Your heart will be where your treasure is. Matthew 6:21

In every language, there are certain words that are regional. One such word that, to my knowledge, is the word ‘mardy’ that originates from the North of England. It means to be sulky, grumpy or to act sulky.

I thought of this word when I saw one of my sporting heroes, Lewis Hamilton, after placing 7^th in the Monaco Grand Prix. If I was within ear shot I might have been tempted to say, ‘it’s only a race Lewis!’ but then again, I might have lost my nerves as a know he must work out pretty hard to be able to hold a car at that speed around some of those corners. But then again maybe I have misunderstood why he seems to be mardy after a race lose.

You see, it comes down to what your passion is. Even after all the hard work to reach a certain standard, we all have our personal goals that other do not see. For example, those musicians who have spent years perfecting their craft still feel disappointed when they make a mistake during a performance. All the platitudes of those who gave up that instrument years ago and wished they still played it are little consolation in that moment. Why? Because passion is something that cannot be brought, it is something which begins in our heart, deep inside of us, and is linked to our emotions and our sense of worth.

So maybe Lewis Hamilton wasn’t portraying being mardy. He was displaying, on his face, what his heart was feeling.

Matthew 6:21 reads;

Your heart will be where your treasure is.

What is your treasure? Is Jesus part of it?

The Muneri sisters sing ‘All we ask’. Click on the picture to listen.

May 26-27

“The islanders showed us unusual kindness” - Acts 28:2

Imagine the scene. Two hundred and seventy-six people – soldiers and crew (amongst them the Apostle Paul) – all standing on the Malta shore....drenched, frozen to the core, with nothing to their names but the clothes on their backs. Having survived a ship-wreck they had no goods to trade. No potential for spending to boost the island's economy. Just themselves.

Yet the islanders welcomed them with “unusual kindness, responding to the need of the moment and not to the reputation of the castaways. Now that is hospitality – hospitality that didn't end until they waved the two hundred and seventy-six people “goodbye” as they left the island to continue their journey, equipped with all they needed. By then, history tells us that the whole island of Malta was converted to Christianity. They had welcomed the good news of Jesus, His birth, death, and resurrection, as readily as they had accepted the dying strangers. The hospitality of the Maltese islanders was unconditional, and an example to us all. Are we reacting to the need of the moment, regardless of reputation, status etc?

This week in Manchester we witnessed unconditional love for others in action following a suicide bombing in the Arena at the end of a pop concert that killed twenty-two people, mainly children and injored so many others – (you will have read about it on social media). As the crowds fled in terror local people opened the doors of their homes to complete strangers, giving them places of safety and refuge. Taxi proprietor's instructed their drivers to fill their cabs and drive terrified people away from the area to any destination they wanted for no charge. They responded to the need of the moment out of compassion and love regardless of colour, creed and appearance.

May the prayers of us all be with those who are grieving the loss of their children and loved ones, that they will find comfort and solace in the Lord's arms. The Lord will repay.

"But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me--it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea” - Mark 9:42.

Today's music is “Remember my name in your prayers” - Doyle Lawson/Quicksilver. Click on the picture to listen.

Today's music is

‘The hair of his head began to grow again.’ Judges 16:22 NKJV

When we think of Samson we usually think about his failures – the steamy story of him and Delilah. It’s true that Samson lost everything: his hair, his strength, his sight, his position, his family, and his reputation. The mightiest man Israel had ever seen was now in a Philistine dungeon: blinded, humiliated, grinding corn like an ox – a laughing stock.

But it’s not over until God says it’s over! At his lowest point, Samson cried out to God for mercy, and got it. ‘The hair of his head began to grow again.’ His hair, which was the secret of his strength, was restored. And as a result, his greatest moments in ministry were his last ones! Today he is mentioned with honour in Hebrews chapter eleven, alongside the other heroes of faith (see Hebrews 11:32). God’s promise is: ‘Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength’ (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV).

You may be hurting right now, but be patient, help is on the way. You prayed, ‘Lord, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.’ Hold on, God is coming to your aid. He’s coming to deliver you and set you free. He’s going to bring you out, set you free from captivity, and restore you. In the Old Testament when Job the patriarch was battling boils, bankruptcy, and bereavement, he said, ‘All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes’ (Job 14:14 NKJV). God restored Job and gave him back twice as much as he lost. And He wants to do the same for you. So, hold on – help is on the way!

Courtesy of UCB

Richard Smallwood singers ‘I have come too far.’ Click on the picture to listen.

