Barnabas Ministries UK

Jan 31st – 2016
Rev. E. Anderson
WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Welcome to this Christian Website which has now been going for a number of years. Over 130,000 people have visited it since 2006. On the left hand side of the introductory page is a host of subjects and material that have been placed during this time and is there for your interest, study and perusal.

I feel it is time and right to change the format and to present day by day something a little simpler and trust will benefit and bless those who visit it. It will consist of A Golden Promise from the Scriptures, Wisdom that Works by Bob Stevenson, Choice Quotations and daily Meditations, working through the whole Bible. something to focus your mind on are included that can be developed more fully by you. I trust you will find such refreshing and helpful.

A GOLDEN PROMISE

“Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear” – Matt 13:43

In Matthew 13, Jesus shares a few stories that illustrate the kingdom of God. In verse 43, He tells His disciples that one day the righteous (those who are in right relationship with God) will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom.

What an amazing analogy this is! In Ephesians 5:8 the Bible says… For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, (WEB) Since we are called to be children of light, Jesus tells us in Matthew 13:43 that we will all shine like the sun in our Heavenly Dad’s kingdom.

What an amazing sight heaven will be! Millions of God’s kids, each one shining with the brightness of the sun, living for eternity in the kingdom of their Father. I wonder if we will need sunglasses just to talk to each other? (grin) All kidding aside, may this picture and promise bring encouragement to you as you walk by faith in a world that sometimes can be a dark place to live.

WISDOM THAT WORKS
. MOCKING THE POOR – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“The wicked enjoy fellowship with others who are wicked; Liars enjoy liars. Mocking the poor is mocking the God who made them. He will punish those who rejoice in others misfortunes”. Read: Proverbs 17:4-5

Today I heard that the CEO of a major international charity has recently been honoured in the Queen of EngIand’s Birthday Honours List.

In his interview he commended the Australian people for their particular generosity, who, he said, were motivated by this culture of giving everyone, whoever they are, a fair go. Although a relatively recent migrant to this southern continent, I felt honoured to be a part of such generosity.

We do well to remember that God is on the side of the poor and disadvantaged and woe- betide any individual or corporate organization who seek to take advantage of them.

As I have travelled around the world I have seen poverty first hand and the plight that such a condition puts people in. It’s like a trap that is impossible to get free from. It’s like a life sentence to economic imprisonment, and it all happens by the accident of birth and privilege.

In the same radio commentary I was heartened to hear that the chairman of a leading agricultural organization had been honoured for putting in place a company policy that will enable some of the company’s profits to help the poor and disadvantaged. I God can only bless this approach and all those who embrace it.

CHOICE QUOTATIONS
LOVE

Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love –
Mother Teresa

Immature love says: ‘I love you because I need you.’ Mature love says ‘I need you because I love you’ – Erich Fromm

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead – Oscar Wilde

DAILY MEDITATIONS – A COURSE THROUGH THE BIBLE
CLAIMING A POSSESSION – Numbers 27: 1-11

Five sisters belonging to the tribe of Manasseh were not going to let this issue go by without doing something definite about it. All the other household families of the tribes received a choice inheritance in the Promised Land and it looked as if they were going to be left out. It would seem that their father had died – v3 and because he had had no son, then there were no grounds for them to hold any possession like the other families. They felt this was not fair and took action.

Moses listened to their righteous grievance and brought it to the Lord for an answer – v5 “And Moses brought their cause before the Lord.” The Lord immediately responded in a positive fashion and established a future law that would enable and bless all that would be similarly placed – vv7-11. He was ready to change the procedure to accommodate the daring of these zealous women. They had a new future because of the amendment.

It may be that we need to lay hold of things that we are justly entitled to and bring them before the Lord to experience His word and intervention. Be ready to present your just causes and see Him work things out both in a spiritual and practical manner. You need to possess your Divine possessions. Do not settle for anything less than God’s best as He presents a challenge for you to be audacious.

Jan 30th – 2016
Rev. E. Anderson
WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Welcome to this Christian Website which has now been going for a number of years. Over 130,000 people have visited it since 2006. On the left hand side of the introductory page is a host of subjects and material that have been placed during this time and is there for your interest, study and perusal.

I feel it is time and right to change the format and to present day by day something a little simpler and trust will benefit and bless those who visit it. It will consist of A Golden Promise from the Scriptures, Wisdom that Works by Bob Stevenson, Choice Quotations and daily Meditations, working through the whole Bible. something to focus your mind on are included that can be developed more fully by you. I trust you will find such refreshing and helpful.

A GOLDEN PROMISE

“When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that . . . ” You may ask the question… why will we receive a crown of glory?

