Past coffee Mornings

Who Are We

The Attributes of Jesus

Hands October 2007

Pentecost and Hope at Easter

God With Us February 2007

New Year 2007

Rejoice Christmas 2006

The Comfort,The Arms and The Humanity of Jesus

Listen and Act

The Greatest

Time

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Who Are We

  

 

 

 There is a programme on television called - Who do you think you are? Some people find, when tracing their ancestors they are not who they thought they were.

  

The question we can ask ourselves - Who do we think we are?

 

Do we think we are Christians? We may think that because we were born into a Christian family, that we always do our best, or that we have been christened or baptised, that we are Christians.

 

Before we can truly answer that question, we need to ask another question. Who do we think Jesus is? Jesus asked his disciples "who do you say I am"? Peter answered     Mark 8 v 29 "You are the Christ".

  

Bartimaeus the blind man was sitting by the roadside begging - when he heard that Jesus was coming, he shouted "Jesus son of David have mercy on me" Jesus did have mercy on him and healed him.

  

Christ the promised Saviour came as a baby that first Christmas.

 

Luke 2 v10 'Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord'.

  

It is Important to remember the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus came to show us God's love, and he died on the cross to bring us back to God.

 

John 1tells us that Jesus came to this world which was his own, but the world did not receive him, they did not recognise him.  We need to know that Jesus is the son of God. He has promised that; who receives him and believes in him, he will give the right to become the children of God. Now that we know who Jesus is; and if we believe in him and know the true reason for his death on the cross; we can know who we are.  Peter wrote in:

 

 1 Peter verses 9 and 10 'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.'

  

One person on the programme - Who do you think you are? discovered that they might have had royal blood in their veins. We may not claim to have blue blood in our veins, but if we belong to Jesus we are the children of a King the 'King of Kings'. Christmas has become, to many, a very commercial festival. In all the hustle and bustle let us remember the priceless gift of Christmas, ours for the asking, worth far more than any other gift, Jesus our Saviour.

 

 

 This Christmas let us say "By God's grace We know who we are."  

 

 

 

 

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The Attributes of Jesus

 

 

Effectiveness  

 

'No Man is an  Island' Part of a quotation by John Donne. The way we live, the things we say, the things we do, the way we behave to others, all have an effect on other people. The result being the way we are thought of.

 

  

There is a piece of prose called 'One Solitary Man' a story of a very humble man from a humble background; He worked in a carpenter's shop until he was thirty. He then for three years travelled locally, talking to people about his heavenly father, and performing miracles. His enemies crucified him on a cross. He is still talked about 2007 years later, and the effect of his life is still with us. This man Jesus has an effect on the entire world.

 

We can look at some of his attributes that made him so effective.

 

  

·         His Love. Because of his great love for us he became a man and died on a cross to save us from our sin.

 

·         His Gentleness. He was kind and loved the children; he didn't turn them away but took them on his knee.

 

·    His compassion. He reached out to the needy, the sick and the sinful. He understood their needs.

 

 ·       His Prayfulness.  He constantly prayed to his heavenly father.

 

·         His Forgiveness. Despite the suffering men caused him he could still say from the cross 'Father forgive them'.

 

·         His MercyHowever sinful people are he will have mercy and forgive them if they ask.

 

·        His Obedience. He was obedient even unto death.

 

Philippians 2 verse 8

 

·       His Truth. John 14 verse 6 Jesus said "I am the way the truth and the light".

 

 

When we love the Lord Jesus we want to follow his ways, and with his grace we may attain some of his attributes.  The closer we walk with God the more people see the love of Jesus in us. We don't need to speak from a platform but we are just what we are, in the way we behave. We read in the Bible that the people knew when the disciples had been with Jesus. We have a responsibility to live as the Lord wants us to. Instructions as to how we should live can be found in God's word therefore we need to read the Bible regularly. God's Holy Spirit will help us to understand his word and how to live by it. Like Mary we need to sit at his feet and listen, we can do this through prayer and meditation. To be an effective follower of Jesus we should be;

  

• Gentle and kind to others.

