Prayer
-Give thanks to God for those who have recently recovered from sickness. - Pray for those who are sick or receiving treatment in our congregation. -Pray that we each would walk close to God, putting off sins that easily beset us and that we would daily give thanks for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (1. John 1.3; Hebrews 12.1; 1 Thes 5.16.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Jehoahaz reigneth wickedly over Israel. Israel oppressed by Hazael is relieved at the prayer of Jehoahaz. Jehoahaz dieth; Joash succeedeth him. His bad reign. Elisha visited on his death bed by Joash, promiseth him three victories over the Syrians, whose overthrow had been completer but for the king's fault. Elisha dieth; the Moabites invade the land; on whose appearance a dead man being cast into Elisha's grave, is raised to life on touching his bones. Hazael, who had oppressed Israel, dying, Joash thrice defeateth Ben-hadad, and recovereth the cities taken by Hazael. 2 Kings 13 Preface - The apostle foretelleth and evil characters that should appear in the last days. He describeth the enemies of the truth: setteth forth unto Timothy his own example, and exhorteth him to abide in the doctrine he had learned, commending unto him the manifold use of the holy scriptures. 2 Timothy 3 Daily Light - Morning Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? God hath chosen the foolish thnkgs of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. - Born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. My spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. - The battle is not yours, but GOd's. The LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's Zech 4.6; Isa. 40.13 1 Co. 1.27-29 Jn. 3.8; Jn. 1.13 Hag. 2.5; 2 Chr. 20.15 1 Sa. 17.47 Daily Light - Evening Do as thou has said. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear... So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word... Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou has caused me to hope... Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage... The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver... For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations. God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus. Exceeding great and precious promises. 2 Sa. 7.25; Ps. 119.38,42.49,54,72,89-90 He. 6.17-20 2 Pe. 1.4 A Puritans Catechism Q41 - What is the sum of the ten commandments? A - The sum of the ten commandments is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbour as ourselves. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Two heavens What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? - Luke 15 v 4 Go brother, leaving the ninety-nine, go after the one sheep that was lost. Leave your home, your comforts, your bed, your ease, your all, to feed lost souls. The Lord of Glory left heaven for this; it is enough for the disciple to be as his Master. It is said of Alleine, that 'he was infinitely and insatiably greedy of the conversion of souls.' Rutherford wrote to his dear people, 'My Witness is above, that your heaven would be two heavens to me, and the salvation of you all as two salvations to me.' The Lord give you this heavenly compassion for this people. Do not be satisfied without conversion.
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Prayer
-Give thanks to God for salvation and the redemption that is found alone through Jesus Christ -Give thanks to God for granting us particular skills and abilities that we might fulfil our vocations (jobs, studies, family responsibilities and time we spend alone). (Ecclesiastes 9.10, Ephesians 6.6) -Pray for the Lord's blessing on the working week for us and all in the congregation. -Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading 11) Preface - Jehoash, saved by Jehosheba his aunt from the general massacre of the royal family of Judah by Athaliah, is concealed six years in the house of the Lord. In the seventh year Jehoiada the high priest, having taken measures fro his security, bringeth him forth, and crowneth him. Athaliah pressing forward into the temple is seized and slain. Jehoiada restoreth the worship of God, abolisheth that of Baal, and fixeth the king on his throne to the great joy of the people. 12) Preface - Jehoash reigneth well so long as Jehoiada liveth. The repair of the house of the Lord having been first left to the priests, and neglected, Jehoash provideth more effectually for it. Hazael is diverted from his design against Jerusalem by a present out of the hallowed and royal treasures. Jehoash is slain by a conspiracy of his servants: Amaziah succeedeth him. 2 Kings 11-12 Preface - Timothy is exhorted to constancy and perseverance in the discharge of his duty, as a good soldier of Christ, looking for a certain reward of his fatigues and sufferings; to divide the word of truth rightly, and to shun profance and vain babblings. The dangerous error of Hymenaeus and Philetus. The foundation of God standeth sure. Of vessels honourable and dishonourable. Timothy is taught what to flee, and what to follow, and how the servant of Christ must behave toward all men. 2 Timothy 2 Daily Light - Morning It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? - I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. - Wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. - Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set youselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD. Let us not be weary in well doing...in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. - Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Lam. 3.26; Ps. 77.9; Ps. 31.22 Lu. 18.7-8; Pro. 20.22; Ps. 37.7 2 Chr. 20.17 Ga.6.9; Jas. 5.7 Daily Light - Evening Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. - Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. - Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ... Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. - The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell... The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. - Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt. Song 2.15; Ps. 19.12; He. 12.15; Ga. 5.7 Phil. 1.6,27; Jas3.5-6,8; Col. 4.6 A Puritans Catechism Q40 - What did God reveal to man for the rule of his disobedience? A - The rule which God first revealed to man for his obedience is the moral law, which is summarised in the ten commandments. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings The chief beauty in Christ I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. - John 10 v 11 This is the chief beauty in Christ. The wounds that marred His fair body make Him altogether lovely in a needy sinner's eye. All that are now and ever shall be the sheep of Christ, were once condemned to die. The wrath of God abode upon them. They were ready to drop into the burning lake. Jesus had compassion upon them, left His Father's bosom, emptied Himself, became a worm and no man, and died under the sins of many. 'While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.' This is the grace of the Lord Jesus. Every one in the flock can say, 'He loved me, and gave Himself for me.' Dear Congregation,
Thank you all for your prayers and support for the work of the church throughout 2023. I know we all have been through varying difficulties and some through particular hardships. Once again we can thank the Lord that we have been brought through trusting in the Lord as our refuge and strength. As I encouraged the congregation at the start of last year it is vitally important to pray to keep close to God and continue faithfully in our Christian life. Alongside reading the Scriptures these should be our daily routine. There are various encouragements in the Scriptures to pray. - Pray without ceasing (1 Th. 5.17). - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ep. 6:18). -Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Col. 4:2). These are a few verses of the many that encourage us to pray and undoubtedly set before us a biblical mandate that we should be concerned to pray. Maybe you have fallen out of the 'habit' or relegated prayer to a part time practice; or you only pray when trouble or danger comes. May these verses challenge us all at the start of this new year to be a people of prayer. To that end I would ask the church to pray, if led, the suggested topics below so we might pray for the same things (roughly speaking) on the same day to encourage us. Let us be prayerful people and realise we too need prayer. To say we are praying for someone should be an expression of concern but an indication of our own action to bring the matter before God, before the throne of Grace through the believers mediator and High Priest, Jesus Christ. Paul even requests prayer for himself and those labouring for the Gospel with him twice in 1 and 2 Thessalonians saying 'brethren pray for us.' May we this be a prayerful church and prayerful individual. Knowing that we have a prayer hearing and answering God. Pastor Jonathan Arnold Prayer -God thanks to God for His character, perfect, unchangeable, the same yesterday today and forever. -Give thank to God that we can meet in the church and have fellowship with one another. -Pray the Lord would grant the preaching of his word power and clarity, and there are ready ears to hear and believe it. (2 Thes. 3.1.) -Pray we would be granted faithful ministry and good spiritual food from God's Word. (1 Peter 2.2.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) (Sunday morning) scripture reading - Matthew 6 v 5 - 15 Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) (Sunday evening) scripture reading - Luke 22 v 32-34; and 56-61 Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Jehu by his letters causeth Ahab's seventy sons to be slain in Samaria. He excuseth the fact by the prophecy of Elijah, and destroyeth all Ahab's kindred and friends in Jezreel. In his way to Samaria he slayeth two and forty of Ahaziah's brethren. He taketh Jehonadab in the chariot with him, and destroyeth all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria. By subtilty he slayeth at once all Baal's worshippers, and breaketh down his images and house. Jehu followeth the sins of Jeroboam, but for having executed God's judgments on Ahab's house, is promised the continuance of the kingdom in his family to the fourth generation. Hazael smiteth Israel. Jehu dieth; his son Jehoahaz succeedeth him. 2 Kings 10 Preface - Paul affectionately saluteth Timothy, assuring him of his constant prayers for him, and remembrance of that sincere faith which had been derived to Timothy from his mother and grandmother. He exhorteth him to stir up the gift of God which was in him; and not to be ashamed of the testimony of the gospel, but to be ready to suffer for it according to his example: and to hold fast the form of sound words which he had learned. He putteth him in mind of the general defection of the converts in Asia, and commendeth Onesiphorus for his repeated kindness toward him. 2 Timothy 1 Daily Light - Morning He is altogether lovely. My meditation of him shall be sweet. - My beloved is...the chiefest among ten thousand. - A chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. - Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips. - God...hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. - It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Song 5.16; Ps. 104.34; Song 5.10; 1 Pe. 2.6; Ps. 45.2; Phil. 2.9; Col. 1.19 1 Pe. 1.8 Phil. 3.8-9 Daily Light - Evening David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. - I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God; he hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears... They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place he delivered me, because he delighted in me. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears... O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. 1 Sa. 30.6; Jn. 6.68; 2 Tim. 1.12 Ps. 18.6,18-19 Ps. 34.1-4,8 A Puritans Catechism Q39 - What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgment? A - At the day of judgment the bodies of the wicked being raised out of their graves, shall be sentenced, together with their souls, to unspeakable torments with the devil and his angels for ever. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Why God waits Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 18 v 19 Many Christians neglect this promise. In the Acts, we find that when the apostles and disciples were praying together, 'the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness.' Oh, how often and how long have we despised this way of obtaining the outporing of the Spirit! Do not some persons speak slightingly of united prayer? Here is one reason why God commands the clouds that they rain no rain on us. He waits till we seek Him together, and then He will open the windows of heaven and pour down a blessing. Prayer
-Give thanks to God that we have good news of salvation to tell that the repentant sinner might have everlasting life through Jesus Christ. (John 3.16.) -Pray the Lord would bless the Gospel outreach by the church in Westminster. Both on Saturday mornings and at services. -Pray the Lord would work in the contacts we have made both on Saturday mornings and at services; through personal conversations and online contacts. Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Readings Preface - Elisha sendeth a young prophet to Ramoth-gilead to anoint Jehu. The prophet acquitteth himself of his commission, and fleeth. Jehu acquainteth the other officers with the matter, is proclaimed king by them, and preventeth the news going before him to Jezreel. Jehu meeteth Joram and Ahaziah by the way, and killeth Joram, who is cast into the field of Naboth. Ahaziah is slain at Gur, and buried at Jerusalem. Jezebel, looking out of a window at Jehu's entry into Jezreel, is thrown down into the street, and eaten by dogs, according to Elijah's prediction. 2 Kings 9 Preface - The duty of servants. Those who teach not according to the apostle's doctrine are to be avoided, as corrupters of Christianity. The gain of godliness with content. The evil of covetousness. What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow and perform. A charge to the rich not to be proud and confident in their riches, but to be beneficent and liberal. Timothy is enjoined to adhere to the true faith, and to shun profane and vain controversies. 1 Timothy 6 Daily Light - Morning He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him. Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. - I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. There is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. - There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Isa. 59.16; Ps. 40.6-8; Jn. 10.17-18 Isa. 45.21-22; Ac. 4.12 Co. 8.9 Daily Light - Evening The enemy Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. - Resist the devil, adn he will flee from you. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. Lu. 10.19; 1 Pe. 5.8; Jas. 4.7 Eph. 6.11-16 Mi. 7.8 A Puritans Catechism Q38 - What shall be done to the wicked at their death? A - The souls of the wicked shall at their death be cast into the torments of hell, and their bodies lie in their graves till the resurrection and the judgment of the great day. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings A great privilege For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. - Romans 5 v 10 When we are brought to see the reconciled face of God in peace, that is a great privilege. But how can we look upon that face, reconciling and reconciled, and not love Him who hath so loved us? Love begets love. We can hardly keep from esteeming those on earth who really love us, however worthless they may be. But, ah! my friends, when we are convinced that God loves us, and convinced in such a way as by the giving up of His Son for us all, how can we but love Him in whom are all excellencies - everything to call forth love? Prayer
-Give thanks to God for many good things we enjoy and daily blessings. -Pray the Lord would supply the needs of those in the congregation at Westminster and guide us as we help those destitute and suffering. Especially thse we have met in the pandemic. (Numbers 6.24-26.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Readings Preface - The Shunammite, who to avoid the famine had by Elisha's advice left her country seven years, crieth unto the king, and hath her land restored to her. Hazael, sent to enquire of Elisha concerning Ben-hadad's sickness, heareth from the prophet his own destination to the kingdom, and at his return killeth his master, and succeedeth him. Jehoram reigneth wickedly in Judah. Edom and Libnah revolt from him. He dieth, and is succeeded by Ahaziah. Ahaziah's wicked reign. He assisteth Joram king of Israel against Syria, and visiteth him lying sick of his wounds at Jezreel. 2 Kings 8 Preface - Directions to Timothy how to admonish persons of different conditions. Concerning widows. Elders, if they do well, are to be doubly honoured; and are not to be censured without full proof; and then openly and impartially. A caution not to ordain any one precipitately. Advice respecting Timothy's health. Some men's characters are more easily discerned than those of others. 