‘I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.’ Galatians 1:10 NLT

We tend to fall into one of two traps:

1) Thinking too much of ourselves. Harry Truman was thrust into the presidency by the death of Franklin Roosevelt. That’s when Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House, took him aside and said, ‘From here on out you’re going to have lots of people around you, and they are going to tell you what a great man you are. But Harry…you know and I know you ain’t.’ Truman took that advice to heart, and became a truly great president. To succeed in the assignment God has given you in life you need two things – dependence on God and confidence in God (see 1 John 3:21, 22). As long as those two things are in place you’ll succeed.

2) Thinking too little of ourselves. Many of us have made it our goal to change someone’s opinion of us; to prove to them that we’re valuable. Until you stop agreeing with the opinions of those who criticise you, you’ll remain locked in a prison of your own making. When your critic’s opinion becomes your opinion, you’ve built a prison inside your soul with only one prisoner – you. The fact is some of the people you’ve spent your life trying to impress may never be impressed. And you need to accept that from God’s perspective, it doesn’t matter!

To succeed, you must be able to work alongside others without letting yourself be controlled by their moods and opinions. That’s why Paul wrote, ‘I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.’

Courtesy of UCB

Kurt Carr singers perform ‘I almost let go.’ Click on the picture to listen.

‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.’ Matthew 5:13

It is coming to that time in the academic year when all who work in education have already switched off for the summer. When I say ‘all’ I am including staff as well as pupils. Having worked hard all year, especially those who have taken exams or are transitioning to another level of education, the mental facilities are already at the beach. However, in the UK at least, there are another two weeks of early morning and lessons that do not seem to have a point to them.

Teachers, however have somehow got to breathe life into these last two weeks or else the waiting classroom will riot, because children have in built radar for nonsense.

How many times have you heard the phrase ‘Jesus is coming soon?’ Countless I am sure, especially if, like me, you have grown up in a Christian home. But guess what? Jesus is coming soon. All the signs in prophesy point to that fact (Matthew 24:6-9) Chances are that if you are reading this blog, then you already know that.

So, the question is, rather like the teacher trying to breathe life into these last two weeks of lessons, what are we doing to prepare the world for his second coming? As Christians, we should be the salt of the earth seasoning our community with an alternative to the reckless morals society is setting up as a compass by which we should live our lives.

So why not do something salty today, sprinkle Gods love on someone you strike up a conversation with. You never know where it might lead.

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sing ‘Thou oh Lord.’ Click on the picture to listen.

July 7 – Only one

"I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one" (NLT). Ezekiel 22:30

How many times have you heard someone say, “Well, there's just me. What can I do that will make a difference?” - maybe even said it about yourself? Yet, I've also heard it said, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do."

One godly man or woman can make a dramatic difference, even in the darkest of circumstances. Jesus put it this way:

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world-like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:13 NLT)

Our Lord is telling us that a little influence can go a long way.

Go back in history to Judah and the year 640 BC – a time of pagan shrines, idols, and altars for child-sacrifice. Josiah's dad King Amon, who gave a new meaning to evil, has been assassinated. As an eight year old child Josiah takes the throne.

This is where we begin to see the difference one person can make. Despite the wickedness of her husband, King Amon, Jedidah (Josiah's mum) held to a different lifestyle and taught the growing Josiah about God and His Word (2 Kings 22:1-2) giving him a strong foundation for the responsibilities that faced him as he grew.

Aged 16 Josiah decided to follow the Lord, and by 20 years of age we find him beginning to cleanse the whole land of Judah of their idolatry. Still he felt he had more to do, and by age 26 he was surrounded by a team of believers who began to restore the temple. This in turn led to the discovery of the 'lost' sacred scroll of the Law of Moses. For the first time in his life Josiah listened to the Word and determined to obey all of God's Law.

Result? Judah cleansed of idolatry the whole turns back to God, thanks to the difference made by two indiviuals – Jedidah, Josiah.

Still not convinced you alone can make a difference in God's ministries, in a world of sexual vices, corruption, and the idols of pleasure and an 'I want it all and I want it now' society? You're mistaken. You might be the only Christian in your family . . . or the only Christian in your workplace . . . or the only Christian in your classroom . . . or the only Christian in your neighborhood. Perhaps you are struggling in your personal life....or, it may be illness, disability, bereavement?

