Barnabas Ministries UK

July 31st

Rev. E. Anderson

IN MESSAGE

To be bountifully blessed by the LORD, there are things that are to be born and developed in you. There not only has to be a dynamic faith in His promises and power, there must be a genuine care and commitment to lovingly serve others in a humble fashion. Like the Good Samaritan, to aid those who have seemingly fallen foul of people and things that has left them in a helpless condition. As you tenderly minister to these people you will discover the grace of His presence and assistance and see broken and bruised lives healed and blessed. Open your eyes to see these folk, your heart to be moved with divine compassion and miracles will occur that will bring glory to God, relief to others and real blessing to you.

WISE SAYINGS

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all2- Isaiah 7:9 – NIV

If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything, and the best person and commitment for you to make your stand for Christ and the Faith.              

IN ADDITION SPRITUAL GIFTEDNESS

In and through Christ, God the Father has blessed you with the Holy Spirit who has come inside of you to add to your life. He comes to produce both fruit and gift and both are purpose to make you Christ-like. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul reveals that there are at least none gifts to be known within the Christian community in its life and witness. The appeal within the chapter is to ‘desire spiritual gifts’ – v31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts”. The gifts are planned to make the Christian powerful and influential in ministry and service.

“to another divers kinds of tongues” – v10. This is the beautiful capacity to speak to God in varied languages that edify the personal spirit and edify it in a dynamic manner. It is mainly a private gift to a Spirit-filled believer to converse with God in a unique fashion that inspires the inwards condition, causing God to be sensed and be increasingly real. It is for use mainly in one’s inter-relations with heaven and adds a dynamic to the person of immense worth. Of course, it can be used along with its sister gift publically in the interpretation of tongue. Seek this beneficial gift that will bring so much of God to you and cause you to appreciate you can live and serve Him in a powerful manner. Paul did state: “I speak in tongues more than you all” – 1 Corinthians 14:18. It served as an advantage to him so why not you?

DAILY MEDITATIONS

IMPORTANCE OF COVENANT – Jeremiah 11

At this point the Lord stressed how vital it was to keep a covenant agreement. When two parties have made a righteous contract it is absolutely essential that it be honoured from both sides. The Lord had entered into a sacred pledge with this people as He embraced them as His by assuring them that if they honoured Him and His laws then they would know the rich blessing of possessing the Promised Land. He would see to it that they would live in prosperity and peace and safeguard their interests at all times in all things. It could not be improved upon.

They had acquiesced with and solemnly affirmed their intention of being loyal and obedient to Him. At the outset, the Lord made it clear and plain to them that if they did not keep their word then they would bring a curse upon themselves. The Lord reminded them of this factor when He said: “Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant” – v3. Whilst He had been faithful to His side, the nation had done its own thing and paid no attention to the terms of tenure in the land. It was inevitable therefore it pay the penalty of disobedience, which meant exile.

Christians must know that in salvation they have entered into holy agreement with God through Jesus Christ. Salvation means accepting the terms offered by God in Christ to deliver from sin, self and Satan’s power. It also requires making sure that Christ is Lord of the life and that from henceforth there is total commitment to Him and His plan for life. Faith and obedience are still keynote factors and God’s blessing is only guaranteed to those who reveal such. As in the words of the hymn: “To be happy in Jesus, Is to trust and obey.” Keep your side of the covenant!

July 30^th

Rev. E. Anderson

IN MESSAGE

The LORD, having said and done so much for, in and through you is ready for the next stage and chapter. There is a fresh and new path and ministry ahead that will advance His name and kingdom and enlarge your territory. Although great blessing is to overtake and abound, do not be drawn to simply being blessed and used by Him. Ascertain and make sure that He is the centre and drive of your being and behaviour and so you will safeguard yourself, ministry and future. Besides this, you will become a fine example to others to take note of and be inspired in their dedication to the LORD in every way. As you make it your business to bring pleasure to Him, He will bring pleasure to you!                                  

WISE SAYINGS

“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will, I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear by voice” – Psalm 55:17

It is good to daily talk regularly to God and know He listens and responds to pray. ‘Most men forget God all day and ask Him to remember them at night. If this is you, change your procedure           

IN ADDITION SPRITUAL GIFTEDNESS

In and through Christ, God the Father has blessed you with the Holy Spirit who has come inside of you to add to your life. He comes to produce both fruit and gift and both are purpose to make you Christ-like. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul reveals that there are at least none gifts to be known within the Christian community in its life and witness. The appeal within the chapter is to ‘desire spiritual gifts’ – v31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts”. The gifts are planned to make the Christian powerful and influential in ministry and service.

