Questions from “The Lords Prayer”
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.’
Matthew 6:9-13
This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Question: Do you reverence the Lords name? Do you keep it holy?
"Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Question: Do you ask that God’s will be done. OR do you ask that it be done your way? Do you put your will above the Lords?
"Give us this day our daily bread."
Question: Do you acknowledge that God is your provider and thank Him for what you have?
"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
Question: Do you ask God to forgive you for your wrongs. Do you forgive those who wrong you?
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Question: Do you ask God to keep you safe and free from the evil one and those who may wish to harm you?
Please think about it.
Thursday 21 May 2015
Wednesday 20 May 2015
Respect
Respect for God
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Psalm 111:10.
I firmly believe we need to have a healthy “fear” of the Lord. By that I mean we need to have a healthy respect for God.
I don’t see God as a God of “do not’s”. A God who has a big stick ready to bash us with it if we do wrong. Quite the contrary I see a caring God.
Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
God wants us to be reconciled to Him that’s why he sent Jesus.
That being said we need to have a healthy respect for God. All too many Christians have lost that respect for God.
We have our own church speak that I think can at times be too flippant. We say “praise the Lord” for this or that at every turn. It has become a habit with so many people that they don’t even realize they are saying it. The whole phrase has become meaningless.
Some Christians have become I believe too “familiar” with God that they seem to show a lack of respect for Him. This should not be.
I like the way the Jews speak about God. When they write the name the write G_d. They don’t want to disrespect His name.
I once received a something from a Jewish source that had the names of God in it. At the beginning of the note it said, “ the following contains the names of G_d please treat it with respect.”.
This is the kind of reverence and respect we as Christians need to show to God.
We need to humbly and respectfully approach Him in prayer each day and say “Lord have your way in me.”
“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
We must respect God in all that we do.
Do you?
Please think about it.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Psalm 111:10.
I firmly believe we need to have a healthy “fear” of the Lord. By that I mean we need to have a healthy respect for God.
I don’t see God as a God of “do not’s”. A God who has a big stick ready to bash us with it if we do wrong. Quite the contrary I see a caring God.
Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
God wants us to be reconciled to Him that’s why he sent Jesus.
That being said we need to have a healthy respect for God. All too many Christians have lost that respect for God.
We have our own church speak that I think can at times be too flippant. We say “praise the Lord” for this or that at every turn. It has become a habit with so many people that they don’t even realize they are saying it. The whole phrase has become meaningless.
Some Christians have become I believe too “familiar” with God that they seem to show a lack of respect for Him. This should not be.
I like the way the Jews speak about God. When they write the name the write G_d. They don’t want to disrespect His name.
I once received a something from a Jewish source that had the names of God in it. At the beginning of the note it said, “ the following contains the names of G_d please treat it with respect.”.
This is the kind of reverence and respect we as Christians need to show to God.
We need to humbly and respectfully approach Him in prayer each day and say “Lord have your way in me.”
“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
We must respect God in all that we do.
Do you?
Please think about it.
Tuesday 19 May 2015
My head
My Head
I got the following quote from Your daily dose at Chabad.org a Jewish website. The thoughts are based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson.
I can fully relate to what it is saying.
The quote goes like this,
“There is a suit we wear that has a life of its own. It is knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.
You, however, hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of your mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops you.
Leave your thoughts to play on their own, and they will take you for a ride to places you never wanted to see.
Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along."
I live each day with Bipolar affective disorder (manic depression). It is “relatively” controlled. I say relatively because the type I live with is hard to control and at times gets out of control.
Bipolar is a condition in which moods change from very high, highs (the manic phase) to deep emotional lows (depression).
The depression can get so bad that many sadly, commit suicide. The highs on the other hand cause people to do odd things. They think they’re superman. Have the solution to everything. Their behaviour can become bizarre. They do a dozen or more jobs and don’t finish them. They can get into promiscuous behaviour. Sexual suicide someone has called it.
All of these behaviours can be controlled by the right combination of drug therapy, talk therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. I know it works it worked for me.
