Be Real

 E-word Communicator, Encouragement, Faith, Guidance
Feb 272012
 

Be Real: 

If you’re new to the Christian faith, or if you’ve been on the journey for some time – we encourage you to attend a Bible believing church – and keep in regular Christian fellowship. 

Try talking to God on a daily basis – and make an effort to read the Bible as often as you can. 

Now friends, these are good sound guidelines, but if we are honest with ourselves – it can be quite hard trying to keep to a routine. 

It’s so easy to get distracted. 

So easy to leave it until tomorrow, another day, next week, and so on. 

Yet if these guidelines are adopted and introduced into the usual course of events – it won’t be long before they could be a regular practice. 

And nothing beats the encouragement from genuine friends. 

Just remember, faith is a journey – not a guilt trip! 

It’s a way of life. A life-style. 

If the way we live reflects the heart of God – there’s a strong chance people will see we are real. 

So, set the pace. Make the time. Don’t give up, or quit! 

Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do – but spurring each other on.1.

Let’s get-rid of the guilt and performance based approach, and instead, share all the good things that we have and experience. 

And yes, we acknowledge – this E-word only goes a little way to make the journey smooth and straight – but as we strongly motivate encouragement – we hope it helps.

1 Hebrews 10:24-25

Hebrews 10:24-25
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
24 We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. 25 Some people have got out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.

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The Message – MSG Bible.

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Or Email david@newday-prince.me.uk.

Streams Of Peaceful Water

 E-word Communicator
Feb 202012
 

Streams Of Peaceful Water: 

 This week I was led to read an old favourite – one of the 150 lyrical poems and prayers that comprise the Book of Psalms. 

It was a particular Psalm which is one of the most familiar and most treasured. 

In fact, you may know it. 

It’s sometimes repeated aloud from memory, or sometimes joined by others in a hymn-sing. 

Have you guessed which Psalm it is yet? 

Well, judging by the title of this week’s E-word, I’m sure you have! 

Anyhow, I’m confident you will agree – this rephrasing of the first part of the Psalm seems to express the message in a very refreshing and sunny way. 

Here goes: - 

“You, Lord, are my Shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.”1.

 Friends, when we are drained of energy or effectiveness – extremely tired – having one’s spring unwound – feeling completely exhausted as a result of long-time stress – or run-down until we become physically and mentally fatigued – we need to have our lives refreshed! 

But when we’re at wits end – perplexed – unable to think what to do next – who can possibly refresh our lives? 

Only the One who will lead us to streams of peaceful water! 

Yes! That’s right! 

“You, Lord, are my Shepherd. I will never be in need.” 

Only He can renew and strengthen us! 

Only He can refresh our lives! 

 Still, in the busyness of our everyday lives – have you ever noticed how easy it is to give little or no attention to the One who really counts!! 

Perhaps we’ve been too distracted by the “hustle and bustle” of daily events to even realise! 

No wonder we’re worn-out – and tired of being tired!! 

But there is a place of ultimate peace. 

A place of rest. 

A place of simple contentment – completeness – wholeness – well being – and harmony. 

 Once we have identified ourselves with this, let’s reach out to the One who really counts. 

The Living God. 

The Good Shepherd. 

Let’s be led by Him to the streams of peaceful water. 

As soon as we are – He will refresh our lives – quench our thirst – give us new energy and strength – and make visible the God-colours in our lives. 

He, who puts all things together, makes all things whole, will provide us with everything we need. 

In truth, all our needs could never exhaust God’s supplies! 

Agree? Agree! 

1 Psalm 23:1-3

Psalm 23:1-3
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
23 The good shepherd 1 You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields : . of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.

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Pray First

 E-word Communicator
Feb 132012
 

Pray First: 

“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation.”1.

Friends, throughout the entire extent of history, God has acknowledged the prayers of His children. 

On a personal level; all the way through the times of success and misfortune – the ups and the downs – even when the moments hadn’t been a smooth sailing and joy-filled experience – our God has listened to and answered our prayers. 

And He still does! 

Agree? Agree! 

Okay, not always in the way we expect Him, but always in the way He knows best. 

In the reading for this week, we are encouraged to pray. 

Yes! That’s right! 

Try talking to God on a daily basis. 

“Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well.” 

And, let’s remember to honour those who lead, guide and inspire us – provided this also honours God. 

Surely, this is the way our Savior God wants us to live!2.

