Barnabas Ministries UK

THE ENCOURAGING LORD – Rev. E. Anderson

PROPHETIC DISCLOSURE: The ancient prophet gives a beautiful portrayal of Chris with regard to impact and influence of Christ’s Spirit-filled ministry in His day. It certainly is revealed as a most encouraging life and service to the people of Biblical times. He was not present amongst them in a condemning role and manner but there to inspire, bless and do them good and leave them better off after His ministry. He discovered such a desperate need and He came on to the scene to change it and bring immediate relief in an encouraging manner..

NEEDFUL MINISTRY: A battered and bruised society requires a ministry that can regenerate, renew and lift to a condition of hope, health, usefulness and destiny. When evil has done her work and left humanity devastated and utterly dejected, there is a demand for those who can bring fresh inspiration and life and alter the awful state of affairs – Ezekiel 37. This is where Christ came, in order to perform a divinely anointed work. He was/is the real Minister of Encouragement.

POWERFUL EXERCISE: He had the capacity and capability through word and work of raising the spiritual climate in peoples lives and situations and inspiring them to feats of character, life and expression beyond the norm. He sought to birth in people divine worth and potential and raise the standard of life in every way.

BALANCED QUALITIES: He encouraged production on every front because He desired to see people reach their potential in character and service in and through God.

1/. HE ENCOURAGES LOVE AND SACRIFICIAL SERVICE – Luke 10

All who would embrace and follow Him must be ready for the expression of love and devoted service to Him and others for this is one of the main reasons for being and life – Mark 10:45. This is what He sought to get over to this young man and illustrated and emphasized it with the account of the Good Samaritan.

2/. HE ENCOURAGES FAITH ANDS ITS FULL GROWTH – Mark 11

The cursing of the fig tree and the subsequent developments happened so as to encourage His disciples into a greater state of faith and expectancy. It did not occur should to provoke and promote wonder but to initiate and instill the principle and power of faith, a believing condition of mind and heart that would pave the way for supernatural ministry and manifestation.

3/. HE ENCOURAGES HUMILITY AND LOWLINESS OF SPIRIT-  Matthew 23:1-12; 5:3

So often Jesus exposes the vanity of pride and reveals it has no place or room within His kingdom and neither should it have its root or influence in those who are His disciples. The greatest demonstration model concerning this is Himself – Philippians 2. Humility leads to ascendancy. The way up is the way down.

4/. HE ENCOURAGES TO A LIFE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – Matthew 5:6, 20; 6:33; John 8

He is the great inspiration to righteousness being the Righteous One. He sought to create in people a desire and will to go after righteousness, to hunger and thirst after it. It had to exceed man’s idea of it and be in on God’s standard. He did not condone the sin of the woman. Whilst forgiving her He sent her on her way to love and live differently.

5/. HE ENCOURAGES PERSISTENTCY AND PERSERVERANCE – Luke 18:1-1-8; Mark 7:26-29

The reason why many do not receive from God is due to the fact that they easily quit in prayer and in their relationship with God. People lose heart, encouragement, because things do not happen speedily. There is the need to press through with God until what is desired takes place – Illustration:    Hannah 1 Samuel 1.

6/. HE ENCOURAGES A DISPOSITION OF REST AND TEACHABLENESS   – Luke 10: 38-42

He was not commending idleness or laziness but the readiness to be willing to sit back and be taught the important things of life. Service, of course, is important but even such has to be conducted from a state of mind and spirit that is relaxed. Sometimes there is a need to pull off in order to get the right attitude to it and ministry from the Lord is essential to restore the balance.

7/. HE ENCOURAGES CONVERSATION AND DISCUSSION – John 4; Luke 24

So often Jesus desired to conduct a healthy and helpful time of conversation and discussion so that we may spiritually profit. He draws alongside, just like the woman at the well and the two on the Emmaus Road to start communications going that will be inspiring and uplifting.

