Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 22

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - AND AFTER?

AND AFTER?

So the event of history has happened and is history. The Child has been born, the shepherds have visited the manger, and the wise men are apparently on their way.  The inn-keeper has told Joseph and Mary that the inn was full; Herod has not yet learned of the event. What do you suppose happened after all this? The Bible is silent on what all happened after the recorded events.

After the shepherds had visited the manger the Bible states that: “…they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child”(Luke 2:17) and that “[t]hen the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God…” (Luke 2:20). Did this last or, as is often the case, did friends and associates convince them that what they had witnessed was not in fact true but something they had probably misconstrued?

Did the wise men, when they had returned to their home area, remain committed to what they had seen and had travelled so far to experience, or did they return to their previous ways of worship and previous gods?

Was the inn-keeper influenced and changed by what he had witnessed from this couple to whom he had offered the manger and by the events that subsequently unfolded? And what did he do after?

We know, of course, what Herod did after he heard the news and of the events that unfolded in Bethlehem by his orders, events that have become known in history as the Massacre of the Innocents.  What can we learn from all this?

The shepherds had heard from God, the wise men had seen a sign, and Herod had heard about the prophecies and the first indication of the “Good News.” These are the three ways that God communicates to us even today. Did the shepherds continue to believe what they had heard from God or did they, as others probably suggested, start to think that it was really just their imagination or a dream? Many people may hear from God today but really don’t listen thinking that it was just something in their head. After all God is often just in “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12).

Also, the wise men who saw the sign, did they really continue to believe? Jesus said, “A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah”(Matthew 16:4) and “[f]or as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation” (Luke 11:30).  So, how often do we miss or not continue to believe in the sign God has given us?

Lastly, Herod had heard the word of the prophets and not only refused to accept that word but rebelled against it. Are we any different? Do we pay attention to the prophets or do we reject their words as did the people of old?  Are we not like the rich man who asks Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers so they would repent in the story in Luke 16? And the reply from Abraham: “…If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31).

We don’t listen for God nor do we often see the signs all around us. We ignore the prophets and deny the one who rose from the dead. We seem not to learn lessons very well. Perhaps it would be wise to try harder in this New Year. At least it is something we should all think about.

HAPPY NEW YEAR   

Pastor Caroline - Jesus Is The Light - Christmas Eve Service

Pastor Caroline - December 23, 2020

 

A Humble Birth

What a beautiful reminder David Jeremiah brings to our attention here in the reading today from Daily in His Presence. Try to imagine Mary giving birth without any medical attention to attend to her should she be in need. They are in a stable, a most humble beginning for the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords to be born. The very word of God became flesh on that silent night in Bethlehem. The stars shone bright over the place where He lay and the Wise Men came to greet Him. A truly humble beginning for such a child as this, who would forever change the world.

 

I wonder if when Mary looked into this precious face she had any idea what His life would bring. A young mother who would one day have to watch Him die. A young mother who would see Him through to the age of 33, marveling at His mighty works here on earth and realizing — He was sent— to be our Saviour.

As David Jeremiah said in the last paragraph,

Jesus came into the world “in the likeness of men”, (Philippians 2:7)

May we live our lives according to His teaching that we may strive to leave this world in the likeness of Christ.

 

Have a very Blessed Merry Christmas. Please join us on Thursday evening for our Christmas Eve service at 6 PM. Bill will have it on the website for you to tune in and share that very special time with us. This is our way of being safe and being connected at the same time as we share the Christmas message and a few of our favourite Christmas Carols. We hope they are yours as well.

God bless each and everyone.

 

I will return in the New Year as Wednesday December 30 I will take a break. Happy New Year to everyone. May our Lord give you many rich blessings. I am sending much love to everyone in the name of Jesus.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 21

Dr, Barclay with Something to Think About - THE CHILD

Over the past few weeks, we’ve mentioned the wise men, the gifts, and the shepherds; all of which are important to the Christmas story. But in fact, it’s really about the Child born one day in a manger in Bethlehem. We may not know the exact day He was born or the exact location, but one thing is certain, He was born. There is apparently no reputable scholar or historian who will dispute the simple fact that Jesus was born, lived where the Bible states He lived, and was crucified in His early thirties. There is also little dispute over the fact that no other solitary life has impacted humanity more than has the life of Christ.

