NOT MY PRESIDENT!

“He (God) removes kings and sets up kings” Daniel 2:21. 

It may seem that the world is out of control and being ruled by men and women we feel we cannot trust, but this is far from the truth, because God is in control! The bible teaches people do not come to power by accident! In fact the opposite, God is the one who sets up kings and rulers for his purposes. 

No one can take up a place of power or authority unless God has ordained it. God uses the good, the bad and the ugly. God uses the unexpected to fulfill his purposes in world history. Some are put in place to speed something up or allow something to happen. Others are raised up to slow something down or to prevent something from happening. 

God hardened the heart of the Pharaoh to set in motion his plan to release his people from evil bondage and their escape from Egypt. God used the Pharaoh for his purposes. God used a pagan king, Cyrus king of Persia, a man of bloody conquests and cut throat politics, to rebuild the holy temple in Jerusalem and call back the Israelites from the Babylonian exile. God used Cyrus for his purposes. When Pontius Pilate told Jesus he had the power to have him crucified Jesus replied “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” John 19:11. God used Pontius Pilate for his purposes.

Do not be so hasty to write a ruler or leader off. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8. Nothing is wasted in Gods economy he could be about to use him or her for some historic event which will bring about Gods purposes for mankind. "For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?" Isaiah 14:27.

All authority begins and ends with God and God is in control. Knowing this how should we act?

Firstly we should submit to those in authority over us. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” Romans 13:1. Secondly honour those in authority over us by having respect for their position. “Honour where honour is due” Romans 13:7. Finally pray for kings, and for all those in authority, that we might lead a peaceful life” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

THE DEMONIZATION OF TRUMP

2016 was an exciting year, politically, for the UK with the unexpected Brexit vote and it ended with an all-time political shocker; Donald Trump was elected President of The United States. I have seen leaders come and go but have never before witnessed the strength of hatred toward a politician as I have in the last recent days. It seemed to reach its summit during the world-wide ‘Women’s Marches’ the day following Trumps inauguration. Whilst Donald Trump was in church praying for divine help and wisdom millions were on the streets waving banners. Captions were personal ‘Not my president,’ ‘Dump Trump,’ ‘Hate Trump, ’and emotive with captions such as ‘abortion on demand & without apology’ & ‘don’t mess with my reproductive rights.’ Scenes unfolded that were more reminiscent of demonstrations on the streets of Gazza or Iran.  I was waiting for the voice of wisdom to speak out against the hysterical scenes that were being played out before the world’s eyes. The women’s marches showed forth an ugliness of humanity that has left many shocked, dismayed or even bewildered.

The demonization of any individual or people is abhorrent. I remember my visit to the holocaust museum in Jerusalem where I saw slogans, pamphlets and propaganda demonizing the Jewish people. This atmosphere paved the way for their murder. Donald Trump it would seem is fair game but I can’t help feeling a sense of unease. Trump is daring to go where other men have feared to tread, abortion, immigration, Israel and the Palestinians, all areas he is impacting. Trump is keeping his promises to those who elected him but stirring up those who didn’t. Any president who dares to take a stand on these political hot potatoes as Trump has should be at least admired for his courage.

During Trump’s campaign my overwhelming feeling was the strength of a Judgmental spiritual at work.  It cannot be denied that Donald Trump has made mistakes, doing and saying the wrong thing, but hey who hasn’t!   Jesus instructed his listeners “Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?” Luke 6:41. I have heard people repeat parrot fashion how ‘Trump is the most dangerous man in the world.’ But I feel far more dangerous is the refusal of the losing side to democratically and graciously accept that Donald Trump is in The Whitehouse.

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD

The planet earth he created and all the human race, who were lost like sheep without Him, broken and in need of repair & reconciliation.

THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON

Jesus a gift to the world, God became human, once born so we could become twice born, born again into a living hope.

THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM

Not in religion but in him. Jesus is the way, Jesus is the door, Jesus is the ONLY Saviour.

SHALL NOT PERISH

We all have a sell by date like perishing fruit, but Jesus has saved us from the second death if we put our trust in Him.

BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE

Death where is thy victory, where is thy sting?

You came from heaven to earth to show the way, from the earth to the cross, my debt to pay, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky. This is why we lift His name on high.

The gift of the second-birth and everlasting life is His to give to every willing heart

WILL YOU BELIEVE IN HIM TODAY?

The false benevolent god

The false benevolent god is an all loving, all forgiving god, who will never punish sin, judge anyone or send them to hell for an eternity. He is largely ignored throughout the year except when he is brought out for funerals, wedding, christenings and of course Christmas and Easter. He is an idolatrous god because he has been made by the mind of man and bears little or no resemblance to the holy and righteous true God of the Bible and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Following this false god brings little comfort or joy because it lacks relationship and accountability. Accountability because the followers of this false god believe they are unanswerable and free to do whatever they choose. Relationship because intimacy is not desired or sought after but rather an arm’s length approach is adopted. 

