Barnabas Ministries UK

April 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 135,000 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

“The ransomed of Yahweh shall return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy shall be on their heads. They shall obtain gladness and joy. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away” – Isaiah 51:11.

The Bible says in Nehemiah 8:10 that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In John 17:13, in His high priestly prayer to His Father, Jesus tells His Dad that He wants us to have the full measure of His joy. In Romans 14:17, Paul the Apostle writes… For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (NIV).

There is no question that the joy of the Lord is our inheritance and today’s promise tells us that God’s everlasting joy will be upon our heads! While we know the culmination of this promise will be in heaven, my prayer today is that we would experience a measure of the joy of the Lord here on earth. In Isaiah 61 we read that weeping lasts for the night, but joy comes in the morning! Hallelujah for that promise!

Psalm 16:11 says… You make known to me the path of life, in your presence there is fullness of joy at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (ESV) There is no question in my mind that God is filled with joy and He wants us to be filled with joy too! May we all experience an increased outpouring of the joy of the Lord today, and may His joy drive all sorrow and mourning away!

WISDOM THAT WORKS

WEALTH OR HEALTH – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“Don’t weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste your time? For riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird”.

Read: Proverbs 23:4,5

Let me be the first to set the record straight as far as I am concerned. There is absolute nothing wrong in wealth creation.

I am sure also, that none of us would argue above spiritual prosperity, because to be rich in faith is to be rich indeed! I don’t think any of us would have a problem with physical prosperity forth blessing of good health is something we need to thank the Lord for every day! Then what about material or financial abundance? The Bible is very clear in Ill John 1v1, “..And I pray above all else that you will prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers”. For me this has become an all encompassing promise which I believe God wants everyone to experience.

The key words to me in this proverb are, “Don’t weary yourself”. If the choice has to be made, go for health every time because even if you lose your wealth, if you still have your health, you can always get up and get going again. However to waste your time amassing riches at the expense of your health is a waste

Jesus said “Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven”. To do that will neither wear you out nor be a waste of time! So make a wise investment? (See Matt 6:19-21)

A QUOTE TO NOTE – Ernest Anderson

In making the LORD the chief object of your devotion and life, you will soon know beyond question that you have been and will be eternally be the subject of His love, devotion and action.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

A GRIEVOUS STORY – Judges 9

This is one of the accounts in Bible that makes sorry reading and it comes in the period of the Judges. It is evident that Gideon must have acted in a leadership role whilst he was alive and during that time the people enjoyed peace – 8: 28. He also lived to a good age – v32 and had been a sanctifying influence amongst the people –v33. He had seventy sons and a son to a concubine, a maidservant, and his name was Abimelech – v31. What a rotter he turned out to be!

His perversity is seen in what he did as soon as Gideon had gone in having all but one of Gideon’s son murdered. He enlisted the Shechemites to perform this evil deed but he and they were not allowed to get away with it without due warning from the last remaining son – 9: vv19, 20.  And so it came to pass, the curse of Jotham was fulfilled – v56, 57. God rendered upon all concerned the appropriate judgement upon the evil committed.

It has to be recognised that there comes the sentence and action of God upon those who practise violence and wickedness. For a time, it appears that people get away with it, but in the end, God has the last word and act. We must make sure that we do not run in the way of the wicked but keep on the righteous road.

April 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

“He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more.  The first things have passed away” – Revelation 21:4

  
Today’s promise tells us of a day that is coming when God Himself will wipe away every tear from our eye. On that great and glorious day, there will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more reason for tears and no more pain.

All of the memories of the suffering of this world will vanish in the light and love of our Father’s embrace. God Himself will wipe away every tear that we have cried and He promises to take away all the pain that we have suffered on this earth.

May this promise bring hope to those who are in the midst of difficult circumstances. May this promise bring comfort to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. One day, we will see Jesus face to face and we will be taken up on the lap our Heavenly Father. 

WISDOM THAT WORKS

HIDDEN AGENDAS – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“When dining with a rich be on your guard and don’t stuff yourself, though

all tastes so good; for he is trying to bribe you, and no good is going to come of his invitation”

Read: Proverbs 23: 1—3

Somebody once advised me that there are always two reasons for people’s actions, the one they give you and the real one! At the time I thought this was the observation of a cynic and was not altogether in agreement with it. Even now many years later, I don’t want to apply this advice too quickly, although experience has taught me there is truth in it.

