Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Judges Part 3

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday September 29, 2021 - Relationship Wednesday

 

Relationship Wednesday

 

Psalm 34 verses 1 to 3

(1) I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising him.

(2) I will praise him for what he has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad! (3) Proclaim with me the Lord’s greatness; let us praise his name together!

 

Over our lifespan we will have different types of relationships. We have family relationships, brotherly and romantic relationships and we have our relationship with God. All relationships require work and attention. We must put forth an effort to build our relationships.

 

Hopefully our first relationship with family, (our parents), begins to show us how to care about each other. When we are babies they do all the caring for us and as we grow and learn under their direction we begin to establish how to treat others and how to trust others. If we have had good loving parents who provided and protected us, who lead us in the right direction of life, then when we grow up we will have a healthy respect and love for them. We will want to do all we can to honour them for the love that they have given us.

 

Our brotherly relationships are of course that with our brothers and sisters in our family unit. As we get older we may have those who are not blood related but chosen to be a brother or sister in our life. We build a relationship with them and our brothers and sisters of blood, that shows us we can count on each other through thick and thin. We can share our deepest thoughts and confidence with them and seek their advice. Our relationship grows strong in love and action with one another.

 

Then we meet someone we fall in love with, thus bringing forth that romantic relationship, well that certainly is exciting. We want to share all our time together, getting to know each other, sharing our likes and dislikes. As we become more fond of one another our relationship begins to be a bond we will share over a lifetime with each other and we step into marriage, taking each other until death do us part.

 

Every relationship takes time, effort, education, and willingness to change. We must be honest with ourselves and others, learn to be humble, be a good helper and listener, be willing to learn and teach. Be trustworthy, kind, patient and add a whole lot of fun to our relationship. Honour and respect are a must in a healthy happy relationship.

 

Now let’s look at our relationship with the Lord. I could speak all day on this however, the Lord took me to Psalm 34 and whispered the word “relationship” to me. So I read the full Psalm and today I see it differently because He brings it to me in terms of relationship. I realize, as you will when you read the full Psalm, what He was saying. Let me share with you what I now feel is important in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Having God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, I realize how very fortunate I am. I always want to thank God for all He has done for me over my years here on earth. I never want to stop praising Him!

 

In this Psalm our relationship has many things to be thankful for. It tells us God has done much for us, He listens to us. He answers our prayers, frees us from our fears. He looks after the oppressed. Those who are helpless call to Him and He saves them from their troubles. He sends angels to guard those who have reverence for Him.  He rescues us from danger. He promises to meet our daily needs. He teaches us to speak truth, do good, to walk away from evil and telling lies so that we will have peace in our hearts. He tells us He is near when we are discouraged and He saves the lost.  He reminds us we will suffer, however; He will save us from our suffering. He will protect us, and we will be spared. All this is found in this Psalm. This is a relationship that is full of promise from the Lord. I believe when we look closely at this, it teaches us how to have our earthly relationships in good order.

 

In our relationship with God as our Lord and Savior, and the One who guides our lives; our family, brotherly and romantic relationships can be healthier, happier and more wholesome. So proclaim with me the Lord’s greatness and let us praise His name forever as we read in verse 3.  When we all put our faith, trust and hope in God we can be assured our relationship with Him will never fail. And we know He will help us build strong relationships with family, friends and loved ones because He directs our path and He will never lead us astray. Praise the name of the Lord! I am happy and content in my relationship with Him, and thankful for His guidance in my relationships that I enjoy here on earth. How about you?

 

Proclaim with me the Lord’s greatness; let us praise His name together!

Be blest in this day and in all your days.

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - 666

 

666

The three numbers above have been a source of curiosity and intrigue ever since they were first included in the Bible. Many have attributed individual names as to the meaning of these numbers without anyone really knowing if their interpretation was or was not correct. The number has also been mentioned as  referring to the gold of King Solomon “the weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold” (1 Kings 10:14). But it’s hard to see what connection that statement has, if any, to the mention made in Revelation.

So, does the number in Revelation refer to an individual person or to something else? The statement in Revelation reads like this: “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is 666,(Revelation 13:18). Some commentators have said that “the number of a man” really refers to “the number of man” and not to a particular individual. 

According to the Bible, man was created on the sixth day and so the number of man was considered to be the number six. In Hebrew, as in Greek, repetition of a statement often meant further emphasis on that statement over what might be inferred by the singular use alone. For example, when the four living creatures cried out “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Revelation 4:8) it apparently was to infer that not only was God holy, but that He was truly the expression of complete, maximum, and ultimate holiness. There could be none more holy than Him. 