Remember, God has promised – if we call upon His name, He will be there ready for us: He will listen from heaven.3. 

So friends, take time today to pray to God on behalf of every nation – for all the inhabitants of the earth – and everyone you know. 

Then, as your prayer life grows, watch for God’s answers, and remember to be thankful when they come.4.

Amen? Amen!

1 1 Timothy 2:1-2

1 Timothy 2:1-2
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
How to pray 2 1 First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them. 2 Pray for kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honour God.

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2 1 Timothy 2:3

1 Timothy 2:3
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
3 This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Saviour.

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3 2 Chronicles 7:14

2 Chronicles 7:14
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
14 If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, then I will answer them from heaven. I will forgive them and make their land fertile once again.

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Jeremiah 33:3

Jeremiah 33:3
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
3 Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don't know and can't find out.

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The Message.

4 Colossians 4:2

Colossians 4:2
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
2 Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful.

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God Is There:

 E-word Communicator
Feb 062012
 

God Is There: 

Here’s a great quote by Dr Keith Warrington, the author of the book – Healing and Suffering: Biblical and Pastoral Reflections. 

“God’s power is for overcoming life’s problems, not for escaping them. It isn’t always there to make the mountains melt, but to make them manageable; not always to make the desert disappear, the darkness depart or the fog fade away, but to keep us, care for us and carry us through, enabling us to grow in the process.” 

Warrington indicates – a healthy balance is needed to remind believers that God is with them in the shadows of suffering as well as health and wholeness.

In truth, David the Psalmist was right-on when he wrote: 

Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because You are with me.1.

Today, I’m reminded of what Paul the Apostle wrote:

We are hedged in – pressed on every side – troubled and oppressed in every way, but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair. 

We are pursued – persecuted and hard driven, BUT NOT DESERTED TO STAND ALONE; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed.2.

Friends, as we travel down this bumpy road called life, we will meet many demanding or stimulating situations along the way, but they can be used to improve rather than damage us. 

Consider this, as followers of Jesus, we don’t completely function in our own strength – we have God alongside us! 

Yep! That’s right! 

God is there – ready to help when we need Him.3.

And know this, His grace is enough; it’s all we need. His strength comes into its own in our weakness.4.

Sure-enough, His power becomes clear, visible and noticeable when we don’t have any. 

Now, that’s something to think about. 

Agree? Agree!

1 New Century Version.

Psalm 23:4

Psalm 23:4
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod shepherd's rod: The Hebrew text mentions two objects carried by the shepherd: a club to defend against wild animals and a long pole to guide and control the sheep. makes me feel safe.

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2 Amplified Bible..

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. 9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.

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3 The Message.

Psalm 46:1

Psalm 46:1
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
46 God is our mighty fortress 1 God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble.

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4 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
9 But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly boast about how weak I am. 10 Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or ill-treated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.

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The Word:

 Comfort, Discipline, E-word Communicator, Encouragement, Faith, Guidance
Jan 292012
 

The Word: 

Over the last few years – we at Newday-Prince have been shaped and influenced by so many wordsmith’s. 

For instance – Bob Gass, the fluent and prolific writer of The Word for Today. 

Max Lucado, the best-selling author and writer of over 50 books, including – The Applause of Heaven, Travelling Light, Next Door Savior, Come Thirsty, and so on. 

And there’s Phil Ware, the inspirational writer for Today’s Verse from Heartlight. 

Rick Warren, the dynamic author of the devotional – The Purpose Driven Life. 

Also, William Paul Young, the creator of the top-selling fiction and audio book – The Shack. 

All of these, plus many more, have helped us to draw water from The Well.

And we thank God for them. Everyone! 

One in particular though, Eugene H. Peterson, in his paraphrased version of The Message Bible, has equipped so many people to understand the scriptures in a fresh, clear and precise way.

It’s from here, that we share this week’s E-word. 

“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. 

Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”1.

Consider this, God wants us to be ready to do the task. He wants us to be equipped and empowered. 

In light of this, thank God for the Bible! Yeah? Sure! 

Today, many different versions express the same message in different words

Different languages. 

Different vocabularies – characteristic of a specific group of people. 

Not forgetting the different web resources such as Bible Gateway, which make locating scripture a breeze. 

And those Bible apps mean – as long as we have something like an iPhone or iPod Touch, we also have the Bible with us! 

