&9 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Remember this week that we cannot remove the stain of sin in ours, or in others lives. We are to look toward and point others to Jesus Christ who is the great stain remover. He is the one who can change a life. He can take the dirty and make him clean.
For those of you who have been saved, remember the following verse.
Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Defend the Defenceless
1 Samuel 17:34-36
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father' sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
Have you really ever sat and thought how the devil is attacking the young. False teaching is attacking them in many different ways. Children are no longer safe in place that once were counted as being secure.
They are attacked:
At school by false teaching of evolution and their innocence taken by the teaching of sex education
· By TV, which teaches witchcraft ungodly language and rebellion against authority (Just watch the Saturday morning programs for children). They are desensitized by what they see and hear. They are no longer taught about, or see sin for what it is. Young people are taught by MTV and what they are playing on their I-pods. Chat rooms on the Internet have destroyed conversation and fellowship.
We that are Christians need to be willing to defend others against the attacks of the devil.
1 Peter 5:8 says “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
David’s enemies were the lion, the bear and Goliath but ours are different although just as deadly.
Coming from the north coast of Northern Ireland I saw many times a small plant or tree surrounded by a windbreaker. That windbreaker was there to protect against the sea breeze. Without this protection it would have meant certain death to the plant or tree.
We all need to defend others and ourselves from the wind and works of the devil.
Our children should be sent to a good school where God is exalted rather than the false teaching of the world. We need to be surrounded by Godly friends who will help and encourage us. Children and young Christian need the protection of Godly homes where Christ is preeminent. Protection can be found in reading and obeying the scriptures. God’s people need to be uplifted in prayer.
We cannot survive in our own strength but we must rely on God who delivered David and who will deliver us.
Defend the defenseless, grab Satan’s instruments by the beard and slay them. Let us defend and attack by the use of the sword of the Spirit.
Be careful how and where you walk this week and look out for others.
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father' sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
Have you really ever sat and thought how the devil is attacking the young. False teaching is attacking them in many different ways. Children are no longer safe in place that once were counted as being secure.
They are attacked:
At school by false teaching of evolution and their innocence taken by the teaching of sex education
· By TV, which teaches witchcraft ungodly language and rebellion against authority (Just watch the Saturday morning programs for children). They are desensitized by what they see and hear. They are no longer taught about, or see sin for what it is. Young people are taught by MTV and what they are playing on their I-pods. Chat rooms on the Internet have destroyed conversation and fellowship.
We that are Christians need to be willing to defend others against the attacks of the devil.
1 Peter 5:8 says “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
David’s enemies were the lion, the bear and Goliath but ours are different although just as deadly.
Coming from the north coast of Northern Ireland I saw many times a small plant or tree surrounded by a windbreaker. That windbreaker was there to protect against the sea breeze. Without this protection it would have meant certain death to the plant or tree.
We all need to defend others and ourselves from the wind and works of the devil.
Our children should be sent to a good school where God is exalted rather than the false teaching of the world. We need to be surrounded by Godly friends who will help and encourage us. Children and young Christian need the protection of Godly homes where Christ is preeminent. Protection can be found in reading and obeying the scriptures. God’s people need to be uplifted in prayer.
We cannot survive in our own strength but we must rely on God who delivered David and who will deliver us.
Defend the defenseless, grab Satan’s instruments by the beard and slay them. Let us defend and attack by the use of the sword of the Spirit.
Be careful how and where you walk this week and look out for others.
How is your witness?
Proverbs 24:30-34
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 34So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
I was reminded today that we all need to GROW.
G-Get to know God
R-Remember to read and pray
O-Obey what God says.
W-Witness for the Lord
The verses found in Proverbs remind me that we need to be careful in our witnessing for the Lord. The implication here is that at one time the field or the vineyard was in good shape. Everything was well trimmed and looked after. The wall was there to protect from wild animals.
We need to take warning to be careful how we continue in our witness. The passage warns us that it only takes a little slumber or a little folding of the hands to sleep to cause the garden to be grown over.
Have you stopped reading and praying for a day? Have you been tired one night and you have missed the church service or prayer meeting? When you lose out with the Lord we soon find that we do not have the same zeal to work and witness for him. When was the last time you spoke to someone about salvation or passed out a gospel tract? Has your wall of protection from the enemy fallen down? Has the wall of separation fallen down between you and the world?
