Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Jude - Part 9

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - June 29, 2020

THE LIGHT** 

PART 2

Justo Gonzalez writes, in The Story of Christianity, that in approximately 202 AD Clement of Alexandria stated that Scripture is written in parables or allegory. Plainly speaking this means that the sacred text has more than one meaning. If that’s the case, is it possible to consider more than one explanation for the first verses of Genesis as applied to the rest of the bible.  Let us consider two things:  1) that when God said “Let there be light”, the Bible does not merely refer to the creation of the sun but to the God’s Son - Christ; and 2) that darkness is not just the absence of light but a separation from God. 

When we read that God said “‘Let there be light’; and there was light and God saw the light, that it was good; and [He] divided the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1: 3-4) we read this as the creation of day and night; the creation of sun and moon.  But what if we are to read that as the creation, not of the sun, but of the Son?  What does this interpretation mean for how we should see the night, what does the darkness actually mean?  We all know that with the moon, the night is not completely dark but what some may not be aware of is that the moon only appears to give light.  It merely reflects light from the sun thus, “moon light” would not exist without the existence of the sun.  No light within us that is not a reflection of the Son is merely an illusion and we are still in darkness. 

Matthew 6:23 states “…If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”.  John 3:19-20 says, ”And this is condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed”.  Lastly Ephesians 6:12 and 5:8 say, “…we wrestle…against the rulers of the darkness of this world”…“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord: walk as children of light”.

There is a darkness within us that we can easily misinterpret as light, as we can see in Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”  We can be tricked by the illusions, however, without Christ we will never truly see the light.  And those who never see the light, will never be freed from the darkness.

Psalm 107: 8-11 states: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in affliction and irons - Because they rebelled against the words of God, and despised the counsel of the Most High,..”

But because God “has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of his love” (Colossians 1:13).  Therefore, being “sons of light and of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5); God has “called us out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1Peter 2:9) for “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:5-6)

So the whole thing is this: The Son came with the initial light into the world and will illuminate the Holy City in Revelation 21. Those who aren’t in the light will end in “the blackness of darkness forever”(2 Peter 2:17).  From all this is it not evidently better to stay with the Son and in the light instead of following the lesser light and stay in the darkness?

At the very least, it’s something to think about.

**All scriptures taken from the NKJV

Pastor Caroline -June 28, 2020 - Think Only On These

Pastor Caroline - June 26, 2020 - It’s All In The Timing

I would like to start today with scripture. I am reading from the Amplified Study Bible in the book of Habakkuk Chapter 2 Verse 3

(3) For  the vision is yet for the appointed (future) time

It hurries towards the goal (of fulfilment); it will not fail

Even though it delays, wait (patiently) for it

Because  it will certainly come; it will not delay.

This past week we had to make a tough decision to keep our church family separate until September. However if circumstances change certainly we will assess our getting together, all of us, and be ready to resume services as we have in the past. Most of our people are missing the hugs, the handshakes, sharing a meal at a table as we usually all get together at Tim and Wendy’s after service, and of course, the singing. Congregational and worship team singing is truly missed. It is just as difficult to practice with seven singers in a living room and stay 2 meters apart as it is to worship in service 2 metres apart. As we are gifted to share a building for our services, we certainly want to abide by all the rules and guidelines. As I spoke with other ministers and pastors locally and from a distance they are off the same thought as to protecting their congregation and so we wait. God is doing a mighty work in many lives drawing people to His heart as they seek Him in these times. Having YouTube, Facebook and our website we have been blessed to be able to stay connected and share the word of the Lord; as have many churches over the past few months. The word of the Lord will always be available and many hearts will receive as people now have time to listen to messages presented in many ways. When we can all gather again, I feel very certain, we will be welcoming new people to our congregations in all churches. A new increase  for which we will give God all the glory.

As we wait patiently we know God will bring us into a new time, a time of greater appreciation of our faith, family and friends. A time to appreciate the gathering together in service on Sunday and the Bible studies as we learn together.

For the vision is yet for the appointed (future) time is what we read in Scripture, and so we wait patiently to see what the plan of the Lord is for our future as we serve He who is mighty and awesome.