   

• Compassionate. Look to the interests of others not always ourselves.

   

• Obedient to the word of God and to leaders who God has ordained.

   

• Encourage one another.

   

• Truthful. Be careful what we say and always speak the truth.

   

• Thankful. Give thanks for all our blessings.

   

• Share with others our love for Jesus and his word.

   

• Humble. Know that it is only through God's grace we walk with him.

   

• Joyful. Show how joyful it can be to walk with the Lord.

   

If through God's grace these attributes can be seen in us we can be an effective witness to people for the Lord Jesus.

 

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Hands October 2007

 

Hands.

 

 

People's hands can tell a lot about themselves, what sort of work they do, or did. Hands can also give an indication of someone's age. Our grandparent's hands would be worn and veined, probably thin. Ladies of older years would have had to put their hands in water more than today, washing, rinsing, and wringing clothes. No dish washers, and stone floors to scrub. The hands could be red and chafed in winter, remember the advert 'Now hands that do dishes need mild green fairy liquid'. Think of a coal miner with hands pitted with coal and a steel worker with steel pitted hands. Someone doing delicate work like embroidery would need smooth hands, a surgeon deft hands. So we can tell a lot from someone's hands think of Jesus' hands and what they did.

 

•  Healing Hands.       He touched the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf and healed them. The touch of his hands healed many people.

   

•  Praying Hands.       The touch of Jesus can be felt spiritually in our lives. He prayed to his father while on earth on behalf of his followers, and now he intercedes on our behalf in Heaven. We can touch each other's hands in fellowship and friendship and it can be uplifting when feeling downcast. Our hands like Jesus can be folded in prayer for one another.

•   Able Hands.            Our Lord is able to lift us up, keep us from falling and hold us close to himself. His promise is, 'I will never leave you or forsake you'. 

    Isaiah 41 v 10   Fear not for I am with you;

 

                                Be not dismayed, for I am your God;

 

                               I will strengthen you, I will help you,

 

                         I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

 

The Lord watches over us and knows all about us he sees us wherever we are. Whatever our situation he will never let us go.

 

Read Psalm 139

•  Nail Pierced hands.     The hands of our Lord were pierced on the cross, where he died for us. God so loved the world that he sent his only son to die for us, so that we could be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life. The disciples were gathered together after Jesus had been crucified and they were very fearful that they might be crucified too, but Jesus came and said 'peace be unto you'. Thomas one of the disciples came in later and would not believe it was Jesus until he had seen the nail prints in his hand.
•     Directive Hands.         Commit ourselves to God and he will direct our ways. Put your hands into the hands of God and it will be better than a light, safer than a known way.

 

Proverbs 3 vs 6 in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.

  

·       Serving Hands.          Jesus told his disciples he was among them and one that serves, 'I am here to serve you'. No task was too humble or lowly for him. He washed the feet of the disciples and cooked breakfast on the shore.   By the grace of God may we help others practically, when friends and neighbours are in need, pray for them, and show care and love toward them.

 

 

May we, at the start of every new day commit ourselves into the loving hands of the Lord Jesus where we will be cared for, guided and sustained.

 

  

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Pentecost and Hope at Easter

 

Feast of Pentecost

 

 

 

  

We read in Acts Chapter 2 Verses 1 and 2 that Jesus' disciples were all gathered in the one place. Suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind, which filled the house where they were gathered. The word 'suddenly' could suggest a change; something was going to happen, maybe new things. At Pentecost God's Holy Spirit came into men's hearts and they were changed.

 

  

Before the coming of the Holy Spirit there was

 

  

• Lack of understanding  Read Mark 4

   

The disciples had been with Jesus many times, and he had spoken to them simply, and had taught them many things. They often failed to understand Jesus and questioned him. They didn't understand the parables, and failed to understand when he told them of his coming death.

 

  

• Fearful   Read Mark 4

   

Caught in a storm on the lake, they were very fearful and woke Jesus from his sleep. They didn't think he cared about them. There was a lack of faith in them, after all he had taught them.

