Encouragement Talk

Ouch! I’ve Got a Headache

2011-12-07T11:18:00.001+11:00

It wasn't long ago that my spam emails had gone, but what a headache!

It is suggested the word 'Spam' has come from a skit from Monty Python of which Monty Python flying circus was created. A sketch of 'Spam' meat was the subject of the skit. Embedded in the script was a repetition of the product name of 'Spam' and even Spam and Eggs. In the skit there was an actor that didn't want Spam.

Ok, why mention where the word 'spam' came from as related to emails? The fact that they are repeated over and over in our emails, of which very few want in there home or business. They lend to the script of Monty Pythons 'Spam' sketch.

Understanding Monty Pythons sketch as I listened to it, it is no wonder a headache comes to the ears of the listener.
Yes, I am sick of spam emails. I got numerous emails over and over again about the untruthful fact there is money waiting for me from a beneficiary. Not only these, but emails followed that there would be compensation for those receiving such emails. Of course, these were spam as well.

I started to tell my family, if someone was that eager to give me money, then why not just post it to me. I could do with it being on a pension. I then started to send them back to my internet provider, blocked them and then deleted the email. Now instead of numerous emails, I am getting less than ten a day.
It is no doubt, had I responded to sending my details it would have cost me money and could have destroyed my family.

Pondering on what may have happened, came across my mind that the evil one, Satan is out to destroy. One of the ways he is doing this is through the internet and the family.
My encouragement today is to walk circumspectly.

“Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matt 10:17

Odd Aliens

2011-06-14T18:20:00.001+10:00

Looking inward, we see the life we once lived. It could be regarding time and the era we were brought up in, or it maybe the change which has conquered our lives. Whatever the life we once lived, it is apparent that odd things are seen or spoken that takes us by surprise in the present tense of life.

If the past could look back at us, I wonder what it could say or think of the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the working life, the home life , and of course technology?
Going through family photos and how Grand parents dressed and looked years ago, I entered into another world. It seemed to me a world of which if the images could come alive and talked and thought, we could be labelled as outlandish Aliens.

Yet we look at the images with not much thought about what they wore or talked like. We tend to think the clothes and the life style is something that should never had been in existence. Ideas of life and life style change from year to year and era to era, but Jesus never changes.
If we had a true photo image of Jesus that came alive and he could see us through that image, I wonder if he would think about the clothes we wore, our facial features, modern life styles or will he see our inward

appearance? He wouldn't look on us as some outlandish alien but rather he would see us as forgiven and on our way to Heaven to be with Him. This can only be if we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts and lives.

Sorry! We don't need an image of Jesus alive for Him to see what we're like; He sees our inward appearance now.

2011-04-26T10:36:00.002+10:00

Firm Heart Implantation

2011-04-26T10:33:00.001+10:00

We all grow up don’t we. Yet we touch peoples lives for one reason or another in which we have not communicated with for many years. It is expected during the renewed friendship, we are the same people as we have been in the past.

To our amazement we seem to not able to recognize the change in them and the change from them to us that has taken place over the years.

What do we do? We tend to try to treat each other as immature, Irresponsible, and other attributes of sin we could think of.

What is the remedy for this? A person can’t do the implantation of your new self without God. Most times we need to step back and be silent and do what the Bible says “Be still and know that I am God.” You cannot implant your new self into another person because they already have a mind set of what you were like maybe years ago.

Another unfortunate problem is we try too hard. We either become complacent or we don’t trust the other person because of our mind set that has embedded in our minds and lives from the past.

Where is God in this? We can easily tip the scales either way to complacency or complete distrust. I suggest we stand firm in the centre of the balance to give God a chance to work in the lives of both on each side of the balance.

Standing firm in Christ is the only answer. We should not be swayed by Satan in either direction of complacency or full distrust in the other person. Both are a sin as our Trust should be in the Almighty God, Son and the Holy Spirit that live in our lives if we know Him.

As we trust our Lord, trust without sin can take place between two people or a party of people and even a congregation, in a group or a Church. Following the Lord by being firm in him will renew our relationship with others by renewed implantation which only God can do.

Be still and know that I am God psalm 46:10

2011-04-25T18:01:00.002+10:00

Lest I forget You

2011-04-25T18:00:00.001+10:00

“Lead me to Calvary”

“Lest I forget Getsemene;

Lest I forget thine Agony;

Lest I forget thy love for me;

Lead me to Calvary.”

The above chorus of “Lead me to Calvary” is such an old song. But as I pondered today of this special day “Anzac Day, I couldn't help but note the fact in my mind, the comparison thought between our Soldiers at war who died in battle and the selfless cross Jesus bore for the whole world.

Yes the Soldiers fought for our country and well deserving should be honoured, for we have them in our hearts as we go to the “Dawn Service” and the “Anzac Parade.”

But shouldn't we just stop for a moment in our busy lives to think about our Lord and the punishment He took for us by saving us, so we might receive His life in our hearts by believing in Him and accepting His Holy Spirit to be in our lives.

Our Soldiers honourably saved our country. Our Lord can save our lives from destruction so we may live for eternity in Heaven with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

A Prayer you can say:

Oh Lord just as we remember our Soldiers and what they have done for us, help me to remember you by accepting you into my life. I believe what you have done for me by dying on the cross for my sins. I ask for your forgiveness. I ask now that your Holy Spirit to come into my life today.

2011-04-23T11:57:00.008+10:00

2011 Easter Encouragement

2011-04-14T22:01:00.005+10:00

Forgiveness through Personal Experience.
An Easter message.

Written in http://easternchristmas.blogspot.com/ & http://allforjesus-4.blogspot.com/

What God wants God gets. I wonder what we allow God to do in our lives and I wonder what advantage is overtaken us by others?

We are so busy trying to defend talk, and what people do to us, we tend to forget that God wants what we are defending. But then we are hit with a problem of wanting God's will in our lives.

Others think they can do what they like to another, taking advantage of another persons Faith and trust in God, just to see if that person is for real with God.

