Evangelism | Inspirational Christian Blogs

June 16, 2013
by Joey Coons 4 Comments

Fire: Keeping the Flame Ablaze

During this summer, I have spent some time clearing out a worship spot at my house in the back of our woods. I must say, I really enjoyed doing it. I wanted a spot that I could go and spend time with God in solitude. I gathered old down trees to use for seating, found various pieces of old furniture to place back there, and Tiki Torches to help keep away bugs. In the middle I built a good-sized fire pit for bonfires. The other evening I went out to that spot to spend some time with God. My brother was with me and we were trying to light the fire. The pit had quite a bit of wood in it so if we ever got it lit, it would be a very big and nice fire. The problem was we couldn’t get the fire lit. Granted the top pieces were a little wet, but the rest of the pile was dry, so we didn’t think it would be much of a problem. We had pieces of cardboard to help start the fire, but it didn’t work. We lit some of the dry leaves in the midst of the sticks, but it didn’t work either. We even found some straw to light to help with the process, but all it did was burn. It didn’t stay lit and the fire died quickly. So finally after much frustration, we got the gasoline. Now, I realize this is not the smartest choice nor safest, but I wanted a fire! Luckily nothing bad happened! So we light a few more pieces of cardboard and paper just enough to keep it a flame for a few minutes. Then we doused the places we didn’t have lit with some gasoline so with the fire caught it, it would light up. The finally we applied the gasoline on the flames that were going and instantly, the fire went ablaze. We experienced the thrill of getting our fire lit and the fire was glorious…for about ten minutes. But soon, that gasoline had burnt away, the wood had never really caught a flame, and the fire died out again quickly. Now I realize that there are better ways to light a fire, and if I did some other things I could have probably got that fire going. However, I’m glad I tried to light the fire the way I did because God used it to teach me something.

When the fire began to die out again, I was getting kind of irritated. Then I felt God speak to my heart saying, “I need people who will tend and stir the fire, not just light it.” I immediately knew what God was saying to me. In order to keep a fire going, you have to constantly add fire to the pile, you have to stir the fire to keep the fire going, and you have to watch it. Gasoline is a nice help, but it is only a temporary fix. It only lasts for a moment. It looks glorious and the flames are huge, but they don’t have much life. God doesn’t need followers who will be like the gasoline. Who will become very passionate and devoted to God one day, and have a devotion to Him that dies at the end of the week. He wants followers who will fan the flames. Who will keep the fire going, even if that means taking longer steps in doing so. Followers who will spend the extra time in prayer, reading of His Word, and living out the life He calls His people to.

I think you would be very hard pressed to find a church, if you asked them, would not want to see people come to know Christ. I mean, that’s just a ludicrous thought. The Church may have many different denomination and beliefs of theology, but I don’t really think there are many people in the Church who do not want to see souls saved. In fact if there are any, I really think those people need to evaluate their life and see if the are in step with the Spirit. But all too often the Church tries to witness to the world with gasoline. With big and glorious displays of various ministries, emotional appeals, etc. Those of you who serve the Lord know exactly what I’m talking about. But those things don’t last. People who come to the Lord on those terms won’t last unless that fire is cultivated. Unless their flames are stirred and wood is added to the fire. If the Church and Christians want to set this world on fire, we first have to cultivate the fire in our own hearts, then also be willing to take the time to minister properly and effectively to help keep the fire lit the hearts of others as well. Jesus told His followers that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they will be His witnesses. The Holy Spirit gives Christians the power to witness to others about Jesus powerfully. God is the source of that fire. I pray that believers everywhere will submit to the Holy Spirit and allow God move in their hearts. I also pray that Christians all over the world will fan into flame the gifts of God and take the steps necessary to keep that flame going. When the fire rises true and proud, the world around us will catch fire too. Don’t use the gasoline. Cultivate that fire.

“Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.” ~2 Timothy 1:6

“Fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not go out.” ~Leviticus 6:13

May God be with you.

-Joey

June 4, 2013
by cherylz1961 3 Comments

Let The Promises Of God Build You Up

These are all FACTS and PROMISES of God. When you feel anxious or weary, go to the Word and seek out encouragement and instruction. The Holy Spirit is always faithful in guiding the children of God to verses that will help in times of need.

Our Father has provided you with “manna” but YOU must go out and actively collect it DAILY. Feed upon the Word and let it nourish your spirit. There is no need to walk around as a starved soul. Lay hold of these truths and believe in them so that they carry you through your day. May the confidence of the Lord be your strength. He is faithful.

