Author: U1tt9i1d93

Obedience – the watershed or turning point of our lives.

To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout … who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for OBEDIENCE to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood. 1 Peter 1:1,2

Peter’s first letter is addressed to God’s elect/chosen as strangers in this world (it’s important for the believers to realise that this world is not our final home). The introduction continues by mentioning all three members of the Godhead in one verse! ‘Believers’ chosen by the foreknowledge of the Father (we are a Chosen People, remember that), sanctified or washed by the Spirit for Obedience to Jesus Christ (Obedience  is the one thing here that we’re called to do) and sprinkled by His blood.

So there are 3 ‘S’ words; we are Strangers, we’re Scattered and we’re Sprinkled by His blood. But there is still the necessity of OBEDIENCE and that part alone is our responsibility.

I read a book a long time ago by James Michener, which started with a very vivid picture of a raindrop falling on high mountains somewhere in the continent of North America. Every drop to the west of a certain line, the watershed, flowed towards the Pacific Ocean and everything to the east of the line flowed to the Atlantic Ocean or maybe the Gulf of Mexico. Rain drops which only fell a very short distance apart at the beginning were separated by a whole continent at the end. Obedience is such a watershed for us, it will take our lives on a completely different journey to those around us, even those who may have been close to us for a time. Obedience to the Lord is a watershed!

We are all rebellious by nature but as Peter says God reached down and rescued us from the hand of the enemy. Not only that but He’s given us new hearts and put His Spirit within us to help us to obey Him and live in Obedience to Him in our daily lives.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12

David had sinned with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah, murdered which was the reason he wrote this Psalm. God didn’t allow him to cover up the sin but exposed it and dealt with him, His chosen leader of the people, but David found forgiveness after repentance. It was full forgiveness, Solomon loved by God came through David’s wife Bathsheba. God extends forgiveness for all who humble themselves and repent, He’s our loving Saviour, but He does require us to walk in Obedience to Him.

God bless and keep you today as you walk out your life in Obedience to God.

 

 

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Eph 5:15,16

These verses urge us to live our lives and make use of our time wisely – because the days we’re living in are evil. There  are times in our lives, or seasons, for doing certain things but then they pass. It’s easy when we’re in a certain time frame to think that it’s always going to be that way but that’s not what the Bible says.

‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven’. Eccl 3:1-8.  Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time and a season for everything here on earth. We are under the constraints of time in this sphere. It then gives 14 couplets of things which are time bound; from ‘a time to be born and a time to die’; beginning to end and everything in between.

‘… men of the Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do’. 1 Chr 12:32 David had been promised the kingship of Israel for a long time, but now the time had come for him to be king of all Israel, in Jerusalem. He was king in Hebron but he had to move location and step up into a higher role of leadership. Some of us may have been waiting on a promise of God for a long time, but perhaps the wait is over and God is calling us to step out and up into our new season.

‘The king…spoke with the wise men who understood the times’. Esther 1:13

‘Do not think that because you are in the King’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows what that you have come to royal position for such a time as this’? Esther 4:13,14,15

These Scriptures in Esther also show the importance of rightly discerning the ‘times’ in which we’re living. The situation has changed across the world in these last few months and perhaps will never return to what it was again! We need to be aware of this and aware of our own lives, God has been and is preparing a people who will both be ready and rightly positioned for these days. What’s the Lord saying to us about our lives in this season?

Worldly wisdom has a saying that, ‘it’s more important to be doing the RIGHT THING, THAN DOING THINGS RIGHT’.

What is the Lord saying for our lives today?

God bless and keep you in these changing times.

 

If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; CALMNESS can lay great errors to rest. Eccl 10:4

This  may be a word for someone today, don’t panic, just stay in position and trust the Lord to help you. Even when we’re guilty of making ‘great errors’ God can still intervene and help us.

I remember reading of a young officer in the US navy who was a believer but had been involved in a serious incident where he’d made some mistakes. He expected the worst from an enquiry into the situation and he had no choice but to cry out to the Lord and face the investigation. Many times we as believers face difficult situations beyond our control and the only thing  we can do is to stand. Much to the young officer’s surprise the enquiry went along a different path and his mistakes were hardly mentioned.