Forgiving one another takes humility and sometimes taking a beating from others in verbalization and acts that one might do against us.

When this happens we can land in Spiritual pride and say “look at me.” We may be humble for a while and as time goes on the hurt starts to fester in our lives. Or we could wait on God and be blessed of God through his rewards in this life and the life that is to come, in heaven.

Does this excuse what the person has done to us, either by the attitude, “We will see how he or she fairs with this one,” i.e. a deliberate act, or by revenge on something we may think they have done to us?

What if we were to do that to our Lord? Whoops we did. “If thou be the Christ come down off the cross.” Did this not happen to our Lord? We are doing a deliberate act when we do it to God's people. We are tempting our Lord to come down off the cross and being used of Satan.

God's people will be blessed through Spiritual, emotional and physical needs. We need not defend God's will as He will bless us in time and we do not need to do things to others just to see how the other person relies on his or her God.
God is not going to bless in an unforgiving, tempting, or revengeful Spirit, but we will be blessed in time, when we have a right heart right Spirit and the prayerful help to keep our lives in check.

At this Easter time, we need to have a grip and understanding of God's forgiveness through our Lord dying on the cross, not only for the present of His day but it was for past, present and future for all people.
He was buried and rose again and then ascended to Heaven. He then left His spirit for those who wanted Him in their hearts.

When we are unforgiving, the Spirit grieves and it affects our Lord and the inner person. Just like when we accept the Lord, we need to ask His forgiveness, so, we also need to ask the forgiveness of others. Just like our Lord when he does not expect an acceptance, neither can we from another. Just as it is a new life when we accept Him as Saviour, So will it be new life to us when we accept another persons forgiveness.

I wrote this in view of things that has happened in my Life. As I have learned to forgive in humility and let God work things out, has been testimonial to my life.

Bro Phil

Less than Sixty Seconds

2011-03-27T09:48:00.001+11:00

One weekend, I decided to go camping. I slept soundly that night. Waking up in the middle of mist and fog early in the morning, I stumbled across a figure among the mist, which looked like a man.
“What do you want?” I asked in fear.

“You are so selfish. You have not done the things I have required you to do. I asked you to give of your self and you didn't do it. The man down the street you met you could have witnessed to, died this morning without Christ. What about the severe accusations you made against the brother at church? Just because you have had a bad time, you took it out on him. You have hurt a child of God. To be scared of the Lord coming because you want to do more in this life is selfish. You should love His coming. Your lack of interest teaching others has gone by without any thought to how you could be a blessing to others. I'm so sorry but I can't give you any rewards.”

“Wait a minute, am I supposed to be in Heaven.”

“Oh, You are at the judgement seat of Christ.”

As I started to pray to ask forgiveness of all the things I was to doing wrong, I suddenly heard a big rumble.

“What is that:?” I asked quickly.

“Oh that! That is the dead in Christ rising from the graves and going to heaven.”

Weeping, thinking I had missed out on those things I should have been doing. I started to feel the shaking. With tears in my eyes, I woke up seeing my friend standing over me.

“What's wrong?” he asked with great concern.
I put my hands on his arms and told him I had to go out for a while to put things right with those I have neglected and hurt.

It is going to be in a twinkling of an eye when Jesus comes and we won't have a minute to put things right with those we have done wrong.

May we answer this question in our hearts... What is our lives like right now?

“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things DONE IN THE BODY, according to what He has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

This Story is fictional with a very true meaning.

Victory Ahead

2011-03-11T10:50:00.001+11:00

Relating to my life, I watch the wrestling on television as a relaxation. It comes amazing to me as I see them jump the ropes and do somersaults over the ropes and down on to the thin foam mats below. As I watch them, I notice it takes time for them to get up. Their opponent does not let them because this is an advantage for them so they can win the match. Before you know it, the wrestler is thrown into the ring, a cover is implemented and a three count is counted by the referee.

When we get attacked by Satan, or by people Satan uses, he does not want us to get up. We get kicked, we get held down so he can win.

Watching the wrestling, I often see the opponent held down raising his arm so he will not lose the battle. In comparison, we can hold our hands up in prayer as Satan who may think he has the win over us over taken by God's almighty hand.

To my surprise sometimes, I see the person I think is going to win the match, lose to the three count by the referee. It may seem like we have lost the match sometimes, but just like the wrestlers we can get up with triumph and fight another day.

An injured wrestler will rest by not fighting another match until his wounds and breakages have healed. We need to be assured the injured wrestler will come back to challenge another match.

Because a Christian has been hurt or injured does not mean we are out of any ministry. A person in this category needs healing from the Lord to be raised up stronger than ever before.

Consuming other peoples lives in their own demise is not a wise thing to do. As I watch wrestlers do the wrong thing by others, I see the destruction of their own fame and injuries sustained because of their own stupidity.

Before jumping the ropes to destroy someone's testimony we should consider the consequences of our actions before listening to what Satan has to offer. It is not worth the time consuming effort it takes to hurt someone else.

The Tour of my Life

2011-03-06T20:21:00.001+11:00

It was a wonderful day yesterday when I had the privilege of going with the year eight students on their History excursion. As the guide who loves the Lord took us on a Mountains tour and the history behind the convicts and the roads they endeavoured to build.

At one place in the bush, he showed how they made a box bridge using the sandstone and rocks that were their as a foundation to build on.

As we toured, we went to the most beautiful scenery that I have ever seen. Being scared of heights that I always had been, I went towards the fence with my arms out in front to look down. While I gazed upon the tops of the trees many miles/kilometres down, I was so thrilled that I was on top of the land of which I knew I was firmly upon a rock. Looking to the right of me was a huge waterfall tumbling off the top of the mountain pouring down to the bottom of the trees below of which was obscured by the massive view of the top of the trees.

Taking it in breathlessly I looked over to the left, I viewed a massive rock face structure. Being slow to rejoin the year eight group and the guide, I reluctantly pulled my self away from the view I was richly enjoying.