He is widely spoken about throughout the land and promoted in the highest of religious establishments. When the true biblical God is proclaimed followers of this false god balk at the very idea of His existence. The apostle Paul entreated Christ’s followers to “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. If indeed Christ dwells in you” (2Corinthians 13:5). Are you a true Christian, or are you a counterfeit? Have you been born again, or only putting up a front?  A true Christian according to the apostle Paul is someone in whom Christ dwells. How can we know for sure? In Romans Paul says, The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children (Romans 8:16). There will be an inner witness, an assurance that cannot be moved. Look for the evidence of fruit in your life. If Christ indeed is in you there will be evidence of a changed life. Your attitudes will have changed away from self-centeredness and the dark things of the world. Sin will no longer be embraced; pleasing the Father will be uttermost in your thoughts. Jesus said “follow me.” Is it Him your are truly following or the false benevolent god? Better to check one-self today than enter into an eternity of confusion, loneliness and regret!

The death clock:When will I die?

 The death clock. The Internet's friendly reminder that life is slipping away is being accessed by millions and was featured on today's BBC2 Jeremy Vine show. Jut enter your D.O.B, Sex, BMI, Smoking Status and press the 'Check Your Death Clock' button to be given your death age.   The death lock has been predicting peoples demise since 2006 and boasts 3,101,657 death projections and counting. The disclaimer at the buttom of the page quite rightly reminds users that the death clock "should be used for fun only, this calculator is unlikely to predict your actual date of death."

Only God can know the actual time of anyones death. Jesus predicted his death multiple times, twenty-one times to be precise. Jesus taught his followers that he must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law. Jesus said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"

Easter remembers the death of Christ and celebrates his resurrection. Billions of people have put their eternal well-being safely in his hands. He said he was the resurrection and the life and anyone who believes in him, though he should die, shall live. What a promise. And no empty promise either, he proved that by showing he had the power to raise himself from the grave. Jesus offers forgivness of sins and the gift of everlasting life to all who trust and believe in him. For all those who have done this, clock watching is no longer needed. Have you placed your life and your future completely in God’s hands? If not, why not today?

Sexual Sins

A women was caught in adultery and brought before Jesus to be judged. The people who brought her wanted to stone her to death according to Jewish law (back then adultery carried the death penalty). However they didn't bring the man, and the women remained silent. Jesus reminded the blood thirsty, baying crowd of their own sexual sins and asked if there was one perfect, sinless person, among them let him be the first to lift a stone. There wasn't so one by one they walked away. Actually that isn't true because there was one perfect, sinless man...Jesus. He told her to "Go and sin no more." Because Jesus payed the price for our sin upon the cross every individual has an opportunity to "Go and sin no more." 

Hot Scriptures

Many people do not understand just how hot the Bible is. Gods firey passion for humanity burns on every page. From the moment humanity fell, on that monumental day way back in time, God has been at work communicating with a word that at large doesn't want to know Him. Humanities arch enemy has been busy trying to discredit Gods finest communication piece...His Holy Bible. He will highlight the scriptures which speak of judgement and punishment and gloss over the ones which speak of Gods mercy, love and passion. He will try and belittle it by pointing out the obvious "It was written by men." Satan knows salvation knowledge cannot come about apart from Gods holy word. He goes to great lengths to keep us from it. However like a message in a bottle bobbing on the sea, Gods heart cry is... reach out, pick me up, read me and then you will find me.

The Hidden Pearl

I felt dissapointed today to read the Church Of England were considering removing foundational words from the Christening service. Sin, Saviour and Devil are words thought to be out of date. I was wondering where all this dumbing down can really lead to? The COE have taken the people pleasing approach for over a decade but it hasn't added to the congragation rather the reverse!

Sadly the Church and the name Christianity in general is having a really bad press. How can Christians hold their heads high above the barrage of criticism and continue to proclaim Christ?

I believe the answer is in THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE. To look at an oyster you could never believe it contains something extrordinarily beautiful, white and pure. The shell is scabby and dirty. Oysters are really hard to find. It takes perseverance and going deep to find one!

Jesus said "the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,  who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46

The merchant was seeking. Jesus is the pearl of great price. Jesus promised all those whom seek Him would find Him.

It's so easy to find fault with those within the church but it takes special effort to look for the pearl!

To find the pearl, go deep, persevere and look past the grubbiness and perhaps like me you will find Jesus. Pure, white, righteous King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus of Nazareth!

New film coming about Noah staring Russel Crow

 

Living In A Chaotic World

"The more I read the news the less enchanted I am with the human race, you can go on about climate change and saving the planet, I tell you something this planet is not worth saving!" This is a comment posted by a Daily Mail reader after reading the article in which the terrible torture and death of the Kenyan Mall hostages was reported.

