KCF Notes 2012

Please note, these are my jottings during the sermons/messages given by the preachers, teachers and speakers.
They contain actual phrases spoken, summarised comments and other relevant thoughts that came to me at the time.

30/9 Hugh Henderson - Isa 5:8-6:5

Mission International Teams: in Haiti they built a Church, in Africa they built a health centre, in Burundi (9m people, 11 dentists; most densly populated country in world) hundreds of extractions and development of dentist training program.
Churches in Africa have big problems with theology e.g. they will ex-communicate members who date with members from other Churches. MI led Charismatic Methodists teaching day. 2013 teams in planning for usual destinations and also DR Congo? [prayer required] The theme is 'Facing the Challenge head on'. MI get more requests for help than they can resource. One recent development is to show the Jesus film to villages & communities.
What would I do? We (KCF) have more theology than most African pastors. We can share the good news. Situation in Scotland is getting worse - same sex marriage, euthanasia, eugenics, Islam... Bible says the wicked will get worse. We should stand up for what we believe in. Make sure Word of God is preached reliably. Jesus was a rock of offense; to challenge our sin. Post-modernism is eroding our society with its apparent 'no absolutes'. The Church & Christianity is under threat. What do we really believe? The Church is also being undermined by those who are irresponsible. We are called to make disciples, not believers. 2 Tim 2:2. Ensure reliability in what is said & done. Maintain the authenticity. Teach properly. Be effective. Love God & your neighbour. Demonstrate this. Love your enemies. The Church, we, must make changes, take hold of the Word of God. Do what He says to do! Be involved, move. Be those who do what is right in His eyes. Jesus brings a new covenant and breaks the cycle. Blessed is he who is not offended in me. How do I make this real in my sphere of influence? Isa 5:8, 11, 18, (woe to the wicked), 6:1-5 (woe to me!). We are products of our community. Lord help us. Our guilt is atoned for. Understand that there is a call on you life. Remain reliable, be true to the message, make disciples. This transformation is the answer to our dilemas.

27/5 Allan Weir. Acts 1:4. Wait for Father's promise. Restoring the Kingdom. Acts 2:1-6. Gathering them together. He brings us together, we are united in Him. Unity is here, preserve it. Don't be too familiar with these passages. We receive HS when we believe, we know when we receive HS. Increase your expectation of HS. Walk daily in His power and direction. This is the life of the believer. We are supernatural, spiritual beings. When we receive HS we are made new 2 Cor 5:17, different from before. We are transformed and changed from what we were previously. HS raised Jesus from the dead: new indestructable life. We are part of a new family. Rom 5:5 is about our adoption as children of God. A new reality. HS gives us confidence & identity. Eph 2:3. Eph 1:13, His seal is upon us. A seal secures. Our destiny. A non-refundable deposit. We are approved. Eph 4:19, know His presence. Connected 1 Cor 12:13, putting us where He wants us. He is for us, towards us, He prays Rom 8:28. He walks with us teaching us. 1 Jn 2:27 anointing abides, teaches. A power at work in us. Eph 1:17 hope, riches, power, strength. We are called to be overcomers, not in our own strength. He takes what we bring to Him, adds His 'dimension' to it. Acts 9:31, He strengthens & encourages us. 1 Cor 2:9-15. He reveals truth & reality to us. We are the body of Christ, to care. Give & receive honour. Lift up and speak well of one another. Eph 4:16 build up in love. We become stronger & healthier together. 1 Cor 14:6. Exercise your gift. Take the good news out in power & authority to the world. Matt 16:13. Tell what you saw. To serve and act is our calling. Disciples follow and practice Jesus teaching. Pursue God for healing. His power will change thngis, we can demonstrate the kingdom. Ask for HS to move again.

