Pastor Caroline - October 28, 2020

 

Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.

Ephesians Chapter 4 Verse 13 New King James Version

 

This is the scripture verse used in Daily in His Presence by David Jeremiah in our reading today, which is pictured for you to read. Please read it though.

In the Good News Bible this scripture reads as follows:

And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ’s full stature.

 

This is a beautiful scripture reminding us of unity. As David Jeremiah writes in his reading today, he explains well the idea of unity and diversity. We all know that many hands make light work. Working together, we can achieve much. A large work can be divided among many and many working together can get the work done quickly. Such as all over the world right now, many churches are involved in Operation Christmas Child, (as are we) where shoes boxes are filled with gifts to send to children in other countries bringing them the love of Christ in the gifts found in each box.  The message of salvation will be introduced to them as well, telling them the true gift of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ, and how He came to give the gift of eternity. Most will hear this for the very first time in their lives and share it with other family members. Many hearts will be given to Jesus, and this is truly what this work is set out to do, to bring hearts to the Lord.  This is a wonderful mission work and many thousands of people are involved in getting the job done. Glory Hallelujah!!!!!This is a big work, but, because many hands are involved it is carried out to the glory of God. Hence unity and diversity, many people filling and working with the boxes (unity) that each one of us fill with different gifts, (diversity).

 

A church cannot sustain itself on only the efforts of the pastor, minister, or priest. It takes many hands to do the work of the Lord and each person is given a gift or gifts in which they contribute to the church, and all working together, build a church. Whether you have a physical building or an assembly which gathers in a home, or other space, you can build a church which is under the banner of God. When He leads His people by the Spirit, then His peace should bind us together especially when we remain humble, gentle and patient. Let love keep us tolerant with one another. This is Paul’s instruction when you read Ephesians chapter 4 verses two and three. I urge you to read all of chapter 4 as this is a good teaching on unity and diversity. Take note that we are called to serve the Lord, as Christ has prepared all God’s people for the work of Christian service in order to build up the body of Christ. Verse 12 states this clearly. Many gifts, many people, many hands working together, using our separate and unique gifts, allows us to build the church in unity and diversity, bringing it all together under the love of God to be all He sees it to be. A place where we all join together, to encourage and strengthen one another, to study and learn the word, equipping each of us to be the church on a 24-7 basis.

Church never closes, WE are the church, always on call, and ready to do a good work to bring glory and honour to our Heavenly Father.

 

David Jeremiah’s reading today in the last paragraph leaves us with this;

Ask God today: “What is my part, Lord, in building up Your Church? What Grace have You given me? How can I promote the unity of the Body? Let your unique gifts strengthen the unity of God’s people.

 

He sums this up nicely and I pray you will seriously find your way in strengthening the unity of God’s people.

Have a blessed week ahead and work together with others sharing your unique gifts.

 

I send a special thank you to all those who pastor a church body as this is Pastor Appreciation Month. Over the years I have been blessed to be pastored by many whom God has called and they have directed my life. I am eternally and forever grateful to each one and ask God to continue to bless those still here, until one day we all shall be in glory. I appreciate the work you do in the name of Jesus. Bless you all.

May you be blessed in your church with many people to help you carry out a good work unto the Lord for it is with their help this works come to completion. I say thank you to all the many hands who help our church be what God has designed. Blessings upon blessings be with you all.  

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 13

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About

 

MAN IN THREE PERSONS

In Genesis we are told that God said, “…Let us make man in our image…”(Genesis 1:26) and so apparently we are so made. We should, therefore, compare the image or perception of man to the similar image or perception of God. However, many people, or even religions, do not seem to want to do this. So let us compare the situation to a simple stool.

It’s possible to sit on a stool with only one leg. But if you do this for any length of time, it requires considerable effort and muscular activity to continue, with the result that one becomes irritable, anxious, and even angry at the whole situation. But many people try to live with a God of only persona or personality, aged who is the law-giver and holy, one who metes out punishment to those who disobey His rules and who remains distant from those He oversees. This can only lead to a world of discomfort, bitterness, and anger.

Then there are those who accept a God with two persons or personalities. They accept the personality above and Christ - another aspect of God. Now rather than a God who is distant and rigid, we have a persona who is close and forgiving and this presents a new facet entirely. For where “..the law was given through Moses [by God]…grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). It’s easier to become more comfortable with this second personality or person but still there can be a problem. It’s like having a stool with two legs, easier to balance but still tiring and stress producing if one has to continue as such for a long period of time. Balancing a stool on two legs still requires a considerable amount of energy and can be stress producing after a period of time.