‘So, God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female’ Genesis 1:27

There are so many things that, as a Christian, are alarming me. Sooner than we think we are going to be called to account for not only our religious beliefs but also our stance on political correctness. Take for example this seemingly thought provoking headline I read on www.christianheadlines.com; Is it time to replace Mother’s Day? Usually it is not the kind of article to catch my attention but I clicked on the link just to satisfy my curiosity and I was truly open mouthed shocked by what I discovered. Click on the undelined text above to read the article.

This well written article by Jim Denison is highlighting gender neutrality or the gender neutrality movement. This ‘…describes the idea that policies, language, and other social institutions should avoid distinguishing roles according to people's sex or gender, in order to avoid discrimination arising from the impression that there are social roles for which one gender is more suited than another.’ Wikipedia

‘Columnist Emma Teitel is proposing that “we scrap both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for good,” replacing them with “Guardian’s Day.” Her reason: both holidays assume that a parent is a female or a male.

Stop and think about that for a second, I did. Personally, I think this is a case of political correctness gone mad. The bible clearly says in Genesis 1:27

So, God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female

Yet Government policies are edging forward to dictate a worldly view that is not consistent with the bible. Matthew 5:37 states, 

Say only ‘yes’ if you mean ‘yes,’ and say only ‘no’ if you mean ‘no.’ If you say more than that, it is from the Evil One. (ERV)

What say you?

The Winans sing ‘Bring back the days of yea and nay.’ Click on the picture to listen.

May 19-20 – Opting out?

"Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. Those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life" - Matt.10:39

100 years ago Jack was one of the workmen who had volunteered to work through the nights on into the early hours of the day to complete the runway required to enable the Dambuster's crews to take off on their scheduled flight and take out the dams in Germany. Everything was in place. The night was deceptively calm, and a bomber's moon lit the skies – ideal. The tension felt by all was tangible as the crews waited for the signal to go. Letters to loved ones were signed off, with a whispered prayer that they would never be sent.

This unsaid prayer was repeated by Jack and his fellow labourers as they lined the runway and removed their caps in respect as each of the Dambuster's planes took off into the unknown....young men, willing to place their lives God's hands – to let Him take care of their present and whatever their future may turn out to be.

One of the returning RAF pilots was a young man called Leonard Cheshire who was awarded the Victoria Cross for helping to defeat the evil of Nazi Germany.

The horrors Leonard witnessed can only be imagined, so much sacrifice during the war. Leonard was determined to dedicate the rest of his life to build a better world. He began by campaigning for better treatment for ex-RAF servicemen. True to his word in 1948 , he opened his own door to welcome in Arthur Dykes who was dying from terminal cancer. Just before he died, Arthur asked Leonard: 'If someone else comes along, whoever it might be, don't turn him away. Please take him in.'

Leonard honoured Arthur's dying wish, caring for many disabled people in his own home. One man, and one mission, became the disability charity known today as Leonard Cheshire Disability – a mission that yearly helps some 6,700 people in the UK.

Isaiah 43:18-19, God spoke to His people through the prophet Isaiah saying: “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, And rivers in the desert.” -

Maybe you’ve sensed God asking you to let something — or someone — go. Asking you to let go of the mistakes you know you have made, because He has already forgiven you. Asking you to let go of the anger arising from the situation that’s consuming your thoughts....hand over the feelings of frustration, resentment, and condemnation that are niggling at you, night and day, so you, and they, can live free.

You want that desperately, but it can be hard to let go when you don’t know what that means. May I share the definition of letting go with you?

Letting go is giving up what is beyond your control to embrace what you can change.

In Isaiah 43:18-19, God spoke to His people through the prophet Isaiah saying: “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, And rivers in the desert.”

In our scripture reading, (Matt.10:39), Matthew is saying: 'there are two ways to view life - protect it, or pursue it.' The goal isn't to live a long life, but to live a life modeled on the life of Jesus. This is exactly what Leonard did. He proved that it is possible by letting go of his fears, and letting God, one person can change the world.

Letting go isn’t easy in the beginning, because holding on is our natural response. But there’s so much hope! Just as the prophet Isaiah describes new roads in the desert and rivers in the wilderness, as we give up what we can’t control, to embrace what we can change, new ways of thinking, relating and living will be carved into our very being.

And the beautiful thing about letting go and actually placing our lives and situations into His hands? It doesn’t just change us, but it has the power to alter the next generation, and the next after that.(Proverbs 31 Ministries)

When we leave something, or someone, in God's hands, acknowledge our helplessness and dependence on God. We have to take our hands off and trust God to do what is best for us, and for those we are concerned about. This is a far different cry to shrugging off responsibility. We know, and believe, that whatever/whoever we commit to God's hands are in safekeeping – He will never fail us....He will never let us down.

