Pastor Caroline - Christmas Eve 2021 - The Light of Christ

There's a slight pause towards the end.

Make sure to stay tuned to hear the last two songs - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Do You Hear What I Hear?

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday December 8, 2021 - The Poor Among You

 

The Poor Among You

You will always have the poor among you.

John Chapter 12 Verse 8, Good News Bible.

 

I am ever thankful for the people who give to the poor. The people who open their hearts to the lonely and the lost. They spend their time talking to them about Jesus and the gift of salvation He brought at Christmas. They make sure these lonely and lost know Jesus and receive the gift of salvation as they offer prayer to them. They lift those who are poor in spirit.

 

To those who serve the sick; in hospitals, nursing homes, at home, in institutions and on the street; you help these people become well. To you I say thank you. You help to heal.

 

The hungry receive a meal from the community centres and churches that open their doors with a hot cooked meal prepared and ready to serve those who are hungry. How wonderful you are to do this work that welcomes the hungry to sit at a table of plenty. My heart of thanks is lifted to you, for you feed the hungry.

 

To those who over the past few weeks have called me and given me monetary gifts so that our church could give those gifts to those in need at this Christmas season, a hearty and humble thank you. With these gifts we were able to provide food, clothing, medication costs covered, a hair appointment for someone, (it was over two years since her last appointment) grocery cards purchased and distributed, toys for the sick children; a power billed paid, these are just some of the ways we used those funds to make someone’s Christmas a little brighter, sharing the love of Christ through the gifts given to our ministry. We also share the gospel of Christ as these gifts are given out. We thank you; and those who were the recipients thank you as well.

 

My prayer this Christmas is that we see the poor in spirit, the sick, the hungry, and that we reach out to them with the hands, feet and heart of Jesus. To be able to help with the needs of people is reassuring them that God hears their cry for help even if not spoken out loud, He knows their need. He promises to meet our daily needs. Through the gifts of others, needs are met and indeed this is how love is given in the name of the Lord.

 

As we read the scripture of John chapter 12 verses 1 to 8 God wants us to understand that the poor will always be with us and that we are to help others who are less fortunate than we are. Mary poured expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus, giving Him all she had in reverence to Him. Then she wiped His feet with her hair. She was serving Him with grace and love, not because He demanded such an action, but rather to show Him she loved Him and would gladly give freely unto Him. Oh; to have the heart of Mary and just share what we have with others out of the depth of that love. May we serve those we meet with grace and love at Christmas and all year long. May we give our daily bread to someone in need and in that action may the love of Christ fill the needs of the poor among us. May we give unto others as Christ has given unto us.

In the action of giving, we are blessed, and we are blessed, to be givers.

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I will be back with a new writing and more encouragement from the Lord on Wednesday January 05 2022.  Be blessed and remember to give as it has been given unto you.

 

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

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THREE STRIKES

THREE STRIKES

In the book of Genesis, we are told that: “…God formed man of the dust of the ground…”(Genesis 2:7) and that man was to “…have dominion over…all the earth…” (Genesis 1:26) and “subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). So man was really told to take control “over all the earth” (Genesis 1:26) in God’s place.

Now in those days, God was apparently the friend of man and came down to earth and could be heard “…walking in the garden in the cool of the day…” (Genesis 3:8). I would imagine that He was disappointed when the friendship with man was broken and mankind went essentially its own way.

Now the idea of man subduing and having dominion over the earth did not come about due to the pride and greed which developed in man after the separation from God. The resultant misbehaviour and activity became so rampant that God almost wiped mankind off the face of the earth, but He did not entirely do so. Instead, He set down a series of Laws by which man should live and thereby perhaps regain his proper position on the earth. Man, however, did not follow the meaning of these laws either and continued to have wars and conflicts, and repeatedly to behave in disobedience to what God desired.

Now I can imagine God saying: “I created man as the most intelligent species on earth and yet all they seem to exhibit is foolish behaviour. I came to earth as a friend but perhaps I need to do something different to really understand how these humans think.” So, He decided to come back to earth a second time as a human Himself in order to have a better understanding of how we think. Thus one morning, about 2000 years ago, He returned this time as a babe in humble circumstances in an effort to understand us better. His only announcement was to shepherds by angels who pronounced “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). 1 John later stated that: “…the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world…” (1John 4:14).

Again, unfortunately, mankind was not receptive to God’s plan. Instead of being in agreement with what God had planned, Jesus was persecuted and condemned. Instead of man having salvation and at last having “…control and dominion over all the earth…” (Genesis 1:26) and subduing it, earth has developed control over us and tends to subdue mankind. Floods, tornados, hurricanes, rains, winds, and climate changes of all types, along with innumerable conflicts, and now recurring and ongoing pestilences, all show just how much control nature and natural forces have over us.