Thankfully, understanding the Bible isn’t for the few, the gifted, the intellectual. Nah! 

The Bible is accessible. 

Sure-enough, in whatever appearance – open to easy view, spoken or heard – whatever format – braille, on-line, print, and so forth, it’s meant to be read and comprehended by everyone from armchair readers to Bible College students.

No matter who we are, God intended His Word to be a gift that shapes us for the task. 

Remember, God appointments are awaiting us each day, at home, at work, at school, at play. 

But are we shaped up for the task? 

Are we equipped? 

Are we ready? 

Well friends – here’s some sound advice for everyone worldwide. 

Let’s talk about the message wherever we are, sitting at home or walking in the street. 

Let’s talk about it from the time we get up in the morning to when we fall into bed at night.2.

Let’s chew-over the Message as often as we can. 

Yep! That’s right! 

And let’s give it plenty of room in our lives!3.

God’s purpose for us is to apply His Word to our lives, not merely to read it. 

The Bible is about betterment, not just content! 

Transformation, not just information! 

Agree? Agree! 

Amen? Amen!

1 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Timothy 3:16-17
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
16 Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 17 The Scriptures train God's servants to do all kinds of good deeds.

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2 Deuteronomy 6:6

3 Colossians 3:16

Colossians 3:16
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
16 Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. : .

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God appointments are awaiting us each day – at home, at work, at school, at play. So, if you’ve been inspired by this E-word Communicator – please click the recommend button on this page. 

Thank you for being a part of our ministry. We appreciate your support, just knowing you are praying for us is a great encouragement.

The Challenge:

 E-word Communicator, Faith
Jan 232012
 

The Challenge: 

With help from Eugene H. Peterson, the publisher of The Message, quit stirring your coffee and start catching Paul’s passion and excitement as he wrote to a group of Christians. 

Here goes:- 

Now that the worst is over, we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact, and can face the world-and even more importantly, face you with our heads held high. 

But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part. It was God who kept us focused on Him, uncompromised.1.

Friends, to make your way through the journey from beginning to end, direct your attention on who God is. 

In spite of the challenge, and the effect that it may have on you, stick with God! 

Accept Him as true. You can believe Him! 

Yep! That’s right! 

Your status cannot faze the character of God! 

He’s reliable! Consistent! Trusty! Authentic! Real! 

He never changes! 

Remember this, the rhythm of God’s grace is still in full flow. He is so crazy about you, even when you’re oblivious to it. 

And know this, the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.2.

For this reason, test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. 

Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. 

Give yourselves regular check-ups.3.

Now, that’s the challenge!

Direct your attention to who God is. 

Give yourselves regular check-ups. 

Consider this, a dull axe means harder work. Being wise will make it easier.4.

Then, come out of this with conscience and faith intact. 

Don’t just put up with your limitations; celebrate them, and then go on to celebrate every strength, every triumph of the truth in you. 

Meanwhile, let’s pray hard that it will all come together in our lives.5.

And finally, let’s party, celebrate, and spread encouragement with friends and fellow travellers on our journey of faith

Come-on!! 

Amen? Amen!

1 2 Corinthians 1:12

2 Corinthians 1:12
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
The work of an apostle for God's people Paul's change of plans 12 We can be proud of our clear conscience. We have always lived honestly and sincerely, especially when we were with you. And we were guided by God's wonderful kindness instead of by the wisdom of this world.

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2 Martin Luther King, Jr.

3 2 Corinthians 13:5

2 Corinthians 13:5
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
5 Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to your faith. If you pass the test, you will discover that Christ is living in you. But if Christ isn't living in you, you have failed.

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4 Ecclesiastes 10:10

Ecclesiastes 10:10
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
10 If you don't sharpen your axe, it will be harder to use; if you are clever, you'll know what to do. do: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 10.

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5 2 Corinthians 13:9

2 Corinthians 13:9
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
9 Even though we are weak, we are glad that you are strong, and we pray that you will do even better.

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Please Sign-up Here.

God appointments are awaiting us each day – at home, at work, at school, at play. So, if you’ve been inspired by this E-word Communicator – please click the recommend button on this page. 

Thank you for being a part of our ministry. We appreciate your support, just knowing you are praying for us is a great encouragement.