8/. HE ENCOURAGES ESSENTIAL MINISTRIES TO AID OTHERS – John 21

When Peter felt he had flopped it and that he had no alternative but to go back fishing in depressed mood, He discovered the Lord knew where he was going and the mind-set of his being and went to put fresh heart into him – Matthew 28:7. The Lord had already spoken on this matter – Luke 22:33.

Having been greatly encouraged by the greatest Encourager of all with the greatest encouragement, so we must also see to it that our time, thought and talent be devoted to this vital ministry.

Mar 31^st – 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 perusa

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

 “Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his saints” – Psalm 116:15

We have all experienced the loss of a loved one.  We ourselves will one day experience this ultimate transition to glory if Jesus tarries. The Amplified Bible translates Psalm 116:15 this way… Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones). (AMP)

Whenever one of our Father’s much loved ones come home, it is a very precious and holy time to God. As the Amplified Bible says, it is important and no light matter. My prayer is that this simple yet profound promise of our importance to God will bring much comfort and hope.

The hope of eternal life living in the presence of a loving God and Father is our destiny. It is our birthright because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. We do not have to fear death because we have this hope. May today’s promise bring comfort to us for those who we have lost and peace to us to know that it is a precious time in the sight of our God when we will finally be home.

One day, our God and Father will wipe away every tear from our eye and take away all the pain we have suffered on this earth. (Revelation 21:4) This is the hope that we all have in Christ.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

PLAIN TALKING  – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“Pride, lust and evil actions are all sin”.

Read: Proverbs 21:4

In these days of political correctness we have developed the skill of camouflaging the more unpleasant sounding words into something more socially acceptable. For instance the term ‘abortion’ has been made to sound less murderous by replacing it with ‘pregnancy termination!’ then what about the verbicide of the word ‘gay’ which not so long ago simply meant someone who was the life and soul of the party or used to describe some brightly coloured garment. Liars are now ‘less than truthful’ whilst  those living in some adulterous relationship refer to their co-habitant as their partner.

It’s all become a bit topsy-turvy, this effort to avoid saying things as they really are and just calling a spade a spade.

Whilst there is always a need for not being unduly offensive or demeaning in our comments about others, the Bible still says it the way it is. In the centuries which passed between the writing of this proverb and the first Epistle of John they were still calling sin for what it was in the context of pride, lust and evil action. John puts it this way, “All that is in world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life”….,(1 John 2:16) such plain talking leaves no room for misunderstanding — let’s keep it that way!

QUOTES TO NOTE

INDEPENDENCE

The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison. James Cash Penney

Diversity: the art of thinking independently together. Malcolm Forbes

Independence doesn’t mean you decide the way you want. Stephen Breyer

Without moral and intellectual independence, there is no anchor for national independence. David Ben-Gurion

DAILY MEDITATIONS

GRACE TO THE LOWLY – Proverbs 3: 34; 1 Peter 5

Pride is a subject that is mentioned quite repeatedly in the book of Proverbs. One of the things that this evil does is birth other evils and namely amongst them is ‘scorning.’ The scorner is the type of person who laughs at and abuses righteousness and the righteous. They poke fun and ridicule the ways that are honourable and make joke of those who reject their wicked antics. The godly are often put through their paces by such individuals and it is difficult to put up with their unseemly conduct. One has to state that the Lord is fully aware of their offensive attitudes.  As far as the Lord is concerned – “Surely He scorneth the scorners.” The Lord holds them in derision!

On the other hand, He not only shows profound respect for those who are humble, “He gives grace to the lowly.” They do not react to the scorner with the same spirit but manifest a loving and gentle attitude that is the result of the strengthening that comes by His grace. Instead of being proud and arrogant, they are the opposite. They put on humility as Peter records ‘as an apron.’ They are willing and to take up a very lowly stance in life and refuse to be embroiled in an evil attitude. They are here to serve in a humble fashion and leave their lives and in the Lord’s hands.

You may be, at this time, subject to a great deal of abuse from others, at home or even at work and school. At present, you are going through a tirade of oppression and defamation because of your faith and loyalty to the Lord. It would be easy for you to take the quick way out and renounce the Lord and all that is pure and true. Be reminded of the fact that Christ did say and teach that this kind of thing would happen – Matthew 6: 10-12. Stand firm amidst the evil provocation and receive a large dose of His grace to answer the situation!

