Pastor Caroline - March 31, 2020

Today the reading from “Daily in His Presence”, by David Jeremiah, I believe, speaks about strength. If we constantly stay in God’s  word, nothing in the world can take away that which God gives to us, -His  promises,-  they are like the fire spoken about in the reading. Throwing water on the fire did not quench the flame. Today in our world, lots of things happen, and we know without God, life would be miserable. The circumstances and situations of this world, especially now, would slowly but surely pull us down, however, knowing God and studying His word gives “us strength every day to endure another day here on earth”.  If we put our lives in God‘s hands, He is strong enough to carry us “all” through these trying times and whatever else may come. We need His wisdom to show us how to “live life fully“, —every day,— regardless of what is happening on a day-to-day basis. We need to “make sure your heart is always blazing with fresh truths from God’s word”. This  is good advice we are given from our daily devotional today.

Let me leave you with a scripture, and may it be a fresh truth for each one of us today.

Psalm 25 verses 4 and 5 from the Good News  Bible reads this way:
4-Teach me your ways,  O Lord;  make them known to me
5- Teach me to live according to your truth
for you are my God, who saves me.
I will always trust you.

I pray today you are putting your trust in the Lord and living each day to the fullest. He will save you.

Pastor Caroline - March 30, 2020

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it”.  Romans chapter 12 verse 2 from the New Living Translation Bible.

What away to start our day, rejoicing in the Lord!!

In our reading today from “Daily in His Presence“,  by David Jeremiah, our first question is who do you want to please? Well for me, I want to please God first;  then I know that I know, I will please my husband, my children, my family of God and even strangers. How do I know? Because God will fill me with his love, mercy and grace and I will pass those  along to others. I can and will be generous to those in need, especially in these days, because God says in Hebrews chapter 13 verse 16, “But do not forget to do good and to share, with such sacrifices God is well pleased”. We see this in our reading today, this is our instruction from our daily devotion. We please God when we reach out to others with our friendship, our support, our caring for one another,  our shoulder to cry on, or whatever the person in front of us is in need of. We can help in some small or big way, and we will be a blessing to them, we will be blessed,  and, more importantly we will “bring honour to God!“ He will be well pleased with our actions and your day will be “filled with joy“ as you rejoice and be glad in this day the Lord has given us.

Let’s all please God every day bringing glory unto him.

Something to Think About - March 29, 2020

  Fear or worry seems be mankind's normal reaction to almost anything which is unusual or unexpected. At Christ's birth, the angels told the shepherds "Fear not" and Mary herself was told "Do not be afraid".  Matthew 6:34 states: "Take no thought for tomorrow, for tomorrow shall take care of itself, sufficient onto the day are the problems thereof."  In other words, don't be fearful or worry incessantly; be careful, be cautious, and be prudent but do not fear or worry needlessly. In fact, the only time we are told to fear is to "Fear God" and "Fear the one who can kill the soul" and to place our trust in God, a "very present help in trouble" Ps 49. Hebrews 13:5: "I will never leave you nor forsake you"  So how to keep from worrying needlessly?  Look to 1 Thessalonians 5: "Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, hold fast to that which is good" 

               These are serious times for all of us, but by concentrating on what is really important, by listening to the authorities, and focusing on Who we should really be focused on, then we will get through this present crisis. 

               In all things trust God; and that's something we should always be thinking about.   

Pastor Caroline - March 29, 2020

Pastor Caroline - March 29, 2020

Good morning and it is yet another beautiful morning here in Pictou County. This morning I asked the Lord,  “what shall I bring today to the people who are following and listening to the message”?  He said “open your devotional at random”, and so I did and I landed on page 186 of David Jeremiah‘s book called, Daily In His Presence. I have provided a  picture of the reading for you to read and hopefully you will read it through.

Well,  how appropriate today’s reading is for this time we are going through. Panic causes people to become ill, despondent, discouraged, worried, and very fatigued. These  trying times have people scared, and very fearful.
 In our reading Jesus asked the disciples, “ why are you fearful,  oh you of little faith”? Do you suppose He is asking us the same question today?

 I personally am trusting God to take us through this storm of life because He is in control. I am reminded of a scripture,  Psalm 16 verse 1, from the Amplified Study Bible it reads this way “Keep and protect me, oh God, for in you I have placed my trust and have found refuge”. God will keep and protect us, for those who know Him as Lord and Savior. If you are not walking with the Lord in faith (perhaps you’ve never accepted Him as Lord and Saviour) now is the time to come to Him . He’s waiting for many to call out to Him  and give their lives over to Him. He invites “you“ to come. You’re never too young and never too old, you are never too far away from Him because He is everywhere, so wherever you are today, ask Him to come into your heart and forgive you your sin, and except you as His beloved son or daughter. This truly makes the Lord happy!!