20/5 Richard Hobson. Close the Bible and Pray. What is prayer? What do we pray? Reading the Bible shows prayer is an integral part of the life of faith, from Gen 4:9 - Rev 22:20. Ps116:4 - speaking to God, Ps 143 - hear me. Prayer is indispensable for Christians. There is some incorrect teaching on prayer, yet prayer is essential. Without prayer, there is no movement - like an engine with no petrol. What do I say, what posture, what pattern? Prayer = 'Sinners speaking to their Saviour'. There are 2 important factors: 1 Who we think we are; 2 who we think God is. Who does the Bible say we are? If we think our obedience is lacking, can we even approach Him? Bible study & prayer are united and linked. We can know God is & who we are. Heb 10:11 a message to Christians, a certainty, enter the holy place. v19-23. We follow Jesus into that place, not through a curtain, but through His blood. Ritual washing etc has been superceded. There are no obstacles for modern day believers. The new, living, way is open. Our faith, given to us as a gift, enables us to enter. Be bold, confident. Trust in Jesus, that He has prepared us, to enter in before God. All sin is dealt with at the cross. James 5, powerful prayer. Who is righteous? Those who absolutely follow God's way - only Jesus. 2 Cor 5:21, He became our sin, we become His righteousness. By faith alone. Knowing this, we come to Him in repentance & faith. We all receive the same righteousness. The church is to be house of prayer. Acts 1,2, Rom 12:12, Eph 6:18. We can freely enter the holy place. We should revolve round His will, not Him round ours. God is sovereign. Too often we want to be in control, and for things to work out our way. Jesus asked for something that wasn't ultimately in God's will. Jam 4:3. Our desires become the basis of our prayers; let His passion become the basis of our prayers. Our view of self & God will determine how, what, when we pray. Know what He has done through Jesus. When you get into the holy place,in the confidence of what Jesus has done, just speak to God. Ps 136, the response to all God's deeds. We grow in understanding of God and His ways and who we are.

6/5 David Seel - Lk 8:22-25 [Updates - Dave Gibson growing in faith. Taylor sitting exams looking towards OT via access course to 2nd yr.]

Don't wait for the storm to end, learn to dance in the rain. We all have things going on. We don't know how great the challenge will be; don't be despondent. Get eternal perspective, it will help, but it will not remove the testing.. Job - sparks fly up, James - pure joy. Perseverance allows us to grow in God. Testing increases our faith. Big ships are affected by storms. Lk 8:22-25. Jesus calms the storm. Hear God's word and do it is what Jesus was teaching before this event. 1- Crisis v23 Jesus is with us regardless. These were fisherman, used to these conditions, but even they were concerned. What else is going on that alters our perspective? House, family, job, tenant issues. Recognise what is happening. People watch Christians in these situations. They are opportunities to witness to God's love. Testify to God's love & mercy. Listen to people. 2- hear what people are saying. Respond to them with Jesus love, help them cry out to God. Where is your faith. Look to Him for the answer. Effective prayer of a righteousness man avails much. v24 Jesus spoke directly & authoritatively to the wind & rain & nature. Know what authority we have & take it. Max Lucado - God waited for the man to respond, God has not lost His power. 3- the outcome was calm. What are we expecting God to do? God is a God of order, not of confusion. Faith has to be in Jesus being with us. Fully rely on God. God may protect us, preserve us or be with us when we go to meet Him. Even if... Ps 46 a refuge & strength. The more we go through, the truer this gets. After the storms, enter the calm. Moving back to Ralston. Exploring pastoral ministry, seeking work. If it rains, will you dance? When God speaks, go with it. When something is going on go to God. Isa 41:10. God's Word is truth.

29/4 Alan Seel - Spirit of Life. 1 Sam 12. [Sense of HS in worship Rom 8 no condemnation.]

After being led by the Judges, Samuel was getting old, his sons were rebels. The people forgot God. They were in a time of change. This is a time to try something new! Samuel talks about his integrity. He was put out that his honesty and justice is not appreciated. Keep perspective of what people say about you. Samuel tells them their history. v14 fear God to receive goodness. These are guidance for true Christian living. Revere God. Ps 34, honour God, lack nothing. Servanthood, willingly giving to God. Obey God. Listen to God. Stir up the gifts in us, actively. This is the way forward. Review what has been. How have our lives been shaped? People have influenced & encouraged us. Where have we been? In all this, where & how have we proclaimed Jesus. What lies ahead? How do we move into the future? Look to what God is doing; be in faith for how He will act. Be open to the miraculous, look for God to intervene. How often do we put ourselves in the place of faith. vv19-25 acknowledge your errors & mistakes, then focus on God, avoiding useless idols. Review TV, radio, pc, phones, books. What takes up our time & resources. Choose your future carefully. v22 God is pleased to make us His own. There is rejoicing when we turn to Him. There is blessing for those who give Him glory. We belong to Him, we have a purpose and a journey. We are called to acknowledge Him & proclaim Him.