 

  

• Selfish   Read Mark 9

   

Jesus took three of the disciples with him to the top of a high mountain, where they had a wonderful sight of him in dazzling white clothes, and talking with Moses and Elijah. They didn't want to lose Jesus they wanted him to stay with them for ever. Sometimes we can have mountain top experiences when Jesus is very close to us, but we have to live in the valley most of the time. Those precious times sustain us when we walk as God wants us to in the valley.

 

  

• Imperfect      Read Mark 9 Verse 33 - 35

   

Far from perfect the disciples would often argue amongst themselves. We all suffer from pride, think one-self better than others and covet other people's gifts.

 

 

• Denial    Read Mark 14  Verses 27 - 31 and Mark 14 Verses 1- 9  

Peter denied knowing Jesus, even after saying he never would. How many times do we have the opportunity to speak for the Lord but feel too ashamed to do so?

  

• Critical    Read Mark 10

Jesus took little children on his knee, disciples thought it a waste of time, there were more important things to do and people to see. The lady with the jar of ointment was also criticised because of the expense of the ointment.

 

  

Things changed when the Holy Spirit came.

  

• They could understand more. They were taken out of the realms of the natural into the supernatural.

   

• They were no longer fearful

   

   
• They became bold. Peter preached to the crowds, he told them about God sending Jesus, and about his death and resurrection.

   

• They now wanted to share Jesus.

   

• They were now in fellowship with each other and worked together. The lesson of humility was learned. How we all need humility, because without the Lord we are nothing

   

• No longer critical but compassionate and giving more time to the needy. They became more tolerant. We need to have more tolerance and not be judgemental. We need to praise and worship. We need the Holy Spirit in our lives helping us to live the way we should.

   

 

The message of Pentecost is Change with the help of God's Holy Spirit. 

                                                    Read Acts Chapter 2

 

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God With Us February 2007

 

God is with us at all times, and knows all about us.

  

Did we start the year hurt, disappointed, feeling let down? Did we question God, or were we full of anticipation and expectancy of what God is going to do for us? How often are we asked ' how are you?' and we answer 'fine'

but really feel dreadful, but God knows how we feel. Psalm 46 verse 1 tells us'God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble'.

  

People in need.

 

• In Mark chapter 10 we are told about a man who came to Jesus asking what he must do to gain eternal life. He had lived a good life following the commandments, but Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow him. The man went away sad because he had great possessions, but he needed to love Jesus enough to give up what he loved most. If we love worldly possessions too much it can come between us and God. Whatever we give up for the Lord will be returned many times in goodness to us.

  

• The story of Jesus' meeting with the woman from Samaria is told in John chapter 4. This lady came to a well in the heat of the day, a very ordinary lady doing a daily chore. She had come to fill her water pots, but something tremendous happened to her that day - she met the Lord Jesus. Living an immoral life, she was thought worthless by the local people, but after speaking with Jesus she realised her sin and knew that she could be forgiven, she went back to her people witnessing about how Jesus knew all about her.  Many Samaritans believed her and went to see Jesus for themselves, and believed he was the Saviour.  God knew all about that lady and gave her what she needed - salvation and forgiveness.

  

• We then read in Matthew 9 Mark 5 and Luke 8 about another lady in need. Jesus had returned to the city of Galilee and was speaking to the crowds, when he felt someone touch the hem of his garment. It was a lady who had been ill for many years, and such was her illness she was thought unclean. She had heard that Jesus healed people and she was healed and Jesus told her that her faith had healed her. What no doctor could do the Lord God did.

Three different people two quite poor and ordinary, and one who was seeking for something he knew he couldn't have, although living a good life in the eyes of the world. If we today are prepared to trust the Lord Jesus and come to him in faith, then we too can feel the healing touch of mind and body.

 

Read Matthew chapter 11 verses 28 and 29. Genesis chapter 28 verse 15 as he did to Jacob, God has promised he will never leave us.