He has a valid point. World violence is increasing. God, the creator of man, would have sympathised with the above comment because sadly we have been here before; in the time of Noah when there was a huge population increase. In Genesis we read how "The earth was morally corrupt before God and FILLED with violence." It get's worse; God saw that the imagination and thoughts of the human heart were evil CONTINUALLY and it grieved him in his heart (yes God has a heart) that he had ever created man!"

Sadly we are living in a world where everyone does what is right in his own eyes. The only possible outcome is total world chaos.

It is true, there are pockets in the world where life is reasonably normal, but how can 'We' living in these pockets have peace of mind and security when so much of humanity is living a nightmare.

The bad news is God is just and holy and no one will escape his righteous judgement, and He will utterly destroy those who refuse his grace and mercy. The good news is "For God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to save those who would believe and trust in him."

There are more prophecies about Jesus' second coming than his first. Jesus said when he returns it would be like it was in the days of Noah just before the flood when there was violence all over the earth.   I often find myself asking Jesus "How long before you return Lord." Things upon the earth are now so desperate. Sadly the majority of the people on the planet are failing to realise just how desperate things have become. We have tried to rule and govern without God and have shown time and time again, it just cant be done! We need him, now more than ever.

Our Father, which art in heaven, Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

Come Lord Jesus Come!
 

Check out my new book available from Kindle.

Bold For Christ on Kindle

We All Make Mistakes

The best of us make mistakes but none maybe so public as the one in this picture! Most mistakes can be corrected easily, an apology to someone we've hurt, throwing away a failed dish and starting again or paying a speading fine. However some mistakes are not so easy to cover up. Hatred is a hard one to disguise, so is murder, lying, stealing and adultery. Some have been successful for many years to cover their mistakes only to find eventually they got caught out. 

The Bible teaches "All have fallen short of God's glory." Everyone of us has missed the mark at some time in our life. Praise God we have a loving creator who sent his Son to rescue us from our mistakes. Mistakes the Bible calls sin. Sin is the breaking of Gods Holy Law the Ten commandments. Some would saying calling sin 'a mistake' is undermining the seriousness of sin. Whichever way you look at it, if your sin eventually leads you to hell then that is a grave mistake indeed. Thankfully it is not Gods will "That any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

God sent His Son to die as a common criminal to take the punishment we all deserve, and rose on the third day proving God was satisfied with His Sons sacrifice for our sin. If we repent, change our minds about sin and judgement and trust in Jesus alone to save us, God will forgive us and grant us the gift of everlasting life. Moreover, regarding our mistakes God says, “I will forgive their sins and will no longer remember their wrongs.” (Hebrews 8:12) Taking all His promises into account surely the greatest mistake anyone could make is to reject the Salvation which is only available in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, repent and trust in the Saviour Today!

Escaping The Trap Of The Law

Driving through a local town this evening I saw the police van with the speed trap camera. My first thought was 'I must warn oncoming vehicles.' Some would say, "Why warn them if they're speeding they deserve to be caught?" However they do not have the heart of a evangelist. An Evangelist knows The law and what's coming. The Evangelist wants to warn. So I flashed my lights and warned a few. Basically that's what I do everytime I preach. On judgement day everyone will be judged by the word of God and His Ten Commandments and everyone will fall short. Many will be found guilty and condemned. Jesus came to pay our fine, to take our punishment, that's how much He loves us. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1. The guilty will be pronounced innocent purely and soundly on the basis of what Jesus has done and their response to it. Respond wisely. Repent and trust in the Saviour today.

Make Room For God

Many spaces are being filled. Spaces between houses and building plots. Vacant empolyment opportunities, gaps on supermarket shelves. However many are not finding a space in their hearts for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There are a inumerable ammount of activities and belief systems out there all designed by the master deceiver to make you think your filled with everything you can possibly need. However when all is stripped away, your money, your house, your job, your family, your health what remains? Jesus said in Matthew 16:26 "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" Jesus promised his followers eternal life and the infilling of the Holy Spirit...God living in him. God fills the universe with his presence so if he's in you there wont be any room for anyone else!

