‘If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1 John 4:20

Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day or sometimes Poppy Day, is held on November 11. It is held to mark the day on which the First world war ended in 1918 at 11am. It is tradition in the British Iles and the Commonwealth to observe a 2-minute silence at 11am on the nearest Sunday to that date.

It is in no way celebrating the dead, but it is done to remember those who gave their lives and still serve in the armed forces so we, who live here, can enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted.

Living in the United Kingdom in relative peace and safety, it is easy to forget that either people have died or people are dying daily in other parts of the world. As Christians or immigrants to this country we might be tempted to think or ask the question, so what has that got to do with me? It is a tradition so why should I follow it?

1 John 4:20 says ‘If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?’. So even though I may not understand this particular tradition, I should at least respect is. Furthermore, as a Christian what kind of witness would I be giving if I didn’t even give it some thought. As in, expecting people to come to church with us and learn to love the man who gave his life for us, when we are not giving any thought to the memory of those dying around us each day.

Whilst it is a fact that the death of Jesus means that we have the chance to have eternal life, the death of a soldier does make a difference to our life here on earth.

Philips, Craig and Dean sing ‘Shine on us’. Click on the picture to listen.

November 11-12

“Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil's ways.” (1 John 3:8 MSG)

Last Tuesday evening I was watching the new Plant Earth11 documentary, presented by Richard Attenborough. The footage was amazing, incredible and fascinating as the lives and habitats of the earth's rarest creatures was revealed. Surely there could be no doubt in the minds of viewers that a Creator God exists.

One scene however was bone chilling – a baby iguana ambushed by snakes. This so reminded me of the devil and his tactics.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3OjfK0t1XM

What is the devil’s work? He waits until we are distracted or lulled into a sense of false security, then ambushes us. It’s messing up your heart. Filling it with worry. Filling it with guilt. Filling it with resentment. Filling it with anger. Filling it with fear. Filling it with confusion. It’s whispering in your ear that you’re worthless and helpless and hopeless and aimless.

Where else do you think that stuff comes from? It’s not from God. Satan uses these things to keep us shackled. The biggest tool he uses to mess with our lives is fear.

But fear doesn’t come from God. In 1 John 4:18 the Bible says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (NIV). In fact, the Bible says, “God is love.” So when you’re afraid, that’s not from God — because there is no fear in love, and God is love.

The iguana knew fear, but he used it to his advantage. Although newly hatched, the iguana knew his opponent's weakness – in the case of the snakes it was poor eyesight. This was the iguana's protection. In the the devil's case, our safety and protection is in the name and Word of Jesus, “....so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” - 2 Corinthians 2:11.

One thing we have in common – the iguana and us, is that we don't have to give up, defeated. We can fight back – use the opponent's weakness to our advantage, and if we are in situations or places that make us vulnerable to the devil's insidious suggestions....we get out of there, smart!

Jesus defeated death, and that means he also defeated the devil. Do you know that’s why he came to Earth? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 that “the Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil's ways.”

The number one fear for most of us is the fear of death. Satan will use that fear to manipulate us. He finds us at our most vulnerable and uses the grieving process to entice mourners to step into the occult, grasping at the one thing we long for, our loved ones to still be alive and communicating with us. But Jesus defeated death; he’s destroyed the devil’s work. And so, when we grieve a death, we grieve with hope.

It was the fear of death that led to the iguana's escape to safety, but that didn't prevent him from having hope.

In Hebrews 2:14-15 the Bible says, “Since all of these sons and daughters have flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood to be like them. He did this so that by dying he would destroy the one who had power over death (that is, the devil). In this way he would free those who were slaves all their lives because they were afraid of dying” (GW).

We grieve because we miss those we’ve lost. We grieve, but we know that if they believed in Jesus, we will see them again in Heaven. They are resting in peace, waiting for that glorious day – the day of resurrection. The culmination of our hope.

For today's music we have “Til We Meet Again” New Voices - Kirk Franklin. Click on the picture to listen.

November 10

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight! “ Isaiah 5:20-21 NASB

Max Lucado had a prediction to make about the outcome of the American presidential election. He said that regardless of who was elected Trump or Clinton, November 9 would bring another day of God’s perfect sovereignty. 'He will still be in charge. His throne will still be occupied. He will still manage the affairs of the world. Never before has His providence depended on a king, president, or ruler. And it won’t on November 9, 2016.

The LORD can control a king’s mind as He controls a river; He can direct it as He pleases. — Proverbs 21:1 NCV

On one occasion the Lord turned the heart of the King of Assyria so that he aided them in the construction of the Temple.[1] On another occasion, He stirred the heart of Cyrus to release the Jews to return to Jerusalem.[2] Nebuchadnezzar was considered to be the mightiest king of his generation. But God humbled and put him in “detention” for seven years [3].

The kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations. — Psalms 22:28

Understanding God’s sovereignty over the nations opens the door to peace. When we realize that God influences the hearts of all rulers, we can then choose to pray for them rather than fret about them. Rather than wring our hands we bend our knees, we select prayer over despair.

Jeremiah did this. He was the prophet to Israel during one of her darkest periods of rebellion. He was called “the weeping prophet” because he was one. He wept at the condition of the people and the depravity of their faith. He was so distraught that one of his books was entitled Lamentations. But then he considered the work of God. Note the intentionality of his words:

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:21-23

Imitate Jeremiah. Lift up your eyes. Dare to believe that good things will happen. Dare to believe that God was speaking to us when He said:

In everything God works for the good of those who love Him. — Romans 8:28

As we see prophecy being unfolded and fulfilled before our eyes, we can be certain that we won’t face anything God can’t handle. Trust Him.

Circle November 9 on your calendar and write upon it the words, Our good God rules the world.'

(Acknowledgements © MaxLucado, October 2016)

We are just passing through this world – it's not our home.  Decision time has come.  We can no longer afford to sit on the fence - have a foot in both camps.  Have recent events provided you with a glimpse of better times to come?  The Lord's return is near.

[1] Ezra 6:22
[2] Ezra 1:1
[3] Dan. 4:28-34

"O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You” - 2 Chronicles 20:6

Music today - “I Can't Feel at Home in This World Anymore” Click on the picture to listen.

"Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" - James 4:14

There are some very weary people in the United Kingdom on November 9^th, 2016. Many will have stayed up to see if Trump has played his card or if Hilary has simply won. People can take politics too seriously don’t you think?

On Sunday, David Attenborough, a likeable Leicester lad, presented yet another of his nature extravaganzas. One item saw a baby iguana run the gauntlet of speedy snakes with their eye on a taste of cousin lizard. Over 7 million people have watched the long clip in just 3 days. That means over 2 years of life have been given to viewing one short but enthralling clip. It just goes to show how much things can mean to people.

 Me, I was trying to save me some money. The home and contents insurance policy was due for renewal. I wanted the best possible price. My first stop was my friend, the moneysavingexpert. I looked for advice and too the advice. The search took some time, this comparison website and then the next comparison website – and then a third website. I had searched 98% of the market. I’m now letting the quotes stew in the hope that some quotes will pop up and marvellously offer even better prices. I have followed the advice to the letter.

What have I learned? If I can pay the insurance in one go rather than in instalments I can save myself over £100. Making sure I check my facts will mean I can save another small hillock of money. If I put my wife on the policy I save even more. I also found that the super expensive insurance company from 10 years ago – is now the cheapest in the block – and that was the company I was advised to avoid.

A surprising fact was that if I own a four bedroom house in Lincolnshire with garage and an office I will pay 30% less insurance than if I insure a tiny 3 bedroom former local authority terraced house in Tyne and Wear.

There is another thing I have learned. People are prepared to spend hours watching political progress. Other people give hours of their lives to watching nature videos. Many more spend even longer watching cat videos. I spent hours saving myself £2 a week.

Last week at our Pastor’s meeting we were strongly advised to do thorough exegesis of Bible passages. We all knew the time that would take but were told, “We all make time to do the things that are important.”

I got the message. That said, I also got the bargain in a good insurance quote, I just used my time wisely.

Mahalia Jackson sings todays song - "If Never We Needed the Lord (We sure do need Him Now)."  Click on the picture to listen.

I saw this. I loved it. I thought it was worth sharing.

In Gods eyes, I am…

I am God's child.

Galatians 3:26

I am Jesus' friend.

John 15:15

I am a whole new person with a whole new life.

2 Corinthians 5:17

I am a place where God's Spirit lives.

1 Corinthians 6:19

I am God's Incredible work of art.

Ephesians 2:10

I am totally and completely forgiven.

1 John 1:9

I am created in God's likeness.

Ephesians 4:24

I am spiritually alive.

Ephesians 2:5

I am a citizen of Heaven.

Philippians 3:20

I am God's messenger to the world.

Acts 1:8

I am God's disciple-maker.

Matthew 28:19

I am the salt of the earth.

Matthew 5:13

I am the light of the world.

Matthew 5:14

I am greatly loved.

Romans 5:8

Claim each wonderful promise God has given us and share them.

Our music today is ‘Lord I am yours’. Click on the picture to listen.

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Do you ever struggle for victory over certain areas in your life? I know that I do. I know at least that I am not the first nor will I be the last person to concur with the apostle Paul when he wrote in Romans 7:15-20 Living Bible (TLB)

15 I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can’t. I do what I don’t want to—what I hate. 16 I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. 17 But I can’t help myself because I’m no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things. 18 I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn I can’t make myself do right. I want to but I can’t. 19 When I want to do good, I don’t; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. 20 Now if I am doing what I don’t want to, it is plain where the trouble is: sin still has me in its evil grasp.