“to another the discerning of spirits” – v 10. Jesus Christ knew perfectly by Holy Spirit the inward motivator and motivation in all men. He could discern what was of God, men and of the demonic world inspired by Satan. He was never hoodwinked. The Christian and whole Church is to be perfectly motivated divinely and humanly, and here is where the Holy Spirit ministers. The apostles were not deceived by an Ananias and Sapphira and a Simon – Acts 5:1-11; 8:18-24. The LORD is able to save you from being deceived from people, wrong people and company, pursuits when this gift is in operation. Look for spiritual discernment and the Holy Spirit will oblige. Reality and truth are what the Spirit of God is committed to.

DAILY MEDITATIONS

NONE LIKE YOU – Jeremiah 10

Twice in vv6, 7 the prophet made the exclamation regarding the Lord: “There is none like you.” As he beheld the gods that his people were worshipping and chasing after he saw them as vanity and rubbish. They could not really be compared with the Lord. They were something that God’s people made out of wood and stone. In contrast, it was the Lord who had made them and given them their existence, identity and destiny. He stood supreme as the only true and living God and that needed to be respected and revered above all by all.

Israel’s true God and Lord was the Creator of all. He sustained and ruled over everyone and everything – vv10-13. It was time that His people gave due heed to His person and Godhead and stopped their pursuit of man-made deities that had no life or authority. There was none like their real God who had accomplished so much for them. There would be none like Him in judgment if they persisted in their rejection of Him. How right it was that they should get Him into perspective and submit to His word and directions at this time.

It is needful for every believer to possess a real knowledge and sense of God in their being and experience. He is to be given the place of honour and respect in a consistent manner. At no time is He to be relegated or rejected but to be known in His Godhead and glory. In doing this, it is the most sensible procedure of life for He observes whether this is so. All must come to believe and know, there is none like Him. Let Him fill your thoughts this day with a pure and sure revelation of Himself so that He will be able to exercise His gracious control of your being and life.

July 29^th

Rev. E. Anderson 

IN MESSAGE

You were born for such a time and situation as this. God foreordained         not only

your being and existence, He purposely planned the good and great work you will do for Him that will not only glorify Him but bring maximum growth to your life and potential. Do not accept anything lower but ever increasingly sense this is your great privilege and opportunity of serving God and man in a meaningful, pleasurable and gracious way to utmost profit. Move under His blessed inspiration and motivation and witness God at work in marvellous ways through your attitudes, words and gifts. The possibilities that still lie before you are great and need to be laid hold and fulfilled. It is your                         

WISE SAYINGS

“And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence towardGod, and toward men” – Acts 24:16

Conscience is God’s built-in warning system. Be very happy when it hurts you. Be very worried when it doesn’t. Listen well to the voice of conscience especially in relation to God’s Holy Spirit and Word.          

IN ADDITION SPRITUAL GIFTEDNESS

In and through Christ, God the Father has blessed you with the Holy Spirit who has come inside of you to add to your life. He comes to produce both fruit and gift and both are purpose to make you Christ-like. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul reveals that there are at least none gifts to be known within the Christian community in its life and witness. The appeal within the chapter is to ‘desire spiritual gifts’ – v31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts”. The gifts are planned to make the Christian powerful and influential in ministry and service.

“To another prophecy” – v10: The Holy Spirit is able to give prior insight and foresight with regard to yourself, others and the fellowship that you attend. He guides by the written Word of God particularly lighting it up and giving immediate application. He also imparts words and knowledge into lives and situations showing that He is utterly conversant with what is occurring and give the necessary direction so that no mistake is made. The major and minor prophets were people whom God used in this way but now the whole Church can benefit from this choice gift to through it membership. Quietly and sometimes unexpectedly he brings sure revelation that aids in making the right moves and decisions. So be open to receive for yourself and to benefit others

DAILY MEDITATIONS

THE PRIORITIES OF LIFE – Jeremiah 9

The Lord set out for His people what should have been their priority and pursuit. Unfortunately the danger was that they chased after things that would not truly answer their deepest needs. There is a list of three things referred to that relates what was being aspired after and relentlessly striven for: wisdom, might and riches. Other things could be added to the file. But the Lord voiced the fact that these were not to be top priority as if they were the most important of life’s possessions. They were not to become the major enterprise of life’s engagement.