But we don’t worship a God of only two personas or persons. Enter the Holy Spirit. It’s good to have a God who is a law giver, who provides rules and discipline, and a Son who helps provide grace and mercy, but one has to feel secure and comfortable with this as well. And so we are told of a third persona, one to teach and comfort us. Jesus told us in John 14:26: “But the Helper [Comforter], the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

So to continue our analogy, we now have a stool with three legs and as you know, a three legged stool is stable. One can sit on such a device for a period of time with little stress or tension and be quite comfortable, as we should be with God as a whole.  A God who is a Father who gives regulations and discipline, as a Son who gives mercy and grace, and as the Holy Spirit who provides comfort and teaching. 

As humans we have a body that needs guidance and discipline, as well as a soul in need of grace and mercy, and a spirit requiring comfort and teaching. God is three persons for a person of three parts. Truly man made in God’s image.

Just some little thing to think about.   

Pastor Caroline - October 25, 2020 - Praise the Lord

Pastor Caroline - October 21, 2020

 

James Chapter 1 Verses 2 and 3 from the Good News Bible reads:

(2) My brothers, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way

(3) for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure.

 

Tuesday morning I was reminded of this very scripture. We had taken my brother down to Halifax Monday to the hospital for tests to be carried out before his scheduled operation, which would be Tuesday. From Monday early morning till Tuesday early morning, the hours seemed never ending. Finally it was time for him to leave and go to the OR and we settled in to wait for the news of how everything would turn out. From 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., we assumed he had been taken into the OR and all was already in progress. However, at 10:40 a.m., we received a phone call telling us the OR had been cancelled due to lack of beds in the intensive care unit. We were told he would have to return next week and hope all can take place then. Another week to think about, be concerned for, our loved one, who now must wait this out. This is hard to do, because we all want the best for our family, and waiting is hard to do when you know an operation should be taking place as quickly as possible. Oh the trials of life.  Disappointed the operation did not happen, yes of course.

But, personally, after remembering the prayer I raised to the Lord, I realized God very well could have been protecting my brother from something we could not see. So after the disappointment was erased from my mind, I thanked God for His protection over my brother. I thanked God that just maybe, my brother was saved from a catastrophe we were not prepared to face. I thanked God that He was, and is, in control, and knows what is best for my brother. Then I settled into His peace and asked Him to watch over all of us through this next week as we prepare for the operation to take place next Tuesday. We must believe that this is the will of God and His timing is always perfect!!! So we thank God, that even in this trial, our faith will remain strong and totally in Him. We will endure whatever will be and trust in Him for a good result giving all glory to Him. His peace covers us as we sit and wait, stay in prayer, hold tight to our faith, and give thanks to God in advance. Now my friends, that is letting go, and letting God take care of it all. It is also standing on our faith with the help of scripture such as James Chapter 1 Verses 2 and 3.

(3)My brothers, consider yourself fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way. (4) for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure.

Thank you Lord for your word, in which we place our trust. Thank you Lord for looking after my brother this week and preparing him for the operation next week. We give thanks and praise in advance as we trust in You only.

 

Have a blessed day, Let Go and Let God work out all things to His glory.

 

Enjoy your week ahead.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 12

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THANKS

 THANKS

It is a simple word but one that’s probably not used often enough. When one obtains a significant benefit such as a better job, or a gift, or really anything which seems to give them a real lift, then usually a thanks is rendered. But for more minor things - everyday courtesies, compliments, and gestures - gratitude is less often expressed. And when people are often really close, as in a marriage, then being taken for granted often develops and the giving of thanks is often forgotten.

Don’t we, however, often take for granted the everyday benefits we enjoy from God? Good weather, sufficient rain, sunshine, fall colours, sunsets, mention the food we eat, the air we breathe, etc., the list goes on and on. If we don’t consider giving thanks for these, it’s understandable why we probably don’t give thanks for storms, natural disasters, ill health, etc. People aren’t often in the mood to give thanks for their misfortunes. But isn’t that just what the Bible says we should do?

James 1:2-3 puts this way “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” and 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 “…pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” But if people are reluctant to give thanks in the good times, how then can anyone really expect that they would be grateful in times of misfortune? A reason may be found in the book of Luke.

In Luke 17:12-19 the story is given of the ten lepers cleansed by Jesus. Of the ten, only one returned to give thanks to Jesus and glory to God for their healing. Perhaps, because it took some time for the healing to occur, the other nine didn’t think it necessary to make the trip back to Jesus. After all, Jesus knew they would be healed so why bother? But one did. And in verse 19 (KJV) it says “…thy faith has made thee whole.”

Now many translations use the word “well” instead of “whole” in verse 19. There is a subtle difference in the two words. Whereas well means healed and in good health, whole refers to total completeness in all respects: body, soul, and spirit. It indicates a further blessing than just a physically healthy body.  It indicates a blessing that may be imparted when one continually gives thanks for the benefits God bestows, even during times of hardship and trouble. 