This is my last daily writing, starting next week I will present a writing on Wednesday of each week and the video on Sunday. Please stay tuned as we move through July and August knowing God has much for us. Spencer will continue with the Bible study presentation and Something to Think About, and always Peter’s Pics are a delight and fill our hearts with wise and good words from our Heavenly Father. So please stay with us over the summer knowing God loves you and He wants you to enjoy His splendour and majesty as we praise the name of the Lord.

Pastor Caroline - June 25, 2020

Romans chapter 6 verse 23 in a Good News Bible reads:
(23) For sin pays its wage — death; but God’s free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.

I have over the years heard people say— life is short— so live it up. These were people who knew nothing of the ways of the Lord and so “anything goes” as they say. They had little regard for the laws of the land and certainly did not know the laws of the Lord. They lived life to please themselves and cared little about the effect it would have them or others. Well we all know that sin pays its wage — as we are told in the scripture above. You cannot live a sin filled life and expect life to be sunshine and roses.

We are all sinners and every day sin creeps into our lives because Satan is the great deceiver; the one who convinces us we are not sinning.

When we come to Jesus, and accept Him as Lord and Saviour of our lives He helps us with our sin problem. Long ago He carried our sins to the cross and laid down His life freely for the payment of all sin, once, and for all. When we accept the gift He gave us at the cross, we enter into life eternal in union with Him. The scripture reads, Romans chapter 6 verse 23,
;but God’s free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.
Take note that it says “is”, is eternal life, not “will be” eternal life . So this means when we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour we are now living in the fullness of Jesus. As we allow Him to direct our path our lives are not sin free; however, our sin is covered by His blood. This does not give us  license to do whatever we want regardless of the law, but rather, He guides us in the holiness of His word. When we live according to the Bible and teachings of Jesus, our lives will bring glory to Him and peace and contentment to us.

So let’s enjoy our gift of eternal life here on earth for the years we are given and look forward to our forever life in heaven with Jesus.

 This truly is the gift of life.

Ministry Statement

Hello everyone,

  Many of you have contacted us regarding the status of being able to gather again for church services.

Please be advised that at this time we are unable to gather in person to share church services due to ongoing  number and social distancing limitations of faith groups like ours.

We will reassess  again in the fall as guidelines improve. Our main concern is the health and safety of our congregates and visitors.

  We encourage everyone to continue to tune into Pastor Caroline’s weekly recorded messages, and also, Dr. Spencer Barclay’s “Something to Think About”.

Thanks for now, God Bless.

Master’s Hand Ministry, Board of Directors.

Pastor Caroline - June 24, 2020

In our reading today, in Daily in His Presence by David Jeremiah, we are told to focus our eyes on the Lord. This is good sound advice. He uses 2 Kings Chapter 22 verse 2 from the New King James version and I would like to share it with you as to how it reads in the Good News Bible;
(2) Josiah did what was pleasing to the Lord; he followed the examples of his ancestor King David, strictly obeying all the laws of God.

Now put your name where Josiah‘s name is and read this out loud. Isn’t it beautiful when we can declare we are obeying the laws of God and are pleasing to Him? And what an example to set for our children grandchildren, family and friends.

We will not be troubled by this world and its happenings if we keep our eyes on the Lord, as David reminds us, and we will not be distracted either. Now folks, that is good news!! As God leads us we are safe in His hands as we talk with Him daily, live with Him and carry out His work here on earth; trusting Him always. So let’s keep looking straight ahead and preparing ourselves for one day being with our Lord for eternity. We will then see the reward of obeying the Lord and then we will live in the fulness of joy with Him in heaven.

I trust this will be a good day for you as you look straight ahead and appreciate who you are in Jesus and who He is in you. May you see the wonders of His majesty all around you today.

Pastor Caroline - June 23, 2020

Congratulations to each and everyone of you who have graduated this year. 

Certainly 2020 was not how you anticipated your year to end. As I drive in our community I am noticing the grad signs on lawns where that household is celebrating and honouring their graduate. How lovely is this? I pray this will be something that continues every year going forward even when we have normal graduations in the future. Now let me tell you why.