Christians are to be different. We shouldn’t talk, act or dress like the world. Find all the excuses that you want but if you look like the world then the wall has come down and your defences are weak.
Stand-back this week and look at your life. Do a spiritual check up. Is your field or vineyard in full bloom for the Lord or is it covered over by thorns and nettles representing the curse of sin. (See Genesis 3:18)
Let our works, words and walk be a witness for the Lord this week.
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 34So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
I was reminded today that we all need to GROW.
G-Get to know God
R-Remember to read and pray
O-Obey what God says.
W-Witness for the Lord
The verses found in Proverbs remind me that we need to be careful in our witnessing for the Lord. The implication here is that at one time the field or the vineyard was in good shape. Everything was well trimmed and looked after. The wall was there to protect from wild animals.
We need to take warning to be careful how we continue in our witness. The passage warns us that it only takes a little slumber or a little folding of the hands to sleep to cause the garden to be grown over.
Have you stopped reading and praying for a day? Have you been tired one night and you have missed the church service or prayer meeting? When you lose out with the Lord we soon find that we do not have the same zeal to work and witness for him. When was the last time you spoke to someone about salvation or passed out a gospel tract? Has your wall of protection from the enemy fallen down? Has the wall of separation fallen down between you and the world?
Christians are to be different. We shouldn’t talk, act or dress like the world. Find all the excuses that you want but if you look like the world then the wall has come down and your defences are weak.
Stand-back this week and look at your life. Do a spiritual check up. Is your field or vineyard in full bloom for the Lord or is it covered over by thorns and nettles representing the curse of sin. (See Genesis 3:18)
Let our works, words and walk be a witness for the Lord this week.
God’s tool chest
Jeremiah 38:11
So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
Have you ever thought that you were useless? I am sure you have. There are times when life in general can get us down. Maybe you have failed a school exam and you look around you think that you are the only loser. At times we feel that we can do nothing right. Our teachers are shouting at us, our parents are giving us a hard time and life just leaves you feeling worthless. Maybe its time you let God use your life and let him take control.
The passage of above is very interesting. We find that Ebed-melech makes use of some old clouts and old rotten rags. To the average eye they are only old rotten rags that are good for nothing and should be cast away. We find that they were used to pull Jeremiah out of the dungeon. They were used in the service of the king.
Let us never get the idea that we are useless. We are never useless in the service of the King of Kings. We need to be in that place of willing, ready to be of service.
As we look through out history we can see that God has used the rags of society to forward His kingdom. We can think of drunkards or others who have been steeped in sin who have been used of God to do mighty acts. Let us never forget Paul who watched as Stephen was martyred, who went on to be a mighty man after God.
Let us look into God’s tool box and see what he uses to get His work done.
Corinthians 1:27-28
Foolish things
Weak things
Base things
Despised things
Those who are nothing.
Do not worry if you do not have all the examinations that people require. May be you are a sickly person or you are poor. Does society look upon you as nothing?
Be encouraged, God can use your life if you let Him. Let us be a rotten rag in service for our Master. Even if that means we must be under the armpit of one of His servants.
Let God confound the wise and the mighty through an old rotten rag this week.
So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.
Have you ever thought that you were useless? I am sure you have. There are times when life in general can get us down. Maybe you have failed a school exam and you look around you think that you are the only loser. At times we feel that we can do nothing right. Our teachers are shouting at us, our parents are giving us a hard time and life just leaves you feeling worthless. Maybe its time you let God use your life and let him take control.
The passage of above is very interesting. We find that Ebed-melech makes use of some old clouts and old rotten rags. To the average eye they are only old rotten rags that are good for nothing and should be cast away. We find that they were used to pull Jeremiah out of the dungeon. They were used in the service of the king.
Let us never get the idea that we are useless. We are never useless in the service of the King of Kings. We need to be in that place of willing, ready to be of service.
As we look through out history we can see that God has used the rags of society to forward His kingdom. We can think of drunkards or others who have been steeped in sin who have been used of God to do mighty acts. Let us never forget Paul who watched as Stephen was martyred, who went on to be a mighty man after God.
Let us look into God’s tool box and see what he uses to get His work done.
Corinthians 1:27-28
Foolish things
Weak things
Base things
Despised things
Those who are nothing.
Do not worry if you do not have all the examinations that people require. May be you are a sickly person or you are poor. Does society look upon you as nothing?