 

The Lord God loves all mankind, all are precious to him, and his promises are to all people. Are we sometimes so out of touch with God we don't know where he is or even if he is there? Our lives can be so busy we have no time to listen to God. We need to be quiet and listen for that still small voice speaking to us, we need open hearts and minds and while we are seeking him he will find us. There is no need of fear or anxiety, in all circumstances God is along side us, he is in control and when we come to him with all our needs he is more than willing to hold us fast.

 

 

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New Year 2007

  

New Things 

 

 The time after Christmas is a time of clearing away, getting back to normal, but also a time to start afresh, a time to do new things.

• New and Past Prophesies.

 We read in Jeremiah 31 verses 31- 34 that the Lord said he would make a new covenant with Israel . He had made one with Abraham and given the people laws to live by. The Jewish people were very special to God and he gave them Ten Commandments to obey, and so live according to his will. The first four commandments are about serving God, loving him and only serving one God.  The people turned away from the Lord and turned to false Gods. They were exiled to Egypt but even then God was very loving and gracious. He, as we read in Jeremiah made a new covenant with his people to restore them unto himself. In our daily lives today, we can go away from the Lord but he will bring us back, and as we read in Isaiah 43 v 19 he will do a new thing, a way in the wilderness and water in the desert. As he did for his people of old he can do today, bring us back into his fold.

  

• Present realities

A new covenant of grace found in the Lord Jesus reaching out to all nations to all mankind. Prophesised in Isaiah 9 v 6: "For to us a child is born to us a son is given" and realised in Luke 2 v 7 'she gave birth to her first born, a son.' The Lord Jesus came, from all the wealth of heaven, to this earth as a baby born in a manger. He gave it all up for us.  His name 'Emanuel' meaning God with us. He died for us, and fulfilled the covenant for forgiveness of sins in the shedding of his blood. "It is finished" he cried, the purpose of why he came was accomplished. Then came the victory, he arose from the dead and all heaven rejoiced.

 Future  

 

Isaiah 65 v 17 "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth."

Again in Revelations 5 verse 9 And they sang a new song:

 

 

The Lord Jesus was found worthy, through the shedding of his blood he purchased men for God. His people are promised a new heaven and a new earth. Rev 21 v 5" I am making everything new". The new Jerusalem, where there will be no tears,darkness,sadness,pain or sin, all these things are taken away. The Lamb of God will be our focus and we will worship him for ever. "Behold I come quickly", where will we be when Jesus returns, are we living our lives in expectation of his coming?

 

  

As we enter this New Year may we be thankful for God's great love and compassion for us.

 

  

"They are new every morning great is your faithfulness" Lamentations 3 v 23. Let us be thankful for each new day, and face it without fear, for God is with us. Each day is new, unspoilt, ours to enjoy, so let us use this precious gift of life for God's glory.

 

 

 Quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version

  

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Rejoice Christmas 2006

 

 The Light that came into the World 

 

 

                                                     

  

 

At Christmas God gave his son to the world, a baby born in a manger to lowly parents. That baby was a light to a dark world.

 

  

In Isaiah chapter 9 we read 'the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined'. Again in Psalm 107 verses 10 and 11'Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron, because they rebelled against the words of God'..... So it applies today, many people are walking in darkness, they don't listen to, or read God's word.  They go their own way. But we have reason to rejoice, God kept his promise that a light would be given to the nations to the ends of the earth.

  

  

There is a picture which shows a bright star in the shape of a cross and people of all nations walking to the cross. A prophesy fulfilled read - Isaiah chapter 49 verse 6. God gave the Lord Jesus to be our light and salvation.

 

  

Again in the hymn 'Hark the Herald Angels sing' (light and life to all he brings)

  

There are many references to Jesus, as the light of the world, in the Bible. Jesus himself refers to this in John 8 verse 12 'I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life'. Many are uncertain and dissatisfied with their lives; there is only one who can satisfy our every need - Jesus a light to guide us through life.