The phenomenal can happen through the daily faithfulness and example of one individual standing true who may have been put there by the Lord to be an influence and, in a godly way, to move people in the right direction. God can do a lot with a little. .It is the power of one. Our lives can make a difference.

God is looking for that one who can make his or her mark.

Like the people of Judah and Josiah example, you may be the only Christian some people will ever know. The fact is that God can do a lot with a little.

Music today is “If My People with, Hear Our Prayer, O Lord.” Protestant Reformed Mass Choir Concert. Click on the picture to listen

July 1 – Promises

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” - Isaiah 41:10

A story is told about a young man who walked into a photography studio with a picture of his girlfriend. He wanted the picture duplicated. The owner of the store noticed the inscription on the back of the picture which said, “My Dearest Tom, I love you with all my heart. I love you more and more each day. I will love you forever and ever. I am yours for all eternity.” It was signed “Diane,” and it contained a P.S. “If we ever break up, I want this picture back.”

A lot of people today make promises they can’t keep. They write cheques that bounce....we live in an era of unkept promises. Nations sign important treaties and then break them at will. Elections are held and the people voted into power break their promises before the ink is dry. Many couples show little regard for their wedding vows, They swear before God to love each other “until death do us part” - then leave, turning their backs on their children. In this kind of society, we who are God's people should be known for keeping our promises.

There are approximately 8,810 promises in the entire Bible. In the Old Testament there are 7,706 and in the New Testament there are 1,104 wonderful promises. Deuteronomy 28 has 133 promises, which is more than any other chapter in the Bible. “We’re sitting on the premises when we ought to be standing on the promises!” observes Vance Havner. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #4612).

“But you promised!” Most parents have heard this broken hearted cry. If someone disappointed us, we’ve said it, too. Broken promises destroy trust, causing distress and pain. Sometimes promises are made in haste — to quiet a child or end an argument. But responsibility for keeping that promise doesn’t go away because we didn’t think it through. I readily hold up my hand – I am as guilty as the next.  In Numbers 30:2, God says, “When a man makes a vow…he must not break his word but must do everything he said.”

But you know, a promise is only as good as the one making it. If a person is reliable by nature, you know that their promises are reliable. But if the one making the promises is unreliable, then those promises are also unreliable.We know that God's character is perfect. Joshua said, "Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed!" (Joshua 23:14, NLT). Peter spoke about the promises of God. He called them "exceedingly great and precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4). God's promises are trustworthy because God Himself is trustworthy.

Ask yourself this question: Has God ever made you a promise that He hasn't carried out—not on your timetable but on His? So what do you do with God's promises? You might say, "I underline them," or "I memorize them." We should be saying, "I believe them. I stand upon them. I live my life by them." (Skip Heitzig)

The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:3-4).
As Christians we have this hope — the hope that things will get better. This life is not the end, people can change, and heaven is waiting for us — not wishful thinking but confident expectation. We have this hope because God keeps his promises.

As Peter traveled with Jesus, he saw promises being made and kept. Peter heard Jesus talk about His death and resurrection then saw Him fulfill it. Peter heard Jesus promise He would build His church, then witnessed Jesus doing it all through the book of Acts. If anyone knows that God keeps His word, it’s Peter.

God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He doesn't change (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). The way God fulfills promise after promise in the Bible shows us that we can trust Him to come through for us today, tomorrow, and forever. God’s past provision is the best predictor of His future faithfulness. (Newspring church).

“Grandpa” (Tell me 'bout the good old days) LIVE presented by The Isaacs is from Bryn's selection for our music today. Click on the picture to listen.

June 29-30 - Sundrops

“I will extol the Lord at all times, His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord, let the afflicted hear and rejoice “ - Psalm 32:1-2

This time last week Britain was struggling to cope with sweltering temperatures of over 32 degrees. It was a relief when the temperature dropped this week and the wind and rain came. In both the heat and the rain, certain people looked and felt miserably uncomfortable.

It reminded me of one particularly damp and windy day. Hundreds of calves were huddled outside, shoulder to hindquarter, tucked between the fence and the barn. The rain had created a mess of mud and the calves looked dirty brown instead of the usual black and white. They looked miserable. All except one calf. In the face of the wind he skipped and jumped like a child, splashing through the mud, andoblivious to the downpour. That mud-caked calf looked happy.

Like that calf, David chose the most unlikely place to reveal his joy. Fleeing from Saul, David, with 400 dirty, smelly renegades were huddled in the cave of Abdulan. There he had the audacity to declare, “Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame.” David chose that unusual moment to declare the joy of being a child of God.