22/4 Alan Milnes - Choices & Consequences. 1 Sam 8

Eli was high priest. This was after the Judges. Then came Samuel to lead the people. His sons rebelled against God. The people again forget their lessons and turn to human strength. The issue is not that Samuel is weak, but that the people rejected God. Num 24, there will be great kings. Deut 17:14 instructions for kings. Samuel warns about the costs of a king. The people don't let God's appointed be the king. God gives us choices. Some of which have consequences, but God can use them for our good. Similar to what God did through Joseph. The elders have decided that they want a king. v6 Sam goes to God for guidance. The essence is they don't want God & His ways. They are choosing man's ways not God's. ch12 v3, a farewell speech. v19 God gives the people their desires. They will have seen the kings of neighbouring nations. In Glenrothes, 2012, how do we relate to this? What really motivates us to ministry? Are we radical disciples? How are we helping people to live daily under the kingship of Christ. Rom 10:9 this is an important tenet of our faith. Daily declaration that Jesus is Lord. As priests we don't stand in the way between people & God. What things are getting in the way between us & God? No matter what the problem, make sure you go forward on the right path. Ensure you are not rejecting God or His ways.

15/4 William Butchart - Divine Mercy Sunday. Prov 4:20-24

v23 The Heart: how do we perceive it, a muscle, emotions. The Jewish understanding is the very being of a person. There are significant implications if we do not look after our bodies. What we eat, drink, intake can have a bad effect on us. Excess food and drink can lead to various forms of dementia. v23 is advice to guard the essence of who you are. Pay much attention to this. Incompetent guards do not pay attention, they are not alert. We need a form of defence. Jesus in Lk 6:45 places importance on what is in our hearts. If you allow the wrong things into your heart, things will go wrong. These verses give us practical advice of how to protect a heart. Review the things that you allow to make paths into your heart. What things have sneaked into our hearts that shouldn't be there? This is not about self-righteousness and haughty attitudes. Be alert and attentive so that we can interact positively with the world. Get familiar with these words from God. Remember we are Christ's. God reigns; this is our story. His words are for us. They are life and healing. Absorb them. More of God, less of us. Let the Word soak into our lives. Do we know the gospels? His story, is our story. Be immersed in it, rejoice in it, sing it, praise it. Let it sink in. Heed these words of wisdom; look forward to how we can live in truth. Become a good guard, knowing God through His word. Our identity is in God. Don't be side-tracked.

8/4 Harry Sprange - Easter Sunday. Jn 19:42-20:20

Jesus was buried in a hurry, the city gates were closing, the Sabbath was starting. This was a temporary tomb. The women were more courageous than the men, but it was not the most sensible or practical idea. It was an act of worship. They were expecting to find a body. cf Mat 28:2, the women saw the angel move stone. Why did the men not see the angels? The clothes were lying as though the body had moved out of it. This was the point where the disciples started to believe. The credibility of this story is the 'dull-ness' of the disciples. If it were fiction, they would have been 'flawless' heroes. Mary still has not realised that Jesus has risen. Jesus made himself known to the most grieving of woman, in private. He comes to us in our need to meet us & encourage us. cf Lk 24:13-35 some men, disappointed & returning to Emmaus. Jesus understands us, knows when to be gentle with us & when to discipline us. Jesus reveals Himself to many people. We need to be commited to Him, we need to come humbly. Rom 10:20 (Isaiah). There is nothing God can't do, He is bigger than our circumstances. Live in hope of the certain resurrection. Be ready to share with the world. As man, He rose from the dead, as Spirit, He can live in each one of us.

