Barnabas Ministries UK

Mar 31^st

Rev. E. Anderson

WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Thought for the Day follows an instructive theme for everyday of the Week. In the next few days we will be considering ‘fulfilment’. During your life and stay of earth and within the church of Christ you must be able to perform so that you achieve your God-given destiny. Christ lived a fulfilled life and at the end he could say to His heavenly Father, “I have finished the work you gave me to do”. So you, too, must be able to complete your course in life and work.

FULFILMENT– IN ASSISTING IN HOSPITALITY – Acts 16: 14, 15, 40

How grateful people should be to those who go out of their way to open up their homes and to provide loving hospitality! The apostle Paul was most thankful for these kind of people that were ready at an instant to go out of their way to demonstrate love and kindness in a beautiful manner. Amongst the great list was Lydia who not only received the Gospel, opening her heart to the Christian message, she was prepared to house the apostle and others and cater for their physical needs.

She evidently sensed she had the opportunity and gift to use her material assets to bless God’s servants and in so doing do her part in building the kingdom of God. By providing food and a place to rest she was able to bring physical renewal to these gifted servants of Christ and so aid them in their mission. When Paul was released from the Philippian jail, he knew where he was welcome – v40.

It does speak of ministries within the body of Christ as ‘given to hospitality.’ This means making your home and what you possess to be at the disposal of others. This still needs pursuing today in our modern society. Why lock a preacher or Christians in a hotel when they can have the advantage of time with the saints? It mentions in Scripture that ‘some have entertained angels unaware’. Develop the gift of hospitality and see who you can assist when opportunity knocks.

QUOTES TO NOTE – Fear

After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. Nelson Mandela

SACRED SONGS

Out of my Bondage Sorrow and Night

These verses express all that can occur when a person really comes to Christ and places their faith in Him and His ministry. When He is allowed inside the heart and life He has the capacity to do some extraordinary things. Certainly life and experience does not remain the same. He deals with the worst of conditions and imparts the best and leaves life enriched and renewed. There is no doubt about it. He totally transforms now and prepares for heaven!

1/.  Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy freedom, gladness and light, Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of my sickness into Thy health, Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee.

2/.  Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm, Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee.

3/.  Out of unrest and arrogant pride, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy blessed will to abide, Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love, Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove, Jesus, I come to Thee.

4/.  Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus I come, Jesus I come;
Into the joy and light of Thy home, Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of the depths of ruin untold, Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee. 

DAILY MEDITATIONS

A FALSE CONFIDENCE AND HOPE – Isaiah 30

Here the Lord is taking His people to task over a very serious matter.  Instead of placing their faith and trust in Him in the light of a threatened foe of great might, they were turning to Egypt for assistance. He did not come into their reckoning, plans or confidence. They were ready to pay through the nose and go to this foreign nation and pin their hopes in their strength and ability to deliver them rather than turn to the Lord and seek His aid. This was a sinful maneuver that annoyed Him and in the long run would prove costly to them in every way.

In spite of this attitude and action, there is this appeal of the Lord at this late hour. This is what is stated: “The Sovereign LORD, The Holy One of Israel says, ‘Only in returning unto Me and waiting for Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength’” – v15. The enemy or circumstances need not alarm them if only they would truly repent and resort to placing their complete trust in Him. If history had anything to teach them it was this: He had been up to every crisis before and work supernaturally on their behalf. He would not fail them even at this hour!

One of the things that always needs taking account of is one’s faith in God. Often the believer is reduced to situations where assistance of an extraordinary nature is required. It is easy to panic and take fright and to hasten to all kinds of people and remedies to find an answer. The wonderful thing is: God is always around and is truly interested in showing His love and power. He seeks to develop the faith of His people. Do not allow your confidence in God to be eroded or taken from you but trust Him completely in your difficulty and He will certainly personally answer you.

Mar 30^th

Rev. E. Anderson

WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Thought for the Day follows an instructive theme for everyday of the Week. In the next few days we will be considering ‘fulfilment’. During your life and stay of earth and within the church of Christ you must be able to perform so that you achieve your God-given destiny. Christ lived a fulfilled life and at the end he could say to His heavenly Father, “I have finished the work you gave me to do”. So you, too, must be able to complete your course in life and work.

FULFILMENT- IN ANSWERED PRAYER – 1 Samuel 1-3

It is a very seemingly disappointing thing to pray and not get an immediate answer. Any delay appears to worsen the situation. It is known that God does hear and answer prayer but protracted periods of waiting are testing and not welcome. Hannah discovered this in her life. How she longed to have a child and prayed sincerely and trustfully concerning the same but there was response from heaven. It appears to have been worsened by the fact that her opposite number. Penninah readily gave birth and this put pressure on Hannah.

