Genesis 2:10-14Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Hiddekel; it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. [NKJV]  River Add, Mid Argyll A LAND OF RIVERS OF WATER This is part of the creation story and the first intimation of the river of life flowing from the paradise of God, as is His pleasure and delight. Within it and from it is created four streams, or aspects of that heavenly flow, as a place for the first man, Adam, His creation, to dwell and prosper as a living being. These tributaries of the great river showed the creative power of the Almighty bursting forth with life-giving power, spreading rapidly abroad releasing an abundant fruitfulness within the man and as a burgeoning provision for his well-being. Thus the love of God is shed abroad, His compassion and Fatherly care is lavished on the finest work of His hand. The land of Havilah, where there is gold speaks of the eternity of the divinity in an everlasting dance of reels and encircling, with precious stones of Bdellium — often thought to represent the pearl, but means to separate or set apart — and onyx, a pale green stone (from a word meaning to blanch or make white) which gives us the sense of purity, holiness and life. This river which flows from Eden is the power and life of God flowing out into His creation and available to all if they have eyes to see and ears to hear. There is yet more to be drawn out here; suffice it to say that God opens Himself to all who may come. He is inclusive not exclusive, forgiving and merciful when anyone turns to Him with a repentant heart. Pishon — increase from grow fat, spread, scatter Gihon — stream, bursting forth Hiddekel — ‘Tigris’, rapid Euphrates — fruitfulness Havilah — circle, from to dance Assyria — from ‘asher’ happy successful, blessed (a son of Shem) Cush — Ethiopia, black (a son of Ham) ‘Meditate on these things’DEUTERONOMY 10:6-9 NKJV (Now the children of Israel journeyed from the wells of Bene Jaakan to Moserah, where Aaron died, and where he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered as priest in his stead. From there they journeyed to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of rivers of water. At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to Him and to bless in His name, to this day. Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, just as the LORD your God promised him.) “Riverdance” — performed for the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland. A HOLY OCCUPATION: Oswald Chambers on PRAYER |
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Psalm 37:3-6
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
(NKJV)
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
(NKJV)
We were talking today and — another reminder from Gill — a lesson from our walk with God. A special friend to us in the Lord would say “Commit our ways” to her husband at the start of the day; a call to prayer and another jog to the Spirit that beginning the day in the right way sets the path ahead clearly, no matter what confronts you.
It is a joy to see the Lord order your steps in this way, if you begin by committing all that you are to Him. In our passage from Psalm 37, we see the Psalmist declare three things — Trust, delight and commit, each dependant on the other in an interweaving — each aspect leads to the other two, no matter which comes first, and He shall bring it to pass. The conclusion of this promise is righteousness and justice.
I cannot underestimate the value of committing yourself to The Lord — not just once, but renewing that vow daily — reminding yourself of whose you are, for you are not your own. We each are body, soul and spirit. The body and the spirit are His; only the soul is under our control and if we give that back to The Lord, that is our commitment and makes us complete in Him, which is (or should be) our goal.
Commit your ways to Him afresh today.
It is a joy to see the Lord order your steps in this way, if you begin by committing all that you are to Him. In our passage from Psalm 37, we see the Psalmist declare three things — Trust, delight and commit, each dependant on the other in an interweaving — each aspect leads to the other two, no matter which comes first, and He shall bring it to pass. The conclusion of this promise is righteousness and justice.
I cannot underestimate the value of committing yourself to The Lord — not just once, but renewing that vow daily — reminding yourself of whose you are, for you are not your own. We each are body, soul and spirit. The body and the spirit are His; only the soul is under our control and if we give that back to The Lord, that is our commitment and makes us complete in Him, which is (or should be) our goal.
Commit your ways to Him afresh today.
‘Meditate on these things’
HAGGAI 2:4-5 NKJV
Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the LORD; 'and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,' says the LORD, 'and work [commit]; for I am with you,' says the LORD of hosts. 'According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!'
Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the LORD; 'and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,' says the LORD, 'and work [commit]; for I am with you,' says the LORD of hosts. 'According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!'