Be encouraged, God can use your life if you let Him. Let us be a rotten rag in service for our Master. Even if that means we must be under the armpit of one of His servants.
Let God confound the wise and the mighty through an old rotten rag this week.
Be an Example
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
When we think of the youth of today what do we think of? So many times we have negative things to say. They are criticized for their dress, their behavior and their culture. We have all been led to believe that a person wearing a “hoodie” is a thug waiting to attack and rob us. We are all very guilty of stereo typing people by what they wear or by their age.
This week, young person, as we go into this week let us not be caught up in the things of the world. Let no one be able to point the finger at us and accuse us. Let us break the mould and be an example of the believers.
Timothy was a young man in the ministry. Paul was exhorting him in this first letter to be an example to the believers. The word example means to be a stamp, pattern or print. It could also mean to be a statute. Paul was saying live in such a way that others would look at you and say that this is how a Christian should be and live.
He was to be an example in:
· Word
· Conversation
· Charity
· Spirit
· Faith
· Purity
What does this all mean?
To be an example in WORD is to speak in such a way that is God glorifying. It is not telling lies, exaggerating, telling unclean jokes, and tearing people down with you words. As we speak let us tell the truth, speak with joy and help to build up those round about us.
To be an example in CONVERSATION is to be of Godly behavior. How do you act or react with others. Do you respond or behave in a way that others will take notice of you. Are your actions different between how you act in front of the Godly and ungodly? Paul was telling Timothy to raise the standard and be an example to all in his behavior.
To be an example in CHARITY is to live out our love in actions. The word charity is from the word agape, which means love. It is another word for affection or benevolence or it could also mean a love feast. It is love in action. Let us this week keep our eyes open and look for opportunities how we may show God’s love to others.
To be an example in SPIRIT is to have that warmth of spirit that people are drawn to. We all know people that we enjoy being around. People who even in the middle of all circumstances have strength of spirit that sees them through. People who always have a smile and are willing to help those who have need.
To be an example in FAITH is to live our life on the Rock Christ Jesus. It is to have a faith that is steady and consistent in this faithless generation. It is showing forth a living testimony of what Christ has done in our lives. Let us not live in fear but in faith this week holding unto Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.
To be an example in PURITY is to live a life that is spotless from the world. If the world entangles us then we will get contaminated. Let us separate ourselves and live in the light of God’s word. The story was told of the man who thought he was clean but as he got closer to the light he noticed how dirty he really was. Get close to God this week and sanctify yourself.
Let others point the finger if they will. Let it not be for anything bad but because we are living for God with all of our hearts.
Stand out as an example for the believers this week.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
When we think of the youth of today what do we think of? So many times we have negative things to say. They are criticized for their dress, their behavior and their culture. We have all been led to believe that a person wearing a “hoodie” is a thug waiting to attack and rob us. We are all very guilty of stereo typing people by what they wear or by their age.
This week, young person, as we go into this week let us not be caught up in the things of the world. Let no one be able to point the finger at us and accuse us. Let us break the mould and be an example of the believers.
Timothy was a young man in the ministry. Paul was exhorting him in this first letter to be an example to the believers. The word example means to be a stamp, pattern or print. It could also mean to be a statute. Paul was saying live in such a way that others would look at you and say that this is how a Christian should be and live.
He was to be an example in:
· Word
· Conversation
· Charity
· Spirit
· Faith
· Purity
What does this all mean?
To be an example in WORD is to speak in such a way that is God glorifying. It is not telling lies, exaggerating, telling unclean jokes, and tearing people down with you words. As we speak let us tell the truth, speak with joy and help to build up those round about us.
To be an example in CONVERSATION is to be of Godly behavior. How do you act or react with others. Do you respond or behave in a way that others will take notice of you. Are your actions different between how you act in front of the Godly and ungodly? Paul was telling Timothy to raise the standard and be an example to all in his behavior.
To be an example in CHARITY is to live out our love in actions. The word charity is from the word agape, which means love. It is another word for affection or benevolence or it could also mean a love feast. It is love in action. Let us this week keep our eyes open and look for opportunities how we may show God’s love to others.
To be an example in SPIRIT is to have that warmth of spirit that people are drawn to. We all know people that we enjoy being around. People who even in the middle of all circumstances have strength of spirit that sees them through. People who always have a smile and are willing to help those who have need.