A couple we know had been called to go to court over a situation and the morning they were to attend a prophet turned up to accompany them. He told them not to be afraid that everything would be alright. As soon as the hearing began the judge seemed antagonistic toward their position but then things began to change and he outlined a number of faults in the opposition’s case and eventually threw it out. The Lord had intervened on their behalf and although things started badly, their position was vindicated

Some NT Scriptures urging us to take a stand;

Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him (and us) stand. Rom 14:4

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. 1 Cor 15:58

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (we must be in the truth if we want God to help us). Eph 6:14

Be patient, then, Brothers and Sisters until the Lord’s coming.… You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

Stay calm and hold your position, standing with the Lord, He will help you and give you hope.

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We are willing to seek the Lord for personal words of encouragement for those who need them. Contact us on the webpage above, a donation is required for this service.

God bless you and keep you today.

You/we BECOME what we BEHOLD. Rev Neville Johnson

I was listening to a radio program yesterday, as N.Ireland heads back into another 4 weeks increased lockdown(not total, although all bars, cafes and restaurants will close) due to the increase of COVID – 19. As I listened to a series of callers and the interviewer I came to the conclusion that today’s media wants to flood our souls with a constant diet of fault finding. We are in danger of becoming a nation of moaners and grumblers. The program was relishing and promoting (giving a wider platform than social media) to all who wanted to complain. There was no attempt to strike a balance with another viewpoint, negativity was the sole order of the day.

In contrast this morning I read in Proverbs 15 (there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, one for each day of the month) that the word ‘Cheerful’ is mentioned 3 times.

Prov 15:13 NIV A happy heart makes the face cheerful but heartache crushes the spirit./ A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face, a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day. MSG

Prov 15:15 NIV …the cheerful heart has a continual feast./  When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong, when he is cheerful, everything seems right. TLB/ … a cheerful heart fills the day with a song! MSG

As a good friend has said, God is not leaning over the balcony in Heaven, wringing His hands and wondering what to do next. Neither was He impressed with the murmuring of His people Israel in the desert. Since the media and social media are flooded with negativity and complaining, the world’s viewpoint, believers should reduce and avoid their influence.

It’s interesting that sages of previous generations reached similar understanding;

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. Mark Twain

And so of cheerfulness, or a good temper – the more it is spent the more it remains. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Be cheerful – the problems that worry most of us are those that never arrive. Benjamin Franklin

You find yourself refreshed in the presence of cheerful people. Why not make an honest effort to confer that pleasure on others. Lydia M Child

God Himself values those who give out of a cheerful heart, not just those who give;

2 Cor 9:7 …the Lord loves a cheerful giver(God ‘prizes’TLB).

1 Thess 5:16-18 Be joyful always (be cheerful, no matter what MSG), PRAY continually and GIVE THANKS in all circumstances(that should be our focus as believers); for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

May God bless and keep our hearts rejoicing in Him today.

The Lord is seeking a people of His own for lasting
relationship and friendship.

I got a text or SMS this morning from an old school friend. She mentioned three other ladies by name with whom she was still in contact, after forty years(a generation in the Bible). She concluded, ‘Just shows that the people we chose as teenagers were the right choice’. They obviously value their long term friendship and probably more so as all get older. Their relationship may have waxed and waned or ebbed and flowed over the different seasons of life but it has endured. The friendship they struck up in long gone school days is still very much alive.

Many people will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles’? Then I will tell them PLAINLY (Jesus can be straight talking), ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers (He’ll condemn them)’. Matt 6:22,23

Many believers, especially in the Western Church today are drawn to ministry and meetings where the Gifts of God are manifest. Three listed above are Prophecy, Deliverance and Many Miracles but it appears the Lord won’t be impressed by these alone. The verses begin, ‘Did WE not’ and the Lord will answer, ‘I never knew YOU’. How sad that it’s possible to move in these amazing gifts, perhaps for some of our own glory, but never know the Lord who gives them.

I’ve heard many say that the last generation before the Lord’s return who will move in these gifts with incredible power will be Nameless, Faceless and of No Account. They will appear to carry out their mandate and then disappear, all will be done for the Lord and His Glory.

Let’s realise today that we need to know and be known by the Lord as a matter of priority. What things are we willing to set aside to give time to knowing the Lord today?

God bless and keep us today.

 

Esther, ‘a Type or Picture’ of the Church today in exile here.

Some Lessons from the story of Esther, the brave queen who showed respect and humility.

Esther 1, God’s Hand may be HIDDEN as He moves. Esther didn’t reveal, she hid, her Jewish identity at Mordecai’s instruction. God’s Name is hidden in this Book, kept secret in exile.