DESIGNED: ”For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (NAS)

CREATED: ”And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)

BLESS: ”And through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed Me.” Genesis 22:18 (NIV)

HEAL: ”Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)

DEFENDS: ”Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord”
Psalm 35:23 (NIV)

FORGIVES: ”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

LOVES: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

May 30, 2013
by cherylz1961 2 Comments

Rest In God

“And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation.” Genesis 2: 2-3 (ESV)

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62:1 (NIV)

How these words speak the truth!! Can you relate?

God was busy when He created the universe. When He finished the work He had conceived, He RESTED. Many of us have a hard time resting. Most of us are busy with our family, ministry, and career. So when a free moment does come along, we might feel uncomfortable and restless. A guilty feeling may stir inside of us, as we fret over our seeming unproductivity. Many of us need to give ourselves permission to occasionally slow down. There is a list of things that need our attention, so why rest? How can we possibly justify being still?

First, God is our role model. He encourages rest. He knows our frame. Our bodies need sleep…. so take a nap if you need one. Our minds need peace….. So take up a hobby or exercise. Find a creative outlet for simple pleasure and joy. We were built for relationship, so enjoy the ones around you. Play a game with your kids or have dinner out with a loved one. Most of all, be still and know that God cares you.

Reading your Bible, having a special prayer time, meditating on the goodness and faithfulness of God are all wonderful ways to refresh your spirit. Ponder all your blessings and remember all of the ways He has rescued from your tears. Recount all the ways He has kept your feet from stumbling and then praise Him.

You do not have to be the definition of perpetual motion. Psalm 46:10 encourages believers to, “be still and know that I am God.” When was the last time you intentionally sat still and stopped all your activities? When was the last time you cleared your mind of all your worries, agendas, troubles, and fears?

Resting restores our mental, physical, and spiritual health. If our personal wells are empty and dry, we cannot hand out refreshing cups of cool water to others in need. We are better servants of God if we take time to care for ourselves. We must feed upon the Word of God, our spiritual daily bread. The living water must quench our thirst and water the works God has lovingly begun in us. We must irrigate our personal spiritual gardens so that we can produce fruit, feed others, and give God glory.

It is the enemy who will come alongside you and whisper words of condemnation. He will try to convince you that you are lazy and slothful. He will try to discourage you and distract you. Plug your ears! Lies! He is a liar. Guilt is not of the Lord. There is a difference between condemnation and conviction.

Yes, we are to serve others and work fervently in winning souls to Christ by sharing the Good News. We are commanded to serve, encourage, and help others. However, nowhere in the Bible does it say to work without having quiet times of rest. We are not robots. Sure, times are dark and there is an urgency to warn others that His return may be closer than they can possibly imagine. We are to pray without ceasing but our bodies require moments of stillness.

I don’t want to dissuade you from the work He has given you to perform. I am simply reminding you, dear one, to take time and rest. He is in control. He holds the reins. He knows your heart and sees your service. He wants you to drink from His well so that your well is full of sweet cool water, available for those who desperately need a sip or two.

“And He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 (ESV)

“Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” Psalm 116:7 (NKJV)

May 22, 2013
by Bruce Mewett 5 Comments

My Mum’s amazing message

I was the most fortunate of kids!

I was brought up with a Mum and Dad who loved God.

Being the youngest of five, (I had twin sisters but sadly one died of TB when she was only one year old) I guess things monetary wise were a bit stretched, but we certainly never went without the essentials and we certainly had plenty of love handed out liberally, especially by my hard-working and devoted Mum.

BUT

That didn’t stop us going off the rails – (well the boys that is) unfortunately when we became of age and even had families of our own, the world and it’s lures were all too much and even though I personally put on the face of a Christian and did all the ‘Christian” things – I was far off from the Lord.

But Mum and Dad kept on praying for us – determined and sure that God would bring us back to Him.

Personally for me their prayers have been answered.

Dad died in 1998 and our Dear Mum passed away in 2000. Before they died they both recorded a message to us from “beyond the grave” sort of thing and re-listening to them again recently I was staggered at Mum’s simple yet solid faith in God – determined that her sons would come back to the Lord.

She says at some point that she has never stopped praying for us even before we were born. And in another part that “It doesn’t matter if Dad and I don’t see it for we have prayed fervently for you all.”