It may be difficult, but giving thanks in both the good and bad times may have more benefit than just the satisfaction of being grateful and it’s something we should think about. 

Pastor Caroline - October 18, 2020 - Just as I Am

Even though we appreciate her all the time, October is Pastor Appreciation Month.

Let's tell Pastor Caroline how much we appreciate her.

Give her a call, send her a text, an email or even a real card.

Let's let her know how much we really do appreciate her!

 

Pastor Caroline - October 14, 2020

 

Let’s start today with scripture from Colossians Chapter 3 Verses 1 to 4, and I’m taking this from the Good News Bible.
(1) You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are heaven, where Christ sits on His throne at the right side of God.
(2) Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth.
(3) For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
(4) Your real life is Christ and when He appears, then you too will appear with Him and share His glory!

Sometimes in this old world it seems hard to find a day of peace. With the news coming at us daily with reports of violence, riots, weather of all descriptions, COVID-19 reports, cetera; one feels overwhelmed at the hurt, heartache, loss and pain brought to us through the news.

To have a day of peace, or peace day by day, we must keep ourselves hidden in the word and keep the word hidden in our hearts, so that at times when we are overwhelmed we can draw on the word, and stay in His presence fixing our minds on heavenly things. It takes great discipline to do this, just as it takes great discipline to play an instrument well, with lots of practice to bring one closer and closer to perfection being ready to perform and hopefully, be the delight to many listeners. Keeping the instrument in good working condition and taking time to learn to play well, brings one a great sense of accomplishment. When we study God‘s word, and allow it to lead our lives, we stay in good working condition and we become an example to those who watch our lives, our relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything we do, when we do it unto the Lord, will help us to be content and be at peace. This will also bring us a great sense of accomplishment and we will be pleasing to the Lord.

When we give up our desires, and want to live daily to fulfil the desire of the Lord,  then we have truly died to self, and our lives become hidden with Christ in God.

As we focus on Christ daily, the news of the world pales in comparison to our thoughts of heaven. Set your heart on heavenly things and things of this world will not seem to matter. Keep your heart and mind on Christ, and live in peace, day by day. On the day of His return, you will share in His glory!!! What a peace that brings to our hearts and minds as we stand on the promises of God and live in peace, day by day.

Please read these scriptures verses over and over until you feel peace, and then do as I do, by saying your name to make this personal to you. What joy there is when scripture is made as personal as this. This brings great peace; now, - - -  just sit in His beautiful presence and enjoy!

Have a peaceful week ahead. 

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 11

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - CHOICES

Life is really composed of series of choices. We make them continuously throughout the day even though we’re probably not aware that we are actually making those decisions. We choose to get up or stay in bed, to eat or not, to go out or stay in, to work or not, to socialize or not, etc. Our entire life is made up of choosing.

Overall most of the choices we make are of little consequence. And most are made because we all in all know what should be done. We know we have to eat, to get out, to work, and to do what is needed to sustain ourselves, but do you ever consider that much of what we must decide came about because initially mankind made the wrong decision. 

Initially mankind apparently didn’t need to know how to make decisions. Everything was provided and right or wrong was not a question. It was only after that first decision was made, where mankind to follow Satan rather than abide by God’s instruction, that man’s decisions became more critical. Once man had to choose between right and wrong, then choices became more important and serious 

The Bible gives many examples of this and in fact is really a commentary on the choices men have made over the years. From the first choice in Genesis of hiding in the garden from God - “…I was naked; and I hid myself.’ And He said, “Who told you that you were naked?’ (Genesis 3:10-11) - to the last book in the Bible, it tells of the need to make right choices. Having the knowledge of good and evil endowed us with the right to have the free will to make decisions.

Since we made our choice to follow Satan’s way God reacted saying that “…‘Because you have…eaten from the tree which I commanded you saying ‘You shall not eat of it’: Cursed is the ground for your sake…”(Genesis 3:17) and so the necessity of making correct choices was established. Since that time, mankind has continued to make poor decisions. The Bible gives a litany of poor decisions and their outcomes and as well of God’s attempt to modify mankind’s ways and correct his choices. From the problems mentioned above through the times of the Judges and Kings, it’s reported time and again how the choice to follow God’s direction has led to prosperity and the choice to abandon that way has led in turn to a time of paucity. Wars were lost and the nation of Israel suffered.

Individuals also were not spared. King David prospered while he followed God, but he and his family suffered after he betrayed God’s law and became involved with Bathsheba. Solomon was promised a long life “So if you will walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments…then I will lengthen your days” (1 Kings 3:14). But Solomon did not keep to the proper path and deviated from God’s instruction and apparently died at the age of about 60.

