January 5 – With the best will....

“But without exception they all began to make excuses”. Luke 14:18

Like Richard, my fellow Netherfield 'blogger,' I'm not one for making New Year resolutions because I know come the following week I will inevitably have broken at least one of them. With the best will in the world I intend to keep them – I do, I really do, but....and here comes the problem. My self-esteem takes a dive because I feel I have failed to exercise my will-power and fallen flat on my face at the first hurdle – then come the excuses, and up and up they pile.

Sometimes our excuses pile up and get in the way of doing something for God. I read a humorous story related by Chuck Swindoll in a book he had written about Moses, when he was called by God, and his excuses to God.

The story is about some Soldier’s on furlough that I think illustrates this. “The commanding officer was furious when nine soldiers who had been out on passes failed to show up for morning roll call. Not until 7 p.m. did the first man straggle in. "I’m sorry, sir," the soldier explained, "but I had a date and lost track of time, and I missed the bus back. Being determined to get in on time, I hired a cab. Halfway here, the cab broke down. I went to a farmhouse and persuaded the farmer to sell  me a horse. I was riding to camp when the animal fell over dead. I walked the last ten miles, and just got here." Though skeptical, the Colonel let the young man off with a reprimand. However, after him, seven other stragglers in a row came in with the same story-had a date, missed the bus, hired a cab, bought a horse, etc. By the time the ninth man reported in, the colonel had grown weary of it. "Okay," he growled, "now what happened to you?" "Sir, I had this date and missed the bus back, so I hired a cab ." "Wait!" the colonel screeched at him. "don’t tell me the cab broke down." "No, sir," replied the soldier. "The cab didn't break down. It was just that there were so many dead horses in the road, we had trouble getting through." Excuses! (Contributed by John F. King

When we justify why we didn’t do what we should’ve, it’s easier to make excuses the next time. Every excuse we make may seem insignificant, but, when it has become a habit then “Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure” (Don Wilder). Nobody sees the nails, but they are there.

In Luke 14, Jesus exposes excuses. Those who had been invited to the Great Banquet feast found many excuses for why they couldn’t attend, but none of the reasons were genuine.

But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, “I have just bought a field, and I must go see it. Please excuse me.” Another said, “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.” Still another said, “I just got married, so I can’t come” (Luke 14:18-20, NIV).

Excuses never make you better. And they don’t change your circumstances: they solidify them. When excuses become a habit, we’re running on a road to failure.

These three words are a sure sign of an excuse: could’ve, would’ve and should’ve. These words fit like a hand in a glove with failed New Year resolutions.

Now I know this sounds contradictory. Like many of you, as the chimes, bells and fireworks of 2016 heralded in the new year of 2017, I chatted with the Lord about the past, present, and future – mine, and yours.

During our talk I became more and more convinced that the only resolution I have ever made over the years – to put my hand into the Lord's and determine to walk more closely with Him, has been the only one I have consistently made year after year, and have made again this year.

Yes, there are times I have failed because I have tried to do it in my own strength. Like Peter in the storm (Matthew 14:28-30) I have sunk below the waves because I took my eyes off the Lord and let go of His hand.

I pray, this year, for you and your loved ones, and me, that our resolve to walk closer with the Lord will, by His grace and the Holy Spirit, go from strength to strength.

Music today is from Bryn's collection - Marilla Ness sings "Walk Humbly With Your God"

‘But I will call on God, and the LORD will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice’. Psalm 55:16-17

Add-on’s are things which are usually an after thought but are still important. That is my definition as I do not believe that Google has the answer to everything.

Do you have a list of things that you plan out in your head, but never make it to the ‘real world’? Do you have a to-do list written out or otherwise? If so, then like most of us, you probably suffer from procrastination anxiety.

I remember when I foolishly decided to become a full time student whilst holding down a full time job. Not the wisest idea, but at the time I rationalised that I could handle it. Come the time for my dissertation every time I drove past or even near the institution of learning where I was studying, I would have panic attacks and my speed would increase to the point where I almost got a ticket.

Whilst blogging should not come into this category, I know that I share this time sensitive anxiety with my counterpart Shiella, who shares this space at the end of the week. We regularly have conversations about the relief we feel when we know we have accomplished our quota for the week. However, we are aware that it is not a life or death situation if we miss a blog and it isn’t like a real job where cash-flow will be disrupted if we do not produce on time.

It got me thinking today about the most important deadline that we should not miss. That is our time with Jesus. Do we get a real sense of anxiety if if miss our morning/evening devotional or if we are late for Sabbath school? What about if we forget to say thank you before we tuck into our healthy sandwich at work or worse still around the dinner table.