God has promised us joy – even on those days when there's not even a glimmer to be found. Precious joy comes to us through friends who allow us to say whatever we need to say. It comes to us through the faces of those who love us and don't beat about the bush but help us deal with reality. Joy comes through the words of the Bible that were shared with us when we didn't have the energy to seek them out ourselves.

In the tough days remember the joy that will never fail. True joy comes in knowing that God cares enough about us that He opened the doors of heaven. Then take each fear by the horn and lead it to the face of God. Let your fears see the light of eternal day and you too, can skip, laugh, dance and sing....whatever the weather.

(Acknowledgements "365 Days of Hope".

Click on the picture to listen to today's music - Sisters sing "Under His Wings"

“⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-5

Donald Trump says some things which are inflammatory and some things which are just for headlines. But the most dangerous things are those statements which don’t make the column inches for those who don’t understand prophesy. This statement which he recently made sounds vaguely familiar;

“We will be one people, under one God, saluting one American flag.” Donald Trump

“⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-5

They are similar, aren’t they? This is the intriguing thing with deception. Both statements say one God but if you take that part out, there is where the similarities end. For students of the bible we recognise that there is only one God and only one route to him, that is to accept him into your heart. The other statements by Trump, whilst they might sound innocent, are erroneous. Let’s begin with the last one first ‘saluting one American flag.’ Exodus 20:3-5 states;

³ “You shall have no other gods before Me.

⁴ “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; ⁵ you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me

Bowing down under the banner of nationalism is bowing down to an idol. People get riled up when you talk about the flag of their country, but it is just a flag and not to be worshipped. 

The opening statement of the quote by Trump, to me, indicates where he wants to take the world in terms of worship. We know, as Seventh-day Adventists, that Sunday worship is going to be the final decider and this is what Trump is alluding to. Exodus 20:8 states;

‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’

Let us keep that at the forefront of our minds as we go into these interesting times.

Steve Green sings ‘Touch your people once again.’ Click on the picture to listen.

‘In everything give thanks.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV

The Bible has basically one thing to say about complaining – don’t do it! You say, ‘If you’d my problems you’d complain too.’ If that’s how you feel, read on: ‘Do all things without complaining’ (Philippians 2:14 NKJV). Here’s why:

1) Complaining usually makes things worse. The cycle goes like this. You have a problem so you complain and stay stuck. You feel bad, so you complain even more and end up with stress, but not a solution.

2) Complaining won’t get you where you need to go. Instead of committing the situation to God, you’re doubting His wisdom and provision. Thousands of Israelites died in the wilderness for doing that. Paul writes, ‘Do not grumble, as some…did – and were killed…These things…were written down as warnings for us’ (1 Corinthians 10:10-11 NIV 2011 Edition). When you overlook your blessings and dwell on your problems, you lose your joy.

3) Complaining can lead to stress-related illness. ‘A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body’ (Proverbs 14:30 AMPC). Be honest; how many ‘calm and undisturbed’ complainers do you know? Instead of complaining, start counting your blessings. Author Barbara Johnson gives us this tongue-in-cheek example. ‘A hand-lettered sign nailed to a telephone pole read: “LOST…three-legged dog, blind in left eye, missing top of right ear, recently castrated…answers to the name of Lucky.”’

As a redeemed child of God luck has nothing to do with it, you’re blessed! So, the word for you today is: ‘In everything (not necessarily for everything, but in everything) give thanks; for this is the will of God…for you.’

Courtesy of UCB

Brooklyn Tabernacle sing ‘In everything give him thanks.’ Click on the picture to listen.

"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Reading Richard's blog early this week, and in light of the horrendous events that have happened in Britain over the last weeks - innocent people about their business, mowed down in terrorist attacks – the inferno that consumed a high-rise building of flats, killing residents in their beds as the fire ran rampant through the building. It confirmed to me how comforting it is to know that wherever we go God is there with us. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations, or witness such atrocities, and we wonder if God is paying attention. Those survivors whose loved ones were victims of these events may feel so alone and even depressed as thoughts of the terror and panic their dearest must have experienced - trapped, with no escape. They can't feel God's presence, and, like us, need His guidance and help.