When you accept Him as Lord and Saviour another scripture will be of great comfort to you. Psalm 46 verse 1 reads,“ God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble”. This scripture is taken from the New Living Translation Bible.

 So remember, from the reading today the last paragraph reads,  If you‘re in a boat in the waters are raging , remember— the Saviour is aboard. He wants you to trust Him, and faith is a refusal to panic.
So don’t panic, lean into your faith and be comforted by the power your faith brings.

Thank you for being with us today and hopefully you enjoyed this word of encouragement.

Blessings on your day.

From Pastor Caroline - March 28, 2020

Good morning and what a beautiful day it is. The sun is shining, the snow is glistening, and the warm breeze gently moves the branches on the trees causing the snow to gently fall to the ground.  So beautiful!!!

When you read today’s reading in David Jeremiah‘s book ”Daily in His Presence”, we get a real good view on what disappointment is. We all have stories of disappointment. Today my husband and I and two very close friends were to have been taking a cruise to start our vacation. We intended to drive to the USA and take a bus into the New York passenger Terminal where we would have sailed tomorrow, Sunday at 3 PM. We were going from New York to Orlando to the Bahamas and back to New York. Sounds so nice, right? However, COVID-19 happened and we are safe at home, (praise be to God!), being compliant with the instructions from government and medical advisers. (Lord please take care of all those who are taking care of us, still serving in so many ways). We are thankful to God that He sees ahead what we do not see. We can make plans, however,  “He knows the plans he has for our life”. Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11 reads in the Amplified study Bible this way:
“For I know the plans and thoughts I have for you,” says the Lord, “ plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope”. I am so thankful to God that He protected Spencer and I and our friends from this trip, and that we are not facing disaster but are safely tucked into the arms of Jesus.

So rather than seeing this is a disappointment or obstacle we thank God for His protection over us and our spirits are not dampened. We are at peace. We will sail again, when God‘s timing is perfect!!  In the meantime we say, “Praise be to God and thank you Lord for watching over us”.

Let this day be filled with your praises to the Lord and know full well He is watching over you. Have a blessed day. 

Pastor Caroline - March 27, 2020

Sometimes when I talk about God, outside the church setting, people are uncomfortable around me. You cannot be in my presence for very long before you catch on that I love the Lord, and I am a Christian. I talk about God, I sing about Him and to Him,  I pray to Him for myself and for others and I defend Him when people are unkind or dismiss Him.

He (Jesus) is the light of the world, John chapter 1 verse 9, John chapter 8 verse 12, and John chapter 9 verse 5,  these verses  tell us this is true. Jesus tells us if we follow Him we will not walk in darkness, but will have the “light of life.”

I am glad Jesus is my light, especially during these days, weeks and possibly months ahead. I do not want to be in darkness, nor do I want others in darkness and so every day I want my light to shine, I want people to know I love Jesus, He loves me and he wants everyone to come to Him.
He loves you!!!

Do not be afraid of the light (Jesus,) share the light,  (Jesus) and some will be glad you did and some will even today shun Him. Do not worry about rejection when you share Jesus for you just never know when you have actually “planted a seed”of His light into the darkness of this world. Let your light shine and be a blessing to those around you. Know that you are loved!!

Pastor Caroline - March 26, 2020

How do we stay in perfect peace?
We keep our focus on God!!
Simple question/simple answer.

Well it is hard right now to be in perfect peace you say and you would be right.

Yes,  if we are looking at the world and setting our minds on COVID-19 and the effects of it, it is hard to be in peace of any kind, let alone perfect peace.

In our reading today in “Daily in His Presence”, authored by David Jeremiah, the story tells how Kirk Cousins stayed “in focus“  because his coach knew “what method“ to use to get Kirk to focus. Well our Lord knows “the only method for our focus,  is prayer!”  And that takes your mind off the present and puts us “in heavenly places with Him, (God).” If we focus on God we can slip away from the distracting and distressing news of today, or any day! Much to our surprise, in times of stress, we can pray and soon and “an overwhelming joy” will fill our soul and mind.

He, God, keeps those in perfect peace whose minds are focused on Him. This last line of our reading today gives  us good instruction as to where our focus should be. Put your thoughts in Jesus and let your day be filled with His presence. Enjoy your day and every moment in it. It is God given unto you.

May God our Father give you perfect peace today.