We have to accept the fact that not everyone is open faced in their dealings with us. This is not only true from a normal privacy perspective, it is also true, that there are more sinister reasons why people may not be so forthcoming in what they say to us, or the way they present  themselves to us.

Like our proverb points out, on the surface you might believe you have been invited to dinner, simply out of friendship or good will, when in fact there lies a hidden agenda behind such a show of lavish hospitality. The moral of the story is not to be too quick to accept the overtures of friendship,

Hospitality and generosity from somebody whose motivations could be doubtful. Your eagerness to enjoy what is offered might leave you obligated to the point of no return. Be careful of hidden agendas but don’t become cynical in the process.

A QUOTE TO NOTE – Rev. E. Anderson

Do not associate with fools; you may become like them – E. Anderson

DAILY MEDITATIONS

A FOOLISH MISTAKE – Judges 8: 24-27

It is always sad to read of a good, courageous man making a blunder after doing such a tremendous job of work for God and His people. Here we note how Gideon made a tragic mistake when he had done so much good. He invited the people to give him the golden earrings from the spoils of their conquest in order to make an ephod which would serve as a reminder of the incredible triumph. There is little doubt that he thought it was a good idea but he failed to understand and appreciate the wayward nature of the people.

 “That no idolatrous use was in view, nor any divisive course from Shiloh contemplated, is manifest from Judges 8:33. Gideon proposed, with the gold he received, to make an ephod for his use only as a civil magistrate or ruler, as David did – 1 Chronicles 15:27. It would seem, from the history, that he was not blameable in making this ephod, as a civil robe or ornament merely, but that it afterward became an object to which religious ideas were attached; whereby it proved a snare, and consequently an evil, by perversion, to Gideon and his house.”                                                   (Jamieson, Fausett and Brown)

The problem was he failed to consult with the Lord or His Word as he would have received a definite directive here. He also failed to take in past experience. Before he took on the enemy the idol and grove of evil had to be removed. The outcome was that Israel allowed this ephod to become an idolatrous snare. The lessons of history proved how unwise it was to act without counsel from the Lord. Little did he know that it would later become a snare to God’s people.

When things have gone exceptionally and exceedingly well for us we have to be very careful what we introduce on to the scene. In the first instance it may appear harmless and innocuous but within it is the capacity to ensnare and enslave in a way that is spiritual unhealthy and unacceptable to God. We cannot be too careful at a time of victory and blessing. The Lord is able to safeguard us as we seek His direction in things of this nature.

April 28^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

“I have yet many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming” – John 16:12-13

I had an experience a few years ago where I had to speak at two churches in the same Sunday morning. They were a 15 minute drive apart and I only had 15 minutes to get from one church to the other. Both churches were in the country so my car’s GPS didn’t work. I had no idea how to get to the second church from the first church’s location.

Needless to say, I felt a little stressed about how I was going to get there without instructions. One of the leaders of the first church saw my discomfort and volunteered to drive her car in front of mine so that she could lead me to the second church. I was so relieved that I didn’t have to try and negotiate the varying speed limits, tricky turns, etc. all by myself.

It was a beautiful autumn morning and I can remember just enjoying the drive as we drove by corn fields being warmed by the bright sun. In the midst of this experience, I felt the Lord speak to my heart and say… “This is what it feels like to be led”. Immediately I was aware of what the Lord was saying to me.

Because I was simply following the car in front of me, I did not have to take the responsibility of navigating to my destination. All I had to do was simply follow. When we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit of God, we can relax and simply follow where He leads. Romans 8:14 says… For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God (NIV).

Today’s promise says that we don’t have to chart our own course in life. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us in all truth and all we have to do is simply follow Him. Hallelujah! That is wonderful news!

WISDOM THAT WORKS

BOUNDARIES – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“Do not move the ancient boundary marks. That is stealing. Do you know a hard-working man? He shall be successful and stand before kings”.

Read: Proverbs 22:28-29

Although our proverb today is speaking of literal boundaries put in place at the dividing of the Land of Promise to the nation of Israel the injunction stands good for the many of boundaries God has put in place.

Boundaries delineate ownership and therefore the responsibility that comes with that ownership. Marriage for instance is a God ordained bound

intended to clearly display to all around that the intimacies of such a relationship are off limits to everyone outside of that union. To cross the boundary and invade that intimacy makes you thief of something that is not rightfully yours.

