4 WAYS TO STIR UP THE SAINTS AROUND YOU!!

Here are 4 practical and challenging ways we can stir up fellow believers (and challenge ourselves in the process!)

Do this when you make contact with them again … and every so often … keeps us all on our toes!!

WHAT ARE YOU EATING?
What are you reading at the moment?
On what are you feeding your soul from God’s precious Word?
Eating therefore = Time listening to God and feeding on His Word (Scripture reading)
“… like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,…“ (1 Peter 2:2)
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14)

WHAT ARE YOU CHEWING?
What Scripture or Scriptures are you memorizing, hiding in your heart?
On what from God’s Word are you meditating on?
How is God changing you through His Word?
Chewing therefore = Time applying God’s Word to my life (Scripture memory & meditation)
“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.”
(2 Timothy 2:15 – Amplified Bible)

ARE YOU BREATHING WELL?
How is your prayer life?
What are you praying about generally?
For what are you beseeching or petitioning God for at the moment?
Breathing therefore = spending time with God in prayer (Prayer-life)
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18)

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
Who are you seeking and sharing or wanting to share the Gospel with?
Are you seeking to draw much closer to Jesus and be what HE wants you to be?
Going therefore = time sharing Gospel and deepening our spiritual walk (Witnessing & Spiritual Growth)
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
“And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], … I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.”
(Philippians 3:10 & 14-16 – Amplified Bible)

As we see the day of our Saviour’s return drawing very close, we need to be cultivating these 4 things in our own lives and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same. As the world around us is fast disintegrating, we need to keep our lamps trimmed and ready. Let others see Jesus in us and be faithful Ambassadors for Christ.

_{(I based this article on a tremendous message I heard by Dr John Barnett, an excellent Bible Teacher for the last 30 or more years -the full message can be viewed at https://youtu.be/HcFdR5rJeKg}

Where are You?

Would you believe it – half of 2020 has gone, never to be seen again – and it has been a year like none other!!

The question is:  “Where are you?”

How we are coping with all that has been happening this year differs from person to person and we probably find ourselves in different “places” at different times – oft’ times fluctuating from place to place.

Recently I tuned in to a brilliant message by Jack Hibbs from Calvary Chapel, Chino Hills, California.    He highlighted a few places where we might find ourselves during this surreal and ridiculous time.   Using these “places” he mentioned, I share my thoughts regarding each of them and also what the Bible says to us as we try to make sense of everything happening.

So, the question we need to answer for ourselves is this … where are we?

In the beginning when the fall took place in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve covered themselves as they realized they were naked and … we know the account well:  “And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”   Of course He knew where they were, but it was necessary to be honest with the Lord and speak to Him about where they were and why they were hiding.   We too, need to be honest with God and tell Him how we are feeling and how we are coping.   Tell Him where you are!

Today, God is calling out to us … “Where are you?”     Are you in one of these places right now?

 

1. CONFUSED place
   With all the mixed and incongruent messages going out, nobody really knowing what is true, what is fake.  Leader’s not setting the example and no clear guidelines for individuals, the vulnerable, businesses and leisure, etc, etc., confusion is the inevitable result.      Confusion and insecurity leads to fear.
   His Word says:
   “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you.  I will help you.  I will uphold you with My victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
2. FEARFUL place.  Not understanding what is happening, being given information which is designed to instill fear and insecurity in people, lawhonds us in a fearful place.   Even if fear doesn’t override your thinking, it does push its way through to the surface time and time again.   So many people find themselves in a fearful place due to loss of jobs, income, businesses, and so much more.
   God’s Word says:
   “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1)
   “The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1)
3. FRUSTRATED place.    Because one is confused and fearful to a greater or lesser degree, being locked down and facing a future which we are constantly being reminded will be the “new normal”, it is understandable that one becomes frustrated – sometimes very frustrated.  An additional frustration for some of us is the fact that churches are silent – they are not warning people as to the times we are living in and what it is all about – all clearly spelled out in the Bible.   But the pulpits remain silent.  I always just say how thankful we can be for the internet and the ability to hear the Truth and to be encouraged by Bible-believing preachers who are not afraid to explain how things that are happening are clearly foretold in the Bible.  And THEREFORE, we can have HOPE midst our frustration and general uncertainty!
   His Word tells us:
   “Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble”  (Ps 119:165)
   “I am tired of living among people who hate peace…. I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer.” (Psalm 120:7 & 1)
   “ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”.  (Philippians 4:6-7)
   