But Hannah was not going to give up easily. Even though matters got very protracted she made it her business to continue to call on God. Eli the high priest ultimately recognised her genuineness and prayer and said to her: “the God of Israel grant you your petition that you have asked of Him” – 1 Sam 1:17. She laid hold of that and expectation in spirit became hers which was followed by another expectation born in her womb. When the boy was born she called him – ‘Samuel’ = asked of God.

Maybe the Lord is teaching you a similar lesson. The thing or things you have prayed for appear quite legitimate but, as yet; there is no sign of fulfilment. Do not despair and be reduced to doubt. Rise above all the negativity knowing that as you persist you will prevail. In His time and way the Lord will manifest both His grace and power and you will be revelling in the answers.

QUOTES TO NOTE – Fear

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Nelson Mandela

SACRED SONGS

Talk with us LORD, Thyself Reveal

This is another great hymn of Charles Wesley which expresses the desire of the believer to hear, know and receive the messages for the heavenly Lord. It is very needful and choice experiences to have the Lord speak personally and to value what He has to say. He always speaks the appropriate word and as responded to yields utmost benefit to life and living. May you sense His presence today and hear Him speak clearly so that you might be lifted into a greater and better way of living.

1/. Talk with us, Lord, Thyself reveal, While here o’er earth we rove;
Speak to our hearts, and let us feel The kindling of Thy love.

2/. With Thee conversing, we forget All time, and toil, and care;
Labour is rest, and pain is sweet, If Thou, my God, art here.

3/. Here, then, my God, vouchsafe to stay, And bid my heart rejoice;
My bounding heart shall own Thy sway, And echo to Thy voice.

4/. Thou callest me to seek Thy face, ’Tis all I wish to seek;
To attend the whispers of Thy grace, And hear Thee inly speak.

5/. Let this my every hour employ, Till I Thy glory see;
Enter into my master’s joy, And find my heaven in Thee.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

BEING REAL WITH GOD – Isaiah 29

As the Lord reviewed and examined the actual spiritual condition of this ancient people He had formed a true judgment concerning them. He had concluded that this people were hypocrites – play actors. The decision was “These people say they are mine. They honour Me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. And their worship amounts to nothing more than human laws learned by rote” – v13. It was a terrible indictment upon their professed spiritual belief and conduct. They could say all the right things and put on a religious show but it possessed no genuine content. There was a lack of reality in their relationship with and worship of God.

It was a very serious offence but the people did not sense any heart conviction of their wrong. Blindly and foolishly they were going through all the varied rites and motions and felt justified in their behaviour. But it was all pretence and the Lord highlights the evil. This was very much manifest in a class of people in Christ’s day who had a form of godliness and that is all that it was. There was no true accord with God nor was there any genuine expression of goodness and righteousness in their lifestyle. And so, it came under the censure of Christ in a big way.

This evil still exists. It can beset the Christian so a watchful eye must be kept on this so that it does not take root and become the practice of any believer. The thing can be defined as profession without possession; professing to be without actually knowing and experiencing a dynamic relationship with Christ. Be on your guard against this sinister evil of duplicity so that you do not fall foul of it.

Mar 29^th

Rev. E. Anderson

WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Thought for the Day follows an instructive theme for everyday of the Week. In the next few days we will be considering ‘fulfilment’. During your life and stay of earth and within the church of Christ you must be able to perform so that you achieve your God-given destiny. Christ lived a fulfilled life and at the end he could say to His heavenly Father, “I have finished the work you gave me to do”. So you, too, must be able to complete your course in life and work.

FULFILMENT – INTO ONE’S CALLING – 2 Kings 2

Elisha never had any doubt that he had been called by God to fulfil the role of a prophet. When Elijah first encountered him he was ready to move out in an instant to be with him and serve as his apprentice – 1 Kings 19; 19-21. The older servant of God must have been quite impressed by his sudden and total commitment and had every reason to be pleased by the young man’s love and loyalty. How keen and devoted he tuned out to be! But Elisha was expecting much more so that he could be totally fulfilled in and for Jehovah.

The home-call of Elijah was the perfect moment for him to become more fulfilled. He would not let the old prophet out of his sights and how inspired he must have been when Elijah asked what was his primary desire. He was instant in answering: “I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” – 2 Kings 2: 9. When Elijah’s mantle was left behind he knew that it was his to be clothed with and to be used with telling effect.

As you have been summoned by the Lord to fulfil a divine vocation, how can you rest until it has been fully realised? The example of Elisha must spur you into faith and action so that you leave a trail of spiritual blessing in your wake, where other lives are impacted and set ablaze for the Lord. The only way you can not suffer disappointment is by being fulfilled in and by the Lord for Him   You have been called to be fulfilled.

QUOTES TO NOTE – Fear

It always seems impossible until it’s done. Nelson Mandela

SACRED SONGS

Make Me a Captive, Lord

The secret of a very released, fulfilled and satisfied Christian life is found in complete surrender to Jesus Christ. Only when there is a complete yieldedness to Him in life and service is there any real blessedness and delight in real achievement. Sometimes it takes Christ a great deal of love, patience and input to bring this about but he ever works to this great end.