Closed Mindeness

 Easter is fast approaching in which we remember when Jesus Christ layed down his life to save a lost humanity. Sadly lost humanity are just not that interested! Jesus said the general atmosphere around his second coming would be "As in the days of Noah." People were eating, drinking and marrying, carrying on as normal whilst Noah followed Gods instructions to secure his salvation and that of his family. Suddenly Gods wrath was poured out, and the closed minds reasoned no more. Noah was prepared, all those who drowned just couldn't see their need and were destroyed. Worse than that they mocked Noah, viewing him as foolish. Scripture teaches that "Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe" 2Corinthians 4:4. Belief is the key. The simple act of believing opens the mind to the truth about us and God. The greatest battle was not World War1 or even World War2, the greatest battle being fought is the battle for the human mind. The mind must be enlightened before salvation can follow. God will not and does not bypass the human mind. Satans knows this so he bombards the lost with thoughts and images. He has his many helpers. They work in science and the media, peddling lies and half-thruths all to fuel the mockers. We do not know how many more Easters the world will enjoy or how many more opportunities there will be to enter into safety. But we can know this for sure, the door will not be shut until the very last one to be saved has walked safely through the door. Let us leave the last word to the greatest mind who ever lived, Jesus of Nazareth "I am the door; whoever enters in through me will be saved" John 10:7.

Easy Approval

Getting credit for some is not always so easy. If you've had bad debts in the past or been bankrupted life is not so straight forward. Walk down any high street and you will see the modern day pawn broker. People need money and many have to borrow it just to survive. There are a myriad of reasons why your credit application can be turned down. The number one reason is a bad credit record. Everyone as heard the phrase "Nothing in life is free." That is true except for one ...Salvation is free! If you want to be saved from the power and consequences of sin, then meet the right requirments and you will hear the word "Approved." But hang on a minute what's this about requirments I thought you said it was free. Yes it's free but you must first BELIEVE its free! Belief is a requirment.  Salvation is free but you must believe its free because God wants you to TRUST him. Trust him... but isn't that just more more requirement? Imagine a wedding ceremony with out words or feelings expressed. When we engage in something it involves some level of emotional and intelectual commitment. Its the same with salvation. To be saved you must BELIEVE what Jesus said about himself and TRUST him with your eternal security. Its a bit like putting on a parachute shortly before you jump out of a aeroplane. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame" Romans 10:11. It doesn't matter how bad your past record has been you CAN receive approval from the Son of God today. Put you trust in him, believe he came to save you and your future security is garanteed. Will you take a step of faith toward the only Saviour today?

Everything Everywhere

Dont you just hate it when companies change their name? My husbands pension company has changed hands so many times we have lost track! Orange phones is no longer. Not happy just to change colour they are now EE. EE stands for Everything Everywhere. I was thinking if God was marketed 21st century style EE would be a cool logo. The writer of Hebrews declares "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." The theological name is 'Omnipresent.' My grand-mother told me aged five "God sees everything" it certainly put a healthy fear of the Creator in me from an early age. The awesome thing is even though He can see us warts and all he wasn't willing to write any of us off. And that my friends is what Christmas is all about. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" 1Tim1:15. "One God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all" Ephesians 4:6. Believers who are trusting in Christ alone for their salvation have this blessed assurance. To them Jesus truly is everything, everywhere.

2012 Olympic Closure

I found myself weeping in the opening ceremony when "Jerusalem" and "Bread of heaven" was sang in the first few minutes. However the closing ceremony had a profound closure about it. George Michael sang his new song "White light." The lyrics reflect his near death experience last year.
"Something divine, oh divine, brought me back to you," "So I just Kept breathing my friends. Was it music that saved me ? Or the way that you prayed for me ? Cause either way I thank you I'm alive."
Entering the stage singing freedom, wearing a diamante encrusted scull on his belt and a crucifix around his neck one wonders whether he is closer to the truth than he realises. "The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is everlasting life in Christ Jesus" Romans 6:23.

Dead  people were prominent. John Lennon sang from a large video screen accompanied by a choir of children singing a line of the lyric "Imagine there is no hell" and Freddie Mercury lead the 80,000 capacity crowd on four giant video screens posthumously from his famous gig in Rio. Ed Sheridan sang Pink Floyds "Wish you were here" "So you think you can tell heaven from hell" a lament for a dead friend. Eric Idle ex-member of 'Monty Python' & amp; 'Life of Brian' controversy sang "Forget about your sin," "always look on the bright side of life."

 The 2012 opening and closing ceremonies prove we are much more than physical beings. We have a spiritual side which is expressed through our songs and our music. The Olympics is seen as the showcase for human achievement, however whatever one achieves in life, the shadow of death is ever present. The doctrines of sin, death and hell were featured, not preached from any pulpit but declared as truth by a rebellious and unbelieving nation. As the lights fade and the stages are taken down many will go back to living their Godless lives. The living church must continue to point them, in which ever way they can, to salvation from sin, death and hell to the one and only Saviour of the world, The Lord Jesus Christ. The cauldron may have been extinguished last night but His light remains forever.