   
4. ANGRY place.  Perhaps you find yourself in an angry place?   Not surprising due to the confusion all around, the fear tactics, the frustration when one rule applies or holds for the vast majority of people, and another rule applies to others who not only blatantly flaunt the rules and become aggressive and destructive in the process.   Anger can increase when one realises again that people are being fed misinformation and that it is all part of an agenda leading to socialism and the New World Order.    Angry because you are not able to be with loved ones or earn an income, etc, etc.
   God’s Word says:
   “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage!  Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land”. (Psalm 37:7-8)
   “God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalm 7:10-11)
5. A place of WEARINESS.   With all that is happening, with a crazy world with news bulletins pumping out info to depress and confuse, many of us may simply be feeling totally weary of everything
   His Word tells us:
   “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
   “Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest'” (Matthew 11:28)
   “I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing” (Jeremiah 31:25)
6. LONELY place.   With Lockdown causing so much isolation and separation from friends and family, loneliness can be a really huge problem.   Even with some restrictions being eased, the interaction permitted is not the same.   Loved ones passing away and no proper “saying goodbye” can exacerbate everything.
   The Word of God says:
   “Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all!” (Psalm 25:16-17)
   ” Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you”  (Deuteronomy 31:6)
7. DARK place – All that has gone before can lead one to a very dark place.   We have seen an increase in suicides, violence and abuse.  But even if not so drastic, the depression that takes hold of one can be overwhelming and one finds it difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel
   His Word reminds us:
   “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you …Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:5,6 & 11)
8. HOPELESS place.   With no end in sight (humanly speaking) and feeling desperate for a normality which is unlikely to return (not as we knew it);  when you might just get the feeling that even God has forgotten you – remember all is NOT lost.  I can say that with calm assurance because of what God has revealed in His infallible Word.
   God’s Word reminds us:
   Of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 (read the story again and take courage)
   “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me”   (John 14:1)
   “ Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”   (Hebrews 10:23)

God’s presence calms our panic and confusion.  God’s care of us is the antidote to our despair.  God’s power will ultimately resolve our problems (The Promise Bible)

My  prayer for you today is: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”     (Romans 15:13)

If you are in need of prayer or further spiritual help, please do not hesitate to contact us.   All information is held in strictest confidence at all times.

Every blessing

How has Lock Down affected you?

Right now lock down restrictions are gradually being lifted in the UK (rightly or wrongly).   I don’t know about you, but I think that “coming out of lock-down” is more chaotic than being “locked down”.   Mixed messages.  Lack of clarity.  Too many and too rapid changes are causing more confusion and people are simply not adhering to guidelines …. Sorry, what guidelines are people really supposed to be following?

Many of us have not found this period easy.  Some have been radically impacted due to contracting this Corona Virus and/or having lost loved ones directly or indirectly as a result of this pandemic.

This along with the riots and demonstrations where even the social distancing rules are being ignored, is enough to confuse and distress us all.

In addition to this, the impact on people’s lives as regards emotional and mental health issues is taking its toll.   People are anxious about their jobs, finances, education.  The rapid and drastic changes that have taken place over a very short space of time are extremely difficult to deal with.

People ask, “Will we ever get back to normal?”  I don’t think so.  The “new normal”  is a phrase being constantly heard – part of the “new vocabulary” we’re all growing accustomed to – social distancing, self-isolation, self-monitoring, tracking, etc.    It is hardly likely, nigh impossible, for things to go back to normal, to what it once was.