It’s because when I see a sign I can immediately hold this graduate before the Lord in prayer. I ask God to direct their life, helping them to make good choices and decisions going forward. Whether they are off to university or entering the workforce I pray God shows them the path He has for their life. I ask God, if that student does not know Him, to please place someone in their young life to mentor them in the ways of the Lord. In today’s uncertain times God alone has all the answers and is true to His word. He hears the prayers of those who pray in His name. If you have your trust and faith in the Lord, then please reach out to those who you know are not walking with Him. The best graduation gift you can give, that will last a lifetime, is the gift of Jesus. He will guide, protect, provide, encourage and discipline the life of this new grad. He will offer forgiveness of sins, and offer an invitation of salvation, that one day if they accept the invitation will see them through this world to eternity. Their final graduation will be to spend eternity with Jesus our Saviour. What a gift that will be!  Now I realize at this tender age they are not thinking of eternity but we never know how long we have on this earth.

From now, until then, when they have Jesus in their life, they can count on Him to show them through His word, (the Bible), the many answers to life‘s questions which are found within the scriptures.

For instance, what to do when;
you are angry, have fear, or in doubt, feel depressed or oppressed, lonely or feeling guilty, to name a few. The Bible has the answers to all of these and being the good student you are, you can search the word and be enlightened. You will receive great wisdom in the word, so please let me suggest the book of Proverbs as a place to start.

You will find Jesus to be a friend, a mentor, a father, and you will have understanding into His life, death, resurrection, and His second coming. Search the Scriptures and read about His love, His promises, and the fellowship He desires to have with you.

So learn all you can about Jesus and one day your graduation from life here on earth to a perfect one in heaven will be the best graduation ever!! I pray you will have many happy and wonderful years here as you live out the dreams and desires within your heart, with the assurance of spending eternity with Jesus, and that your joy may be full.

Congratulations to all our grads of 2020.

Pastor Caroline - June 22, 2020

Today’s reading in Daily in His Presence by David Jeremiah reminds us of the power of words. I like his analogy from the Proverbs he uses to back up his message. This is a good message today, please take time to read it.

Words can hurt and words can heal he tells us in the last paragraph. This is such a true statement. Think of a time when you said something to someone and immediately you wish you hadn’t. You understood the magnitude  of those words and no matter what you followed it up with, the words stung. You may have been very sorry but the words were now in the other persons mind and heart. How do you right such a wrong? Well that depends I guess on whom you were speaking to. Everyone will process negative, or hurtful words in a different way. The important thing is to say that you were truly sorry and try to find a way to start afresh.

Words that bring healing are most welcomed when someone is experiencing sorrow, loss, sickness, heartache, anger, etc.; in other words a range of emotions. Our words can be the glue that holds things together, or stitches that bind a wound, or velvet that makes us feel special. Words are a powerful directive to move us from a place of not wanting to do anything, to, a place of seeing us complete a task which seemed impossible. There is power in good words and help in words of compassion and direction.

As David says in the last paragraph, “Ask God to give your speech that is considered and weighed as to its outcome before you speak — words that bless and build up others.    Now these are good words and David sure has a way of putting words together to get a point across and fill our minds and hearts with God’s love.

The scripture David uses under the title of his reading,  is Proverbs 10:19 from the New King James Version and when I read it in the Good News Bible it reads as follows:
(19) The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.

So folks, at this point I choose to be quiet. Enjoy your day, quietly, in the Lord.

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - June 21, 2020

THE LIGHT   

Part 1a

I have a Bible, edited by Ernest Sutherland Bates, in which the introduction to Genesis starts out with theses words: “Twenty-eight (really more like thirty-eight) centuries ago an unknown Hebrew priest wrote a poem about the Creation of the world. He knew nothing about environmental science, and less than nothing about astrophysics; his insight was only poetic. Yet most of science and physics for the last two hundred years has been devoted to trying to explain his poem.”

One aspect of this “poem” has been the concept of light. In the first chapter of Genesis, ³God said, “Let there be light: and there was light”. In the next verse states that: “⁴God saw the light, that it was good”. He was evidently pleased and then “⁵God divided the light from the darkness” so the two would be separate.

Now since God apparently did not create the sun, moon and stars until the fourth day, where did the light on the first day come from? And was this one of the questions raised in the poem written by the Hebrew priest so many years ago?

To find the possible answer to this question, we may have to look at something written about 1500 years after the poem mentioned above. You see John wrote in chapter 1 (similar to what was written in Genesis 1:1): “¹In the beginning was the Word and…⁴in Him was Life: and the Life was the Light of men.”

Again in John, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). And in Ephesians chapter 5 it is said that, “¹⁴Christ shall give you Light”.

