TEXT: ‘His advisers were amazed. “We don’t understand you,” they told him. “While the child was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the child is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again.”’ – 2 Samuel 12:21 The Living Bible THOUGHT: How many would like everything they have said or done publicly recorded for all to see? How many pages would they dread other people reading? This was the case with King David. His mighty and fearless acts are recorded in the Bible together with his mistakes, especially the ones God regarded as too serious to overlook. Read 2 Samuel 11:1 – 12:25 to understand exactly what happened. From that account I want to highlight the following. The devil will find work for idle hands When you are not doing what you should be doing, you can end up doing what you should not be doing! This incident occurred at springtime when kings fight their battles, but this king stayed at home leaving his general to take charge. With nothing to do while waiting for reports from the frontline, he yielded to temptation. Be careful, for what is done in secret can suddenly be made public David’s adultery with Bathsheba was bad...
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TEXT: ‘You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.’ – 1 Corinthians 9:24 The Message THOUGHT: The new football season and London World Athletics Championships both started last weekend. Guess which one Jenny prefers? Athletics every time! Watching live TV and recorded highlights, the same complaint arises. Far too much talking by the experts of yesteryear coupled with not enough live action of those athletes doing the competing. The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian church that Christianity is like a race – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. They would have been well aware of that comparison living just under 200 km from Olympia, home of the Olympic Games. He urged Christians to run in a way that reflected a godly, winning mentality. World Championship Athletes are not competing to become an athlete but because they are one! So it is with Christianity. Christians do not run the race to become one, but because they are one. They have received Christ as their personal Saviour; they are born again and have started a brand new life. God wants them to...
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TEXT: ‘The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” …. Give to your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil’ – 1 Kings 3:5 & 9 THOUGHT: Today’s generation is not slow when it comes to asking, particularly in the run up to Christmas (now less than 150 days away!). Clever, manipulative, in your face advertising creates millions of reasons to spend your money. If they are not careful, parents can all too easily over-spend in an effort to satisfy their children’s wish list! It is amazing in a world where so many have so much that thankfulness and contentment are so often the missing ingredients. How thoroughly selfish society has become! Today’s Teaching focuses on how King Solomon’s life changed dramatically after God appeared to him in a dream and challenged him to ask for whatever he wanted, (read 1 Kings 3:5-15 for the full account). The Book of James states, ‘You do not have because you do not ask’ – 4:2. Jesus responded countless times to people asking Him for help, resulting in miraculous healings and deliverances from satanic influences. They all had a pressing need when...
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TEXT: ‘When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him,”You are not far from the kingdom of God”’ – Mark 12:34 THOUGHT: One of the greatest mistakes a Christian can make is to encourage interested non-believers that they are not far from the kingdom of God. They use phrases like: keep on praying; it took me a long time too; God will reveal Himself to you soon. The truth is, God has commanded all men, everywhere to repent, in order that they may be saved. So all a person can and must do is “Repent”. Feelings do not need to come into it and in fact are usually a distraction and misleading. Obedience is the key. By faith a person obeys God’s command and the reward for doing that is very clear – forgiveness of all sins and the gift of eternal life! The Bible urges, ‘Right now God is ready to welcome you. Today he is ready to save you’ – 2 Corinthians 6:2 Living Bible. So why was it such an encouragement for Jesus to tell this scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God”? As we consider the context (see Mark 12:28-34), it will become apparent and an example for us too....
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TEXT: ‘But who do you say that I am?’ – Matthew 16:15 THOUGHT: The Saltash Regatta was held over the weekend of 17/18th June. Rowing competitions along the River Tamar combined with live music, all kinds of take-away food and stalls promoting charities, churches and local businesses. A baking-hot, dry, sunny day ensured thousands attended. Engage Saltash church was represented there on the Saturday only and the theme of its stall was, “Jesus – the Water of Life.” Very appropriate for thirsty people on that hot day and many times we were asked how much the bottles of water were. In fact we were giving them away free as a “thank you” for those who completed the Regatta Survey. The free gift of water helped to illustrate the free gift of salvation that Jesus gives to everyone who is willing to repent and put their trust in Him as their Saviour and Lord. The survey concentrated on five key questions. Do you believe in God? What do you believe will happen to you at the end of your life? What do you believe about Jesus? Is there a question you would like to ask God? Would you want to know God in a personal way? It was usually the...
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