Where is the weeping today? Do we care enough to plead for the people?
Where is the street proclamation today? Do we care enough to plead to the people?
Tuesday 30 September 2008
Jeremiah 5-8
A quiet day, as I'm laid low with a bug - high temperature, aches, etc.
The Lord really lays it on the line, and points again and again and again(!) to the sins of His people. Conviction must come before true repentance.
(7v16) 'Do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you'
Jeremiah was the Lord's servant, but even he could not twist God's arm. God's will was determined - there would be chastening before there was change.
The Lord really lays it on the line, and points again and again and again(!) to the sins of His people. Conviction must come before true repentance.
(7v16) 'Do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you'
Jeremiah was the Lord's servant, but even he could not twist God's arm. God's will was determined - there would be chastening before there was change.
Monday 29 September 2008
Jeremiah 1-4
Hi, John, I thought the best thing to do was jump back on board at Jeremiah, and try to catch up on the other books while doing that. Had a blessed weekend - took the Harvest service, and felt an excitement I had been missing for some time as I preached to families.
Words that resonated within me...
(1v7) But the Lord said to me, "Do not say 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you" declares the Lord.
These words mean alot to me as we consider going back to the church in Welshpool we left a couple of years ago.
Words that resonated within me...
(1v7) But the Lord said to me, "Do not say 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you" declares the Lord.
These words mean alot to me as we consider going back to the church in Welshpool we left a couple of years ago.
Sunday 28 September 2008
Jeremiah 5-8
5 I will go to the great men and speak to them, For they have known the way of the LORD, The judgment of their God.” But these have altogether broken the yoke And burst the bonds.
What if there weren't any examples of a sold out servant alive today? History, and the new testament: even the best mentors can be blinded by the zeitgeist.
“ Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it;
What if there weren't any examples of a sold out servant alive today? History, and the new testament: even the best mentors can be blinded by the zeitgeist.
“ Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it;
Jeremiah 1-4
17 “ Therefore prepare yourself and arise, And speak to them all that I command you.
The minister's primary responsibility is to prepare himself. The message comes from a heart made ready to hear God.
The minister's primary responsibility is to prepare himself. The message comes from a heart made ready to hear God.
Saturday 27 September 2008
Isaiah 61-66
14 As a beast goes down into the valley, And the Spirit of the LORD causes him to rest, So You lead Your people, To make Yourself a glorious name.
For the redeemed, being led by God should be as natural as the instinct to lie down when we are tired.
For the redeemed, being led by God should be as natural as the instinct to lie down when we are tired.
Friday 26 September 2008
Isaiah 57-60
Is it not because I have held My peace from of old That you do not fear Me?
To the world, God is silent, because He holds His peace. If He spoke directly, as a man speaks to his friend, the worldly would flee, as Israel hid before the mountain or Adam in the garden. Thank God for the shed blood of Jesus that allows us to stand before a holy God and to hear His voice clearly.
To the world, God is silent, because He holds His peace. If He spoke directly, as a man speaks to his friend, the worldly would flee, as Israel hid before the mountain or Adam in the garden. Thank God for the shed blood of Jesus that allows us to stand before a holy God and to hear His voice clearly.
Isaiah 53-56
“ Keep justice, and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come, And My righteousness to be revealed.
You cannot earn righteousness. You can't achieve it without God either, but you can pursue it. Seek and you will find. Hunger and thirst for it and you will be satisfied
You cannot earn righteousness. You can't achieve it without God either, but you can pursue it. Seek and you will find. Hunger and thirst for it and you will be satisfied
Thursday 25 September 2008
Isaiah 49-52
6 Indeed He says, ‘ It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
2 Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.”
God's vision is always bigger than ours, because we only see what we think He can do through us.
2 Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.”
God's vision is always bigger than ours, because we only see what we think He can do through us.
Wednesday 24 September 2008
Tuesday 23 September 2008
Isaiah 41-44
14 “ Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help you,” says the LORD And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. 15 “ Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; You shall thresh the mountains and beat them small,
I love that God calls Judah a worm but states what he'll become. I may be a man, but He makes me a son of God.
26 Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers;
I love it that God is looking to back me up as I declare His word.
