Category: faith

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Christian campaign to turn The Beatles’ Strawberry Fields into hub for young people

By Press Association

A fundraising campaign has been launched to transform the children’s home made famous by Beatles’ song Strawberry Fields Forever.

The Strawberry Field home in Woolton, Liverpool, was made famous by John Lennon’s song, released 50 years ago.

Christian charity The Salvation Army now hopes to turn the site, where Lennon used to play as a child, into a training and work placement hub for young people with learning disabilities.

To mark the launch of the fundraising campaign, a choir, formed of people who could benefit from the plans, recorded a special version of the song at Abbey Road studios.

Major Drew McCombe, divisional leader for The Salvation Army, North West, said: “Lennon grew up close to Strawberry Field, and gave generously to the home as soon as he got his first pay cheque.

“He also had a vision for it, expressed in the song, as a place where anybody, whatever their personal background and difficulties, could realise their dreams.

“Strawberry Field has the potential to bring that vision to life; changing the lives of young people with learning disabilities, who find it difficult to find gainful employment, as well as encourage more projects similar across the UK.”

TV presenter Paul O’Grady has given his support to the project.

“As the song lyrics say, ‘Living is easy with eyes closed’ – hopefully this campaign will open people’s eyes so they see the many individuals living alongside us that aren’t being given the support they need to thrive and flourish.”

Funds raised by the campaign will go towards creating the hub for young people with learning disabilities as well as a new visitor experience based on the place, song and Lennon’s early life.

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I Shouldn’t Have Said That!

Have you ever had your mouth washed out with soap? It isn’t a pleasant experience! There was an older kid in our neighbourhood, when I was a child, who was accustomed to using filthy language. When my little brother and I were around him, we tried to imitate him because we thought that was how big kids talk. We knew that what we were doing was against the rules, but we thought we could get away with it.   One day, while we were practicing “big-kid talk” and laughing at what we were saying,   my mother overheard our conversation!

Since I was the older son, and should have been a good example to my brother, I received the “cleansing treatment” first.   She explained to us what she was going to do.   It didn’t take long and wasn’t scary, but it sure was humbling!   I could hear my little brother snickering behind me as I was going through the ordeal. Then it was his turn! He didn’t think it was funny anymore! The soap she used had a pleasant smell to it, but it did not taste good! As you probably already know, it wasn’t my mouth and my tongue that were the real sources of the problem. It was my heart. But having my mouth washed out with soap gave me a change of heart!

My mother got the point across and the lesson was learned. As I think of my mother, I cannot ever remember her cursing, swearing, or using filthy language. I’m thankful to God and to her that the use of such language has never become a habit for me. However, there are other kinds of language that we have all been guilty of, and struggle with from time-to-time. Evangelist Billy Graham said, “You can use your tongue to slander, to gripe, to scold, to nag, and to quarrel, or you can bring it under the control of God’s Spirit and make it an instrument of blessing and praise.”

There is a verse of Scripture on stewardship of speech that I memorized many years ago, and I continue to review it often.   Ephesians 4:29 says,  “Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it might impart grace to those who hear.”   (Revised Standard Version)   That verse reminds me to ask myself two questions before speaking:   First, “Is this the right thing to say, in God’s sight?” And, if so, then secondly:   “Is this the right time to say it?”

“Let the words of my mouth
And the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Thy sight,
O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (NASB)

 

 

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After 21 Years of Marriage, My Wife Wanted Me to Take Another Woman out to Dinner

Wife Asked Hubby to Go on a Date With Another Woman, It Changed His Life Forever

While we all know it’s important to spend time with the ones we love, how often do we go out of our way to make the effort to see them?  This story is heartwarming and tragic in equal measure, but will definitely have you thinking about the quality time you spend with the people closest to you.

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie.  She said I Love You but I know this other woman loves you too and would love to spend some time with you.

The other woman that my wife wanted me to take out was my MOTHER who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.  ‘What’s wrong, are you well,’ she asked?  My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.  ‘I thought that it would be pleasant to be with you,’  I responded. ‘Just the two of us.’  She thought about it for a moment, and then said,  I would like that very much.’

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous.  When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she too seemed to be nervous about our date.
She waited in the door with her shawl on.  She had set her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last Wedding Anniversary.
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel’s.  ‘I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,’ she said, as she got into the car.  ‘They can’t wait to hear about our date night’.

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy.  My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.
After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Large Print; half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting
there staring at me.  A nostalgic smile was on her lips.

‘It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were young,’  She said.

‘Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favour,’  I responded.

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation, nothing extra-ordinary, but catching up on recent events of each others life.  We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later,  She said, ‘I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.’
I agreed.

‘How was your Dinner Date?’ asked my wife when I got home.  ‘Very Nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,’ I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack.  It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have time to do anything for her.  Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined.

An attached note said:

‘I paid this bill in advance.  I wasn’t sure that I could be there;  But nevertheless, I paid for two plates one for you and the other for your wife.
You will never know what that night meant to me.  I Love You, My Son.’

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: ‘I LOVE YOU!’ and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than parents, your family and friends.

Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till ‘some other time.’