The Bible indicates that from the beginning Jesus’ birth and death was planned that way, but why? God is omnipotent, He could have just waved His hand and made any changes He desired to the world but He didn’t. He had His own plan, but why this way?

It is said that every one is a sinner. Romans 3:10-12 puts this way: “There is none righteous, no not one…there is none who seeks after God…there is none who does good, no, not one.”  Romans 6:23 also states that “…the wages of sin is death…” and it says in Joshua 24:19 that “…He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.”

God could have just have forgiven our sins but He would not. It would not really be fair to forgive some and not all and that would mean sin would really go unpunished. Perhaps people could work their way to forgiveness but that too would be unjust because some are more capable of work than others.  Psalm 7:11 remarks that “God is a just judge…” and so working to forgiveness is not going to be the way.

But why did He chose to come to earth as an infant and grow up amongst us as His way of doing things? There are probably many reasons but let me relate three.

First, coming and growing up among us as He did, allowed us to relate to Him on our terms. It gave us the ability to interact person to person so to speak and at the same time illustrated His extreme concern and love for His creation.

Secondly, through Christ, we were able to see God as He meant us to see Him. John 14:9 states “He who was seen Me has seen the Father…” because “Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father”( John 6:46).

  Thirdly, He came as a baby so that we would not be afraid. The first thing the angel said to the shepherds, in Luke 2:10, was “…‘Do not be afraid.’”  Who could be afraid of an infant? If however, He had come with all His glory, as He will the second time, there would have been a great deal of fear, as there may well be on His next visit.

To have a God who is willing to come to us so that we can relate to Him, who has made himself visible through His Son and who has humbled Himself enough to come as an infant with all that entails, well, that is truly something we should all be thinking about this Christmas season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS   

 

Pastor Caroline - December 20, 2020 - Love

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday December 16, 2020 -

My Love Letter to God

Today I want to write a love letter to God. I guess this year because of Covid I am much more aware of God‘s protection than ever before. I also have more time to just sit and appreciate what God has done and is doing for me over the years of my life. So please forgive me if this seems personal, however, the Lord is leading me to share this with all of you. Perhaps it could be that you would be able to say, “That is just how I feel”, and so maybe it can be your love letter to Him as well. So here goes.

Dear Lord:

Good morning my dear Heavenly Father. I am writing you today as I just want to say thank you for everything in my life. For so many years I have felt you close to me, watching over me, protecting me, loving me and showing me Your ways in my life. The people who have come and gone and the people who are now in my life have brought me Your love and guidance in so many ways, especially in areas where I need correction, direction, and guidance. You always sent and still send someone to be Jesus to me. There have been times in my life when I could and still do, feel your arms drawing me close as to comfort and console me. Strong arms that say “I won’t let go”. And I know you won’t.

Thank you for showing me how to accept myself as I am, and at times that wasn’t easy on my part, until you reminded me that you made me and what you make is always good. Please help me to always live up to your expectation of me to be the person you see me being. You understand me, you strengthen me, you allow me opportunity to tell others about you, you influence my every day with Your word and the joy I feel in You. You teach me to look up because I am of Your world, not the world here on earth which I am passing through. I cannot thank You enough for even this one great truth of which I claim and tuck away in my heart. So many times I’ve had to remind myself of this and suddenly, my day became brighter!!  You are my source of joy, today and for all my tomorrows until I am finally home where I belong. Wow —how blessed I am. Thank you.

 

Thank you for giving me the ability to do the things I never imagined I could do, and I couldn’t without you.

Thank you for teaching me how to love, especially when it seems most impossible and to learn that all things are possible in Christ.

Show me how to be a living sacrifice as Jesus was and continues to be to us every day.

Please allow me when I leave this world to leave Your love and gift of salvation to more people than I can count, and not to bring any glory to me but rather, to bring glory to You and one day welcome them to Your heavenly home.

Oh yes, and thank you for giving me a talent or two which made it easier to share You with others. Thanks for helping me develop them on Your time frame and only when I needed them so I would not boast.  You are so amazing!!

 

Please Lord, never never let me take You for granted, or take for granted the gifts and blessings you have given me over the years. Every day, a new day, a new gift, breath itself and the joy of seeing the day from dawn to dusk, adding yet another day to my journey in life.