I love that God calls Judah a worm but states what he'll become. I may be a man, but He makes me a son of God.
26 Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers;
I love it that God is looking to back me up as I declare His word.
Isaiah 37-40
1 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’”2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD,
God speaks his decree; man argues with God. God relents.
7 ‘And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’” 8 So Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good!” For he said, “At least there will be peace and truth in my days.”
God speaks his decree; man does not argue. Judgement.
Who will stand in the gap for this nation?
God speaks his decree; man argues with God. God relents.
7 ‘And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’” 8 So Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good!” For he said, “At least there will be peace and truth in my days.”
God speaks his decree; man does not argue. Judgement.
Who will stand in the gap for this nation?
Monday 22 September 2008
Isaiah 33-36
21 But they held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.”
A good strategy for dealing with that old accuser, whomever he speaks through.
A good strategy for dealing with that old accuser, whomever he speaks through.
Isaiah 29-32
19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; You shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you. 20 And though the Lord gives you The bread of adversity and the water of affliction, Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, But your eyes shall see your teachers. 21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “ This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
No revival without the restoration of teachers who can disciple: " this is the way, walk in it"
17 The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
This is what Peter means, when he writes of making our election more sure: there is assurance in the obedience that comes from faith.
No revival without the restoration of teachers who can disciple: " this is the way, walk in it"
17 The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
This is what Peter means, when he writes of making our election more sure: there is assurance in the obedience that comes from faith.
Sunday 21 September 2008
Isaiah 25-28
12 LORD, You will establish peace for us, For You have also done all our works in us. 13 O LORD our God, masters besides You Have had dominion over us; But by You only we make mention of Your name.
Hallelujah! Other powers had mastered us, but for freedom Christ has set us free. He has done all our works in us. Thankyou! We by faith wait patiently for the righteousness for which we hope.
“ Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”
Hallelujah! Other powers had mastered us, but for freedom Christ has set us free. He has done all our works in us. Thankyou! We by faith wait patiently for the righteousness for which we hope.
“ Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”
Saturday 20 September 2008
Destroyed or purified Tom?
20 The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, And shall totter like a hut; Its transgression shall be heavy upon it, And it will fall, and not rise again.
What d'you reckon Tom: this earth...purified by fire or utterly destroyed by fire? I'd always assumed it was on the way out, but my friends are seeking to persuade me that it will become a born again earth or something. I guess it may have implications for how we treat the place.
What d'you reckon Tom: this earth...purified by fire or utterly destroyed by fire? I'd always assumed it was on the way out, but my friends are seeking to persuade me that it will become a born again earth or something. I guess it may have implications for how we treat the place.
Isaiah 21-24
12 And in that day the Lord GOD of hosts Called for weeping and for mourning, For baldness and for girding with sackcloth.
Are we able to hear the urgent call of the One who taught us that some demon strongholds will only be broken by prayer and fasting?
Are we able to hear the urgent call of the One who taught us that some demon strongholds will only be broken by prayer and fasting?
Isaiah 17-20
4 “ In that day it shall come to pass That the glory of Jacob will wane, And the fatness of his flesh grow lean.
7 In that day a man will look to his Maker, And his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel. 8 He will not look to the altars, The work of his hands; He will not respect what his fingers have made, Nor the wooden images[b] nor the incense altars.
What will it take to get our eyes off our own resources and abilities and truly see our Maker? He is so kind, so good, so generous, so willing to meet all our needs. He wants to be our God and let Him love us.
7 In that day a man will look to his Maker, And his eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel. 8 He will not look to the altars, The work of his hands; He will not respect what his fingers have made, Nor the wooden images[b] nor the incense altars.
What will it take to get our eyes off our own resources and abilities and truly see our Maker? He is so kind, so good, so generous, so willing to meet all our needs. He wants to be our God and let Him love us.
Thursday 18 September 2008
Welshpool news
Hi, John, after a burst of activity, I'm lagging behind again - my apologies! A small victory yesterday - Ruth joined the school PTA and brought about some change. The Halloween 'Spooky Disco' is now going to be replaced with a 'Neon Party', where kids will now dress up in bright colours. No more monsters and pitchforks! We're exploring options re. churches in Welshpool, and I'm considering a change of career, but needing clear direction from the Lord.