Pass this story on  to a child, adult, parent,  friend  you care for.

So beautiful! I had tears in my eyes after reading this guest post!  I believe in God, family, truth between people, the power of love.  When we think of our family, our spouse, parents, or children, let us see them as a gift from God.

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We Need to Take Jesus’ Metaphor of Being Born Again More Seriously

After Christ was baptised of John in Jordan the heavens were opened, and the light of the glory of God, brighter than the sun at noonday, shone from the eternal throne. The form of a dove encircled the Son of God, while a clear voice from the eternal was heard saying,
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Communication between heaven and earth, between God and man, had been broken by the fall of Adam; but through Christ man could again commune with God. How grateful should we be for the privileges which Christ has gained for us.

Baptism is for the committed    

All baptised Christians have made a covenant with Jesus, and claim to be His children. But do you live the Christ-life? Have you been seeking those things which are above? When you took your baptismal vows, we’re you truly dead to sin and to the world?

Baptism is for the responsible  

No one is amenable to the gospel of Christ who is incapable of assuming the responsibilities connected with conversion. Jesus taught that those who wish to follow him must be willing to separate from loved ones—even parents—if necessary. The New Testament symbolically represents our union with Christ as a “marriage” (see Rom. 7:4; Eph. 5:22). Those who are dead to sin and to the world should also be dead to fashion and pride, regularly contribute liberally to support the Christian mission field and spend nothing for selfish gratification. Does this sound like you?
“One’s relationship with the Son of God is the most important commitment he will ever have upon this earth.”

Baptism is for one who understands  

As God-fearing parents, we should lead our children to give their hearts to God when they are young. We should tell them our desire to see them converted and baptised, and then work to this end.
Those in whom Christ is abiding will never neglect the duties that they owe to their children. Fathers, mothers, come to the foot of the cross, saying,
“Lord, forgive me for failing to serve Thee and to render grateful praise to Thee for Thy loving-kindness to me. O Jesus, pardon me, and I will begin to live a new life, henceforth serving Thee alone.”

Be careful with arbitrary conclusions

No one can make a sweeping generalization regarding another’s baptism. No one is able to judge, based upon mere age.

Be prepared with gentleness

There is no doubt but that small children will, on occasion, request baptism—when it is readily apparent that they do not comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Remember that our children are not are own, but that they, too, have been “bought with a price,” and that they are to be prepared for a home in heaven. A crown of glory will be placed upon the head of every victorious parent and every victorious child. The gates of the beautiful city will be opened for the entrance of both faithful parents and obedient children. In that day it will be the privilege of faithful parents to say,

“Behold I and the children which God hath given me are saved by grace.”

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Find God in Prayer

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29

There are two kinds of prayer – the prayer of form and the prayer of faith. 

The repetition of set, customary phrases when the heart feels no need of God, is formal prayer. We should be extremely careful in all our prayers to speak the wants of the heart and to say only what we mean. All the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire. The most eloquent prayers are but vain repetitions if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed just as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting that it would be granted – this is the prayer of faith. The publican who went up to the temple to pray is a good example of a sincere, devoted worshiper. He felt that he was a sinner, and his great need led to an outburst of passionate desire, 

“God be merciful to me a sinner.”

After we have offered our petitions, we are to answer them ourselves as far as possible, and not wait for God to do for us what we can do for ourselves. The help of God is held in reserve for all who demand it. Divine help is to be combined with human effort, aspiration, and energy. But we cannot reach the battlements of heaven without climbing for ourselves. We cannot be borne up by the prayers of others when we ourselves neglect to pray; for God has made no such provision for us. The unlovely traits in our characters are not removed, and replaced by traits that are pure and lovely, without some effort on our part.

In our efforts to follow the copy set us by our Lord, we shall make crooked lines. Yet let us not cease our efforts. Temporary failure should make us lean more heavily on Christ.

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Christian Expelled from University Over Anti-Gay Remarks Loses Appeal

Felix Ngole, a 39 year old devout Christian was thrown off a university course after branding homosexuality a sin on Facebook.

Felix Ngole, a 39 year old devout Christian was thrown off a university course after branding homosexuality a sin on Facebook.

Felix Ngole, from Barnsley in south Yorkshire, claimed that he was merely expressing a traditional Christian sentiment. Ngole was on a two-year Social Work Masters Degree course at  Sheffield  University in February 2016 after writing what the university deemed “derogatory” comments about gay and bisexual people on facebook.

Ngole, wrote during a debate on Facebook that;

“the Bible and God identify homosexuality as a sin”, and added  that “same-sex marriage is a sin whether we like it or not. It is God’s words and man’s sentiments would not change His words.”

He claimed that he was lawfully expressing a traditional Christian belief and claimed that university unlawfully prevented him from completing his postgraduate degree. But after reviewing rival claims at a trial in London this month, the deputy high court judge, Rowena Collins Rice, ruled against him.

Ngole said his rights to freedom of speech and thought, enshrined in the European convention on human rights, has been violated. His case was backed by the Christian Legal Centre, part of the campaign group for Christian Concern.