The simple answer is that since we are part of God’s royal family, we all get to wear a crown. Romans 8:16-17 says…. 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; 17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. (WEB)

All those who have called upon the name of the Lord throughout the centuries can hold on to this promise. When Jesus appears, each and every one of us will receive a crown of glory that will never fade away. Not because we have done anything in our own effort to earn or deserve it. The crown that we receive does not come from our own self-effort but solely because of God’s grace and goodness.

Because our Father loved us, He determined in His heart thousands of years ago that we would share in the eternal riches of His Son, Jesus Christ and be born into His amazing royal family (Ephesians 1:3-6). On that great and glorious day when we will see Jesus face to face, we will receive our own crown of glory, signifying to all of heaven that we belong to God.

I believe the crown of glory that we will all receive will simply serve as a token of our Father’s affection and a symbol to the heavenly host that we are called to rule and reign with Jesus in His royal family forever. May today’s promise encourage your heart and give you hope for the glorious future that is in store for you.

WISDOM THAT WORKS
THE PURIFYING PROCESS – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“A wise slave will rule his master’s wicked sons and share their estate. Silver and gold are purified by fire, but God purifies the hearts”. Read: Proverbs 17:2-3

I have never actually seen gold or silver in its raw state being refined into a base metal commodity suitable for the manufacturing process. Apparently it is put in a furnace of incredibly high temperatures to allow the liquid metal to be poured into ingots. However, this is not the end of the process. Whilst the ingots may look to be as pure as pure can be there is even more processing to be done in the smelting shop to take out all the other impurities. It seems that this melting down process keeps bringing the impure element to the surface. Each time this melting takes place the residual scum is then able to be skimmed off.

How similar this is with the way God deals with us. What may have seemed to be an acceptable level of behaviour at one time in our lives, God’s purifying process now reveals it to be totally unacceptable. As the process continues, it is not only behavioural activity that gets challenged but the motivations of our hearts. When we get to this level of expected purity it is only the Lord who can skim this stuff away.
No wonder the Bible says ‘He has perfected forever those who are set apart’ (Heb 10:14), because purity is not an event, it’s a process and only Jesus can do it!

CHOICE QUOTATIONS
LIFE

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ – Martin Luther King, Jr.

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years – Abraham Lincoln

I have found that if you love life, life will love you back – Arthur Rubinstein

DAILY MEDITATIONS – A COURSE THROUGH THE BIBLE
FALLING FOUL OF EVIL – Numbers 25

It is possible to fall foul of evil even though blessing is pronounced, which has to be guarded against. Having been the choice recipient of divine blessing, God’s people become subject to the prey of sin again. The men were attracted to the women of Moab and so fornication took place that merited the judgement of the Lord. In v3 it states: “the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.” The enemy knew how to ensnare and the male Israelites fell for it very easily in spite of the good laws God had given and also the leadership of Moses.

Thankfully the righteous indignation of Phinehas the priest rose to deal with the iniquity – vv6-8 and so the plague was stayed. One man intervened and so saved the situation to prevent greater judgment. This man was of such spiritual maturity and character that he act decisively with the spiritual threat. He did not delay because he was aware of the consequences. The Lord honoured his sanctity and zeal and so a situation was quickly retrieved.

We must always be on our guard. The tactics of the evil one are evident. We need to be alert to the fact that Satan works incessantly to produce our downfall and destruction by various means and pressures. Never allow room for carnality because it will produce major problems. Let us be ready whenever necessary to stand in the gap to intervene and thus prevent further harm.

Jan 29th – 2016
Rev. E. Anderson
WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Welcome to this Christian Website which has now been going for a number of years. Over 130,000 people have visited it since 2006. On the left hand side of the introductory page is a host of subjects and material that have been placed during this time and is there for your interest, study and perusal.

I feel it is time and right to change the format and to present day by day something a little simpler and trust will benefit and bless those who visit it. It will consist of A Golden Promise from the Scriptures, Wisdom that Works by Bob Stevenson, Choice Quotations and daily Meditations, working through the whole Bible. something to focus your mind on are included that can be developed more fully by you. I trust you will find such refreshing and helpful.

A GOLDEN PROMISE

“No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” –

Just before today’s promise in verse 35, the Apostle Paul talks about some of the hardships that can come against the beloved of the Lord… Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (WEB) He responds to this question by making the declaration that is the inspiration for today’s promise!

Even in the midst of all these things, we are more than conquerors through the love that God has poured out into our hearts through Jesus Christ. We are not just conquerors, we are MORE than conquerors because of His amazing love! No matter what challenges you are facing today, God’s love will conquer every trial and tribulation. There is nothing in all eternity that is able to separate you from His amazing, unconditional, everlasting love.