1/4 Paul Younger - Palm Sunday Mt 21:1-11

As children, were we unhappy, did we long for something else, perhaps wanting to be royalty? Humble Jesus, raised as a poor carpenter, was being celebrated. Why did Jesus not walk this last part of a long journey? GTD, the Lord needed it. Gk kurios, God. God needs it. Jesus is a gentle king. He is now claiming His birthright & fulfilling prophecy. 2 Kg 9 the way to welcome a king. The whole city was stirred. Gk city was shaken; seizemic. In trials we can look back on good days & keep going. Expectations were high for the king. Jesus was different. He came to bring peace & salvation. Some people recognised who Jesus was. Ps 118 was shouted - save us. Jesus' arrival demanded a response. It has an impact on us. Who do we say He is? Jesus - a prophet, a teacher, a king. Jesus kingship is real - what is our response? Will Scotland choose Elizabeth as our queen? Know what we are choosing. Understand that choices have benefits and costs. Kings rule in authority over you. Choose to serve and obey Him.

25/3 David Seel - Grace. Jn 1:14,16.

We want to receive & be under God's grace. Do we ever think we have arrived? God may challenge us on thus. Are we using His standards? In what ways are we rejecting Him? Receive what we don't deserve. God gives because of who He is. Saving grace, Titus 3:4,5. Consider what Jesus did on the cross makes grace possible. Eph 2:8,9. God loves us. Leaning who Jesus is. Boast in the right things. In testimony, deal with the bad stuff quickly, spend most of the time on the good stuff. Grace sustains. We have assurance of our salvation. Rom 4:7,8. Listen to God's view on the world & circumstances. Be the reason that I live. Jesus blood shed is why we can say, blessed be the man whose sins are forgiven. Do we face situations and think God is not there? Keep swinging the bat. Ask for help and let God be God. Cry 'help' to get to heaven. Everything may come against you, but only for a while. God takes us through situations for a reason. Be ready for where you are going! Ask for opportunity to share. Heb 4:16, 2 Cor 12:9, Grace can get us through. Grace can sanctify us; make us different. Titus 2:11,12. How do we deal with - gay marriage, etc, etc. Be positive about what Church is about. Rom 12:1,2. What does the Church think? Place your life before God. What happens when God's grace fills someones life? God is still in the grace business. Surrender to His grace.

18/3 Paul Younger - Patience Gal 5.

Patience, waiting for God. Long suffering, forbearance, tolerance. Send a new trial each day. Like tempering steel, repeated heating & hammering. Not pleasant, but beneficial. As we are tested we grow stronger. When you start to exercise patience more comes. The Gk word relates primarily to people. Remain calm & forgiving & tolerant - even for the 100th time. God's expectation is opposite to worldly expectation. Keep calm & carry on. Look to God for true understanding. Rom 2, 9 He is patient with us. Sometimes I make it hard for Him to be patient with me. In Jesus being patient is seen best. Mt 18, how many times? Every time. Isa 53 Jesus suffered, yet said nothing. He was tormented - not for His doings. He was accused, yet kept silent. He took our illness and infirmities. Jesus on the cross is not a pretty picture, but illustrates patience. He accepted it was His role to stand in for us. Forgiving those who do you wrong. How can I live up to this? Concentrate on the first step. Feed the seed, nurture it. Do we seek vengeance? Will forgiveness win over. Feed the seed. Makrothumia.

11/3 Richard Hobson - Receiving Col 2:1-8.

v6 Giving starts the receiving process. Wages: are they a contractual right? The thinking that everything is just an exchange is dangerous, & not for us. 1 Cor 4:11, what do we have that we did not receive? Don't be proud & boastfull like the Corinthians. God is our provider, not our employer [or employee!]. Recognise that we receive everything from God. Is 9:6 to us the Son is given. This is a wonderful gift, given to us. We have been drawn to Him, by grace. There are benefits & consequences to the Christian life. We still do not yet know the fulness. Col 2:6 - a present & continuous state. Jesus is our Lord & Saviour. Be steadfast in faith, walk in Him. Is total devotion to Him a burden? Ps 46 no fear, though the earth gives way. Lord of hosts is our fortress. Make His Word more dominant & important than what we see around us. Put down your roots for stability & sustenance. Resist putting trust in anyone other than Christ. The grip of God and strength of HS keeps us. Be built up in Christ, obey Him. This obedience nurtures us and builds us up. No one can be mature by ignoring what Jesus says. The Faith = the teaching Christians believe. Hold scripture central & greater than any person's teaching. Get established in God's word. Stay away from anything not found in scriptures. Be concerned with knowledge of God. Be thankful. What we receive is a gift, not a right. Grasp the significance of what you have received. Gratitude, not will power, a thankful attitude. Let God open your eyes. St Augustine, command what you will, will what you command. The smallest amount of faith is sufficient for us to be grateful.