We continued the tour to go to a cricket oval. I wondered what was the value in this after seeing such a glorious view of what God has created. Then we listened to the story written below:
“On Monday 2nd November 1931, the Six Hour Day public holiday, a special cricket match took place at Blackheath between teams representing the local community and the Pottery Cricket Club from Lithgow. Organised by the Blackheath Municipal Council, the event was used to christen the newly installed malthoid wicket, the first of its kind in the Western Districts. The Test players Wendell Bill and Don Bradman, then aged 24, were specially invited to represent Blackheath in the local team.

Few in the crowd could have known what a memorable match it turned out to be. ‘The Don’, in his own words, “had a day out” and what a day it was! In one three-over period, in which he faced 22 balls, Bradman hit 10 sixes, 9 fours, a two and 2 singles, running up what was probably the fastest century ever scored. He was finally caught on 256, an innings that ensured a Blackheath victory.”

As I listened to the amazing story of this cricketer, Don Bradman, I thought about the relaxation and the enjoyment he got playing this game. It is to my understanding, Don got out for a duck in the next game he played in Sydney.

Going back to the school, I thought our tour was over. To my surprise there was more to come. Because the school is placed in the mountains, the tour guide along with the teacher and students took us into the bush. With the teacher in front to cut some brush away to make the path easier, I noticed a man made wall on the left of me. When we stopped the tour guide explained we were standing in the location of the old girls school and the man made wall was the foundations of the old school that got burnt down about a century ago.

The day over we were left with our thoughts and the school kids their homework.

Thinking about the bridge, I pondered over the crossing of circumstances in our lives and there is always away to the other side. Looking down to the tops of the trees, I thought about how some things may seem afar off in our lives but it can be still in our vision. Looking at the waterfall I had a glimmer of a thought that Jesus is the water of life and we need to drink from it. Gazing at the rocks I knew that Jesus is my rock and the rock of all ages. Understanding the story of Don Bradman, he kept his eye on the ball to score just over a century until he took his eye off the ball in the next game. Seeing the foundation of the old school reminded me that Jesus is the foundation that we need to be firmly on even though the wood is burnt down in our lives, He will still stand firm.
Quote from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_mountains_library_local_studies/4680010673/

Why did you Eat

2011-02-27T08:37:00.001+11:00

It is often said “I wonder what this year, week, and sometimes day will bring?” The thought comes to mind about what kind of day it is. The day could be thought of as a negative when we ask the question to ourselves or orally as we think about the past we so horribly experienced.

If we had experienced life's troubles in various forms, it is meant to be for our own good. We don't like what had happened to us, but it seems to stick in our minds as a hurtful ailment in our lives.
Starting a new day as the beginning of the rest of our lives becomes a knife in our back, so to speak, when others remind us of those things which we may or may not have done is spoken of again.

In Genesis chapter three, when Adam was asked why he ate of the fruit, he blamed the woman. When eve was asked by God why she ate of the fruit, she blamed the serpent or the devil. Because the sin of blame was there at the beginning, then it is not at all surprising that it's going to be a huge problem in our lives.
How we deal with this problem of various forms, remembering that the devil is the accuser of the brethren, is entirely our responsibility. Then I wonder if some things should be left unsaid and not thought of by a brother or sister in Christ.

Having a week full of misery through the thoughtlessness of others can have a devastating affect on our lives. God made both women and men differently and with each different personalities of which I have much respect. In an up-side-down world of today there is the view of some that women are in charge and like to take control.

God gave everyone their gifts according to their own ability. Let us use them in the Spirit of meekness and fear.

It was a bad week when Adam and Eve ate from the tree in the garden. In-so-much because of sin and blame, it has affected the history and the future of mankind. When we are accused or blamed of things we didn't do, I wonder how that affects us in relation to the weeks to come, in our lives? And how does it affect the accuser? We need not make it a bad week for ourselves by heeding what Satan commands.

Night Chills

2011-01-13T21:33:00.001+11:00

Time progressed slowly when I was young, as some of us may recall. We would remember our going to bed and saying “good night” to our parents or guardian. I remember that my bed was tucked in so tightly with sheets and blankets I could hardly get into it. I know now beds were prepared this way in the era I had grown up in. Or, was there some other reason that I did not know about?

During the quiet of the night while the rest of my family were asleep, I would pull the top sheet and the blankets out from the bottom of the mattress. After being free from my tightly tucked bed, I would then go to the bottom of my bed head first, and see if I could turn around in a circle underneath the bed linen and blankets without going over the edge of the mattress. Every morning my sheets and blankets were on the floor. It was thought by my parents that I had nightmares.

Looking back it doesn’t seem long before I became a young man and left home. This was not easy. I had thought that I could change a lot of things in my life and I would be free; just like I was free from the tight bedding at home. It wasn’t long before I bought myself a digital clock and a quilt. My sleep became very restful because of my very own quiet clock, and a quilt.

One night, years later, I had an experience which I will never forget. It was a cold night and was in bed with my new wife.
(You know what’s coming don’t you. Well, you can just wait for the rest of the story!)

Thinking I was under the warm quilt I woke up very cold. Weary eyed, I looked over to the other side of the bed to find my honey rolled up in the quilt. I looked down at myself thinking that there maybe something over me, but shivering away there was nothing to be seen.

Not being able to move the quilt, “Are you quite warm, Hon?” I asked in a shivering voice.

“Yes.”

There was a silence for a while, when a question came. “Have you put the garbage out?”

“No! I am not going out in the cold. I am cold enough without the quilt over me.”
“Ok.”

At this point I had three choices. The first choice was to get angry and pull the quilt off her. The second was to wake her up, which I didn’t have heart to do, or third, was to speak with her in the morning. However, for the night, I laid there like a good husband.
Folding my arms and curling up trying to keep warm, I dozed in and out of sleep for the rest of the night. I woke up before her at day break.

(Now you are starting to get interested aren’t you?)