To be an example in FAITH is to live our life on the Rock Christ Jesus. It is to have a faith that is steady and consistent in this faithless generation. It is showing forth a living testimony of what Christ has done in our lives. Let us not live in fear but in faith this week holding unto Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.
To be an example in PURITY is to live a life that is spotless from the world. If the world entangles us then we will get contaminated. Let us separate ourselves and live in the light of God’s word. The story was told of the man who thought he was clean but as he got closer to the light he noticed how dirty he really was. Get close to God this week and sanctify yourself.
Let others point the finger if they will. Let it not be for anything bad but because we are living for God with all of our hearts.
Stand out as an example for the believers this week.
Vision
Mark 10:46
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
As I looked up the word “vision” in my thesaurus I found words like eyesight, perception, sight, view, farsightedness, imagination etc. I am sure you would agree that we all need vision. There are not many stats for number of people who have poor imagination, poor perception or poor farsightedness but we can get stats on people who have poor physical eyesight. There is up to two million people living in the UK who have a serious sight problem. Despite medical advances, some 800 people lose their sight every week. Have you ever thought of these terrible statistics?
What must it be like to have been born blind or to have lost your sight later in life? What problems would you have? We live in a society that is a lot better than it used to be in Bartimaeus’s day. We see from the above verse that Bartimaeus was blind and because of that he was also a beggar. We also notice from verse 52 that Bartimaeus was also blessed in that he received his sight from the Lord.
“And Jesus said unto him, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”
We can make a spiritual application from this story. Before we met our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, we were spiritually blind.
2 Cor 4:3-4 says “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
Today, if you are also unsaved, then you are spiritually blind. As a sinner you are also a beggar in that all you are running after and relying on are the poor things in life. You are relying on the things of time rather than the things that are eternally beneficial. Our hope and prayer would be that you would be blessed in that you would meet the Lord in Salvation.
Christians we received spiritual sight when we realized our need of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the way the truth and the life.
As we live for Him we still need 20/20 VISION.
We need to see the needs of others, both physical and spiritual. John 4:43 says “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest”
Young person, clean out your eyes this week and see the people walking about without the Lord. Let us see their need and seek to win the lost for Christ. Let them see your good works. Do not let any thing mar your vision. Get an eyesight test this week and check for anything that may be hindering your sight. It could be sin or it could be something legitimate. Look at what the Bible says about Martha.
John 10:40-42 says “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Let us learn to be like Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus this week, that we might receive 20/20 Spiritual Vision.
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
As I looked up the word “vision” in my thesaurus I found words like eyesight, perception, sight, view, farsightedness, imagination etc. I am sure you would agree that we all need vision. There are not many stats for number of people who have poor imagination, poor perception or poor farsightedness but we can get stats on people who have poor physical eyesight. There is up to two million people living in the UK who have a serious sight problem. Despite medical advances, some 800 people lose their sight every week. Have you ever thought of these terrible statistics?
What must it be like to have been born blind or to have lost your sight later in life? What problems would you have? We live in a society that is a lot better than it used to be in Bartimaeus’s day. We see from the above verse that Bartimaeus was blind and because of that he was also a beggar. We also notice from verse 52 that Bartimaeus was also blessed in that he received his sight from the Lord.
“And Jesus said unto him, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”
We can make a spiritual application from this story. Before we met our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, we were spiritually blind.
2 Cor 4:3-4 says “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
Today, if you are also unsaved, then you are spiritually blind. As a sinner you are also a beggar in that all you are running after and relying on are the poor things in life. You are relying on the things of time rather than the things that are eternally beneficial. Our hope and prayer would be that you would be blessed in that you would meet the Lord in Salvation.
Christians we received spiritual sight when we realized our need of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the way the truth and the life.
As we live for Him we still need 20/20 VISION.
We need to see the needs of others, both physical and spiritual. John 4:43 says “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest”
Young person, clean out your eyes this week and see the people walking about without the Lord. Let us see their need and seek to win the lost for Christ. Let them see your good works. Do not let any thing mar your vision. Get an eyesight test this week and check for anything that may be hindering your sight. It could be sin or it could be something legitimate. Look at what the Bible says about Martha.
John 10:40-42 says “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Let us learn to be like Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus this week, that we might receive 20/20 Spiritual Vision.
Going the second mile.