My prayer today is that we would all be overwhelmed with a tangible sense of His closeness and the reality of this promise. May we join in the words that Paul the Apostle wrote two thousand years ago and say together… ‘We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!’

WISDOM THAT WORKS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“A dry crust eaten in peace is better than steak every day along with argument and strife”. Read: Proverbs 17:1

Peace in the home is a very precious commodity; it sets the atmosphere for the expression of every other emotion that is beneficial for a happy, wholesome family. Whenever that peace is disturbed it has ramifications on all the members of the household, be they unruly, undisciplined offspring asserting their will, or a fall out between spouses which is allowed to develop into hostile verbiage. Such disturbance affects the whole family and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Whenever I think of peace I don’t just imagine the absence of conflict or confrontation. Such abrasive interaction is inevitable, even in the most well ordered house-holds, This is especially true where people are allowed to live together with the freedom of individual opinion and expression.

No, it’s not peace at any cost, but it is peace for which a price has to be paid. Sometimes that price has to be a strategic back-down. Sometimes it has to be a bitten tongue. Sometimes it has to be an apology, and sometimes an agreement to disagree.

Such a disturbance of this precious commodity should be resisted and contested whenever it raises its ugly head, even if you have the most appetizing food to put on your table.
Believe me, a peaceful household will bring rewards beyond belief!

CHOICE QUOTATIONS
LEARNING

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn – Benjamin Franklin

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel – Maya Angelou

I learned the value of hard work by working hard. – Margaret Mead

DAILY MEDITATIONS – A COURSE THROUGH THE BIBLE
UNDER DIVINE BLESSING – Numbers 22-24

This is quite a unique story and reveals in no uncertain manner God’s ability to overrule the works of evil. Balak, king of Moab, sought to engage a man by the name of Balaam to pronounce a curse upon Israel so that they would not succeed with regard to their mission and destiny. The latter must have manifested some influence and success in his work of divination previously, and so the king thought that it would work on this people of God that threatened him and his kingdom. He tried to employ him to this end.

Balaam was prepared to respond to his request but was dealt with by the Lord and so instead of uttering a curse he does the opposite. As Balaam opened his mouth to prophesy the Lord caused him to declare what He desired – 23: 7-10. It is further repeated – vv18-24; 24: 1-9; 14-17. Again and again the subject matter is Israel under God’s blessing. What a choice word – 23:20 “Behold, I have received a commandment to bless: and He hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.”

If this is true with regard to Israel’s blessing, how much more is this true for the Church of Christ? We have been blessed with the blessed One and we are blessed in and through Him. Believer, you are called to live under His blessing. The curse has been removed. Enjoy the fullness of blessing. Do not allow any negative attitude to rob you of that which the Lord would bring to pass. Move on in that which God has ordained.

Subject   THE RESTORING LORD

Reading John 21

FAILURE: One can rightly call humanity and society just one great, huge scrap heap. The sons of men have become spiritually, and in some cases wrecks, as sin and evil have taken its toll of their lives. potential and talents. Man has failed to achieve anything in the terms of real, divine quality and character and in relation to pure and true destiny. There may be things that before each other look outstandingly good, but measured against what could be in and through the Lord, there is nothing but failure. In taking note concerning all one could ask the question: is there any hope of restoration and realization to divine calling and destiny?

GRACE: Above all, there is an utter dependency upon God’s favour and grace to effect something worthwhile out of this tragic and extreme situation. If anything of any worth is to occur and of major significance it will require an act of God. He must be gracious and willing enough to do it. Thankfully, He is the God of all grace. He wants to perform a work of restoration. There is much to turn Him off but He is will to undertake to work on this project. The Architect of the universe, this planet, of man, wants to do something outstanding in the work of transformation. In and through Him, all is full of possibility and potential!

POWER: But also, He must have the ability to do it. Has He got the wherewithal in skill, patience and time to work in and with mankind to transform the whole wrecked state? He is not lacking on this front. At His disposal are all the means in and of Himself to bring about a fantastic alteration that leaves all concerned in a condition of wonder and worship.

EXTENT: There is no limit to what the LORD can and will do in and with the individual that allows Him access and action. He can move in on any life and utterly renew by His grace and power and make that life acceptable and give a calling and destiny of infinite worth.

1/ HE RESTORES DESTINY THAT HE HAD BESTOWED IN REVELATION – GENESIS 41

To a young man, who could have thought that his life and career was finished, (after such a promised start in divine revelation and a good impetus on the way), wrongly accused, incarcerated in prison, the Lord was able to prove He could bring him out of jail and raise him to a unique status.