Still however I go through bad times it is then that I am thankful for my faith. You see Rabbi Schneerson described what it is like for my mind when it is both high and low.
As I look at what the Rabbi says I can personalize it like this.
(My mind is), knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.”
(I do), “hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of (my) mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops (me).
(If I leave) these thoughts to play on their own, and they will take (me) for a ride to places (I) never wanted to see.”
Rabbi Schneerson however makes an important point when he says,
“Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along.”
The reins for me was the Bible. The writer of Deuteronomy states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
It is believed by some scientist that study Bipolar disorder, that some people may be genetically predisposed to the illness. That a traumatic event can trigger it. That certainly was the case for me.
What however kept me from committing suicide or doing other stupid things over the years it took me to become “relatively stable” I firmly believe is my faith.
Long before the Bipolar was triggered I had studied the Bible. I had learned how to keep my thoughts under control.
Thus when the bucking bronco that is Bipolar disorder came I had some of the skills I needed to do to control the dangerous thoughts.
I did seek help from doctors. I believe that is a must. At the same time however before the diagnosis was made, I called on my faith in God to get me through what was one of the worst times in my life.
Post script
Bipolar disorder and any mental illness is a real illness. If you, or anyone you know believe you have a mental health issue see a doctor. Don’t try to cure it yourself. Remember mental illness is as real an illness as any other. Some have likened it to diabetes of the mind.
Like real diabetes you will need the help of a health care professional and medication to control it.
I have sadly seen people both inside and outside the church come to harm because they did not get proper medical help.
I am a firm believer that the only way to deal with mental health problems is through a combination of things. Those things being drug therapy, Psychotherapy, (by seeing a good psychiatrist.), group and behavioural therapy. As well as building around you a team of people that for me has been doctors, my wife, my adult children, family and friends.
All of this coupled with a strong faith has truly helped me. It can work for you.
Post script to my post script
Sometime ago I thought it would be good to visualize what I perceive as my normal brain and my Bipolar brain. The result is the illustration below.
Please think about it.
I got the following quote from Your daily dose at Chabad.org a Jewish website. The thoughts are based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson.
I can fully relate to what it is saying.
The quote goes like this,
“There is a suit we wear that has a life of its own. It is knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.
You, however, hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of your mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops you.
Leave your thoughts to play on their own, and they will take you for a ride to places you never wanted to see.
Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along."
I live each day with Bipolar affective disorder (manic depression). It is “relatively” controlled. I say relatively because the type I live with is hard to control and at times gets out of control.
Bipolar is a condition in which moods change from very high, highs (the manic phase) to deep emotional lows (depression).
The depression can get so bad that many sadly, commit suicide. The highs on the other hand cause people to do odd things. They think they’re superman. Have the solution to everything. Their behaviour can become bizarre. They do a dozen or more jobs and don’t finish them. They can get into promiscuous behaviour. Sexual suicide someone has called it.
All of these behaviours can be controlled by the right combination of drug therapy, talk therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. I know it works it worked for me.
Still however I go through bad times it is then that I am thankful for my faith. You see Rabbi Schneerson described what it is like for my mind when it is both high and low.
As I look at what the Rabbi says I can personalize it like this.
(My mind is), knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.”
(I do), “hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of (my) mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops (me).
(If I leave) these thoughts to play on their own, and they will take (me) for a ride to places (I) never wanted to see.”
Rabbi Schneerson however makes an important point when he says,
“Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along.”
The reins for me was the Bible. The writer of Deuteronomy states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
It is believed by some scientist that study Bipolar disorder, that some people may be genetically predisposed to the illness. That a traumatic event can trigger it. That certainly was the case for me.
What however kept me from committing suicide or doing other stupid things over the years it took me to become “relatively stable” I firmly believe is my faith.
Long before the Bipolar was triggered I had studied the Bible. I had learned how to keep my thoughts under control.
Thus when the bucking bronco that is Bipolar disorder came I had some of the skills I needed to do to control the dangerous thoughts.