I wonder if God perhaps thought that the 10 Laws He proclaimed initially were too much for mankind to follow so He even made it simpler - instead of 10 Commandments, He gave only two: love God, and love each other. How much simpler could it be? “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). If this is done there should be no problem with the second commandment: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”(Mark 12:31).

There is a saying in baseball ‘Three strikes and you’re out.’ Even with the simplicity with which God proclaimed the commandments, we still don’t seem to get it. When God came as friend, we discarded Him; when He came as saviour, we condemned Him; when He comes a third time it will be as The King of kings and Lord of all lords.  He will come in all His power and glory and this time He will do the choosing. Those who have accepted Him, He will likewise accept; those who have rejected Him will in turn be rejected.

So this Christmas, although it is not the actual day of Christ’s birth, it has been accepted as the day we commemorate such. So perhaps we should remember that this day should be regarded as a Holy Day and not just a holiday. Christmas really means Christ’s Mass.

And that should give us all something to think about.

So do have a Happy Holy Day and a Merry Christ-Mass

p.s.: There will no writings for the next two weeks. 

Pastor Caroline - December 19, 2021 - The Fourth Sunday of Advent - Peace

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday December 15, 2021 - Light Your Candle

 

Light Your Candle

 

John Chapter 1 Verse 5 says in the Good News Bible:

(5) Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this; God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him.

 

There are many scriptures found in the Word concerning light. When we think of the darkness most of us also think of light. The dark of the night gives way to the light of a new day.

 And we can change the ambiance of a room by changing the depth of light.

 

I personally do not like a dark room. Every night when I retire to my bed, I turn on a small candle like electric light and it just gives enough light to soften the darkness. I enjoy being able to say my final prayers of the day to the Lord in the soft light. After I’ve drifted off to sleep my husband turns off my light every night before he retires. This little light (pictured above) by my bedside is what brings this message today because it is in the shape of a candle and it inspired me to think that perhaps others like the light more than the darkness as well.

 

The word of God says as we read in the scripture above, God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. When I think of God I think of Him as light. I realize that in my darkest times of life during struggles and upsets; when darkness seemed to engulf me, I prayed; and the darkness lifted and I became able to see the light. The light; in how to make my situation less burdensome by being able to use knowledge and change the outcome. God provides us with knowledge and wisdom when we come to Him in prayer.

 

When we think of the light of Christ we think of His life. Often throughout the word of God we see the light of God, the life of God, and the word of God shared with us to bring us hope, peace and joy. How wonderful to know we need not dwell on the darkness of the world, but rather seek the scriptures and know that Jesus, the light of the world, will bring us to eternal life.

 

God did not intend for us to live in darkness as we are told in Genesis Chapter 1 verse 3; Then God commanded, “Let there be light — and light appeared”.

 

Today as I think of light, I think of happiness, contentment warmth and peace.

 

When we let our light shine we can change the mood or atmosphere around us especially if negative or unsettling thoughts are filling the space; we can bring joy into the room. You’ve often heard the expression, that person just lights up the room. Hopefully that person is you as you bring the light of Christ to all you say and do. When God leads us in tenderness, love, understanding, compassion, and care we bring light to those who may be in a dark place. We help them come into the light, we help left their burdens, bringing peace and joy to them.

 

Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 5 Verse 16; “in the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven”.

 

We are to be the light of Christ here on earth, we as Christians are children of the light and so may we shine for Jesus. May our light be what draws others to the very heart of God.

When we light a candle we put it on a high spot so the light radiates through the room. It disperses the darkness. When we live our lives with Jesus as our light, and have His light within us, we bring light to the area around us and therefore we are letting our light shine. So today and every day, light your candle before leaving your house in the morning and let that light shine all day. Pray to God and ask Him to make you a candle in the darkness and just watch as the light fills your day and the day of those who are in your presence. Tell them you are a candle for the Lord and you want your light to shine.

 

I remember singing, This Little Light of Mine. It was composed by Harry Dixon Loes.

 

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine

 

Everywhere I go

I’m gonna let it shine

Everywhere I go

I’m gonna let it shine

Everywhere I go

I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

 

Jesus gave it to me

I’m gonna let it shine

Jesus gave it to me

I’m gonna let it shine

Jesus gave it to me

I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

 

Let me close with Ephesians Chapter 5 Verses 8 and 9 from the Good News  Bible.

(8) You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord’s people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light.

(9) for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness and truth.

 

Today let your light shine, be a candle in the darkness letting light shine wherever you go. Enjoy the harvest of goodness, righteousness and truth.

