Faith is one of the most crucial terms in the entire Bible. It denotes the trust one has in another, but it also conveys the idea of the God’s trustworthiness or reliability. Faith is not a passive resignation to life; rather, it is a confidence that God will fulfill His promises and, as a result, causes people to act upon those commands that lead to the promises. Faith means both to believe and to be faithful to the belief. Faith is not a noun, it is a verb!
Genuine Christian faith invites us to respond obediently to God in love, assured that He in return rewards us with all we need.
A faith-filled life is a victorious life, for FAITH STRENGTHENS OUR RESOLVE and RESOLVES OUR WEAKNESSES.
Be encouraged to live by faith everyday and allow God to strengthen your resolve, knowing that as you trust Him believingly, you will resolve your weaknesses in His strength and experience God-confident, Christ-victorious living.
Romans 15:13 (NLT) ~ “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Monday, 15 September 2008
God's Word
Paul Harrington, rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Adelaide, commences his feature article entitled "A Spiritual Famine" with the following.
"I met a senior Adelaide based Christian leader the other day who was lamenting the state of churches around Adelaide. His observation was that pastors and churches have lost confidence in the gospel to change lives and are failing to teach the Bible to their people.
This gels with trends in church life over recent decades in Australia. Preaching has been swallowed up by communication. Even in orthodox churches where the authority of God's word is upheld in theory, my friend tells me that in practice the Bible is still not opened and explained in public meetings."
(Trinity Times, August 2008)
This rocked me and yet didn't complete shock me either! God's Word is imperative to spiritual development. Consider this word from the Apostle Paul.
"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)
"I met a senior Adelaide based Christian leader the other day who was lamenting the state of churches around Adelaide. His observation was that pastors and churches have lost confidence in the gospel to change lives and are failing to teach the Bible to their people.
This gels with trends in church life over recent decades in Australia. Preaching has been swallowed up by communication. Even in orthodox churches where the authority of God's word is upheld in theory, my friend tells me that in practice the Bible is still not opened and explained in public meetings."
(Trinity Times, August 2008)
This rocked me and yet didn't complete shock me either! God's Word is imperative to spiritual development. Consider this word from the Apostle Paul.
"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)
I was encouraged to read his concluding sentence: "...our leaders are committed to God's Word and (we) ask all members of our community to affirm this with us. Keep praying that in all our ministries and relationships we will allow the God of the Bible to direct our steps."
Let's not 'water down' the gospel for the sake of popularity, but use it to keep us on track and shape us in the ways of God!
Lord, You have given us a spiritual banquet in Christ.
Friday, 12 September 2008
Booths On Love
General William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army, is quoted as follows.
"The secret of success is often inquired for. Here it is: it is not in natural gifts, or human bearing, or exceptional opportunities, or earthly advantages, but in a heart consumed with the flame of ardent, holy, heavenly love."His son, Herbert Howard Booth, founder of The Salvation Army Musical Department, authored these prayerful words.
Let me love thee, thou art claiming every feeling of my soul;
Let that love, in power prevailing, render thee my life, my all.
For life's burdens they are easy, and life's sorrows lose their sting,
If they're carried, Lord, to please thee. If their pain thy smile should win.
Let me love thee, Saviour, take my heart forever;
Nothing but thy favour my soul can satisfy.
PRAY IT... BELIEVE IT...LIVE IT!
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Sharing God's Blessings
In sharing with a family member of one of our nursing home residents this afternoon, I again enjoyed the privilege of turning surface conversation into a time of deep spiritual sharing. Together we talked of God's blessings in our lives and how we each value the guiding grace of God, even when experiencing life's most difficult challenges.
Our sharing time reminded me that in Christ we are all chosen family members, and each benefit greatly from the love that God lavishes on us with the dawn of each new day. Living now in God's love is inspiring, but not half as inspiring as it will be when we gather together in His glorious, rewarding presence.
Jude 1:24-25 (MSG) ~ "And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes."
Our sharing time reminded me that in Christ we are all chosen family members, and each benefit greatly from the love that God lavishes on us with the dawn of each new day. Living now in God's love is inspiring, but not half as inspiring as it will be when we gather together in His glorious, rewarding presence.
Jude 1:24-25 (MSG) ~ "And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes."
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Divine Certainties
My personal faith experience has taught me that when all else around me fails, God, in His grace and love, always prevails.
I was recently reminded of this Divine assurance when I read the following words from Psalms Now 93.
I was recently reminded of this Divine assurance when I read the following words from Psalms Now 93.
It may not always be apparent, but God does reign over our world.
He rules in majesty and might, and no philosophy or power can cast Him from His throne.
He allows us to mess up His purposes - even to destroy His visible creation about us.
But His place and His reign are eternally secure.
And so are they who put their trust in Him, who live by His precepts, and who follow His course for their lives.
(Leslie F Brandt)
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Father-heart Of God
On this Father’s Day, we were reminded that the Father-heart of God is LOVE ~ Faithful Love. There is nothing so immeasurable or as important as God’s Love and yet His Love is so misunderstood by man today. GOD IS LOVE! Have you ever considered the magnitude of that statement?
GOD’S LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL
We love Him because He first loved us.
God’s love is not in any way influenced by anything we say or do
1 John 3:1 (NKJV) ~ "Behold what manner of love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!"
God does not love us because we are valuable. We are valuable because God loves us.
Nothing we say or do can make Him love us less.
No matter what your life has been like, He still loves you!