I did seek help from doctors. I believe that is a must. At the same time however before the diagnosis was made, I called on my faith in God to get me through what was one of the worst times in my life.
Post script
Bipolar disorder and any mental illness is a real illness. If you, or anyone you know believe you have a mental health issue see a doctor. Don’t try to cure it yourself. Remember mental illness is as real an illness as any other. Some have likened it to diabetes of the mind.
Like real diabetes you will need the help of a health care professional and medication to control it.
I have sadly seen people both inside and outside the church come to harm because they did not get proper medical help.
I am a firm believer that the only way to deal with mental health problems is through a combination of things. Those things being drug therapy, Psychotherapy, (by seeing a good psychiatrist.), group and behavioural therapy. As well as building around you a team of people that for me has been doctors, my wife, my adult children, family and friends.
All of this coupled with a strong faith has truly helped me. It can work for you.
Post script to my post script
Sometime ago I thought it would be good to visualize what I perceive as my normal brain and my Bipolar brain. The result is the illustration below.
Please think about it.
Monday 18 May 2015
A contented life
A contented life
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Here Jesus give the purpose for his life. He came into this world that we may have life to the full.
I look around at people I’ve known over the years people from various social strata. I’ve met men and women who have it all in earthly terms, success, the big house, money, a good family life everything. Yet they’ve admitted to me they are not ‘content’.
Yes they are happy with what they have, and their achievements, but they are not content. Something is missing in their lives.
At the same time I’ve met people at the other end of the social spectrum that are having a hard time making ends meet yet they are content.
The difference I’ve found in their lives is not money and possessions its having Jesus in their lives.
Yes those that are not materially blessed wouldn’t mind having more money, but they realize that material possessions dose not guarantee happiness and contentment.
There’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. Wealthy people from within the Church have helped advance its message around the globe. These people have also realized that money and possessions don’t make for a contented life. Only Jesus does.
True riches however come from God.
Jesus told this parable,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
In this world people strive to be rich or gain power be it by fair means or foul. Legal or illegal.
The late American world war two general George C. Patton said,
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honour of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
General George C. Patton
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
At the end of his book he concludes,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
The call of Jesus to the world is,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
As a Christian I know Jesus gives that rest, that contentment for ones soul no matter what the situation.
Please consider learning more about Jesus.
Obtain a copy of the New Testament read it for yourself and ask God to show you the truths there in
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Here Jesus give the purpose for his life. He came into this world that we may have life to the full.
I look around at people I’ve known over the years people from various social strata. I’ve met men and women who have it all in earthly terms, success, the big house, money, a good family life everything. Yet they’ve admitted to me they are not ‘content’.
Yes they are happy with what they have, and their achievements, but they are not content. Something is missing in their lives.
At the same time I’ve met people at the other end of the social spectrum that are having a hard time making ends meet yet they are content.
The difference I’ve found in their lives is not money and possessions its having Jesus in their lives.
Yes those that are not materially blessed wouldn’t mind having more money, but they realize that material possessions dose not guarantee happiness and contentment.
There’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. Wealthy people from within the Church have helped advance its message around the globe. These people have also realized that money and possessions don’t make for a contented life. Only Jesus does.
True riches however come from God.
Jesus told this parable,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
In this world people strive to be rich or gain power be it by fair means or foul. Legal or illegal.
The late American world war two general George C. Patton said,
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honour of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
General George C. Patton
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
At the end of his book he concludes,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
The call of Jesus to the world is,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
As a Christian I know Jesus gives that rest, that contentment for ones soul no matter what the situation.
Please consider learning more about Jesus.
Obtain a copy of the New Testament read it for yourself and ask God to show you the truths there in
Sunday 17 May 2015
No God No Restraints
No God, No restraints
If there is no God then essentially you can do anything because there is no restraints.
If there is a pantheon of god’s then you could potentially do the same thing because there is probably a god that says you can do it.
In both cases such a thing could potentially see the end of mankind because mankind has no absolute rules to follow.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
Abba Hillel Silver.
The Bible does not question there is a God. It simply lays down how God expects the individual is to act with respect to God and his fellow man.