God shows what is to be the greatest desire and pursuit. This is the one that gives Him delight and will be duly rewarded by Him – “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me . . .” v24. Getting to appreciate Him, His nature, attributes and ways are the most vital and critical factors of life. Nothing else matters in comparison to this essential requirement. To make Him top priority ensures that life will be fully developed and fulfilled in the best way. God will meet these other considerations in choice ways. God is the One to enrich our lives.

Everyone really needs to take stock of their aims and pursuits to ensure that the Lord is the prime consideration at all times. He must be the inspiration and controlling dynamic so that there will be no vain procedure or consequence. It is so easy to make a mistake here and be taken off course that ultimately brings regret. The time and opportunity is yours to redress matters and to make certain that your whole perspective and pursuit is right. Give the Lord room and Lordship in and over life and you will be surprised and delighted at what is added by Him.

July 28^th

Rev. E. Anderson

IN MESSAGE

When you reach the end of yourself and your own meagre and inadequate resources, know that in and by faith you can draw nigh to Him and begin to experience what He has available. Learning to live in and off Him really is the secret of dynamic life and service. You will never be able, in spite of your seeming personality and potential, to perform in a prevailing manner and measure. Only as you seek the LORD and begin to experience the spiritual flow that comes from Him will you rise to fulfil any great expectations. But that is why He has come to you, to release His potential in and through you and cause things to occur of a heavenly order. It can occur right now, in and through you.

WISE SAYINGS

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

The best promotion and exaltation is always through God in His time and place, when His grace has performed the best in you, then you can handle yourself and new status.               

IN ADDITION SPRITUAL GIFTEDNESS

In and through Christ, God the Father has blessed you with the Holy Spirit who has come inside of you to add to your life. He comes to produce both fruit and gift and both are purpose to make you Christ-like. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul reveals that there are at least none gifts to be known within the Christian community in its life and witness. The appeal within the chapter is to ‘desire spiritual gifts’ – v31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts”. The gifts are planned to make the Christian powerful and influential in ministry and service.

“to another the working of miracles” – v10. To many, miracles are not the norm. Christ found no problem in performing the unique and extraordinary in the course of His life and ministry. His desire and design was that His Christian disciples should follow suit and the Church would experience such. Peter had no difficulty in raising Dorcas from the dead, and Paul, Eutychus and many were impacted with the Gospel of Christ. The Holy Spirit is still able to impart such a gift and electrify a community with outstanding wonders. Being filled with the Holy Spirit gives Him the opportunity for

DAILY MEDITATIONS

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE – Jeremiah 8

One of the charges levelled at this ancient people was that of senselessness. Although God was speaking and doings things to try and make then understand and see sense, they appeared to be void of the knowledge that mattered. A contrast is adopted from creation to underline this factor. It is affirmed: “Yea, the stork in heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the Lord” – v7. The birds hear the distinct call within for migration and do not hesitate to respond.

God’s people were hearing the distinct summons of the Lord to make a decisive return to the Him in repentance but they were paying no attention and thus showing an awful irrationality. Through the voice of the prophets and the Spirit they were being called by God to respond to His grace into something better but there was no aptitude to listen, take note and be on their wing to God. They were under the foul illusion of evil and paid no notice to the effort that was being put forth by God to bring them into harmony and blessing with Him.

It is a terrible thing to think that one’ knows and understands and yet really be in a state of ignorance. How vital it is to be aware of the opportune seasons in life when God certainly speaks and seeks to produce an important change that will mark the beginning of His greater movements! Are you sensitive to His voice appealing for some inward response to His will that will ensure your future in relation to His plan for your life? Do not allow the anything or anyone to interfere with the great things He wants to achieve in and through you at this hour.

July 27^th 

Rev E. Anderson

 IN MESSAGE

At times you feel that you are in a strange set of circumstances and you simply do not know how to handle them, what to do for the best. It would seem you are like a difficult piece of jig-saw puzzle, where it is to be placed is a problem and enigmatic. Like the Israelites of old, you suddenly find yourself confronted by the Red Sea which looked impassable, on either side were mountains, and an enemy on your heels seeking to make you captive. The word of the Lord to you is as was given to Moses: “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” You are going to see both the wisdom and power of God. A way is going to be made supernaturally and a miracle is to be yours. You are not to be left high and dry for your almighty saviour is at hand with the answer to the enigma.