 

  

We hear of many people in other countries now coming to know the Saviour. Christians everywhere have a responsibility to live as children of light, and witness to the glory of God, and maybe help others to come out of the darkness into the light. As we celebrate Christmas may we rejoice and praise God for the gift of that baby, who came to bring light and life to the world.

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The Comfort,The Arms and The Humanity of Jesus

 

'Let not your heart be troubled

You believe in God believe also in me'.

  

 John chapter 14 verse 1 

  

These words continue to give Christians the same tremendous comfort today, as they did when the Lord Jesus spoke to his disciples 2000 years ago. The disciples loved Jesus and followed him everywhere, learning from his teachings, and bearing witness to the miracles he performed.  They must have been very distraught when Jesus told them that he was going away, and that they would not be able to follow him.  John chapter 13 verse 36.  Their hearts naturally became very troubled for a reason beyond their control; Jesus was speaking of his forthcoming crucifixion.

  

Christians like everyone else often feel troubled about things beyond their control, and it is then they need to remember Jesus' words and pray for increased faith and trust in him.

  

'Therefore I say to you do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on, is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?'  Matthew chapter 6 verse 25.  And again in verse 27   'Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?'

  

The Bible tells us clearly that it is futile to worry. Worrying can hinder our faith and belief in God, and rob us of the assurance and peace of mind we experience when we are wholly trusting in the Lord Jesus.

  

Abraham had great faith in God, and trusted him throughout his life, even when God told him to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrifice to him - the Bible tells us - Abraham obeyed.  Nowhere in these scriptures do we read Abraham worried. But God intervened before Isaac was hurt in any way. 

 

Genesis chapter 22 verse 12.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Christians sometimes think their faith in God is being tested because they go through periods of great difficulty. But it is then that God wants us to trust in him completely, and he will intervene on our behalf for our ultimate good.

  

Undoubtedly Christians do have concerns for themselves, their families and their friends and they can go through hard and trying times, but we have the words that Jesus spoke to the disciples, to give us comfort and strength whenever our hearts are troubled.

  

Quotations taken from the NKJV.(c) 1982 by Thomas Nelson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arms of Love

 

Our God is special; he is concerned about, and cares for everyone. Every individual is special to him. He has special arms for all.

 

• Arms of Rescue.  

An example of this is found in Luke’s gospel chapter 16. The parable of the lost sheep. A loving shepherd may have lots of sheep, but if one is lost, he goes to find it. When he finds it, he tends it and carries it home in loving arms and rejoices. So it is with our Heavenly Father, when one sinner repents there is great joy in heaven over that one lost sinner. Each one of us is special to God. He rescues the repentant sinner and saves them for eternity. Arms that rescue and save.

 

• Arms of Forgiveness.  

Our text to illustrate this is found in Genesis Chapters 44 and 45. Joseph’s brothers had ill treated him and sold him into exile in the land of Egypt, where he prospered. When they were in trouble and came to Egypt for help, they were afraid when they recognised their brother. But he had forgiven them. Jesus forgave us our sins when he died at Calvary . We often fail God and need forgiveness and if we ask, our sins will be forgiven.

 

• Arms of Compassion  

In the Gospel of Luke chapter 10 we read about the Good Samaritan. A traveller had been beaten by thieves and left half dead by the roadside, many had passed by and had not helped this poor man, but one man stopped and cared, he had compassion and tended the man, took him to a safe place and paid for him to be taken care of. The Lord Jesus comes to us when we are hurting and if we allow him will tend us and minister to our needs. Wherever we are and whatever we are Jesus will come if we ask him.

 

• Arms of Welcome 

In Luke chapter 15 the prodigal son has been away for many years. He found himself in great need and returned home. The father, forgetting his misdeeds, remembered only that he was a beloved son, and welcomed him home with great rejoicing and celebration. When we return to The Lord Jesus Christ, often in need. He accepts us unconditionally, clothes us in righteousness and we become children of the King of Kings.