The Future’s Bright:

 E-word Communicator, Encouragement, Faith, Newday Desk
Jan 162012
 

The Future’s Bright: 

Over the years, some folks have spoken of me as being just like Job: a hero in the Old Testament who maintained his faith in God in spite of afflictions that tested him. 

To a greater degree, he patiently endured continual wrongs and trouble without giving up hope. 

Now, some may question the comparison. 

Job lost everything he closely-held, had all of his children wiped-out, and was grievously affected with gruesome disfiguring diseases. 

Still, don’t take my word for it, judge for yourself. 

Here goes:-

I was diagnosed with Diabetes at the young age of four. 

And, as a teenager, I was also taken ill with Pneumonia. 

Already, my future appeared grim! 

Whilst in my mid-twenties, I became totally blind – due, in part, to diabetic retinopathy 

This followed an episode when my wife, Judith, had also undergone surgery to remove an abnormal artery growing from her pituitary gland to the hypothalamus in her brain! 

A little while later, I had renal Failure. 

And, overlapping this, my wife and I suffered the emotion of having five babies born into Heaven. 

By the age of twenty-eight, I had to have a kidney & Pancreas Transplant. 

Four months later I was given only three days to live – due to septicaemia 

Just over two years later, I endured the pain of a fatal Car Crash. 

At age 30, I had lost my health and my wife.! 

What’s more, three years after that, my kidney transplant failed! 

At this point in time, I was diagnosed as having an enlarged heart and bowel, experienced Angina, and also had a heart murmur. 

During this time, I fell ill with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, not once, not twice, but three times. For this reason, on one occasion, apart from being unable to see, for a little while, I also lost all sense of hearing! 

Then came the second kidney transplant. 

Sometime later, I found new love, and got married to Rachel. 

But, it wasn’t long before I was diagnosed as having an enlarged bladder, endured bladder retention, and had to start using speedi caths up to eight times a day. 

And then, my lovely wife, Rachel, not only had a prolapsed disc, but also suffered Temporomandibular joint Disorder. 

Then, if this wasn’t enough, I began to develop a skin condition, which, at one time or another, was examined by numerous health professionals, with the diagnosis just as varied. 

At one time, it was thought I had Eczema, or possibly Psoriasis. Then, at some other time, we believed it could be another episode of Staphylococcus Aureus, or maybe a Pseudomonas infection, or simply, an unknown Keratosis! 

Anyway, our recollection remains clear of the uneasy feeling we felt, as something didn’t seem right. 

Sure-enough, in November 2011, we discovered I had two types of skin Cancer – Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma. 

The Squamous was growing through, and spreading within the Porokeratosis, which in turn, appeared to be imitating Eczema. 

These, and multiple other issues could render most people immobile or at least cause them to lose faith and become ineffective for God. 

Bringing heartache, and gloom, on top of suffering! 

Nevertheless, our confidence today, is found in the concluding part of the story of Job – when it ends with him restored to health, with a new family, and twice as much livestock. 

Wow!! A God-sized dream! 

So, let’s consider this, we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good! 

Agree? Agree! 

Yes, that’s right! 

For this is God’s promise – He will bless us with a future filled with hope – a future of success, not of suffering. 

What a comfort! 

What a promise! 

So now – we walk in grace! 

For-sure, we are who we are because of God’s grace. 

He knew the plans He had for us before we were born, and He has led us through many a circumstance for us to be where we are today. 

The future’s bright with Him! 

Praise Him! 

Amen? Amen!

Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah 29:11
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
11 I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering.

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Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
28 We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him: Or “All things work for the good of everyone who loves God” or “God's Spirit always works for the good of everyone who loves God.” They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,

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2 Corinthians 12:9

2 Corinthians 12:9
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
9 But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly boast about how weak I am.

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James 1:12

James 1:12
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
Trials and temptations 12 God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, a glorious life: The Greek text has “the crown of life”. In ancient times an athlete who had won a contest was rewarded with a crown of flowers as a sign of victory. just as he rewards everyone who loves him.

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Please Sign-up Here.

God appointments are awaiting us each day – at home, at work, at school, at play. So, if you’ve been inspired by this E-word Communicator – please click the recommend button on this page. 

Thank you for being a part of our ministry. We appreciate your support, just knowing you are praying for us is a great encouragement.

Mercies In Disguise

 E-word Communicator
Sep 032011
 

Mercies In Disguise: 

Recently, Laura Story, the writer of the song “Indescribable”, released a touching new song called “Blessings”, the lead single of her album of the same name.