Well I’m afraid they didn’t see it – But I know that one day we will ALL meet around the throne of God in unity and love of our Lord and Saviour.

Here is a transcript of her message – I pray that you will be blessed as you read it as I was to hear it.

The prayers of a faithful Mum and Dad for their kids is awesome in it’s simplicity and mighty in it’s outcome – Praise God.

(From my Mum)
As my Savior has said – Weep not for me for I have only gone ahead to rest and wait for you in a place where there is no more pain or loss.

My children, when you were under our care your Dad and I endeavoured under the scant knowledge that was ours to show you that God has an infinite plan for us.

That plan of God’s was to bring home to us the amazing power and love that is available to anyone who has surrendered their hearts and love to the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit which is the gift from God to those, when in faith believe in the hearts and confess with their mouths that Jesus is the Messiah, died to pay the price of our sins and that He rose again.

I tried to teach you of The advantages of a committed life, of the security we have knowing that what ever happens we are the children of the Almighty God and nothing can separate us from Him – we have someone to go to when we are in trouble – and who isn’t in this sad world of ours.

Our God is a prayer answering and miracle working God – how many times have we proven that – over and over again.

He has promised never to fail or forsake those who put their trust in Him.

Sin unconfessed is the only thing that can disturb that relationship which exists between man and His maker for sin uncovered by the sacrifice of the Son of God CANNOT, literally CANNOT, exist in the presence of the glory and holiness of the Father.

So that those who have not come in faith to the Father find that sin puts a barrier between them.

Sin estranges God and Man – for the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ happened only that man may be restored to the relationship that should exist between the creature and his creator.

Gods greatest miracle is not the creation of the world, the suspension of the sun, the ceaselessness of the tide, Gods greatest miracle is the salvation of the human soul that all people should be saved and is unwilling that any should be lost and He has bound up the salvation of men and women with the prayerful ministry of his own people.

There is no doubt that the prayers for the salvation of others are well within the will of God. Your Dad and I have prayed fervently for the salvation of all our family – and this type of prayer is never in doubt and being the will of God shall in is own good time be fulfilled.

It doesn’t matter if your Dad and I don’t see it, for we have prayed for you all and these are just some of these promises we have held for you all.

Isaiah 54:13 That you all will be “taught of the Lord” and great will be your peace.
Psalm 119:11 That you all will “hide God’s word in your hearts.”
Colossians 1:9 That God will fill you all with the knowledge of His will so that you can walk in a way that’s pleasing to Him and that your lives will bear fruit.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 That your hearts will trust in the Lord and not lean on your own understanding
Psalm 5:12 That God’s favour will surround you all like a shield.

I can assure you, my children, that you were prayed for and committed unto the Lord before you were born- the Grandchildren also – and Gods promises are true.

The salvation of a soul is a mighty BIG undertaking for it just doesn’t include cleansing from sin but a full commitment of a life to God’s will and the receiving of a place in the family of God and the freely given gift of a life everlasting to Christians of all ages – there is no generation gap here – and also the presence of our beloved Lord Himself.

No one can be saved unless they are convicted or conscious of sin and when that consciousness of sin is present the way is opened to bring that one to the feet of the Saviour.

To confess and repent, that is being sorry for sins committed, and being determined to turn to Christs way of living will enable us to partake freely of the peace, joy and love that can be found in this earth.

Turning from sin and trusting Jesus also includes safety and perfection in the next world when our Lords presents us faultless before the presence of His Father and ours.

Now I know we have enjoyed a happy life together in spite of troubles that may have sunk the ship, but we also shared the gift of laughter, a sense of fun, of little private jokes as well as tears and I am very pleased to have loved you all and I am so looking forward to a wonderful reunion with you ALL in our Lord’s good time.

Your dad and I praying that you all will see the value of sins forgiven, a walk in a plain path, and a keeping in a world of sorrow and danger.

May God bless you all my darlings from the eldest to the youngest child and may He give through you the answer to our continual prayer.

Will the circle be unbroken? – God grant that it may – see you in the morning – Love you – Mum.

May 15, 2013
by πίστις Leave a comment

Pastor Saeed Abedini’s Wife Featured Speaker 5/16/2013

For those of you who follow events concerning Pastor Saeed and his family, his wife, Naghmeh will be speaking this week on Thursday May 16 at Calvary Chapel South Bay.

