Luke 23:43
And Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
As we look into the future it is a reality that life must, as we know it, come to an end. I am sure that most at some time, have wondered what it is like to pass from this life into the next. For many this event comes quickly but for others it is slow. Some have time to prepare for death yet others are ushered out into eternity so quick that they are unprepared. Have you made preparation?
Have you made a will? Have you set your house in order? But more importantly have you made peace with God?
The thief on the cross made peace with God. He was going to spend the rest of eternity with Jesus Christ. Many people in their foolishness say that they will be like the repentant thief and turn to Christ on their deathbed. Maybe you will be like the other thief who could not find repentance and died without Christ.
I am glad that Jesus Christ has gone on before us to prepare for our homecoming. It says in John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
It is good to have the assurance of 2 Cor 5:8 which says, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
Life for many is difficult but let us take comfort in Psalm 16:11 which says, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Not only is there “fullness of joy” and “pleasure” to be found in Christ’s presence but these blessings can be found in the life to come.
Young people live your life in His presence.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Referrals
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature
Recently I have had the opportunity to join a business group where members seek to get referrals for other members. On Friday past, one member had 7 referrals for others in the group. Needless to say he got a standing ovation. When there is a referral being given there is normally 3 people involved. There is the one who has a need and the one who can fulfil the need and then the one who makes the introduction.
As I thought of this structured way of giving referrals I started to think that there was a spiritual application here. There is a world of people who have a great need. They were born in sin and need a Saviour. We know "One"
who can meet that need and His Name is Jesus Christ. All we need to do is to make some introductions. How hard can that be? For business we will go to any length for success but many times spiritually we keep our mouth closed.
To pass on a Spiritual referral we need to keep our eyes and ears open for the opportunities to share Jesus Christ with those in need. We should live in such a way that others will see that we are Christians. Maybe we need a few conversation starters that will open the door for us to share Jesus Christ.
Try some of these to see what happens:
* Carry a Bible to school or work
* Wear a "Jesus Saves" or some other Christian badge
* Wear a Christian t-shirt
* Give out Gospel literature - Tracts, Books, Booklets, CDs, DVDs etc
The most important thing in "referral giving" is to get the other 2 parties talking. Let us encourage the unsaved to seek God today.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
We have also a responsibility to pray that God might speak to the hearts of the ungodly.
John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Participate in the Christian referral business. Introduce a person to Jesus Christ who is able to meet their need for forgiveness.
And he said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature
Recently I have had the opportunity to join a business group where members seek to get referrals for other members. On Friday past, one member had 7 referrals for others in the group. Needless to say he got a standing ovation. When there is a referral being given there is normally 3 people involved. There is the one who has a need and the one who can fulfil the need and then the one who makes the introduction.
As I thought of this structured way of giving referrals I started to think that there was a spiritual application here. There is a world of people who have a great need. They were born in sin and need a Saviour. We know "One"
who can meet that need and His Name is Jesus Christ. All we need to do is to make some introductions. How hard can that be? For business we will go to any length for success but many times spiritually we keep our mouth closed.
To pass on a Spiritual referral we need to keep our eyes and ears open for the opportunities to share Jesus Christ with those in need. We should live in such a way that others will see that we are Christians. Maybe we need a few conversation starters that will open the door for us to share Jesus Christ.
Try some of these to see what happens:
* Carry a Bible to school or work
* Wear a "Jesus Saves" or some other Christian badge
* Wear a Christian t-shirt
* Give out Gospel literature - Tracts, Books, Booklets, CDs, DVDs etc
The most important thing in "referral giving" is to get the other 2 parties talking. Let us encourage the unsaved to seek God today.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
We have also a responsibility to pray that God might speak to the hearts of the ungodly.
John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Participate in the Christian referral business. Introduce a person to Jesus Christ who is able to meet their need for forgiveness.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Swimming in the Deep End
Ezekiel 47:5
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Many times when you read those positive business books you find phrases that are similar to this weeks title. You will also see the words, “take the road less travelled”.
These sayings convey the thought that to be a leader you must be living out there on the edge. You are not playing it safe but taking risks for success.