WISE SAYINGS

“Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thought shall be established” – Proverbs 16: 3

The secret of achievement is not to let what you are doing get to you before you get to it. 

IN ADDITION SPRITUAL GIFTEDNESS

In and through Christ, God the Father has blessed you with the Holy Spirit who has come inside of you to add to your life. He comes to produce both fruit and gift and both are purpose to make you Christ-like. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul reveals that there are at least none gifts to be known within the Christian community in its life and witness. The appeal within the chapter is to ‘desire spiritual gifts’ – v31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts”. The gifts are planned to make the Christian powerful and influential in ministry and service. 

‘to another the gift of healings by the same Spirit’ – v9. There is no doubt about it: God does desire to give healing to mankind as the Scriptures reveal. Both the Old and New Testaments proclaim such. The lips of both reveal and assure that healing is for men and women. The Lord gave promise to Israel: “ I Am the Lord that healeth you” – Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53: 5. Christ cam and brought healing and passed the commission and work on to the Christian Church. What healings flowed then and it is still is his desire and design that it shall be so. He has not lost His ability to do this. He would bring healing now to you if required and would use you to give healing to others. These things will occur through those who believe and are gifted by the Holy Spirit.

DAILY MEDITATIONS`

THE DIVINE COMMAND – Jeremiah 7

The Lord made it clear to this people what He really In any doubt as to His requirements – “But this thing commanded I them, saying Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people: and walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you” – v23. They had a contract to fulfil and that was to make certain that they attended to His righteous and loving decrees. Disregard for His commands was disobedience and would not be countenanced.

What a promise was theirs if they lived in accord with Him – He would be their God! It could not have been better because it meant that all of His ability and gifts would have been theirs and all would have gone well for them. There would have been no lack on any front and they would have enjoyed divine peace and prosperity throughout the land. The prospect could not have been improved upon if only they had taken this route. God wanted to be their all-in-all and He would have been their all sufficiency. Nothing and no one else was required but Him.

It is not a disadvantage to place God as the priority of life but it is to its whole blessedness to give Him first place. No one can afford to dismiss Him as irrelevant and reject His input by way of sacred command. All need to have their ears wide open to hear and hearken to every demand in love and faith knowing what He is directing to do hold the well being of life. Do not disrespect the Lord in any way at any time and make sure that there is a glad compliance to His every directive. Take account of what He saying to you and learn to respond immediately in grace.

July 26^th

Rev. E. Anderson 

IN MESSAGE

You are privilege to be around and about in these very dark and evil times. They are not to dictate or dominate you negatively. You are to arrest them and make them serve the interests of Christ’s kingdom. You are called to be a light to those who sit and dwell in darkness and reveal that there is hope and certainty for the future through Christ. Know that He is on the brink of His return when He will set up His eternal kingdom on earth and you will be an important person within it. All the signs are all present that proclaim that His coming draweth nigh and you must fix mind and heart on this event. Live within this blessed expectancy for it will fire your inward being.

WISE SAYINGS

“A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved” – Proverbs 12:3

The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground. 

IN ADDITION

SPIRITUAL GIFTEDNESS

In and through Christ, God the Father has blessed you with the Holy Spirit who has come inside of you to add to your life. He comes to produce both fruit and gift and both are purpose to make you Christ-like. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul reveals that there are at least none gifts to be known within the Christian community in its life and witness. The appeal within the chapter is to ‘desire spiritual gifts’ – v31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts”. The gifts are planned to make the Christian powerful and influential in ministry and service.

“to another faith by the same Spirit” – v9. An outstanding manifestation of faith can be bestowed that will create amazing things. Christ gave assurance on this in Mark 11: 22, 23. He said: “Have the faith of God. For truly I say unto you, ‘That whosoever shalt say unto this mountain, Be thou removed and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that these things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever whatsoever He saith’.” Nothing could be plainer. The Holy Spirit gives this ability to act in incredible fashion to give clear witness as to the power and authority of Christ and Christendom. Seek for the expression of this bestowment for your Christian community and self in God.

DAILY MEDITATIONS`

ASK FOR THE OLD PATHS – Jeremiah 6

This is a plaintive plea coming through the prophet from the Lord to the people when things had reached an extreme position –v11. There appeared nothing more that could be done to rescue the nation from immediate disaster yet here the Lord is still calling out to them. He is trying to make them see, in spite of their blindness and hardness, that the former paths of obeying and walking with Him was far better than the present set-up they were in. They really did need to wake up and take account of where they were and where they were going.