The university lawyers argued that Ngole showed “no insight” and said the decision to remove him from the social work course was fair and proportionate.”

They said the university had to consider his;

“fitness to practise as a professional social worker because  Social workers have considerable power over the lives of vulnerable service users and trust is a precious professional commodity.”

The judge was told Ngole had written comments during a debate about  Kim Davis, a state official in the US state of Kentucky, who point blank refused to register same-sex marriages. Ngole said he had argued that Davis’s position was based on the “Biblical view of same-sex marriage as a sin” and said that he was making a “worthwhile contribution” to an important public debate in which he was entitled to freely express his religious views. Ngole said   “I stand with Kim Davis”, a reference to the  Kentucky county clerk  who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licences to same-sex couples.

Ngole plans to appeal the decision, adding:

“I am very disappointed by this ruling, which supports the university’s decision to bar me from my chosen career because of my Biblical views on sexual ethics.

The universities solicitor Collins Rice said:

“Public religious speech has to be looked at in a regulated context from the perspective of a public readership.

The judge added: “Universities also have a wide range of interests in and responsibilities for their students – academic, social and pastoral. Where, as Sheffield does, they aspire to be welcoming environments for students from a diverse range of backgrounds, they must expect to be inclusive and supportive of that diversity.”

Officials at the Christian Legal Centre Said the Decision Was Wrong and Would Have A “Chilling” Effect.

Andrea Williams, the chief executive, said:

“That whiles Mr Ngole is entitled to hold his Biblical views on sexual ethics, he is not entitled to express them. This ruling will have a chilling effect on Christian students up and down the country who will now understand that their personal social media posts may be investigated for political correctness.”

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Does God Have a Sense of Humor?

Does God Have a Sense of Humor?

Surely God must have a sense of humor since we are made in His image, and a sense of humor is such a delightful gift?

Perhaps we’re accustomed to thinking of Jesus only as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief”. His crucifixion is certainly no laughing matter. Or maybe the image of a laughing Jesus offends? Yet Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus is able to sympathize with us because he is exactly like us excluding sin!

God Has Gifted Us with a Sense of Humor; It Stands to Reason That Jesus Had One, Too.

Interestingly the word “humor” does not exist in the Bible, however, nor does the word Trinity, but the concept most definitely exists!  It should be evident that Jesus, being human, had a sense of humor, since the ability to perceive, enjoy, or express what is comical is part of the human experience.

Such a God Inspired the Author of Proverbs to Write, “A Happy Heart Makes the Face Cheerful” (15:13),

It should be evident that Jesus, being human, had a sense of humor, since the ability to perceive, enjoy, or express what is comical is part of the human experience.

Is my definition of funny the same as God’s?

Of course, a lot of what the world calls humor is not funny but is crass and crude and should have no part in a Christian’s life (Colossians 3:8).

Our Speech Should Be Edifying, and Therefore Our Humor Should Be as Well.

What about sarcasm?

Humor can be a wonderful way to cheer up and encourage a friend or calm a serious situation. But cutting remarks at the expense of someone else is of the devil. (Proverbs 26:18-19).

When is humor inappropriate?

Any humor that is done at the expense of someone else’s feelings, that only tears them down instead of building them up, is also something that God says we should not do (Colossians 4:6;  Ephesians 4:29). When in doubt, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom before entering a situation where it might not be a good idea to exercise your wit. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit will guide us and help us know God’s truth (John 16:13).

When humor is appropriate?

Well, it appears that most laughter is intimately related to knowledge of outcomes or the lack thereof. If I know how things will turn out, I can laugh with confidence.   You see, when a person is connected with One who has the power to foretell and even determine outcomes, and when that One has promised His loved ones that He will work out everything for our good, then that person has every right to sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy a good hearty laugh, whatever the circumstances. It is not a moment of empty hilarity or temporary amusement. It is an act of faith!

My dear friend Holly told me this story:

Paul and his wife Jill were awakened at 3:00am by a loud bang on the door.
Paul gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain asked for a push.

“Not a chance,” says the Paul, “it is 3:00am in the morning!”

He slams the door and returns to bed.

“Who was that?” asked his wife Jill?

“Just some drunk man asking for a push,” he answers.

“Did you help him?” Jill asks?

“No, I did not Paul reply’s. It’s 3:00am in the morning and it’s pouring with rain out there!”

“Well, you have a short memory,” says his wife Jill. “Can’t you remember about three months ago when we broke down, and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of yourself!

God loves drunk people too, you know!”

Paul does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pounding rain. He calls out into the dark, “Hello, are you still there?”

“Yes,” comes back an answer.

“Do you still need a push?” calls out Paul?

“Yes, please!”

“Where are you?” asks Paul.

“Over here on the swing,” replied the drunk.

God has given us the ability to appreciate humor and share jokes with our friends. It’s certainly not a sin to laugh! But we also need to be aware of our words, other peoples feelings, and situations where humor may or may not be appropriate.

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Global Persecution of Christians Is More Worse Than at Any Time in History, Charity Warns

The persecution of Christians is now “worse than at any time in history,” according to a report by the Christian charity Aid to the Church in Need, which states that not only are Christians more persecuted than any other faith group, they are also experiencing the worst forms of persecution.