The New Testament also is filled with warnings about the need to choose correctly and to avoid the pitfalls of bad decisions. Hebrews itself contains five warnings about wrong decisions.  Chapter 2:1-4 is about not neglecting great salvation; Chapter 3:17-4:13 talks about not hardening your hearts.  Chapter 5:6-12 discusses how we should not neglect learning the Word and Chapter 10:26 says that we should not “sin wilfully”.  Finally, Chapter 12:25 tells us not to fail to listen when we hear God speak. 

It all follows God’s statement in Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”

It all boils down to a choice: to follow God or not, to accept Christ’s sacrifice or not, to believe in God’s Word or not. The choice is ours and it’s a choice we all must make. 

So, blessings or curses, life or death it really shouldn’t be a hard choice if you think about it. 

     

Pastor Caroline - October 11, 2020 - Thanksgiving

Pastor Caroline - October 7, 2020

 

 

It’s comforting to know we serve a God who makes all things possible. However we must come willingly to Him and follow His commandments. When we read Chapter 19 of Matthew, verses 16 to 26, entitled The Rich Young Man, we see this young man did not want to give up his wealth because he treasured it more than his relationship with God. If his relationship with God was what it should be, he would not have had a problem in helping the poor using the wealth he owned. Instead of keeping it for himself, he would have found great blessing in blessing others, sharing his wealth with those less fortunate. If we share what we have from a pure heart and willingness to truly bless others then we are an example of what God does for us. God gives generously unto us and we should give generously unto others. We are to love our neighbours as ourselves, (Matthew Chapter 19 Verse 19 in part), in other words want for others the best and be an instrument to bring that into fruition, helping others attain the necessities of life. When we see someone in need, and we can provide what is needed, then we are called to be a help in all ways possible. If we do what God asks us to do, then we can be an instrument the Lord works through. If we let the Lord lead us in all things, then all things are possible in the Lord. Hence with God, all things are possible. Matthew Chapter 19 Verse 26 in the Good News Bible tells us this when we read as follows:

(26) Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for man, but for God everything is possible.” Jesus was speaking with the disciples when He said this and reminded them that all things are possible with God. Aren’t you glad we serve God who makes all things possible? Praise His Holy name.

 

Enjoy your day, being an instrument of the Lord, setting yourself in His hands and doing His work. Do not shy away from what He is asking you to do for He will give you the ability to make all things possible. Glory to God and thank you Lord.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Ecclesiastes Part 10

Dr, Barclay with Something to Think About - TURMOIL

There are times lately when the entire world seems to be in some form of upset and confusion. In addition to conflicts and hostilities in various places, there continues to be racial and gender problems, economic problems, climate upset, and of course the ongoing pandemic. Each problem is in many ways magnified in the context of all the other difficulties. All in all, the world seems to be in a total mess.

Some of this tends to come from recognizing a basis fact often referred to in an old saying: Birds of a feather flock together. People of like language, culture, gender, race, etc., are more likely to congregate together than with others. This is not a problem; the problem develops when one group starts to disavow or demean the other and this in turn often develops because we do not learn the lessons of history. As the saying goes: Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it. And if one looks at history, it’s not hard to see that the problems which we face today, were as well faced by others in the past, especially in so far as intolerance is concerned.

If we go back to the days of the early church, there seemed to be no greater animosity than what existed between the Jewish people and the Gentiles. In fact, it went back much further than that. Even David said of Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:26:  “…who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” And this separation continued up to the church era. Jewish people were not allowed to associate with Gentiles, they were not supposed to go into Gentile homes, Gentile dinnerware had to be blessed before it could be used by people of the Jewish faith. This is why there was so much surprise when Paul was sent by God to minister to the Gentiles saying “…for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles…” (Acts 9:15) and stayed in Simon’s, the tanner, house and dined there.  Paul said in Acts 10:28: “…‘You know how unlawfully it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean’.”  And in Acts 10:45 “…those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.”  So the early church became composed of both former Jews and Gentiles worshipping together.

This is also applicable today. During the Presidency of Jimmy Carter, when segregation was the rule in the southern USA, Billy Graham held a crusade in Atlanta Georgia. As per usual, many thousand attended and when Rev. Graham gave the usual invitation many responded, both whites and people of colour, standing together side by side, as one, to accept Christ. The racial divide, at least for that moment, had disappeared.

In this day, when the world has so many problems, perhaps we should look more carefully at lessons from the past. When leaders say they are doing all they can to bring people  together and resolve some of our present problems, perhaps they should consider trying what has worked in the past and evaluate some of the lessons of history.

After all, what has succeeded before could succeed again. It’s certainly something to think about   

   

Pastor Caroline - October 4, 2020 - Never Lose the Power