2/. HE RESTORES A FAILURE IN ORDER TO MAKE HIM A UNIQUE DELIVERER – EXODUS 3

Moses had reached an age and situation in his life where he really must have felt a failure. He had been schooled in all of the arts and skills of the Egyptians and here he is just a shepherd looking after his father-in-law’s sheep. Even the flock was not his own! It appeared as if he had no future but the Lord was to change all that in one divine encounter.

Winston Churchill regarded Moses as one of the greatest men that ever lived.

3/ HE RESTORES THE FORTUNES OF A NATION IN HOPELESS CAPTIVITY – EXODUS 12-14

The nation that seemed to be destined and enslaved forever is to have its whole future changed. The Lord was to embrace them in an act of redemption and release them from the tyranny they were in. He was also to school them in His ways and bless in every way. It all occurred miraculously and swiftly. He took the nation on to great things!

4/. HE RESTORES THE PERSON WHO HAD FALLEN GREATLY INTO SIN – PSALMS 32; 51

To a man who He had valued so much and let Him down so badly, the Lord reveals that His grace, mercy and power are so infinite that He can renew following the deep work of repentance. The sin of David should not be under-estimated. It was a foul deed in every way. The outstanding fact is the way the Lord was willing to restore him after such an atrocious slip-up.

5/. HE RESTORES THE HEALTH OF ONE WHO WAS AT DEATH’S DOOR – JOB 42

From the natural standpoint one would never have given any hopes whatsoever with regard to a recovery for this man, Job. He had been literally reduced to skin and bones and life expectancy was greatly reduced. The pessimism of his so-called friends would not be helpful either. But the Lord was gracious and able! There comes a unique and bountiful manifestation of divine intervention that honours and blesses His servant.

6/. HE RESTORES THE DISCIPLE WHO DENIED HIM TO GREAT APOSTLE-SHIP – JOHN 21

Peter had been a real let-down at the crisis hour in the life of Christ. His denial just showed what he was capable of. As he is at a loose end he goes fishing on to familiar ground and work. The Lord shows up and performs a loving act of challenge and change. Peter was never going to be the same again.

7/. HE RESTORES THE YOUNG MAN WHO MISSSED OUT ON HIS FIRST MISSIONS EFFORT – ACTS 13:13

This young man, Timothy, was attracted to the role of being in the initial missionary team but on the outgoing trip is disillusioned. He cannot stand the pace and demand and returns home. He wasn’t to terminate his days in this condition. A new opportunity was given to him and he makes good in spite of an apostle’s original idea of him. Later, even he has to change his mind – 2 Timothy 4:11

The restoring work of the Lord brings great honour and glory to Him as both life and work are renewed to the best possible level and effect. There is no limit to what he can do for anyone that requires His input and blessing

Jan 28th – 2016
Rev. E. Anderson
WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Welcome to this Christian Website which has now been going for a number of years. Over 130,000 people have visited it since 2006. On the left hand side of the introductory page is a host of subjects and material that have been placed during this time and is there for your interest, study and perusal.

I feel it is time and right to change the format and to present day by day something a little simpler and trust will benefit and bless those who visit it. It will consist of A Golden Promise from the Scriptures, Wisdom that Works by Bob Stevenson, Choice Quotations and daily Meditations, working through the whole Bible. something to focus your mind on are included that can be developed more fully by you. I trust you will find such refreshing and helpful.

A GOLDEN PROMISE

“Yahweh preserves the simple. I was brought low, and he saved me” – Psalm 116:6

The New Living Translation Bible says Psalm 116:6 this way… The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. (NLT) In Luke 18:15-17, Jesus tells His disciples that the kingdom of God belongs to little children and unless they change and become like little children themselves, they would not be able to enjoy its benefits.

The reality of today’s promise is that Fathers protect their children. It is not some great miracle that they do because that is what good fathers do. Today’s promise tells us that God protects those who trust in Him with the simple heart of a child. Having the heart of a child is not limited to those who are physically little. For no matter how old we become, God is much older than us! The Bible describes God as being The Ancient of Days.

While we are not called to be childish, we are encouraged to be childlike. Little children are completely dependent on their parents for everything. To be fed, to be clothed, to be protected, everything. Without their parents’ care, they are completely vulnerable. When we trust our God and Father with the simple heart of a child, I believe that He responds by being our safe place and our defender in every situation.