“Commit Your Way To The Lord” — Peter R Hallock
A HOLY OCCUPATION: Oswald Chambers on Prayer
— Prayer requires CHILDLIKENESS --
And your Father who sees in secret. The revelation here is of the free kingdom of love; there is not blind creature lay subjection to the Creator, but the free kingdom in which the one who prays is conscious of limit only through the moral nature of the Father’s holiness. It is a revelation of pure joyousness in which the child of God pours into the Father’s bosom the cares which give pain and anxiety that He May solve the difficulties. We are not beggars on the one hand or spiritual customers on the other; we are God’s children, and we just stay before Him with our broken treasures or our pain and watch Him mend or heal in such a way that we understand Him better.
[from ‘Christian Discipline Volumes I and II’)
[from ‘Christian Discipline Volumes I and II’)
Listen to this meditation by clicking below
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ColossIans 1:23
if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
NKJV
NKJV
Paul had a real heart to encourage us to ‘continue in the faith’. It is understandable because Paul, just one among so many men, suffered persecution for his faith and yet persevered and persisted. The lesson for us is that we also may have that degree of commitment that we too may persist and ‘continue in the faith’
The word is clear — it is about carrying on, persisting, not failing or faltering. It is often standing as the lone tree in the gale — the last man standing. Steadfast is the ‘now’ word, particularly in uncertain times, like ‘now’ and every now.
In what way do we persevere? It is easy to say that things do not work out as we want them to. They never will because the world does not revolve around you and me. I still find that difficult after nearly 70 years on this earth, and as Gill pointed out to me today, we pass on our attitudes — good and bad — to our children and grandchildren, to our wider family and friends, to our work colleagues and neighbours. We owe it to these wonderful people to radiate Christ, by persevering in our faith.
Without a doubt it is a tough call, but today tomorrow and every day let us awake and be not moved away from the Hope of the gospel which we have heard.
A dear lady of great faith declared that she awakened and before doing anything else praised The Lord in what she called ‘the heavenly language’ — speaking in tongues. This can also mean just singing a hymn or praise song to yourself or aloud; even just humming the tune. The Lord works in you through these things. I have found it to be true and I confess that I have let that practise slip away of late. This message is for myself as much as anyone else, but I know in my heart that persevering, continuing faithfully is something we dare not ignore or let fall. Where our faith is concerned, our actions bring eternal consequences.
The word is clear — it is about carrying on, persisting, not failing or faltering. It is often standing as the lone tree in the gale — the last man standing. Steadfast is the ‘now’ word, particularly in uncertain times, like ‘now’ and every now.
In what way do we persevere? It is easy to say that things do not work out as we want them to. They never will because the world does not revolve around you and me. I still find that difficult after nearly 70 years on this earth, and as Gill pointed out to me today, we pass on our attitudes — good and bad — to our children and grandchildren, to our wider family and friends, to our work colleagues and neighbours. We owe it to these wonderful people to radiate Christ, by persevering in our faith.
Without a doubt it is a tough call, but today tomorrow and every day let us awake and be not moved away from the Hope of the gospel which we have heard.
A dear lady of great faith declared that she awakened and before doing anything else praised The Lord in what she called ‘the heavenly language’ — speaking in tongues. This can also mean just singing a hymn or praise song to yourself or aloud; even just humming the tune. The Lord works in you through these things. I have found it to be true and I confess that I have let that practise slip away of late. This message is for myself as much as anyone else, but I know in my heart that persevering, continuing faithfully is something we dare not ignore or let fall. Where our faith is concerned, our actions bring eternal consequences.
‘Meditate On These Things’
2 PETER 3:17-18 NKJV
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
“Perseverance” — Tommy Walker Ministries
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers On Love
— Love with all your Strength --
The saint has one striking characteristic, and that is in loving with a Divine love. It’s thirst is not so much to be loved as to be lovable. The characteristics in the life of a saint are the characteristics of our Lord’s life. The saint bears a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ.
[from ‘Christian Discipline Volumes I and II’)
[from ‘Christian Discipline Volumes I and II’)
Listen to this MEDITATION by Clicking Below …
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John 14:25-31
"These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I.
"And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.
But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.”
[NKJV]
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I.
"And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.
But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.”
[NKJV]
From John 14 to the end of John 17, the words we read are exclusively John quoting Jesus in a long farewell speech to His disciples giving counsel and guidance, but also reassurance for the times ahead, but most of all strengthening their faith. This is the detail of ‘The Last Supper’. Jesus concludes with the words “Arise, let us go from here.” Where was Jesus going?