George Matheson, D.D., was born at Glasgow, March 27, 1842, and although deprived of his eyesight in youth he passed a brilliant course at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated M.A. in 1862. In 1868 he became the parish minister at Innellan; and subsequently of St. Bernard’s, Edinburgh. He was the Baird Lecturer in 1881, and St. Giles Lecturer in 1882. He has published several important prose works. His poetical pieces were collected and published in 1890 as Sacred Songs,

1/.  Make me a captive, Lord, and then I shall be free;
Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be.
I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand;
Imprison me within thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.

2/.  My heart is weak and poor  until it master find;
It has no spring of action sure, it varies with the wind.
It cannot freely move  till thou hast wrought its chain;
Enslave it with thy matchless love,  and deathless it shall reign.

3/.  My power is faint and low  till I have learned to serve;
It lacks the needed fire to glow, it lacks the breeze to nerve;
it cannot drive the world  until itself be driven;
Its flag can only be unfurled  when thou shalt breathe from heaven.

4/. My will is not my own  till thou hast made it thine;
If it would reach a monarch’s throne,  it must its crown resign;
It only stands unbent  amid the clashing strife,
When on thy bosom it has leant, and found in thee its life.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

THE PROCESS OF DIVINE LEARNING – Isaiah 28

The best and finest tutor that Israel could know was the Lord. How He wanted to mentor them aright and guide them in the knowledge that would enhance their experience and worth. The question is raised in v9 – “Whom shall He teach knowledge?”  This nation needed to be schooled and taught those truths that, if accepted and applied, would make them wise in the knowledge of God and His ways, make them sound in faith and conduct and produce a quality of life and destiny that would be sublime. If they listened aright they would learn that which would profit them.

There is the process expressed in which the Lord would be their Teacher in v10. It would be a gradual procedure – “precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, and there a little.” This shows He willed to go at their pace of learning and would not put them under pressure as long as they increased in understanding and learning. He was not hard or brutal in His approach in seeking to properly instruct them in essential knowledge that would make them into a great people. As they wisely and humbly sat at His feet He would distill doctrine that would enrich them in every way.

Within Christendom there is the demand to be truly instructed in vital Christian doctrine that will aid the believer grow in a perfect understanding of God, life, faith, ministry etc., so that there will come absolute fulfilment on all fronts. John, in his epistles, makes the point ‘that you may know.’ As you begin to know divine truth, and as it is incorporated into life, it will cause you to grow. Seek to take in the invaluable teaching that is presented in the New Testament epistles, and as you do so, there will come the gradual growth of God in your belief, being and behaviour.

Mar 28^th

Rev. E. Anderson

WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Thought for the Day follows an instructive theme for everyday of the Week. In the next few days we will be considering ‘fulfilment’. During your life and stay of earth and within the church of Christ you must be able to perform so that you achieve your God-given destiny. Christ lived a fulfilled life and at the end he could say to His heavenly Father, “I have finished the work you gave me to do”. So you, too, must be able to complete your course in life and work.

FULFILMENT – IN MARRIAGE – Ruth 1-4

No doubt Ruth must have been delighted to have married one of Naomi’s sons and become part of the Jewish people. Her prospects for the future seemed to be vastly improved by such a union. How tragic it appeared when she experienced his death and the other men-folk in the family unit!  It looked as if her future was doomed. She decided to throw in her lot with Naomi as she returned to Bethlehem, trusting Jehovah to work her future out.

How lovely to read that some glorious plans are ahead that she knew nothing about would settle everything. The Lord had lined up for a wonderful man who would become her life’s partner and open the years ahead in grand style. She was not to spend her days being a widow. There was a Boaz who was rich and caring and would accept total responsibility for her welfare and her mother-in-law, too. Out of seeming tragedy a lovely love story and marriage emerges with the birth of the Davidic and Messianic line!

As you put the Lord first in your life, He can so direct affairs that the right and best person for you turns up to whom you can be wedded. He is interested in you discovering the best individual suited who shall be your close partner and through who whom worthwhile things can be born. Make sure that He is allowed to play the match-maker and all will turn out well in His providential dealings.

QUOTES TO NOTE – Fear

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. Mark Twain

SACRED SONGS

Father Of Jesus Christ, My Lord

This is one of Charles Wesley’s faith inspiring hymns that we need to know, believe and sing. They are words that get into your spirit and inspire to trust God for the impossible and this is what should occur in the Christian believer’s life and experience. We have a miraculous God who loves to perform miracles for his offspring. It is time once again to see His goodness in the manifestation of His extraordinary love and power.

1/. Father of Jesus Christ, my Lord, My Saviour and my Head;
I trust in Thee, Whose powerful Word Hath raised Him from the dead.

2/. Eternal life to all mankind Thou hast in Jesus given;

And all who seek, in Him shall find The happiness of heaven.