4/3 Allan Weir

We are in a process of transformation. We are being conformed to Christ; this is God's will & purpose for us. Doesn't matter how you feel. Gaze on Christ - this is the key. Those who are born again have the glory in them. Believe what God says about you, live what you believe. We bear the creators image. The glance may save, the gaze transforms. Jn 3:15. Num 21 the snake lifted up, changed them and made better those who looked at it. What are you looking at? Incline your heart & mind to Jesus. What is your focus or purpose? Ps 16 - set the Lord before you. Rely on Him. Trust in Him. Heb 12:2 fix your eyes. Be poised towards Him. If you look at the world or circumstances you will panic. Become what you look at. What does it involve? Choices, will, focus. Turning from, turning to. Change direction towards God. Ps 3:3 lift up your head. No guilt, no condemnation, no shame. Cooperate with Holy Spirit. Moses veiled his face due to the radiance. Unveil the face, take of the mask, no hiding behind our deeds & actions. Be vulnerable & humble. He says - come in. He is for us. Our big brother has taken the blame. What happens when we turn to Him, when we give ourselves to Him? Num 21: We all suffer from snake-bite, we have all been bitten. We can be healed; sozo = made whole. Jn3:15 receive eternal life. We have received this - now. He reveals things to us through Holy Spirit. We must get Rom 8:29. Heb 12:2 Rom 10:17 faith comes. Ps 16:8,9 as we look - His presence with us, protection, peace. Isa 26:3, joy/happiness, security. Ps 121:2 help, v3 stand firm, healing. Ps 34:4 He answers your call. He responds to us. We have to call. He makes us radiant. He rescued us from all troubles. Rom 8:32. Angel Rom 9:33 no disappointment. God works through process. Stay on the journey as we began - looking to & trusting in Him. Look to Him and the storm will stop.

26/2 Harry Sprange - Eph 6:10-20

We need to progress into all different aspects of God's character. 1 Tim 6:12, 2 Tim 2:3, 1 Tim 1:18, Js 4:7, 1 Pet 5:9. Ephesians is about the whole Church acting together, taking spiritual authority, not about the lone Christian struggling. The armour is not something that should be applied in a superstitious way. The Roman army in Britain was probably less than 2000 men, but their organisation and leadership enabled them to overcome about 1 million Brits. Their shields were a vital component. The Church needs prophetic leadership and direction to ensure we fight the right battles at the right time in the right way. An army learns to work together as one unit. We serve a warrior God. The most common name for God in OT is 'God of Hosts', Lord God of Heaven's Armies. Jer 21:5 fighting His own people. Isa 30:27 sift the nations, pouring out His anger. Isa 42:13 a man of war. Isa 59:15 vengeance and zeal. Isa 63:5. Pauls teaching is based on OT passages of God's warfare. This must be consistent with all of God's character. The armour we are to put on is Jesus character. Corporately, we do this to function as the body of Christ. Watchman Nee - Sit, walk, stand. First we need to get a vision of who Jesus is and who we are in Him. We walk in the relationship we have with Him. To stand and remain in Jesus through the battles requires character. The belt is for holding all the weapons and for ensuring clothing is not a hindrance. 1 Pet 1:13 girding up. Don't stumble. The belt is truth, Jesus is truth, where do we get our world view - not from the Sunday Star. Jesus is the reality. Reality comes from God. Phil 4:8 focus on these positives. Feed on truth, this will defeat Satan. Eph 4:15,25. Victory comes from dwelling in truth. Righteousness, Isa 59:15, God loves justice and acts to restore it and uphold it. His anger is valid. We need to protect our hearts. We can be angry, but must not sin (anger is not sin). 2 Pet 2:13 wrong will be repaid. Ps 132 - there is a battle, but peace will come. We stand in peace, peace through Jesus, He is not at war with us. 'Fear not' is what God's people are told. Protect your feet Isa 52:7 publish salvation. Our God reigns. The watchman declares God is coming. Faith is our shield of protection. Go together in to a situation, fully protected. Fiery arrows need to be extinguished to limit the damage they cause. What burns in our life that shows the enemy is beating us. Salvation, the helmet, protects our head. Isa 59. God protects our heads. 1 Thes 5:8. Guard minds 2 Cor 10:5. The roman helmet meant you could only see forward and stay focussed. By standing together the enemy cannot attack our sides. We live in sure and certain hope of salvation. The Word [rhema,logos]. Jesus used scriptures, written, in power of HS, breathed, to bring victory and the Kingdom. The Gospel must be beathed, preached and lived. Ex 14 stand & see God's salvation. Will God fight on our behalf?