The Europe-based group also found that in 12 of the 13 countries reviewed, the situation for Christians was worse in overall terms in the period 2015–17 than within the preceding two years, says the report titled, “Persecuted and Forgotten? 2015–17.”

Christians today face worse persecution than at any time in history, yet the UN and the international community are largely ignoring them, a new report says.

All across the nation, students are learning about genocide committed in the twentieth century, yet most know next to nothing about genocide taking place right now. That’s partly because the victims are Christians: many academics and journalists have become accustomed to seeing Christians as victimizers, not victims, thus leaving them unmoved when reports surface about genocide against the faithful.

“Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians Oppressed for their Faith, 2015-17,” is a study released by Aid to the Church in Need, an organization chaired by George J. Marlin. Its findings are devastating.

“In 12 of the 13 countries reviewed,” the report notes, “the situation for Christians was worse in overall terms in the period 2015-17 than within the preceding two years.” Genocide has been recorded in Syria, Iraq, and northern Nigeria, either by ISIS or affiliates such as Boko Haram.

North Korea is singled out for persecuting Christians. Its atrocities include starvation, abortion, and hanging Christians on crosses over a fire; others were run over by steamrollers.

It adds that genocide against Christians has also taken place in northern Nigeria, where Boko Haram, which is now believed to be affiliated with IS, started a campaign of violence to ensure the faithful “will not be able to stay.”

The report also highlights the fact that Christians have suffered increased violence and oppression in India after the 2014 rise to power of the right-wing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And in China, “intolerance was on the rise, as evidenced by a renewed clampdown on dissident clergy and destruction of churches as well as crosses and other Christian symbols.”

It adds, “At a time in the West when there is increasing media focus on the rights of people regardless of gender, ethnicity or sexuality, it is ironic that in much of the secular media there should be such limited coverage of the massive persecution experienced by so many Christians.”

Prominent religious freedom advocate and evangelical figure Johnnie Moore earlier this month released a new book highlighting word-for-word testimonies of Christians worldwide who have endured severe persecution and know what it truly means to be willing to die for Christ.

“Most of the stories in the book are recent stories, except for a few stories that are from the late ’90s,” Moore, an informal adviser to the Trump administration and a former senior vice president for communications at Liberty University, told The Christian Post  in an interview.

“We intentionally chose to include countries that have received less attention, countries like Eritrea, Nigeria and regular people. There are some pastors and leaders in the book but there are more regular, everyday Christians who have this amazing faith.”

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20 Inspirational Christian Quotes

No one ever said it was easy being an Christian. Whether you’ve just started to walk with Jesus or you’ve been a Christian for years, there will always be those moments when you ask yourself if this whole Christian thing is worth it. Instead of giving up and throwing-in the proverbial white towel, keep your head up and look to the following 20 quotes to inspire and motivate you during those tough patches.

  1. “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”  ’- Max Lucado
  2. “We may speak about a place where there are no tears, no death, no fear, no night; but those are just the benefits of heaven. The beauty of heaven is seeing God.”  ’- Max Lucado, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus: Knowing His Heart, Feeling His Love
  3. “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength.  Corrie Ten Boom
  4. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”  ’- John Piper
  5. “If God called us to a task, He will then qualify us for the job.  Jack Hyles
  6. “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”  ’- Augustine  
  7. “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” ’- Hans Urs von Balthasar, Prayer
  8. “We have a God who delights in impossibilities.”  ’- Billy Sunday
  9. “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”  ’- Chuck Swindoll
  10. “When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.”  ’- C.S. Lewis
  11. “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”  ’- Francis Chan
  12. “I’m not afraid of the devil. The devil can’t handle Jesus to whom I’m joined; he can’t handle the Jesus to whom I’m united; he can’t handle Jesus whose nature dwells in my nature.
  13. “Worrying is arrogant because God knows what He’s doing.” ’- Barbara Cameron, A Time to Heal
  14. “Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” ’- Elisabeth Elliot, A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
  15. “Radical obedience to Christ is not easy… It’s not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”  ’- David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
  16. “Experience had quickly taught her that she could not survive the storms without the anchor of the constraining love of Christ and what she called the “Rock-counsciousness” of the promise given her, “He goeth before.” ’- Elisabeth Elliot, A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
  17. “We fail in the work of grace and love when there is too much of us and not enough of God.” ’- Suzanne Woods Fisher, The Search
  18. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” ’- James 1:12
  19. “You won’t ever get ahead if you keep feeling sorry for yourself. You must stop all the negative talk and start thinking positive. You have a lot of potential but your life won’t change until you change how you think.”  ’- Michele Woolley, God’s Favor – Breath Of Heaven
  20. “Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones. And when you have finished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.”  ’- Victor Hugo
       
I hope you have enjoyed my list of Christian inspirational quotes for difficult times  as much as I did in researching and finding them for you.  What are some of your favorite inspiring  quotes? Leave me a comment below and share them with me!  Blessings

 

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The Deity of Christ – it’s QED!