3/. Faith in Thy power, Thou seest I have for thou this faith hast wrought;

Dead souls Thou callest from the grave, And seekest worlds from nought.

4/ In hope, against all human hope, Self desperate, I believe;
Thy quickening Word shall raise me up,  Thou shalt Thy Spirit give.

5/. The thing surpasses all my though, but faithful is my Lord;

Through unbelief I stagger not For God hath spoke the word.
6/. Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, and looks to that alone;
Laughs at impossibilities, and cries, “It shall be done!”

DAILY MEDITATIONS

A PROMISE OF PROSPECT – Isaiah 27

The Lord’s elect household needed some assurance because the days ahead were going to be very difficult. They would come to the position where they would believe they were written off as a people and nation and so there was no real future. In His foreknowledge the Lord knows this and speaks a prophetic word affirming that in spite of the threat, there would be divine intervention to transform the situation.  The word comes: “He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit” – v6. There will be a renewed establishment of Israel and a broader universal influence.

It is something that the Lord will do and achieve through His sovereign grace and power. Instead of being a non-entity, He will bring them back to firmly plant and nourish the rooting process. All will be amazed as they see the budding, blooming of the nation and in making it a blessing to all nations. The fruit will be of such a nature that it will convince everyone that God has changed it for the better and to bring untold benefit to all. What the Lord desired originally of it will come to pass at the end and they will serve to honour Him to all peoples.

God has planted the Christian Church in and through Christ to be a very productive plant. Each Christian is to be rooted in Christ and be brought to the place where they sprout, flower and evidence the nature of Christ with a divine quality of life. In learning to live and abide in Christ (see John 15) they are enabled to generate a divine fruitfulness that is ever on going. It is a case of fruit, more fruit and much fruit that will bless others. As you are fixed in and fed by Christ, His Word and the Holy Spirit, you will fructify and enrich all around you.

FURTHER NOTES FROM THE MINOR PROPHETS

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THE ASSURANCES OF GOD

HAGGAI 2

Having responded to the stirring words of the prophet from the Lord, and the spiritual and practical movement having commenced, the Lord now takes things a further stage forward. He utters great assurances that were intended to inspire and assist the leaders and people in a greater way. By these messages He was revealing that their endeavour would not be a waste of time and energy but there would be inevitably good returns. The assurances were great because they came from a great God and would be wrought in a great manner and measure.

1/. THE ASSURANCE REGARDING THE PEOPLE -vv1-5

The thing that essentially mattered at the start was that they should set to work with a good heart with regard to the building of the Temple. They must not be disheartened because in material substance it was nothing in comparison to the sanctuary built by Solomon.  It had to be remembered that circumstances were different then in many ways. In comparison the people now were much fewer and less prosperous. The vital thing was to become excited at the prospect of seeing a building built for God. It should be approached with good will etc., because the Lord was amongst them by His Spirit.

2/. THE ASSURANCE REGARDING THE TEMPLE -vv6-9

They need not be too concerned as to the outcome if they did their part. The Lord gives real prophetic testimony here by stating that abundance of treasures would come to this Temple and that the glory of this house would be greater than the former. Peace would be its hallmark. They need not worry about the aspect of silver and gold because it was all His. What they were doing was worth going for. 

3/. THE ASSURANCE REGARDING THE LAND – vv10-19

As they gave themselves to obedience to His Word they would discover something uniquely taking place in the following harvest. Already the seed that was to be sown was divinely blessed and as a result would yield prolifically.  The curse would be off the land and there would be a bumper harvest for all. Not only blessing on the land but on their lives. They would discover very soon that as they had meant work and given themselves to God’s business He had given Himself to their welfare.

4/. THE ASSURANCE REGARDING THE MAN – vv20-23 

The ultimate assurance is to Zerubbabel a leader and an individual who must have given a real lead in matters. He also stood representative of the people. He is informed of what was going to happen around amongst the nations. There is the great prediction of the fact that he will be honoured by the Lord. Best of all he is told that he is a chosen person, choice in the sight of the Lord and in a special place of close relationship – a signet ring on the finger of the Lord. It will certainly be because the LORD Almighty has spoken!

Mar 27^th – 2017

Rev. E. Anderson

WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Thought for the Day follows an instructive theme for everyday of the Week. In the next few days we will be considering ‘fulfilment’. During your life and stay of earth and within the church of Christ you must be able to perform so that you achieve your God-given destiny. Christ lived a fulfilled life and at the end he could say to His heavenly Father, “I have finished the work you gave me to do”. So you, too, must be able to complete your course in life and work.

FULFILMENT – INTO THE PROMISED LAND – Joshua 3

It was ever the intention of the Lord that His people should enter and possess the inheritance promised to Abraham. It was not His will that they should live and exist in the desert indefinitely. The time came when God’s people need to get a new vision and passion and fulfil the expectations that had been promised. No longer were they to linger and longer in a dissatisfied situation. The prospects that the Lord had in mind was good and so a fresh beginning was called for.