You can listen to Naghmeh live here: http://campus.316networks.com/cc-southbay

If this time does not work for you, you can still here her speak by going to South Bay’s YouTube channel. The video should be up on their channel in approximately a week. http://www.youtube.com/ccsouthbay

I want to thank my blogging brother Peter Guirguis from Calvary Chapel South Bay church for sharing this info with me. You can visit Peter on his evangelism based blog (he has great tips for all you Twitter users as well) here: Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Wife of Idaho Pastor: ‘Saeed Was Released From Solitary’ (boiseweekly.com)
Update From Pastor Saeed’s Facebook Page – Great News! (vineoflife.net)
Boise pastor released from solitary confinement (ktvb.com)

May 11, 2013
by cherylz1961 Leave a comment

We Are Known By Our Fruit

“Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.” Luke 6:44 (NIV)

“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” Matthew 12:33 (NIV)

People judge us by what we do, more than by what we say. All Americans know the commonly used phrase, “actions speak louder than words.” Therefore, lifestyle witnessing is so important and a wonderful way to lead others into the saving grace of God.

Trials are difficult to weather, but even harder when you know all eyes are on you. Believers and non-believers will be watching your reactions to good news and bad news. Observers want to see if your faith is sincere, and whether it truly has the ability to see you through your struggle.

If you experience peace in the midst of your storm, people will notice and draw close. They will want what you possess. Opportunities may arise where you can share your faith. Then again, others may not ask direct questions about your tranquility, but they will watch you just the same.

Christians with sincere hearts and faith do trip up and sin, especially when undergoing times of affliction and adversity. Extreme pressures are painful and may cause moments of living in the flesh. Sadly, the world often watches for an opportunity to find fault in believers. They will notice and acknowledge the ONE time we loose our patience over the twenty times we show grace under fire. They may be quick to call us hypocrites when really we a merely sinners.

If this happens and you feel judged, don’t let it discourage you. Trials can bring out the best and worst in all of us. The enemy would love to dishearten and dissuade you. He knows trials are great opportunities for Christians to witness and that he could loose some of his advantage. Satan will try to convince you that your moment of sin has closed all doors to sharing the Truth with others. Don’t believe him! God can do the impossible and make good things happen out of bad.

Difficult times mature our faith and strengthen our trust in God. Faith is a seed and it takes time to take root and grow. The fertilizer is the Word of God and we all grow at different rates. How far our big toe remains in the world will influence the speed to our Christian maturity.

If you are sold out and reading the Bible daily, you will grow faster than the sprout that is not daily watered. Undernourished believers are easily tossed by the winds of temptation. Hardships are harder when the Holy Spirit can’t bring scripture to mind that instruct and encourage.

When you are walking with God you will bear good fruit that honors Him and gives Him glory, even if you slip up once in awhile and sin. When you are not walking in the spirit, there is little hope for good fruit. Matthew 12:33 tells us that, “a tree is known by its fruit.”

Trials can easily make us thornbushes or briars, and who wants to pick fruit from them? It takes a conscious effort to put on the peace that transcends all understanding. By following the instructions of Philippians 4:6-7 we gain this miraculous peace. It enables us to walk through difficult struggles with serenity, witnessing to those around us who are watching our painful journey. This peace will guard our hearts and minds and keep our focus on the One who is in control of our situation.

Philippians 4:8 goes on to advise us to focus our thoughts on lovely things that are noble, admirable, right, and praiseworthy. When our circumstances begin to overwhelm us, we must focus our attention on the admirable and praiseworthy things God has done for us in the past. He was faithful then and will remain so throughout eternity.

God is the Tree of Life, the Vine. We are the branches, from them flowers and fruit will come. It will be good fruit if we are a branch on His tree. If our roots are deeply set in the soil of God’s Word, no wind will uproot us and no storm will destroy us.

May the peace of Christ be in you today. May He grant you opportunities to share it with those around you who thirst for it as well. Blessings!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV)

April 28, 2013
by Bruce Mewett Leave a comment

Mysteries; Great and small

WOW! Mysteries – I love em!! – Well sometimes anyway – I must admit that the mysteries of the computer make me frustrated, angry and despairing!!

But other mysteries well that’s another matter; the mystery of creation; the universe; the gobsmacking splendour of the galaxy; the rainbows; the beauty of the sunrise; the stillness of star studded skies in the wilderness, all of these can leave me breathless with heaps of unanswered questions…

There is one mystery though that I will never get my head around – and I reckon it is the GREATEST mystery of all time!!