19/2 Hugh Henderson - Isa 58:6-14

Foundations. The foundations of the faith in Christendom are being shaken. 2 Tim 2:2 www.reliablepeople.org God gives Paul the message, Timothy is a witness & others are called to sustain the work of getting the message out. Plan - Deut 8:3, Ps 119:11, Ps 119:105, 2 Tim 3:16 Foundation - Eph 2:20 set the stone accurately, make the foundation secure. We are being built together. 1 Pet 2:4-11. The world rejected the living stone, the one we are becoming like. Security is in His Word. We see those who stumble over the Rock. They disobey His message. We are aliens in this world. Egyptians made bricks - a curse. God builds with stones. Ex 20:25, Isa 65:3, Mt 16:18, God's way, not our way. Christ is the rock, not Peter. The rock is Christ. Challenges are rising against virgin birth, deity of Christ, the cross, resurrection, 2nd coming, Word of God, Blood of Christ, Salvation, Judgement. 1 Cor 10:4. Maintain solid foundations. Heb 6:1 repentance, faith, baptism, healing, resurrection, judgement. Be clear about who and what we are. Don't let the world undermine your foundation.

5/2 William Butchart - Gal 3:1-5

Technology. Are we dependant on it; for memory? Steve Jobs was admired for innovations, making something from nothing. The world exalts a self-made man. Paul reminds Galatians of futility of human achievements. They have lost their perspective. He challenges them to review what they are doing. Where does self-effort get you? Who keeps us in Christ? It is not our efforts, or legalism, or regulations. How do we measure our spirituality? Rules are set against the grace of God. We become bewitched, blinded, distracted which leads to guilt & shame, or pride & arrogance. Beware of foolishness. Don't lose focus on what it means to be a Christian. The cycle of trying harder will trap us, & cause us to judge others. Legalism is cancerous to our spirits; the focus is on us. We become useless to God. We are effective only by the grace of God & power of Holy Spirit. How comfortable are we with a vengeful God who is distant? In Christ we already are His people & temple/ dwelling place. We are loved & accepted. We do not have to prove ourselves to ourselves or others. Believe you are loved & accepted. Grace is not doing as you please. God will patiently mould us, avoid your own DIY program. Embrace grace. Rejoice in what God is doing, not what we can effect.

29/1 Alan Seel - Luke 19:1-10

The importance of the presence [of God]. God always invites us. Celebrations are good. Memorable occasions. Presence Ministries with Hugh Clark & Allan Weir. Rev 3:20, open the door. He is always waiting. Matt 11:28, come to me - for rest. Jas 4:8, draw near to God. Isa 55:1 be refreshed, renewed. Jesus satisfies. His presence will transform lives & situations. Ps 16:11 joy in presence. Lk 19:1-10 get your riches from Jesus, not people. Want to see Jesus, Zach did, we should too. Don't be put off by disadvantages or obstacles. Find a solution, "actively position yourself for an encouter" - AS. Allow God time and space to act. Expect to meet God; make the connection; let the transfer happen. Know God has your destiny in mind, & a purpose for you. Let Him take hold of you to fullil it. Don't be dissuaded by public opinion, the voice of the crowd. They don't matter, He does! Will we do something different with Jesus in our lives? How many ways will we welcome Him? Where will this take us? Can we give away half our possessions, or whatever Jesus asks? Do we see from His perspective? Will we accept significant change? In our hearts? Salvation comes daily. Live in new ways. Learn to dialogue with God. Walk in your destiny.