Thankfully there were two good, courageous, believing men that were ready for action. Joshua was summoned to take over the leadership after Moses departure and he did not hesitate. There was a formidable obstacle to negotiate at the outset and the Lord gave clear direction how Jordan’s river was to be crossed. He who parted the Red Sea was still up to performing another miracle and also secure the downfall of Jericho. They were to enjoy an unprecedented and memorable movement into the Promised Land. What fulfilment took place at the outset!

So the challenge is before you: either stay put where you and exist in fear and doubt and lack of realisation or move into all that God has planned and promised. Do not merely exist but be filled with a heavenly and holy enthusiasm sensing this is your day for great dreams to be realised. Be amazed and wonder as you look back and see where the Lord has brought you from and what he has brought you into – A LAND OF GOOD THINGS.

QUOTES TO NOTE – Fear

If you want to conquer fear, don’t sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. Dale Carnegie Motivational, Home,

SACRED SONGS

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

A lovely hymn to be sang on the Lord’s day morning together. On this choice day of the week it is good to set the mind and heart in the right place with the Lord so that all will flow as it should in glorious living and service. To be in a quiet place of being where he can input and infuse with His presence and word so that things may move further ahead in relationship and labour,

John Greenleaf Whittier, the American Quaker poet, was born at Haverhill, Massachusetts, Dec. 17, 1807. He began life as a farm-boy and shoemaker, and subsequently became a successful journalist, editor and poet. In 1828 he became editor of the American Manufacturer (Boston), in 1830 of the New England Review, and an 1836 (on becoming Secretary to the American Anti-Slavery Society) of the Pennsylvania Freeman. He was also for some time, beginning with 1847, the corresponding editor of the National Era.

1/.  Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways;
Reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.

2/.  In simple trust like theirs who heard beside the Syrian sea
The gracious calling of the Lord, let us, like them, without a word
Rise up and follow thee.

3/.  O Sabbath rest by Galilee, O calm of hills above,
Where Jesus knelt to share with thee the silence of eternity,
Interpreted by love!

4/. Drop thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of thy peace.

5/.  Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm!

DAILY MEDITATIONS

PERFECT PEACE– Isaiah 26

The Lord gives an assurance that His people will enter into the blessedness of perfect peace. In point of fact there is an emphasis here. It should read, “peace, peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee” – v3. According to Adam Clarke it means as in keeping with the Jewish greeting – “Shalom, shalom” and implies “peace upon peace – all kinds of peace – happiness in this world and in the world to come.” God’s own peace is transmitted to those who learn to place their mind on Him. As this is done, His mind and spirit begins to flow through and produces a composed and balanced state from which life is to be governed.

The word ‘keep’ is that used of a garrison that is well fortified and protected and can resist all that would seek to besieged and conquer. The within is in a place of strength and security because there is the personal sense that the omnipotent Lord is in absolute and perfect control. Faith relies upon Him and discovers that He is altogether sufficient to deal with all that would offend and seek to demean and destroy. God’s people were to know beyond any doubt that He would defend them and preserve them from all evil and make their way prosperous.

Every Christian believer can experience this peace in and through Christ. Both thought and emotion can be kept perfectly stabilized and composed so that nothing and no one will be able to create panic and turmoil. The promise is given when all is handed over to the Lord: “and the peace of God that passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4: 7. Enter into your divine legacy of peace right now and let it direct your life in all things at all times.

Mar 26^th – 2017

Rev. E. Anderson

WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Thought for the Day follows an instructive theme for everyday of the Week. In the next few days we will be considering ‘fulfilment’. During your life and stay of earth and within the church of Christ you must be able to perform so that you achieve your God-given destiny. Christ lived a fulfilled life and at the end he could say to His heavenly Father, “I have finished the work you gave me to do”. So you, too, must be able to complete your course in life and work.

FULFILMENT IN WORK THAT IS DEMANDING – Genesis 6-8

Work can demand a lot of hard labour, toil and sweat before anything is constructed and brought to fulfilment. One can take encouragement from the fact that although Noah and his sons were given a gigantic task to perform in the building of the ark; they seemingly responded readily to God. There had been no rain up to that point in time, yet he accepted the revelation of God and acted responsibly.

It was not a five minute exercise but required commitment and diligence of an extraordinary kind until all was consummated. There may have been moments of frustration, weariness and exhaustion, but there was a will present to persist until all was completed. The bones may have severely ached at times, but somehow they were inspired and emboldened to keep at it till they saw the boat fully made.