It’s one of those songs which you just want to play over and over again, and that’s what Rachel and I have been doing. 

For us, the chorus has been rather moving:- 

“Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops; 

What if Your healing comes through tears, 

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near - 

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?…” 

Sharing the story behind the song, Laura investigates,”Could God possibly be blessing us by not giving us the things we’re praying for?” 

Bob Gass reminds us, “To get the best out of God’s creation it’s essential there are three other seasons on top of the sunny one. 

The same is true of the seasons in our faith life.” 

Yes, that’s right! 

As for us, in spite of all the obstacles, throughout the course of our Christian walk, had Rachel and I been expecting a journey without any hard times, pressures, or problems, then of course we’d be disappointed. 

Realistically, both of us are aware that some of the hard times have been necessary to meld us into whom we’ve become. 

And we give thanks to Him for developing and strengthening us in a manner that brought about the transition of who we are today. And we’re still on that special journey with Him! 

Whether one is a Christian or not, each of us, no matter who we are, experience difficulties almost beyond our ability to endure. 

Quite often we find these painful challenges and problems creating demands that are a great effort to bear and overcome. 

Just because we’re Christians, doesn’t mean we have freedom from obstacles in life! There’s no such immunity for anyone! 

Storms know no boundaries! 

But, thank God, He knows what lies around the corner and because He’s all knowing – He helps us to get ready for every season. 

Indeed, the Psalmist sums it up in the New Century Version:- 

Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID because YOU ARE WITH ME.

What an insight! 

What an idea! 

What if trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights, are His mercies in disguise? 

Now, that’s something to think about. 

Psalm 23:4

Psalm 23:4
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod shepherd's rod: The Hebrew text mentions two objects carried by the shepherd: a club to defend against wild animals and a long pole to guide and control the sheep. makes me feel safe.

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Blessings, by Laura Story – You Tube.

Story Behind The Song.

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A Son Comes Home

 E-word Communicator, Encouragement
Aug 132011
 

A Son Comes Home: 

This week we’ve been reminded of a story which we heard some years ago, and feel it could be relevant for someone today. 

A friend happened to be sitting in a railroad coach next to a young man who was obviously depressed. 

Finally the young man revealed that he was a paroled convict returning from a distant prison. 

His imprisonment had brought shame to his family, and they had neither visited him nor written often. 

He hoped, however, that this was only because they were too poor to travel and too uneducated to write. 

He hoped, despite the evidence, that they had forgiven him. 

All the same, to make it easy for them, he had written to them asking that they put up a signal for him when the train passed their little farm on the outskirts of town. 

If his family had forgiven him, they were to put up a white ribbon in the big apple tree which stood near the tracks. 

If they didn’t want him to return, they were to do nothing, and he would remain on the train as it travelled onward. 

Anyhow, as the train neared his hometown, the suspense became so great that he couldn’t bear to look out of his window. 

He exclaimed, “In just five minutes the engineer will sound the whistle indicating our approach to the long bend which opens into the valley I know as home. Will you watch for the apple tree at the side of the track?” 

His companion said he would; they exchanged places. 

The minutes seemed like hours, but then there came the shrill sound of the train whistle. 

The young man asked, “Can you see the tree? Is there a white ribbon?” 

Came the reply, “I see the tree. I see not one white ribbon, but many. There is a white ribbon on every branch. Son, someone surely does love you.”1.

Friends, one of the things we can learn from this short story – which is absolutely vital to knowing and accepting forgiveness, and having the willingness to forgive others – is recognising – as God, our heavenly Father forgives us, He frees us from the discomfort of chewing-over the mistakes of our past, and clears away the obstructions that make it difficult to move forward. 

In short, He forgives our sins – every one! 

In truth, God makes everything come out right; He puts victims back on their feet. 

Okay, no man can run from his own story! 

But as the psalmist declares, God is sheer mercy and grace.2.

Sure-enough, if grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking!3.

God doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. 

As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is His love to those who fear Him. 

And as far as sunrise is from sunset, He has separated us from our sins. 

Now listen:, let us inhabit the place called Forward; knowing that God already knows our future, and has given us a new out-look for every day. 

Yes, that’s right! 

Oh, how He loves us so! 

Amen? Amen! 

Have a great week, 

1 Short story from a 1961 Reader’s Digest article.

2 Psalm 103:8

Psalm 103:8
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
8 The Lord is merciful! : . He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.