Mar 30^th – 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 King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” – Matthew 25:34

In today’s promise, Jesus is telling a story about sheep and goats where the sheep (those who are in Christ) will be welcomed into the everlasting kingdom of our God and Father on that great day. Jesus tells us that the kingdom that we will inherit was prepared for us from the foundation of the world.

You and I may not have a substantial inheritance on this side of heaven from our earthly parents, but when we finish our race and are welcomed into the dwelling place of our God and Father, we will have an everlasting kingdom inheritance waiting for us.

May the reality of this promise encourage each one of us today. We are not poor in the sight of the living God, but are richer than any one of us could possibly imagine. Because we are sons and daughters to our Heavenly Dad… because we are joint-heirs with Jesus (our Elder Brother) … because we are the temple of the Holy Spirit… we have an everlasting kingdom inheritance waiting for us. Hallelujah!!!!

WISDOM THAT WORKS

EASY OPTION$ – Rev. Bob Stevenson

 “God is more pleased when we are just and fair than when we give Him gifts”.

Read: Proverbs 21:3

I once came across a book entitled ‘Authentic Christianity’ which unfortunately I never got around to purchasing. However the title did intrigue me because l immediately asked the question, “What other kind of Christianity is there?” The whole point of having a living relationship with a loving heavenly Father is to impart to me an authenticity about life and its values. How often though, do we act in ways that leave a massive gap between what we say we believe and the actual out-workings of that belief.

This is not more manifest than in the areas of morality and ethics. Maybe sometimes we can stretch the truth to our own advantage. After all nobody is any wiser! Except God of course! I guess we could fill quite a few pages outlining those tiny little ways we may not have been as fair and just as we could have been, especially when it is left to our own personal integrity to call the shots.

Then there is the easier option that we sometimes use to balance our scales of justice. We pay our tithes, we support the poor in the third world, we gladly donate to the building fund etc. etc.

The trouble is, these easier options may give us a great sense of personal satisfaction God?

QUOTES TO NOTE

IMAGINATION

I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free. Michelangelo

The man who has no imagination has no wings. Muhammad Ali

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

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

DAILY MEDITATIONS

A HOLY HOME – Proverbs 3: 33; 2 Samuel  6: 1-12

It is important to have a good, happy home. Children should be brought up in awell ordered and blessed family so that they can look back upon their childhood as one of pleasure. Parents are responsible in making sure that above everything else that the home becomes a dwelling place where all that is good occurs. It is obvious from this wise saying that the Lord is aware of the real condition of each family unit and He wills to see the birth of a holy, happy home. It states: “The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked; But He blesseth the habitation of the just.”

The assured word is that the Lord will favour the home that distinctly honours Him by eliminating evil and instituting all that is right and good. The household of Obededom came under the direct and distinct hand of the Lord’s blessing and He was pleased to dwell in that home in a signal fashion. The head of the home and all that dwelt under its roof came under the benediction of God. Everyone became aware of the wonderful things God was doing in the household.

Give attention to your home and family because it rates high in the Lord’s consideration. Your dwelling place is to be the venue where He makes His presence and goodness known in a powerful manner as you respect Him, His Word and ways. He wants to crown your home and each resident with His constant blessing. A Christian family, with its godly presence and influence, serves to the good of those within the neighbourhood. It is a great way to propagate the Christian message.

Mar 29^th – 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

 “Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible” – 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

We are all called to run our own unique race. In Hebrews 12:1-2, the writer encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus as we run the unique race set out for us. We are called to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that can so easily trip us up and run our race with perseverance.

It is interesting to note that your race is different from my race. I can’t run your race and you can’t run mine. We can only be ourselves and fulfill the destiny that God has for each one of us. The encouragement for today is knowing that an eternal crown awaits each one of us at our finish line. There is not a solitary crown given to the fastest runner, or the runner with the most endurance, but for everyone who finishes!