In the same vein, perhaps the repetition of the number 6 refers not to an individual but to mankind as a whole and to man as a collective rather than individually. If this is the case, then the repetition of the 6 as 666 may refer to mankind in his ultimate final state. Since man rejected God and sought his own way, this number may refer to humankinds’ total and unrepentant materialism and physicality, totally separated from God and spirituality. After all, are we not told that: “Let no one deceive you by any means, for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first”(2 Thessalonians 2:3) And “…brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause then to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake…For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be” (Mark 13;12-13,19). This describes what may well take place when man is his pure (ultimate) self, materialistic and physically powerful.

So if the number attributed to man is truly 6 then perhaps it really is the case that 666 refers to the ultimate secularization of man rather that to an individual person. And if one looks around at present, it’s not too hard to accept the fact that we may be approaching such a time right now.

At the very least, it is something to think about.

Adapted in part from Mysteries of the Messiah pg 5 by Rabbi Jason Sobel

Pastor Caroline - Sunday September 26, 2021 - The Blood of Christ

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday September 22, 2021 - The Patience of Job

 

The Patience of Job

 

Today is the first day of fall. Happy fall. Take time to enjoy the changing colours as we watch the landscape the Lord has provided change before our eyes.



James Chapter 5 Verse 11 in the Good News Bible reads:

(11) We call them happy because they endured. You’ve heard of Job’s patience and you know how the Lord provided for him in the end. For the Lord is full of mercy and compassion.

 

To help you understand the scripture I am using today it would be helpful if you take time to go to your Bible and look up the book of James in the New Testament. It is the 20th book and it is in titled; The Letter from James. It only has five chapters so you may want to read all of it.

 

Today I want to focus on chapter 5 verse 11 which I used in the opening. It says we - call them happy - because they endured. The people being talked about here are the prophets, however, the instructions throughout this delivery from James is for all of us in the world today. He says he is writing to “all God’s people, scattered over the whole world.” James uses this very line in the introduction of the book. Using Job as an example we see how the Lord provides patience and His reward when we are faithful to come to Him.  God‘s mercy and compassion will take us through our life being able to endure all life puts in our path.

 

Reading the introduction to the book of Job in the Old Testament, which it is the 18th book of the Old Testament, you will have a fresh reminder of how his life went. It was not easy to say the least. We did a Bible study on this a few years ago and after studying the 42 chapters we realized how faithful Job was to God, and how faithful God was to Job.

 

When I think of Job and the patience he had during his struggles I can scarcely take it in. He never lost his faith, but he did question God, and that is OK. Job suffered greatly; when you read the story for yourself you’ll have a picture of his life. You will be better able to understand the saying we often use – the patience of Job. When we use that expression most of us never really consider what it truly means. I am not so sure my patience level could ever begin to come anywhere near close to Job’s patience. I do know that in times in my life; when patience was needed to a great extent, I turned to prayer and still do. I find prayer helps me to persevere even when I am not sure of the outcome. I only know I have to put myself and my situation in God’s hands. Then God will lovingly remind me of His word in Romans chapter 15 verse 5 (GNB)

(5) And may God, the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus.

 

So when trials, troubles and uncertainties come my way I turn to God. I ask Him to help me be patient, and show me how to prevail in spite of whatever is happening in my world.

 

God reminds me that He is my source - of patience and encouragement – and if I will do as Jesus does, I will have victory! Jesus waited on the Lord for instruction and did only as His Father told Him to do. He knew God would not likely remove the situation but rather God would see Him through the situation. God does the same with us, He does not promise to fix everything in our life but He does promise to never leave us or for sake us. We see this in Hebrews chapter 13 verse 5. This tells me God will be with me and I must trust Him to give me the patience and encouragement to persevere. Just as Job did!  It may be a long struggle, a seemingly endless wait but God will never fail us. Psalm 73 verse 26 in the Good News Bible says (26) My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need.

 

So like Job, when we face suffering, pain, sickness, doubt, fear and disappointment let’s run to God. We can ask all the questions we need to ask and then wait on His answers. He will lift us up, encourage and enlighten us with His word, He is all we will ever need.

 

God restored Job to his former condition, with even greater prosperity than before, we are told in the introduction. We also read there, “Only Job had really sensed that God is greater than traditional religion had depicted him.”