1 Timothy 5 Daily Light - Morning Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: and the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in the earthen vessel over running water: as for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: and he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field. Behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. - And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. Mt. 8.17; Lev. 14.4-7 Lu. 5.12; Mk. 1.41-42 Daily Light - Evening He whom thou blessest is blessed. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are thy which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven. - Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Nu. 22.6; Mt. 5.3-12; Lu.11.28 Rev. 22.14 A Puritans Catechism Q37 - What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection? A - At the resurrection, believers, being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed both in soul and body in the full enjoying of God to all eternity. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Love everything that is Christ's I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. - Psalm 119 v 113 We love everything that is Christ's. We love His Word. It is better to us than thousands of gold and silver. 'O how we love His law - it is our study all the day.' We love His house. It is our trysting-place with Christ, where He meets with us and communes with us from off the mercy-seat. We love His table. It is His banqueting house, where His banner over us is love, where He looses our bonds, and anoints our eyes, and makes our hearts burn with holy joy. We love His people, because they are His, members of His own body, washed in His blood, filled with His Spirit, our brothers and sisters for eternity. And we love the Lord's Day, because it is His. Every hour of it is dear to us - sweeter than honey, more precious than gold, it is the day He rose for our justification. It reminds us of His love, and His finished work, and His rest. And we may boldly say that that man does not love the Lord Jesus who does not love the entire Lord's Day. Prayer
-Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. -Give thanks to God for the freedoms we have to share the Gospel in England and pray that it may continue. -Pray for missionaries across the world who are seeking to preach the Gospel and establish a faithful church. -Pray for those in persecuted countries who have to meet in secret. Even those who are now in prison for their faith. Give thanks to God that we are part of a global church made up of true Christians across the world. Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) (Thursday afternoon) scripture reading - Revelation 22 v 1-2 Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Readings Preface - Elisha prophesieth an extroadinary plenty suddenly to take place in Samaria, and sheweth an unbelieving lord his unhappy doom. Four lepers ventrure into the camp of the Syrians, and bring tidings of their hasty flight. The king, fearing a stratagem, sendeth out spies, and finding the report true, spoileth the Syrian tents, which bringeth about the plenty foretold. The unbelieving lord hath the charge of the gate, and being trodden to death verifieth the prophet's prediction. 2 Kings 7 Preface - Paul foretelleth and describeth a great apostasy to happen in the latter times. He directeth Timothy what doctrines to teach, and by what rules to regulate his conduct, so as to save both himself and his hearers. 1 Timothy 4 Daily Light - Morning The LORD reigneth. Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not remble at my presence, which have place the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? - Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. He changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding. - Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled. If God be for us, who can be against us? - Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Ps. 99.1; Jer. 5.22; Ps. 75.6-7 Dan. 2.21; Mt. 24.6 Ro. 8.31; Mt. 10.29-31 Daily Light - Evening Take heed to your spirit. Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us, And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us... Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he...rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun...answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. - And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Mal. 2.15; Lu. 9.49-50,54-55 Nu. 11.27-29 Ga. 5.22-23; Ga. 5.24-26 A Puritans Catechism Q36 - What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death? A - The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united in Christ, do rest in their graves, till the resurrection. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Love divine But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5 v 8 He loved us! He came into the world 'to save sinners, of whom I am chief'. Had He loved one as glorious as Himself, we would not have wondered. Had H loved the holy angels, that reflected His pure, bright image, we would not have wondered. Had He loved the lovely among the sons of men - the amiable, the gentle, the kind, the rich, the great, the noble - it would not have been so great a wonder. But, ah! He loved sinners - the vilest sinners - the poorest, meanest, guiltiest wretches that crawl upon the ground. Manasseh, who murdered his own children, was one whom he loved; Zaccheus, the grey haired swindler, was another; blaspheming Paul was a third; the wanton of Samaria was another; the dying thief was another; and the lascivious Corinthians were more. 'And such were some of you.' We were black as hell when he looked on us - we were hell-worthy, under His Father's wrath and curse - and yet He loved us, and said: I will die for them. 'Thou hast loved me out of the pit of corruption', each saved one can say. Oh, brethren! this is strange love: He that was so great, and lovely, and pure, chose us, who were mean and filthy with sin, that He might wash and purify, and present us to Himself. This love passeth knowledge! Prayer