God in the Bible lays down a moral code that if followed will ensure the survival of mankind.
I cannot believe that mankind developed a common moral code themselves. Mankind has shown over the years, decades, centuries, and millennium that he is selfish and destructive when left to his own devices.
The Psalmist wrote,
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Psalm 11:10.
We only have to look around our world today. Violence and crimes against humanity are everywhere.
Terrorist groups who have a twisted idea of God. Men and women who have no fear of God are murdering thousands.
The Twentieth century is said to be the bloodiest in human history and it seems the twenty-first is taking off from where it left off. This I believe is because those who committed the violence do not have a fear of God.
The Ten commandments lays the basics of all relationships, our relationship to God and to our fellow man.
The book of Exodus records,
“You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
“You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.”
Exodus 20:3-17
I believe if each individual person followed the simple commands laid down in Exodus 20:3-17 our world would be a much better place to live.
The writer of Ecclesiastes is right when he states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
It is when man dose not believe this statement by the writer of Ecclesiastes, or he has a twisted, mistaken belief of what God wants, that violence and man’s inhumanity to his fellow man follows.
Man needs moral absolutes and a knowledge that he will be held accountable to a higher authority in order to correctly function.
Please think about it.
If there is no God then essentially you can do anything because there is no restraints.
If there is a pantheon of god’s then you could potentially do the same thing because there is probably a god that says you can do it.
In both cases such a thing could potentially see the end of mankind because mankind has no absolute rules to follow.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
Abba Hillel Silver.
The Bible does not question there is a God. It simply lays down how God expects the individual is to act with respect to God and his fellow man.
God in the Bible lays down a moral code that if followed will ensure the survival of mankind.
I cannot believe that mankind developed a common moral code themselves. Mankind has shown over the years, decades, centuries, and millennium that he is selfish and destructive when left to his own devices.
The Psalmist wrote,
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Psalm 11:10.
We only have to look around our world today. Violence and crimes against humanity are everywhere.
Terrorist groups who have a twisted idea of God. Men and women who have no fear of God are murdering thousands.
The Twentieth century is said to be the bloodiest in human history and it seems the twenty-first is taking off from where it left off. This I believe is because those who committed the violence do not have a fear of God.
The Ten commandments lays the basics of all relationships, our relationship to God and to our fellow man.
The book of Exodus records,
“You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
“You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.”
Exodus 20:3-17
I believe if each individual person followed the simple commands laid down in Exodus 20:3-17 our world would be a much better place to live.
The writer of Ecclesiastes is right when he states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
It is when man dose not believe this statement by the writer of Ecclesiastes, or he has a twisted, mistaken belief of what God wants, that violence and man’s inhumanity to his fellow man follows.
Man needs moral absolutes and a knowledge that he will be held accountable to a higher authority in order to correctly function.
Please think about it.
Saturday 16 May 2015
Something for a Christian to do
Something for a Christian to do
Today is May 16 2015. When is the last date outside of Church you can remember praising the Lord?
I don’t count listening to praise music as praising here. I’m asking is when was the last time you personally raised your voice to praise the Lord?
Why not do it now?
Find a quiet place. Stand, or sit and just give praise to the God of creation. Either simply say words of praise or sing words of praise.
The words can be your own or that of a hymn or worship chorus you know.
The key here is to praise the Lord.
Please if you are a Christian, take time to praise the Lord.
Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.
Psalm 150.Today is May 16 2015. When is the last date outside of Church you can remember praising the Lord?
I don’t count listening to praise music as praising here. I’m asking is when was the last time you personally raised your voice to praise the Lord?
Why not do it now?
Find a quiet place. Stand, or sit and just give praise to the God of creation. Either simply say words of praise or sing words of praise.
The words can be your own or that of a hymn or worship chorus you know.
The key here is to praise the Lord.
Please if you are a Christian, take time to praise the Lord.