When my high-school math teacher solved a math problem on the blackboard, he would often write QED in large letters next to it.   QED is an abbreviation of the Latin words, “Quod erat demonstrondum”, which means “What has been demonstrated”.   What he was saying to us when he wrote QED on the board was, “The problem has been solved; it’s obvious!”   “Let’s move on to the next problem!”

In John 5:30-47, Jesus gives us five witnesses to His deity.

  1. Himself – Jesus was completely unbiased because He was not seeking His own will, but the will of the One who sent Him.   As He later told Philip, “He who sees Me sees the Father” (John 14:9).   He told His accusers, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), and they picked up stones to stone Him to death because He was claiming to be God.
  2. John the Baptist – who claimed to be the forerunner of the Messiah, and the “friend of the Bridegroom”.   Thousands of people came to listen to him and be baptized as a sign of repentance in preparation for Messiah’s arrival.   John the Baptist referred to Jesus as “the Lord”, “the Lamb of God”, and “the Son of God”, and told his own disciples to follow Jesus.
  3. His works – Jesus’ miracles were examples of His divine power and substantiated His claims.   As Nicodemus said to Jesus in John 3:2, “No one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”   There were others in the Bible who performed miracles, but none of them claimed to be God.
  4. The Father – At Jesus’ baptism, the Father’s voice was heard from heaven saying,  “Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased”  (Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22).   The voice of the Father from heaven also came on two other occasions:   at Jesus’ transfiguration (Luke 9:35), and after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:28).   It wasn’t thunder they were hearing.   They heard His words, loud and clear, on all three occasions!
  5. The Scriptures –  Jesus Christ is not merely in the New Testament Gospels and Epistles.   He is also found directly and indirectly in the Old Testament Scriptures:   the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings.   He is found in the promises to Adam, Abraham, Moses, and David.   He is also in the symbolism of the ceremonial Law and sacrifices.   Jesus tells the Jewish leaders in John 5:39,  “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me”.  The Old Testament Scriptures were a signpost that pointed to Jesus.
  6. The Conclusion:   Q.E.D.!   The problem is solved!   It’s been demonstrated!   It’s obvious!   Let’s move on to a deeper relationship with God the Son:   the Lord Jesus Christ!
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Whose Side are You On?

End of Year Prayers for Peace

There’s a battle going on and you’re in the midst of it, whether you know it or not.   It’s a world war.   I call it LOE (Life On Earth), and lo and behold, you are in it every waking hour.   You restless sleepers may even be experiencing it in your sleep!   There are only two sides in this war, and if you’re not on one side, then you’re on the other.   Do you need some help choosing sides if you haven’t done so already?   Do you want further information as you reconsider whose side you want to be on?

Frances Ridley Havergal wrote a hymn based upon David’s call to commitment given to his army in I Chronicles 12, and his army’s response to him.   Verse 13 says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said: “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse.”  The title of her hymn is:   WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?   Below I’ve written the first stanza of that hymn.

Who is on the Lord’s side?   Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side?   Who for Him will go?
By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side, Savior, we are Thine.  

With our enlistment papers already signed, may we be clothed in His armor and standing together at the battle line.   May it be obvious to everyone we know and everyone we meet, that we are on the Lord’s side, and we will not retreat!

The Scriptures have already told us Who is ultimately going to win.   The question is:   “Who is going to win on your own battle field today?”   If you are on the Lord’s side, trusting Him as you pray, then you won’t have to worry, for you both will win today, hands down!

A NOTE ABOUT THE WRITER OF THIS HYMN:

Frances Ridley Havergal struggled with debilitating illness for most of her life.   She wrote several inspirational hymns as well as a book for invalids entitled “Starlight Through the Shadows”, dying at the age of 43 before completing the book.   Her sister added the final chapter from Havergal’s unpublished papers.   That chapter is entitled  “Marching Orders” and concludes with the words to this hymn:   “WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE”.

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Britain Is No Longer a Christian Country and Should be Systematically de-Christianized, Panel Said

London Mayor Boris Johnson has said £1.3tn of investment is needed over the next 35 years in order for London to retain its world class status

LONDON — Nearly two years ago, the “Commission on Religion and Belief in British Public Life” published a report on the role of religion in society. The paper made it clear that Britain is no longer a Christian country in any meaningful sense and should be systematically de-Christianized due to the decline of church-going and the rise of Islam and other beliefs.

Britain Is No Longer A Christian Country

The commission has attracted particular controversy because of the authority of those behind it. Patrons include Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury; Lord Woolf, the former chief justice; and Sir Iqbal Sacranie, the former general secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain.

“Britain is no longer a Christian country and should stop acting as if it is, a major inquiry into the place of religion in modern society concluded in 2015, provoking a furious backlash from ministers and the Church of England.”

The report triggered a argument as it was condemned by cabinet ministers as “seriously misguided,” while the Church of England said it appeared to have been “hijacked” by humanists.

Remarkably, the overall decline of religion in Britain has coincided with the arrival of three million migrants who tend to have more religious belief than British Christians. In particular, the visual impact of Islam, most obviously expressed in the proposal for a 9,000-capacity ‘super-mosque’ in east London that was rejected by planners about 18 months ago, might give the impression that migration has brought a religious revival to Britain.