WISDOM THAT WORKS
IDLE HANDS – Rev. Bob Stevenson

”Hunger is good — if it makes you work to satisfy it! Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece”. Read: Proverbs 16:26-27

We have probably all heard the sentiments of this proverb expressed in some form or another that ‘Idle hands are the devil’s tools’ although I must admit that some of this homespun truth seems to be dropping out of normal conversational usage. Idleness is different to laziness. You can find yourself idle through no fault of your own, especially in these days of corporate restructuring and downsizing. Where, at one time, you could virtually guarantee a job for life, in today’s world of rapidly changing employment skills, such a guarantee can never be given.

Having nothing constructive or fulfilling to occupy yourself with, can have a serious de-moralising effect on the most motivated of temperaments. We are all responsible in some way or other, to try to alleviate the sense of hopelessness that can sometimes arise through idleness.

Praise God for governments and organizations who take this responsibility seriously and seek to do all they can to help those, now idle,

Unfortunately there will always be a sinister agent ready to take on that responsibility, with deadly consequences! Make no mistake, the devil will find work for idle hands so make sure they are occupied!

CHOICE QUOTATIONS
LEADERSHIP

if the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever – Thomas Aquinas

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way – John C. Maxwell

I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion – Alexander the Great

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader – John Quincy Adams

DAILY MEDITATIONS – A COURSE THROUGH THE BIBLE
ON TO VICTORY – Numbers 21: 21-35

It was now to be a season of intense conflict and immense conquest. As they are
about to become inheritors of the land they are confronted with the fact of battle.
In order for them to enjoy the new territory they would have to perform exploits against formidable forces with a faith that God would cause them to triumph

The Amorites and the Moabites with their kings, Sihon and Og, would be utterly defeated and thus begin to pave the way for the taking of the whole territory. These two fallen kings and kingdoms were but the beginning of what was to be on a much larger front. Their appetite was being whetted for moving on to encompass the whole Promised Land. What was initiated here was a preface for much bigger victories. The prophetic word was: “Fear him not: for I have delivered him into your hand, and all his people, and his land” – v34.

The Lord would encourage us to get involved and into the spiritual fight. It is time for the Church and every Christian to become a warrior and to witness the fall of evil all around us. The summons is to ‘Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might’ because He wills that we begin the conflict for possession.

Jan 26th – 2016
Rev. E. Anderson
WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Welcome to this Christian Website which has now been going for a number of years. Over 130,000 people have visited it since 2006. On the left hand side of the introductory page is a host of subjects and material that have been placed during this time and is there for your interest, study and perusal.

I feel it is time and right to change the format and to present day by day something a little simpler and trust will benefit and bless those who visit it. It will consist of A Golden Promise from the Scriptures, Wisdom that Works by Bob Stevenson, Choice Quotations and daily Meditations, working through the whole Bible. something to focus your mind on are included that can be developed more fully by you. I trust you will find such refreshing and helpful.

A GOLDEN PROMISE

“For Yahweh God is a sun and a shield. Yahweh will give grace and glory. He withholds no good thing from those who walk blamelessly” – Psalm 84:11

God is good and every good and perfect gift comes from His hand (James 1:17). Today’s promise once again reaffirms this truth. He will not withhold any good thing from those who have an upright heart. The enemy of our souls would want us to believe the opposite… That God isn’t good and that He is distant and angry.

My prayer today is that each one of us would reject every lie that would try and make us believe that God isn’t who the Bible says He is, so that we can align our thoughts and prayers with the truth that the Lord is good and His mercy will endure forever!

May the sense of His goodness flood your soul today and may you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is your sun and your shield. The truth is that He loves you with all of His heart and He will not withhold any good thing from you.

WISDOM THAT WORKS
SPEECH THERAPY  – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“Kind words are like honey – enjoyable and healthful”. Read: Proverbs 16:24 No I’m not talking about those wonderful individuals who help people with talking disabilities to improve their speaking skills. I’m talking about the amazing capacity of words of kindness to be so therapeutic in every aspect, that after hearing such words, you really do feel good.

Having recently been introduced to the benefits of honey, not only as a sweetening agent, but as a healing agent, I am all the more ready to connect with the health giving properties of kind words.

In a mainly negative world, we are all too prone to neglect the verbalization of some words of kindness or appreciation. We should be doing it far more regularly. Even to the point of making a determination in our regular verbal interaction to say complimentary things about people and more especially those who are close to us.

I was recently in a small group setting where we were given a slip of paper with a group members name on it. We all had to say what it was we admired about that person. It was nothing short of staggering to see the affects of those affirmations on the various group participants. I will never forget my own feelings of delight and gratitude which l experienced when my turn came to be appreciated.

As our proverbs points out, it’s most enjoyable and certainly healthful and therapeutic.