Wednesday 17 September 2008
Isaiah 13-16
9 Behold, the day of the LORD comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it.
Sin's days are numbered.
Sin's days are numbered.
Tuesday 16 September 2008
Isaiah 5-8
If you will not believe, Surely you shall not be established
Trust in God who defeats your enemies before you.
Trust in God who defeats your enemies before you.
Monday 15 September 2008
Isaiah 1-4
The first chapter is such a savage indictment of Israel, but finishes with this beautiful promise of mercy:
18 “ Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“ Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
18 “ Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“ Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
Sunday 14 September 2008
Song of Solomon
I know it is widely understood that this book can be read as an allegory or expression of Christ's love for the church, but I tried reading it as if my church or even me myself was being addressed. Jesus' affection for us is devastating.
10 Who is she who looks forth as the morning, Fair as the moon, Clear as the sun, Awesome as an army with banners?
I feel good!
10 Who is she who looks forth as the morning, Fair as the moon, Clear as the sun, Awesome as an army with banners?
I feel good!
Saturday 13 September 2008
Ecclesiastes 8-12
18 Because of laziness the building decays, And through idleness of hands the house leaks.
God leads us in rest, and grants sleep to those He loves; but, if there is decay and dilapidation instead of improvement, we may be being led by some other voice.
God leads us in rest, and grants sleep to those He loves; but, if there is decay and dilapidation instead of improvement, we may be being led by some other voice.
Friday 12 September 2008
Ecclesiastes 1-7
What is crooked cannot be made straight, And what is lacking cannot be numbered.
There is always something more to do; so don't be anxious about work left undone: just do what you see the Father doing. Do as you are able according to His power and instruction.
24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.
16 Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Its all about a humble walk with God.
There is always something more to do; so don't be anxious about work left undone: just do what you see the Father doing. Do as you are able according to His power and instruction.
24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.
16 Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Its all about a humble walk with God.
Proverbs 31
The message of King Lemuel is that Kings must be be self-possessed, not ruled by anything in order that they may rule others effectively and decree justice.
Thursday 11 September 2008
Proverbs 27-30
18 Where there is no revelation,[e] the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.
People follow vision.
People follow vision.
Psalms 65-68
(67v1) 'May God be gracious to us, and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on the earth, your saving power among all nations'
Jesus Christ came to preach peace to the nations. The gospel does not allow space for prejudices or favourites.
Jesus Christ came to preach peace to the nations. The gospel does not allow space for prejudices or favourites.
Psalms 61-64
(61v6, 8) 'Prolong the life of the king...so will I ever sing praises...'
God's providence is not to fill our pockets, but to fuel our praise.
God's providence is not to fill our pockets, but to fuel our praise.
Psalms 57-60
(57v4) '...the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords...'
How often we can be discouraged by just a few dismissive words. We must pray for a steadfast heart - He is faithful! Be exalted, O God!
How often we can be discouraged by just a few dismissive words. We must pray for a steadfast heart - He is faithful! Be exalted, O God!
Psalms 53-56
(54v4) 'Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life'
God will always defend us against our enemy, the devil. Christ's sacrifice will never fail.
God will always defend us against our enemy, the devil. Christ's sacrifice will never fail.
Psalms 49-52
(52v9) 'I will thank you for ever, because you have done it'
Heaven will be a place of never-ending gratitude to the Lord
Heaven will be a place of never-ending gratitude to the Lord
Psalms 45-48
(47v1,2) 'Clap your hands...Shout to God...For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared...'
A true fear of the Lord does not lead us to cower and shake, but to clap and shout!
A true fear of the Lord does not lead us to cower and shake, but to clap and shout!
Psalms 41-44
(43v3) 'Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me'
In times of difficulty, we must seek truth before we try to find hope.
In times of difficulty, we must seek truth before we try to find hope.
Wednesday 10 September 2008
Proverbs 23-26
28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
Tuesday 9 September 2008
Monday 8 September 2008
Prov 9-12
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
Speak joy.
Speak joy.
Friday 5 September 2008
Proverbs 5-8
30 People do not despise a thief If he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. 31 Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house.