But the real answer to the question, brought up in the first chapter of the first book in the Bible, is probably answered best in the second last chapter of the last book in the Bible, written about 1500 years after Genesis. Revelation 21:23 states “the city (New Jerusalem) had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the Glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is the light.

If the answer to a question can come in the Bible 1500 years after the question is asked, that really should give us pause to think.  

Teach A Child - A Father's Day Message

Pastor Caroline - June 19, 2020

Today I am using a new devotional. It is called, The Bible in 366 Days for Women. And it really does say 366 days. The reading today refers to Psalm 126. It is a prayer for deliverance.

We all know God does amazing things for us, and for those around us, as we hear testimony after testimony of His love, protection, provision, mercy and grace. How blessed we are! I do pray we never take our blessings for granted and that we share our blessings with others.

In our times of heartache and sorrow our tears will flow, however, we will always speak of His goodness to us as He carries us through the hard times. In those times we learn to lean into His loving arms and listen more intently for His voice. We are never disappointed as He always makes a way to bring us into His joy.

When we see the harvest,( the good result of us reaching out to others and bringing them to Jesus, who changes their lives and destiny) we realize how bountiful the harvest is. We also see the change it brings in our lives and how our destiny is in the hands of the Lord. It is no wonder we sing for joy.

May the joy of the Lord surround you, and may your heart be filled with His love.

Join me again Monday when I will be back with a new message from our Heavenly Father.

Remember to bless the Dads you know by extending Father’s Day blessings to them on Sunday as we celebrate all God has entrusted to them as fathers.
Sunday evening, we will put up a video message honouring fathers so please make time to join me.

Have a blessed weekend and Happy Father’s Day to all you dads.

Pastor Caroline - June 18, 2020

Well I certainly do not know how to add anything to David Jeremiah’s writing today. This writing, The Ripple Effect, is beautiful. In Daily in His Presence, we are sometimes given such a gem that what we need to do is stand back and see the “glitter in the gold”.

Imagine these two men David speaks about, and think about the size of the interior of China and the interior of Africa, and just try to imagine the amount of people who heard the gospel because of these two men. That sure makes a powerful statement. I love how David writes about them and saying they created ripple effects that outlived them.

We will never know this side of heaven the lives we touched, as each one of us share the gospel on a daily basis. Every little thing we do for the Lord, He magnifies, and we may not see it, but we know He does. Little is much when God is in it, is our motto at Master’s Hand Ministry and over the years we have been blessed to see the increase He gives on behalf of our effort. Each one doing as God leads us to do and collectively bringing glory to Him who sets the path before us.

So let’s make some waves for His glory as David says, and the ripples will reach all the way to the heavenly shore. Glory to His  name!!

Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
I love this scripture David opens with and it is a good reminder to each and everyone of us to continue to do the work of the Lord every day. One day we will see the ripples and realize the impact we made for the Lord here on earth.

Have a blessed day in all you do.

Pastor Caroline - June 17, 2020

In conversation the other evening I spoke with someone for years has not been able to express their true feelings. It brought me back to a conversation I had with a young man many years ago in prison. At the time I was doing prison ministry and so I will recap what sticks out in my mind.

He was young, six or seven to his recollection when his mother used to lock him in his bedroom for hours at a time. In his room was a small bed, with one old pillow and a quilt that was at least 100 years old he told me. It had an odour and so often he threw it on the floor and just laid on the bed with not even a blanket to curl into. At that moment, I made a mental picture of this because at the time, I was a mother of two young children and could not for the life of me ever imagine doing that to my kids. Anyway, for years he was a prisoner in his own home. He said his dad had left with someone else, his mom drank every day, and his older sister was rarely home. However when she was home, she fed him, watch movies with him, bought him pop and chips and played cards with him.( He never did tell me her age). These were days of fun, he said and he enjoyed being with her. She talked about God, but he did not understand and so he just listened and she said things like; God is good, God is kind, God is my strength, He’s with me all the time. She even told him she was not afraid of the dark anymore because she knew God was watching over her and keeping her safe. He like to hear about God because He sounded nice. (She actually planted seeds in his young mind at heart at the time).