Friday 15 May 2015
Consider this
Consider this
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes these remarks,
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:9
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14
If there is no God and no after life the above statements from Ecclesiastes could be seen as right. However the writer after much searching come to the conclusion there is a God writing,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes12:13,14
If there is no God and no after life we have nothing to fear however if there is, there is a lot to consider at the very least.
If Jesus when he said, .... “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6, is wrong then there is nothing to fear.
If however he is right then each person needs to consider accepting Jesus into their hearts and lives.
Jesus made it clear,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18.
Again if he is wrong then there is nothing to fear but if he is right there is eternal consequences to not believing.
The choice is up to you the reader.
Please think about it.
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes these remarks,
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:9
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14
If there is no God and no after life the above statements from Ecclesiastes could be seen as right. However the writer after much searching come to the conclusion there is a God writing,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes12:13,14
If there is no God and no after life we have nothing to fear however if there is, there is a lot to consider at the very least.
If Jesus when he said, .... “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6, is wrong then there is nothing to fear.
If however he is right then each person needs to consider accepting Jesus into their hearts and lives.
Jesus made it clear,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18.
Again if he is wrong then there is nothing to fear but if he is right there is eternal consequences to not believing.
The choice is up to you the reader.
Please think about it.
Thursday 14 May 2015
God's welfare plan
God’s welfare plan
“ ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.
Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.”
Leviticus 19: 9,10.
From the earliest of days God wanted man to watch out and help his fellow man. We are called to love our fellow man that means if necessary helping him out.
The Talmud tells this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
The Talmud
The Apostle James wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”
James 2:14-20.
I have heard politicians, evangelist, and pastors over the years say “work hard and you’ll get ahead.”
Sadly I know many people who have worked hard. Men and women who have one two even three jobs and still find it hard to make ends meet.
The simple fact of the matter is, sometimes for whatever reason no matter how hard you work things don’t work out. It has nothing to do with how hard you work or your lack of faith.
The book of acts records,
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”
Acts 2:44,45.
The early church thought about their fellow believers and did what they had to, to ensure all the needs of believers were met.
This is what it is to be Christian.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
Think about it
“ ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.
Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.”
Leviticus 19: 9,10.
From the earliest of days God wanted man to watch out and help his fellow man. We are called to love our fellow man that means if necessary helping him out.
The Talmud tells this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
The Talmud
The Apostle James wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”
James 2:14-20.
I have heard politicians, evangelist, and pastors over the years say “work hard and you’ll get ahead.”
Sadly I know many people who have worked hard. Men and women who have one two even three jobs and still find it hard to make ends meet.
The simple fact of the matter is, sometimes for whatever reason no matter how hard you work things don’t work out. It has nothing to do with how hard you work or your lack of faith.
The book of acts records,
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”
Acts 2:44,45.
The early church thought about their fellow believers and did what they had to, to ensure all the needs of believers were met.
This is what it is to be Christian.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
Think about it
Wednesday 13 May 2015
Christian Love
Christian Love
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Matthew 5:43-46
Dietrich Bonhoeffer a German Theologian wrote,
“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy's hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enemy political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
Many in the west don’t know who Dietrich Bonhoeffer was today. But he practised his beliefs.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born in Germany 4th February 1906
He was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident. A key founding member of the Confessing Church.
Bonhoeffer’s writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential, his book The Cost of Discipleship became a modern classic.
Bonhoeffer was condemned to death 8 April 1945 by an SS judge in what amounted to a mockery of a trial.
He was executed April 9th 1945 two weeks before the camp was liberated by the Americans and just weeks before Adolf Hitler committed suicide.
Bonhoeffer stood up publicly to what was one of the most repressive dictatorships in history. He spoke out against the persecution of the Jews and Hitler the man that eventually had him murdered.
Bonhoeffer did however what he felt Christians should do. He stood up for the oppressed and showed love for those around him.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
As Christians we are called to show love to all people all the time.
I don’t think many Christians who read the Bible realize that when the apostle Paul wrote the book of Corinthians, when he wrote his passage on love he was living under the reign of the Emperor Nero who would eventually order him killed.
The key to being a Christian is to love, God, our neighbour, our enemy. God set the example.