I got dressed into some warm clothes, and made myself a cup of coffee. While sitting drinking it in the kitchen my Hon woke up and came in.

My voice cracked. “Did you have a good sleep Hon?”

“Yes, I did. What about you?”

“No I didn’t; you had the quilt all night.”

“Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“I did; I asked if you were warm enough and you said ‘yes’, and then you asked if I put the garbage out.”

At this point my loving husband attitude had gone and she noticed it.

(I have your attention now!)

Well the “debate” went back and forth of the occurrences through the night as you may imagine. Then, she said something that changed the situation around.

“I honestly don’t remember talking to you, or asking you about the garbage.”

Realizing what had happened, I knew that it was time to reconcile with her. She was so upset I knew that my tender loving care had to come back.

It was a wonderful experience to forgive each other, and we still laugh at this experience we had that night.

I will always remember the joys we had when we were growing up and the well tucked in nights that we once enjoyed and we will always cherish the experiences of marriage as we grow to be more like Christ, forgiving one another.

(What happens with our quilt now? Not telling!)

Sickness in the Heart

2010-11-28T23:28:00.001+11:00

During my working life with you I have seen all types of media telling their story regarding wars and major events in the world. I have spent my time in trousers, shirts and even on a bed side tables. I have been able to put my own slant on stories gathered around the world. Having money in my pocket has been exciting to gather. When the day ended, I was jammed full.

With a lot of thought, I have been able to select an amount of money to publish what I wanted to share. I have been able to report about the devastation and starvation of children.
The company I work for is grateful because I have earned so much money.

Everything will be okay. The public will have fund-raising events. With this help and without my help, everything will be apples.

Oh no! Not another phone call. It’s singing that same old song “Give them all to Jesus.” I'm going to bury myself deep so I don't hear that annoying song.

“Hello,” a robotic voice blurted on loud speaker.

“I have got to hear this!”

William leapt to see.

“Yes, we have a job for you to report on a story, in a faraway land. Would you like to go? “

A hand went to grab me.

“Again, I can make more money.”

“You will have to share a room.”

William was in doubt about sharing a room. The two men climbed into their separate beds. On the other side of the second bed was another like me on the table.

“Hey, you there, I feel sick,” William whispered.

“No wonder,” said Peter, “Look at yourself, you are so packed full, you will have to give some of that money away.”

“Oh no, I couldn't, I need it to earn money for our company. Anyway, I cannot give money away. Now you have made me sicker.”

The phone rang at that very moment. “Give them all to Jesus” it played.

“Oh be quiet, “said William, frustrated. “

Hello,” Spoke a stern voice.

“Yes, there has been another tragedy. People cannot get through on the roads because of a land slide. Children are without food.”
Oh no, they want money from me again. I am not going to. Anyway what has Jesus got to do with it? William thought, quite disturbed.

The phone hung up. William was so disturbed; he felt sicker. “Oh no; what am I going to do.”

“Do you want some help?” Peter asked.

“You see William, the problem is not just being sick, it is because you look so guilty and you know that there is something you must do.”

“Oh thanks very much, I don't need you to tell me,” William said, obviously offended.

“It is a heart problem. You see when you are nice, soft and ready to give what God wants you to give; then, you will feel better. You do not have to give everything, unless God directly says you should. Opening your heart to him and let him be the judge how much you can give will help your release and the enclosure you find yourself in.”

The next morning, the man that owned William, brought a new wallet with him. Because Williams’ heart was soft and was opened the money went into the new wallet.

William had become New William. The old William had gone. It was thrown out into the trash can.

Peter saw it. He jumped for joy.

“What happened?” Said Peter to new William.

“Oh, I kept on thinking about that song “Give them all to Jesus.” “The words of the song were going around in my head. I realized I had been hanging on to a lot, not just my money but also my heart to Jesus. I prayed for Jesus to come into my heart. Now I have a new life. I am a new William.” He said with happiness in his heart.

“Oh, that is so wonderful New William.” The two men picked up Peter and new William. They left for the landslide to see how God could use them.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

Words Cannot be Altered

2010-11-14T18:46:00.001+11:00

I got Tenth place for this writing in a writing competition

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3:6 KJV

I guess these are strong words; nevertheless they are words that never can be altered.

A fire can destroy property and ruin one financially even to the point where one needs to move. When we compare this to the tongue that it can set something alight, it can ruin a person’s life in the community.

The Tongue can give a devastation of reputation. The Tongue can leave ashes or things in that person’s life that cannot be repaired.
Photos and personal belongings can be destroyed by fire, as so with our tongue set on fire to ruin ones life and destroy the photo image of one’s reputation.

Satan wants to destroy people’s testimonies not only in churches but in the community so that churches even believe the supposed wrongness that was started by the fire of the tongue.
I was in a Church at one time I thought was right for my Children and myself. The Word of God was preached and I did not have a problem.

Much to my dismay, I was called to a meeting with the Pastor and two other “mature” Christians. Without going into too much detail, I was accused of an unruly act. Not only was this act against the Word of God the Bible, it was also against morality.
Of course the act that I was accused of, I could never do. The rumour got around the small church so bad that I had to leave. This little fire nearly ended our marriage, as we were so distraught.

After a time, I looked up the internet to see what others have done in a similar situation. Yes, with no surprise, some had ended their marriage. Some had moved to a faraway State. And some had even left the country after having such a false accusation done to them.

How big is the tongue of iniquity? It is world size. It is a world size of darkness; evil; immortality; injustice; unfairness and wickedness.

The tongue defiles the whole body or it pollutes the whole body. We have heard much about pollution in this expanding world. We learn over the TV and News media, how we need to clean up pollution. Yet there is not much said about cleaning up the defilement or the pollution in our lives from the fire of the tongue.

If we have a real fire and there were chemicals near by; the air would stink. So do our lives when we defile the whole body and others with our tongue.

The words of the tongue can never be altered weather in beauty or as a fire that could destroy a life.
An affective prayer I have used before.
So let us pray.