There are only two kinds of people in the world...those who are connected to God and thoses who are dis-connected. Do you know you were created by God? "You formed my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb" Psalm 139:13;  “Before I created you in the womb I knew you" Jeremiah 1:5. Do you know you where created with value and worth? "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life" John 3:16. "The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest" John 10:10. What stops us connecting with God? In a word...sin! "All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory" Romans 3:23. Sin separates us from a Holy God. "Your misdeeds have separated you from your God. Your sins have hidden his face from you so that you aren’t heard" Isaiah 59:2. Tragically sin eventually leads to death and eternal punishment in Gods holding place called Hell. To be reconnected to our creator sin must be dealt with. Sadly there is nothing we can do in ourselves to deal with the sin problem. "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" Isaiah 64:6. Whenever we try and cover our sin, guilt, and shame, God sees that covering as a filthy worthless unacceptable rag. Its Gods way or its no way! Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6.  "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8. So get connected today. Repent, change your mind about living your life without God, and believe Jesus paid the price for your sin upon the cross at Calvary. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" Acts 4:12.

Opening And Closing Doors

Imagine the scene in this picture. For 120 years God warned the people of the Old World they could not continue as they where and escape judgement. All around was a spirit of indifference, unconcern and apathy. Jesus said people were just carrying on as normal, eating, drinking and marrying. Despite this he offered a means of escape to a man named Noah, along with his family. Everday as Noah was building the ark passers by scoffed and ridiculed him. But Noah stood strong. You see he trusted God. He knew if God said it, it would come to pass. When the time had fully come God invited Noah and his family into the ark through the only way in. It was God who shut the door, but not until everyone he was saving had entered in safely. God knows to secure understanding humans need messages to be repeated. In the New World he sent his Son the new ark, a new a living way. Jesus said "I am the door, if any man enters in by me he shall be saved" John 10:9. What a glorious and great Salvation Jesus secures for all those who will eventually trust in him.

Signs From God?

A pastor told me yesterday how a Lutheran Church voted to allow homosexual leaders at the same time as lightning hit the church cross and knocked it clear off the roof! Apparently many inside said it wasn't to be taken on board! I suppose there's a balance here. There is a danger of seeing everything as a sign from God or of seeing nothing as a sign. However Jesus made it clear that God does use signs to warn.

The extraordinary picture of the clock split in two belonging to the bell tower in northern Italy was interesting. Only one person has ever split history into two and our Lord Jesus Christ. I also remember the New Zealand earthquake in which the Christ church Cathedral with stook tremendous damage to its main tower. Jesus taught that any effort to reach God in the heavens through man made means would eventually fail. 

The Chilean miners trapped underground in the blackest hell as the world watched with baited breath hoping that that one of the four drills would eventually secure their salvation. Eventually they were all lifted up to safety through a tight space. Jesus said narrow is the way to life and few will find it. 

Who could forget the 1992 Windsor Castle fire which began in the Queens private chapel

shortly after she attended her first multi-faith service. The fire began when a curtain ignited on the eleventh hour of the eleventh month. Jesus said his servants must not become lazy thinking he will not return. He warned he might come quickly when they least expect it at the eleventh hour.

Sometimes the signs are loud and clear, other times more subtle.  Whichever may you view the world, God is a living God who wishes to communicate with his people. It is his will that no-one should perish but come to repentance and a saving knowledge of him. Let he who has eyes to see, see and he who has ears to hear, hear.

Pictures

Someone said a picture paints a thousand words and they were right. Sometimes God speaks to people through pictures. He probally is the greatest picture maker of all time...move over Warner Brothers! He certainly speaks to me in pictures. He famously spoke to William Booth founder of the Salvation Army on one of his many train journeys. He called it the vision of the lost. In it lost people are drowning in the sea sorrounding an island in which saved people were engaged in various activities, none evangelical! The central message of the vision was God saves people to save people. 

Last night while counting sheep I saw a great sea with many ships on it, ships of all shapes and sizes, close by was a safe harbour. Coming out from the safe harbour was a radio call for all ships to return. All the ships received the message but the majority looked around, saw the calm sea, the blue sky and decided to ignore it. A few decided to take head of the warning and enter the safe harbour. The safe harbour is of course Our Lord Jesus Christ, the boats unsaved people and the radio call the Gospel Message. That unfortunatly has been my experience...the majority ignore it. Heres another picture that got me...Its a qoute from a Rabbi.."If a man shot an arrow how far would it travel? One or two feilds? However repentance is so powerful when released it reaches the very throne of God." I can picture the arrow flying through the sky. Release yours and see how far it will travel. You might be suprised!