Maybe we should out Jesus at the top of our to-do list and the real God of our live should not just something that we use as an add-on after everything else has been ticked off and we have spare time left.

Remember we cannot make time, God has already done that, all we have to do is organise it better.

Charley Pride sings ‘Take time out for Jesus’. Click on the picture to listen.

‘Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship’. Romans 12:1

How will you reflect on the year 2016? There were plenty of highlights. WITHOUT doing a google search a couple of things stand out for me as front page news.

• The political shocks of Brexit and the Trump presidency.
• ISIS steps up its campaign in mindless killings.
• The country of Zimbabwe was plunged into further mire as more sanctions were upheld against the wilful president.
• England had a new football manager for 67 days before he got greedy and had to resign over a corruption scam.
• Lots of well known pop music and celebrity ‘stars’ died, some in dubious circumstances.

I am sure there are many more. However, on a spiritual level did the year bring you closer to Jesus? Did you put in place in 2016 that on reflection spiritually you are now reaping the benefits?

I do not do new year resolutions as they do not work for me. However, I do do endeavours. Please endeavour this year to work closer with your family to do all that you can to get closer to Christ. For those of us with children who we would like to see develop a relationship with with Christ that does not require our gentle prodding, take a minute more on your knees, like I endeavour to do, to offer them up to Jesus.

Terry Blackwood sing ‘Give them all to Jesus’. Click on the picture to listen.

December 30-31

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering … Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it … God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (The Message) – Romans 12:1-2

Here we are, once again at the gateway of a new year – 2017. After the experiences of 2016, I am sure that you, like me, have feelings of uncertainty, and anticipation as I look into the year ahead.

During 2016 there has been wars and rumours of wars. Catastrophies, genocide, religious persecution, earthquakes, hurricanes and typhoons. It seems that the whole world is on the move, driven from their bombed out homes and countries, now they are homeless refugees and asylum seekers seeking peace and safety. Virtually every country in the world is experiencing opression and uprisings. Here in Britain poverty and homelessness has increased, and dependence on Foodbanks has soared.. Depression and suicides have shown a marked increase. In America there was “that election,” it's outcome will no doubt have repercussions around the world for the next five years and beyond.

And so, we enter 2017. What will this bring to each of us, individually and collectively? Whatever lies ahead, the Lord has told us not to be afraid or dismayed (Isaiah 41:10) - “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” Exodus 23:20 (NIV) Trust Me, I have everything under control.

In 1939 Britain had entered into World War11. The nation was filled with fear and foreboding at the uncertainty of war in Europe. On Christmas Eve, 24^th December 1939, King George VI spoke live on radio, to offer a message of reassurance to his people. It was to be a landmark speech and was to have an important effect on the listening public as they prepared themselves for the death, desolation, and destruction of war – life would never be the same again.

The Third Reich of Nazi Germany had ruled since Hitler took over in 1933. Germany had become a fascist totalitarian state and the Hitler regime spread terror across Europe until 1945.

On that BBC radio broadcast, King George VI spoke words of peace and calm to his people, reminding them of the only King who can provide true peace and real rest.

King George said: “A new year is at hand. We cannot tell what it will bring. If it brings peace, how thankful we shall all be. If it brings us continued struggle we shall remain undaunted.”

He went on to quote from Minnie Haskins’ poem “The Gate of the Year” (1908) :

I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year,
‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’

And he replied,

‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be better than light, and safer than a known way.’

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.                                                            And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

The poem’s wisdom was true for the British people on that Christmas Eve, because it has been true since the beginning of time. It is the truth of knowing that God is our only safe harbour and He will lead and direct our lives. It is a reminder to trust in Him alone, the One who is sovereign over all things and the only One who can light our path into the unknown of 2017.

As you look forward to a new year, be reassured that your future will be secure in the hand of God. Spend more time in the Word and in prayer, along with worship and Christian fellowship. The only thing we know for certain about 2017 is that we do not know what the year will bring. But we are to “fear not,” because we do know the One who knows all things and holds the future – our future, in His hands.

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

Marilla Ness sings “Be Not Afraid” for our music this New Year. Click on the picture to listen.

December 29 - His Gift

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgement and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” - Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV

Over the Christmas weekend of festivities I was thinking how wonderful it is that we have this once a year opportunity to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, our Redeemer, the boy child, Jesus, and share the true meaning of Christmas with our communities. What other time of year do you see people of all ages and backgrounds, gathered together on the streets – complete strangers, smiling, talking, singing carols? People are openly receptive to hearing about the Gospel story – a story that ultimately speaks of the Plan of Salvation, and our redemption. Hearts are opened and gifts are given.