CHOICE QUOTATIONS
INTELLIGENCE

A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether – Roy H. Williams

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits – Albert Einstein

Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it – Henry Ford

Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change – Stephen Hawking

DAILY MEDITATIONS – A COURSE THROUGH THE BIBLE
AVOID BEING A REBEL – Numbers 16

A real conflict arose amongst Israel’s ranks. A group of people met and decided to challenge the divine leadership that God had given under Moses and Aaron. It was apparent that these two had been anointed and gifted to do an extraordinary task and they had graciously fulfilled their respective roles. However, Korah reasoned that they were not the only ones and gathered a group around him to challenge this. It was argued, “You take too much upon you . . . . wherefore lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD” v3–.

It threw Moses on his face toward the ground humbled before God and realizing that it was an issue only He could sort out. He did not want to become infected with this bad spirit and attitude. He felt it was something that the Lord must deal with. God only could handle this personal matter and so he submitted himself and the situation to Him. The record shows that God dealt with the rebels and disposed of them in quite a remarkable manner.

We must avoid absorbing ideas and attitudes that lead into rebellion even though such may seem good and justified. It is imperative to be disciplined in the mind and attitude of God and not to get involved with things that lead to personal ruin and regret. There are some causes we must not get infected and involved with no matter how legitimate they appear to be. If we are being threatened with regard to our position, we must learn to hand things over to God and let Him deal with it.

Jan 25th – 2016
Rev. E. Anderson
WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Welcome to this Christian Website which has now been going for a number of years. Over 130,000 people have visited it since 2006. On the left hand side of the introductory page is a host of subjects and material that have been placed during this time and is there for your interest, study and perusal.

I feel it is time and right to change the format and to present day by day something a little simpler and trust will benefit and bless those who visit it. It will consist of A Golden Promise from the Scriptures, Wisdom that Works by Bob Stevenson, Choice Quotations and daily Meditations, working through the whole Bible. something to focus your mind on are included that can be developed more fully by you. I trust you will find such refreshing and helpful.

A GOLDEN PROMISE

“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” – 1 Cor 13:4-7

The Greek word for love used in this passage of Scripture is the word agape which speaks of the unconditional love of God. Today’s promise speaks of the tenacious heart of our Father that will simply not give up on us no matter what we go through.

God’s love is relentless and consistent. His love for us does not change like shifting shadows, but will persevere through every circumstance. His love will always protect us, His love will always trust, His love will always believe the best about every situation and His love will always stay true. This is the love that God has for us.

It is not like any love that we have experienced on earth. Even the love from the best father, mother, brother, sister, friend, spouse, etc. would only be a shadow of the unconditional, everlasting love that God has for us. My prayer today is that we would have power to grasp the vastness of the immeasureable love that God has for us as the Apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:14-19…

WISDOM THAT WORKS
TEACHERS AND TEACHING – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“The wise man is known by common sense, and a pleasant teacher is the best. Wisdom is a fountain of life to those possessing it, but a fool’s burden is his folly. From a wise mind comes careful and persuasive speech”. Read: Proverbs 16:21-23

It has to be acknowledged that school teachers need an awful lot of wisdom in dealing with their young charges. It is enough of a challenge to care for your own children with wisdom and grace, but when you have thirty or more children belonging to some body else for five days of every week, wow, that is a challenge!

I have just asked my two grand-daughters who their favourite teacher is and why? In both instances they came back with their names and then added “because they are nice“. My mini research endorses completely the declaration in today’s proverb ‘A pleasant teacher is the best’. Now let’s face it, to have a bunch of children continually under your care for five days of every week, must at times become exasperating to say the least! To maintain a pleasant manageable disposition in itself demands a certain discipline in verbal communication, not to mention emotional restraint.

This relational approach which is so essential in the teacher –student mix is not so easily achieved. That’s why we should really appreciate their commitment to our offspring. Three cheers for teachers!!!.

DAILY MEDITATIONS – A COURSE THROUGH THE BIBLE
BEING POSITIVE – Numbers 12

We hear a great deal in our day about being positive in relation to life. The point and emphasis is on making sure that we possess an optimistic attitude to what is occurring even when the situation is most negative and of a doubtful order. Why give in and yield to a depressive mindset and allow one to be dictated to by things and factors that would reduce to a state of fear and impotence! When things appear to be of an impossible and challenging nature and are challenging and demanding, it is imperative to take up an assured spirit and state of mind. All the time the Lord had been endeavouring to produce this assured state of being.