Father in Heaven; forgive us this day if we have used our tongue in an unwise way that could have destroyed someone's life. I pray for that person and that he or she will ask God for His wisdom and to guide them in the way that would be pleasing to you. I also ask that you would forgive me for saying things that I should not have said and ask that you will teach me to ask of you what I should say before I speak. I pray this in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ amen.

Note: This writing was inspired by another of my writings but different.

Feeling Alone

2010-11-07T06:59:00.001+11:00

A True Story

I was working with a Christian company when I was in my twenties. A sum of money was given to the employees at one Christmas for the sole purpose to give to a missionary of our own choice. I asked my boss about a missionary that he would suggest, to give my donation to.

My heart was in it. I sent the cheque with a kindly letter stating this might help them get back to the mission field. With this correspondence, I thought I would get a thank you letter from them.

On my way to work for a night shift, I quickly retrieved my letters from the mail box. I instantly opened it and read it. My mouth dropped, my heart sank as I read it.

Not remembering now what it said, in a nicely handwritten letter, the content revealed how nasty and how unthoughtful I was supposed to be sending them the letter and the money, because I had no intentions of continuing support.

Feeling alone with disappointment and heart broken, I threw the letter in the bin. Dragging my feet, I continued to go to work with a gloomy heart.

Maybe being a bit more mature, I could have found out what the problem may have been. I certainly did not mean to hurt them in anyway. Whilst I did not feel guilty or in my mind cause the problem, I prayed for them.

What we do or our reaction to things may not be important to us, but they may be important to others. Sometimes we do things not knowing what we do, can hurt another.

Reaction from others may not stem from what we have done. The reaction could be what someone else has done or what they think has been done to them.

My reaction of throwing the letter away may have been an immature thing to do at the time. It could have been what God expected me to do, so He could do what he wanted for their lives.
We can learn from our mistakes and become the person that God wants us to be. At the same time he can deal with the person that we may have had correspondence with, even if we have lost contact.

We need not feel alone. God knows what he is doing.

For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Ps 86:10 KJV

Speaking with our Lord Aright.

2010-10-29T06:48:00.001+11:00

Speaking with our Lord aright
If I had a conversation with our Lord face to face, I wonder what it would be. Would I tell Him about what somebody else has done to me? I wonder if it would be about what I did for someone else.
It is amazing today how often we say things about others. The amount of misunderstanding in conversation that happens between two or more people is staggering.
Would we discuss the love that we have for our Lord? That would go against man’s nature.
A love one killed by some kind of accident might be a topic to talk to Him about. Maybe we would ask him, Why did you do it Lord? That would be hard to ask a person that question let alone our Lord. Yet there may have been times when that question has already been asked.
A natural disaster has happened the day before we spoke to our Lord. A house is lost, a child dies, or hundreds of lives destroyed. Would we be game enough to ask our lord “why” face to face?
Yet, complaining and asking our Lord is done on a constant basis in our thoughts, our deeds in talking with others, and even in our prayers.
May be our prayers are not answered because we do not give him the praise He deserves. Maybe we are talking or thinking behind his back. Or even discussing what is unnecessary with others.
It remains our responsibility to talk to him in prayer and to others the same way we would talk to him in person face to face.
People get hurt when they find out that what they have said is behind someone’s back. I wonder what our Lord may think. Our blessings, prayers and fellowship could be hindered because of it.
Think about it. Would we want to be hospitable and have conversation with someone who was talking behind our back all the time? I think we would lose fellowship with that person quickly or even instantly.
Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23

Salt of Life or Salt of Sin

2010-08-30T09:15:00.001+10:00

TITLE: Salt of Life or Salt of Sin
By Philip Barrington
30/08/10

“And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” Matt 16:3.

Many times we have heard that the Lord is going to return soon. I believe He is. I myself want to meet Him in the air. In 1 Thess 4:16:18 it says: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Not knowing all the ailments of this world that point to the coming of our Lord, I still love to hear about those things that should discern us.

As a believer in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, I see that things are so backwards in thought, and actions of those in the world and who are active in sharing principalities and powers
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph 6:12.

We can surely see the wickedness of this world and relate it to the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”Matt 24:37

Oh how we can relate to Noe’s day with what is in this world today. With wickedness in high places or authority has this world in disarray.

Even if we do not understand all that is written in the Bible about Israel and those things that are happening to His chosen people. We all can understand that evil is getting worse in the world in which we live.

What, do we not know the event in the Bible about Lot? There was so much wickedness in the plain where Lot was living. So much so that even his family was directly affected.

Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.
Luke 17:28-30

From history and Bible knowledge, we do not need to look very far to relate it to the Lord’s coming. It is so evident and obvious that the World is in so much wickedness that it would be hard not to think that the Lord’s coming is emanate.

When my Kids were young we were out having a picnic lunch with some church folk. Only being thirteen months apart, one of my boys said to me: You know Lots Wife. I said yeah in anticipation what could be coming. He continued, well, you know when we put salt on our food, we are really putting Lots wife on our food. Of course I laughed.

When we really look at what my boy said up close. When we look back to our sin and do what sin is suggesting. Then we are really consuming the world and all of its wickedness. Oh, it may enhance flavour in our lives, but just like Lot’s wife she became part of the earth when she turned into a pillar of salt so shall we become part of the world’s wickedness when we participate by involving ourselves with the sin of the world.

Can we as Christians discern the wickedness of the world and look for our Lord’s coming? Or is it possible that we might fall into the trap of the world’s ideas and be a part of it so we are not recognised by Spiritual standards and diagnosed as hypocrites?

KJV Bible

Endless Debates

2010-08-17T11:07:00.001+10:00

Phils notes on 1 Timothy 3-4

3. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

4. Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

“As I besought thee to abide, still at Ephesus….” Timothy was left here at Ephesus by Paul.

Paul wanted Timothy to emphasize to the Church at Emphasis to teach no other doctrine than the doctrine of Christ and the Apostles Doctrine. The doctrine needed to be that of scriptural truth.