In 18:1 we read that “When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered.” This is three chapters away in John’s narrative, so maybe we should conclude that the arising and the going is not a physical movement — at least not yet — but a spiritual one. Perhaps Jesus if urging His disciples — and that includes us — to arise from the concerns of this world and go to a new place, a place where the Helper, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit dwells.
He stresses that He gives His peace to us. Once we know Him, that essential peace is ever-present within. This is not a gift that we can handle and look at, it is intangible but palpable at the same time — but we must hold on to the gift — “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” It requires action and application on our part, remembering that it is always a joint effort, with Jesus taking the strain.
But now He tell His disciples “I am going away and coming back to you.” And He asks us to rejoice. He follows the Father’s commandment and He says “Arise, let us go from here.”
In 18:1 we read that “When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered.” This is three chapters away in John’s narrative, so maybe we should conclude that the arising and the going is not a physical movement — at least not yet — but a spiritual one. Perhaps Jesus if urging His disciples — and that includes us — to arise from the concerns of this world and go to a new place, a place where the Helper, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit dwells.
He stresses that He gives His peace to us. Once we know Him, that essential peace is ever-present within. This is not a gift that we can handle and look at, it is intangible but palpable at the same time — but we must hold on to the gift — “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” It requires action and application on our part, remembering that it is always a joint effort, with Jesus taking the strain.
But now He tell His disciples “I am going away and coming back to you.” And He asks us to rejoice. He follows the Father’s commandment and He says “Arise, let us go from here.”
‘Meditate on these things’
EPHESIANS 5:13-14 NKJV
But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light."
But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light."
“Arise Shine” — featuring Kathryn Marquis
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love with all your STRENGTH --
The natural life in a sanctified man or woman is neither moral or immoral; it is the gift God has given to be sacrificed on the altar of love to God.
Jesus Christ had a natural body, it was not a sin for Him to be hungry, but it would have been a sin for Him to satisfy that hunger when God had told Him not to. The body we have is not sinful in itself; if it were, it would be untrue to say that Jesus Christ was sinless. After we are sanctified we have the same body, but it is ruled by a new disposition, and we have to sacrifice our natural life to God even as Jesus did, so that we make the natural life spiritual by a series of direct moral choices.
[from ‘If Thou Wilt Be Perfect’]
Jesus Christ had a natural body, it was not a sin for Him to be hungry, but it would have been a sin for Him to satisfy that hunger when God had told Him not to. The body we have is not sinful in itself; if it were, it would be untrue to say that Jesus Christ was sinless. After we are sanctified we have the same body, but it is ruled by a new disposition, and we have to sacrifice our natural life to God even as Jesus did, so that we make the natural life spiritual by a series of direct moral choices.
[from ‘If Thou Wilt Be Perfect’]
Listen to this meditation by clicking below …
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John 14:19-24
"A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?"
Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.
[NKJV]
Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?"
Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.
[NKJV]
I recall being told as a student, that when studying a text, an image, a presentation, to ask yourself questions to get to the heart of what is before you. Do not accept your own preconceptions, but cultivate an enquiring mind. Do not be afraid to ask ‘a stupid question’. Judas (the brother of James) asks — to those already gifted in Bible study — what can seem like one of those ‘what is not to understand?’ questions. He says to Jesus “I don’t understand, Lord.” In so doing he elicits a response from Jesus which helps all of us ‘see’ the spiritual reality of our faith.
In verse 18 Jesus says “I will come to you”, now He says “but you will see Me.” We learn in The Book of Revelation that Jesus is “…the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Jesus is all encompassing, and in the words He speaks He covers the beginning and the end. So when He says He will come to us, it will not pass unnoticed by His people. No, we will see Him, and not just ‘see’ as in notice or observe, but ‘see’ as in know, understand and have an almighty revelation of the Son of God.
Jesus is expanding on what He means by the Spirit of Truth in what is an essential time of teaching His disciples. We are being led through a time of preparation in our walk when we will feel that He has left us; that we are alone. He reassures us of His eternal presence for those who love Him. He is revealing to us how the Holy Spirit works and lays before us the ‘terms and conditions’, as well as the guarantee.