One Pair of Hands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjT-r2wUo8o&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0mRCQ9rsDuXcZfdc9JR1DQWDpHXt2MsCJoVx6w-fS9FwrSkqYBdSTIKEM

Pastor Caroline - March 25, 2020

“May we be faithful stewards to deliver the gospel of God to those who need His love and comfort. “ This is the last line in our devotional reading today from David Jeremiah’s book, Daily in His Presence.  As I sit here today realizing how the world seems to be in “shutdown mode”,  I just wonder how many people in the world really need to know God loves them. People right now are fearful, anxious, alone, lonely and separated from loved ones and really need love and comfort. Perhaps more than ever before, we are all realizing we cannot and should not take for granted the freedom we have here in Canada. Maybe this is a time to sit and count our many blessings.

A Father(God) in heaven who calls me His own— thank you Lord
Family I love and who loves me —thank you Lord
A warm place to sleep —thank you Lord
Good health — thank you Lord Friends whom I cherish —thank you Lord
A wonderful place to worship —thank you Lord
Freedom to travel and the ability to do so, under regular times, —Thank you Lord

Too many blessings to count and I know God supplies them all. The very least I can do is bring His  love and comfort to those who need him, especially now, in these trying times, by sharing the readings and a few encouraging words daily. 
Open your Bible and see how His love and comfort is written throughout His word. You will be glad you did.
Enjoy the beauty of this day and all your days ahead. Have an awesome day knowing your are His beloved.

From Pastor Caroline

Where has spring gone ? As I look out my window it appears winter is not ready to give up yet.  Soon spring will be here and the sun will shine, and we will sing a happy tune. 

In our reading today from David Jeremiah, in the book, Daily in His Presence, the title of today’s reading is, A Song of Praise.

Sing to the Lord. Even in these difficult times we need to sing. I remember when my children were small and something happened to them, such as, falling and hurting themselves, losing a toy, a precious pet dying, or having their feelings hurt, they would run to me “to make it all better”. I would take them in my arms and sing.  Somehow just the soft sound of my voice has a way of letting them know everything was going to be OK.  After a song or two, a hug or two, a big kiss, they were ready to conquer the world!! Amazing isn’t it, how a song, a hug, a kiss, can be so reassuring?

Well God wants us to sing praises to Him as He sends His comfort to us. He sends His assurance as well, and He lets us know, “He will make a way where there seems to be no way,” as our reading of today tells us. Our reading also says, “from childhood to old age, we should sing our thanksgiving to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously!”

So let’s sing, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”,  or “Amazing Grace”, or “Jesus Loves Me”, or “God Will Make A Way,” and end our singing session with “ Blessed Assurance”.

Sing whatever comes into your mind that praises the Lord, and lift your voice to the great creator because He deserves all the glory.

Have a wonderful day in Jesus.

This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen...

 A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.

As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.

They talked about so many things and various subjects.

When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:

"I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.

Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?

Would there be abandoned children?

If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.

I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.

He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:

"You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.

"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist!

That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help.

That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

If you think God exists, send this to other people---

If you think God does not exist, ignore it!

From Pastor Caroline - Monday March 23, 2020

Continuing in my devotional from David Jeremiah called “Daily in His Presence” we see that we are to trust God always.

Some of you are asking how do I pay my rent, my bills, my mortgage, keep food on the table, cover the daily medication needed, and all the other expenses I have, now that  I am laid off work? With Covid-19, I am told not to be away from my home unless absolutely necessary. Some can work from home and still earn a pay check, however, for those who cannot, life still happens and bills still appear in the mailbox.  How long will this last? So “many questions” and not “enough answers”.

Well folks I do not have the answers either, but,  I am putting my trust in God. I am reminding myself that God  will provide and protect my family. I have been on my knees in prayer and will continue to do just that, asking that “our daily bread” (our daily needs) be supplied, for me and for all of you. I raise my voice in prayer for all of us here in Pictou County, our province, our precious Canada, our wonderful world.  I  pray for leaders all over the world to be in unity as we work through Civid-19. We will get through!!!

I pray that our restless minds will settle down and we will listen for His small still voice. He will take care of you !!! He has promised that in His word, Hebrews Chapter 13 verse 5 reads, in part, “ I (God) will never leave you or forsake
you.” I believe His word and stand on His truth today. You can do the same.

Let’s all continue to pray and trust in the Lord-everyday- for .... How precious to know that surely no good thing shall be withheld from us whilst we walk up rightly!”, as we have read in our reading today.  Thank you Lord for your word of promise and thank you for gifted writers such as David Jeremiah who bring us wonderful devotional reading books to still our busy minds and bring us peace.