You can be sure that any society which tampers with that boundary is heading for trouble. God has put in place so many boundaries to safeguards any individual or community who are willing embrace them.

There are boundaries of authority, boundaries of respect and boundaries of morality. All these are designed to provide the framework for a safe secure and happy environment for life, to be enjoyed by everyone to the full.

Boundaries like fences can keep bad things out and good things in. To allow those fences to be broken down and removed can only result in the chaos and vulnerability that will follow. The boundaries are all there — let’s keep it that way.

A QUOTE TO NOTE – Rev. E. Anderson

Faith is not simply having assurance but being animated, activated by it until it brings the extraordinary things into being and experience in your life – E. Anderson

DAILY MEDITATIONS

A NOBLE DETERMINATION – Judges 8: 22, 23; Psalm 2

It would have been very easy to have fallen in with the desire of the men of Israel and accepted the ruler-ship of this nation; after all, he had known a remarkable and outstanding success in triumph over their foes that had been such a problem. The logical thing to do was to put him as the head and let him govern, so it seemed. One could have rightly argued, hadn’t the Lord vindicated him as the leader and so it would appear automatic he should be appointed to this distinct role.

Gideon would have none of it either for himself or offspring. He had the wisdom to perceive that this was not the role that the Lord desired him to fulfil. The trouble they had gotten into before was the sheer neglect of the Lord and it was right and proper to see Him in His true place, heading the nation. There was no way that He would seek great things for himself or family. The reason why they had been able to overthrow their enemies was because of Him. He had initiated it and been with them to achieve the supreme conquest.

We do well to follow suit. Let us make sure that we are not rebels as in Psalm 2 but that we desire the Lord as the King of our lives and affairs. There is no doubt about it, accepting and living under His rule we are assured of the best as we lovingly and faithfully obey Him. The challenges will always come up under His inspired leadership and we must not be afraid to respond to whatever he requires. The opportunity may only come once so seize it and make obvious to Him your love, faith and loyalty.

April  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

 “But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you” – Luke 12: 31

Today’s Bible verse is an excerpt from a larger text found in Luke 12:22-34 where Jesus is talking about some of the major things we worry about… Food, clothing, shelter. He encourages us not to worry about these things because we have a loving Father who has promised to provide for us. Jesus uses illustrations of the birds of the air and the lilies in the field to get His point across, that God provides for all that He created.

The premise of today’s promise is this… Your Father in heaven knows what you need and He will be faithful to provide because that is what good fathers do for their kids. Since we do not have to carry the burden of looking after ourselves, we can be free to focus on our Heavenly Father’s kingdom and be about His business.

Personally I have found this text of Scripture to be very challenging at times in my life. Jesus actually says that we do not need to give any thought for our life. I don’t know about you, but I find that difficult to comprehend. Yet, Jesus told us that it is possible to live such a care-free life that we can actually live without worry.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

HEARTS RULING HEADS – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“Unless you have the extra cash on hand, don’t countersign a note. Why risk everything you own? They’ll even take your bed.

Read: Proverbs 22: 26-27

It is sometimes a challenge to know when you should let your heart rule over what your heart is telling you. This is especially difficult when someone you know very well comes to you for some financial assistance, and because of that relationship, you find it more difficult to decline the request.

Your heart wants to help but your head is advising caution because once you put your name to somebody else’s debt problem, your relationship now shifts in its responsibility, from the one you want to help, to the one who is providing the financial service.

It follows then, that from that point on, because you now countersigned the note, that any default on the part of your friend in the payment of that debt, will leave you liable to pay it in full The key phrase in our proverb today is, “Unless have extra cash”, never let your heart rule your head.

Whenever there is a circumstance like this, settle it beforehand that you will only embark on such a venture if you have the surplus funds at hand to do it. And secondly if push  comes to shove, you are quite prepared to lose completely that surplus in the event, for whatever reason, the note you have countersigned is not honoured.

When its hearts verses heads which one do you trust?

A QUOTE TO NOTE – E Anderson

As you have been arrested by Christ you will immediately experience and enter into His REST.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

FAILURE TO ASSIST – Judges 8: 1-21

It would be quite a disappointing moment for Gideon to find the people at Succoth Penuel unwilling to go to battle with them against an awful foe that had done so much damage. They confronted their common foe. Having disposed of two of the kings and evidencing tokens of victory over a common enemy one would have thought they would have been ready to give support and supply vital victuals. They had got the enemy on the run but they were ‘faint, yet pursuing’ – v4. They were not going to give up at that stage. It was imperative to press home the advantage but here people of their own kith and kin obstinate in spirit and attitude.