 

 

 

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

Dr.Barclay with Something to Think About - THE TIME

 

THE TIME

Have you ever wondered why Christ was born when He was rather than a century or two before or after the time of His arrival? In Luke we read “…it came to pass in those days” (Luke 2:1); what made those days so special?

The Bible has many prophecies concerning the birth of Christ.  In fact, the Old Testament contains over three hundred passages that refer to the first coming of the Messiah* and conditions had to be such that these prophecies could all come to fruition. So history had to be compatible with these conditions.

In Daniel, it is stated that: “…in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). This was in reference to the Roman Empire, the forth kingdom of Daniel’s prophecy, and under Caesar Augustus the Roman Empire had extended its influence further than ever before and controlled all of the known civilized world at that time. So when Augustus decreed that “…all the world should be taxed” (Luke 2:1, KJV) this essentially meant all the known world.

Judea had also become a province of the empire by this time. This meant that Joseph and Mary, along with all the rest of the people of Judea, were now subject to Roman taxation and had to return to their ancestral home to be registered. Without this, there would be no reason for a girl from Nazareth to be in Bethlehem to give birth. This was needed to fulfill the prophecy of Micah “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel…” (Micah 5:2).

This was also the time of one of the longest periods of peace known through out the world. The Pax Romana extended about 200 years and was a period of relative prosperity and stability. It also made travel somewhat more safe than it otherwise would be, and this also made it somewhat easier to travel than if war and rebellion were all about. Nevertheless, the 90 or so miles between Nazareth and Bethlehem, that Mary and Joseph had travel to make it back to their ancestral home, still would have been an arduous journey.

The Roman Empire had at last encompassed Judea, therefore, Rome could remove from Judea the authority that it had as an independent country. This is also what Jacob prophesied when he said: “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him shall be the obedience of the people” (Genesis 49:10). 

  And what place could be more fitting than Bethlehem for the birth of the Messiah? The name Bethlehem means the ‘House of Bread’ and what could be more appropriate for a saviour known as the ‘Bread of Life’.

One more thing, because Christ was born under the circumstances of the time, he was born “under the law” of Rome and therefore subject to the law and obedience to the Emperor. But about Him, Isaiah said “…to Him whom man despises, to Him whom the nation abhors, to the Servant of rulers…” shall be “…the Redeemer of Israel…” and “…a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth…” (Isaiah 49:7,6). 

A humble beginning, which began with His parent’s arduous journey because of the new taxation laws and resulted in a manger birth, Christ was born as a subject of the most powerful empire on earth. The ‘Bread of Life’ born in the ‘House of bread’ and as the servant of rulers but destined to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Such was the birth of Christ, it is something we should think about.

Pastor Caroline - Sunday December 12, 2021 - The Third Sunday of Advent - Joy

Pastor Caroline - Wednesday December 8, 2021 - The Joy in Giving

 

The Joy in Giving

 

Galatians chapter 6 verse 9, in the Good News Bible reads:

(9) So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.

 

As I read this chapter 6 of Galatians this morning I can see here we are instructed in verse 2, to help carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.

 

When we help others we extend the love of Christ to them. Perhaps someone you know is in a difficult time. Maybe sickness has overcome them, or a financial burden has them down, or being separated from family causes them much heartache. When we reach out to those in need we are bringing joy to them. During the time we spend in conversation we help lift their burdens. When we pray specifically for their need we give them hope. If we can in anyway help alleviate their burden then praise be to God!! We want them to see the promise in the word of God to not give up. As we sow into their life by helping in whatever way we can we teach them that giving is a joy and an instruction from the Lord.

 

This scripture tells me that we must always be thinking of ways to bless others; a small action done in the love of the Lord goes a long way in making someone’s day just a little brighter. This is what we call sowing and then reaping is, when we see the results brought about by what we did to help. We always give all glory to the Lord for He helps us to do good unto one another.

 

I love how the apostle Paul writes. He makes the word of God come alive to our daily needs. He tells us clearly that what we put into life and others; is exactly what we will get in return. So share your time, talent and treasure bringing joy to those around you, and you will see the blessing of the Lord on their lives and on yours.

 

Just like when a farmer ploughs the field, plants the seed, adds fertilizers, he then waits for the crop to grow. Only when he puts in his effort can he expect a crop. With the right amount of rain and sunshine supplied by the Lord, he will receive a crop due to his effort. If he never plants, he never gets a crop. If he never sows, he never reaps. Pretty simple lesson.

 

Going back to our opening scripture;

(9)So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.

Now in verse 10, (this is a wonderful way to bring a close to our reading today;)

(10)So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.