How God saved me is one HUGE mystery and one which I will eternally grateful for.

The plan of salvation is the mystery of mysteries and shows a love that is beyond our minds to comprehend.

God paid the price for my salvation – He took me to be His prize!! Me! that is a mystery that I cannot understand.

I had nothing; proud; deceitful; jealous; I could sin and feel no compunction; hear of my guilt and remain unhumbled. Then Jesus came!

He changed my life and where I was only ever out to make life better for me, whatever the cost, He made me realise that I was bound to sin; a slave to sin; I was in chains and didn’t realise it.

If we come to Jesus, we need to come bearing no gifts; there is nothing we can bring to Him; we owe everything to Him; how then can we bring anything to Him?

It is only through his grace that we can come anywhere near him at all.

Jesus is the King of the dependent: King of the despised; King of the weak; King of the left-outs and King of the hated!

Hated? – Yes Hated; we will be hated by others if we make a stand for Jesus. Left out? Yes certainly we will be left out; not part of the crowd; even despised.

The world at large will not take too kindly to us telling them about the only way to enrich their lives for eternity is to accept the invitation that Jesus brings; Why?

Because to come to Jesus we have to empty ourselves of all we have; we need to be totally dependent on Him bringing our sins; our past; our everything and laying them at the foot of the cross.

We need to leave behind the things of earth; and not place importance on the things that really don’t matter. That was one BIG lesson I had to learn – Jesus died for us just as we are.

When He died on the cross, He took my sins up there with Him; when He died so did I in a way; died to sin; I became bound to Jesus through His death when I accepted the gift of freedom that He offered me.

The old life I had is gone – Now I have to rely solely on Him.

I don’t know what mysteries lie ahead; have no idea, really what eternity will be like; death doesn’t scare me but it is a mystery – an amazing mystery and one where I can be assured of God’s amazing promises that where He is I will be also.

I have no idea what lies ahead of me; what trials; what tribulations; what joy; what pain – but I do know whatever happens, Jesus goes before me anyway.

There is nothing that I could possibly go through that he hasn’t been there before me; and that He has promised to be with me through everything that happens.

My life is bound up in Jesus – My whole life is in Him.

The very same power that resurrected Jesus; that rolled the stone away; that killed death, is the very same power that saved me and brought me to life with Him.

Jesus paid the price for you and me. His blood bought us life.

When we are weak, then we are strong; God can’t use us when we are proud, haughty and full of our own importance. We need to be totally broken in front of Him; totally dependent on Him; giving Him the glory in everything we do.

Glorifying God is when we see God as more important than anything else we are doing or what or who is in our lives.

It is only when we humble ourselves to the His will and let the Holy Spirit infill us will be be even remotely able to kneel before a Holy God.

We have to come to a point in our lives where we realise that can do nothing on our own; all power comes from God.

We can hold nothing back thinking that God can do so much and we can do the rest; we have nothing with which to come to God save his miraculous grace by which we are saved.

It is only when we come to that realisation that He will lift us up and see us through the sacrifice of Jesus; see us washed and clean; free of sin.

April 14, 2013
by Bruce Mewett 2 Comments

Way way down deep!

Don’t you just love computer viruses??

A few weeks ago – the old laptop started to do strange and amazing things – like not shutting down – then shutting down 1/2 way through something!

Then it started dropping things off – like the web cam disappearing – the sound disappearing – strange messages appeared telling me that my anti virus was not installed – strange and mysterious are the ways of the computer!!

In desperation I called up my very favourite Daughter-In-Law (must say at this point that she is my ONLY Daughter-In-law, nevertheless) who I trust implicitly as a guru on all things techno!

She denies emphatically that she knows anything about computers but it amazes me (that for one, self-described novice, in all things tech) just how much knowledge her pretty little head can hold.

Anyway, she put me onto a tech minded Computer (and can I use the word) Geek. An amazing young man – quiet, determined, straight shooter, down to business sort of young fellow – who actually came to me without me having to go to him – extraordinary!!

He got straight down to the nitty gritty and YES!! – I had some sort of obscure virus that bi passed my security and anti malware programmes and embedded itself deep deep inside the driver of the Web Cam – making it give up the ghost entirely and taking out with it most of the other drivers as well.

That is about as much knowledge I needed to know and wasn’t at all surprised when he suggested that I needed to ‘wipe the slate clean’ and then re-load the hard drive!!