-Give thanks to God for the Bible, its inspiration and preservation for us to read it today. (2 Timothy 3.16, Proverbs 30.5.) -Give thanks to God that we have easy access to the Scripture in English, in our mother tongue. -Pray the Lord would bless us as we study the Bible through the ministry this coming year. That as we work through a book of the Bible the Lord would continue to help us to grasp God's truth. -Pray for the Lunchtime outreach service and those who attend; pray that more from the offices nearby and Christians who commute are able to join us. Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - The sons of the prophets get leave to enlarge their dwelling: Elisha causeth the iron to swim. He discloseth and disappointeth the counsels of the king of Syria, who sendeth troops to apprehend him in Dothan, Elisha's servant is terrified at seeing them, but is encouraged by his master with a vision of horses and chariots of fire. The Syrians, struck blind at Elisha's prayer, are conducted by him into the midst of Samaria, where they recover their sight, are kindly entertained, and dismissed in peace. Ben-hadad besiegeth Samaria, which occasioneth a great famine. Women eat their own children. The king sendeth to slay Elisha. 2 Kings 6 Preface - The apostle desireth the Thessalonians to pray for him, testifying his confidence in them, and praying God to direct them. He condemneth the idle and disorderly, and requireth others to abstain from their company: concluding with prayer and salutation. 1 Timothy 3 Daily Light - Morning Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. - He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?...If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Mt. 28.20; Mt. 18.19-20; Jn. 14.21 Jn. 14.22,23 Jude 24-25 Daily Light - Evening The end of all things is at hand. I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. - The heavens and the earth, which are now...are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. - Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled. We have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, - We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 1 Pe. 4.7; Rev. 20.11; 2 Pe. 3.7 Ps. 46.1-3; Mt. 24.6 2 Co. 5.1; 2 Pe. 3.13-14 A Puritans Catechism Q35 - What are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification? A - The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification are assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Deep rooted faith I held him, and would not let him go....Song of Solomon 3 v 4 The only way to hold fast is to believe more and more. Get a larger acquaintance with Christ - with His person, work, and character. Every page of the Gospel unfolds a new feature in His character - every line of the Epistles discloses new depths of His work. Get more faith, and you will get a firmer hold. A plant that has got a single root may be easily torn up by the hand, or crushed by the foot of the wild beast, or blown down by the wind, but a plant that has a thousand roots struck down into the ground can stand. Faith is like the root - many believe a little concerning Christ - one fact. Every new truth concerning Jesus, is a new root struck downwards. Believe more intensely. A root may be in a right direction, but not striking deep, it is easily torn up. Pray for deep rooted faith. Pray to be stablished, strengthened, settled. Take a long intense look at Jesus - often, often. If you wanted to know a man again, and he was going away, you would take an intense look at his face. Look then at Jesus - deeply, intensely - till every feature is graven on your heart. Thomas Scott overcame the fear of death by looking intensely at his dead child, who had died in the Lord. Prayer
-Give thanks to God for those who have recently recovered from sickness. -Pray for those who are sick or receiving treatment in our congregation. -Pray that we each would walk close to God, putting off sins that easily beset us and that we would daily give thanks for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (1 John 1.3; Hebrews 12.1; 1 Thes 5.16.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Naaman, captain of the Syrian host, upon the report of a captive maid, cometh to Samaria to be cured of his leprosy. Elisha sendeth him to dip in Jordan, whereby he is healed. Naaman acknowledgeth the true God; cannot prevail on Elisha to accept his presents; asketh for earth; and is sent away in peace. Gehazi, Elisha's servant, by a lie obtaineth a present from Naaman, and is smitten with leprosy. 2 Kings 5 Preface - Paul warneth the Thessalonians against a groundless surmise that the day of Christ was near at hand; shewing that it would be preceeded by a great apostasy, and that the man of sin would be first revealed, and by his wicked impostures draw many into perdition. He repeateth his good hopes concerning them, exhorting them to stand fast in his doctrine, and praying God to comfort and stablish them in all goodness. 