Twelve men were sent on a mission to view the Promised Land and to bring back an exciting and inspiring record about all of its prospects. They were to consider everything in order so as to set the people up to go in and possess it. All of them admitted it was worth going for but ten of them allowed the problems to take priority and dictate their minds and spirits. They failed to be positive and as a result sowed an evil attitude amongst all the people so that they became imbued with a negative state of being. They did not possess what could and should have been theirs. The two men that were positive, Joshua and Caleb, did make it.

The ten who were negative and failed to believe, their names are not remembered. They are a forgotten factor because they failed to achieve. Be encouraged today and for the rest of your life to be positive in God because He desires to bring about the impossible through your life and work. Do not be robbed by doubt, fear and unbelief. As you believe you will see God backing and blessing your life and labour in every way.

Jan 24th – 2016
Rev. E. Anderson
WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Welcome to this Christian Website which has now been going for a number of years. Over 130,000 people have visited it since 2006. On the left hand side of the introductory page is a host of subjects and material that have been placed during this time and is there for your interest, study and perusal.

I feel it is time and right to change the format and to present day by day something a little simpler and trust will benefit and bless those who visit it. It will consist of A Golden Promise from the Scriptures, Wisdom that Works by Bob Stevenson, Choice Quotations and daily Meditations, working through the whole Bible. something to focus your mind on are included that can be developed more fully by you. I trust you will find such refreshing and helpful.

A GOLDEN PROMISE

“No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” – 1 Cor 10: 13

Jesus told us in John 16:33 that in the world we will have trouble. Sadly, bad things do happen to good people. We all experience heartache, loss and pain as a result of the fallen world we live in. But Jesus goes on to encourage us that we can be glad because He has overcome the world!

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul tells us that we will not be tested with any temptation or trial more than we are able to endure. There may be circumstances in our life that rage against this promise, but hold onto the promise that God’s grace is sufficient in every trial. He will give you the grace to endure and He promises to provide you with a way of escape when the load gets beyond what you can deal with.

If you are in the midst of great trials and challenges in your life today, my prayer is that our God and Father would comfort you and strengthen you with the promise that you will not be tested beyond what you can endure. And I also pray that He will provide you with a way of escape for every trial that you face.

WISDOM THAT WORKS
HAPPINESS HAPPENS – Rev. Bob Stevenson

”Better poor and humble than proud and rich. God blesses those who obey Him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord. Read: Proverbs 19-20

There are many things in life that have the capacity to bring happiness on a purely natural sensory level, but there is something about the happiness that comes from trusting the Lord that gives it the edge on all the others. It’s a happiness that brings a wonderful sense of wellbeing far beyond the natural. It’s an inner wholesomeness that comes when you make the choice to let God take care of some of the worries of life, that if allowed to assert their influence, have the potential to create much sadness. It’s an indescribable settled-ness that over rides the many eventualities of life, which would, in normal circumstances, cause us to be anxious or disturbed.

It is not the absence of problems or difficulties. It’s not having the luxury of everything just working out right for you, or getting everything laid on a plate for you. In fact this kind of deep-seated happiness bears no relation to the circumstances we might find ourselves in. On whatever level you choose to trust the Lord, be it of the highest importance of your eternal destiny, or what might seem to be trivial to others, there is absolutely no doubt, that you will reap the benefit of that trust, along with happiness thrown in for good measure.

CHOICE QUOTATIONS
IMAGINATION

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere – Albert Einstein

You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus – Mark Twain

If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it –
William Arthur Ward

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere – Carl Sagan

DAILY MEDITATIONS – A COURSE THROUGH THE BIBLE
A WORTHY QUALITY – Numbers 12

This is quite a surprising incident that is recorded where we have Moses’ own family doing something that was not acceptable to the Lord. Miriam and Aaron were not too pleased about their sister-in-law Zipporah – v1. She didn’t fit in with their family unit and so a spiritual issue was made of it, which ought not to have been so. It was obvious to all that Moses stood head and shoulders in the whole nation and even over them in the household before God.

He was an outstanding person not by what he said and did but by what he was. The Lord’s estimate could not have been rated higher or better and it is stated here in parenthesis -. Living Bible – (“Now Moses was the humblest man on earth”) Moses would not justify himself in the matter but the Lord takes it up and strongly deals with his brother and sister. They had gone too far and it was time to address it and with serious consequences for Miriam. She had abused her position and so must pay a price in judgment.

It is essential that we do not fall into this kind of evil. God will deal with a critical spirit that is aimed at hurting and wounding another. We need to develop the spirit of Moses that was of a kind and gentle character that does not contend in a fractious mind and mood. Censoring others has its pay back time and it can often be quite devastating. You can do no wiser thing than in allowing the Lord to justify when you are insulted or wrongly accused.