WISDOM THAT WORKS

HIDDEN MOTIVES – Rev. Bob Stevenson

”Just as water is turned into irrigation ditches, so the Lord directs the kingsthoughts. He turns them wherever He wants to. We can justify our every deed, but God looks at our motives”.

Read: Proverbs 21:1-2

God sees our motives! The journey of life is as important as the destination that it will bring us to. In other words, how we get there is as important as getting there. God is as much interested in how we get to heaven as he is in our arrival there. So it is regarding our actions and especially our motives for doing the things we do.

You probably remember the story Jesus told about the two men who went into the temple to pray. One was full of all the things he had done in order to win the approval of his God. He fasted twice a week, he was charitable and paid his tithes, all wonderful things to do if you do them with the right motive. The other man had done nothing to commend himself before God and was grieved that his lifestyle had been such an offence to his Maker. He was so upset by his actions that he just cast himself on the mercy of God and trusted he could be forgiven.

One of these men went home justified whilst the other who thought he was justified by all his good deeds he had done went home with the same self-righteousness he came with. (See Luke 18:10-14)

We all have a great capacity to justify our actions, righteous or otherwise, but in the end

QUOTES TO NOTE

HUMOUR

A day without laughter is a day wasted. Charlie Chaplin

Laughter is an instant vacation. Milton Berle

A person without a sense of humour is like a wagon without springs. It’s jolted by every pebble on the road. Henry Ward Beecher

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

DAILY MEDITATIONS

GOD’S ESTIMATION – Proverbs 3: 31, 32; Psalm 37

Wisdom does lead us to the knowledge of God’s evaluation of people and helps us to choose those we are going to associate with and what we are going to be in terms of character. The sound advice is not to ‘envy the oppressor or opt to copy his example.’ An oppressor is an evil, violent and brutal person that seeks to extract from and damage other people. This generation is not lacking in this type of person! They seem to get what they want at the expense of others and for a while appear to come off best. The clear mind of God comes out in a clear statement: “For the froward – perverse is an abomination to the Lord” – v32. He hates this kind of evil and those who proceed down this line will suffer the consequences.

In contrast there is an assuring affirmation of whom God esteems highly – “His secret is with the righteous.” This means He has all the time in the world for those who reject and object to the way of evil especially in tyranny and oppression. The Living Bible says that, “He gives His friendship to the godly.” The best thing that could happen to a person in life, above all, is to discover a dynamic and personal friendship with God. He is prepared to share His confidences and counsel with those who embrace His spirit and standard of living.

The choice is left with us as to how we are going to live. We can become hard, harsh and brutal by reason of evil and seek to make life difficult for others or we can be humble and holy to sweeten and enrich others today. The great factor is that as we apply the wise way, God is pleased to become one with us and share His presence and direction in our lives

Mar 27^th – 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

“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me” – Isaiah 49:16

Today’s promise is part of a much loved Scripture passage from Isaiah 49:15-16 that describes the amazing mothering heart of Father God… “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you! Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me” – Isaiah 49: 16

In this passage of Scripture, we are told that even though a mother may forget her own nursing child, our God and Father will never ever forget us! He so desires to keep us in His sight that He has even engraved us on the palms of His hands.

When I think of this picture, I cannot help but think of the cross of Jesus Christ and His own nail scarred hands. I wonder if today’s promise was a prophetic picture of Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary where our God would be forever reminded of us because of the finished work of Christ? He will not forget you!

You are always before Him. He loves you so much, that He has carved your name in the very palm of His hands. May the reality of this promise go deep into our hearts today.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

RASH PROMISES  – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way? It is foolish and rash  to make a promise to the Lord before counting the cost”.

Read‘: Proverbs 20:24—25 1‘

Anyone who has ever entered the uncharted waters will attest to the fact of having to be extremely careful about making promises. Children have an incredible memory when it comes to remembering the slightest inclination of a promise to do this or that or go  here or there! There have been occasions when I have to admit that I have made some promises which I have afterwards regretted. Either I haven’t consulted my diary beforehand or something has cropped up which has genuinely prevented me. All the same; as my children  would point out to me, a promise is a promise — and that’s that — end of story.