There is no better place for us to be than in the hands of God. What is troubling you right now? Place it in God's hands. What/who do you hold precious and dear? Place it/them in God's hands. What about your goals and aspirations? Place them in God's hands…He will not fail us.

(brandonweb.com)

Our children can never go beyond the reach of a loving God. There's nothing they can ever do that God will close the door on them. We can trust our loved ones' safety to a caring God. But you say, right now they don't want to know. They see the grass on the other side as far greener – religion is boring, and as they say, “Doing their heads in!” They are adamant they want no more of it.

In your most desperate moments, remember - Letting go is giving up what is beyond your control to embrace what you can change, and handing the rest over to God.

Like a good parent, God's love and care will not let go.

Click on the picture to listen to today's music – another from Bryn's selection - “The Master's Hand” – Dolly Parton

May 18 - Decisions

" And at your back, when you are turning to the right hand or to the left, a voice will be sounding in your ears, saying, This is the way in which you are to go” - Isaiah 30:21 (BBE)

Do you fill up your today with tomorrow's troubles? Do you have a decision to make? Why do we so easily gravitate toward taking on the future before its time? Well, we say, we're just trying to be wise. We're trying to plan ahead and be ready for the worst case scenario. Have you ever thought about the process you use? Some of us agonize over decisions; even the smallest ones and make lists of pros versus cons and see which list is longer. Then in contrast, some of us are the "spur of the moment" type who make snap decisions. We do most of our worrying in our mind and nothing productive is forthcoming. Except maybe a rise in blood pressure and rampant speculation.

I must admit that I am somwhat the cautious type, because I have learned from past mistakes and see how unwise some things in the past have turned out due to me making an emotional decision. .

The wisest way we can make decisions is to always include God in the process. I like the way The Message expresses Proverbs 3:6; "Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track." Submit your decisions to him and ask for wisdom in making choices. As Jesus said; "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34) There we see it; Jesus is giving us permission to contain our thoughts to one day at a time. One day is a lot easier to handle than all the tomorrows in front of us.

Here's something I have noticed over the years as I have tried to control my worrying about what is going to happen. I found out that about 90% of it never happens anyhow. Most of it was pure conjecture on my part; troubles that never materialized. So I wasted a lot of time. I wasted a lot of worry.

Think about whatever troubles you have at the moment. If you don't have any, that's great - you get a free day. If you have some troubles, go ahead and do the best you can to resolve them. But tomorrow's troubles? Tell them to wait their turn.

Always ask God for His help then, add a pinch of patience. Ask Him to tell you what you can do, then trust. After making a major decision, let it rest 24 hours before acting on it.

Have a decision coming up? Decide now to make it the right way.

(Acknowledgements Hannah's Cupboard)

Music is from Bryn's selection - Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver “He's my Guide.” To listen, click on the picture.

May 15

'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.' Philippians 1:21

I heard a loud thud on the kitchen window, followed by a squeal outside near where my daughter was sitting enjoying herself in the sunshine. Upon further investigation I found out that a pigeon had flown into the window and was flapping around on the grass where it had fallen. After I ushered my daughter inside, not knowing the full extent of the injury to the bird, I went out to try and move it on and back into flight. Unfortunately it had broken its neck upon impact and I was watching it die. It took less than a minute and I didn't realise what was happening until after it had happened.

After giving it a bird funeral (throwing it into the undergrowth at the back of the garden away from the house) I was left fielding questions about where the bird was from an inquiring mind. Death is not an easy subject to explain at any age, but it did remind me of my obligation as a Christian to die daily. We see it every season with the plants especially around the beginning of March, in the UK, when the daffodils and buds begin pushing their way through the earth.

The problem with dying to self-daily, is that whilst we have to learn from the experiences of the day’s trial we ought not to depend on them as an infallible resource for future use. As simple as that sounds it is a difficult process to master in real terms, because in our minds 'daily knowledge builds experience.' That day to day experience is crucial in helping us to stop from making the same mistakes, but at the same time, that reliance on self, fools us into thinking that we can depend on ourselves and not God.

Then what is the answer? Each day we need to begin our days giving it all to God. Starting a day without God is a sure way to trip into failure. Like the pigeon, who clearly did not see the window it flew into causing its premature death. Remember, time spent with God is a necessary investment not a luxury when we manage our time properly. Did you remember to pray this morning? If not, try not to make that mistake tomorrow. Pray saves lives.