The Lord emphasizes that the old road was a good one and in traversing it wrought peace and rest. It couldn’t be said that they were in a state of serenity at that hour because there was great conflict amongst them and the threat of enemy invasion from a tyrannical force was close at hand. Their sin and wickedness had brought about untold upheaval on every hand and they were far from a condition of tranquility. How essential it was that they be conscious of where their real and lasting fortunes and happiness lay! It was in going the way of God with God.

At a time when, in the world and Christian Church, a lot of novel ideas and procedures are introduced it is easy to abandon the former conduct of faith and live. Many consider that morality and spirituality are old hat and so proceed to entertain new approaches and gimmicks to give some sense of thrill and fulfilment. The great need is for people to get back in line with God and His Word, for, only in Him and His divine revelation is their security and serenity. Make sure that the road you are on is the one that the Lord approves of and that will bring His blessing richly into your life in every way.

July 25^TH

Rev. E. Anderson

IN MESSAGE

Our pastor spoke on Sunday evening on Taking A Nap and it was a good emphasis for all. There are occasions when there is a call for a break, the need to pull aside from work, company and other things that are demanding and energy draining. The inner reserves call to be built up and freshly energized and tuned up ready for fresh enterprise and industry. Christ knew when to do it and to call His disciples to rest awhile. You need to be aware of such and be quick to respond and so be in a more fit and able to condition to effectively face and deal with things of importance ahead.

WISE SAYINGS

“Let us therefore follow after the things that make for peace, and things wherewith you may edify another” – Romans 14:19

Be careful that your marriage doesn’t become a duel instead of a duet.

IN ADDITION

SPIRITUAL GIFTEDNESS

IN and through Christ, God the Father has blessed you with the Holy Spirit who has come inside of you to add to your life. He comes to produce both fruit and gift and both are purpose to make you Christ-like. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul reveals that there are at least none gifts to be known within the Christian community in its life and witness. The appeal within the chapter is to ‘desire spiritual gifts’ – v31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts”. The gifts are planned to make the Christian powerful and influential in ministry and service.

‘a gift of the word of knowledge’. Just when it is required the Holy Spirit is able to impart a word of knowledge in order to guide His servants aright. Peter was in real dilemma whilst at prayer as he was confronted in reaching out in love to the Gentiles. Being a Jew and brought us one, the Jews had no real dealings with the Gentiles. But whilst at prayer he is given a vision and made to see that the Gentiles were to be part of His purposes – see Acts 10. Gentile messengers are sent to where he was and as he prayed the Holy Spirit told him to join and go with them – Acts 10:19,20. He was not left in any doubt whatsoever and so God wrought great things through faith and obedience. Yes, the Lord still speaks today to give direction etc.

DAILY MEDITATIONS`

THE UNPROFITABLNESS OF SIN – Jeremiah 5

One of the things that really do need to strike home to the mind and heart of man is the fact that sin, in the full and final analysis, is altogether unprofitable. Yes, it does give some sense of gratification for a period of time but in the end it works ruination and remorse. The Bible elsewhere does speak of “enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season” but this indicates the temporary nature of the seeming enjoyment. Sin lacks the capacity to produce any worthwhile profit and when it has runs its course leaves a life utterly bankrupt. There is no real gain in its pursuit.

The Lord makes the point – “your sins have witholden good things from you” – v25. It is evident from this that going down the path of evil had proved detrimental. Instead of knowing the best they had missed out on such because of their desire and commitment to evil doings. The good things meant the rich blessing of God upon them as persons, upon their families and the nation as a whole. It speaks of a glorious relationship and accord with their God, knowing His plans for their future, experiencing choice natural advantages that would enhance them at every level. Instead of knowing the superlative they finished up empty and denuded.

Never think that sin will serve up that will bring contentment and fulfilment. It is foolish to believe that it can ever produce anything of lasting worth or good. Be aware of its real character. Know that the Lord seeks your blessedness and true happiness and forsaking sin is the first step in moving into a life of tremendous gain and influence. Sin will endeavour to tempt and offer you immediate pleasure and relief but in the end it switches off all the good God wants to do in and for you.