Esther 4, seek God’s guidance before we begin to step out. Haman first sought direction by casting the Pur/Lot, to destroy all God’s people; a major attack of the enemy. Esther called a total fast for 3 days by all the Jews in Susa (only those Jews got 2 day’s vengeance on their enemies!). She put her life on the line, the Church may do also. ‘I will go to the King…And if I perish, I perish’. V16

Esther 5:1-3 Esther prepared to come into king’s presence. She put on her royal robes (for us this may be praise and worship). She waited to be called into the inner court. The king was pleased with her and extended the gold sceptre, mercy to her. She had to touch it and acknowledge his grace to her, even though she’d fasted 3 full days. She didn’t present her petition, many rush to do this, but asked to spend time with him – 2 banquets on 2 consecutive days.

Esther 5, While we wait God works. Esther went to the king and was received. She hadn’t been called to King Xerces for 30 days 4:11 She didn’t rush to make her petition, she spent time with him. One presumptuous move might have gone outside God’s Timing, but Esther waited (trusted God rather than be driven by the urgency of the situation).

Esther 5 & 6, God’s Timing can be finely judged, but perfect Haman was going to ask the king to hang Mordecai NEXT MORNING 5:14 but THAT NIGHT 6:1 God spoke to the king.

Esther 6:10,12 Mordecai waited at the King’s Gate daily, he positioned himself as close to the king as protocol allowed. He persevered day by day. There’s also an invitation from Wisdom in Prov 8:34,35 to wait at her gate to receive Favour from the Lord, addressed to us as believers.

Esther 8:1,2 Favour for Mordecai, from the gate to the palace! Two significant Transfers; the wealth of the enemy to the people of God (I believe it’s coming to the Church today). The transfer of the signet ring, the King’ authority to His people today for His will to be declared and demonstrated on earth.

Esther 9:28,29 The feast of Purim entered the Jewish Calendar, their deliverance remembered and celebrated to this day.

The Book of Esther begins with another queen, Vashti, but her destiny was very different. She lost her royal position because she disrespected the king and this may be the most important lesson of the story. God tests people to see those who will endure and honour Him in their own lives. He’s looking for faithful, humble people to walk and share with Him in eternity. May we be that people.

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We are willing to seek personal words of encouragement for those who’d like them. Please contact us on the above webpage, donation required for this service.

God bless and keep you.

Waiting at the gate, the way into the king’s presence.

Mordecai was a man who waited patiently at the king’s gate(Esther 6:10,12) and perhaps this was his only way of hearing about Esther inside the palace. Even after his enemy Haman had led him on the king’s horse through the city he ‘returned to the king’s gate’. Esther 6:12 We’re not told how long Mordecai sat waiting, but it was more than a year before Esther went to the king, she too had to wait and prepare, then she was married and became his Queen.

In Proverbs 8:34,35 Wisdom gives us her invitation;

Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favour from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms themselves; all who hate me love death.

We need to find Wisdom to receive favour from the Lord, but like Mordecai we too may have to wait to be invited.

I said on Spreaker yesterday that Esther 8:1,2 has two great  Transfers, but actually there are three. Verse 1 tells us that Mordecai ‘came into the presence of the king, for Esther told how he was related to her’. Mordecai moved from outside the gate to inside the palace, a great change in the level of influence and intimacy. It happened because the king moved from his side and put an end to Haman, Mordecai had been faithful but ultimately it was the king who made the way.

Mordecai waited faithfully/positioned himself to be as close to the king as possible for some time. To come into that closer place, which we need to be in today, so must we. The change in world circumstances has opened the way for some of us to wait more in His presence, don’t waste this time.

The other two transfers in Esther 8:1,2 are firstly, wealth from our enemies, Haman’s entire estate went to Esther (a type of the Church today). Secondly, authority from the king. I believe that the mature Church will have delegated authority to declare and decree on earth as it is in heaven.

There is more for all of us today and I believe waiting at the gate/doorway of the king is the place to begin.

God bless and keep you all today.

CALL ME, DON’T BE AFRAID, JUST CALL ME… and I’ll be there.

I woke this morning with the words of a song on my mind. Maybe the Lord wants to invite us to Himself today. God is not a professor nor a theologian – we’re not going to be examined nor tested on what we know. Nor is God a police officer, we’re not going to be charged with breaking the Law. Yahweh/God is first and foremost a loving Heavenly Father who wants children who love Him. God is Love!

HIS INVITATION TO YOU TODAY IS A LOVE LETTER, SENT THROUGH JESUS, THE FIRSTBORN OF MANY.