 

I am sure I don’t tell you often enough how much I love You, so please forgive me. I’m sure I don’t say thank you enough, however, I do love You and thank You more than I could ever express. I am so grateful for a Father such as You, Who accepts me as I am, never gives up on me, comes to my aid when I fail or need help, puts words in my mouth that are like honey on my lips when someone needs a soft, sweet word and shows me how to be silent, in the tender, mercy moments of life.

Am I blessed?

YES, YES, YES!!

And it’s all because of you, Father God.

 

Well I guess I’ll close for now Lord and one day we will be together, to walk and talk together in a place where the roses never fade and when all the finishing touches are complete on my mansion over the hilltop. Then I will come to you, because I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.

Lord, one request please, may I be in the choir, and lift my voice every day, forever more.

Love, your grateful daughter Caroline.

P.S. Thank you for your gift of Jesus to the world so many years ago, heaven continues to receive those who have received Him as Lord and Saviour and many more still to come. Praise His name!

Merry Christmas to you and it is a Merry Christmas for us because of Your great love.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 20

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE SHEPHERDS

 THE SHEPHERDS

Matthew tells of wise men coming to the Christ child some time after His birth, perhaps a few months after, but how long we don’t really know. Luke relates the story of the shepherds coming to Christ’s birthplace shortly after His birth. There is no indication of these people, the shepherds, seeing a star or any other such sign but of them just quietly tending their sheep.  Can you picture it, a night just like any one of hundreds of others, that they must have spent tending to their flocks and just passing the time as best they could. They were doing their routine chores and surviving.

Shepherds were among the poorest in Judea and probably for the most part uneducated. Also, they were in the lowest echelon of Judean society. Nothing significant happened to shepherds. So, when out of the clear sky, beings suddenly appeared, it would not be surprising that the shepherds would be fearful. Thus, the first thing the angel spoke was “Do not be afraid” and then “…I bring you good tidings of great joy…For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12) 

    To the lowest of the low in Judea and with no warning came the message of Christ’s birth. Not to the rich or powerful or the prestigious was the announcement of the fulfillment of prophecy made. And it wasn’t made to the world as a whole but to “you good tidings” and “a sign unto you” and “you shall find”; personal messages to the shepherds themselves. And so the shepherds went, found, believed, and returned spreading the good news of what they had seen.

  Thus was the birth of Christ. He came unexpectedly and without warning even though His arrival had been predicted hundreds of years previously. So also may be His next coming. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says:” For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” While 1 Thessalonians 5:6 states: “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do but let us watch and be sober.”

The story of the shepherds tells us that events can happen quickly and without warning, but we must always be ready for that unexpected event. And also to believe when we hear from God. It may not be from a choir of angels but perhaps only a small quiet voice. Remember, the Bible reminds us that the Lord was not in the wind, or an earthquake, or a fire but in “…a still small voice”(1Kings 19:12).

What would the story have been like if the shepherds had not paid attention to the angels, or if they had not believed God?  What if they had not gone to the manger or had not returned spreading the good news? Their lives probably would have gone unchanged and they would have missed out on the greatest event in history. What will our story be like if we don’t “keep watch and be sober” (1Thessalonians 5:6)?  If we don’t expect the unexpected, and don’t believe God when He speaks even in a small voice?

If that were the case, our story may end differently than we wish. So this Christmas when we remember Christ’s first coming, remember that He promised to come again in an equally unexpected but different way, and that we should always be ready. It would be a great misfortune to miss the moment and regret it for eternity.

Just something to think about.

Pastor Caroline - Joy

Pastor Caroline - December 9, 2020

 

Today I would like to look at the Good News Bible, Psalm 46-Verses 1, 2 and 11, and let you know that God is always with us in our trial. His very word assures us as seen in these Scriptures.

(1) God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble

(2) So we will not be afraid

(11) The Lord Almighty is with us, the Lord of Jacob is our refuge.