As I said earlier – don’t you just LOVE computers!!

Long story cut short – the Computer and I are friends again – I no longer threaten to hurl it down the steps onto the road and we have kissed and made up – even after hours of re-loading programmes.

All of that got me thinking long and hard about what actually is going on deep down inside our very souls – like the computer virus so easily stalked my little laptop and zeroed in for the kill so it is with sin.

Sin can get so embedded deep deep down in the very core of our personalities that it becomes so second nature to us that we accept it without question.

We can get used to and ever so comfortable with our sin-lives that we no longer have any consciousness of it there at all. That can be a HUGE problem!!

We can even get to like our sin – we like it so much that we can actually turn off the promptings of our Heavenly Father through His Holy Spirit and immune ourselves to not even thinking about whether it is there or not.

Yes, unlike the computer virus – our sin virus can slowly slowly take over our lives.

But, God will never give up on us – Believe me – He didn’t give up on me – and if He didn’t give up in me then He won’t give up on you.

He keeps wanting to get you back to Him – He wants you to have a full and lasting relationship with Him – How?

Well, the only way to having that sort of lasting relationship with God is to be prepared to hand everything over to Him – not just a little bit – but the whole lot.

So, maybe you are thinking I am just too bad – My sin/virus is embedded so so deep – not even a re-load of the hard drive will remove it – well, I have news for you.

No matter what you have done – no matter what sort of life you have led – Jesus loves you and wants you to come to Him.

Maybe you have wandered away from Him – He wants you back!

Maybe you been so hurt in the past that you have actually got so angry at God and you have vowed never to even think of Him again – guess what – He wants you back!

Maybe you have had a close friend or someone in the family that have been taken ill with a terminal disease or even died and you have blamed God and told Him so – Guess what – He wants you back.

No matter where you are on the “missing in action” list – God wants you back.

None of us are promised an easy ride in this life – We are going to suffer all sorts of stuff – from persecution, disease, grief, doubt, confusion, financial disasters, marital breakdowns – you name it – BUT God says – we are just passing though – this place is not our home – this place is just such a temporary dwelling – our real home is in eternity with Him.

I have heard people say that “there could never be a loving God in Heaven because Look at Bill – great man, gave all he had to the poor and yet God will send him to Hell”.

My answer – How do you know that? – we cannot judge a persons heart – we cannot put our puny minds in the mind of God – Yes – God has said that all sin must be paid for either by accepting what Jesus did on the cross at Calvary or at the throne of God! BUT…

We are not in the ‘judging’ business!! – That is up to a mighty, just and merciful God!

We desperately need to get our own homes in order while we are living here in the days of God’s Grace – while there is still time – we need to come to repentance and kneel at his cross where the burdens of past sins can be chucked into oblivion never to counted against us ever.

Are you one of those people, who think they are just too bad for God? Or are you angry at God for some reason? Or are your sins embedded so deep inside your personal computer ‘drive’ that you feel so comfortable with the whole set-up you just want to leave well enough alone?

God still wants YOU!! – He gave His son for YOU! – Don’t try to put your mind in the mind of God? You will never do it!

Your sin embedded too deep? – God can go deeper!

Too angry with God for perceived injustices? God’s love can overcome anything – even that – Come to Him today!!

Don’t delay – He wants you just the way you are – Angry, hurt, confused, doubting, full of deep sin – just the way you are.

He worked a miracle in my life – he can work one in yours as well.

Oh the Deep Deep Love of Jesus (S. Trevor Francis)

O the deep deep love of Jesus, vast unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!

Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love.
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!

How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
‘Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

February 12, 2013
by Bruce Mewett Leave a comment

Moans and Groans

WOOHOO – what did we do without all of our modern gadgets – How did we manage??

Its so hard to imagine our world fitting into the world of the late 18th and early 19th centuries – without all of our communication aids – How did those people manage? – it must have been an extraordinary world, no mobile phones, iPods, iPhones,and computers – not even a Fax machine – amazing.

Our incredible God speaks to us so directly – and He has been doing that since creation – no need for any sort of technology – His voice can be strong, caring, sensitive, disciplinary or even a gentle whisper – all we have to do is to listen.

It is so interesting and as pointed out by the none other than Charles Spurgeon himself that in Matthew 11:25 the verse starts by saying “And Jesus answered” BUT it doesn’t say who He was answering??

Jesus had such a close Communion with His Father God that he answered Him – and what did He answer “I thank you O Father” .