Jesus saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
The principle reason for Jesus coming to this earth is to save the world. Jesus came into the world so that every individual might find their way to heaven. As C. S. Lewis put it,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.”
C.S. Lewis
As Christian in the twenty-first century we need to look at ourselves. Look at our actions and motives. We need to be turning to the scriptures and studying them. We need to go back to our roots.
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
We can only do this effectively if we are showing love to the world.
Please think about it.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Matthew 5:43-46
Dietrich Bonhoeffer a German Theologian wrote,
“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy's hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enemy political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
Many in the west don’t know who Dietrich Bonhoeffer was today. But he practised his beliefs.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born in Germany 4th February 1906
He was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident. A key founding member of the Confessing Church.
Bonhoeffer’s writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential, his book The Cost of Discipleship became a modern classic.
Bonhoeffer was condemned to death 8 April 1945 by an SS judge in what amounted to a mockery of a trial.
He was executed April 9th 1945 two weeks before the camp was liberated by the Americans and just weeks before Adolf Hitler committed suicide.
Bonhoeffer stood up publicly to what was one of the most repressive dictatorships in history. He spoke out against the persecution of the Jews and Hitler the man that eventually had him murdered.
Bonhoeffer did however what he felt Christians should do. He stood up for the oppressed and showed love for those around him.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
As Christians we are called to show love to all people all the time.
I don’t think many Christians who read the Bible realize that when the apostle Paul wrote the book of Corinthians, when he wrote his passage on love he was living under the reign of the Emperor Nero who would eventually order him killed.
The key to being a Christian is to love, God, our neighbour, our enemy. God set the example.
Jesus saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
The principle reason for Jesus coming to this earth is to save the world. Jesus came into the world so that every individual might find their way to heaven. As C. S. Lewis put it,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.”
C.S. Lewis
As Christian in the twenty-first century we need to look at ourselves. Look at our actions and motives. We need to be turning to the scriptures and studying them. We need to go back to our roots.
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
We can only do this effectively if we are showing love to the world.
Please think about it.
Tuesday 12 May 2015
Do to others
Do to others
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
Do you? Do you treat others in the same way you would want to be treated?
This morning some people came to my door and spoke with me about their beliefs. They handed me their magazine and told me of their beliefs. I disagreed with what they had to say but I was polite and listened and to their credit they listened to what I believed.
This is how things should be. All too many who call themselves Christians are quick to criticize or argue with those they disagree with. They create such animosity that all dialogue stops.
As Christians in order to spread the word of God we need to respect others. This is essential to spreading the word of God.
Take a look through the book of Acts. The disciple respected all the other people they met. When Paul was in Athens he didn’t put down their beliefs he showed respect and in turn got respect. He did what Jesus said, he did to others what he would expect them to do to him. As a result souls were saved and they wanted to hear more.
I like what the Talmud it refers to believers,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
If we have dealt honourably and faithfully with our fellow men then they will listen to us. They may not always agree with us but it allows us to do our duty to God by presenting the Gospel to anyone willing to listen to us.
Please think about it.
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
Do you? Do you treat others in the same way you would want to be treated?
This morning some people came to my door and spoke with me about their beliefs. They handed me their magazine and told me of their beliefs. I disagreed with what they had to say but I was polite and listened and to their credit they listened to what I believed.
This is how things should be. All too many who call themselves Christians are quick to criticize or argue with those they disagree with. They create such animosity that all dialogue stops.
As Christians in order to spread the word of God we need to respect others. This is essential to spreading the word of God.
Take a look through the book of Acts. The disciple respected all the other people they met. When Paul was in Athens he didn’t put down their beliefs he showed respect and in turn got respect. He did what Jesus said, he did to others what he would expect them to do to him. As a result souls were saved and they wanted to hear more.
I like what the Talmud it refers to believers,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
If we have dealt honourably and faithfully with our fellow men then they will listen to us. They may not always agree with us but it allows us to do our duty to God by presenting the Gospel to anyone willing to listen to us.