1 Timothy 2 Daily Light - Morning I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. I forgat prosperity. And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD. - Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever. - Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? - In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance. - We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. Jon. 2.4; Isa. 49.14-15 Lam. 3.17-18; Ps. 44.23; Isa. 40.27; Isa. 54.8 Ps. 43.5; 2 Co. 4.8-9 Daily Light - Evening When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them. There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? - All is vanity and vexation of spirit...What hath manof all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. - They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out, - I will pour water upon him that is thirsty. - Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my and thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. Isa. 41.17; Ps. 4.6; Ec. 2.17,22-23; Jer. 2.13 Jn. 6.37; Isa. 44.3; Mt. 5.6 Ps. 63.1 Puritans Catechism Q34 - What is sanctification? A - Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings This is happiness Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. - Hebrews 13 v 5 You may take these words, and apply them to God the Father. And here they come to be very much the words God gave to Abraham: He said, 'Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.' He had returned from the slaughter of Chederlaomer, and of the kings that were with him. The king of Sodom came out to meet him, and said unto him. 'Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.' But Abraham said, 'I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread even to a shoe latchet, and that I will not take any thing, that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich' And immediately after, God appeared to him, and said: 'Fear not, Abram; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.' This is what Asaph felt. He says, in the seventy-third Psalm, 'My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my potion for ever. Ah, brethren, this is a sweet word to a poor soul who is mourning over the broken pots at his feet. This is a sweet word to those of you who are bereft - who have left houses and lands - 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.' This may be a sweet word to those of you who are mourning over the dead. O brethren! is this your portion? Can you look up to a three-one God, - Father, Son and Spirit, standing on these broken shreds at your feet, and say, 'Thou wilt never leave me, not forsake me'? This is happiness. Well, well, did the Lord say, 'Mary hath chosen that good part which shall never be taken away from her'. Ah, poor souls, that have chosen the portion that will be taken from you. Ah, brethren! be you wiser. Prayer
- Give thanks to God for salvation and the redemption that is found alone through Jesus Christ. -Give thanks to God for granting us particular skills and abilities that we might fulfil our vocations (jobs, studies, family responsibilities and time we spend alone). (Ecclesiastes 9.10, Ephesians 6.6) -Pray the Lord's blessing on the working week for us and all in the congregation. -Pray the Lord would grant us grace to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Elisha multiplieth a poor widow's oil in order to pay her debts. He is hospitably entertained by a Shunammite woman, and in repayment obtaineth a son for her. The child dieth, and is restored to life at Elisha's prayer. He healeth the deadly pottage at Gilgal. He miraculously satisfieth an hundred men with twenty barley loaves. 2 Kings 4 Preface - The salutation. Timothy is put in mind of the charge before given him by Paul. The end of the commandment is charity, from which some had turned aside to teach the law which they understood not. The scope of the law was to condemn wickedness, which is the design of the gospel also. Paul blesseth God for calling him to the ministry notwithstanding his great demerit, whereby all penitent sinners that believe are assured of mercy through Christ. He urgeth Timothy to a due discharge of his trust, warning him of some who had deserted the truth, of whom Hymenaeus and Alexander had been delivered by hi unto Satan. 1 Timothy 1 Daily Light - Morning A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. - Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. - Godliness with contentment is great gain...having food and raiment let us be therewith content. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. - Give us this day our daily bread. Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? - When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. - Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Lu. 12.15; Ps. 37.16; Pro. 15.16; 1 Tim. 6.6,8 Pro. 30.8-9; Mt. 6.11 Mt. 6.25; Lu, 22.35; He. 13.5 Daily Light - Evening It is the spirit that quickeneth The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. - That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. - Not by works or righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God. - Reckon ye...yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jn. 6.63; 1 Co. 15.45; Jn. 3.6; Titus 3.5 Ro. 8.9-11 Ga. 2.20; Ro. 6.11 A Puritans Catechism Q33 - What is adoption? A - Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings Blessings out of buttetings These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16 v 33 It is one of the laws of Christ's kingdom, 'We must, through much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of God.' We must not reckon upon a smooth road to glory, but it will be a short one. How glad I am that you have 'received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.' Cleave closely to Jesus, that you may not have to say in a little , 'O that I had affliction back again to quicken me in prayer, and make me lie at His feet.' Trials make the promise sweet, Trials give new life to prayer; Trial bring me to His feet, Lay me low and keep me there. Dear Congregation,