You Can’t Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater

Inevitably, the question of what is to be done about our national Christian institutions will soon arise. Is it appropriate that we are still invited to swear on the Bible in court?

Down The Inquiry Rabbit Hole

The Commission on Religion and Belief in Public Life document said that faith schools are “socially divisive” and the selection of children on the basis of their beliefs should be phased out. The report claimed that the number of Church of England bishops in the Lords should be replaced with imams, rabbis and other non-other non-Christian clerics as well as evangelical pastors. The report also backde moves to cut the number of Church of England bishops in the Lords and give places to imams, rabbis and other non-other non-Christian clerics as well as evangelical pastors. It also recommended that the coronation service for the monarch ought to be overhauled to include other faiths and that thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4’s should include non-religious messages. And it recommended new protections for women in Sharia courts and other religious tribunals — including a call for the government to consider requiring couples who have a non-legally binding religious marriage also to have a civil registration. Most controversially, perhaps, the report also called for a rethink of anti-terror policy, including allowing students to voice radical views on campus without fear of being reported to the security services.

Some will find this sad, others as a sign of progress, but the greater majority will view it with indifference.

Educating The Public

Given all that, why do Christians in the country have so much political and educational power?

“England has an established Church. Its bishops sit in the House of Lords. The Queen is both head of state and also supreme governor of the Church of England. One of the monarch’s titles is Defender of the Faith.”

Because of this, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has told the Daily Telegraph that claims the UK was not a Christian country ignored “both historical and constitutional reality”, its not fact.  The Bible features heavily in the architecture and decoration of the Houses of Parliament, paying silent tribute to its significance in English jurisprudence. Most British law is ultimately derived from the codes of law within the Bible, of which the Ten Commandments is pre-eminent.

“The Equality of All People Before The Law is Another of The Bibles Legacies.”

In short the social institutions and safeguards, as well as many of the benefits people take for granted, were supported by the understanding of human life which was found within the Bible. In this sense, the foundations of Britain’s culture and society can truly be said to be biblical.

The report is dominated by the old-fashioned view that traditional religion is declining in importance and that non-adherence to a religion is the same as humanism or secularism.

Today, as people are facing ever more clearly the perceived threats of global war, the Bible, with its vision of man’s position within creation and responsibility under God to care properly for it, still has a major contribution to make to the future of all humankind.

 

 

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Cleansed and Reborn in JESUS Name – NFL Player Baptize Teammate While Bowing in Prayer!

While the National Football League NFL may be a divided, there’s one team whose faith and brotherhood exudes unity.  In this week’s meet them where they are story, Eagles wide receiver Marcus D. Johnson was baptized on the road.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Marcus Johnson tweeted a photo of him being baptized in the team's hotel swimming pool, just hours before the Eagles' victory Thursday night over the Carolina Panthers. (Image source: YouTube screenshot)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Marcus Johnson tweeted a photo of him being baptized in the team’s hotel swimming pool, just hours before the Eagles’ victory Thursday night over the Carolina Panthers. (Image source: YouTube screenshot)

Just prior to Thursday night’s nationally televised NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Carolina Panthers, members of the visiting Eagles gathered at their hotel pool — but a relaxing swim wasn’t on the agenda. Instead, they lined up around one end of the pool’s deck, held hands and bowed their heads while team mate Marcus Johnson got baptized, CBS News reported.

Eagles Wide Receiver Marcus Johnson Gets Baptized In Hotel Pool
Eagles Wide Receiver Marcus Johnson Gets Baptized In Hotel Pool

Surrounding Marcus Johnson are more than a dozen of his teammates with heads bowed and hands locked.

Johnson said’ “First time being Baptized!” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “Corporate Worship is a beautiful thing!! Cleansed & Reborn in JESUS name!!”

In his excitement about being a born-again Christian, the footballer included an emoji of a mega-phone and praying hands.  Johnson’s proclamation of serving Jesus Christ is not the first time the Eagles have spoken out about faith.  Leading the showcase of Bible-believing brothers is quarterback Carson Wentz, who has vowed to play for an “Audience of One.” His belief led to the creation of AO1 Foundation, which aims to “ show the love of God by providing support for the less fortunate and people in need.”

“The faith movement among the Eagles has gone far beyond the locker room prayer.”

Along with Wentz, a number of other Eagles have been known to share public testimonies. CBS News added, noting that it’s “expanded in 2017 to the point that it’s virtually become linked to the team’s core.”

In a season that is swirling with tension and political punches, it’s teams like the Philadelphia Eagles that are using their platform for a higher purpose.

God is clearly working in the hearts of those players, and their unity in Jesus Christ, will no doubt continue shine bright a world broken world full of strife. Godinterest prays that the players faith inspires others to look to Jesus Christ the author and finisher.  

It really is beautiful. Congrats, Marcus D. Johnson! Keep putting God first.

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Tell Me the Story of Jesus: 7 Tips For An Effective Christmas Service

The Christmas season is a great time of year to have an impact for Christ in your local community!