Know what the LORD has assigned to you even of a practical order and do not shirk in the enterprise. There are times when you must roll your sleeves up, bend your back, step out and get on with the specific directions you have received. He will be alongside to lend a hand and grant all that is required until all is brought to pass with immense satisfaction. Don’t merely dream, get on with what you know has been detailed from Him

QUOTES TO NOTE – Fear

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ Eleanor Roosevelt

SACRED SONGS

Speak, Lord, in Thy Stillness

The Christian believer should discover and know the voice and word of the Lord amidst life and experience. For it to become a constant and vital reality, there must be the learning to sit quietly before Him and to have one’s mind and heart to open to Him. This has to be cultivated over the course of time. It becomes the most profitable engagement of life in relationship with God. Make sure you spend time in His presence today and hear what He has to say to you.

1/.  Speak, Lord, in the stillness while I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen in expectancy.

2/.  Speak, O blessed Master, in this quiet hour;
Let me see your face, Lord, feel your touch of power.

3/.  For the words You speak, Lord, they are life indeed;
Living bread from heaven, now on my spirit feed!

4/.  All to You is yielded, I am not my own;
Blissful, glad surrender,  I am yours alone.

5/.  Fill me with the knowledge of your glorious will;
All your own good pleasure in your child fulfil.

DAILY MEDITATIONS  

A CONSOLING TRUTH – Isaiah 25

The prophet is simply thrilled with the Lord as He receives a further revelation of God and His deeds. He cannot help but praise and honour God as he reflects upon the Lord’s plans and accomplishments. There is every reason to magnify Him when he contemplates the way He has dealt with wicked people and nations. At the end of the day these will all have to acknowledge the supremacy of the Lord. They will recognize their folly and have to confess the glory and power of the real Head of the World.

He can rejoice that in spite of the evil and pressure that is exerted, the poor and needy have discovered a retreat, relief and resource at such times. Even when the storm and oppression of evil has been manifested, the Lord has been able to succour and support those who have been under such withering attacks. A divine shade and covering has been provided from the severe heat that would have destroyed and finished them off. The consoling truth is that He has and will be the needful protection from all harm.

There is no change here: the Lord is the One that is the Refuge of His people. As He throws His presence around and about His own, He is able to safeguard them and their interests. The poor are rich when they have Him watching over their persons and welfare. It is possible for you to discover amidst all the heat and pressure of evil and circumstances that would destroy that He can and will be your essential cover. The psalmist could say: “I will fear no evil for You are with me” – Psalm 23: 4. Be assured, He is able to provide all the covering you will ever require in life and bring you through every trying experience richer and fully blessed.

Mar 25^th – 2017

Rev. E. Anderson

WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Thought for the Day follows an instructive theme for everyday of the Week. To be able to achieve and succeed in daily living we require strength. One may have all the ‘know-how’ but have little or no strength to perform and do. It is imperative that you have the life and energy physically, spiritually, morally, mentally etc., so that you see things coming to pass that will gladden your days. The Scriptures are present to guide you into knowing how to know strength of an incredible nature be yours to achieve.

STRENGTH – To Overcome the Greatest of Conflicts – Hebrews 12: 1- 3

Hebrews 11 gives a great list of people who knew what it was to receive and express strength in their day and generation amidst immense trials.. .It says of them that ‘out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight’ – v34. But then attention is turned in chapter 12 to Christ who knew what it was to manifest exceptional strength in His conflict with Satan, sin and suffering. His final hours saw Him in great natural weakness but at the same time exuding immense power and enduring until He had won. His final words were: It is finished’ and “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’. They are the words of a Victor.

The whole of Christendom must learn to look to Him as its example and draw from Him His reserves of life and courage that enables to complete and register conquest. No matter what lies before, those who profess Christ must discover that through His enabling presence and input they can more than answer every trying situation. Church history is replete with story after story of ordinary Christians sensing the extraordinary inflow from Christ and witnessing amazing triumphs.

The positive assurance that was in the apostle must become an integral part of your faith language. He said and meant it: “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me” – Phil 4: 13. Impotent people can be inspired and reinforced with the might of heaven and more than deal with all that would challenge. The greatest conflicts can be turned into the grandest of conquests.

QUOTES TO NOTE – Family

A real man loves his wife, and places his family as the most important thing in life. Nothing has brought me more peace and content in life than simply being a good husband and father. Frank Abagnale Life, Father, Peace

SACRED SONGS

I’m Pressing on the Upward Way,

The real strength of Christian life and living is having a clear vision and to keep on whatever happens to secure it. Much occurs to try and prevent is coming to pass, but Christians must learn to press on and through until the objectives are secured. At, the conclusion it wilkl prove to be that it has been worth all the effort commitment pain etc.

Johnson Oatman, Jr., son of Johnson and Rachel Ann Oatman, was born near Medford, N. J., April 21, 1856. His father was an excellent singer, and it always delighted the son to sit by his side and hear him sing the songs of the church. Outside of the usual time spent in the public schools, Mr. Oatman received his education at Herbert’s Academy, Princetown, N. J., and the New Jersey Collegiate Institute, Bordentown, N. J. At the age of nineteen he joined the M.E. Church, and a few years later he was granted a license to preach the Gospel, and still later he was regularly ordained by Bishop Merrill. However, Mr. Oatman only serves as a local preacher.