No one else heard anything – suddenly Jesus says “I thank you O Father” which just goes to show that He had constant and close fellowship and Communion with God His heavenly Father.

Jesus was born as a helpless baby – human – just like us – bone and flesh and blood – and yet here He is being so close to God that He answers Him as if He were having a face-to-face D&M.

So this simple statement in Matthew can teach us something – what?

We can have the same close relationship with our heavenly Father as we can have with other people.

Sometimes when God speaks it will be to convict us of something not right in our lives – we may need to confess whatever it is that God’s Holy Spirit have convicted us of and in so doing to re-open the communication pathway.

God is so willing to speak to us – and we need to be willing to speak to Him.

Once we have accepted Jesus as Lord – confessed our past to Him and asked Him to rule our lives then by prayer we have an instant communication line to the Father – it is truly amazing!

Romans 8: 26-27 says “That in our weakness, the Spirit of God helps us because we don’t know how to pray as we ought, and so the Spirit intercedes for us with wordless groanings.”

The passage goes on “God the father – the one who searched our hearts – knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit prays for us according to God’s will.”

That’s a pretty amazing verse – God, through the Holy Spirit knows what we need before we ask – and even when we don’t know how or what to pray for – The Holy Spirit knows our hearts and motives and intercedes for us to God.

So in times when we are in stress – life seems to be getting the better of us – our little boat is swamped with mountainous waves and we are all bailing for our lives – God through His Holy Spirit can interpret even our groans and is there for us.

Sometimes we can’t put words to how we are feeling – that’s happened heaps of times in my life!! – yet God in His mercy and grace can interpret our minds, thoughts, motives and heart aches.

Although, before we can have any communication with our Creator God we must put things right with Him and with anyone else that we have hurt or we feel have hurt us.

Unforgiveness and taking and giving offence will alienate us from Him – and there will be no communication at all, zilch, zero, none!

We need to put things right – ask forgiveness and then keep those lines open to the only one that has the answer to everything.

It just makes me amazed that our Heavenly Father – the great God of Creation, Jesus the son and God the Holy Spirit loves me so much that He is yearning to hear my prayers.

Each time my heart aches, He knows – When I grieve, He knows – and more than that He cares. He cares for me and He cares for you – He hears our groans and moans – our praises and our laughter.

He knows our hearts desires and our motives and our secret sins.

He knows that there are going to be many bad things that happen to us in life. There is going to be much suffering. There are going to be hard times but through it all He hears our “Groanings.”

He knows and understands and because of that I personally have a deeper understanding of what prayer is all about.

Prayer is more than a shopping list of wishes!!

Prayer is the open communication between a puny little guy and the King of the Universe – extraordinary!

So when we are deep in the ‘puzzle’ of life – the ups and downs – the despair – the worry – the deep concern – the joy – the happiness – Be assured that our God does care and does listen to prayers even if we no idea what we are praying for.

February 6, 2013
by πίστις Leave a comment

The White Harvest – What Jesus Did and Didn’t Say – Bible Verses

The harvest field belongs to God, not to you and me. He is “the Lord of the harvest”, but we are the workers and co-laborers of the Lord. He has prepared the way for us to an abundant harvest and fruitful production in our lives.

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest . . . to send out workers into his harvest field” Matthew.9:37-38.

God has removed the chains of the curse of sin that had weighed upon the backs of mankind since Adam fell in the garden. The weight of sin that the world had to bear has been removed once and for all by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary. All of humanity was lost, burdened by the law, stuck in the sacrifice for the temporary forgiveness of sins. Jesus in His love, with His life gave us the ultimate gift to permanently removed sin’s stain as He bore the sins of the world as he was nailed to the cross.

Before the advent of salvation we were compelled to obey God’s law, and forgiveness was given only by animal blood sacrifice for breaking that law. Thank God we are now free in Christ Jesus, saved by the sacrifice of our Lord on the cross that issued in a new age of forgiveness called Grace. This Grace in Christ Jesus has given us the freedom from sin, and the freedom to have a personal relationship with Him.

This a great article on salvation written by Darrell from Darrell Creswell’s Blog. We all need to be working in whatever way we can be to be the Holy Spirit’s helper, salvation is from God, but God desires us to spread His Word!

To finish reading this article, please go to http://darrellcreswell.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/the-white-harvest-what-jesus-did-and-didnt-say-bible-verses/