Please think about it.
Monday 11 May 2015
We as Christians
We as Christians
We as Christians have a great responsibility place upon us by God himself. Something that has eternal consequences not just for us but for the people around us.
A fierce light shines upon us. A light we cannot ignore.
Jesus said
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
The world we are to take this message, the message of life eternal through belief in Jesus Christ, is filled with many things our faith disagrees with. Yet Jesus has told us not to judge anyone. “To be innocent as doves”.
It is only by presenting the word of God in a loving caring way that we can truly reach the world.
The apostle Paul said of love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
All to many Christians and so called Christian pastors and evangelist particularly in the media are quick to point out sin. That’s not their job.
As I understand it, it is up to the Holy Spirit to convict men of their sin and Jesus who will one day Judge.
Christians are to be the messenger of the Good News of Salvation nothing more.
Unless we stay true to this. To strictly present the message of God’s love we cannot win souls for Christ.
We cannot judge people because they think differently to us or have a lifestyle with which we disagree. We do not know their heart and mind only God dose and it is he who is the only wise judge.
As Christians we need to be presenting the Love of Christ to all people at all times, be it neighbour, friend or enemy. This is the only way we will win people to Christ. The apostles did this and they turned the world upside down.
Francis of Assisi gave two pieces of advice that are as relevant today as when he spoke it. He said,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi.
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
We will never win the world for Christ particularly here in North America where our society is growing ever more multicultural if we don’t show the Love of God.
If we don’t present a loving caring lifestyle that welcomes all who are seeking truth.
The actions of each Christian has eternal consequences. If we show the Love of Christ, the Love of God to all people we may win them for Christ.
If we fail to show the Love of Christ, the Love of God we may see people sadly lost to a Christless eternity.
Please Christians think about it.
We as Christians have a great responsibility place upon us by God himself. Something that has eternal consequences not just for us but for the people around us.
A fierce light shines upon us. A light we cannot ignore.
Jesus said
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
The world we are to take this message, the message of life eternal through belief in Jesus Christ, is filled with many things our faith disagrees with. Yet Jesus has told us not to judge anyone. “To be innocent as doves”.
It is only by presenting the word of God in a loving caring way that we can truly reach the world.
The apostle Paul said of love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
All to many Christians and so called Christian pastors and evangelist particularly in the media are quick to point out sin. That’s not their job.
As I understand it, it is up to the Holy Spirit to convict men of their sin and Jesus who will one day Judge.
Christians are to be the messenger of the Good News of Salvation nothing more.
Unless we stay true to this. To strictly present the message of God’s love we cannot win souls for Christ.
We cannot judge people because they think differently to us or have a lifestyle with which we disagree. We do not know their heart and mind only God dose and it is he who is the only wise judge.
As Christians we need to be presenting the Love of Christ to all people at all times, be it neighbour, friend or enemy. This is the only way we will win people to Christ. The apostles did this and they turned the world upside down.
Francis of Assisi gave two pieces of advice that are as relevant today as when he spoke it. He said,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi.
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
We will never win the world for Christ particularly here in North America where our society is growing ever more multicultural if we don’t show the Love of God.
If we don’t present a loving caring lifestyle that welcomes all who are seeking truth.
The actions of each Christian has eternal consequences. If we show the Love of Christ, the Love of God to all people we may win them for Christ.
If we fail to show the Love of Christ, the Love of God we may see people sadly lost to a Christless eternity.
Please Christians think about it.
Sunday 10 May 2015
Three Mothers
Three Mothers
“Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.
But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.
His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.
Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it.
She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.
Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”
“Yes, go,” she answered. And the girl went and got the baby’s mother.
Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him.
When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”
Exodus 2:1-10.
Today is Mother’s day in Canada. A time when we celebrate mother’s. When we thank them for all they’ve done for us.
When we look through history there is many mothers of note. However to my mind there are three mothers in history that led to the changing of history in a greater way than any other three women.
The above scripture I quoted is from Exodus and the saving of Moses from the river. The story in short goes this way. Pharaoh fearing that the Jews would rebel should an enemy come against his people ordered all the Jewish male children born to them to be killed.