Each year towards the end of the Fall school semester, I always enjoy having my music students play Christmas carols. As a general rule I have found that you are never to old or to young to enjoy this music. However, a  couple of years ago I had a student, who had never been to any type of Christmas service who  told me he had never heard  Away in the Manger…

I was shocked and grieved at the thought of anyone not knowing this simple and yet profound carol.  Because of this encounter I have become even more  convinced of our need for the Christmas service in our communities.  We had some great ideas and some not-so-great ideas, but here are a few hints to make your Christmas Eve nativity play an effective outreach for your community.

Charlotte and Clara as they wait for their big moment as angels in our Christmas Eve service. A couple of cuties no doubt
Charlotte and Clara as they wait for their big moment as angels in our Christmas Eve service. A couple of cuties no doubt

I have invited my good friend and colleague Ida Smith to join me with her thoughts. Ida has been successfully producing Christmas Eve services for over 50 years. When asked why she finds this work such a blessing  she replied:

“I believe that worship should involve as many people as possible. They always say, ‘Liturgy is the work of the people.’ I believe it! There are frequently hidden musical resources within your congregation and I enjoy finding the young instrumentalist, the treble soloist, or the farmer who loves to sing.”  and I whole heartedly amen these words…

#1. Get as many people involved as possible.  

The more people you have invested in the program, the more people you will have filling the seats. If you keep this in mind throughout the process, you will find that your Christmas service or program, whenever you decide to schedule it, will fill up to over flowing and be the best attended service  you have  all year. These services are not about perfection and often the most unpolished performance can shine with the greatest heart.

Ida  “include any child who is in the public school music program, or those who take private music lessons. Adults who have played in the past are often interested in worshiping  with their music. Don’t forget to see if there are any guitarists in your midst. Find these people in early fall, and invite them to be part of the Christmas worship.”

Ida Smith in her element in front of a well rehearsed ensemble. I love this woman's heart and she really is a hero in my eyes!
Ida Smith in her element in front of a well rehearsed ensemble. I love this woman’s heart and she really is a hero in my eyes!

#2. It is never too early or too late to start your preparations for your Christmas service.

I highly recommend however, that you begin thinking and planning in September. In fact, I find that my true Advent season is actually when the temps are toping 100s in July. That being said, the important thing is that you begin, and when you do, keep in mind that you can never have too much rehearsal.  There  will always be  several lost weeks due to unforeseen weather, sickness and just the normal “conflicts of interests” competing for your groups time.

 Ida: “Be in rehearsal mode by November First!”

#3. Plan a “Lessons and Carols” type service.

These are often the most meaningful and best types of services that can accommodate any size fellowship.

Ida “I find the most accessible Christmas Eve programs to be Services of Lessons and Carols. This kind of service can use very simple, but lovely carols. Small congregations would have difficulty in preparing a cantata, but can very nicely do a carol service.”

You will find  Lessons and Carols 101 here.   The nice thing about this kind of a service is that it connects the old testament passages with the birth narratives you find in the Gospels and you can easily mix traditional carols with more contemporary praise music. Variety is the key to appealing to the widest audience and keeping your program from lagging. Your goal is  to have something for everyone on your program.

#4. Plan for the photo opportunity.

Kids love dress up and nothing brings in the surrounding neighborhood like the chance to see their children dressed in costume on the stage. This can be as simple as a processional culminating around the nativity scene.  Dressing the children as angels, little sheep or children around the world are all themes that project a beautiful image along with a message that is memorable.

#5. Make a printed program.

A crowd pleaser as everyone loves to see their names on a program. These are the mementoes that people save and you can add  the scriptures  as a take home for later reference. This is a little extra trouble but the pay off is huge and well worth the effort. List everyone who was involved, from the performers to the dressmakers and cookie bakers. This then will save you from having to remember who to thank under the pressure of the night.

#6. Have a living Nativity.

This time honored tradition, began in the Middle Ages by St. Francis of Assisi, is one that never grows old. Look for a young couple within your congregation that may still be struggling to meet everyone and put them center stage for this part of the evening. They will never forget their special moment and the congregation will be universally blessed by their participation as a family.

Ida remembers last year: “We have recently added a limited live nativity, to be enjoyed as the congregation leaves. Our angel choir was joined by a few be-winged instrumentalists, as they sang for the Baby Jesus. Many pictures of Mary and the sweet infant were taken, and the donkey was petted by all. Christmas became warmer and quite wonderful, as we included even more people in the worship celebration.  

#7. Don’t forget the cookies!

What would  any event be with out the opportunity to linger around a rich assortment of Christmas treats. Again this is your chance to enlist the help of those who are more afraid of the spotlight but still would like to be a part of the production. Consider the possibility of providing some kind of goodie bag for each child to find, with their name written on it, under the tree.

These are just a few ideas that I have learned over the years provide for a memorable and time honored occasion.

My friend Stefanie who has participated in Ida’s programs says:

“Christmas Eve services are the highlight of our year. We love the festive music, the candles, the food, the fellowship. Reliving the nativity, with the children playing the parts is magical.”      

May God’s peace be with you as you prepare for this Christmas season.