15/1 Paul Younger - Gal 5:22

Joy - a deep feeling of happiness or contentment? Joy is more than happiness. It doesn't come from people, but from Holy Spirit who is more than human. The drug extasy doesn't bring joy. Acts 16 Paul & Silas beaten & thrown into jail where they sing praise to God. Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote to Phillipians - rejoice. No-one can make joy, or make someone joyful - it comes from Holy Spirit. Bad circumstances do not take away joy. Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem on the strength of Joy of the Lord. We do not have to wait for morning for joy. The news to the shepherds was great joy. Jesus speaks of joy that we get from heaven. Beattitudes, blessed are persecuted, they receive joy. All those listed are joy-fullest. The fruit of Spirit is growing in them. There is no happiness without the creator. Rejoice in the Lord always, again rejoice.

8/1 Alan Milnes - I Samuel 7

The end of the Judges, no king, everyone did whatever they wanted. Hannah prays, Samuel is the answer. The ark is captured by the Philistines ch 5,6. 20 yrs Israel mourned since they felt abandoned. It was they that abandoned God v3 if you're serious... Leave the false gods. Samuel becomes the judge. v6 the people listen, confess, fast, accept Samuel. As they turn to God, danger threatens, yet by turning to God, not just the symbol of His presence, they overcome. Their territory was reclaimed. The stone of help. God's help is up to this point. The Philistines were subdued while the people listened to God. There are many things in our houses that distract us from worshipping God. What can we learn from the past? How can we make God our priority? God is not only loving & kind: Haggai 1:3 honour God, not yourself. Sort out your priorities, comforts, possessions.

22/12 Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Australia says NO -- Second Time she has done this! She sure isn't backing down on her hard line stance and one has to appreciate her belief in the rights of her native countrymen. A breath of fresh air to see someone lead. Australian Prime Minister does it again!! The whole world needs a leader like this!
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT... Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'
'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.' 'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!'
'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.' 'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'
'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.' 'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

22/2 Matthew Parris (Spectator) One of the reasons we can be pretty sure Jesus actually existed is that if He had not, the Church would never have invented Him. He stands so passionately, resolutely and inconveniently against everything an established church stands for. Continuity? Tradition? Christ had nothing to do with stability. He came to break up families, to smash routines, to cast aside the human superstructures, to teach abandonment of earthly concerns and a throwing of ourselves upon God’s mercy.

1/1 Paul Valler (Christianity Jan2012) - Sabbath

"Not working all the time means more of a dependence on God to provide. Activity & achievement are ways we feel good about ourselves. Sabbath helps to guard us from that achievement-centred spirituality."
"In music, rests and silences are the context in which sounds are enjoyed, and in the same way, rest provides the context from which meaning is drawn from work and life"
"It is this 'time outside of time' that we pursue in the Sabbath. I find that starting the Sabbath on the previous evening helps me unwind."
"Sabbath says the oppposite. Everything else is what is left when you have put the Sabbath (and therefore time honouring God) first"
"To think not just about holidays but holy days... sustains us for the future"

1/1 Mike Taylor (Christianity Jan2012) - Interview

There's quite a battle raging in America (and starting here too) between creationists and evolutionists. How do you view the arguments?
"They are a complete waste of time and energy. Scientists who should be doing valuable research are distracted into refuting frankly loony 'science'. Worse still, Christians who should be spreading the love of Christ are distracted into a fruitless argument that has nothing to do with the gospel, and can only be a hindrance to scientists who might otherwise be open to Christ. It really is the most appallingly pointless and destructive conflict - all the more so because it's between two sides that aren't even opposed, as they would realise if they'd only listen to each other.

1/1 Darrel Tunningley (Christianity Jan2012) - From prison to pulpit

When did you become a Christian ? "'This morning!', because it's a daily decision."

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