 

I believe giving brings joy. Let joy surround you every day as you give to others. You will see a smile on the person who stands before you and smile will be on your countenance as well. It is better to give than to receive Jesus said in Acts Chapter 20 verse 35. Let us live by His instruction, give in His name, love one another and bring much joy to those we encounter every day.

 

God bless you as you give.

Little is much when God is in it.

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

Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - THE GIFTS

 

THE GIFTS

In the Book of Matthew, we are told of the wise men who came from the East to Jerusalem to worship the King of the Jews. This may have been as long as two years after Christ’s birth for the Bible states that: “…when they had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him…” (Matthew 2:11). There was no longer a manger nor a babe or infant but a child in a house. In any case the worship was the same -  “…And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”( Matthew 2:11)

What strange gifts to bring to a child and what use would He have for such items? At the time, He probably would be more interested in some toys than in these symbolic gifts. However, this is what the men from the East brought Him - gold to symbolize riches and lordship; Frankincense, a spice used in religious ceremony, to indicate a priestly future; and myrrh, another aromatic substance most often used to prepare a body for burial. 

It seems to be apparent that the non-Jewish men from the East had more insight into what was to develop than did the Jewish leaders themselves. After all, did not Herod request the wise men to bring him news of the child’s whereabouts instead of his own people?

But there is still another aspect to this story which should have been known to the Jewish authorities. About 700 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah wrote these words concerning the second coming of the Lord when the world will be great distress. “…The darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise over you…and the Gentiles shall come to your light…Your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side….All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord…” (Isaiah 60: 2,3,4,5,6). Sheba refers to an area in South Arabia (the East) and incense such as frankincense but notice no mention of myrrh. This is because when the Lord comes again there will be no suffering and no further death, He will come only as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

About 700 years before Christ’s birth, Isaiah gave this prophecy as to what would happen when people came to worship the Lord, but the fulfillment really began when a child, born in a manger in Bethlehem, was honoured by those from the East with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Another small detail, but still something to think about.

Pastor Caroline - Sunday December 5, 2021 - The Second Advent Sunday - Love

Pastor Caroline - Wenesday December 1, 2021 - Boast Only in the Lord

 

Boast Only in the Lord

 

1 Corinthians Chapter 1 verse 29 in the Good News Bible reads;

(29) This means that no one can boast in God‘s presence.

 

As I read this full chapter in the Good News Bible entitled, Christ the Power and Wisdom of God, I realize that verse 29 is something we all should remember. Please take the time to read that full chapter so this this message will be more clear. It takes only a couple of minutes.

 

We cannot place ourselves above others. We are all equal in God‘s eyes. We may have different talents, using them daily to bring about glory for the Lord, but all talents are equal. God purposely calls us to serve Him.  Sometimes we feel we are not capable to do as He asks but, if we put our faith and trust in Him He will show us how to carry out the plan He has for us.

 

There have been times in my life when I said; “Oh no Lord I can’t do that, please ask someone else.” (Have you ever said that?)

Then low and behold I end up doing exactly what He asked me to do because  He enabled me to do so. His plan overtakes our no. My no, is it delayed yes to God. He knows the right time to bring about what He has, prepared me to do. He will do the same with you.

 

Ordinary people do extraordinary things because God enables them and God gets all the glory. One cannot boast knowing full well that without God leading them they never could have accomplished the task set before them. And people who know us well know what we can do on our own and what can be accomplished through us by the power of Christ. Christ is the power and the wisdom of God. (Verse 24).

 

When we depend on God it truly is amazing to see all that He will bring about to show people His presence is very near.

 

We must never boast in ourselves, for surely we could all say: “without the Lord this would have been impossible.“ We are weak but God makes us strong in Him.

 

 So when you accomplish a wonderful task that you know was beyond your capabilities, give credit where credit is due. Tell others, tell everyone, about the wonderful works the Lord has given you the privilege to do in His name. Do the best you can do and let God help you put the finishing touches on the tasks you complete, then give all glory to God.

 

Thank you Lord for all the good in my life and I realize that without You I would be nothing. I depend on You and You never fail me. May I always give all the glory to You so others see You and want to be Your child. Remind me every day of what verse 31 in 1 Corinthian says;

(31) So then, as the scripture says, “Whoever wants to boast must boast of what the Lord has done.”

 

The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad, we are told in Psalm 126 verse 3.  I want to give all glory to God. I want to boast of the love He has for us, so that it draws others to His heart. I want to shout;

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV.

 

Then, I want to give all glory to God!!

I shall not boast in me, for I am nothing without Thee.

Thank you Lord for everything!!