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The Wisdom of Silence:  Learning to Talk Less and Say More  

We are taught in proverbs to regard silence as golden, asked to practice it from childhood and at school, and how to use it to evade uncomfortable situations – and then resent it when used against us. Or is it what should come when we reach the limits of speech, as a German philosopher contended?

I found this somewhere and it made me think, i’m still learning… And the Bible says:

1.   Be silent In the heat of anger – (Proverbs 14:17)

2.   Be silent When you don’t  have all the facts – (Proverbs 18:13)

3.   Be silent When you  haven’t verified the story – (Deuteronomy 17:6)

4.   Be silent If your words  will offend a weaker  person – (1 Corinthians 8:11)

5.   Be silent When it is time to listen – (Proverbs 13:1)

6.   Be silent When you are tempted to make light of holy things – (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

7.   Be silent When you are tempted to joke about sin – (Proverbs 14:9)

8.   Be silent If you would be ashamed of your words later – (Proverbs 8:8)

9.   Be silent If your words would convey the wrong impression – (Proverbs 17:27)

10. Be silent If the issue is none of your business – (Proverbs 14:10)

11. Be silent When you are tempted to tell an outright lie – (Proverbs 4:24)

12. Be silent If your words will damage someone else’s reputation – (Proverbs 16:27)

13. Be silent If your words will damage a friendship – (Proverbs 16:28)

14. Be silent When you are feeling critical – (James 3:9)

15. Be silent If you can’t say it without screaming it – (Proverbs 25:28)

16. Be silent If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your friends and family – (1 Peter 2:21-23)

17. Be silent If you may have to eat your words later – (Proverbs 18:21)

18. Be silent If you have already said it more than one time   – (Proverbs 19:13)

19. Be silent When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person – (Proverbs 24:24)

20. Be silent When you are supposed to be working instead   – (Proverbs 14:23)

“WHOEVER GUARDS HIS MOUTH AND TONGUE KEEPS HIS SOUL FROM TROUBLES” – (Proverbs 21:23).

And remember  wise men speak because they have something to say, but fools because they have to say something.    Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with us forever. Amen.

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Anja Ringgren Lovn Reveals the Story of Heartbreaking Starving Child in Nigeria

Godinterest  reveals the story behind the heartbreaking image  shared on social media almost one year ago of an aid worker photographed giving water to a severely emaciated child.

Anja Ringgren Lovn, the founder of the African Children’s Aid Education and Development Foundation (ACAEDF), received a phone call about a two to three-year-old boy who had been abandoned by his family.  Anja Ringgren Lovn  gave water to the child, but was accused of being a witch.

 Toddler was found emaciated and riddled with worms by a charity worker  

Anja said: “When we heard that the child was only two to three years old we did not hesitate as a  child that young cannot survive a long time alone on the streets. We immediately prepared a rescue mission.”

Hope is a  casualty  of a much larger superstition problem in Nigeria

Hope  had to have a blood transfusion and be treated for worms, but is now  in a stable condition and is being cared for by Anja.  Hope is just one of many children who Anja has dedicated her life to helping. Four years ago, Anja decided to set up a charity in Nigeria to support children who had been accused of being witches – a casualty  of Nigeria’s much larger superstition problem.

Hope was weak and in bad health when he was found

Anja  said: “I travelled alone to Nigeria where I met children who had been abused and beaten almost to death because they were accused of witchcraft and therefore left alone to die.  What I saw was barbaric and terrible and it left a deep impression on me.  That’s why I decided to sell everything I owned in Denmark to devote my time and life to help ‘witch children’ in Nigeria.  Anja and her partner, David now runs a children’s home for young people accused of witchcraft and  have 34 children living in their care, all of whom have been accused of witchcraft.

Anja said: “When children are being tortured and abused and left alone on the street, it gives a child a lot of terrible trauma they carry around inside.  Being rejected by your own family must be the worst feeling a child can experience, and I don’t believe that anyone can imagine how that must feel like.  Education is the key in the fight against superstition.”

Heartbreaking images were shared on social media two months ago of the Nigerian toddler, named Hope,
Heartbreaking images were shared on social media two months ago of the Nigerian toddler, named Hope,

On Tuesday, January 31, having made a miraculous recovery, the now healthy-looking youngster set off to embark on his education in a strapping red outfit. And to celebrate the milestone, Loven re-created the iconic image of her, encouraging him to drink from a bottle of water.

Hope, two, from Nigeria, is ‘really enjoying life now’, his rescuer Anja said.

According to UNICEF, belief in witchcraft is widespread in Africa, and those most likely to be accused are boys with physical deformities or conditions such as autism. The Washington Post reported that in the southwestern Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom, there are an estimated 15,000 children who have been labeled witches and abandoned on the streets.
According to UNICEF, belief in witchcraft is widespread in Africa, and those most likely to be accused are boys with physical deformities or conditions such as autism. The Washington Post reported that in the southwestern Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom, there are an estimated 15,000 children who have been labeled witches and abandoned on the streets.

African Children’s Aid Education and Development Foundation (ACAEDF)  works to ensure that all children in the southern Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom have the opportunity to go to school.  

 

 

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