And the last two verses of Job, verses 16 and 17 of chapter 42 tells us in the Good News Bible:

(16) Job lived 140 years after this, long enough to see his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. (17)And then he died at a very great age.

 

This is a very good ending to the story of the life of Job which teaches us much today.

 

Be patient and then –

We shall be called happy because we endured. God never fails and either do we - in Him!! Praise His name!

 

The story of Job is a great teaching to all who suffer. We all suffer in this world and through our suffering we develop our ability to endure. We may go through some devastating things in life that nearly break us, but the Lord will be with us and He has promised us His power when we stay in His presence. The Lord is full of mercy and compassion. We see this in the opening scripture we used today.

 

To quote C.S. Lewis “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”  This is from his book The Problem of Pain.

 

And another great author, preacher and evangelist, Billy Graham, once said, “If our suffering leads us to God, it has become a blessed and precious friend. Wow this is a powerful statement.

 

Now perhaps having the patience of Job is something we should all strive for, and thank the Lord for His presence in our lives daily.

 

We often say, patience is a virtue, however, perhaps; patience is a skill. We need to learn to be patient and with the help of God -- we can.

Thank you Lord.

 

Enjoy your first week of fall. Have a beautiful day in the Lord.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Judges Part 2

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - FAMILY

 FAMILY

In the Bible, we are told many times of the struggles and trials we will have to overcome in this world. We are informed of persecutions and sufferings that will probably, to some extent, effect us all. In Matthew 24, we are told of wars and rumours of wars, of famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and of nations against nations. Revelation refers to the judgements of God. A “…third of the trees were burned up…”(Revelation 8:7) and by “…plagues a third of mankind was killed…” (Revelation 9:18). In spite of all this “…the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, or wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Revelation 9:20-21).

As if the above weren’t enough, we all know of the problems we can face as individuals as we go through life; problems which may at times seem insurmountable and lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. These, of course, just add to the overall stress of everyday living.

In all of this, we now, more than in times past, tend to forget and ignore some elements that God has planned to help us in dealing with all the real and potential problems that can beset us.  And these, to some extent, involve the three families that we were all supposed to share.

The first of these is our own family unit designed to make us as one. In Genesis, it is said that “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). A family acting as one, and with added offspring, can be a powerful support to each other in times of stress and trouble. Unfortunately, due to changing lifestyles, such family units are becoming less frequent in today’s society,

In addition, we have been granted a family of friends of which the chief should be Christ Himself. The Bible states that “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends”(John 15:13). John goes on to report that Jesus said: “You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants…but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:14-15). He followed through by giving His life for us, something which most friends are not required to do for each other. But again, even the bond of friendship is not what it used to be. Whereas a friendly handshake and one’s word used to be all that was required between friends, now legal documents in triplicate have to be done up for pretty much everything. Even friendship seems to be much less than previous.

Finally, we are supposed to have the church family for support and to be of help. Hebrews states that we are not to “…[forsake] the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Likewise, Timothy wants us to “…exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2, KJV) and Hebrews repeats the request to “…exhort one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). But again, even without Covid, the church seems less able to accomplish even this part of its intent now than in previous times.

So the impact of all three of our “families” appears to be lessened compared to what they were in the past. Perhaps that, in turn, is partly the cause of the general increase in anxiety, guilt, stress and depression which seems be so rampant in this day and age. The problems are unlikely to diminish as both the Bible and events appear to indicate otherwise, and so we really need our “families” now more than ever. Logic would have it that we also should work toward reestablishing those connections now more than ever before.

It’s really something we should think about.

  

Pastor Caroline - Sunday September 19, 2021 - The Joy of the Lord

Committal Service Re-scheduled

 Please note the service for Muriel Bugden which was scheduled for tomorrow Saturday September 18 2021, at 11 A.M. at Abercrombie Cemetery has been postponed. 

It has been rescheduled for 11:00 am - 11:30 am Saturday, October 23, 2021.

Thank you.

Pastor Caroline Barclay

https://angusfuneralhomes.com/tribute/details/1808/Muriel-Bugden/obituary.html#tribute-start

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday September15, 2021 - Young and Old

 

Young and Old

 

Proverbs Chapter 20 Verse 29

Good News Bible.

(29) We admire the strength of youth and respect the gray hair of age.

 

When we are young we are not giving much thought to our old age. We live life at lightning speed, change our minds often, we are adventurous, we work to build our future, and perhaps we marry and have a family.

As we look at our grandparents we think — that is so many years down the road for us —because we are in our youth.