There was a price to be paid for this later, and events show that Gideon carried through his intentions. He dealt with the enemy and made the offenders see that failure to assist as required was a punishable offence. The folly of these people was duly recompensed as Gideon returned and they were made to see that he was no misguided fool or leader. Their wickedness returns on their own heads. To remain indifferent to the call to fight brought its judgment.

We must never stand idly by when it is in our power to draw alongside and give whatever assistance is needed. An apathetic attitude and cynical spirit is foul and we must avoid it all costs. Let us be wide awake to every God-given opportunity to lend a hand so as to see the enemy completely routed. Seize the moment of standing with others to gain the supreme spiritual mastery. Much more can be accomplished for God together rather than fighting alone. Encouragement is an essential ministry at such times.

April 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

“If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself” – 2 Timothy 2: 13

This is an absolutely wonderful promise! What a picture of the love and kindness of God! Even when we struggle in our faith, He will remain faithful to us because we are part of Him and He can’t deny himself. The New Living Translation says … If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. (NLT)

The Bible says in 1 John 4:16 that God is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 describes the attributes of love. God will remain faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him because that is who He is. Love believes all things, hopes for the best, never gives up.  If you are struggling today with your faith, don’t give up because God won’t give up on you! He loves you with all His heart and He has promised to be faithful even in the times when you are not.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

SOUL DESTROYING – Rev. Bob Stevenson

“Keep away from angry and short-tempered men lest you learn to be like them and endanger your soul”.

Read: Proverbs 22:24-25

The human soul or spirit is a very sensitive capable of displaying incredible strength and fortitude. At the other end of the spectrum it is capable of being severely damaged and subdued. Have you ever heard anyone describe some horrible task they have been called on to fulfil as ‘soul destroying’.

Research has revealed that a need to have a change from the routine of their soul-destroying repetitious tasks so as to protect from emotional shut down In the same way if are exposed to a constant bombardment of outbursts or a short tempered explosive fuse, your spirit is going to be affected in a negative way.

The television is a powerful medium capable communicating all kinds of messages. In an to be so called realistic, outrageous behaviour finds its way into our homes Such behaviour has if making us believe it’s unfortunate capacity to influence the unguarded soul to the point for us to act like that.

Without the counter balance of the Word of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit we can be left defenceless to such unwholesome behaviour Like the assembly line worker we too can reap the consequences of being negatively exposed.

Such exposure will eventually have its unwanted effects with its propensity to destroy our soul

A QUOTE TO NOTE – E Anderson

Faith is not simply having assurance but being animated, activated by it until it brings the extraordinary things into being and experience in your life – E. Anderson

DAILY MEDITATIONS

STRANGE PROCEDURES – Judges 7:16-25

It seemed a very strange method that Gideon adopted to go into the arena of conflict against such strength of numbers as seen in the host of the Midianites – 6: 5; 7:33. Who in their right natural state of mind would have resorted to the measures used by this leader to initiate a battle? The method employed looked ridiculous and mad and no one would have given it any hope of success in the circumstances. Fancy engaging trumpets, pitchers and lamps to start off a war! The Lord does use strange tactics at times but in them is huge success.

This was the way in this instance of going about to bring about the downfall and destruction of the enemy. Maybe it did not fit in with human reasoning but the Lord always had the right and successful procedure no matter what it entailed and Gideon was in on God’s plan.  It must have looked quite a threatening sight in the middle watch of the night to hear the trumpets blasting, the lights shining and hear the word shouted: “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon” – v20. It was enough to create panic and mayhem and cause the enemy to flee.

How essential it is to be in tune with the Lord so that we are able to enforce victory in His way! He always communicates the ideas that work out perfectly so that the inevitable consequence is that He gets all the glory. Remember He has ways and means by which He can achieve the all important conquests in your life and work and you need to be aware of them and apply the same. He is able still to make known the methods and procedures by which your enemies can be routed and overcome. Your real success is dependent upon your total reliance on Him.