To continually renege on a verbal commitment, for no valid reason, strikes at the very heart of integrity. If my words cannot be trusted, then what can?

It isn’t surprising that our four children have embraced this ethic, because it is of vital importance that for any relationship to flourish, you have to be able to trust the spoken word of promise.

If this is true about human relationships then how much more with God who sees, knows and remembers everything. Unlike our children, God may not say anything, but your integrity will come into question even though only you and God know what promises you make.

QUOTES TO NOTE

HOME

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action. Mother Teresa

Home is where the heart is. Pliny the Elder

Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love. Billy Graham

Home interprets heaven. Home is heaven for beginners. Charles Henry Parkhurst

DAILY MEDITATIONS

MAKING LIFE SECURE – Proverbs 3: 21-26

One of the purposes of wisdom is to put the safeguards into our lives so that we may be secured from setbacks that overtake many people. Wisdom seeks to present good rules of belief and conduct that if carefully and persistently adhered to ensure the well being of life. They are there to be a genuine preventative to tragedy. To motor on our highways we need to be conversant with the Highway Code so that we know how to drive with due care and attention. It is impossible to estimate how many have died before their time because they became heedless to the sound advice presented to them.

There are promises given here that are worth noting in making life secure. There comes the gracious adorning of life, the filling of life with pure and true energy, the bringing of honour and respect, deliverance from chaos and calamity, the keeping of one on track, the gift of sweet repose and the saving from panic and the living under the protection of God. These certainly are worthy considerations that should encourage all to pursue wisdom whatever the cost.

In life it is easy to be side-tracked by all kind of destructive factors. We have a responsibility to God, others and ourselves to make sure that we do not become foolish and act contrary to what is good. Seek to live secure and fully protected by wisdom – the wisdom that comes from God and His Word. In safeguarding yourself, it benefits others that observe your code of conduct.

Mar 26^th – 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

 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” – 1 Peter 5:6

Today’s promise simply encourages us to walk in humility. God loves it when we embrace humility because when we are truly humble, we are just like Him! Jesus told us that the greatest in the kingdom is the servant of all (Matthew 23:11). Who is the greatest in the kingdom but our Father? That means that He carries within Himself the heart of a servant.

When we choose to humble ourselves, He is so delighted that He is the One who lifts us up! We don’t have to fight and strive for our position in the kingdom because our Father will exalt us at just the right time. I remember a few years back I went to a very large church meeting and I felt the Lord directed me to sit on the very last row at the back of the church. He told me to literally take the lowest seat in the building, so I did.

Just before the meeting began, a man came up to my wife and I and ushered us to the very front of the building and we got the best seats in the house! The Lord then reminded me of His encouragement for us to take the lowest seat (Luke 14:8-10) so that we can then be re-assigned to a better seat if the option comes.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

PAYBACK TIME – Rev. Bob Stevenson

”Don’t repay evil for evil. Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. The Lord loathes all cheating and dishonesty”- Read: Proverbs 20:22-23

Let’s face it, if you haven’t found out yet, I have some news for you. Life is not fair! Whether by default or design we will all at some time or another realise that either people or circumstances can treat us, to say the least,shabbily!

Unfortunately for us there are occasions when we can do absolutely nothing about it. Not only can it be unfair but if can be blatantly unjust! But alas, even the law which is supposed to protect, can leave us high and dry, so that we are left with no other recourse but to grin and bear it.

The challenge of having to carry an undeserved burden can give rise to some dangerous emotions. So whatever happens, don’t fall into the trap of trying to get even, or yet worse, begin to put some plan in place to repay the person who has wronged you. Once you enter into this kind of strategy you are liable to do yourself even more damage.

Hard though it may seem at the time, make a choice to let God work things out His way. It is not in vain that the scriptures point out, “vengeance is mine says God. I will repay”. (Rom 12:19) If you are prepared to wait, you will surely be recompensed in one way or another.