Paul had the spiritual maturity to know that there may have been some that had doctrine that did not meet with spiritual standards. Because it was some that seem to be the most danger; Paul wanted Timothy to carry on for a while. Paul wanted to make sure that no other doctrine was introduced.

Paul had know the possibilities of fables or things that were untrue. Paul thought it not profitable for these fables to be told.

Paul was very thorough as then he was keyed into the fact that there were genealogies that were endless and had no need in the house of God. There were private and public genealogies of the Jews which showed what tribe they were. And weather they were Priests or Levites. This Cause debates and questions that was not profitable for the Church.

“…rather than godly edifying, which is in Faith.”

It is evident here that it was Paul’s intention to build up the people in the faith and he had the full intention to do so through Timothy. The people of Ephesus needed to be encouraged to have a Godly and enriched from the Doctrines of Christ and those things Paul had Spiritual discernment.

It is important to note that Paul was not against the Biblical genealogies such as written in the Bible today but there were unimportant genealogies that had became a debate and wasting of time of which could of and should have been put into building each other up.

There are many today who will go into endless debates in Churches which I find quite disturbing. Examples of those debates are: Is the Holy Spirit a He or a She? Or Should women be preachers in a Church?

As with Paul’s instruction that is most agreeable by me, we should measure those things which seem debatable with scripture. Paul had many things to say in his writings. Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Timothy and Titus. To save writing I know there are more.

In the day of Paul, He saw that there were problems in the Church and there needed to be some guidance to sort those things out. I wonder what he would think today in today’s world and Churches.

Nevertheless, these writings and instructions became a big part of God’s Word. Since Godly instructions are in the Bible than it should be followed. I guess, then it comes to the question well, if we did everything in the Bible at all times, we would then be sinless.

So what part of the Bible should we do away with? None is the answer. God wants us to be conformed to the image of His Son. As issues in our lives and the understanding of what the Bible says come our way we should listen and contemplate weather or not we are doing the right thing or not. Importantly in church, when we gather to worship Him.

It is important that we build up each other. Let us not fall into the trap of endless debates but encourage one another to examine the Scriptures.

KJV Bible

Gills Commentary

Eye Sight, My Sight and His Sight

2010-08-12T06:24:00.001+10:00

TITLE: Eye Sight, My Sight and His Sight
By Philip Barrington
07/27/10

Note of interest

The word “see” is recorded in the KJV Bible in five hundred and forty nine verses. To have this unique ability to see is a truly needed attribute to our bodies.

You see, this is my Story

Seeing partially because one may have eye problems is disturbing. Thus my story of seeing problems I have had.

From about the age of twenty one, I complained that I could not see properly. With great concern I went to the optometrist to have my eyes tested. With much correspondence they agreed to send me to another eye doctor to investigate my eyes.

After examining me they told me to read under a bright light. Having done this for quite a while, I was still having problems to see.

Marching myself back to the Optometrist, I had my eyes tested again. After my eye test, he told me that I did not really need glasses but there is a slight problem with my vision. I could wear reading glasses if I wanted to.

Opting to wear reading glasses, I struggled because sometimes I did not know where I put them. Well, you know how it is. So reading became a less of a problem.
Only to See the Dirt

Struggling through life as a cleaner, many times I had to get close to the object of cleaning, especially when my boss yelled at me to show me where it was not clean. It was difficult to wear reading glasses while cleaning. For many years, I changed my reading glasses every two to three years.

You See, More Health Problems Found

Receiving an injury to my cervical spine at work, quitting my job was the only option.
In time I moved to the Mountains. During my time here, the pain in my lower back got worse. Having more scans on my lumber spine, the doctors found that I had a hole in my spine. Goodness knows how it happened.

You See, I needed to see

Also during my time here in the Mountains, I found that I needed bifocals. Wearing them for a couple of years, my eyes seem to have got worse. I went to the Optometrist. After having the test, I could not pay for my new glasses. I carried on with the glasses I had.

Within approximately, six months, I went back to the Optometrist to have another eye test done. After the eye test the eye doctor said that he could not give me glasses because I had opacities. I would then need to go to a specialist.

Nearly back at my car, Confused, I made a beeline back to the optometrist. I asked very demandingly “What are opacities? Opacities are cataracts. Oh, I know what cataracts are I said with determination.

I then asked; well, how come six months ago you could give me glasses but today you cannot? Reasonable question don’t you think? After things been explained to me; after being assertive with my questions, I finally understood what was happening with my eyes. I did need cataract surgery. Does not “cataracts” sound more common than Opacities?

After about two years of having surgery on two eyes, I only need laser treatment on one of my eyes tomorrow Thursday 29 July 2010. Being fifty six, I can see much clearer now than when I was twenty one. I do wear reading glasses now. After laser treatment is finished, I will probably get long distance glasses for driving.

His Sight

We need to be able to see clearly as Christians. When sin came into the world, the knowledge of good and evil was seen. God had knowledge of the Angel that was cast out of heaven that became Satan.

We need to see clearly, the marks of sin in our own lives so that one can clean it up. Not like I missed the dirty marks at work because I could not see clearly.

How do we see clearly? We see clearly by staying close to God and getting the right information. Unlike me, receiving an unclear diagnosis on my eyes, we need to be close to God and Spiritual encouragement for our Spiritual eye sight.