April 25^th-16

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

“I waited patiently for Yahweh. He turned to me, and heard my cry – Psalm 40:1

It was King David who wrote this psalm. He was a man who knew a lot about learning to be patient in the midst of extreme hardship. As a teenage boy, he was anointed king of Israel by the prophet Samuel, only to then wait many years to see it come to pass. In between the promise and the fulfillment there was much heartache and suffering.

Not long after the promise, things were looking good for David. He slayed a giant named Goliath, married the king’s daughter and was a national hero in Israel. Then for reasons outside of David’s control, his father-in-law, King Saul, became jealous and decided to hunt David down to kill him.

For many years, David was on the run, hiding in caves and hanging out with some of the most disreputable men of the day. But then a series of events happened that made him king of all Israel. After much heartache and disappointment, David finally saw the fulfillment of God’s promise that he would one day become king.

So when David says, I waited patiently for the Lord and He heard my cry, he knew what he was talking about. No matter what trials you are facing today, God is faithful. As we continue to look to Him to fulfill all the promises He has made to us, may we find strength and encouragement in today’s promise… Wait patiently for Me and I will hear your cry.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

EXPLOITATION – Rev Bob Stevenson

“Don’t rob the poor and sick! For the LORD is their defender. If you injure them he will punish you”.

Read: Proverbs 22: 22-23

Exploitation, by whatever brand name it might happen to be given, is totally abhorrent, not only to the Almighty, but to any normal fair-minded individual. It strikes at the very heart of human decency and is rightly condemned by God Himself.

You see exploitation is the act of taking advantage of somebody’s inadequacy or inability in the full and blatant knowledge they will never be able to fend for themselves. This not only applies to the economically poor of this world but the emotionally, educationally and spiritually poor. In fact exploitation is the mechanism by which people seek to advance themselves, or their aims, at the expense of those less fortunate.

The seventeenth century gave to England the dubious notoriety of what was referred to as “Transportation”. In order to address the criminal remove the prison system out of the sight of so called respectable English gentry, were passed enabling authorities to send convicted felons to the other side of the In his book ‘The Fatal Shore Robert Hughes documents some of the exploitation of the poor who by this system were sent to the penal colonies of Australia for what were then, and still are the most trivial of offences.

Such injuries do not go unnoticed by God who will surely call to account those who gain

A SOUND, SANE AND SWEET SAYING – Rev . Anderson

He that is wise is ‘winsome’ and he that is winsome is ‘wise’.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

FULLY TESTED – Judges 7: 1-7

When the trumpet was sounded and the recruitment took place to enlist for Israel in this battle, 32,000 men responded. It must have been quite and encouraging sight to see all these men ready to fight the cause of God’s people. He knew he was not alone in his desire to see this foe vanquished and to see the folks released from this evil tyranny. Hope must have born in him at this hour that it was possible to take on the enemy and win the day. Instead of being tormented by an opposition in the future they could live in peace and prosperity!

Imagine his surprise when the Lord reveals to him that they are too many and tells him the reason why this is so. In v2 it states: “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, ‘Mine own hand hath saved me’.” There had to be a vast reduction of the numbers and by two procedures it is reduced from 32,000, to 10,000 and then to 300. The Lord gives promise that by this small amount He will effect a supreme victory – v7.  There would be no need to worry about the outcome because the Lord would be with them to ensure a complete triumph. All fear, lack of vigilance and pride had to be removed thus providing the base for success.

How essential it is to be sensitive to what the Lord requires if we are to know the positive experience of victory over all the oppositions of evil! Providing we do the things the way that God plans and reveals the result is certain. When we get things right, as He desires and determines, we are more than a match for everyone and everything that stand against us no matter how numerous and formidable. A handful of people under the true influence and direction of God can work the wonders and miracles and bring resounding success.

April 24^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

“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” – Ephesians 3: 17-19

Today’s promise is part of the amazing prayer that the Apostle Paul prays for the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 3:14-21. In this prayer, Paul makes his requests known to the Father from whom His family in heaven and earth is named after (v 14 & 15) that He might strengthen our inner man by the power of His Holy Spirit.

The whole point of this prayer is that the Holy Spirit would root us deeply in the love of God so that we would have power to be able to know (grasp, understand) the vastness of His immeasurable love that has been given to us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

The love that God has for us cannot be comprehended any other way. It is far too great for us to be able to grasp in our human understanding. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to make God’s love a reality to us. In Romans 5:5, Paul says that God has poured out His love into our hearts by His Spirit.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

EXPLOITATION – Rev Bob Stevenson

“Don’t rob the poor and sick! For the LORD is their defender. If you injure them he will punish you”.