July 24^th

Rev. E. Anderson

IN MESSAGE

There is much to hope for in and through Christ. Although the world in which you reside appears to be full of hopeless and despair, this need not invade your being and life. As you learn to live and feed off God and His Word, you will be know His assurances that will safeguard your whole inward frame. The guarantee is that He will safely provide and protect you through your temporary life’s journey and then to receive you into His eternal habitations and secure your position forever. It is the finest and greatest insurance policy that is purposed to secure you from all the fears, depressions and worries of this life. Things could not be better. Put your hope in God and He will place His hopes in you.

WISE SAYINGS

“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faith – 1 Corinthians 13:7 8.

Real friends are those who, when you’ve made a fool of yourself, don’t feel you’vre done a permanent job.

IN ADDITION

GIFTEDNESS

IN and through Christ, God the Father has blessed you with the Holy Spirit who has come inside of you to add to your life. He comes to produce both fruit and gift and both are purpose to make you Christ-like. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul reveals that there are at least none gifts to be known within the Christian community in its life and witness. The appeal within the chapter is to ‘desire spiritual gifts’ – v31 “But covet earnestly the best gifts”. The gifts are planned to make the Christian powerful and influential in ministry and service.

‘the gift of a word of wisdom’ – v7. The Holy Spirit possesses all wisdom and has the answers to everyone and everything. He is not ignorant in any way but as God He perceives, understands and can convey to those who are in rich communion the needful answers and solutions at all times. If you are in need of a way out of a baffling dilemma or the fellowship to which you belong to is ignorant of a key to a difficult situation, He can and will provide the answer. He was able to convey to Moses when confronted with the Red Sea the key to going ahead. Believe Him when you are so placed and as you wait on and for Him He will be present to do extraordinary things in , for and through you.

DAILY MEDITATIONS`

A GRACIOUS CONSIDERATION – Jeremiah 4

It was quite a task that the Lord gave His messenger to perform in sounding out His judgments. Even in this the Lord was making every effort to retrieve a situation at the end because He did not want to go ahead with this. An appeal is made at this point to try an avert what appears to be the inevitable: “If you will return, O Israel”, saith the Lord, “return unto Me: and if you will put away your abominations out of my sight, then you shall not be removed” –v1. This makes it apparent that He had no wish to go ahead with the matter of retribution because of their evil doings.

Even when there is seemingly no hope of reprieve and chastisement is being poured out in a horrific manner, there is a gracious consideration manifest on His part. It is stated, “The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end” – v27. It would have been quite easy to have wiped them out completely and finished with them as a people but His grace was to abound. There would be the preservation of a remnant from which a new beginning would take place. A loving restraint was upon Him that gave thought to initiating a new future for this wayward people.

It has to be noted that God is slow to wrath and judgment and He does not find pleasure in meting out punishment. He loathes bringing a sentence of judgment to bear upon any person or people and seeks to create repentance and a turning from evil. He is no sadist that finds gratification in inflicting pain on others. He always acts from a state of grace. In your life and experience the Lord would manifest every gracious consideration but never presume upon it. His goodness should soften your heart and lead to an acceptance of Him and His ways at all times.

July 23^rd

Rev. E. Anderson

IN MESSAGE

Small beginnings usually end up rather big, so do not despise or neglect the little factors because they can lead on to great achievements. After all, most seeds are small and miniscule but their potential is enormous. It is always better to start in a very lowly and humble fashion and to maintain the humility because this is what makes true greatness. Christ, in His human life, started at rock bottom and did not waver from being of humble parents and being birthed in a lowly stable and living in a despised place, Nazareth. But He now sits enthroned in all grace and humility on the eternal throne presented by His Father. As you allow God to form you in this fashion so you finish with a wholesome character and situation.

WISE SAYINGS

“And now these three things remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

The measure of a man is not how great his faith is but how great his love is.

IN ADDITION

CHRISTLIKENESS

Peter in his message to early Christians reveals that they have been blessed: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” You are called to be like Christ and manifest  His quality characteristics in an ever-increasing capacity. These are the things to added with all diligence – vv4, 5, 6.

10/. The Absence or Presence of these Qualities – vv8-12. Peter really under-lines the urgency of these qualities being possessed. He leaves no doubt as to what there non-existence means – v9, being utterly blind and minus the work of divine regeneration, still held captive to sin. One must not be fooled in this. There must be heavenly renewal and transformation. The new life in Christ produces radical change for the better and the past life of evil is gone. Those who inherit and exercise the virtues of Christ are encouraged by the fact that life and labour will be a huge success and assured of a place and ministry in Christ’s eternal kingdom. Both now and forever these qualities ensure the certainty of a blessed and fulfilled role.