In verse 18 Jesus says “I will come to you”, now He says “but you will see Me.” We learn in The Book of Revelation that Jesus is “…the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Jesus is all encompassing, and in the words He speaks He covers the beginning and the end. So when He says He will come to us, it will not pass unnoticed by His people. No, we will see Him, and not just ‘see’ as in notice or observe, but ‘see’ as in know, understand and have an almighty revelation of the Son of God.
Jesus is expanding on what He means by the Spirit of Truth in what is an essential time of teaching His disciples. We are being led through a time of preparation in our walk when we will feel that He has left us; that we are alone. He reassures us of His eternal presence for those who love Him. He is revealing to us how the Holy Spirit works and lays before us the ‘terms and conditions’, as well as the guarantee.
‘MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS’
1 JOHN 3:2 NKJV
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
“See Him Face To Face” — First Baptist Dallas Choir & Orchestra
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love with all your STRENGTH --
The gods of other religions are unmoved by men’s troubles simply because they do not care; but our God in His love and compassion imposes on Himself our weakness and pain, while yet He is unmoved from the well-centred strength of His mighty purposes.
[from ‘Christian Discipline, Volumes I and II’]
[from ‘Christian Discipline, Volumes I and II’]
Listen to this meditation by clicking below …
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This meditation was previously published in July 2020 under the title ‘Abide With Me’. This version has been edited and updated.
John 14:15-18
If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
[NKJV]
[NKJV]
Jesus promised that He would send a helper, a ‘comforter’, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who would abide with us ... and will be in us!
‘Abide’ is an amazing word with an amazing number of synonyms*. It describes a state of being with The Lord which none of these other words begin to express adequately. It is inclusive and intimate, and transcends time and place. It is an unconditionally unlimited way to live.
One of the greatest of the Psalms, Psalm 91 is a favourite for many and beautifully and poetically captures what it means to ‘be one with Christ’.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, not of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
[Psalm 91:1-6 NKJV]
Our Father gives and gives and gives selflessly and we are deeply comforted; but behind the words is the father’s heart, which gently reminds us that ‘abiding’ is not just about us. The focus of our abiding is Him; the selflessness is a two-presence relationship. Unless we concern ourselves fully on Him, we are not “he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High”
*Abide is menō (μένω; a primary verb) and means to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): — abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), to remain.
Abide in reference to place: to sojourn, tarry, not to depart, to continue, to be present, to be held, kept, continually.
Abide in reference to time: to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure of persons, to survive, live.
Abide in reference to state or condition: to remain as one, not to become another or different, to wait for, await one
‘Abide’ is an amazing word with an amazing number of synonyms*. It describes a state of being with The Lord which none of these other words begin to express adequately. It is inclusive and intimate, and transcends time and place. It is an unconditionally unlimited way to live.
One of the greatest of the Psalms, Psalm 91 is a favourite for many and beautifully and poetically captures what it means to ‘be one with Christ’.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, not of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
[Psalm 91:1-6 NKJV]
Our Father gives and gives and gives selflessly and we are deeply comforted; but behind the words is the father’s heart, which gently reminds us that ‘abiding’ is not just about us. The focus of our abiding is Him; the selflessness is a two-presence relationship. Unless we concern ourselves fully on Him, we are not “he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High”
*Abide is menō (μένω; a primary verb) and means to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): — abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), to remain.
Abide in reference to place: to sojourn, tarry, not to depart, to continue, to be present, to be held, kept, continually.
Abide in reference to time: to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure of persons, to survive, live.
Abide in reference to state or condition: to remain as one, not to become another or different, to wait for, await one
‘Meditate on these things’
1 CORINTHIANS 4:18-21 NKJV
Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
“Come Unto Me” — Booth Brothers
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on LOVE
— Love with all your STRENGTH --
The realisation that my strength is always a hindrance to God’s supply of life is a great eye-opener. A man who has genius is apt to rely on his genius rather than on God. A man who has money is apt to rely on money instead of God. So many of us trust in what we have got in the way of possessions instead of entirely in God.
All these sources of strength are sources of double weakness. But when we realise that our true life is “hid with Christ in God,” that we are “complete in Him,” then His strength is radiantly manifested in our mortal flesh, and His light and life and love shine more and more unto the perfect day.