But you know what, God is still in control and He will remember His own.   I am reminded of that beautiful old hymn written by Kittie L Suffield in 1929, and very seldom sung these days:

Burdened soul, is your heart growing weary
With the toil and the heat of the day?
Does it seem that your path is more thorny
As you journey along on life’s way?
Go away and in secret before Him
Tell your grief to the Saviour alone;
He will lighten your care, for He still answers prayer;
God is still on the throne.
Chorus:
God is still on the throne,
And He will remember His own;
Tho’ trials may press us and burdens distress us,
He never will leave us alone;
God is still on the throne,
He never forsaketh His own;
His promise is true, He will not forget you,
God is still on the throne.

Warren Wiersbe in one of his devotionals recently reminded me, and I share it with you all, that we are in very good hands!    He writes: “The sober-minded believer has a calm, sane outlook on life”. They are neither complacent nor are they terrified.  They are confronted with news of every kind being thrown at them, but they do not lose heart or give up.  Why?  Because they know their future is in His hands, their Father’s hands. And because of this, they (with the help of their precious Heavenly Father) are able to live each day “creatively, calmly, and obediently”
And as Warren Wiersbe continued: “Outlook determines outcome; and when your outlook is the uplook, then your outcome is secure”!

Here are a few wonderful Scriptures to encourage you:
“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be confounded. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do His will. And I know that I will not be put to shame”. (Isaiah 50:7- NLT)
“As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” (Micah 7:7)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Take courage!   Whatever happens, know that the LORD has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us.

If you have never got to know Jesus as your Saviour, may I urge you to get to know Him. If you want to know how to get to know Him and why you need Him, contact us.

Also, if you need prayer at this time, contact us.  All requests remain confidential at all times.

The Lord bless you and keep you in His care

 

 

Email: dayashton.uk@gmail.com

The Joy of Biblical Meditation

Meditating on God’s precious Word can be so rewarding and encouraging.   It can also present us with challenges.  But, spending time in His Word and allowing Him to speak to us is so uplifting.

As we spend time in His Word, the Bible, it will help us to grow spiritually.   Through reading and meditating on His Word we can be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding“. As we read further we find out why it is important to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
As so often the case, the Bible explains itself and says …. It is so that we can “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” ((Colossians 1:9-10)

What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to Him?
It means to live in such a way that  is consistent with what we profess to be.  Christ followers. That is, to be like Jesus – that others will see Jesus in us.

What does it mean to bear fruit in every good work?
Spiritual fruit is a by-product of knowing Jesus as Saviour.  Examples of Spiritual Fruit include:

• leading others to Christ  (1 Cor 16:15)
• praising God and giving Him glory (Hebrews 13:15)
• living a godly life (Hebrews 12:11-13)
• displaying holy attitudes (Galatians 5:22-25)  Not a “holier than thou” approach.  Far from it, but as Philippians 2:5 reminds us: “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross“.

What does it mean to increase in the knowledge of God?

• Spiritual growth cannot take place without this knowledge
• Evidences of spiritual growth include a deeper love for God’s Word (Ps 119:97); a “more perfect” obedience (1 John 2:3-5); a strong doctrinal foundation (1 John 2:12-14); an expanding faith (2 Thessalonians 1:3)and a greater love for others (Philippians 1:9)

Let us always seek to know God’s will by consistently reading and studying His precious Word, knowing that the blessed Holy Spirit will be our constant Helper.

If you want to know more about Biblical meditation, then be sure to click the follow button so that you will get to know when we look into the subject in more detail.

Every blessing

 

 

GROWING IN SPIRITUAL MATURITY

At our Home Group meeting last night, we looked at Philippians 4:1-9.   Lively discussion took place, but the outline could be helpful for your own personal Bible Study.

In Summary …. There are 4 key areas that help us mature spiritually

 

Stand firm (in the Lord)
(Philippians 4:1 – “stay true to the Lord”
Stand firm for the Lordship of Christ in your life
and avoid …
– denominationalism
– traditionalism
– legalism

In fact, we were reminded that in reality there are only 2 religions (yes, TWO!)