Read: Proverbs 22: 22-23

Exploitation, by whatever brand name it might happen to be given, is totally abhorrent, not only to the Almighty, but to any normal fair-minded individual. It strikes at the very heart of human decency and is rightly condemned by God Himself.

You see exploitation is the act of taking advantage of somebody’s inadequacy or inability in the full and blatant knowledge they will never be able to fend for themselves. This not only applies to the economically poor of this world but the emotionally, educationally and spiritually poor. In fact exploitation is the mechanism by which people seek to advance themselves, or their aims, at the expense of those less fortunate.

The seventeenth century gave to England the dubious notoriety of what was referred to as “Transportation”. In order to address the criminal remove the prison system out of the sight of so called respectable English gentry, were passed enabling authorities to send convicted felons to the other side of the In his book ‘The Fatal Shore Robert Hughes documents some of the exploitation of the poor who by this system were sent to the penal colonies of Australia for what were then, and still are the most trivial of offences.

Such injuries do not go unnoticed by God who will surely call to account those who gain

QUOTES TO NOTE – Robert Browning

Take away love and our earth is a tomb.

A minute’s success pays the failure of years.

Earth changes, but thy soul and God stand sure.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

DIVINE CONFIRMATIONS – Judges 6: 36-40; 7: 9-15

It is most assuring to know that the Lord does desire to give every assurance when enormous challenges face His servants and people that are far beyond their ability to contend with. He wants them to be able to enter the conflict without doubt or fear so that their approach is the best possible. The Lord responds on two occasions here: one solicited the other unsolicited.

On two nights the Lord confirms Gideon’s desire. The fleece of wool on the first night is utterly soaked with dew whilst the ground was dry and the reverse took place the second night. The ground was wet through and the fleece was dry. The second confirmation was in hearing the dream of the Midianite with the cake of barley rolling into the camp of the Midianites and overturning the tent. Gideon knew the interpretation immediately as seen from his word to the people – “Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian” – 7: 15.

You may be looking for the Lord’s confirmation in some vital area of your life. He has many ways of giving the needful assurance, as He wants you to be full of faith and to go ahead and achieve the impossible. Be encouraged to honestly and earnestly seek the Lord for His timely action and word so that you may be emboldened to fulfil His call to fulfil His high expectations. In no way will He let you down as you converse with Him in sincere fashion.

April 23^rd – 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

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him” – James 1:5

God loves it when we ask Him for things we need. In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus encourages us to keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking and our Heavenly Father will give us what we need. In today’s promise, we read that we can ask God for wisdom and He is glad to give it to us.

We all need wisdom to navigate through this life. So what wisdom do you need today that you do not yet have? The New International Version Bible says James 1:5 this way… If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)

Simply ask your Heavenly Papa for the wisdom you need and He will generously give it to you without finding fault in your asking. God is a good Father who gives good gifts to His children. As a matter of fact, every good and perfect gift comes from Him because He is the Father of Lights (James 1:17).

WISDOM THAT WORKS

RUNS ON THE BOARD – Rev. Bob Stevenso

“In the past, haven’t I been right? Then believe what I am telling you now and” share it with others

Read: Proverbs 22:20-22

The cricketing legend of Australia will always be remembered because of the fact that was able to put more runs on the scoreboard than any other batsman ever. His name was Sir Donald Bradman. Even if you are not cricket fan, the chances are, that you ha probably heard his name. lt may well be that incredible record of scoring more Test Cricket runs than anyone else, could be surpassed, he will always be Australian cricket’s national icon, simply because he put the “runs on the board”.

We now use this phrase to describe somebody credibility in their field of expertise. We say some heart or brain surgeon who we may recommend to a potential patient, “Oh they certainly have the runs on the board”. Thus indicating, that their operational success rate of an incredibly high order, and therefore can absolutely trusted to produce a good outcome whenever it is required!

It’s the same with the following thirty snippets of wisdom you are going to read a over the next thirty day period. They are tried and tested, and can be relied upon to bring the best possible outcome for you.

If you are prepared to trust their credibility, reliability and track record then you can assured of a good outcome because God say so!