 

I have a friend who will undergo medical attention in the next week. It came quickly and unexpectedly; however she is trusting in her Almighty God for strength, courage, and a healthy outcome. As she stands in faith to the promises of the Father, she will put her- self completely in His care. She will believe the doctors and nurses will be given a supernatural wisdom and expertise as they work over her. Her confidence in the power and answer to prayer is what will sustain her. As she knows she will be well cared for, and have the full support of her family and friends she knows she is not alone. God is sending her, even now, an awareness of His presence as He lets her know His word is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. As He has walked by her side through many medical challenges she has always been able to give a praise testimony to His faithfulness. It shall not stop now!! He will keep her heart and mind focused on Him as He carries her through this valley to once again bring her to the mountain top where she can shout can of His great love and power.

So as God reminds her and us, of Psalm 46 Verse 11:

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge, it does bring comfort to know He truly sees and understands our trials.

 

Be not afraid, have courage, and know that I am God ——

Be still; and know!!

I am here in your trial,

I will bring you through your trial.

“You” can depend on “Me.“

The Lord Almighty is with us Psalm 46 Verse 11.

 

Take courage in whatever you are facing today and know God is there. You are not alone in this trial and He has a glorious outcome, to which you will give testimony to as to encourage someone else. Be still, and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)

Have a wonderful day trusting Jesus.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 19

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE GIFTS

 THE GIFTS

Last week, the question was about how the wise men knew the Jewish prophecies and to look for a sign regarding their fulfillment. Recall that when those signs appeared, they acted with confidence, travelling four months to seek out the location to where the sign led and to pay homage to the prophecy’s fulfillment. They must have known it was to the birth of a child and to that end they brought gifts to present to the child. How old was Christ when the wise men came? We don’t really know, but Matthew 2:11 states that “…when they came into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him.”

This passage implies that the wise men came to a house, not a stable with a manger, and that they worshipped a child not a baby. According to the Bible, when the wise men came and presented their gifts to the child they could not have been there at the same time as the shepherds. For the shepherds, according to Luke 2:15-16, made haste to be at the side of the babe in the manger.  Matthew only speaks of the wise men following a star (2:7), but makes no mention of shepherds, or for that matter a stable.  What Matthew does talk about is the gifts.  But why those gifts?  Why would one bring those particular items to a baby or a child?  

Gold might be expected if they truly believed that this newborn was to be a king but frankincense and myrrh?  

Frankincense was considered to be involved with priestly duties, and in Jewish law there was to be a strict separation of religious and royal functions, while myrrh was a substance primarily used in burial rites.  These would not be items one would expect to be given to a child, but to a person who was to be both a king and a priest.  Up to this time, only one person in the Bible was both a king and a priest. This was Melchizedek, king of Salam and a priest during the time of Abraham.

Now in Isaiah 60:3 it says that: “The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”  In 60:4: “…Your sons shall come from afar…” and 60:6 “…They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord.”  Notice, no myrrh.  (Isaiah is speaking upon Christ’s second coming, where there will be no death, henceforth, no need for myrrh.  Just gold for the King and incense for the Priest.)

It’s amazing how the Bible brings everything together and how indeed the wise men did bring appropriate gifts to the child after all. And today, what do we do? We often don’t even  walk across the street to read messages about the Child much less consider a four month journey across a desert to give gifts. It doesn’t have to be gold or frankincense, but what do we give to or on behalf of the Child?

Actually what we can give and need to give is much more simple than gold or incense.  All that is required of us is to be of service to our fellow man. Matthew 25:40 states: “…‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”  Essentially, our help and empathy towards our fellow man is a service to the Lord, and that is an appropriate gift for the Child.

And it’s also something to think about.     

Pastor Caroline - December 6, 2020 - Peace

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday December 2, 2020

 

Be a Servant

Philippians Chapter 2, Verse 5 from the Good News Bible. (all scripture used today will be from the Good News Bible)

(5)The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:

What attitude did He take?

In Verse 7 of Chapter 2 we are told He took the nature of a servant. In other words He took the attitude of a servant.

Do we take the nature, (attitude) of a servant?

Has someone asked you lately to do something for them and you looked for a way not to help?

Well my friend, you have robbed yourself of a blessing. How blessed you will be when you serve others. Take some time to reach out to someone who is alone, or failing in their health, perhaps going through a rough time, or needs help with banking and groceries, and be Jesus to them. Be a servant. Help in whatever way you can. A little help is worth much when someone is in need. Give up some of your personal time to share that time with someone who needs a little kindness. And don’t look for payment or praise, do what you can for another, telling no one. Be humble; as Jesus was, not looking for an opportunity to boast.