Once we receive the right spiritual sight, we are then able to see clearly and be more available for our Lord’s service

Teaspoon or Desert spoon of Faith

2010-08-01T08:50:00.001+10:00

I was concerned today because I thought I had it wrong. But now I realize that it is more significant to me more than ever.
It is known that we all have five senses. Although the amount of senses we do have could be debatable amongst cults. For the sake of this writing, let us stick to five senses. They are hearing, smelling, feeling, seeing and tasting. Today, I will only use two senses, hearing and tasting.
To taste in a spiritual realm is metaphoric act that one can have. Hearing is relevant to sound. Or we often refer what we may take note of what is being said and apply it.
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Ps 34:7
This famous verse in Psalms, does not refer to a literal taste, but rather let us be challenged by our Lord, try it out and know that it is good for us.
One may ask the question. How do I know what to taste? Simple answer is by a preacher. Yes! I looked up the word preacher in my dictionary.
To preach is “To advocate or inculcate (religious or moral truth, right conduct, etc.) in speech or writing. 2. To proclaim or make known by sermon (the gospel, good tidings, etc.)
Notice the words in “speech or writing.” I guess we have come in contact where preaching is somewhat yelling from the pulpit. In my days I have met some on fire preaching and I have come across some that just give a soft talk or somewhere there between.
One thing I have noticed is that speaking or writing in a hard tone is not going to do anything to ones body.
Taking one of the other five senses i.e. “taste” If it is too hot it is going to burn our tongue, mouth or our insides. I guess most of us have done that.
It is interesting to note that the Psalmist did not say gulp our Spiritual food and it will taste good. He said taste and see the the Lord is good.
Is tasting much softer than preaching? You see, there is not much difference how we get the message across weather it is in volume, hardness, preaching, by speaking as we know it or writing. The question arises, are we going to taste that the Lord is good?
In my opening sentence, I said, I thought I had it wrong. Debating against myself in this, I could not have it more originally correct, according to the dictionary.
I do believe that preaching can be in writing as well as standing in front of a pulpit. In front of a pulpit you may or may not know your audience. It depends on what the preacher may feel the congregation needs to how he preaches. He could preach hard and loud or he could speak soft or lowly. It could even depend on personality.
With writing, we do not know who is going to pick up the writ. It could be someone needs a hard and to the point message or does someone need a nice soft story? Both may meet the need of the reader.
Regardless how a message is brought to us by our writing, we need to taste. God only expects us to take little bites in our Christian walk with Him. But let us not be surprised if we go from a taste, to a teaspoon of faith to a dessert spoon of faith. as we taste his goodness toward us.

Blocked Instructions for War

2010-07-28T11:01:00.001+10:00

Blocked Instructions for War

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

I am feeling very discouraged today in today’s society. People are not willing to hear the Gospel of Salvation nor the teaching and knowledge of God’s Word the Bible.

Having sites on the net, does not seem to entice one to the teaching of the Bible. Christians seem to be too busy to look up a word of encouragement even with modern technology from the computer.

Is it possible that we have become so wrapped up in what we are doing; we are ignoring what other Christians have written? Oh yes, I know what you are thinking. What about you? Is that not the human response? I do plead guilty in this area of my Christian life.

What about the wrongful pride that we could have? Having the attitude, I have been to Bible College I do not need that person to share with me. I am ok. There is big news for each of us. I get so inspired by the simple things that others may encourage in. An example of this is a new born in Christ. There smiling face and their exhilaration for God cannot be ignored.

It is important to squash the pride of he or she is a relative. I do not want to listen to her or him. God’s word stands regardless of what others may teach us. But what someone else says in a certain space of time may be what God wants us to hear.

What about our opening verse in Romans 10:14? Should I stop sharing because people do not want to hear? I think not. We need to understand that no matter how many gospel messages, no matter how many encouragements and no matter how much teaching we give; we as Christians need to understand that we need to keep spreading the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

If a person in the military does not know how to follow instructions, then how is one going to be effective in war? We are at war with the evil one. Are we going to get as much as we can from God’s Word the Bible from others to fight this war? Or are we going to sit on the side lines having the attitude of heart; I am not going to listen to you?

Blocking our hearing is not going to stop his Word from being real. Are we going to hear God’s word when we are supposed to, in the space of time we ought to? Or are we going to neglect to hear?

May our thoughts be pondered and our hearing improved.

oh' to be a Servant

2010-07-11T10:52:00.001+10:00

Oh’ to be a Servant

1Timothy 1,2

1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

2. Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Timothy was a Greek name meaning honouring God, or dear to God. Timothy was from Lystra. His Father being Greek; a Greek name was given to Timothy. Timothy was from Lystra in Asia Minor. In today's world would be turkey. His mother. Eunice, and Lois, his grandmother were Jews. Their faithfulness to God was pronounced (2 Timothy 1:5) Paul calling Timothy his true son in the faith was a significant label that paul had given him. (Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 3;11.

In 1Timothy 4:14 we read “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."

As we look at the above paragraphs, we notice that attributes of a Minister, Pastor or elder stands very clear.

First I would like to point out the meaning of Timothy’s name. Realizing that we all do not have the name “Timothy”, I believe that his name is given as an example to those who are considering a servants position. Nothing happens by chance. We all can use Timothy’s meaning of his name as a challenge before leadership is considered. “Are we honouring to God?” if not we need to seriously consider this label before one enters in the servant’s role.

Next I see that Timothy was from a Christian home. Just as we do not all have the name of “Timothy” nor do we all come from Christian homes. Only God knows the heart of each individual. Having said this, I believe that all my family know the Lord. Yet we are all different and living in different circumstances.

What a challenge, for those that do not have family as Christians? We have a responsibility to share the Salvation Gospel to our family members. I am not saying that you cannot be in a servant’s role because your family is not saved. But Timothy had that witness of being brought up in a Jewish home.

In these two verses we see that Paul called Timothy his “true son in the Faith.” What a witness to have. Paul the Apostle calling Timothy a true son in the Faith must have been an uplifting encouragement.

To be a witness to Timothy’s position as a servant we must consider 1Timothy 4;14. Paul recognizes that Timothy has a gift of being a servant.

I would like to submit that if we cannot be a servant to others in our Christian life, then how can we serve the house of God?

I believe that a Pastor, Elder, Minister should have a servants heart without reservation.

To be a Servant one must be a “True Son in the Faith”
He must be able to have a Christian home or be able to witness to His Family.
He must be a servant and have a servants heart.