As years went on she married and moved away. She married a Christian, whatever that meant, he said. He was happy for her. However he still lives with his mother who had an increased drinking problem, was older now and had health issues. At 16 he dropped out of school and got a part-time job to help at home. At least he was now meeting other people who really didn’t know his past, or even cared. Before long he got involved with the wrong crowd. He started stealing, small stuff from stores, and bigger more expensive items, which he sold for a profit because after all he never paid for any of this, he said. Then he got involved with a drug dealer.He never did drugs, smoke or drink because from a young age he saw the destruction it caused and he was just not interested. But somehow he missed the point that stealing and delivering drugs for a price was just as bad and destructive. Long story short, one night things went wrong, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, a murder took place, and he was blamed. He told me he never had a gun or pull the trigger but he was a scapegoat. You know, I believed him then and to this day, I still do.

Anyway during our conversation I told him about Jesus. He said you sound like my sister, who by the way visits me and brought me a book called a love letter from God, it was the Bible. He would spend hours reading God‘s love letter and it changed his heart, his attitude, his outlook on life even behind bars, and gives him hope for the future, he said. The seeds that were planted earlier by his sister years ago, were now being watered by ministering teams that were coming into the prison, and because he was reading the Bible the seeds were starting to grow. Praise the Lord!! I could see he had a tender heart and we prayed. Over the few times I saw him he loved the Lord more and anxiously awaited his release from prison. His sister wanted him to go live in her town where he would find work and attend her church. He loved to sing and learned to play guitar, and wanted to share his story, his testimony, especially with kids who did not have a great home life. He wanted them to know God can and will meet you wherever you are in life and he will make life different and better. This young man was on his way to being a great ambassador for Jesus and it showed on his countenance. I was excited for him.

You know, I have no idea where this young man is today, but I pray he’s been released both from prison (and I’m sure he has), and his past,  and that the God who gave him life brings him life abundant today. I really feel he had a forgiving heart from the moment I met him as he did not speak with any malice or hate toward his mom or the gang he was involved with. He forgave his mother as he said, once he started reading the word and realized God‘s forgiveness for him. He was old enough to see and realize that her life was a living hell and sometimes he was the recipient of the heat. He made mistakes, committed crimes, but he did not murder anyone, he lied, cheated, stole and made wrong choices in the past, but said after reading the love story, the Bible, he realizes why he has been forgiven, and that’s because God loved him enough, in whatever state he was in, and sent him Jesus and His love. He accepted Jesus into his heart in a cold and lonely cell, much like the bedroom he has a child, but he felt he was in a palace when he heard a voice say:
“My son, You are forgiven! No need to hurt anymore. You are free. I am your helper and deliverer”. 
He said he remembered reading that in Psalm 70:5 . He heard the message loud and clear and it changed his life.
This is God’s love and it truly does change lives, all over the world. Praise the mighty name of Jesus!!
I pray this man has a family today and can share the Lord of the Lord with them and know what true love is. I pray one day I will know him when we meet in heaven.
So many years have passed since those conversations with this young man and I am glad brought this back to my remembrance. It warms my heart and I hope it does yours as well to know, Psalm 70:5,
You are my help and my deliverer.
In the Good News it reads like this:
I am weak and helpless; come to me quickly, O God.
You are my Saviour and Lord —
Hurry to my aid!

God came to this young man and I am happy he did.

Enjoy your day knowing He is your Lord and Saviour.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Jude Part 8

Pastor Caroline - June 16, 2020

What a beautiful devotional today, in Daily in His Presence, by David Jeremiah. Perhaps you’ll scroll to the end of this message and read it his message first, and then mine will make more sense, hopefully.

Isn’t it true, how easily we forget the goodness of God when our circumstances change, as David says in the reading. These past three months, life has changed so much. Our previous freedom taken for granted, now causes us to be thankful for the “bubble visits”, with a few chosen people. Crossing borders to PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and the United States, all on hold for the time being. Weddings, funerals, church and other social gatherings are on restricted guidelines to the number of people allowed to be present. And no shaking hands or hugging.  All things we took for granted and I for one, surely do miss “the good all days”.

I have even heard people say, do you suppose God is punishing us, or is God trying to get our attention?

Well personally I think of this time as a gift, away from the usual demands of everyday life. When “things were normal“, most of us were on a treadmill and never really seemed in any one day, to accomplish all that was on the to do list. So this time seems to me to be a rest, a quiet time, time to connect on a deeper level with God, family and friends. This time has certainly afforded me personally, this wonderful gift.  I am so appreciating all that God has for me during these chosen days and months to have a closer relationship with Him. I am positive we will all see His glory shine and have a better world when normal returns, however that normal may look.