• Trying – religions which rely on works fall into this category, eg. Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Islam
• Trusting – Simple trust in the FINISHED work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary!  Being a follower of Christ!

We need to remember that Jesus did it ALL!
There is NOTHING more to be done!
We are COMPLETE in Him!
The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin – there is nothing more to be done
Jesus, on the cross, said:  “It is finished”   He is now seated at the right hand of the Father and one day soon He will return for His own.

 

Deal with Conflict
(Philippians 4:2-3)
Confronting issues which cause discontent and conflict will lead to peace and joy in the Lord

Live in the Peace of God
(Philippians 4:4-7)
Learn to rejoice IN our circumstances, not FOR them.
We need to learn to
– praise God in every situation
– put your life in the perspective of eternity
– don’t be anxious about anything but …
– pray about everything

Make Godly Choices
(Philippians 4:8-9)
Replace all undesirable thoughts and behaviours with those that glorify the Lord!
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, …” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ESV)

Remember, “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.” (1 Peter 2:2-3).  And, as the NKJV puts it: “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby…”

 

To hear the message this study was based on, please follow this link to hear Jim Graham speak on this topic.
WATCH NOW

 

How did I get through this day?

How did I get through this day? In the busyness of every day; in the difficulties, trials and anxieties of each day; when we look back over the day, week or year, we wonder how we ever managed to cope.

Sadly, in the midst of everything, we are not always conscious or aware of the fact that we are not alone. Whether it is illness, financial difficulties, work pressures or loneliness, we often feel as if we are absolutely on our own. But, be encouraged.

Someone sent me a letter some years ago whilst I was going through a particularly difficult time. The following verse was shared for my encouragement: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders” (Deut 33:12). Even though this was said about the tribe of Benjamin, we believe “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16) and hence is applicable to all who read it and obey His Word.

If all Scripture is inspired or God breathed, all the promises and encouragement are from Him. Therefore, looking at Deut 33:12 can be most encouraging:

As Benjamin was loved, so are we. John 3:16 tells us just how much God loves us – He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will never perish but have everlasting life.

Because we are loved, we can rest secure – live in safety, knowing that whatever happens, our Saviour will hold us in the palm of His nail-pierced hand.

Why can we rest secure? We rest secure because He shields and protects us.

When are we secure in His love? He shields and surrounds us all day long, continuously! He has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Where is our security? In Christ our Saviour – “Whom the Lord loves, rests between His shoulders”. Shoulders speak of strength. Being carried speaks of support. It speaks of being able to rest. Lifted up out of the clamber, pain and torment of our situation. Being lifted high – secure and preserved from every harm.

What a precious thought. He whom the Lord loves rests between His shoulders. Thank you Jesus.

PRAYER IS NEVER WASTED!

In these days we need to persevere in prayer for those who do not know the Lord as their Saviour.

Just this morning someone shared with me something very precious.  It was a quote by John MacArthur ¹:

“Jesus affirmed the fact that believers’ prayers participate in the fulfillment of God’s plans”

In Matthew’s gospel we read how the Lord Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages with the Good News about the Kingdom … He had seen the crowds and had so much compassion on them because they appeared to be so confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd …
“He said to His disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.  So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.”” (Matt 9:38)

So, when we pray for the lost, and pray for ways to reach the lost with the Good News of the Gospel, we are participating in the fulfillment of God’s plans”

And when we pray, let us pray with expectation! “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” (Psalm 5:3)

What a wonderful AND very challenging thought!

And just another quick thought … could YOU (could I) perhaps be part of the answer to the prayer for the Lord of the Harvest to send more workers into His fields?

_______________________________________________________________
Ref:          MacArthur, John: The MacArthur Study Bible, 1997

For further reading:

Matthew 9:35-38
“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (ESV)
^“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (NLT)

Luke 10:2
“These were His instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields”.(NLT)