Matthew 5:41
“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”
One explanation is that this is a reference to the practice of "impressment" which, among other things, allowed a Roman soldier to conscript a Jewish native to carry his equipment for one Roman mile (milion = 1,000 paces/app. 1,611 yards) -- no easy task considering a Roman soldier's backpack could weigh upwards of one-hundred pounds.
The word compel is a strong word. It means to force. It means that the conscript had to go the first mile but the Christian should be willing to go another mile. Are you willing to go the second mile? This act goes against every human instinct that we may have. This thought is only one of many from this same passage.
How do we feel about -
Turning the other cheek
Giving away your cloke
Give and borrow to all
Love your enemies
Bless them that curse you
Do good to those that hate you
Pray for those that despitefully use us
All of the above are all alien to human nature, but as we grow in grace it will become easier.
As we go into this week let us go the second mile even when we are compelled to go the first. Let our attitude show forth what God has done in our heart.
At school do more than what is required. Study an extra hour.
At work don’t let the time clock rule our working day. Remember we are not to be men pleasers but God pleasers. Do more that what you are paid for. Give more than what you are selling. Remember the baker always has 13 in his dozen. Lift your customer service above all others because you want to show Christ in your dealings with people.
At home let us do more than our parents require. Let us tidy our room with gusto.
Don’t just give your tithe but remember the offering.
Even in marriage if people would go the extra mile there might be less divorce.
Remember “to go the second mile” is to do something that is not required; it is to do the unexpected. Let us live above what others think we should be like.
Go the second mile with our Lord. Don’t just do what you have to in reading, praying, witnessing or giving.
Live your life in the second mile. A road less travelled.
“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”
One explanation is that this is a reference to the practice of "impressment" which, among other things, allowed a Roman soldier to conscript a Jewish native to carry his equipment for one Roman mile (milion = 1,000 paces/app. 1,611 yards) -- no easy task considering a Roman soldier's backpack could weigh upwards of one-hundred pounds.
The word compel is a strong word. It means to force. It means that the conscript had to go the first mile but the Christian should be willing to go another mile. Are you willing to go the second mile? This act goes against every human instinct that we may have. This thought is only one of many from this same passage.
How do we feel about -
Turning the other cheek
Giving away your cloke
Give and borrow to all
Love your enemies
Bless them that curse you
Do good to those that hate you
Pray for those that despitefully use us
All of the above are all alien to human nature, but as we grow in grace it will become easier.
As we go into this week let us go the second mile even when we are compelled to go the first. Let our attitude show forth what God has done in our heart.
At school do more than what is required. Study an extra hour.
At work don’t let the time clock rule our working day. Remember we are not to be men pleasers but God pleasers. Do more that what you are paid for. Give more than what you are selling. Remember the baker always has 13 in his dozen. Lift your customer service above all others because you want to show Christ in your dealings with people.
At home let us do more than our parents require. Let us tidy our room with gusto.
Don’t just give your tithe but remember the offering.
Even in marriage if people would go the extra mile there might be less divorce.
Remember “to go the second mile” is to do something that is not required; it is to do the unexpected. Let us live above what others think we should be like.
Go the second mile with our Lord. Don’t just do what you have to in reading, praying, witnessing or giving.
Live your life in the second mile. A road less travelled.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Building a house to last
Luke 6:47-49
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Which one of these two men are you like? Have you got a house that will stand the final test?
The house that stood is the picture of a Christian and the house that fell is a picture of the unbeliever.
How can we relate this story in a spiritual way? I want to look at the Christian’s house.
Rock – The Lord Jesus Christ
Earth – The world, the flesh and the Devil
Foundation – Faith that we are enabled to put on Jesus Christ
Digging through the earth – Repentance from sin, getting rid of any worldly thing that we may rely on for salvation.
House – Our life and testimony in the Christian life
What is you house (Testimony) built with? Will it last? To help us apply this in a spiritual way let us read 1 Corinthians 3:12–15.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, 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. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Are you seeking to live for the Lord with all your heart or are you spending your time in the world? Sometimes we are all guilty of spending time in things that will not stand the final test. Are you building your life and testimony for time or eternity? It is only those things that are built for eternity that will last.
How do we keep this house in a good state of repair? You need to work at it. There’s that word again – WORK. We could use the word discipline but it sounds just as painful.
The house needs to be looked after; it needs to be clean and tidy. Everyone wants his or her house to be beautiful.