At the best of times, sometimes friends, spouses, and parents don't really understand what we are going through. But God does and He cares. God told Joshua to be strong and to have courage. Then He told him a wonderful truth: "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Yes, that's right… wherever and in whatever circumstances! We don't have to feel all alone. God is with us. He is working out the problems, and we don't even realize it.

"But now...the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.... From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse my actions." Isaiah 43:1-3, 13

I don't have an answer as to why God allowed these events, and countless of other mindless acts around the world to occur, or, why so many innocent people died as a result. All I am certain of is that God is with us, leading us, guiding us, loving us, providing for us -- all with His unlimited resources. What do we need? Do we need strength, peace, love, joy, or hope? He has it all. He is longing to pour out His favour and blessing upon us. We need to be open to Him and to trust Him. We need, by faith, to receive what He has for us – now, while there is time. It is essential that we realize how much He loves us and that He has a good purpose and plan for us.

"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit." Ephesians 3:14-16

This Scripture is awesome, because in the aftermath of these traumas people felt the need to pray - all generations from different cultures - complete strangers, holding each other as they prayed. There is nothing that God doesn't know and can't do for us. He walks with us every moment of every day. We need to speak these Scriptures to our hearts. The devil can't stand it when we, in confidence, speak God's Word. It builds faith in us and gives us the strength to stand.

"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand-up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know!" Psalms 139:1-6

Tremendous acts of courage and compassion were witnessed as firemen and passers-by ran into each situation, at risk of losing their own lives, declaring like David:

"Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." Psalms 25:4-5

They trusted in God, and so can we. No matter what is going on in our lives, He is there! God goes where we go.

"Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you!"  Hebrews 10:35

(Acknowledgments CBN Martha Noebel)

Music is provided today by Jim Reeves - “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you.” Click on the picture to listen.

June 22 - 23

"My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." (Isaiah 32:18)

Looking back, I recall that my childhood was a happy one. Youngest of a big family we were blessed that our home was Christian. Above all, our parents loved us and always had time for each individual child. This all came back to mind as I listened to a friend telling me about their family activities last Sunday – Father's Day. As a family, money is tight, and by the time they have paid their dues and demands, bought food, and nursery/school expenses, little is left for social activities. So, on Father's Day they went for a walk in a local park, visited a garden centre, and went to a fruit farm and spent a fun afternoon with the children picking strawberries and raspberries....you can imagine, the children ate as many as they picked, leaving the farm with faces covered in red fruit juice! They had a day to remember – together as a family – essential time for each other. Their family, like ours, had it's moments when petty bickering occurred, but soon forgotten – one look from my mother could have prevented World War 11!

Is your home a place of peace? Is the atmosphere contentious or quiet and restful? Barbara Lardinais writes, “I remember a teenager I knew at one time who did not dwell in a house of peace. She came to know the Savior but was the only one in her family to do so. Her household was quite a battleground.

Since she was not the head of her family but had to submit to the authority over her, she felt helpless at first to effect change. But she took the suggestion of a mentor who was helping her and praying with her. She did at least have her own bedroom so she started with it.

First she went through her room thoroughly eliminating music CDs, posters, books and magazines which did not honor God. She prayed over her room and dedicated it to the Lord and asked the Prince of Peace to come in and dwell there. Change did not come immediately. Each night she walked about speaking peace over her small dwelling. She was taking authority over what was in her authority.

Gradually things improved. She was no longer contributing to the strife in her home. Her own room was a haven of peace finally and the rest of the household received some overflow of that. She learned that God's Word is true but sometimes we have to fight for it. Dwelling in a peaceful habitation is worth it!”

God bless, and here's to happy families.

Music today is “Peace in This House” by Wynonna Judd. Click on the picture to listen.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Waking up in the UK is a scary thing nowadays. You just don’t know what the headline are going to read. I suppose in other countries it is much worse but growing up and living here most of my life, it just seemed to be the place that people came to from other countries where the living climate was not so stable. Here are some headlines that I did not struggle to find. If you want to read them in further detail, just click on any underlined links.

• Man dies as van hits mosque crowd
• Portugal in mourning as fire kills dozens
• Two dead in attack at Mali tourist resort
• Baltimore asks FBI for help: ‘Murder is out of control’

Please set aside today to pray for these world events. I am certain in your own countries there are incidents that I do not know of, but as Christians we need to pray as this situation is only going to get worse before Jesus comes.

Prayer is more power than we realise.

Jimmy Owens sings ‘If my people.’ Click on the picture to listen.