QUOTES TO NOTE – Josh Billings

There are lots of people who mistake their imagination for their memory.

Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute.

Wisdom has never made a bigot, but learning has.

Laughter is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it principally in one place.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

AN INSPIRED MOMENT – Judges 6: 33-35; Acts 2

No sooner is the situation resolved when he discovers that the armies of Midianites are gathered together to taken on Israel and reduce them to further humility and poverty – v33. Everything is brought together to settle the prevailing issue. One senses the hand of God in it all indicating all was being set for a timely and triumphant conquest. Far too long God’s people had been under the heel of the oppressor and it was right that there should be a great, divine reversal. The Lord was supremely in charge and control right from the onset and had everything perfectly in hand and prepared.

The significant answer to the sight of the opposition was what took place next. It states: “But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon,” – v34. This was the best and finest thing that could happen to him. The divine inspiration flowed and a new dynamic took over that caused the adrenalin to stream forth. He sensed he was being renewed by God ready for the next move. In putting his lips to the trumpet there was a clarion call that went forth that divinely stirred his kinsman and 32,000 men arrive for the contest. He began to be assured that the battle was truly on God’s agenda and that there would be a routing of the enemy.

There are given moments in the Christian Church’s history when there is to be a real contest with the spiritual forces of darkness and evil. In our generation at this time there is the gathering of its foes that desire to humiliate the Church and reduce it to being a non-entity. In responding to the call of God in consecration we, too, can receive the inspiration of His presence and power and begin to marshall the Christian ranks for supreme and outright victory. It is the hour for the valiant to emerge and bring devastation to the powers of evil.

 April 22^nd – 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

“Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn’t God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him?” – James 2:5

The gospel is good news for the poor. Jesus told us in Matthew 5 that blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3). In today’s Scripture, James is reminding us that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs to the glorious kingdom that He promised to all who loved Him.

May this promise give strength to the weak, hope to the hopeless and encouragement to every person who feels like they are not living ‘on top of the food chain’ in the system of the world. God is for the underdog. He has always been for the lowly heart because He Himself is lowly in heart.

The kingdom of God is a kingdom where the weak will be made strong, the poor will be made rich, and the foolish will be made wise (1 Corinthians 1:26-30). The more that we see that the gospel is about God doing for us what we could not do for ourselves, the more we will rejoice in His promise to make us rich in faith and heirs to His glorious kingdom. For me, this really is good news! …That means I qualify!

WISDOM THAT WORKS

SPARE THE ROD – Rev. Bob. Stevenson

“A youngster’s heart is full of rebellion, but punishment will drive it out of him”

Read: Proverbs 22: 15

This is the proverb in the Bible that gets most misquoted although the sentiment is just the same. Have you ever heard anyone quote this verse by saying, “spare the rod and spoil the child?” I must confess that I do tend to go for the King James version which goes like this; “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child but the rod of correction will drive it far from him”. Now in these days of enlightenment when corporal punishment, especially for children is a no-no, this little piece of God’s wisdom may not be too popular in certain quarters.

However, I can now testify from personal experience that on the occasions, when the rod (hand) of correction was applied to my seat (posterior) of learning, it had a very good tempering effect on my attitude.

I well remember how shocked I was to evidence when in answer to what had been a reasonable to do something their reply was an emphatic “NO!” So, faced with this response I did the same thing my mother did to me. Although not very pleasant for any us at the time, to spare that short-term pain would have spoiled that healthy respect for authority even though I might not like it

QUOTES TO NOTE – William Blake

To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower Hold infinity in the palms of your hand and eternity in an hour.

Think in the morning. Act in the noon. Eat in the evening. Sleep in the night.

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.

The man who never in his mind and thoughts travelled to heaven is no artist.

DAILY MEDIATIONS

A REAL CHALLENGE – Judges 6: 25-32;

Eventually there came the moment of real challenge to this choice servant of God. The introductions are over and it is time to get down to the real business and it is not the immediate attack of the Midianites but the issue of attending to matters on the home front. If things were to truly go ahead then the evil of idolatry had to be dealt with. Drastic measures had to be adopted to throw down the altar of Baal and to cut down the grove by it and to build an altar to the Lord -vv25. 26. It was a situation that he could have readily run away from but it had to be confronted.