 

As we come before God daily offering ourselves to His service, we need to be ready to take action. Jesus himself served all the way to the cross, look at Verse 8 in Chapter 2, here in Philippians:

(8) He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death — His death on the cross.

 

He laid down His life to serve the debt we owed; He became a ransom for every one of us. He continues to serve us every day of our lives. For this we should be very grateful and willing to help others.

 

God will provide you the strength and energy you need to serve. Use the gifts the Lord has given you, to serve others and to bring blessing into their lives.

Hebrews Chapter 13 Verses 1 and 2, reads as follows:

(1) Keep on loving one another as Christian Brothers

(2) Remember to welcome strangers into your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it.

 

In other words, be hospitable, giving your service unto the Lord. Serve in the love of Christ.

 

And Hebrews Chapter 13 Verse 16 reads:

(26) Do not forget to do good and help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.

Are you willing to be a sacrifice?

 

So my friends are you serving and pleasing God in all you do as you serve with a heart and love of Jesus Christ.

 

Take on the nature (attitude) of a servant and be the very best servant you can be representing Jesus in all your days until you are called to glory.

 

Bless you today as your serve and thank you for doing so.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 18

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE WISE MEN

 

THE WISE MEN

  Matthew 2:1-2 puts the story of the Wise Men this way: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”

This familiar story is often told each Christmas without much thought as to what must have taken place behind the scenes. The “Magi” were certainly not Jewish, but they seemed to know more about the Jewish prophecies than did the scholars of King Herod. For although the prophecies were known, the signs were not, and so Herod had to ask the wise men to bring back to him the location that was being sought.

The prophecies were well known. Genesis 49:10 states that “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes…” and when the Romans took the sceptre (the symbol of authority) from the Jewish people, it is apparently recorded in the Babylonian Talmud that the Jewish priests tore their garments because the prophecy had apparently gone unfulfilled.  They were not expecting the course of events that was about to transpire.

How did the “wise men” know about the prophecies of the Jewish people, what to look for, or have the confidence to set out on such a journey? After all, it would have taken about four months to make the trip from the area of Babylon to Jerusalem. It states this in Ezra 7:9 “On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem…”

Perhaps a clue is also found in Daniel 2:48 for it states there that after Daniel had interpreted the kings’ dream “…the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.”

So the wise men of the time of Daniel could have been informed about the Jewish prophesies by Daniel, with this knowledge being passed down to those similar persons at the time of Christ’s birth. They were certainly more in tune with the signs, because Herod needed to have the wise men find for him where Christ was born. 

Such it was that wise men, who were not Jewish, apparently were more aware of the Jewish prophesies and more able to see the signs than were the chief priests of Herod and the other Jewish leaders. And they had such confidence in their findings that a journey of four months was not enough to deter them from their quest. So they arrived at the completion of their quest and gave homage to Christ.

The leaders of the Temple, of the Jewish nation, did not see the sign of Christ’s coming; they apparently did not interpret properly the Prophecies and mistook His coming entirely. It took pagan wise men from the East to see what needed to be seen; and they had the conviction to act. 

So is there a lesson in all this for us? In Matthew 24:3, the disciples asked “…what shall be the sign of Your coming…?” Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-10, replied: “…you will hear of wars and rumours of wars…nation will rise against nation…there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places…many will be offended…the love of many will grow cold.”

At Christ’s first coming, those who were closest to the scene missed the signs entirely. Those who should have been “in the know” were not. Let us not become too complacent with what we think we know that we don’t recognize an unplanned for event and an unexpected sign. After all, if unbelievers would travel for four months because of their conviction regarding the Messiah’s coming, shouldn’t we, if we truly believe, watch for the signs in a like manner. It would be a tragedy to be like the priests of Herod and miss Christ’s second coming entirely. 

As we consider the birth of Jesus this Christmas, that’s just something to think about.

               

Pastor Caroline - November 29, 2020 - Hope

Pastor Caroline - November 25, 2020

 

Decisions , decisions, big and small

We must take time to lift them all

To our Lord.