The Exaltation Of Whitney Houston

As another big name in the world unexpectedly dies I couldn't help but notice the publics need to deify celebrities. Heather small from the 80s band the M People said on the Jeremy Vine show "Whitney was the Messiah." Kevin Costner co-star in the film The Bodyguard said in his funeral address that she was being taken to heaven by hundreds of angels. It reminds me of the words of Jesus in Matthew 26:53 "Do you think I cannot call on my Father and he will at once put at my disposal 12 legions of angels?" So Whitney gets hundreds coming to her side just like Jesus! Sarcasm aside it is clear when looking at Whitney's life she was a troubled human being. She was a recognised drug addict from her late teens. A newspaper heading reads "Just another dead drug addict.'' Sad but true. What unsettled me greatly was the 'performance' at her 'going home' party. I say performance because 'God fearing' funeral service it was not. If Whitney was trusting in Christ then she was not a good advert for Christianity or the power of the cross. Can a drug addict become a Christian? A resounding yes! But they wont be able to stay that way. If they do they are denying the power of the cross and the shed blood of Christ to overcome the power of sin. It my well be that Whitney began as a gospel singer in her church choir but we know that going into a bakery does not make you a baker neither does attending 'church' make you a Christian. What we heard from the leaders of the church she once attended was nothing less than good old fashioned 'rhetoric.' It sounded good but was lacking any real biblical substance of truth.

Salvation is a free gift which is found through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It cannot be won by good works which includes singing in a church choir. A friend told me about the time she attended a funeral service for a known 'Spiritualist' in a Anglican church (Yes you read correctly). She said she expected the deceased to jump up from the coffin at any moment because of the pure fancy of the things being said. I wonder if Whitney would have felt the same?

Win Some Loose Some

Yesterday was a day of interest for all UK Christians. My friend Michael Overd was found not guilty of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress to two homosexual passers-by as he preached from 1Corinthians 6:9-10. I was there when it turned nasty and was a witness for the defence. Stephen Green from Christian Voice came to support and has a very good article about the case on his web-site. Michaels defence lawyer Paul Diamond was a pleasure to watch. In his closing comments he talked about free speech and the right of every Christian to proselytize all people groups including homosexuals. The truth of the matter is the two homosexuals who made the complaint did not like what the Bible said about them and wished to silence Mike Overd and mistakingly thought they could use the law to do it. On the back of this two guesthouse owners lost their appeal against a ruling and fine for only letting married couples rent a double room and Bideford Town Council were told in another hearing that holding prayers before a meeting was in fact illegal. The next round will be David Camerons attempt to redifine marriage and allow homosexuals to marry in church. Out of the three cases heard yesterday I believe God was showing his priority and his continued blessing for the preaching of the gospel in the UK. God is interested in the salvation of souls. It is the sacrificial death of Christ upon the cross for the redeeming of lost sinners which is the greatest message for mankind. This is what God wants Christians to proclaim and concentrate on. When we do, His Son is gloryfied and so is He, and His righteousness shines forth. Perhaps if the established Church had not lossed this focus the other two cases would never have arisen.

Examining Thoughts

I was thinking yesterday about my thought life. Thoughts are important because they are powerful. They begin as small sparks but can go on to start huge forest fires. Thoughts in themselves are not necessarly wrong but a wrong thought 'exercised' can lead to sin. The greatest freedom comes when we realise or can identify the source of a thought. Some thoughts originate with us and some are fired at us from Satan and his hordes. Others are God ordained and are designed to steer us in the right direction similar to how a small rudder moves a great ship. Its the seemingly insignifiant thought which can sometimes have the greatest impact. Why am I here? What is life about? Can kickstart the quest for God and meaning in life. Other thoughts if harboured can lead to jelousy, hatred, revenge even murder. A circumstance comes along and the hordes of hell will play it for all its worth. They will bombard with feiry darts to bring the reeling soul into bondage. If recognised early they can be fought off but its a life long battle. King Davids fall began with a wrong thought about another mans wife. Time and time again in the gospels Jesus is recognised as knowing the thoughts of men. Jesus knew what men dwelt upon and the thoughts 'exercised' that shaped them. Wouldn't it be interesting to actually calculate the types of thought we have in just one day. How many would be acceptable to God? How many did we dwell on that we should have flung out right at the start? Practically when a wrong thought comes we can call it as such and reject it. On the other hand when a good thought comes we can meditate opon it and yeld a harvest for the Lord. Paul uderstood the battle is in the mind and gave believers this excellent advice "Take every thought captive to make it (the mind) obedient to Christ"2Corinthians 10:5. Not always easy but a must if we are to make true progress with God and those around us.

Without Christ

William Booth said the chief danger of the 21 century would be Christianity without Christ. Yesterday I stood next to a lady at the card stand in Tesco's annoyed because she couldn't find a card without Christmas written on it. A few days ago I noticed a large banner by a major roundabout advertising a Alpha course in that area with the slogan 'Life is worth exploring.' Every Saturday teams of Christians offer up 'Healing on the streets.' A friend of mine overheard an excited Salvation army member talk about the hundred and twenty one he got last week. The hearer was diasappointed when he realised he was talking about pounds. How is God glorified when Christians do not glorify the Son? Life is glorified, healing is glorifed, charity is glorified but the Christ who is Life, the Christ who brings healing, the Christ who cares about the needs of the world is not centre stage. Christians flock to buy a book which puts 'A purpose driven life' at the centre not a 'Christ driven life.' Scriptures declare that God will not share his glory with anyone or anything else. How should Christians respond? We would do well to follow the advice of Peter. "If any man speak, if any man serve do it so that IN ALL THINGS GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1Peter 4:11.