Timothy had an outward and inward testimony. It is apparent today that Satan’s accusers have learned to destroy in today’s society. Accusations are made within and without the Church of God. If one has to defend every accusation that comes to us, we are not going to have much of a chance to grow or excel in the ministry that God has for us.

I think the devout leader should consider the accusations as coming from Satan himself and give little heed to that of the accusation. By giving heed has and will destroy potential Pastors, elders, and ministers.

I cannot prove this from scripture that I can think of but, if we Join forces with Satan on the accusation given, we are going to be robbed of the Glory of God in our lives and our position of servitude is going to be stripped away and our ministry stopped or hindered.

Let us take on the meaning of Timothy’s name and be honouring to God. Timothy was used as an example for us as one considers being a Servant of Jesus Christ.

KJV Bible

Phil Barrington

My great Concern to study Timothy and Titus.

2010-07-06T11:13:00.001+10:00

My great Concern to study Timothy and Titus.

With great concern I thought it necessary to do a study on first and second Timothy and Titus. We all have had some dealings with these books of the Bible, if in fact we have been Christians for any length of time. Personally, I have encountered much preaching especially of Pastoral and Elders and Deacons of the Church.

It is true that we leave parts of the Bible out sometimes to meet our own ends or our own interpretation of the scriptures and will influence what we believe. Having said this, we must not leave out the Holy Spirit as he guides us in the time of need to a portion of scripture, in order that we may receive answers.

It may be said that what Paul teaches was different to what Jesus taught in the Gospels. Questions may arise about our gifts or our capabilities that are elsewhere mentioned in Scripture. I would submit to you that this does not leave out the Pastoral Epistles in order to follow another passage that is written somewhere else in the Bible.

Just as it was important to have all four Gospels written, it was also needed that the office of Elders and deacons was needed at the time that Timothy received the letter from Paul. Also it is important to note that it is written for our own instruction. Does one think that the Epistle to Timothy should not have been included in the Bible for our benefit? Just because our society has changed it is a shore fact that the Bible has never changed it's divine instruction.

To say that these Pastoral qualifications should not be followed or rejected in some way is to say the Holy Spirit should have not put these epistles in our Bible for our instruction.

What about our gifts? In scriptural context we can offer our gifts in the society today through the leadership of the Church or even have a ministry created to fulfil our gifts to society and the glorification of Scripture and Lord Jesus Christ through his Holy Spirit.

This is not to discourage what the Holy Spirit wants from you, but I encourage that your ministry will be done in accordance with the instructions that is vividly written in His Holy Word.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 1Timothy 3:16.

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Struck by Lightening

2010-06-07T11:43:00.001+10:00

Sharon became restless through the night. She pondered with interrupted sleep, about what her next writing would be. Her dad, being a writer, often mentioned writers block. This negative thought kept on coming to her. “This could not be, I couldn’t have writers block” she would repeat over and over again as she tossed about in her bed.

Thunder and lightening woke her up at the crack of dawn. Through sleepy eyes she made her breakfast. Not saying a word, she dressed herself for school.

Adding to Sharon’s stress, her dad having an early appointment was not able to take Sharon to school.

Still down in the dumps, it seemed to Sharon that it took forever to get to the bus stop. While waiting for the bus, a word was not spoken. Her silence was kept while the bus engine noise changed, as it went up and down the hills.

Tony was absent in his thought. “She would probably knock my block off if I say something.” He would think, as he looked over to her occasionally.

Sharon’s spiritedness had gone; the morning went slowly and quietly. A glum look on her face was a disturbance to the class. As the morning progressed; Sharon seemed to be almost in tears.
With relief, the lunch bell rang. Sharon was so upset that she did not want to speak to Tony. Tony knew that Mr. Teasdale was going to be on lunch duty.

Tony went over to him quickly. “Sir, Sir, may I speak with you?” Tony enquired.

“Yes, what can I do for you?” asked Mr. Teasedale
“Sir, Sharon looks sadder than what I was before I became a Christian.”

Together, they walked over to the corner of the auditorium where Sharon was sitting.

“What is the problem Sharon? is it because of the stormy weather?” asked, Mr. Teasdale as they were getting closer.

“No,” she said, looking at the ground.
Mr. Teasdale looked at her again with concern. While bending to her level, he continued. “There has got to be something wrong. Where is the bright sparkling Girl?”

Her mouth drooped, “Sir, I think I have lost my ability to write. I just cannot seem to find something to write anymore; my Dad calls it writers block.”

Mr. Teasdale smiled at her “Did you know we are looking for someone to do our School flyer?”
Sharon looked up at him. “Sir, could I do it?”

Looking at him with seriousness, “I mean what if I get writers block?”

While standing, Mr. Teasdale continued. “Sharon, you have all your friends to help you. They will be able to inspire you.”
Tony broke his silence, “Hey Yeah, and if we pray, God will help us to know what to write.”

Sharon looked at Tony with a cheeky smile. “Who said you could help?”

From that moment, Sharon’ personality started to shine.
Mr. Teasdale left to continue his playground duties.
Sharon got up and turned her head towards Tony, “Tony, you said something that struck me like lightening.”

“What is that?” Tony asked with interest.

“You see Tony; I think I forgot the most important thing about writing.”

“So what did I say to strike you like lightening?”

“I forgot to pray. I did not ask God to give me the inspiration I need to write.”

“May be we can pray now.” Tony suggested with confidence.
“Right now, In the middle of the playground?” Sharon asked, waving her hand in front of her.

With much frustration, Tony felt that he needed to say something to Sharon about the way he had been treated during the day.

“Sharon, I have been trying to talk to you all day. You have had writers block. I have not been able to talk to you. If you do not pray, I am going to knock your block off.”

Tony, being a young Christian, began to apologize. “You are right Tony, no need to apologize.”
Standing in the playground they both went to silent prayer to ask God’s blessing on the new school flyer.

After speaking with God, they both went to their friends around the playground to get some ideas for the new school flyer. As they did, God gave them the inspiration they needed.
At that point the only block that was removed was the writers block.