1Thessalonians Chapter 5 Verses 16 to 18

(16) Be joyful always

(16) Pray at all times

(18) Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

 

This scripture I find is very helpful when making decisions. Be joyful, pray, and be thankful that we have the choice to make decisions.

Sometimes decisions are easy, and sometimes they are difficult. Perhaps the decision only involves you, or maybe it involves family and/or friends. For this writing I have decided to use me as an example in decision making.

 

Little decisions are made in an instant in my life, however the bigger ones take time and consideration. They always involve prayer. Perhaps they need the help or attention of someone I trust, such as my husband, my son or daughter, my sister, perhaps an older wiser friend, my Pastor, doctor, or lawyer.

 

I am never alone when it comes to important decisions in my life. God is always with me. He has been with me to help me in my decision making from the time I’ve been nine years old when I accepted Him as Lord and Saviour of my life. I asked Him to help me make decisions at home and at school when I was young. From that time forward, I never felt alone, or lonely. The best decision I ever made was to follow Jesus. My next best decision was to marry Spencer, the love of my life. Then we decided to have children and God blessed us with a boy and a girl.

Well now folks I could surely bore you to tears with all the decisions I had to make in my past 67 years of existence. Your decisions are probably not a whole lot different than mine throughout a lifetime.

 

There is one very important decision I will ask you to make, if you haven’t already, and that is to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour of your life. Invite Him into your heart today and my friend, I assure you, it will be the best decision you’ll ever make. This one decision will carry you through life here on earth and into a glorious eternity. You will spend your forever and ever with the very One who created you. Imagine that for a moment..... How thankful you will be that you decided to have Jesus as your Friend, as your Lord, and as your Savior.

When you decide to follow Jesus, all decisions in your life will be easier to make when you follow His word in the bible. This morning I opened this writing with 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 Verses 16 to 18

(16) Be joyful always

(17) Pray at all times

(18) Be thankful in all circumstances.

This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

 

I can decide to “be joyful always“

I can decide to “pray at all times“

I can decide to be “thankful in all circumstances”.

I can decide that “I want God in my life and decide to do as He instructs and guides me to do”.

I can decide to be “in union with Christ Jesus”.  

So can you, everyday you can decide to have Him in your every decision, just as I have decided to.

 

God decided, over 2000 years ago, I was worth the cost of the life of His beloved Son, and so He sent Jesus to die for me, and for you, to cover our sin debt.

I have decided to follow Jesus.

Have you?

 

Please take time today to consider my question, search your heart, and accept Him as Lord and Saviour. It will be the best decision of your life!

 

Then, trust in the Lord when you’ve made your decision to follow Him.

Proverbs Chapter 3 Verses 5 and 6 in the Good News Bible reads:

(5) Trust in The Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.

(6) Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way.

 

I venture to say this is good advice for all of us to consider every day.

 

Oh how I love Jesus and I know He loves me and you!!!!

 

Have a blessed day in Jesus.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 17

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE DASH

 THE DASH

In Psalm 89:47 David asked the Lord to “[r]emember how short my time is; For what futility have You created all the children of men?” In James 4:14, the shortness of time is mentioned this way: “…whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

In many cases, if you look at the memorials to deceased persons, one’s life is often represented in the manner Date of Birth and Date of Death. For example;

XXXX - YYYY

1960 - 2010

Where the Date of Birth and the Date of Death is separated with just a dash in between. How short is life when it can be represented by just a dash. A dash which contains all of life’s activities between the dates.  All of one’s ambitions, hopes, and planning.  All of a person’s achievements and disappointments, successes and failures, training and careers.  The work, vacations and retirements, the good and bad times, the ups and downs of life, the families and friends and the births and deaths which come to us all. All included in that short dash between birth and death. And yet we spend so much time trying to plan for, work towards, and worry about what will happen in that short dash.

Perhaps we should think of existence more like this:

______________________________________XXXX - YYYY___________________________________

Of something more than just the dash between dates.  We are certainly told of a life that can extend long after our earthly demise and perhaps we should start thinking of an existence that may begin long before we’re born; there is some evidence for this.  A life that is infinitely longer than the time represented by the dash between the date of our birth and that of our death. But where we spend so much of our earthly existence preparing for a life and career in the “dash” we spend so little time and effort in preparing for eternity.   