Jeremy Clarkson & Free Speech

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has apologised for making a remark which drew thousands of complaints. He voiced his opinion on live TV after a recent UK public workers strike and suggested they should all be shot. What's astonishing is that viewers actually thought he was being serious. Anyone who follows his motoring show will be familiar with his querky humour. I am also mindful of a friend of mine who is in court this Febuary after being arrested last July for preaching against the sin of homosexuality on the streets of Somerset. Two homosexuals took offence and made a complaint against him. In may well be the two homosexuals didn't like or agree with what he said but he should still be free to say it. I remember watching a video at 'Yad Vashem' (Holocaust Museum) in which followers of Hitler were shown burning the books of the 'Free thinkers' who didn't line up with 'Nazi theology.' A qoute from an unkown source read "When men burn books it isn't long before they start burning men." In the case of 'Redman versus Bate' a high court Judge ruled that free speech which doesn't offend isn't worth having. I agree. Those who excercise free speech usually understand that some may be offended, while others remain untouched. 'Offence truly is in the mind of the beholder.'

Be Not Faithless, Be Believing.

I was thinking this morning about Thomas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Many will recognise him as 'Doubting Thomas.' We can read about him in John capter 20. Jesus had been crucified and layed in a tomb and his disciples were hiding behind a locked door for fear of a similar fate. The risen Jesus had already been seen but the disciples had a hard time believing it. However the doubts ended when Jesus suddenly appeared in the midst of them. Apart from Thomas who was absent. On returning he famously said he would not believe the resurrection account unless he saw Jesus' pierced hands and side for himself. Jesus waited eight days and granted his request. Thomas then made one of the most important declarations ever recorded in the New Testament he acknowledged Jesus as God "My Lord and my God."
Think about it. Only God is omnipresent. Only God can be invisible and yet have known what Thomas had said eight days earlier. Only God can truly know a mans heart. Perhaps Thomas never doubted at all but rather felt he'd missed out on the big night, after all it would be hard to deny the testimony of ten other close friends. God has shown and continues to show that he is no repector of persons. Any request for a personal encounter with the living God will be granted if the heart is right. That is part of my testimony. God spoke to me ten years ago with that quite, still voice, and changed my life forever. My life was wrong but my heart was searching. Be a Thomas. Dont base your faith solely on the testimony of others, be bold and ask Jesus for your own personal encounter.

Britons Still Oppose Gay Marriage

National Statistics recent findings suggest 55% believe homosexual marriage is wrong and 75% think adoption by gay couples should not have been allowed nine years ago. Civil partnerships are also on the decline. Lib Dems Equality Minister recently said the UK was a world leader in gay rights however this only applies to a minority of the population. The government commissioned the survey to gage public opinion amidst pressure to align civil partnership with marriage. It would seem this would not be a popular move. Perhaps the stastitics also show that many people are willing to voice their true opinion against homosexuality when done anonomously rather than publicly through fear of being labeled 'bigotted' or 'homophobic.' Interestingly the majority of the population are free to express any opinion on just about any subject without fear of persecution or ridicule unless of course that view is against homosexuality. With the current legislation undermining holy matrimony and the obvious break down of the traditional family surely this report will be welcomed by those who are most concerned.

Disabled But Equal

I recently received some very sad news of the death of a little boy born with a severe disabilty. His life was short however his parents doted on him. He was much cared for and very much loved. On the back of this a Florida couple have been awarded 4.5 million dollars in compensation because they 'missed the chance' to abort their disabled son. He is now 3 and they argued they they were not given the correct advice. The mother said 'had she known' she would have aborted him. The Bible teaches that every human being is created after the image of God, and is no less valuable to him because of a disabilty. Many treat children like commodoties that can be returned if the product is faulty rather than the precious gift from God that they are. Isn't it true that disabled people have taught the world so much and our lives are much the richer for them. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to tell you about Ray Comforts new project. Its called 180 and Ray claims he can change a mind set on Pro Abortion in less than 180 seconds. The DVD's for sale for as little as £1 and will be released for sale on the 26th September.

Go to: www.180movie.com

Uk stockist expected to follow shortly at:

www.livingwaters.eu.com

Cornwall Pride?