But wait… God tells us to admire the strength of the youth and to respect the gray hair of age.

 

Admire – regard with respect or warm approval

Respect — (1)a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

(2) Due regard for the feelings, rights, or traditions of others.

These are the meanings I found in the Oxford dictionary.

 

I believe the intention of the Lord was to let generations go through life together. The older generation guiding the younger generation through life. When we spend time with family, (three generations at a time, seems to be the norm these days) – what joy we see. The grandfather teaching his son, who in turn teaches his son, and then on to his son. What a blessing to learn from generations ahead of us. The wisdom we can draw from the generation or generations ahead of us is absolutely priceless.

Even my generation now can learn from the younger, as we see life so differently in this younger generation. I can only speak for a span of close to 70 years, as in 2022;  I will be 70 years old. So even as I think of the years I have been given, I also see how life has changed, and yet how so many things remain the same.

 

As we share our lives in two or three generations hopefully we all benefit from being with one another. Each one learning something new. As we share our unique abilities to make one another’s lives better, hopefully we can share God and His ways. Learning from His word how to be a good neighbor, how to be a better parent, and how to be a respectful child.

 

Building a good foundation is the key to success. Knowing that all things are in order makes for easier daily living. Helping others build relationships and teaching others our skills can be very beneficial to both them and us. Others undoubtedly have skills that we can learn from as well.

 

The word of God here in Proverbs 20 verse 29 tells us to admire the strength of the youth. We can all benefit from the young people as they share their strength in many ways. Some young men and women have  served and continue to serve in our country, in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force and Medicine, to name a few; using their skills to make a better world for all to enjoy. As they serve God they will see He protects them and guides them.

The older generation have been through the years of life gaining valuable wisdom, knowledge, patience, and life skills. As they impart that to the younger generation hopefully it will save them from making any mistakes their forefathers did; and learn from them. Mistakes are a great teaching tool if when, in fact, we learn from them to make our lives better.

 

So you see this proverb helps us to understand that we need each other, whatever age we are. All of us can and should, contribute to the years of life we are granted here on earth. The strong (younger) to carry us along and the wise (older) to give good counsel. As we share in each other’s gifts, (strength and wisdom), we build a better nation, respecting each other. Seeking God in all things, following His direction, leaning on His strength and loving each other in His love will help us live a life bringing honour to one another and to God. He created us to be His people throughout the generations, to serve each other and in turn, serve Him.

 

Whether we are young or old we have a purpose in life, and God has a plan for our life. In Proverbs chapter 8 verse 32 from the Good News Bible it reads;

32 “Now, young men, listen to me. Do as I say, and you will be happy.

33  Listen to what you were taught. Be wise; do not neglect it.

 

This my friends, is good advice for all of us, young or old.

 

Have a great day learning and living the word of God as you journey along.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Judges Part 1

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - RECOGNITION

 RECOGNITION

In Luke, we are told of two of Jesus’ followers travelling on the road to Emmaus. There they encountered a stranger who conversed with them regarding recent events in Jerusalem. It was not until later that they recognized the stranger as Jesus and then hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the eleven there what had just happened (Luke 24:13-33). They did not realize what had taken place until sometime after the first meeting occurred.

Is it not possible that the same thing may happen to us and we don’t realize what has happened until later or even at all? After all, God doesn’t often come to us in the wind, or in an earthquake, or in fire but more often in “…a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). Is that why we seem to have so much trouble deciphering His direction and understanding what He wants for us? If we are to follow, it’s important to be sure exactly who is doing the leading.

Perhaps it’s because we’re spoken to in a still small voice that we don’t often hear God speaking. There is so much noise and hustle in today’s existence that it’s easy to miss the quiet voice, and when that happens, it’s also easy to confuse your own thoughts as coming from Him. 

Perhaps that is why the Pharisees added more to God’s word than what was intended. They were listening to their own thoughts rather than those of God. But really that should not be surprising. After all, remember what Mark said about that religious order - “Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down…” (Mark 7:13, NET). He also said that “…Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules’” (Mark 7:6-7, NIV).

Too often we probably listen to human teachings rather than recognize what God Himself has said. We rely too much on what we are or what we have done in order to try and make ourselves right with God. But God, though Isaiah, has said that “…all our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6).

And do we not often listen to what people say in our day to day activities? We pay attention to and follow suggestions and advice on social media or what may be given by total strangers rather than follow God’s suggestion to “…Fear God. Honor the king [leaders]…” (1 Peter 2:17).