 

• Arms extended

Jesus suffered and died at Calvary on a cross, he endured this for all mankind that we might be saved. He paid the debt we owed. He rose again from the grave and is now in heaven interceding on our behalf. These arms are now;

  

• Everlasting Arms  

When we accept the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we are safe in the everlasting arms for ever.

 

 

 

 

 

  

The Humanity Of Jesus

   

 

On visiting the Holy land  people experience many different feelings, and see the places we read about in the Bible in a different light, but surely many  would try to imagine the place in the time of Jesus. The Sea of Galilee , on whose shores he walked and talked with his disciples. If we had lived in the time when Jesus was on earth we would have seen a very human Jesus.

 

Tired.   Matthew 8 verses 23-27

 

 

Jesus was subject to many of the feelings we have. He could become weary; we can imagine him by the Sea of Galilee , speaking to the crowds of people there. Many had heard of his healing power and had brought the sick to him. As evening approached he got into a boat with his disciples, and they rowed to the other side of the lake. Jesus was very tired and slept, and although a fierce storm blew up he continued to sleep. The disciples were very afraid and woke him. Jesus saw their fear and calmed the storm. The disciples were following Jesus and obeying him, but still the storm came. We may follow the Lord and try to do his will but we are not free from the storms of life. But we must trust the Lord and he will see us safely through those stormy times.

 

Weary and thirsty.  John Chapter 4

 

Jesus on his way back to Galilee from Judea stopped for rest in a town in Samaria, he sat down by a well. A woman from the town came to draw water, and Jesus spoke to her and asked her for a drink. At that time Samaritans and Jews did not mix socially and the woman was surprised at his speaking with her. Jesus told her about the water of life which is a gift from God, and when we drink it we have everlasting life. The woman knew that her people were expecting the Messiah, and Jesus told her he was the Christ (Messiah). She returned to the town and told what she had heard; many came out to meet with Jesus and believed. Jesus knew she was a sinful woman, but he spoke with her and treated her as a person to be loved and saved.

 

Sorrowful         John chapter 11 verses 1- 44

 

We are not immune from sorrow, and we suffer when loved ones die, Jesus could also feel sorrow. He had a friend Lazarus, who became ill, his sisters called for Jesus to come and heal him. When Jesus arrived his friend had died. The two sisters waited for him very sorrowful. As they came to the tomb Jesus was moved with compassion for the sisters and other people weeping there and he wept. Then according to his Father’s will he raised Lazarus from the dead. We all suffer sorrow at times in our lives, but Jesus knows how we feel and can comfort and sustain us in these times.

 

Disappointed 

 

Matthew chapter 26 verses 36-46

 

 In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus is with his disciples and is very distressed and troubled, and needs to speak with his Father about his coming death. He returns after praying three times to find his disciples sleeping; he must have felt a great disappointment in them that they could go to sleep when he was facing death. Jesus will never disappoint us he is always there for us .We don’t know what the future holds, but he knows, so if we trust him we will not fear the future. He was tempted and he understands our weakness at times when we succumb to temptations. When we approach the throne of grace he is not critical and impatient but bears with us and forgives us.

 

Pained and Humiliated

  Matthew 27 verses 32-46

 

 Tried and condemned to death on a cross, Jesus suffered, he felt forsaken by his father; we too can feel like that. Jesus will never forsake us, and he hears our faintest cries. He heard the cry of the thief on the cross, and answered him. We need to pray to the Lord in worship and praise but also take our every need to him. He doesn’t always answer as we want, but gives what he knows is good for us. Trusting in him will give us a peace in our hearts even if difficulties prevail.

 

 

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Listen and Act

   

Listen and Act

 

There are times in our lives when we have to listen, and act on what we hear. If we ignored what we heard, it could have serious consequences. For example--

 

The Telephone   When we answer we listen and sometimes have to act on what we hear, it is important that we listen carefully and that we are given the right information to act on.

 

The Alarm Clock   this is usually the first thing we hear in the morning. We have two choices here

 

A   We listen and act. 

B   We ignore and go back to sleep, this could have consequences we wouldn't want.