If you’re feeling sad and lonely
There’s a service I can render
Tell the one who loves you only
I can be so warm and tender

Call me, don’t be afraid, you can call me
Maybe it’s late, but just call me
Tell me and I’ll be around

When it seems your friends desert you
There’s somebody thinking of you
I’m the one who’ll never hurt you
Maybe that’s because I love you

Call me, don’t be afraid, you can call me
Maybe it’s late, but just call me
Tell me and I’ll be around

Now don’t forget me
‘Cause if you let me
I will always stay by you
You gotta trust me
That’s how it must be
There’s so much that I can do

If you call I’ll be right with you
You and I should be together
Take this love I long to give you
I’ll be at your side forever

Call me, don’t be afraid, you can call me
Maybe it’s late, but just call me
Tell me and I’ll be around

God bless us as we respond to our Father’s love for us today.

There is much for us to learn today from the Book of Esther, the account of God’s people in exile. Esther is the story of two queens and two brides of a mighty King, but with different destinies. Vashti was present in the beginning but not at the end. Esther and Vashti’s futures were determined by their attitude and response to the king, honour or dishonour. We might also say to please the king(Esther) or please herself(Vashti).

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the Kings Hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the sceptre. Then the king asked, “What is it you want Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom it will be given you”. Esther 5:1-3

Esther observed the Royal Protocols, but Vashti would not. Esther dressed in her ‘royal robes’ to meet the king and ‘he was pleased with her’. Royal robes might symbolise ‘Praise and Worship’ for us today. Giving honour to God first as our Great King and Lord.

Queen Esther ‘stood in the inner court of the palace’. She was the Queen but she stood, waiting to be called forward into the king’s presence. The initiative was with the king, she waited until called and there are times when we too must wait.

We might say Esther was ‘prayed up’, she’d just completed a three day total fast with neither food nor drink. Yet she had to wait until the king extended the gold sceptre to her, she needed to receive mercy/forgiveness when coming into his presence and she had to touch the sceptre (acknowledge his mercy). Even as his Queen and after all her religious devotions she still needed the king’s personal invitation to approach his throne. Today it’s only ever through Jesus that we can approach God, never in our own standing.

The king was used to being petitioned with many requests but Esther had prepared a banquet, again looking to His needs first(she hadn’t been called by him for 30 days 4:11). She had pressing and life threatening needs, but she spent time with the king before making any requests. I’m sure God must be disappointed at times with our endless requests and little time for intimacy, just waiting in His presence.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Matt 6:33

May God bless us today and help us to come to Him with honour and thanksgiving through Jesus.

 

How do we resist the pull of this world until our tour of duty here is completed?

There are many lessons to be learned from the story of Esther, a Jew in exile who married the monarch of a vast kingdom(we in the Church are also in exile today).

The Jews, God’s only people on earth at this time, were a minority people in a ‘strange land’, as Psalm 137 tells us. They had to learn the ways of their captors and live according to them. Ironically some Jews learned them so well that they never returned to the land God had given them. They knew the ways of Babylon so well that they chose the riches of that world rather than the struggles of life in Jerusalem and Judea. We too can become so captivated by the things of this world that we forget our own people and place. Nations periodically change their Ambassadors and diplomats serving abroad so they won’t identify too closely with the host people in place of their own; change their loyalties. Believers today can also become captivated by the familiarity and comforts of this temporary situation. In the here and now we are called to a journey and to show God’s love for people, but we were never meant to live as if this is our permanent home!

Esther instructed Mordecai and all the Jews in the citadel of Susa to go on a total fast for/with her to prevent the annihilation of the whole Jewish people. In the day of danger she and all the people turned wholly onto God. Everything else was set aside to seek God’s Face and live. Esther 4:16

Daniel when under threat, “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God just as he had done before”. Daniel 6:10 Daniel had a routine that kept him centred on God, the Babylonian world never captured his heart.

Moses kept looking towards God while living under the government of Egypt(the WORLD), “By faith Moses when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be ill treated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.  By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible”. Hebrews 11:24-27

God ordained Sabbaths and Feast Days so that people would stop work and rest. Whole days and even weeks set aside to seek God(these are being eroded today). We are in exile and Earth is not our final home. We too need to step out of the struggles of daily life and turn to God. This world wars against our souls in many ways, so we must choose to spend time before the Lord and not be overwhelmed while living here.

God bless and keep us today.