Sometimes it seems we are so far away from God both personally and in places of worship. Is it because we listen so much to what the world says and seem to hear only what society shouts about? Is God still speaking to us as He did on the Emmaus road, expounding to us “…all the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).

But we have to be able to recognize His voice and be able to decipher what He is saying over the noise of the world. Perhaps then, we will be as His followers were on that day when “…their eyes were opened, and they knew Him” (Luke 24:31). That still small voice has not ceased. We just have to recognize and follow it. 

At least it is something we should think about.       

Pastor Caroline - Sunday September 12, 2021 - Praise the Lord!

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday September 8, 2021 - An Old Man’s Prayer

 

An Old Man’s Prayer



Today I am going to share from Psalm 71 versus 17 and 18 and this Psalm is entitled, An Old Man’s Prayer. However we can so easily relate this Psalm to our own lives, whatever age we are.

(17) You have taught me ever since I was young, and I still tell of your wonderful acts.

(18) Now that I am old and my hair is gray, do not abandon me, O God!

Be with me while I proclaim your power and might to all generations to come.

 

Now if you’re not old and your hair is not gray do not think that this does not apply to your life. If you are young you can ask God to be with you through your years ahead and during those years proclaim the power and might of the Lord. How sweet your years will be until one day, in the blink of time, your hair will be gray, and you will be older. The years go by so quickly.

 

Over the years of life we learn of God’s ways and we share them with others. His will and His ways lead us to do a mighty work for Him here on earth. As we age hopefully our walk in the Lord has gained us much in wisdom. God wants us to share that wisdom with the generations who are coming up behind us. As we learn from the generations before us, we are enabled to bring about His wonderful acts! We must share God with those we meet and tell them of all the goodness He bestows upon us. His power and might can bring us through whatever the world has to offer.

He strengthens us, and lifts us up when life takes its’ toll on us. His love allows us to be kind, generous, compassionate, and understanding to our fellow man.  As we speak of His marvellous ways it will encourage those in our presence who are struggling or who are non-believers. Even to those who have lost their way, our words and actions being Christ- like; can bring them back and restore their faith. The experience we gain in life can be shared with those younger and older than us. May our life in Christ be an example to both the young and the old. There are so many ways in which we can minister to one another. So let’s everyone do our part and bring the love of Christ to those in our presence.

 

Today read the full Psalm and compare your life with that of the one writing it. This is called, An Old Man’s Prayer in my Good News Bible, but any age could use this as a cry for help, or a praise prayer for God‘s faithfulness throughout life. Trust in the Lord all your life from your early years through to  your aging years and you will be able to teach, proclaim, declare, and praise God for His power and might that has brought you to where you are today in your faith walk. To all generations to come may we all be a voice for the Lord and a light in this world. What a wonderful way to live for the Lord.

Be blest in this day and share your blessings with those around you.  What a difference you will make in their day and in yours and what a glory you will bring unto the Lord!!

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Galatians Part 15

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - RAIN

 RAIN

Many people do not accept the Bible stories as being true. They consider them to be fables, or perhaps contrived, in order to make a point or send a message; but factual, no. After all, how could the sea be divided (Exodus 14) or the sun stand still (Joshua 10:12)? How could a people be made to wander 40 years in a wilderness (Exodus and Numbers) or the whole earth be covered in water (Genesis 7)?

Perhaps part of the trouble in understanding these events stems from the way we look at the Bible itself. Before the flood described in Genesis, the earth was apparently a much different place than what we see today. The first mention of high hills or mountains occurs after the flood and people lived exceptionally long lives, indicating that something was different then. There is also no mention of rain before then as well: “…For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth…but [then] a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground” (Genesis 2:5-6). If, at that point, the whole earth was watered then there would have been no deserts or wastelands as we have today, and these also are not mentioned before the flood of Noah’s day.

If it is true that the earth was much less contoured than compared to now, and that vegetation covered the whole earth, perhaps having a rainfall that could do what Genesis states is not so far removed from reality after all. Besides, it also states that: “…all the fountains of the great deep were broken up…”(Genesis 7:11); perhaps indicating that the true mountains and continental changes occurred at this time as well.

All this is somewhat evidenced today as science reveals large quantities of oil and gas beneath desert and arctic area where organic material must, at one time, have flourished. In addition, fossils of fish and other marine creatures have been found on the sides of mountains and in other areas indicating that those parts of the earth were at one time under large tracts of water. Obviously, things were much different then than they are now.