 

The Timer   usually used in cooking, failure to act when we hear this could result in burnt food.

  

The Smoke AlarmThis should be a necessity for all households. This warning could sound day or night and we must act. Failure to do so could endanger lives.

 

When Jesus was here on earth, he wanted people to listen and act on the scriptures he unfolded to them. He used parables and miracles to help people hear and understand the word of God.

  

The Sower Luke chapter 8 verses 1a and 4-15

 

'A Farmer went out to sow the seed and it fell on different places.'  

 

1 The Path:  People walked over it and trampled it and the birds ate it. Sometimes Satan comes and takes the word away from our hearts, we haven't listened.

 

2  Rock: When the plants grew they withered, through lack of moisture. Sometimes we hear the word with joy, but if it hasn't taken root in our hearts we fall back at times of testing.

 

3 Thorns: Plants are choked by thorns and die. We may have listened, but we allow life's worries, riches and pleasures to stunt our growth, and we do not mature.

 

4 Good soil: It produced a good crop. When we hear the word we must retain it and persevere and we will grow in grace.

 

The heart has to be prepared by God's spirit to receive his word.

 

The sower is Jesus-The seed is the word of God-The soil is man's heart.

 

"I will show you what a person is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practise."

 

An example of this is found in Luke Chapter 6 verses 47-49

 

The wise and foolish builders. The Wiseman built his house on rock and it stayed firm. The Lord Jesus Christ is our rock- a firm foundation. The foolish man built his house on sand and it fell.

 

 

1 Samuel chapter 3 verses 2-10

Samuel a young servant in the temple of God heard a voice calling him, but he didn't know it was God until Eli the priest told him. Samuel then listened to God's message. The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up.

  

James 1 verse 22

'Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.'

 

James 1 verse 25

 

'But the man who looks intently into the the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does.'

  

Is God speaking to us today? We must read his word - talk to him and listen to him.

 

 

Quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version 1973, 1978 by the International Bible Society

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The Greatest

 

The Greatest 

  

We have just celebrated the birth of the Lord Jesus, and have entered into a New Year. We must not forget what Christmas was all about. We need to accept the greatest gift mankind was given, and we need to remind ourselves of this throughout the year.

 

In John chapter 3 verse 16 we read - 'For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' The gospel in a nutshell! Open it with the word greatest.

 

 

• The greatest person.

• The greatest love.

• The greatest gift.

• The greatest expanse.

• The greatest quantity.

• The greatest escape.

• The greatest reward.

 

The greatest person is God Almighty.

 

He spoke and everything came into being, all things were made by him.

 

From the dust he created man and breathed life into him.

 

He is omniscient, he knows everyone and everything.

 

He is omnipresent. God is everywhere, we cannot hide from him.  

 

Psalm 139

 

The greatest love. God So Loved, he didn't just love, the word 'so' shows how much he loved. His love is without taint - pure and holy. It is everlasting has no beginning or end. This love is given unconditionally, we do not merit this love it is free. When we accept this love, and love the Lord we are assured that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

 

Romans chapter 8 verses 38 and 39

 

The greatest gift. God gave us the gift of his only son. 

He demonstrated his love for us in this gift, a costly gift, but free to all who believe and receive. This gift was suitable for everyone, everyone has sinned and God gave us that remedy for sin - The Lord Jesus who died on the cross and took our sins upon himself.

 

The greatest expanse. The vast love of God, it covers the height, depth, width of the world.No one is excluded everyone can claim this wonderful gift of God's love. But God is also a just God and we all need to repent and accept his remedy for sin.

 

The greatest quantity. Whosoever, all people whatever race, colour, age, rich or poor, all are precious in his sight. God wants everyone to accept his love.

 

The greatest escape.  Saved for eternity, for all who accept the greatest gift from God will escape an eternity separated from the love of God.

 

The greatest rewards.

 

 

All the barriers of sin removed between us and God.

 

Peace knowing we are forgiven.

 

Hope blessed and sure.

Life everlasting with Jesus our Saviour in Heaven.

 

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