'Mary and Joseph were probably surprised at the appearance of Magi bearing gifts from a foreign land after their infant son Jesus was born. They weren’t expecting any guests; they hadn’t sent out any announcements. However, the proud heavenly Father had.

To the shepherds he sent angels in their field at night and to the Magi he sent a star. So, here they were to worship the new king and to offer three significant gifts. “And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)'

This Christmas period has seen the delivery of many babies born to proud parents. Typical gifts given to them have been flowers, balloons, teddy bears, layettes, gifts of money to begin a saving account for the child. But, gold, frankincense and myrrh? Not the usual baby gifts you would expect a child to receive today - in fact, even then they were not typical. They were actually prophetic gifts proclaiming the future of this divine baby.

Gold speaks of royalty and kingship of the Christ. To those who expected an earthly king He would prove disappointing but to those in tune with the kingdom of God He would be all they could ever hope for, and more.

Frankincense was fragrant anointing oil or incense that had been used in the Old Testament by the priests. Therefore, this costly gift spoke of the priestly office that Jesus would fulfill. Ultimately, he would represent us to the Father; His perfect sacrifice being Himself.

Finally, myrrh. Even more expensive than frankincense, it was often used as an embalming ointment. Myrrh foretold the death of Christ. Did Jesus’ earthly parents understand it all as they accepted the precious gifts?'

Christmas can be a controversial time among some Christians – some celebrate, others don't. The reason being that it originated as a pagan festival. It's true, the 25^th December is not the date of Christ's birth – we don't know when that took place. According to the Bible, when the angels announced Christ's birth to the shepherds, they were out in the fields, the hill country, watching their flocks. This indicates that the birth of our Lord was either in the early spring, March; or in autumn, September before the first frosts.

But, whenever – March, September or December. Christmas is the forerunner to Easter. Without Christmas and the birth of Christ there would be no Easter, no death and Resurrection of our Saviour, and no redemption. No hope of eternal life for us and our loved ones. For these reasons we celebrate. God gave us the greatest gift of all.

A new year is upon us, and as you meditate on the gifts of the Magi, remember how much His gift to us cost Him.

The music choice today is “Son of God” sung by Michael W. Smith. Thank you Bryn – a beautiful rendition. Click on the picture to listen.

‘I will sing of your love and justice; to you, LORD, I will sing praise’. Psalm 101:1

Can I be controversial? Loud silence… ok, let me begin by saying that I have a vested interest in this because it is the field in which I use my spiritual gifts; church music. For a while now I have wanted to blog on this subject but recently I can across a blog by Jonathan Aigner, which while I do not agree with it in its entirety, I do believe that not only are the underlying principles correct but the reason it was written was to alert, not just criticise church musicians. Here are two paragraphs;

Entertainment worship substitutes commercial music for worship. Music is the sacrament of the performance worship culture. Instead of gathering to tell the Christian story – our story – we gather to “worship” (sing along with a musical performance) and hear a sermon. We talk about “worship bands” and “worship leaders” and “worship time” before the speaker comes to deliver the message, we have lost sight of what constitutes an act of worship. Corporate prayer, creeds, confessions, have no place. No more gathering, proclaiming, thanksgiving, and sending out. Just music, sermon, more music.

Entertainment worship diminishes the congregation’s role. The congregation’s only job is to sing along, but performance worship doesn’t really require that, either. They use music crafted in the style of commercial performance genres, which doesn’t lend itself well to congregational singing. The band is amplified, and the worship leader and team sings into their mics as if they were giving a performance. The congregation’s voice is ancillary at best, and irrelevant at worst. Performance worship sends the message that their participation doesn’t matter, only their feelings of enjoyment matter.

Ouch maybe? Bold statements indeed, but I think that if we look past the bits that probably caused us (as musicians) to wince, is there an element of truth in them? I am not commenting on the styles of worship or song choice; I am trying to look beyond that. I mean God loves music, especially singing; “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

Maybe we need to think about how we use music in our churches. Maybe?

Shelley Nirider sings ‘Jesus lover of my soul, it’s all about you’. Click on the picture to listen.

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11

Why do you do what you do? Is it for recognition, for fame or fortune? Is it just to pay the bills? Or are you using the platform/job/situation God has given you to witness to others of his love?

I admit that I struggle, not all of the times, but at critical times to be the witness I should. to say those words which will uplift Jesus, even though I love him with all of my heart. Some positions, like those of Pastor, preacher, teacher might seem easier because all of these come with an audience, but are they? I leave that question for you to ponder.