August bank holiday saw the 4th annual Cornwall Pride event in the county city of Truro. On its official web-site there is this link with the heading 'Healthy Gay Cornwall' and the following description....' Healthy Gay Cornwall provides a range of services to improve the sexual, physical and mental well being of men who have sex with men in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.' Visiting the web-site however gives some Interesting statistics. Statistically gay men smoke more, drink more, take more drugs than their hetrosexual counterparts. Gay/bisexual men are known to experience mental health issues in higher numbers than their hetrosexual counterparts. Furthermore statistics have shown that the gay lifestyle can shorten a mans life by up to 20 years. Far from experiencing freedom and liberation many men are being robbed of so much. Paul wrote about those who engage in same sex relations "Men committed indecent acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion" Romans 1:27. Sad but so true. It begs the question. Why are the powers that be promoting, and endorsing a lifestyle that is clearly bad for your health? The Bible clearly teaches homosexuality is not God ordained but sinful and is a punisheable offence. God does not warn us about sin becasue he is a kill- joy, he warns us about sin because he knows sinful practices harm us and he wants the best for us. As the writer of Romans so aptly put it "Let God be true and every man a liar, so that you (God) might be proved right whenever you speak." Romans 3:4.

Feral Riots UK

The word feral has been used many times in the media in the last few days to describe the behaviour of mindless rioting youths. Feral means wild or untamed. Feral comes from the latin root word 'feralis' which means 'belonging to the dead.' The bible teaches that "The wages of sin is death." Not just physical and spiritual death but sin kills where ever it goes. It kills trust and respect in relationships and seperates us from those around us we should be connected to. The bible also teaches that unbelief is a sin. Children are taught the lie from an early age their very reason for being is a accident in nature millions of years ago. This hardly instills a sense of purpose. They are also taught that respect is earned rather than the biblical model which teaches respect comes with title and position. The 5th commandment is honour your mother and your father. All things begin at home. If there is no respect there, there wont be any outside. As the endless debates continue as to the reasons for the riots, and many are being put forward, the obvious one will be convieniantly overlooked. Unhinged sin is the spirit of lawlessness. It is demonic in nature but easily bound by praying saints. Government has its vital part to play but only the church understands that "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ruleres, against the authorites, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil." This fight can only be won in one position and that is upon ones knees.

Forgiveness

Jesus often taught on forgiveness. Forgiveness is sometimes hard to talk about. When the sinful women anonointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her tears the Pharisees grumbled. Jesus then reminded them how little they had done for him since he came into their house and how many great things she had done. "Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little" Luke 7:47. Was she a greater sinner than those present? No. The difference was she understood how much she needed to be forgiven. You will often find the greatest labourers for God are those who have been the greatest sinners. They do not labour to earn merit or work for their salvation but understand the depth and width of their sin and the real price Jesus paid. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, had a vision of a island with many people knitting and writing and idling away the time. A few others were furiously labouring to save those perishing in the sea all around them. Sadly it was true then, true at the Pharisees house and true now. At the centre of forgiveness is the word 'give.' It really is that simple.

Hope Or Wishful Thinking

Whenever a celebrity dies invareably the question arises whether they will go to heaven or not. I remember it well with Michael Jackson, Jade Goodie and now with Amy Whinehouse. Most conversations are based on wishful thinking. They look at their wordly achievements, the songs they sang, the good they did and base a desicion on that. However we dont need to lean on mans opinion concerning the journey into the after life we have it in black and white. The Bible gives us hope not just whishful thinking. Wishful thinking is based on wind swept feathers but hope is based on something more concrete than that. Hope is based on a assurance that you can get hold of. The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ gives us hope that he has power over death. Okay we didn't see it, we weren't there but others were and gave their lives to testify of this amazing event. Two thousand years later the very same power that rose Jesus from the dead continues to bring life to the spiritualy dead. A drug fueled life is surely a sign of dispair and lack of a future vision. Proverbs 13:12 declares "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." The biblical prescription for a sick heart is Jesus Christ. He sanctifies the unholy and creates in us a 'clean heart.' Hope is defined as a 'confident expectation' All believers can be confident that if they put their trust in him and not in their own efforts he will carry them safely through every life changing event that comes their way, even death.

News Of The World

Sunday sees the last edition of the News Of The World. Many are shocked by the speed of its closure after the ongoing phone hacking scandal. There was another Sunday that saw the heralding of a world news story which has forever changed the lives of millions. However this news story is over 2,000 years old and its importance missed by the majority of the human race...the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He promised his followers that their sadness would be turned to joy and that joy is spreading throughout the world. Never before has anyone ever promised to die for our sins and promise all those who trust in him peace with God and a resurrection from the dead. Good news for the world indeed. It is unlikely that The News Of The World will ever be resurrected and its owner Rupert murdock is I'm sure sad to see the loss of a National Icon. Many others will be glad to see its demise as its exhaltation of slease and scandal has fueled generations to gossip and inuendo. The News of The World has caused the downfall of many a public figure but now it would seem is reaping in full measure all that it has sown. "He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword" Matthew 26:52.