The challenge was accepted even though it meant doing it by night and being found out it in the morning. He went through with the demand that was placed upon him thus showing his courage and determination and his desire to do what God required. When it was discovered who had performed this deed he found his father standing by him and the Lord resolving the situation. They were now in a position to deal with the major problem of a foe that had to be contended and conquered and reduced to impotency. Through God it was a possibility.

Possibly you are being held up in your life of faith and victory because some issue of spiritual importance lay unresolved within your life and work. You have allowed something in your affairs and experience that is detrimental to a vibrant relationship with God and the knowledge of His greater things within your life and service. Be big and bold enough to settle the matter before Him and move on to the next vital stage of developments that will ensure complete victory.

April 21^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 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

“You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him” – Ephesians 6:9

In today’s Scripture verse, Paul the Apostle is giving instruction to the Church on how masters should treat their servants. He reminds them that they also have a Master in heaven who doesn’t show favortism so we should be careful not to mistreat those who are under our own supervision either.

Ephesians 6:9 in the New International Version Bible says it this way… And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. (NIV)

God does not play favorites! Every son and daughter is equal at His table. Of course we are called to submit to every authority that God has instituted in heaven and on earth, but it is clear that God does not favor one of His kids over the other. The truth of the matter is that we are ALL His favorites!

There is only one speed in which our God and Father can love… and that is with ALL His heart. In John 17:23, Jesus while praying to His Father says… I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (ESV)

The Father loves you and me with the same love that He loves Jesus! It is a wonderful thought to think that we are loved that much, but it is true. God does not show favouritism in His family. He loves ALL of us with ALL His heart.

WISDOM THAT WORKS

CURSED OF GOD – Rev. Bob Stevenson

 “A prostitute is a dangerous trap those cursed God are caught in it”.

Read: Proverbs 22:14

Wow!  The very thought of it sends shivers down my spine when it is presented like that. Now l am fully aware that both blessing and cursing are within the scope of my power to choose anytime, In fact in Deuteronomy chapter 28 the Israelites were presented with both options on the basis of their willingness to obey the word of God through Moses, or,  reject it if they so chose. I am also aware of the total depravity of the human heart to go to depths of debauchery and evil, the like of which I could never imagine. But when it gets declared like this, ‘cursed of God‘ you begin to get the awesome message of what the Bible calls the goodness and severity of God.

We do quite rightfully focus more on the love, grace, kindness and long-suffering of the Almighty, and as followers of Jesus we have indeed “Tasted and seen that the Lord is gracious”. (Psalm 34:8) However, the fact of the matter is clear for all of us to observe. There is a line that can be crossed, when even the long suffering and patience of the Lord is finally exhausted. When the canopy of his protection is withdrawn and we are left vulnerable to all the influences of the works of darkness.

It is a dreadful day indeed to be labelled the cursed of God but thankfully His mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:23)

QUOTES TO NOTE – Henry Ward Beecher

Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself.

We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves.

Of all the music that reached farthest into heaven, it is the beating of a loving heart.

We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have travelled from the point where they started.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

DIVINE PEACE – Judges 6: 22-24; John 20: 19-23

God’s servant, Gideon, was somewhat shaken and alarmed by this incident and felt his own existence was being threatened – v22. This unique, glorious experience made him feel his life was endangered. He was awe-struck in the presence of this awesome messenger and sensed real inferiority and intimidated.  His cry: “Alas, O Lord God!” reveals that he felt shattered by the disclosure. At this point the Lord seeks to create and develop faith in his being.

But the Lord immediately puts his spirit at ease and his mind into a restful mood by saying, “Peace be unto you . . .” His being becomes flooded with and possessed with the peace of God and so all his fears were quickly put to rest. The response to this is noteworthy. He erects and altar to the Lord and calls it – ‘Jehovah Shalom’ that means the Lord my peace. This indicates that he had become the possessor of a choice attribute of God and one that would serve him well in the task ahead. Christ came in resurrection life and power and greeted His disciples with this message, “Peace be unto you” – John 20: 21. All was well and would end up well because He was in charge of their lives and all future operations.

It is now that the Lord would assure you of this essential spiritual quality and commodity. You and everything for today and tomorrow is in His trustworthy hands and so you can be at perfect rest. Let God’s peace possess you now and determine the route ahead – Philippians 4: 7. Whatever the Lord has been pleased to do in and with others in the past can be surpassed by Him in the present. He looks to you now that you will be prepared to believe and calmly trust His workings.