As we look at men who have been successful, men who have invented something or have made some great discovery we find individuals who went against the crowds of humanity. Where would we be today if someone had not sailed pasted “the edge of the world,” as some thought?
As I looked last week, at my son swimming, in the deep end; I was reminded that the swimming pool is less crowded there. The mountaintop is empty in comparison to base camp. Why are we mostly drawn to stay in the safety of the crowd? Why do we not want to stand out and be different?
As we look at scripture we see men like Joseph, Daniel, his 3 Hebrew friends and men like Paul of the New Testament. These were men who were not afraid to be at the front. They stood out from the crowd.
To swim in the deep end or to climb that mountain you need confidence, courage, determination and strength. These things come through a total belief and reliance upon God. To be in the will of God is not a crowded area. To be in that place where God wants you starts with small steps. It is the steps of reading His word, of prayer, of witnessing and obeying Him in the small tasks. It is through these small activities that we grow stronger and our confidence and courage increases.
As we continue in this year let us move from the “TADPOLES” (Beginners – Swimming class) to the “SHARKS” (for children who can swim 2 lengths or 50m)
On the Omagh Leisure Centre web site it says, “JUMP IN AND JOIN!... TAKE THE PLUNGE!”
Go ahead and move into the less crowded area and swim in God’s will in the deep end.
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Many times when you read those positive business books you find phrases that are similar to this weeks title. You will also see the words, “take the road less travelled”.
These sayings convey the thought that to be a leader you must be living out there on the edge. You are not playing it safe but taking risks for success.
As we look at men who have been successful, men who have invented something or have made some great discovery we find individuals who went against the crowds of humanity. Where would we be today if someone had not sailed pasted “the edge of the world,” as some thought?
As I looked last week, at my son swimming, in the deep end; I was reminded that the swimming pool is less crowded there. The mountaintop is empty in comparison to base camp. Why are we mostly drawn to stay in the safety of the crowd? Why do we not want to stand out and be different?
As we look at scripture we see men like Joseph, Daniel, his 3 Hebrew friends and men like Paul of the New Testament. These were men who were not afraid to be at the front. They stood out from the crowd.
To swim in the deep end or to climb that mountain you need confidence, courage, determination and strength. These things come through a total belief and reliance upon God. To be in the will of God is not a crowded area. To be in that place where God wants you starts with small steps. It is the steps of reading His word, of prayer, of witnessing and obeying Him in the small tasks. It is through these small activities that we grow stronger and our confidence and courage increases.
As we continue in this year let us move from the “TADPOLES” (Beginners – Swimming class) to the “SHARKS” (for children who can swim 2 lengths or 50m)
On the Omagh Leisure Centre web site it says, “JUMP IN AND JOIN!... TAKE THE PLUNGE!”
Go ahead and move into the less crowded area and swim in God’s will in the deep end.
Monday, January 7, 2008
The Right Company
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
It always astounds me how many people can miss church and they don’t seem to care. Many Christians are Sunday Morning Only Christians. I realise that there can be legitimate reasons why someone cannot attend a service but these are the exceptions.
Many of the excuses are:
It is a family day
My children or I are tired
Children must be in bed early as not to break their routine.
I need to get up early
The weather is too bad
Etc
Many other Christians do not attend a midweek meeting. They have always got something else to do. Thy do not put any weight on the need to attend the church services that are there for our encouragement and strengthening our Christian walk.
Christians go on holiday but never seem to find somewhere were they could worship on the Lords Day. I was blessed over the New Year to find a Church in Tomkins Square in New York. They were a welcoming church in word and action.
I at first wanted to go to see the activities in Times Square for the dropping of the ball on New Years Eve. As I thought about it I asked myself, “Would I as a Christian feel comfortable there?” My answer was no. Instead I attended church and saw the New Year in with Gods people. These were people who were delivered from drink, drugs and crime. They were a people who were set free from sin. What a wonderful night to fellowship with Gods People.
Many people make New Years resolutions to stop or start doing something. For many it to stop participating in some habit like smoking, drinking etc.
As we go into this New Year let us start a new habit. A habit of “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Young person not all habits are wrong. This is a good one. Start right away and start attending all the meeting that are organised for you.