The most important thing that you can learn in life is that God never stops loving you!
GOD’S LOVE IS UNENDING
God’s love for us is from eternity - without beginning and without ending
It is no secret, concerning our Father’s love: God doesn’t just love His children every now and then; indeed, it is a "love without end, Amen."
GOD’S LOVE IS UNCHANGABLE
One day C. H. Spurgeon was walking through the English countryside with a friend. As they strolled along, the evangelist noticed a barn with a weather vane on its roof. At the top of the vane were these words: GOD IS LOVE. Spurgeon remarked to his companion that he thought this was a rather inappropriate place for such a message. “Weather vanes are changeable,” he said, “but God’s love is constant.”
Spurgeon’s friend responded, “I don’t agree with you about those words, Charles. You misunderstood the meaning. That sign is indicating a truth: Regardless of which way the wind blows, God is love.”
THE FATHER-HEART OF GOD IS LOVE ~ Unconditional, Unending, Unchangable!
Friday, 5 September 2008
Celebrating Christlike Living
MAJOR JEAN PARKER (31 April 1921-29 August 2008)
That was then...this is now!
While the years may change the outward appearance, Jean's characteristic smile endured. Her natural charm and spiritual beauty were always reflective of the love she experienced from living in relationship with her Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
Jean's Christlike life was celebrated today as we met to give thanks to God for her exemplary ministry that impacted, not only me personally, but countless others who were privileged to have known her.
The territorial tribute summed it up well ~ Major Jean Parker was known as a compassionate pastor with a bright and positive attitude to life.
Lord, help us all to live Christlike and God-honouring lives everyday!
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Grace In The Midst
A dear Christian friend forwarded us this meditation portion from her Bible devotional guide.
"When sickness or disability come and, despite prayer and medical treatment, stubbornly remain, be on the alert for the grace of God which is flowing into your 'dungeon'. A Christian, you see, can never be defeated. If the sickness goes, then he is free to follow his usual routine; but if it doesn't go, then he is promised grace to cope with it, and even to transform it.
So, as Christians, either way we win!"
Yes, yes, yes! Thank you Lord. Your grace continues to amaze us!
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) ~ "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
"When sickness or disability come and, despite prayer and medical treatment, stubbornly remain, be on the alert for the grace of God which is flowing into your 'dungeon'. A Christian, you see, can never be defeated. If the sickness goes, then he is free to follow his usual routine; but if it doesn't go, then he is promised grace to cope with it, and even to transform it.
So, as Christians, either way we win!"
Yes, yes, yes! Thank you Lord. Your grace continues to amaze us!
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) ~ "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
I'll Walk With God
In preparation for this worship coming Sunday (Father's Day), I asked a member of our chapel what his favourite hymn was. He responded unhesitatingly, "I'll Walk With God".
As it turns out it is not in our Salvation Army songbook, but I'm hoping somehow to include these 'hope-filled' words written by Paul Francis Webster (a 1954 composition that was made popular through the movie, The Student Prince).
I'll walk with God from this day on.
His helping hand I'll lean upon.
This is my prayer, my humble plea,
May the Lord be ever with me.
There is no death, tho' eyes grow dim.
There is no fear when I'm near to Him.
I'll lean on Him forever
And He'll forsake me never.
He will not fail me
As long as my faith is strong,
Whatever road I may walk along.
I'll walk with God, I'll take His hand.
I'll talk with God, He'll understand.
I'll pray to Him, each day to Him
And He'll hear the words that I say.
His hand will guide my throne and rod
And I'll never walk alone
While I walk with God.
Do you know this experience personally? By God's Grace you can. Today.
God's empowering Presence is available to all who believe.
If you have a moment today, listen to this recording by Mario Lanza. It is sure to inspire!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J8nJaYOr7M
As it turns out it is not in our Salvation Army songbook, but I'm hoping somehow to include these 'hope-filled' words written by Paul Francis Webster (a 1954 composition that was made popular through the movie, The Student Prince).
I'll walk with God from this day on.
His helping hand I'll lean upon.
This is my prayer, my humble plea,
May the Lord be ever with me.
There is no death, tho' eyes grow dim.
There is no fear when I'm near to Him.
I'll lean on Him forever
And He'll forsake me never.
He will not fail me
As long as my faith is strong,
Whatever road I may walk along.
I'll walk with God, I'll take His hand.
I'll talk with God, He'll understand.
I'll pray to Him, each day to Him
And He'll hear the words that I say.
His hand will guide my throne and rod
And I'll never walk alone
While I walk with God.
Do you know this experience personally? By God's Grace you can. Today.
God's empowering Presence is available to all who believe.
If you have a moment today, listen to this recording by Mario Lanza. It is sure to inspire!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J8nJaYOr7M
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Believing Prayer
"Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you... Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well... pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:13-16 (NLT)
In light of current circumstances, this passage of Scripture has been on my mind in recent days. The experience of being surrounded with prayer is both comforting and assuring. It enables people of faith to trust believingly for a good outcome, despite present frustrations.
Believing prayer brings peace of mind, hope of heart and is a balm to the soul. James hit the nail on the head when he shared, "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
Healer Lord, we believe!
In light of current circumstances, this passage of Scripture has been on my mind in recent days. The experience of being surrounded with prayer is both comforting and assuring. It enables people of faith to trust believingly for a good outcome, despite present frustrations.
Believing prayer brings peace of mind, hope of heart and is a balm to the soul. James hit the nail on the head when he shared, "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."
Healer Lord, we believe!
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