QUOTES TO NOTE

HISTORY

This is one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind. Neil Armstrong

Our greatest gloryis not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Confucius

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. Thomas Jefferson

We are not makers of history. We are made by history. Martin Luther King, Jr.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

THE FINEST EXAMPLE – Proverbs 3: 19, 20; Genesis 1

None can doubt that the world in which we live and the universe all around about us are fantastic. Surely they reveal a great deal of intricate and infinite thought. It is rather stupid to think that everything just came out of a big bang. In such an ordered creation there must have been a supreme and unique mind planning and working everything out to the last detail. The original location where such creativity was birthed must be a wholesome habitation where nothing evil and offensive takes place.. There is pure genius of thought in such an enormous amount of things that we see that we must admit that there is Someone responsible for it. For the Christian, it is the God of the Bible. As Romans 1: 20 “For the invisible things of Him from creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

We are told that God’s wisdom is behind the creation and that He was the One responsible for creating the environment in which man exists. Genesis 1 in particular gives a disclosure of His wisdom at work with regard to the planet in which mankind resides. It was all made to perfection, harmony and purpose. Not only did He create but maintains it by His wisdom. “The oceans are broken up into vapour to rise as clouds; the moisture – laden air descends as dew to saturate the needy vegetation with life giving water. The wide earth is enveloped with an atmosphere that sustains all living things with oxygenated air. It is all of His making: man and nature match each other in ecological balance that develops an – ongoing self-sustaining existence.”                                       Aaron Linford

He is the One to be worshipped and given due respect. This God would give out of the treasury of His infinite wisdom so that we may discover what life is all about. Sitting at His feet we will get to know all that we need to know that will cause our lives to be creative and productive. There is no better or greater Mentor in life on life than God  and to be in His school is the finest was to know and develop.

Mar 25^th – 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

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose” – Romans 8: 28

This Bible verse has brought comfort to a countless number of people throughout the years. It is very reassuring to know that no matter what happens in our life, our God and Father is able to cause all things to work together for our good.

Of course this does not mean that everything that happens in our life is good, because we know that is simply not the case. We live in a fallen world where bad things happen to good people. Nevertheless, our God is able to redeem even the most difficult of situations and somehow, some way, He promises to ultimately work all things for our good.

We might not see the ‘good’ that He has in store for us immediately, but be assured that from God’s eternal perspective, His heart is for your best interest in the long run. May this promise of our Papa’s plan for a bright future encourage you in the midst of any hardships that you are facing today.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS – Rev. Bob Stevenson

”A man is known by his actions. An evil man lives an evil life; a good man lives a godly life. lt is better to live in the corner of an attic than with a crabby woman in a lovely home. An evil man loves to harm others; being a good neighbour is out of his line” – Read: Proverbs 21:8- 10

We have all heard the adage, “Alter all, when all is said and done, there is always more said than done” Oh yes, you can get to know what somebody is like by what they say, but it’s their actions that reveal their true nature. Jesus was right on target when he said, “You will know them by their fruits”. (Matt 7:20) You see, our actions, like the fruit from a tree, are the product of the nature that is inside us. We produce what we are, not what we say we are.

This is an inescapable law of the universe. A good tree won’t produce bad fruit and likewise a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. This principle works in every sphere of life whether in a negative context or positive. The epistle of James is quick to point this out concerning faith. You can say that you believe until you are blue in the face, but unless there is some action that backs up those words it is mere rhetoric. (James 2:17)

It was Smith Wigglesworth, the early Pentecostal pioneer who was known for the powerful manifestations of a signs and wonders ministry who said; “Faith is an ACT”. Nobody was left in any doubt about this man’s credentials when it came to the business of having faith. His actions spoke louder than words and the fruit of those actions remain with us today.