How many times have I read that passage? Too many to remember. I heard something in a workshop this weekend that reminded me of the work needed to overcome. The example given was a brother who had an addiction television. Now that may be nothing to some people but to this brother it was his drug, his life sapping, physical and emotional health destroyer. So after a struggle he managed to gain enough strength to put it away. However, he replaced to with worldly music until he was shown that that also was a drug pulling him away from Christ.

You see, there is no point in throwing away what you perceive as the head of your troubles if you continue to keep hold of the body. The problem was not just with television but with entertainment through media. If the television has to go, then the record collection needs to be purged. 1 Corinthians 15:33 speaks about ‘evil company.’ A quick internet search showed me that the word company means ‘the fact or condition of being with another or others, especially in a way that provides friendship and enjoyment.’

Sin enjoys company, so let us be more intentional about trying to eradicate all of the sin and not just the bits that stand out.

‘To rescue a sinner like me’ is a song chose by Bryn. Click on the picture to listen.

November 4-5 – One versus three

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. (Numbers 12:1-2 ESV)

Some people are never happy unless they are criticising someone. Have they never heard that when you point at someone you have three fingers pointing back at you? Generally speaking, we ensure others understand this euphemism very well when they attempt to point out our flaws in order to make themselves look better. Essentially, we simply point back at them!

Moses was dealing with this very issue as he was leading the Israelites through the wilderness. Miriam and Aaron were pointing to what they considered a sin or flaw in Moses’ life, highlighting what they considered was a weakness. Perhaps now the people would look to them as leaders rather than Moses.

He could have easily pushed back toward them, pointing an accusing finger at their flaws and prove himself the right leader for the job. But, he didn’t. Instead he did two things we can imitate when we find ourselves in similar situations:

1. He didn’t respond, rather he let God answer for him (Numbers 12:3-4). Instead of defending himself and demeaning his accusers, he let God handle it.

2. He prayed for his accusers (Numbers 12:13). Instead of brooding over their finger pointing and cultivating a bitter spirit toward them, he prayed that they would be better.

It can often be easier to fight back at those who point out issues/problems in our lives in order to make themselves feel better. In reality, we are just as guilty as them when we point back. We can learn much from the humble attitude of Moses in dealing with those who are finger pointers.

Remember Moses and his actions as you encounter “finger pointers” in your own life.

Resentment and a get-even attitude only serves to hurt YOU

(Adapted from Men's Ministries)

Today's music is “Lean on Me” (LIVE). Click on the picture to listen.

'Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour'. 1 Peter 5:8

I got a real shock yesterday. I was teaching in a class where the all but 4 children were Muslim. 3 where Christian and one other was brave enough to say that they had no belief. I was asked to slot in a music session and upon sharing this with the class one of the Muslim girls said out loud "I hate music unless it is heavy metal and people are screaming!" Maybe it's my age but I was shocked and challenged her. HER FRIENDS said "It's true sir, that's all she listens too". She was 9.

It made me realise that not only Christian are fighting to preserve a life that is somewhat conservative and God focussed. Looking at this young slip of a girl I would never imaged that her musical taste could be so far removed from her cultural ideals.

At the day end when I offered to read them a story, this same girl spoke loudly stating "I hate stories unless they are full of blood and people die!" There was not even a hint of a smile of her face as she hugged her teddy pencil case. Yes, a teddy pencil case.

Friends, 'Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.' 1 Peter 5:8

It could be you. We need to pray like we have never prayed before especially for our young people as some of the choices they are making are going to have consequences they would never have dreamt of.

Bryn reminded me of this song ‘El Shaddai’ by Amy Grant. Click on the picture to listen.

‘Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”’ John 20:19 NIV (2011 Edition)

One of the first things Jesus did after His resurrection was to go looking for the disciples who’d failed Him so badly. ‘On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you”’ (vv. 19-21 NIV 1984 Edition). Among the group was Peter, who’d walked on water, whose hands had distributed miracle food to five thousand hungry people, who’d witnessed Moses and Elijah standing next to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Big, bold, brave Peter who said, ‘Even if I have to die with you … I will never deny you!’ (Matthew 26:35 NLT). And he wasn’t the only one. ‘All the other disciples vowed the same’ (v. 35 NLT). Yet the record reads, ‘All his disciples deserted him and ran away’ (Mark 14:50 NLT). Saint John, Saint Andrew, and Saint James - all guys depicted on the stained glass windows of churches worldwide - abandoned Jesus when He needed them most.

Yet when He rose from the dead, He never once brought it up. Instead: ‘He showed them His [wounded] hands’ (John 20:20 NKJV). Why? To let them know He loved them in spite of their failure. Instead of disowning them, He said, ‘As the Father has sent Me, I also send you’ (v. 21 NKJV), And today He’s saying the same to you

Courtesy of UCB

New Voices sings ‘Til we meet again by Kirk Franklin’. Click on the picture to listen.