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Psalm 103:10

Psalm 103:11

Psalm 103:11
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
11 How great is God's love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth!

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Psalm 103:12

Psalm 103:12
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
12 How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Further than the distance from east to west!

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The Message.

New International Version.

3 “If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking!” From the worship song “He Loves Us” – sung by Kim Walker, original lyrics by John McMillan.

The Event

 E-word Communicator
Aug 062011
 

The Event: 

Heat rays danced on the roof of the brick built facility. 

The broiling sun bearing down made it feel like an oven. 

For us, air conditioning was unheard of in those days. 

Insufferable heat that hadn’t let up for weeks, caused the perimeter grass to wilt and fade to a straw-like colour! 

It’s a wonder the tarmac surface of the parking area hadn’t turned to a melted candy-like-liquorice! 

Anyhow, 1976 was the hottest summer in the United Kingdom since records began. 

As well as the heat, Britain was in the middle of a severe drought. 

Still, with windows open wide, doors and fire exits too, The congregation gathered to witness the special occasion. 

Imagine the atmosphere – the excitement. 

Such a buzz! 

Everyone in the place were looking at nothing else but the event. 

The baptismal. Full immersion. 

An outward expression of having a changed heart and life. 

One by one, each “candidate” took their turn. 

For some, a change for the better – with a temporary relief from the scorching heat – as one stepped into the tepid water. 

Cool! Refreshing! 

Now, in the hands of pastor Bowater, who offered guidance, reassurance and support. 

Time was given for a short testimony from each candidate. 

Oh-boy! 

And so, the familiar words were spoken, “In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” 

Then, plunge! A complete soaking! Saturated from head to toe! 

And then, quickly, one emerged, spluttered, followed by a short laboured intake of breath! 

That was my experience anyway! 

This, an outline of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. 

Symbolizing the old life is gone, a new life begins to flourish. 

Let’s interject a praise here! 

Soon afterwards, with great suspense, the riveting crowd hung on every word, every promise. 

Yes, that’s right! 

A Bible reference, specially chosen for each participant, spoken aloud by another member of the leadership team. 

For me, some words from Isaiah 42 – reworded today for the purpose of clarification – for this generation, found in the Message paraphrased version – current, fresh, and understandable. 

God’s Message, the God who created the cosmos, stretched out the skies, laid out the earth and all that grows from it, Who breathes life into earth’s people, makes them alive with His own life: “I am God. I have called you to live right and well. 

I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe. 

I have set you among my people to bind them to me, and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations. 

To make a start at bringing people into the open, into light: opening blind eyes, releasing prisoners from dungeons, emptying the dark prisons. 

I am God. That’s my name.”1.

Wow! 

In retrospect, I’m lost for words! 

Well, almost! 

And why not?! 

God is so good! 

He cannot be equalled or matched. 

There is none like Him! 

Thus, He deserves our applause! 

Our praise! 

For this reason, let’s make God’s glory resound; echo His praises from coast to coast.2.

Let’s proclaim the good news that He saves. 

Let’s publish His glorious deeds among the nations, and tell everyone about the amazing things He does.3.

God, You’re so awesome! 

Thank You for saving me. What can I say? You are my everything. I will sing Your praise.4.

Amen? Amen! 

1 Isaiah 42:5-8

Isaiah 42:5-8
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
5 I am the Lord God. : . I created the heavens like an open tent above. I made the earth and everything that grows on it. I am the source of life for all who live on this earth, so listen to what I say. 6 I chose you to bring justice, : ; ; . and I am here at your side. I selected and sent you I selected...you: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text. to bring light and my promise of hope to the nations. 7 You will give sight to the blind; you will set prisoners free from dark dungeons. 8 My name is the Lord! I won't let idols or humans share my glory and praise.

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2 Isaiah 42:10

Isaiah 42:10
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
Sing praises to the Lord 10 Tell the whole world to sing a new song to the Lord! Tell those who sail the ocean and those who live far away to join in the praise.

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3 Psalm 96:2-4

Psalm 96:2-4
English: Contemporary English Version (UK) - CEV-UK
2 sing and praise his name. Day after day announce, “The Lord has saved us!” 3 Tell every nation on earth, “The Lord is wonderful and does marvellous things! 4 The Lord is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship.

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4 Martin Smith.

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