The thief comes to steal kill and destroy. When he is caught he must restore sevenfold. When the devil attacks, and you recognise it, you may just be about to enter an even greater measure of blessing than you knew before. People may come out of his house and into the Kingdom of God because of your testimony.
The thief comes to steal kill and destroy. When he is caught he must restore sevenfold. When the devil attacks, and you recognise it, you may just be about to enter an even greater measure of blessing than you knew before. People may come out of his house and into the Kingdom of God because of your testimony.
Thursday 4 September 2008
Proverbs 1-4
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,
mercy without truth is hollow comfort. truth without mercy can crush the soul
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you.
Good advice; focus on the task at hand. Multi-tasking is overated.
mercy without truth is hollow comfort. truth without mercy can crush the soul
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you.
Good advice; focus on the task at hand. Multi-tasking is overated.
Tom
Tom I cannot explain all the details now: I'm exhausted. But, on Monday my friends daughter was found after some time at the bottom of a swimming pool. The minimum amount of time this 2year old was under was 20minutes. The paramedics were unable to get any response at all for over 15 minutes. In the ambulance my friend was told there is no life in her eyes (you know they do that torchlight thing). Tuesday evening the doctors convened a meeting and explained that there had been no improvement, and advised that it was likely they would need to switch the life suport machine off. Churches across the world prayed. Elders anointed with oil. Healing was asked for, commanded, even proclaimed with expectant thanksgiving. The parents respectfully thanked the doctors (they have been excellent) and informed them that God has the last word. Today her temperature is normal, she is feeding, pooing and weeing, moving so much they've restrained her, and best of all she has opened her eyes. In todays meeting the doctors said they are surprised and amazed by what has happened. Please thank God for this miracle and pray for its completion. I have not the strength to share all the amazing dreams people were given that didn't know the situation and spoke to me to ask what they meant, or the prophetic stuff thats happened. Amazing. The effect on the church has been profound. Please join in! Praise Jesus.
Hi, John!
Good to see you back, John. I'll try to ring you sometime soon - lots of new things possibly on the horizon and really needing direction from the Lord.
Psalm 37-40
(38v4) 'For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me'
What is the Lord's reply? 'Come to me, all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'. The psalmist can only find peace when he comes to the Lord with the one thing that took him away from the Lord - his sin.
What is the Lord's reply? 'Come to me, all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'. The psalmist can only find peace when he comes to the Lord with the one thing that took him away from the Lord - his sin.
Psalm 33-36
(33v16) 'A warrior is not delivered by his great strength'
What do we rely on to give us victory? We are soldiers and warriors for the Lord - but we fail if we rely on our own strength and our own resources. Just as God defeated our enemy, Satan, with His power in Jesus Christ (the champion He provided) on the cross, so our daily victories come because 'His grace is sufficient'.
What do we rely on to give us victory? We are soldiers and warriors for the Lord - but we fail if we rely on our own strength and our own resources. Just as God defeated our enemy, Satan, with His power in Jesus Christ (the champion He provided) on the cross, so our daily victories come because 'His grace is sufficient'.
Wednesday 3 September 2008
Psalm 138-150
8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Monday 1 September 2008
Psalm 29-32
(29v10) 'The Lord sits enthroned as king forever'
A psalm about the Lord Jehovah suddenly points us to Christ:
Luke1v33: '...and of his kingdom there shall be no end.'
Jesus isn't just Lord - he is The Lord!
A psalm about the Lord Jehovah suddenly points us to Christ:
Luke1v33: '...and of his kingdom there shall be no end.'
Jesus isn't just Lord - he is The Lord!
Psalm 25-28
(25v6) 'Remember your mercy...'
This struck me a while back when looking at Noah - God creates the rainbow, not so that we will remember the covenant, but so He will remember. Of course, God never remembers or forgets in the sense that we do. But our desire is for His actions and will to be motivated by certain things (here, mercy and steadfast love) more than others ('the sins of my youth').
This struck me a while back when looking at Noah - God creates the rainbow, not so that we will remember the covenant, but so He will remember. Of course, God never remembers or forgets in the sense that we do. But our desire is for His actions and will to be motivated by certain things (here, mercy and steadfast love) more than others ('the sins of my youth').
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