One brave Hebrew mother ignored pharaoh and placed her child in a basket in the reeds where Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe.
Pharaoh’s daughter recognized that it was a Hebrew baby but decided to keep the child as her own. The sister of that child had been watching the events and asked if she should get a Hebrew woman to look after the child. Pharaoh’s daughter said yes.
The child’s mother was brought and was instructed to bring the child up until he was older where upon she made him her son.
The child, Moses, I’m sure would have the benefit of two things.
I’m sure his natural mother taught him about his heritage as a Jew. Giving him a sense of where his heritage lie.
While his adoptive mother gave him the benefit of all the learning of Egypt the most powerful and cultured nation on the earth at that time.
Thus when the time came for Moses to perform God’s work he was well educated and had a sense of his heritage, even if he was a little nervous when God called him.
Moses as we know would lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to the borders of the promised land.
The effects of those two mothers, Moses’s natural mother and adopted mother however went even further. Because of there love of Moses, because of their actions another mother was born some generations further on. A mother who said,
“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”
Luke 1:46-55.
This of course is Mary the mother of Christ. Who although of lowly birth was considered by God to be faithful and true to Him. So much so that He chose her to become the mother of His one and Only Son. The Messiah, Jesus Christ.”
It was because of these three mothers that God’s salvation has come to the world. That we can at no cost to us receive eternal life.
Jesus would say of himself,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
It is because of these three mothers and many more that over the centuries bore children that were in the line of Jesus that we today can know for certain that we will spend eternity with God.
The apostle Paul summed it up this way,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
Jesus is God reaching down to man because God knows man cannot be good enough to reach up to Him.
Please think about it.
“Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.
But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.
His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.
Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the river bank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it.
She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.
Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”
“Yes, go,” she answered. And the girl went and got the baby’s mother.
Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him.
When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”
Exodus 2:1-10.
Today is Mother’s day in Canada. A time when we celebrate mother’s. When we thank them for all they’ve done for us.
When we look through history there is many mothers of note. However to my mind there are three mothers in history that led to the changing of history in a greater way than any other three women.
The above scripture I quoted is from Exodus and the saving of Moses from the river. The story in short goes this way. Pharaoh fearing that the Jews would rebel should an enemy come against his people ordered all the Jewish male children born to them to be killed.
One brave Hebrew mother ignored pharaoh and placed her child in a basket in the reeds where Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe.
Pharaoh’s daughter recognized that it was a Hebrew baby but decided to keep the child as her own. The sister of that child had been watching the events and asked if she should get a Hebrew woman to look after the child. Pharaoh’s daughter said yes.
The child’s mother was brought and was instructed to bring the child up until he was older where upon she made him her son.
The child, Moses, I’m sure would have the benefit of two things.
I’m sure his natural mother taught him about his heritage as a Jew. Giving him a sense of where his heritage lie.
While his adoptive mother gave him the benefit of all the learning of Egypt the most powerful and cultured nation on the earth at that time.
Thus when the time came for Moses to perform God’s work he was well educated and had a sense of his heritage, even if he was a little nervous when God called him.
Moses as we know would lead the Israelites out of Egypt and to the borders of the promised land.
The effects of those two mothers, Moses’s natural mother and adopted mother however went even further. Because of there love of Moses, because of their actions another mother was born some generations further on. A mother who said,
“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”
Luke 1:46-55.
This of course is Mary the mother of Christ. Who although of lowly birth was considered by God to be faithful and true to Him. So much so that He chose her to become the mother of His one and Only Son. The Messiah, Jesus Christ.”
It was because of these three mothers that God’s salvation has come to the world. That we can at no cost to us receive eternal life.
Jesus would say of himself,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
It is because of these three mothers and many more that over the centuries bore children that were in the line of Jesus that we today can know for certain that we will spend eternity with God.
The apostle Paul summed it up this way,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
Jesus is God reaching down to man because God knows man cannot be good enough to reach up to Him.
Please think about it.
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