Peace be with all of you today and in all our days ahead.

Pastor Caroline Barclay - March 22, 2020

Forgiveness

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT - Sunday March 22, 2020

Just in from Dr. Barclay

The Bible: complicated or simple?

Complicated: in that it's the world's best selling book but also the one least read,

                      in that it's one book that is actually 66 books given by one author but written by 40 plus scribes over a period of 1600 or more years,

                      in that it still relates primarily one story over all of these books, 

                      in that parts of the message may be found in many parts scattered among the various scripts, 

                      in that not all parts of the Bible may be evident to all people but only to those of faith,

                      in that the Bible apparently has hidden codes in the original which seem to be only deciphered in modern times by computers.

But yet it is SIMPLE in that the one message is that of a loving and Holy God who created the universe and ourselves and gave us rules to follow to enjoy His creation. And the penalty for breaking His rules, becoming less holy, by sin is to be separated from the Holiness of God and thus to die spiritually. But God became flesh and took our punishment on himself by means of Christ and thereby gave us the chance to avoid the prescribed judgement and penalty. All that is required is to accept His gift of payment and honestly try to sin no more. This is summed up in the last Commandment: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, your mind, and your strength and you shall love your neighbour as yourself.

The Bible: Complicated yet Simple and something to think about.      

March 21, 2020

From Pastor Caroline today.
With a reading from
David Jeremiah, Daily in His Presence

Happy Spring!!

 Look up and know where your help comes from. It comes from the one who created all the earth and everything in it. Praise the name of the Lord.

From our reading today I can see that Satan wants to keep us scared, anxious, afraid and closed in. Satan wants to play “with our mind”, his favourite “battle field “, because he knows if he keeps us in a state of fear we will lose our sense of who we are in Christ. “ Move out of our way Satan, “We” are the army of God and here we come, ready to carry out the love and message of Jesus. You cannot silence us, because God will make a way!!!” Our Father has never failed us.

We are the light of the world and so in these dark times we are turning up the wattage, to shine brighter than ever before. There is a song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine “
most everyone knows it, so sing and shine for Jesus. Let’s light up the world like never before. And sing, sing, sing, make a beautiful melody in your heart today.

Be blessed today and in all your days be blessed.

Notes from the Service of March 15, 2020

Notes from Sunday's service (Thanks, Jean)

Dr. Barclay - Something to Think About:

As Sure As Christ Came The First Time He Is Coming Again.

The world thinks of Easter time as a holiday, presents, candy, time off work. However we as Christians we are to think of Easter as a holy day, a holy time. God spoke by the prophets about Christ first coming but many people did not believe or accept it. When Christ came the first time he fulfilled all the prophecies. Matthew chapter 24 warns of the nearness of Christ second coming.

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Just like when Jesus walked the earth the first time, there are still some people who do not recognize him as Lord or desire to accept him has their Saviour. Jesus, the bible and the prophets have spoken clearly, Jesus truly is coming again, just like he did the first time. Are we listening? Are we ready?

Morgan MacDonald – Theme: The Only Answer For The Problem Of Sin.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Do we ever think about what God truly did in that verse?

The same God that created the universe also took the time to create you and me.

With the introduction of sin into the world through Adam and Eve, God knew there had to be a remedy for the sin problem, which had been passed down to us through Adam and Eve. The wages of sin is death and we all deserve death. The remedy for the problem of sin is the perfect sacrifice. God knew there could only be one perfect sacrifice and that is his only son Jesus.

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass

That whoever calls on the name of the Lord

Shall be saved.’

So we do we need to do, to receive the remedy for sin?

We need to accept Jesus as our Saviour and love and obey Him.

March 20, 2020

From Pastor Caroline today.
With a reading from
David Jeremiah, Daily in His Presence

Chaos — This is a word I hear a lot these days. I remember reading in my David Jeremiah book in early March that in the world this became known as
“Create Havoc Around Our System”, however, God wants us to see this acronym as, “Christ Has All Our Solutions”. WOW- That is powerful!!!!

Especially in these days right now, how comforting it is to know God does not want us to live in chaos, but in Christ! Our God is well able to bring organization into our lives.
I love how David Jeremiah reminds us of this in his book, “Daily in His Presence”. No wonder I love his book and am sharing it with all of you.

Enjoy your “stress free” day in Jesus our Lord. Rest in God’s protection and trust in His promises!! God is our strength.

Thursday March 19, 2020

From Pastor Caroline today.