Fellowship with the “Right Company”!
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
It always astounds me how many people can miss church and they don’t seem to care. Many Christians are Sunday Morning Only Christians. I realise that there can be legitimate reasons why someone cannot attend a service but these are the exceptions.
Many of the excuses are:
It is a family day
My children or I are tired
Children must be in bed early as not to break their routine.
I need to get up early
The weather is too bad
Etc
Many other Christians do not attend a midweek meeting. They have always got something else to do. Thy do not put any weight on the need to attend the church services that are there for our encouragement and strengthening our Christian walk.
Christians go on holiday but never seem to find somewhere were they could worship on the Lords Day. I was blessed over the New Year to find a Church in Tomkins Square in New York. They were a welcoming church in word and action.
I at first wanted to go to see the activities in Times Square for the dropping of the ball on New Years Eve. As I thought about it I asked myself, “Would I as a Christian feel comfortable there?” My answer was no. Instead I attended church and saw the New Year in with Gods people. These were people who were delivered from drink, drugs and crime. They were a people who were set free from sin. What a wonderful night to fellowship with Gods People.
Many people make New Years resolutions to stop or start doing something. For many it to stop participating in some habit like smoking, drinking etc.
As we go into this New Year let us start a new habit. A habit of “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Young person not all habits are wrong. This is a good one. Start right away and start attending all the meeting that are organised for you.
Fellowship with the “Right Company”!
My Light
John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
I recently had the privilege of meeting another Jewish person while in New York. I am told that in the Manhattan area there is a 20% Jewish population. This man that I meet was there on business and visiting family while in the area. As I sought to get to know him he explained that his Hebrew name meant “My Light” just like the light mentioned in the book of beginnings – Genesis.
What a great Hebrew name that reminds us of that great day of creation and of God’s great power in creating this world out of nothing.
What is a light? While we are in the light it is normally a place of safety. Is it not the light of the fire that keeps away the wild animals of the night? This light will illuminate the way for us. The light of the lighthouse warns us to stay away from the rocks of danger. The light will also expose things that have happened in the night. In the morning we can see what the winds of destruction have caused during the darkness. The light is something we come to trust in.
Who or What is the LIGHT in your life? Who or what have you put your trust in?
I am glad that I have put my trust and faith in the Light of the world called Jesus Christ. He is the One who was promised back in Isaiah 60:1-3.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Do you want to walk in darkness? If your answer is NO then we must follow the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Light of the world. He will be our:
Safety
Guide
Many refuse to come to Jesus Christ as Saviour. They are afraid to have their sins exposed to His light.
Is your life full of sins that we have committed in the darkness of evil?
Young Christian continue to follow Christ so that you may continue in the light. Do not stray into the darkness of sin where there is harm and destruction.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
I recently had the privilege of meeting another Jewish person while in New York. I am told that in the Manhattan area there is a 20% Jewish population. This man that I meet was there on business and visiting family while in the area. As I sought to get to know him he explained that his Hebrew name meant “My Light” just like the light mentioned in the book of beginnings – Genesis.
What a great Hebrew name that reminds us of that great day of creation and of God’s great power in creating this world out of nothing.
What is a light? While we are in the light it is normally a place of safety. Is it not the light of the fire that keeps away the wild animals of the night? This light will illuminate the way for us. The light of the lighthouse warns us to stay away from the rocks of danger. The light will also expose things that have happened in the night. In the morning we can see what the winds of destruction have caused during the darkness. The light is something we come to trust in.
Who or What is the LIGHT in your life? Who or what have you put your trust in?
I am glad that I have put my trust and faith in the Light of the world called Jesus Christ. He is the One who was promised back in Isaiah 60:1-3.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Do you want to walk in darkness? If your answer is NO then we must follow the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Light of the world. He will be our:
Safety
Guide
Many refuse to come to Jesus Christ as Saviour. They are afraid to have their sins exposed to His light.
Is your life full of sins that we have committed in the darkness of evil?
Young Christian continue to follow Christ so that you may continue in the light. Do not stray into the darkness of sin where there is harm and destruction.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
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