QUOTES TO NOTE

Graduations

God wants us to know that life is a series of beginnings, not endings. Just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements. Creation is an ongoing process, and when we create a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all, suffering will cease. Bernie Siegel

The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values. William S. Burroughs

When my mother took her turn to sit in a gown at her graduation, she thought she only had two career options: nursing and teaching. She raised me and my sister to believe that we could do anything, and we believed her. Sheryl Sandberg

DAILY MEDITATIONS

A WAY TO HAPPINESS – Proverbs 3: 13-18

For many, happiness is simply dependent simply upon good things taking place in their lives and circumstances. They truly hope that in the passing of life that the events and experiences that occur will somehow turn out in their favour. There is a kind of vain trust that things will work themselves out to their advantage.  There is the failure to note, as expressed in this proverb, that real, spiritual happiness is to be found in the discovery of wisdom. Wisdom teaches the way that life should be understanding” – v13.

Wisdom confers more than happiness, that is, a sense of good feeling. It bestows blessings of such a nature that moves on to a sacred state of blessedness – the blessedness of God. Aaron Linford lists seven special gifts that come through wisdom’s presence and application: “Perception, prosperity, potential, promotion, pleasantness, peace and perfection.”  Each one of them is worth having but with a sevenfold experience of them, what a multiplication of blessedness!

You could do no better thing than to seek this divine wisdom today and allow it to furnish your mind and direct your action. All these qualities will begin to be ministered to you and become manifest through you. Others will observe how blessed and happy you are by reason of her presence and influence. They will know that you are wisely investing your life in the right principles and things. By so doing you will furnishing a good testimony and serve as an example to others to follow.

Mar 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

For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” – James 2:13

The Message Bible says… Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time. The law of mercy and grace actually overrules the law of judgment. I don’t know how you feel when you think about this promise, but I am thankful to God that His mercy does indeed win the day!

I am so glad that my God and Father does not treat me as my sins deserve, but is rich in His mercy towards me. Every day I get to experience His new mercies! (Lamentations 3:22-23) In Matthew 5:7, Jesus tells us Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (KJV) I am painfully aware that in my own life, I need all the mercy that I can get. So if I want mercy for myself, I better be a dispenser of mercy to everyone I meet too!

God loves mercy and He loves it when His kids are mercy-full. My prayer is that we would be a people who continue to walk in the amazing love and mercy that God bestows on us, so that we can be a vessel of His mercy to others.

May we actually love showing mercy (Micah 6:8) to those who don’t deserve it and be an expression of our heavenly Dad’s mercy to all those we meet. (Luke 6:36) …Even to those drivers who may cut off us on the highway! 🙂

WISDOM THAT WORKS
WHAT PRICE GLORY? – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“If a king is kind, honest and fair, his kingdom stands secure. The glory of the young men is their strength; of old men, their experience. Punishment that hurts chases evil from the heart” – Read: Proverbs 20: 28-30

It is interesting to observe how your approach to getting things accomplished changes with the passing of the years. When I was younger I would tear into things with masses of energy and enthusiasm only to afterwards find out that I could have done the job in an easier way.

However in those days I had plenty of energy to expend and as long as the task was completed what did it matter? These days however I adopt a much slower policy in the business of effort expended, by utilizing what I call my “Giving it a coat of looking over” before I even get started.

Experience has taught me that there is value in taking time to assess all the options. I now find greater satisfaction in the application of my ‘energy efficient’ approach to the task at hand. I enjoying the glory afforded to me by the next generation down, who mistakenly imagine I am endowed with some superior wisdom, when all it is, is experience learned the hard way.

On the other hand though I cannot help admire the glorious abandon of caution in my younger friends, and secretly wish I had a fraction of the energy they waste unwittingly, and unlike me can afford to do sol

QUOTES TO NOTE
GOODNESS

The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all directions. Chanakya

The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it. Benjamin Franklin

Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company. Booker T. Washington

DAILY MEDITATIONS
CORRECTIVE MEASURES – Proverbs 3: 11, 12; Hebrews 12

Discipline is not always a welcome feature of life but it is absolutely essential if the best is to be produced. It is generally accepted that if people are going to make anything in life in terms of a career, then an enormous amount of strict discipline is required. There is no way that a soccer star or a musician will get very far in their profession without strict adherence to the rules and practise demanded. Those who have the responsibility of coaching them have to apply hard precepts for learning so that the highest is achieved.