Jan 23rd – 2016
Rev. E. Anderson
WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Welcome to this Christian Website which has now been going for a number of years. Over 130,000 people have visited it since 2006. On the left hand side of the introductory page is a host of subjects and material that have been placed during this time and is there for your interest, study and perusal.

I feel it is time and right to change the format and to present day by day something a little simpler and trust will benefit and bless those who visit it. It will consist of A Golden Promise from the Scriptures, Wisdom that Works by Bob Stevenson, Choice Quotations and daily Meditations, working through the whole Bible. something to focus your mind on are included that can be developed more fully by you. I trust you will find such refreshing and helpful.

A GOLDEN PROMISE

“casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you” – 1 peter 5:7

I have not yet met a person on this earth who has not had an anxious thought at some point or another. I think that most of us have lots of anxious thoughts to deal with. Why do we worry? Probably because we think that we will somehow change the outcome into something better by obsessing over it.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25-34 that if our Heavenly Father looks after the birds and the grass of the field, He will look after us… so take a deep breath and relax. God is looking after you.

In today’s promise, the Apostle Peter encourages us to cast every care that we have upon God because He really cares for us. The Greek word for casting literally means to throw upon. God wants you to throw each one of your cares on Him so that you do not have to carry them any longer.

When I think of this promise, the image that comes to mind, is a backpack full of rocks that we are carrying. Every time we take a rock out of our backpack and throw it away, our load gets lighter. I think Papa God wants us to do the same thing with every care that we have. When we throw our cares on Him, we are committing the responsibility and concern for each worry into His loving hands.

Since He is much much bigger and stronger than us, He can carry our burdens much better than we can. So cast every care that you have in your own backpack onto God because He loves you and wants to carry every one of your burdens.

WISDOM THAT WORKS
DESTRUCTIVE PRIDE – Rev. Bob Stevenson

”Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before the fall”. Read: Proverbs 16: 18

Here we are again brought face to face with the pride issue again. Pride is not only disgusting, it is absolutely destructive and will, if left unchecked, be our downfall.

In connection with this observation on pride is an associated disposition of haughtiness, which is a word not often used in today’s parlance. To be haughty is more often expressed as high-mindedness. It carries a sense of being above the need for any outside guidance or advice It’s a kind of intellectual conceitedness, which is not just being unable to be objectively informed about anything, but finds it despicable that such an assertion could ever be made.

It’s this kind of intellectual, emotional and social arrogance which has the resulting effect of destruction and downfall. This brand of prideful exhibitionism unfortunately can be seen by everyone except the ones who seem to delight in such blatant arrogance, which can in itself be so offensive to those of a more accepting disposition.

Such folk are obnoxious in the extreme. They are bound for social and spiritual annihilation. Oh Lord, help us all to avoid development of such a deadly sin, because otherwise, self-destruction is inevitable.

CHOICE QUOTATIONS
HUMOUR

A day without laughter is a day wasted – Charlie Chaplin

I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It’s probably the most important thing in a person – Audrey Hepburn

You may not be able to change a situation, but with humor you can change your attitude about it – Allen Klein

If I had no sense of humour, I would long ago have committed suicide – Mahatma Gandhi

DAILY MEDITATIONS – A COURSE THROUGH THE BIBLE
HELPFUL SPIRITUAL ASSISTANTS – Numbers 11: 14-30

The pressure was beginning to get at Moses looking after this enormous amount of people with all of their problems and attitudes. He had done quite well up to this point in time. There had been many things to handle that had tested him in numerous ways and a great deal of success had been known. This latest factor with the people had discouraged him and he raised the issue with the Lord- v11 Living Bible – “Why pick on me, to give the burden of a people like this?” What a question to raise with the Lord! But the Lord was in the business of developing the character of this man and raising his profile for others to note in his and later generations.

The Lord was able to provide him with a satisfactory answer. What was required was an increased spiritual leadership of quality people that would relieve Moses of some of his duties – vv16, 17. It was to be the first appointment of men of eldership capacity that would assume the role of governing the people in a wholesome manner. There would be the proper selection of godly men with divine characteristics of being, belief and behaviour. The Lord owns them by anointing them and by causing them to be filled with inspiration and declaration – vv24-30. He showed His approval and sealed these men for the spiritual task of assisting.

It is important that our churches be filled with personnel of this calibre. People will be helped and the fellowships will surely grow as this type of men is in evidence and flowing with God’s inspiration. At this time we require to see locally and regionally those who are able to occupy a role of this nature. We are reminded that Titus was called upon to appoint elders in every city where churches had been planted. Godly men at the helm are a necessity!