[from ‘God’s Workmanship’]
All these sources of strength are sources of double weakness. But when we realise that our true life is “hid with Christ in God,” that we are “complete in Him,” then His strength is radiantly manifested in our mortal flesh, and His light and life and love shine more and more unto the perfect day.
[from ‘God’s Workmanship’]
Listen to this meditation by clicking below …
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John 14:12-14
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
[NKJV]
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
[NKJV]
One of the first lessons I learned when baptised in The Holy Spirit was that the names of people in Scripture describes the nature of that person. ‘The name is the nature’. When studying the rebuilding of the gates of Jerusalem to get an idea of the spiritual picture being portrayed, I discovered that translating the names into English gave a key to understanding.
Jesus tells us that “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” Thus, whatever we ask of Him while ‘in the Spirit’ — in His Holy Spirit — we have a direct line to His nature abiding in us, because we are abiding in Him. This passage in John 14 is a wonderful expression of Jesus’ nature, and an amazing and glorious promise to those who believe in Him. You will notice that many prayers that we read, conclude with “in Jesus name”, stating that the prayer is claiming this promise that Jesus made to His people.
The name of Jesus Christ reveals His nature as ‘God is salvation, the anointed one’, or we might say that He is chosen and consecrated by God to be salvation, and salvation encompasses deliverance, welfare, prosperity, healing and victory among its many implications. “Most assuredly.”
Jesus tells us that “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” Thus, whatever we ask of Him while ‘in the Spirit’ — in His Holy Spirit — we have a direct line to His nature abiding in us, because we are abiding in Him. This passage in John 14 is a wonderful expression of Jesus’ nature, and an amazing and glorious promise to those who believe in Him. You will notice that many prayers that we read, conclude with “in Jesus name”, stating that the prayer is claiming this promise that Jesus made to His people.
The name of Jesus Christ reveals His nature as ‘God is salvation, the anointed one’, or we might say that He is chosen and consecrated by God to be salvation, and salvation encompasses deliverance, welfare, prosperity, healing and victory among its many implications. “Most assuredly.”
‘MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS’
LUKE 2:21 NKJV
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
“My Prayer For You” — Alisa Turner
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love with all your MIND --
When we are tied up with other people’s notions of what we should be, the only way to get rid of it all is to take this plunge into the love of God. We have to form the mind of Christ until we are absorbed in Him and take no account of the evil done to us. No love on earth can do this but the love of God.
[from ‘If Thou Wilt Be Perfect’]
[from ‘If Thou Wilt Be Perfect’]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING BELOW …
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THE LIGHT IS SHINING FORTH
GOD’S DELIGHT
God not only loves His children, He takes great pleasure in us. I see this kind of parental pleasure in my wife, Gwen, whenever one of our grandchildren calls. Gwen lights up like a Christmas tree when she has one of our dear little ones on the line. Nothing can get her off the ‘phone. Even if I told her the President was at the door, she would shoo me away and keep talking.
How could I ever accuse my heavenly Father of delighting in me less than I do in my own offspring? At times my children have failed me, doing things contrary to what I taught them. But never once have I stopped loving or delighting in them. If I possess that kind of enduring love as an imperfect father, how much more does our heavenly Father care for us, His children?
Joshua and Caleb stood up in the midst of Israel and cried, “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us” [Numbers 14:8]. What a simple yet powerful declaration. They were saying,”Because our Lord delights in us, He will vanquish every giant. Therefore, we must not look at our obstacles, but keep our eyes on our Lord’s great love for us.”
All through Scripture we read that God delights in us: “But the blameless in their ways are His delight” [Proverbs 11:20], “The prayer of the upright is His delight [Proverbs 15:8], “My strong enemy [was] … too strong for me … But the Lord … delivered me because He delighted in me” [Psalm 18:17-19].
It is absolutely imperative that we believe God delights in us. Then we will be able to accept that every circumstance in our lives will eventually prove to be our Father’s loving will for us. And He will bring joy out of our struggle.
DAVID WILKERSON
Speaking for myself, these are words I need, not only to hear, but to engrain in my very being. It is so easy for the world to draw us away from the right path, so that we forget whose we are.
PRAYER: Lord, help us to accept Your deep and abiding love for us; make that love an essential part of who we are. Abide in us that we may abide in You. We delight in You, Heavenly Father.