I do not follow reality music shows, even though media exposure does seem to be the path many artistes follow, but I was drawn to this headline. ‘Voice Contestant’s Rendition of ‘To Worship You I Live’ Makes it into Top 10’. The cynic in me had to take a look.

Now when you take a listen please bare these three things in mind;

1. The object of entering a competition like this is to win the public vote, so song choice is essential
2. Your vocal coach has to veto your choice
3. Singing a song that you are not committed to would be spotted not only by the judges but by the audience
   

Personally I haven’t been following this guys story nor do I know the song he sang, but I have to look at myself and say, in that position what would have been my witness? What would have been yours?

Christian Cuevas sings ‘To worship you I live’. Click on the picture to listen.

COME LET US ADORE HIM

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)- Matthew 1:18-23

Let’s be reminded of the real story of Christmas.

Jesus Christ was born in the humblest of settings – yet heaven filled with the song of the angels.

His birthplace was a cattle shed – yet a star brought princes 2000 miles to worship Him.

Born contrary to the laws of life (His mother was a virgin) – His death was contrary to its laws (He rose from death after His merciless decease).

He had no cornfields or fisheries – yet spread a table for 5000 and had bread & fish to spare.

He strolled on no expensive carpet – yet walked on water and it supported Him.

His crucifixion was the crime of crimes – yet no less a price could make possible our redemption

When He died, relatively few people mourned – but God hung something over the sun

Those who crucified Him didn’t tremble – yet the earth shook under them at what they had done

Sin never touched Him – corruption could not get hold of His body.

For three years He preached the Gospel, wrote no book, built no church, had no money to back Him – yet, after c. 2000 years, He is still the One central character in human history.

He is the perpetual theme of all preaching.

He is the pivot around which history revolves.

He is the only Redeemer of the human race

Come let us adore Him – Christ the Lord!

PRAYER

May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to Himself.

May the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in His service.

May the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our souls.

May the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with us all, and stay with us and with those whom we love this day, and every day.

Amen.

Pastor J. Ferguson

Music is David Phelps - "O Holy Night".  To listen click on the picture.

‘Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.’ Philippians 2:4 NIV (1984 Edition)

Do you want to maintain other people’s respect? When they share their struggles and successes with you, don’t say, ‘That’s nothing; let me tell you about my…!’

Haman, a Persian government official mentioned in the book of Esther, was self-absorption personified. He ‘boasted to [his friends and wife] about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honoured…and…elevated him above the other nobles and officials’ (Esther 5:11 NIV 2011 Edition). Not once do we read of his expressing interest in anyone but himself. Indeed, he was so resentful of the favour the king had shown towards Mordecai, a Jew, that he built a gallows on which to hang him.

And how did the story end? The king hanged Haman on the gallows he had built for Mordecai. So unless you want to tie a noose around your own neck, stop talking so much about yourself! Chances are you may not even be aware of this character flaw in your communication. So ask God to point it out when you do it, and give you grace to overcome it. Self-centeredness dies slowly, so start with small steps. Try going for a whole day without making your issues the focus of every conversation.

Give everyone you meet your full attention - and watch your friendships multiply and your relationships deepen. The word for you today is: ‘Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.’

Taken from UCB

Point of Grace sing 'Labor of love.' Click on the picture to listen.

‘What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ Romans 8:31

I just want to share how our church witnessing event went. Last week I shared that our church had been invited to sing to carols at our local Coop. This had come about after 10 years of trying to get a foothold into the community with little success.

After a short Sabbath church service, we collected our equipment and sauntered across to the Coop where we presented 6 readings and 5 carols. They were very kind and found us a spot right next to the entrance so shoppers had to pass us. Although we were competing with ‘Cooperative radio’ which they could not turn off, we made a joyful noise unto the Lord and a few people stopped to listen, whilst one lady gave us a round of applause as she paid for her goods.

Afterwards I spoke to one of our members who help me put into perspective how this event had come about. Dave shared with me that he and another member, Bryn, had gone on a prayer walk around the church area a few weeks previously. They had stopped to pray at each road and had prayed next to the Coop. So, bearing in mind that each week outside the Coop there are various groups with their stands either giving out religious literature or trying to get you to donate to a pet sanctuary, we were pretty amazed that the store manager walked right past these groups and asked us. This, I believe, was a direct answer to prayer. Sometimes music can reach areas of a heart that a thousand-word sermon cannot.

I have learned that God will give you exactly what you need at the correct time, not necessarily when you think that you need it.

Heritage Singers – ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel.’ Click on the picture to listen.