To have our house of testimony looking well we need to:
Read our bible regularly
Pray often
Fellowship on a weekly basis with believers
Witness for the Lord
Do good works
Confession of sin
Right the wrongs
We cannot allow ourselves to fall asleep on the job, if we want to have a testimony that will last.
Do you want to get to Heaven “ so as by fire” or do you want to receive your reward?
I am sure you would want the reward. Let us be careful how we live our lives.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 says – By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
This week let us work hard to keep our house of testimony, as it should be.
Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Which one of these two men are you like? Have you got a house that will stand the final test?
The house that stood is the picture of a Christian and the house that fell is a picture of the unbeliever.
How can we relate this story in a spiritual way? I want to look at the Christian’s house.
Rock – The Lord Jesus Christ
Earth – The world, the flesh and the Devil
Foundation – Faith that we are enabled to put on Jesus Christ
Digging through the earth – Repentance from sin, getting rid of any worldly thing that we may rely on for salvation.
House – Our life and testimony in the Christian life
What is you house (Testimony) built with? Will it last? To help us apply this in a spiritual way let us read 1 Corinthians 3:12–15.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, 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. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Are you seeking to live for the Lord with all your heart or are you spending your time in the world? Sometimes we are all guilty of spending time in things that will not stand the final test. Are you building your life and testimony for time or eternity? It is only those things that are built for eternity that will last.
How do we keep this house in a good state of repair? You need to work at it. There’s that word again – WORK. We could use the word discipline but it sounds just as painful.
The house needs to be looked after; it needs to be clean and tidy. Everyone wants his or her house to be beautiful.
To have our house of testimony looking well we need to:
Read our bible regularly
Pray often
Fellowship on a weekly basis with believers
Witness for the Lord
Do good works
Confession of sin
Right the wrongs
We cannot allow ourselves to fall asleep on the job, if we want to have a testimony that will last.
Do you want to get to Heaven “ so as by fire” or do you want to receive your reward?
I am sure you would want the reward. Let us be careful how we live our lives.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 says – By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.
This week let us work hard to keep our house of testimony, as it should be.
Living by the water
Jeremiah 17:7&8
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
This portion of God’s Word says that blessed or happy is the man that trusteth or hopeth in the Lord. It then describes him as a tree planted by the waters.
A happy man is:
Like a tree
Planted by water
Spreading out his roots
Not overcome by the heat
Flourishing
Never without water
Fruitful
Are you a Christian that is living by the water? This portion tells us that others can know our private life by how we look and act in public.
Is your leaf evergreen? A green leaf is a sure sign that there is life in the tree. Are you alive in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Some facts on water:
1.A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water. If a human does not absorb enough water dehydration is the result.
2. A person must consume 2 litres of water daily to live healthily.
3. Water regulates the temperature of the human body. Water removes waste from the human body.
To help us live we must drink water. In the spiritual sense we need to take the water of God’s Word. We must put our roots down deep into His word. In Psalm 1:2 it says we are to meditate day and night in His Word. By putting our roots deep down into God’s Words we will not only live but we will be stable in our walk with our Lord.
We must continually take water to help us to grow and live healthily. How often do you come to Gods Word? It is important to be in God’s Word regularly to help us when the heat or persecution attacks our testimony.
The world, the flesh and the Devil would try to mould us but we need the Holy Spirit to regulate our lives. As we continue to live for Christ we know the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This work is known as the work of Sanctification. The bible says in Psalm 119:9 “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
What type of Christian are you?
Are you planted by the world or by the waters of God’s Word? The Bible tells us to spread our roots so that we might have depth in His Word and stability to live for the Lord. We are to be a people whose leaf is evergreen and are ever fruitful.
A fruitful Christian will produce love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.
Young people, this week, live like a tree that is planted by the water. Live by putting your roots down that you might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Let your testimony be known by your fruit.
One of the leading soft drinks company used to use the line “water you wear” in their advertisements.
Wear God’s Word this week.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
This portion of God’s Word says that blessed or happy is the man that trusteth or hopeth in the Lord. It then describes him as a tree planted by the waters.
A happy man is:
Like a tree
Planted by water
Spreading out his roots
Not overcome by the heat
Flourishing
Never without water
Fruitful
Are you a Christian that is living by the water? This portion tells us that others can know our private life by how we look and act in public.
Is your leaf evergreen? A green leaf is a sure sign that there is life in the tree. Are you alive in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Some facts on water:
1.A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water. If a human does not absorb enough water dehydration is the result.