So, is it possible that a flood, as reported in Genesis, could have really occurred and caused the destruction of essentially all humanity at the time of Noah? It said that it rained forty days and nights: “And the waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth, and all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered” (Genesis 7:19). Well, just this past week, we have seen rainfall almost unlike anything we have seen before. It has been reported that in less than 12 hours, more than two feet of rain fell in parts of the US. Two feet of rain in that time could easily result in five or six feet of rainfall in 24 hours were it to continue, and multiply that by 40 and well, that’s a lot of water. And that’s not including what the “fountains of the great deep” (Genesis 7:11) could contribute.

  It tends to make the Biblical story more understandable and, as a corollary, make other stories of the Old Testament more believable as well. If one considers it, perhaps it will help show how the entire book should be seen as being the reliable entity that it really is.

At the very least, it should be something we carefully think about. 

Pastor Caroline - Sunday September 5, 2021 - God's Complete Knowledge and Care

Notice of Service - Muriel Bugden

 

On Saturday, September 18, 2021, we will hold a celebration of life / committal service for Muriel Hazel Neals Bugden. Under the direction of Angus Funeral Home we will gather at the Abercrombie Cemetery at 11 AM, weather permitting. 

This will be a 25-30 minute service, so please bring a chair if you’re unable to stand. Covid restrictions will be observed. Please bring your umbrella just in case.

Thank you.
Pastor Caroline.

Dr. Barclay's Bible Study - The Book of Galatians Part 14

Pastor Caroline - September 1, 2021 - Create In Me

 

Create In Me

 

Create a pure heart in me, O God

and put a new and loyal spirit in me.

Psalms 51:10 Good News Bible

 

This Psalm in the Good News Bible is entitled, A Prayer for Forgiveness. David, the Psalmist, wrote this prayer of confession to God and how beautifully it helps each one of us to come to the Father. When we sin, and we all do, we need to come with a repentant heart to the Lord. As we study God’s word we come to learn how important it is to follow His ways – and not our ways. Our actions, thoughts and deeds many times are ruled by our desires, wants and wishes. To have a pure heart we must think of what Father God would have us do, think, and display as we present ourselves to others as a child of God. When we say God is our Father, are we a true example of His love and actions in our lives? Could someone walk away from us and say, they live a God filled life.

 

Let your life reflect God. Read the word daily, let your words be sweet like honey, keep your heart pure by thinking the way God thinks, your mind and your heart should be in perfect harmony. When someone brings to our attention a fault, we must listen carefully for God may well have asked them as His representative, to speak into our life for the betterment of who God sees us being. In other words we should listen to Godly wisdom delivered to us by a Godly person. We should help others to bring glory to God, not looking for any accolades or praise for ourselves.

 

Only God can help us every day to keep our heart pure. In our humanness we fail because we are so easily lead into temptation, hence we pray. In the “Our Father”,   we say a line,

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

This one line is a powerful reminder to us that when we are tempted, to pull away from the temptation and thank God for His power to draw us away from evil. A pure heart is willing before the Lord, to do as He asks without hesitation or resistance. Sometimes we think we are not capable but if God asks us to do something, He will guide our steps and our actions to complete the task to His glory. He’s an amazing God and will never do anything to embarrass us or shame us. We can always trust in His ways! A pure heart is sincere, honest and true, just like the Father.

 

When our heart is created pure, we want to be serving God, and leading others to Him.  For in His service is joy, love, peace, righteousness, glory and honor. Now I ask you, is there anything in this world that gives us all of this?

 

Verse 12 and 13 of Psalm 51 are powerful;

(12) Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you,

(13) Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you.

 

Only when our heart is pure before the Lord can we even understand the joy of His salvation. We will yearn to obey and serve our Almighty God, Who loves us so much and proved His love in the death, resurrection and ascension of His son Jesus, who came to be our Redeemer and Savior.

 

When we have Jesus in our lives we want to share Him with others. Our desire to draw people to Christ is so great we want to tell everybody about this wonderful Saviour who helps us daily to create a clean heart within us. To be drawn into the presence of the Lord every day helps keep us from the sin of the world, so we must pray, study, learn and practice the ways of the Lord. As David the Psalmist says in verse 1:

Be merciful to me, oh God, because of your constant love, because of your great mercy wipe away my sins!

Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin!

 

May God create in us a clean heart thus filling us with His love, mercy and grace so that we have a new and loyal spirit within us, every day!

Praise His name!!