Committed sing their arrangement of 'Indescribable' by Chris Tomlin. Click on the picture to listen.

May 12 - Homecoming

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ... 1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV

There's an old, well-known saying, “Home is where the heart is”. In other words, Home is the most important place in the world. Is this the thinking 'norm' for most people – for you? Nowadays we lead such busy lives that some are inclined to be of the opinion that, "Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home" (a popular song with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Johnny Mercer.) The song, first released in 1946, deals with the feeling of peace you experience when you get home and hang up your hat. Or do you yearn to wander in search of new experiences. Making the world your home?

Which of these is important to you. A location with a hat-rack that stirs special memories of happy family times? Or, a suitcase for a wardrobe, and a backpack as you move around the world? Me? I've always been a homebird. There's nothing for me, like the security of familiar walls, being with loved ones who know my fads and foibles....and oh the bliss of climbing into my own bed at night!

But, thinking of all the history and wonders of creation to be investigated around the world "places" on earth, I found I could agree with the statement. Home is really more than a particular locale. Home is where you can kick back and be yourself, where you feel most comfortable and in control of your environment, where you feel you belong.

For those who call God "Father", home has an even deeper meaning than anyplace we live on this earth. We long for our real home. "We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8) We will be a thousand times more comfortable in our eternal home than ever on earth. We will be our true selves as was never possible before. Whether here on earth we are homebirds or suitcase toting backpackers, it makes no difference (Christ and His disciples proved the validity of both lifetyles) - eternal life will be the same for all of us.

How would you like to decorate your heavenly home? What you do on earth is like shopping for your future home. Your receipt of eternal life will show details of what you 'purchased' down here - love for, and belief in, Christ our Saviour....all your giving, and loving and forgiving, and good deeds, these will deck your walls and beautify your rooms.

This life on earth is a practice run, and opportunity, to mould our characters into the likeness of Christ's....through His grace, not through works.

Be thinking now about everything you want to take with you into eternity. Let us all make our decisions – now – today, before it's too late. Home with Jesus is definitely where the heart is, and it definitely is the most important place in the universes

Ah, home! Let's make a pact that our heavenly home is the place where together, we will hang our hats.

“I've Never Been This Homesick Before” (LIVE) our music today. Click on the picture to listen.

‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’ Matthew 24:14

Friends, we almost at the place in worlds history when preaching of the gospel is public is a criminal offence. Last month I drew our attention this case here in the United Kingdom ‘London Street Preachers Convicted of Quoting the King James Bible’. And now I have recently read of an incident where an American college student was banned ‘for Preaching Gospel in ‘Free Speech Zone’.  Please click on the underlined text to read the articles for yourself

What does this actually mean? Matthew 24:14 is like many verse in the bible, conditional. It could be read like this;

The end shall come after this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world.

My question today is; if preaching of the gospel is banned, meaning the state no longer allows it, does it mean that the end is nigh? Are the days of street witnessing over?

The societies in which we live seem more inclined to protect a homosexual rally or gay pride march than they are a group of Christians standing up for their faith. Todays’ blog is short because I want you to read the underlined articles to further arm yourselves with the present truth of the situation of our world. We need to pray like we never have before. Time is short

Andrae Crouch sings ‘We need to hear from you’. Click on the picture to listen.

‘He comforts us in all our troubles.’ 2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT

God can make you comfortable in some of life’s most uncomfortable places. He can bring you through situations you think you won’t survive, or feel like you’ll be stuck in forever. He can give you peace when you’re under pressure. Before your life is over, you’ll experience loss. Indeed, losing some things will actually help you to appreciate the things you have. It’s the taste of failure that makes success so sweet. You’ll live not knowing what tomorrow holds, but knowing that God has all your tomorrows planned out.

Your future isn’t in the hands of your boss, your banker, your spouse, or anybody else. Nor is it in your own hands to control. All your tomorrows are in God’s hands. And just because you don’t understand the path you’re on, doesn’t mean He isn’t leading you. He promises: ‘I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them’ (Isaiah 42:16 NKJV). So, get to know God, because you’ll need Him. And He will be there when everybody else has failed you. He will be there for you in the dark places.

The psalmist writes, ‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning’ (Psalm 30:5 NKJV). However long the night, morning will come – and with it His joy. Looking back, you’ll realise that His grace has protected you, provided for you, calmed you, comforted you, and brought you through. Times and seasons change, but not the Lord. He’s ‘the same yesterday, today, and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV).
Courtesy of UCB

Croyden SDA Choir sing ‘No more tears’ by Ken Burton. Click on the picture to listen.