So let’s not forget the goodness of God. As David says in the last chapter, let’s thank God daily, preferably at the beginning of your day, for the blessing of knowing Him — for His mercy, love, power and more that covers the pathway of your life and the day that is just beginning. Well said David.

This day that is just beginning, is a gift from our Lord and is indeed the day He has made, so let’s rejoice and be glad in it; and thank Him for His goodness.

Pastor Caroline - June 15, 2020

“Come to me, all you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest”. Matthew Chapter 11 verse 28 (Good News Bible). This is Jesus speaking and what a beautiful invitation.

We all love an invitation, to dinner at a friends house, to a movie with a loved one, to church for an evening of worship and praise, or to spend quiet time at a location unknown to others so we can just “do nothing“ and not feel guilty.

When we read the Scriptures and see this invitation from Jesus, it surely does our hearts good to know He cares about us and wants to give us rest.

Perhaps you are burdened in these days with having to do your job from home, or doing it in your workplace, but everything is so different. This causes extra stress and you carry the weight of that burden.

God wants us to step away from the things in life that entangle us. He wants us to come to His word and find a message from Him, directed to us for just this particular time. He wants us to make a conscious choice, to spend quiet time with Him. May I suggest that you put on your favourite gospel CD, make a coffee, and just sit and listen as He speaks to you through the words the artist brings in the song. Learn to step away from the distractions that rob you of your rest. You need to be determined to be obedient when you hear that small still voice calling you. Perhaps God is suggesting you go for a walk, by yourself, so He can show you the beauty that lies before you. Slow down, take a deep breath and appreciate who you are in Jesus and who He is in you. The happenings in our daily life should not be so consuming that we do not have time for the creator of this world. Before the busyness of your day begins speak with the Lord and tell Him you are going to spend time with Him and then; keep your word. His rest will rejuvenate you, give you a fresh energy, clear your head and put a smile on you face that is a mile wide. Now that is a better rest than an eight hour sleep. And that is His intention!

When we submit ourselves to God, we realize we are giving Him control over our lives as we choose to obey His commands. When God has control we can rest in knowing that all things will work out to His glory. It will not always be easy, and we will struggle, but our rest will be in Him who cares for us.

Accept the invitation. “Come to me all you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest”. Choose today to accept the invitation Jesus extends, know He is in control; and you can trust Him when He says, it is time to rest.

Pastor Caroline - June14, 2020 - Are You Anxious?

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About

SODOM and GOMORRAH

George Santayana has said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Perhaps that is one reason we are told to study the Bible rather than merely read it. There are lessons revealed in that book which could leave us in great stead now if we would only learn from them.

Sodom and Gomorrah were wealthy cities on the Jordan River plain, a lush and fertile area. According to Ezekiel 16:49, this city fell because of pride, haughtiness, sufficient provisions but without regard for the poor and needy, in addition to its’ idleness, and resultant iniquity.

Hundreds of years before Christ, the Assyrians created a great empire, but internal strife and conflict, associated with riotous living, among other things, led to its downfall.

Likewise Babylon, an empire built under Nebuchadnezzar, became a wonder of its time. But it soon fell under King Belshazzar due in part to inattentiveness and iniquity.

If you follow the pages of history, the same fate in turn befell the Persians, the Greek, the Roman and others empires. Once discipline and a sense of purpose seemed to be lost, drifting and idleness developed and the nations seemed to become more interested in entertainment and games than in the ideals which created their success initially.

In Rome especially, as time went on the leaders spent more and more on games and sports and events in the colosseum, and became more self indulgent, concerned more with their own comfort than with the affairs of the country.

Even today, when countries become powerful and wealthy, and when the focus of these nations becomes lost, there is more self indulgence and people often request more freedom to do what they desire rather than what is proper. As it was said in Judges 21:25 “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”  

When leaders become more concerned about their own positions rather than the people they govern, and when nations are more concerned with power and prestige rather than providing for their subjects, then it’s not hard to see the process beginning all over again. And when life overall is easy to the point that idleness is common and wants are magnified over needs, then as it was in the days of Sodom and as stated in Genesis 4:7 “if you do not do well, sin lies at the door.”

Leaders that are not all they should be, nations that promote power over purpose, and societies that feel self-indulgence and entertainment are more important than discipline and compassion; these are indications that not much has changed from the days of Sodom or of Rome.