Thank you all for your prayers and support for the work of the church throughout 2023. I know we all have been through varying difficulties and some through particular hardships. Once again we can thank the Lord that we have been brought through trusting in the Lord as our refuge and strength. As I encouraged the congregation at the start of last year it is vitally important to pray to keep close to God and continue faithfully in our Christian life. Alongside reading the Scriptures these should be our daily routine. There are various encouragements in the Scriptures to pray: -Pray without ceasing (1Th. 5.17). -Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ep. 6.18). -Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; (Col. 4.2). These are a few verses of the many that encourage us to pray and undoubtedly set before us a biblical mandate that we should be concerned to pray. Maybe you have fallen out of the 'habit' or relegated prayer to a part time practice; or you only pray when trouble or danger comes. May these verses challenge us all at the start of this new year to be a people of prayer. To that end I would ask the church to pray, if led, the suggested topics below so we might pray for the same things (roughly speaking) on the same day to encourage us. Let us be prayerful people and realise we too need prayer. To say we are praying for someone should be an expression of concern but an indication of our own action to bring the matter before God, before the throne of Grace through the believers mediator and High Priest, Jesus Christ. Paul even requests prayer for himself and those labouring for the Gospel with him twice in 1 and 2 Thessalonians saying 'brethren pray for us'. May we this be a prayerful church and prayerful individuals, knowing that we have a prayer hearing and answering God. Pastor Jonathan Arnold Prayer - God thanks to God for His character, perfect, unchangeable, the same yesterday today and forever. - Give thanks to God that we can meet in the church and have fellowship with one another. - Pray the Lord would grant the preaching of his word power and clarity, adn there are ready ears to hear and believe it. (2 Thes. 3.1.) - Pray we would be granted faithful ministry and good spiritual food from God's Word. (1 Peter 2.2.) Church Services Sermons Sunday morning at 11:00am in church (also available online via Facebook) (Sunday morning) Scripture reading - Matthew 6 v 5-15 Sunday evening at 6:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) (Sunday evening) Scripture reading - Romans 7 v 1-13 Bible study and prayer Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Lunch hour service Thursday afternoon between 1:00pm and 1:30pm in church (also available online via Facebook) Outreach/Witnessing Saturday morning at Victoria Street (outside the big Boots store) for 10:30am (across the road from Town Hall - No. 64). Afterwards we go back to church for prayer. Daily Reading Preface - Jehoram's evil reign. Mesha king of Moab rebelleth. Jehoram with Jehosaphat and the king of Edom goeth against him; being distressed for want of water they apply to Elisha, who promiseth them water, and assureth them of victory. The water cometh in great plenty, and is mistaken by the Moabites for blood; they come in hopes of spoil, and are entirely defeated. The king of Moab failing in his attempt to break through unto the king of Edom, sacrificeth his son, and raiseth the siege. 2 Kings 3 Preface - The apostle desireth the Thessalonians to pray for him, testifying his confidence in them, and praying God to direct them. He condemmeth the idle and disorderly, and requireth others to abstain from their company; concluding with prayer and salutation. 2 Thess 3 Daily Light - Morning O God, my heart is fixed. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee, - He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD, His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. - In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Ps. 108.1; Ps. 27.1 Isa. 26.3; Ps. 112.7-8 Ps. 56.3; Ps. 27.5-6 1 Pe. 5.10-11 Daily Light - Evening The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. - Shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou has not knownme: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? - If God be for us, who can be against us? He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. - Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Ps. 103.19; Pro. 16.33; Am. 3.6 Isa. 45,5-7 Dan. 4.35; Ro. 8.31 1 Co. 15.25; Lu. 12.32 A Puritans Catechism Q32 - What is justification? A-Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone. Robert Murray M'Cheyne - God Makes A Path - Daily Devotional Readings He is precious Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. - Hebrews 13 v 8 How sweet, that Jesus ever liveth. He is the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever. You will never find Jesus so precious as when the world is one vast howling wilderness. Then He is like a rose blooming in the midst of the desolation - a rock rising above the storm. The Bible, too, is more full of meaning. Have you ever prayed over that verse, 'He doth not afflict willingly?' O precious book, that conveys such a message to the mounrer's dwelling! And does not trial bring more meaning out of that verse, 'We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose'? The bible is like the leaves of the lemon tree; the more you bruise and wring them the sweeter the fragrance. 'Is any afflicted? - let him pray.' Do you not find that prayer is sweeter now. The soul finds vent for its feeling toward God. 'Call upon me in the day of trouble - I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.' |
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