DAILY MEDITATIONS`

SPIRITUAL TREACHERY – Jeremiah 3

A serious charge is levelled against the people situated in Judah by the Lord. He declares that they are just like a wife who has played the whore and has wickedly acted wrongly against a choice husband -20. Instead of being loving and loyal to her partner there has been deceit, mischief and adultery. There had been a chasing after the false gods of other nations and involvement in all kinds of sinful practices that were abhorrent to the Lord. The opportunity had been hers of building a wholesome relationship but it had been missed and so terrible judgment had been known. She was suffering because of her awful waywardness.

In spite of all her sinful conduct there is the loving appeal of the Lord to return and reject this manner of life and behaviour. He calls “Turn, O backsliding children”, saith the Lord, “for I am married to you.” He wished and willed their homecoming back to Himself. This is illustrated in the life of Hosea the prophet – see chapters 1-3. The Lord wanted to forgive and restore to a condition of a beautiful oneness and state of blessedness. He was ready to put the past completely behind and to commence again and to build a long and lasting, happy accord.

The sins of Christian believers must never be treated lightly and of little concern. They must be seen for what they are and what they do. They do bring a break between the Lord and the individual if persisted in and can be compared with spiritual treachery and adultery. The latter is a terrible evil and blight. Do not allow anything or anyone to come in between the Lord and you. Safeguard your spiritual, marital relationship because He would be the choice husband to you.

July 22^nd

Rev. E. Anderson

 IN MESSAGE

Because the Lord is on your side, Himself, and all that is His, are at your disposal, so much more is expected from you. By His favour and input you are now able to be and accomplish very choice factors on a daily basis. He not only will open you out, He will open up all before and be there to help you execute in an authoritative manner and measure. You will not fall and becomes victim of your circumstances or challenges, they will bow and bend and yield to your rule. Success is what He has planned and ordered so that you will every reason to be glad and express your gratefulness to Him.

WISE SAYINGS

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” Romans 12:18.

If the peace of God rules in your heart you will be able to carry out this scriptural directive. Choose to be a peace-maker not a war-monger. It is more profitable and pleasurable

IN ADDITION

CHRISTLIKENESS

Peter in his message to early Christians reveals that they have been blessed: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” You are called to be like Christ and manifest  His quality characteristics in an ever-increasing capacity. These are the things to added with all diligence – vv4, 5, 6.

9/. The Impact of these Qualities – Peter affirms the glorious consequences of possessing these Christ-like qualities. He says in vv “For if these things be you, AND ABOUND, they make you that you shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”. One could not desire a better conclusion as a result of Christ being within inspiring and forming every virtue to ultimate fruitfulness. Your life and life-style will not be hidden or ineffective because others will taste the goodness which grows and flows and will desire that the same be brought to pass in them. The orchard of Christ will be filled with trees and branches that are loaded and bless the whole world. Remember, these qualities are of eternal value and lasting worth!

DAILY MEDITATIONS`

AN AWFUL DEVIATION – Jeremiah 2: 19-37

God’s people, Israel, are taken to task because of the awful deviation that had taken place amongst them and He wanted them to be aware of it. He states: “I had planted you a noble vine, a right seed: how then are you turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?” -v21. This certainly shows that somewhere along the line there had been some point of digression that had taken them away from the original intention of the Lord for their existence. They were not the people they should have been. All the worthy design that He had in mind was not being fulfilled.

The fact and tragedy was, they were in complete conflict and contrast with His vast and wonderful plan for their being. Instead of existing as a beautiful vine producing sweet and choice fruit they were an evil plant getting worse and worse and yielding an obnoxious harvest. All the grace and goodness He had invested in them was disregarded as they went their own perverted ways and did their own thing. They were not only missing out and falling short; they were manifesting the kind of character and life-style that was in opposition to His will.

It is always a disappointment to observe something or someone that was made for a praiseworthy objective reduced to that which is common. A serious watch has to be manifest with regard to life and living that they do not fall short of divine expectation. The dream and destiny that the Lord has for you are the best and it is essential that you become thoroughly conversant with such and see that they are brought to pass by God’s grace.  Why settle for that which is disreputable when you can achieve that which is honourable and brings glory to your God?