Sin is always at the door.

It should make us all stop and think. 

Pastor Caroline - June 12, 2020

As we go to the Good News Bible today I am sending a picture of the scripture I am using. 2 Corinthians Chapter 2 verses 14 to 17. Please read this before you read the writing if possible.

We are in God’s army. We have been trained in the word of Christ and as disciples we are to teach and preach the good news until His return. We are to pass our knowledge down from generation to generation. God refers to the “knowledge of Christ”, as a sweet fragrance. Imagine that for a moment. Especially now as we walk outside after a fresh rain, we can smell the grass, and the sweet scent of the lilac bushes as we wander by. It is a sweet fragrance and it reminds us Who is in control.

When we are with those who are saved in Christ; our conversation is sweet as we tell each other how good God has been and is to us. We share the victories we have in Him, for example, a full and speedy recovery from an operation, an offer of employment that more than meets our expectation, a good health report after a struggle through cancer. These are just some examples and victories which are like a sweet fragrance left behind after we leave those to whom we’ve been speaking with.

And when in the company of those who are not saved in Christ and we share the same victories, they will hopefully ask us about “this fragrance“. Now as the scripture tells us today in verse 16,
(16) For those who are being lost, it is a deadly stench that kills; but for those who are being saved, it is a fragrance that brings life.

For those who are not Christians our reports of victory will be very aggravating to them as they do not understand, however, to those who are Christians and we share these victories, it will bring much encouragement causing their lives to be lived more fully in Christ.

All of us who are in the army of God, (those who have Jesus as Lord and Saviour), are called to minister unto those who do not yet know Christ and to those who have not accepted Him as Lord and Savior. We are to offer the gift of salvation, telling them the good news of living a life with Jesus as our guide. When they join our army they will receive good instruction, daily support, sound advice, encouragement, a family to fellowship with, God‘s word to direct their path, perseverance, wisdom and so much more. Each day is a learning day in the army of God and He leads us to victory!!

We are to give thanks every day, early in the morning, at noon and a bedtime, in other words; give thanks all day long and the fragrance you leave behind will draw others to the heart of Christ. We are servants in God’s army so let’s bring honour and praise to the very One, (Christ),  who leads us to victory!

Please join me again Monday when we return with a new message from God’s word.

Sunday I will do a video and also share communion so please  watch for the video and share communion in your household.

Have a blessed weekend and be sure to be the sweet fragrance God intends you to be.

Pastor Caroline - June 11, 2020

Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him? Matthew Chapter 8 Verse 27

This is our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

When we read our devotional today, Daily in His Presence by David Jeremiah, we see a day in the life of our Saviour.  Very busy day indeed.

Sometimes we complain when we are asked to think and chew gum at the same time; and surprisingly enough I have met those who could not do this, myself included on some days. 
We all have days like this.

When we start our day on our schedule, we tend to just get busier as the day goes on, because we are always trying to beat the clock and catch up; as perhaps some items are hanging over our head from yesterday’s unfinished list. Oh dear, more to do and less time to do it. Then, somehow we tend to start to worry about tomorrow. God clearly tells us in Scripture, not to borrow tomorrow’s trouble. Matthew 6:34. God wants us to live for today, and complete the tasks of this day. This is why we should start our day with Him, because we know if we do, for starters, we have a helper. Also we know He will bring opportunities to us that without Him we would miss. When we walk and talk with Him, we see past our selfish selves and then we can see the needs of others. When we hear His small still voice telling us what to do, we know He will make it possible to accomplish it. All things are possible in Him, Jesus reminds us in Matthew Chapter 19 verse 26. It reads like this in the Good News Bible:
Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for man, but for God everything is possible.”

As David so nicely reminds us today in our devotional reading, “There’s nothing more exhilarating than giving each day to the Lord and waiting to see what He will do with it.”
Well isn’t this the truth?

I know His plans are better than mine and His timing is perfect. So today, I will rest in knowing new opportunities lie ahead and I’m excited to see what God has in store for this day and in all my days. How about you?

This is the day the Lord has made
I will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is a couple of lines from a song we sing in church. You may want to search it on You Tube and listen to it, it is called, This Is The Day.

This is the Day

Enjoy all the Lord has for you today and everyday. And also rejoice and be glad. You certainly will be blessed.