1/. I’m pressing on the upward way,  New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound, “Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

2/. My heart has no desire to stay  Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound, My constant  aim, is higher ground – refrain

3/. Beyond the mist I fain would rise, To rest beneath unclouded skies,

Above earth’s turmoil peace is found  By those who dwell on higher ground – refrain

4/. I long to scale the utmost height Though rough the way, and hard the fight,

My song, while climbing, shall resound, Lord, lead me on to higher ground – refrain

5/. Lord, lead me up the mountain side I dare not climb without my Guide;

And, heaven gained, I’ll gaze around, With grateful heart from higher ground – refrain

DAILY MEDITATIONS

ON THE THRONE – Isaiah 24

A distinct prophetic revelation is given of the Lord mounting the throne of Jerusalem, the Holy City – v23. The previous verses are all about the Lord dealing severe judgment on the whole earth and upon the fallen angels and the ultimate disclosure and sight is of Him ascending the seat of authority in the royal and divine city. All that is to take place by Him in the way of punishment upon the nations of the world, against the wicked and sinister powers of evil, is the result of His sovereign decision and action. There will come the hour when He will show who is the One who is really in charge of proceedings.

There will be the superb display of His majestic authority as He manifests His regal position as the Head of the Nations. His headship and leadership will be undisputed and unrivalled as He exercises control. All leaders, especially those of the chosen race, will express their allegiance to Him in worship, faith and obedience. This is something to look forward to at the end of time when He displays all authority and power. The revelation is purposed to give real hope to the people of God in the final outworking of their destiny.

For those who comprise Christendom, there is not the glorious waiting for the fulfilment of the prophecy. Already we have vision of the glorified situation of Christ on His throne in the heavens. When He ascended on high it was to take His rightful place at the right hand of the Father where He evidences His authority within and over the Christian community. He is now Lord and all Christian leaders and members must learn to live under His Lordship. Make sure He is your King!

Mar 23^rd – 2017

Rev. E. Anderson

WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Thought for the Day follows an instructive theme for everyday of the Week. To be able to achieve and succeed in daily living we require strength. One may have all the ‘know-how’ but have little or no strength to perform and do. It is imperative that you have the life and energy physically, spiritually, morally, mentally etc., so that you see things coming to pass that will gladden your days. The Scriptures are present to guide you into knowing how to know strength of an incredible nature be yours to achieve.

STRENGTH – TO DEAL WITH A SUBTLE ENEMY – Esther – 4

It is quite an amazing story that this young queen found strength to deal with a very challenging situation. She never knew when promoted to her high station she would have to confront an issue, standing in the gap to save her people. She was strengthened by the words of good uncle, Mordecai when he said: Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” In other words – “You were born for this!” Somehow, she possessed that inner fortitude to take on this responsibility cost what it may. She state: “If I perish, I perish” – v16.

With a resolute mind and a sense of calling she looked to Jehovah to give His help. And it came. The enemy overplayed his hand and what he planned and envisaged fell apart and he himself was subjected to demise. Instead of losing the ordeal Esther quietly assumes authority and becomes invincible and moves into the driving seat to command the scene. Everything was reversed and God’s favour came on her and her people.

Sometimes things do not always go as we hoped. Instead of everything running smoothly to good, evil appears and life and calling is threatened. It is easy to despair. That is where spiritual strength comes in. There is the birthing and girding of the will to stand up and be divinely helped to overturn and bring incredible victory. The last days are not going to be easy for the Christian community. The time has come to answer the work of Satan and evil people and see the most outstanding turnarounds ever recorded. Whatever God and His servants have done to negate evil can be superseded today.

QUOTES TO NOTE – Family

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Richard Bach

SACRED SONGS

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

In placing one’s faith is Christ it is one of security. He can be relied on now and one’s eternal future is sure and secure in him. Though everyone and all else flounders and can be destroyed, not so with Him. He has proved His worth and still exist to effect all that is within His sovereign grace and power.

Author: Edward Mote was born in Upper Thames Street, London, Jan. 21, 1797. Through the preaching of the Rev. J. Hyatt, of Tottenham Court Road Chapel, he underwent a great spiritual change; and ultimately he became a Baptist minister. For the last 26 years of his life he was pastor at Horsham, Sussex, where he died Nov. 13, 1874.

1/.  My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand.

2/. When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]

3/.  His oath, his covenant, his blood support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay. [Refrain]

4/.  When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found,
dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]

DAILY MEDITATIONS

A LACK OF HONEST QUEST – Isaiah 22

Attention is focused on God’s people as represented in Jerusalem. She was to know judgment on a tremendous scale and be reduced to untold desolation and distress because of her waywardness. The real problems lie in the fact that she was not only perverse but also failed to really turn to God when the crisis occurred. They would not escape from the inevitable no matter what they did since there was a failure to honestly inquire of God – v11 “But all your feverish plans are to no avail because you never ask God for help. He is the one who planned it long ago.” The opportunity to get things straightened up with Him had been missed.