2. A person must consume 2 litres of water daily to live healthily.
3. Water regulates the temperature of the human body. Water removes waste from the human body.
To help us live we must drink water. In the spiritual sense we need to take the water of God’s Word. We must put our roots down deep into His word. In Psalm 1:2 it says we are to meditate day and night in His Word. By putting our roots deep down into God’s Words we will not only live but we will be stable in our walk with our Lord.
We must continually take water to help us to grow and live healthily. How often do you come to Gods Word? It is important to be in God’s Word regularly to help us when the heat or persecution attacks our testimony.
The world, the flesh and the Devil would try to mould us but we need the Holy Spirit to regulate our lives. As we continue to live for Christ we know the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This work is known as the work of Sanctification. The bible says in Psalm 119:9 “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
What type of Christian are you?
Are you planted by the world or by the waters of God’s Word? The Bible tells us to spread our roots so that we might have depth in His Word and stability to live for the Lord. We are to be a people whose leaf is evergreen and are ever fruitful.
A fruitful Christian will produce love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.
Young people, this week, live like a tree that is planted by the water. Live by putting your roots down that you might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Let your testimony be known by your fruit.
One of the leading soft drinks company used to use the line “water you wear” in their advertisements.
Wear God’s Word this week.
Running the Christian Life
The annual Belfast City Marathon takes place on the 7th May. There will be up to 15,000 people taking part. Participants will be running, walking, doing a relay race and using their wheel chairs. To many this is a serious event but to others it is a fun event.
Paul in 1 Cor 9:24 gives us an example of a race to get across his teaching.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
It is true that tomorrow there will only be a prize for the runners who take winning positions but Paul exhorts us to run that we may obtain. Many in the marathon are not running for the 1st prize but for the prize of completing the race. I am sure that you would agree that anyone who completes a 26-mile marathon is a winner. Others are trying to make as much money for charity as possible. Their prize is a material prize and as time goes on it will become only a memory.
We who are Christians are running for a greater prize.
Philippians 3:14 – I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
There will not be too many running with excess weight or clothing on the day of the marathon. Everyone knows that to run the race you need to carry as little as possible.
Hebrew 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Galatians 5:7 - Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
We need to get rid of all excess baggage in our lives. We should have nothing to do with the world, the flesh and the devil. I am sure many get dishearten during the race and it can be the same for the Christian but we are to run with the prize in mind and run with patience.
It is not important how long you live in this life or how much money you accumulate. The important thing is that you fight a good fight, that you finish the course and that you keep the faith. Paul was able to say in 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
How encouraging it is see and to hear of Christians who have run the race well and have finished the course keeping the faith.
Matthew 25:23 - His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
How are you running today?
Have you laid aside every weight?
Are you running for the prize?
How great it must be to hear those words – Well Done.
How great it must be to receive the crown of righteousness.
2 Timothy 4:8 - Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Young person run with patience, for the finishing line is not that far away.
Paul in 1 Cor 9:24 gives us an example of a race to get across his teaching.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
It is true that tomorrow there will only be a prize for the runners who take winning positions but Paul exhorts us to run that we may obtain. Many in the marathon are not running for the 1st prize but for the prize of completing the race. I am sure that you would agree that anyone who completes a 26-mile marathon is a winner. Others are trying to make as much money for charity as possible. Their prize is a material prize and as time goes on it will become only a memory.
We who are Christians are running for a greater prize.
Philippians 3:14 – I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
There will not be too many running with excess weight or clothing on the day of the marathon. Everyone knows that to run the race you need to carry as little as possible.
Hebrew 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Galatians 5:7 - Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
We need to get rid of all excess baggage in our lives. We should have nothing to do with the world, the flesh and the devil. I am sure many get dishearten during the race and it can be the same for the Christian but we are to run with the prize in mind and run with patience.
It is not important how long you live in this life or how much money you accumulate. The important thing is that you fight a good fight, that you finish the course and that you keep the faith. Paul was able to say in 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
How encouraging it is see and to hear of Christians who have run the race well and have finished the course keeping the faith.
Matthew 25:23 - His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
How are you running today?
Have you laid aside every weight?
Are you running for the prize?
How great it must be to hear those words – Well Done.
How great it must be to receive the crown of righteousness.
2 Timothy 4:8 - Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Young person run with patience, for the finishing line is not that far away.
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