To those who are in God’s Family as His sons and daughters, He treats them as a loving but firm Father. He has this object in view, that each one should develop into a godly, wholesome character that bears His likeness. This requires a great deal of discipline and sometimes involves chastisement and correction. He is not only thinking and working in the time concept: eternity is in view and He wants them qualified to occupy important roles in the coming Kingdom so the need to straighten out in those areas where correction is essential.

It may be that you are in one of those periods where your heavenly Father is addressing problem areas in your character and conduct. Make sure that you respond to Him in good spirit and learn the lessons in grace and good will. You will not only bring pleasure and joy to Him, you will make the grade and become a credit and praise that produces personal satisfaction. It is timely when the Lord addresses the things that require straightening out in life so that your development should be as He designed.

Mar 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

“seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue” – 2 Peter 1:3

I really appreciate how the New Living Translation expresses 2 Peter 1:3… By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (NLT)

Because of His amazing love, God has equipped you with His own power so that you will have everything that you need to live a godly life. When God says everything, He means everything! Christ in you, the hope of glory will overcome every challenge that you are currently facing.

No matter how difficult your circumstances, God will empower you with His own divine power! As the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:31 …if God is for you, who can possibly stand against you? My prayer today is that each one of us would realize that whatever God has called us to do, He will give us the power to accomplish it.

We have all that we need in every circumstance because of His great and precious promise to empower us to live a full and good, godly life.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

GET RICH QUICK  – Rev. Bob Stevenson

”God puts out the light of the man who curses his father or mother. Quick wealth is not a blessing in the end”.

Read: Proverbs 20:20~21

We are all aware of the schemes and scams which crop up every now and then which promise the takers a quick and easy financial killing. It never ceases to amaze me that there are always those ready to pay a significant amount of cash to get in on the bonanza. It is amazing that in spite of continual warnings given by the Department of Consumer Affairs or the Current Affairs TV reports, who uncover these nefarious scams that so many get duped. Now that is not to say that the acquiring of wealth is risk free. Far from it! It is after all true, that you do have to speculate in order to accumulate. However it is the speed at which it is expected to produce results which is the downfall of those who lust for riches.

The whole idea of the ‘Get Rich Quick’ promotions or seminars is to play on that part of our nature that allows greed and avarice to take the upper hand, instead of letting the principles of sound judgment and honest endeavour bring its own rewards.

To acquire wealth is certainly not wrong in itself. lt’s our motivations that we need to keep in check. If it looks too good to be true — it probably is!

In any event, to have a relationship with Jesus is the highest prize. He has given to us richly all things to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)

QUOTES TO NOTE

GOD

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls. Mother Teresa

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say ‘thank you?’ William Arthur Ward

God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with. Billy Graham

What God intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine. Oprah Winfrey

DAILY MEDITATIONS

GIVING TO GOD – Proverbs 3: 9 &10; Malachi 3: 8-12

Giving is important to the blessedness and enjoyment of life. It seems a rather wise thing to show to the One that created us what we think of Him in demonstrating a generous spirit and action with regard to our monies, goods and properties. It needs to be understood that giving to God is not to make God rich because everything already belongs to Him – Psalm 50: 11, 12. Why does He require them? “First, that we should acknowledge the source of our benefits : the source of our giving is God Himself. Secondly, that we should never take for granted the things we enjoy. Thirdly, that we should learn that life is giving and receiving. Giving  is life in motion, flowing and fresh, devoid of stagnation” –  Aaron Linford

Israel as a nation failed to honour God as a people with respect to giving to God although He had given His best to them. Instead of reaping the promises of the proverb in God’s blessing upon their crops, cattle and vineyards, they were labouring under a curse – see Malachi 3. When God is not honoured with respect to His blessing then the opposite comes into effect, instead of plenty there is poverty. Great loss is sustained in not doing it God’s way.

The direction to every Christian believer is to make sure that this principle and procedure is applied. Make certain that God has first place in the realm of your giving and you will reap the divine reward.