The Lord could not be blamed for this awful situation. He had made every attempt to avert this tragedy. There had been times when He had spoken deliberately and powerfully into the scene calling them to weep and mourn over the sinful conduct but no notice had been taken. In fact the reverse had been in evidence: riotous behaviour and revelry had become manifest with an indifferent attitude to both God and life. There was no way that salvation could arise with such in view.

The danger is always present: evil seeks to get the upper hand even in Christendom. There can be a doing of one’s own thing rather than adopting the course that has been divinely appointed in Christ. It is imperative in these days of evil and calamities on a big scale to make sure that there is a sincere quest after the Lord and obedience to Him. Do not allow anything or anyone to intrude and take you off track but persist in loyalty to Him no matter what the pressure is.

Mar 22^nd – 2017

Rev. E. Anderson

WELCOME TO THIS CHRISTIAN WEBSITE

Thought for the Day follows an instructive theme for everyday of the Week. To be able to achieve and succeed in daily living we require strength. One may have all the ‘know-how’ but have little or no strength to perform and do. It is imperative that you have the life and energy physically, spiritually, morally, mentally etc., so that you see things coming to pass that will gladden your days. The Scriptures are present to guide you into knowing how to know strength of an incredible nature be yours to achieve.

STRENGTH – STRENGTH OF OF AN EXTRAORDINARY QUALITY – Judges 14

Samson has gone down in history as the man who knew what it was to be exceptionally physically strong but morally weak. He had the capacity to perform some outstanding feats in the natural world through the help of God, but regrettably and disappointingly, he was not strong enough to cope with his carnal passions. He could have done an even greater job for God and his people if only he had been able to master the fleshly appetites that virtually ruined him.

The Lord was with him to do amazing exploits that enabled his own people to live in triumph over their foe, the Philistines. He should have sensed that he had a moral and spiritual responsibility to make sure he did not fail God. If only he had asked the Lord to counter-balance his life with such strength that he could say no to seductive temptation. He was so weak he could not forestall the woman that subtly sought to rob him of his power by discovering his secret. He lost not only his hair, the Nazarite vow but his strength and unique status.

Be sure that you obtain the strength that only the Lord can give you so that you can withstand all evil pressures and people that would harm you. Paul said to the saints at Ephesus: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” – Eph 6:10. So in the present situation you are in, make sure you are always being ‘strengthened by the Lord’. In so doing, you will more than match anything or anyone that you have to confront.

QUOTES TO NOTE – Family

Peace is the beauty of life. It is sunshine. It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family. It is the advancement of man, the victory of a just cause, the triumph of truth. Menachem Begin

SACRED SONGS

Standing on the Promises of God

The assurances that God gives in His Word, the Holy Scriptures, are imparted to all of those who have placed their faith in Christ. He wills to do things of a God-ward order and to perform especially for those who love, believe and obey Him. You have a perfect right to claim these as your inheritance and see them actually fulfilled in the course of your life, especially in time of need. He never has to be up-dated because He is always updated by all that is happening to His saints. So enjoy being covered and catered for by this unique  ministry.

1/. Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:

1/. Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

2/. Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God – refrain

3/. Standing on the promises I now can see  Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,  Standing on the promises of God – refrain

4/. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword, Standing on the promises of God – refrain

DAILY MEDITATIONS

THE FALL OF THE MIGHTY – Isaiah 14

Having assured the future of Israel as a people again, the prophet turns attention again on Babylon – vv1-11. Whilst this major nation is subject to destruction, God’s people are to rise again and become a people of note and worth. The Lord’s elect household can take comfort in the assurance that mighty Babylon will be no more but they will come out of the experience chastened and blessed because of the Lord’s goodness. The fall of this despotic nation will mean they will come forth to be a nation again to reflect God’s grace.

The prophet causes all to know what is taking place behind the scenes. Behind Babylon is Satan and the fall of Babylon reveals the collapse and plummeting of a greater evil person and power, Satan. He who sought to overthrow heaven’s thrown, acting in arrogance and pride, has been effectively dealt with by the Lord. He is the inspiration behind the wickedness and tyranny of earthly monarchs and kingdoms, which seek to dominate human society. But he does not succeed against the Lord or His people; he is doomed to fail – see other nations – chapters 15-21.

The Christian Church can be encouraged by this knowledge. It does not matter what evil powers come, inspired by the evil one; they shall crumbled before the Almighty. Evil is doomed and will be put down by the Lord. Each Christian can live conscious of the sovereign power of the Lord to overthrow the works of darkness. Do not be afraid of the evil tyrannies of men or demons that exist and threaten on every hand: they will be defeated and destroyed by the breath of the Lord.