King Solomon tells us that whatever we do without God is in the end vanity; either prideful or meaningless. And as we all must die, our earthly bodies will end; but what after?  Matthew 10:28 tells us to “…not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”  The point is that without God, life ends at the dash.

With Christ, however, the line will go on forever. Which would you prefer? Just something you should think about.

Pastor Caroline - November 22, 2020 - My Dear Friends

Pastor Caroline - Deep Roots Wednesday November 18 2020

 Keep your roots deep in Him,  build your lives on Him and become stronger in your faith as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.

Colossians  Chapter 2 Verse 7

A tree stands tall and straight, even though it sways in the wind. The rain and wind are heavy today as I write this message. Out of my window I see the trees swaying, but not breaking!! They are grounded in the earth, their roots run deep and so they are solidly planted. Makes me think of us in Christ and so God took me to the Verse 7 in Colossians Chapter 2.

When we keep our roots in Him, we too are well grounded as we study and apply His word to our lives. If you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour of your life, then the word of God here in this scripture reminds us to live in union with Him. When we stay close to Him we build our faith strong. We learn to be thankful in all things. We build our lives according to His word and accept His will in our lives. There will be high winds,(things that happen in life to blow us off our feet), there will be heavy rains, (tears of sorrow and/or pain),but we can and will remain strong in our faith because we come to Jesus in all circumstances and situations of life. He directs us to His word to bring comfort, direction and healing. His word in Colossians Chapter 2 Verse 10 says:
(10) And you have been given full life in union with Him.  He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority.
Wow, that is such a comfort to know Jesus rules over all! Everything in our lives is in His hands. I certainly can rest in that!!

When we build our lives on the word of God and God leads us in life, then we can be assured our lives will stand the test of time and we can weather the storms of life, high winds and all. A life built in Jesus is a life in the fullness of Christ. The word of God says so and for that I am thankful.
How about you?

You may want to read the full chapter in Colossians Chapter2 Verses 6 to 19 under the title Fullness of Life in Christ as found in the Good News Bible.

Enjoy your week and remember keep your roots deep in Him. 

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 16

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About

LOVE-LABOUR or LABOUR-LOVE?

A decorative plate we have states: “It is a pleasure to labour for those we love.” Just think about that for a moment. It certainly isn’t difficult to labour or do things for your spouse when you love them, your children when you’re there, or for friends when they’re in need and you can lend a hand. It’s not a chore to do something for someone you care about and really, if the care is genuine, it would be hard not to do something to help where help is needed.

This concept of love-labour or labour-love is really the main concept of the Bible and of the Christian-God relationship. To my knowledge, Christianity is the only “religion” where relationship is the main thrust and God is portrayed not just as a God of authority, but where “God is love”(1 John 4:8). In other religions, man must labour to obtain God’s approval, augmenting that with sacrifices or other rituals but all the time not really knowing if what is being done is sufficient to prevent God’s displeasure.  Love is often nowhere in the cards. Even in the end, one may obtain a reward but not necessarily God’s love. If should be more difficult to labour under those circumstances where God’s love is not ensured.

But in reality, God has shown His love for us before we do anything. We are told that: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16), who in effect came as a substitute for us and to show us that true love is the way. He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Now, if God is love, what he’s really saying is “[Love] is the way, the truth and the life…” and this is reflected in the commandment “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength”(Deuteronomy 6:5), and also “…You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and ‘your neighbour as yourself’”(Luke 10:27).

    1 John puts it this way: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”(1 John 4:7-10).

  So, is it a pleasure to labour for those we love? God through Christ laboured - he strove and exerted His power of mind and spirit - for us because He loved us and in return we should be willing to labour for Him if we truly love Him. But we labour because we have been first loved; we don’t work to obtain acceptance or approval, neither do we have to do sacrifice or ritual. We are loved and labour as a result of that love.  “But be doers of the word…” for “…faith without works is dead” (James 1:22 & 2:20).

One should labour because you are loved and it should be a pleasure to labour in return if you love in return. It is not right to labour to gain God’s approval or acceptance because “[f]or by grace you have been saved through faith…not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

It IS a pleasure to labour for those we love;.. and it is something to think about.