PRAYER: Lord, help us to accept Your deep and abiding love for us; make that love an essential part of who we are. Abide in us that we may abide in You. We delight in You, Heavenly Father.
“MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS”
ESTHER 6:11 NKJV
So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honour!"
So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honour!"
“New Day Dawning” — Celtic Thunder
(A spirited song of thanksgiving, even if a little like it came out of ‘Brigadoon’)
(A spirited song of thanksgiving, even if a little like it came out of ‘Brigadoon’)
“A Guid New Year Tae Ane An’ A’” — Kenneth McKellar
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love With All Your Mind --
The characteristics of man’s union with God are faith in God and love for Him. This union was the first thing Satan aimed at in Adam and Eve, and he did it by perverting what God had said.
In the case of Job, Satan goes the length of trying to pervert God’s idea of man. That is an amazing revelation of the power of Satan! He is represented as presenting himself with the sons of God in the very presence of God and trying to pervert God’s mind about Job.
[from ‘Biblical Psychology’]
In the case of Job, Satan goes the length of trying to pervert God’s idea of man. That is an amazing revelation of the power of Satan! He is represented as presenting himself with the sons of God in the very presence of God and trying to pervert God’s mind about Job.
[from ‘Biblical Psychology’]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING BELOW …
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An Entertainment for Christmas and to mark our 400th post
I saw this article in the October 2021 edition of 'The Oldie’ magazine — a publication of which I have grown rather fond. This story, reveals a rather delightful side to Sister Teresa.
Occasionally, I would drive Mother Teresa when she came to London.
The Missionaries of Charity had a minibus. I was a volunteer driver for their errands and night run, offering food and help to homeless people.
On one occasion, some of the nuns asked me to ask Mother to tell the story about the donkey. There was a pecking order and they couldn’t ask her over the head of a superior.
When we had finished the rosary and we’re heading for the Southall convent, I said, ‘Mother, what is the story you tell about the donkey?’
At this she became animated and began, ‘There was this businessman and he was out in the country going to an important meeting when his car began giving him trouble.’
‘Oh,’ I thought, surprised, ‘this is a joke rather than a holy story.’
Mother continued, ‘The car wouldn’t go any further and so he went to the nearest village and explained, “I have to get to an important meeting. Have you got a vehicle — any kind of vehicle — that will get me there?”
‘The villagers said all they could offer him was a donkey, but it was contrary. It would answer to only two commands: “Thank God” for “Go”, and “Alleluia” for “Stop”.
‘In desperation, he accepted the donkey and rode it out of the village, only for the donkey to pick up speed. They were heading for a cliff and the businessman was terrified.’
At this point, we had arrived at the convent in Southall and the superior was standing on the kerb, waiting to greet Mother.
But Mother hadn’t finished the joke. She carried on, ‘They came to the edge of the cliff and the man was trying to remember the villager’s instructions.
‘“Alleluia,” he shouted, and the donkey stopped. He was so relieved he said, ‘“Thank God.”’
Mother turned, smiling, indicating with her hand the man’s fall — and the Nuns loved it.
Veronica Whitty
| i_was_told_a_joke_by_mother_teresa_[the_oldie_-_oct_21].pdf |
Click here to listen to The Donkey Story
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“Little Donkey”
A HOLY COMMAND: Oswald Chambers on Love
— Love With All Your Mind --
We have to get rid of the idea that we are going to get vindicated down here; Jesus was not.
The triumphant thing for a saint is to stand true to God in spite of all the odds the world, the flesh and the devil can bring. God’s Spirit will lead us away from our limitations and teach us to think the thoughts of God behind the things that contradict them.
At the back of all is the love of God which will not let a soul go. If you are a servant of God, He will put you through desert experiences without asking your permission.
[from ‘Notes On Isaiah’]
The triumphant thing for a saint is to stand true to God in spite of all the odds the world, the flesh and the devil can bring. God’s Spirit will lead us away from our limitations and teach us to think the thoughts of God behind the things that contradict them.
At the back of all is the love of God which will not let a soul go. If you are a servant of God, He will put you through desert experiences without asking your permission.
[from ‘Notes On Isaiah’]
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for Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Kilmartin
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