Another reading from 

                           David Jeremiah, Daily in His Presence

Now is “the hour” to serve,

Serve one another, bring food to the hungry, bring companionship to the lonely(call someone who you know is alone, they long to hear your voice,) pray for those who are in need of a physical healing, for those who are grieving, those who are broken-hearted. Pray for all our leaders, in all of Canada, who are now carrying a heavy burden. Your prayer can make a difference, this is how we can serve. Be a willing servant, showing the love of Christ, to everyone you meet. You and your day will be blessed and joy will overtake you.

Have a wonderful day in Jesus.

From Pastor Caroline - March 18, 2020

From Pastor Caroline today.

Another reading from 

                           David Jeremiah, Daily in His Presence

Choose Faith over Fear

https://web-assets.youversion.com/html-email/2020-03-faith/2020-03-faith-en.html

Think about the disciples hanging out with Jesus on a boat when a life-threatening storm erupts on the water. They’re unprepared to face it and, panicking, realize they might die. The entire time this is happening, Jesus is sleeping peacefully. Instead of looking at Jesus’ reaction to their situation, the disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions. After begging Jesus to do something, He calms the storm… But not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?” His gentle rebuke over their lack of faith wasn’t because they didn’t believe Jesus could save them from the storm, but because they struggled to believe He would see them through it. When we find ourselves in storms we can’t control, how do we respond with faith? Here are three encouraging truths to remember:

1. God has power over every storm. If the wind and waves don’t concern Him, then they shouldn’t frighten you. You might not be able to change your situation, but you can choose to faithfully trust God in the middle of it.

2. Fixing your eyes on Jesus leads to peace. Are you looking at the size of the storm, or turning towards the One who can calm it? It’s only by focusing on God, who knows every outcome, that you can navigate any situation with His wisdom and peace.

3. Jesus is always in your boat. It’s easy to focus on your fears when you can’t control your future. But thankfully, Jesus knows your future, and He’s always by your side. And, He calls you to live by faith, not by sight.

Whenever you find yourself overwhelmed by life, you always have two choices: you can focus on your circumstances, or fix your eyes on Jesus. If you choose to look to Jesus above everything else, you will begin to see that the storms you face are not nearly as powerful as the Savior choosing to walk through the storm alongside you.

Shared from YouVersion on March 18,2020:
https://web-assets.youversion.com/html-email/2020-03-faith/2020-03-faith-en.html

Important Notice

"Due to the quickly evolving COVID-19 pandemic affecting the province, nation and world, Master’s Hand Ministry has made the difficult decision to suspend all services, Bible studies and any other functions for the next few weeks.

As things evolve, we will re-consider. We will always keep you up to date through our website and Facebook page.

Always in prayer,"

From Pastor Caroline

How appropriate is today’s reading in my devotional from David Jeremiah, pay close attention to the last line especially.

 "Let’s do a social ministry with our social media." 

God bless each and everyone today as you reach out with the word of the Lord.

A Message from our Leadership

Morgan MacDonald - March 15, 2020

Something to Think About - March 15, 2020

Roxann Spicer Brings us a message from God's Word

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHZ7ssnTY6A

Dr Barclay - March 8, 2020

Sunday March 1, 2020

Notes from Sunday's service: (Thanks, Jean)

Dr. Barclay- Something to Think About: 

The Bible Is Powerful

Treatment years ago for depression, anxiety and other Mental Health troubles was the Bible. For many people just one verse could make all the difference. This is true for many of the hymn writers we know such as John Newton and Robert Robinson. John Newton and Robert Robinson’s lives were turned around from sin by reading the bible. Robinson read the verse in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. The words wrath to come stayed with him in his mind and caused him to think and turn from a life of sin and yield to God.

At near death John Newton said “I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour”. Just like the hymn writers the bible can make a change in our lives greater than we can imagine. The Bible speaks about judgement and wrath more than it speaks about heaven. Judgement and wrath and the need for salvation is real and true. Just like years ago the bible is still the greatest medicine for us all.

Pastor Caroline – Theme: A Lifeline

What is our lifeline?

Prayer and the Bible are our lifelines.

Do we have a lifeline?

Who is our lifeline?

-Yes we have a lifeline, God is our lifeline.

God brings us peace and joy and happiness in times of anger, hurt and distress. Prayer is our solid connection with God. The Bible gives us stability. The bible teaches us about patience, loving kindness, forgiveness, obedience and contentedness. God wants us to be obedient to his word because it protects us. God calls us to share his lifelines with others, such as the bible and prayer. As we bless others by doing this, we will be blessed.

Psalm 71:5

For You are my hope, O Lord God;
You are my trust from my youth.

Pastor Caroline - March 1, 2020

Something to Think About - March 1, 2020