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Word from Scotland

    by Sandy Shaw

Before I read the Scriptures, I had two questions which I needed to ask God about – “What will You do with me – and what are You going to do with me?” And the first verse of my Bible Reading that morning was – This is what the Lord says, “In the time of my favour I will answer you.”……  ( Click for more )
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” Matthew 23 verse 11. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10 verse 45. Many want to be great and would like to become great and here……  ( Click for more )
In America, over 100 million people attend a church service every weekend – why? What are the benefits? Some who go have no clear reason why they are there. Out of habit – out of tradition – because they think it is their duty? We need to know who we are and what we are and why we are. There……  ( Click for more )
“Keep on loving each other as brothers” – Hebrews 13 verse 1. We have been looking at some of the various important reasons for being committed members of the Church of Jesus Christ. Yes, we meet together for Praise and Worship and Prayer – for the preaching and teaching of the……  ( Click for more )
“It is not good for man to be alone” – Genesis 2 verse 18. We each need spiritual support and stimulation – and God has given us this tool – this vehicle. God created and birthed – the Church of Jesus Christ. We need strength and stability – an empowering……  ( Click for more )
Jesus speaks about being the door or the gate for the sheep – John Chapter 10 verses 1 to 9 – but in the next verse this same Jesus explains that there is a thief who comes to kill and to steal and to destroy. We need to be aware of that, and know who this thief is. If an open……  ( Click for more )
How do we choose which doors we will walk through, as we make our way through life? We need models, mentors, partners, and friends – we need people to help us along the way – we have needed help since we started to walk – people who would help us when we stumbled. Mentors teach us lessons we need……  ( Click for more )
The Holy Spirit reveals the meaning of what GOD has said in the written word – the Bible. 1 Corinthians 2 verse 14 – “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand……  ( Click for more )
There are many guides – but our Gracious Almighty God has given us a Book and a Person to lead us and help us make our way through life. Sometimes we are being led and we are unaware of it – things happen and later – sometimes much later – we see the hand of God in our life. God has given……  ( Click for more )
How far do we allow our petrol tank to get low before we fill up? Do we ever run out of fuel? Are there practical lessons to enable us to remain filled with all we need, all the days of our lives, as we work and serve as disciples of Jesus Christ? There are parallels here for our lives – Physically –……  ( Click for more )
When Peter hears the voice of Jesus, Peter does not listen to his feelings, but demonstrates unquestioned obedience to Jesus. After a night of disappointing fishing, Peter rises to do what Jesus Christ calls and tells him to do. Expect Jesus to turn things around – why are we afraid to launch……  ( Click for more )
Everybody has setbacks – disappointments – and failures. That can happen even when we have put our energy and heart and soul into life. Turn to Luke Chapter 5 and verses 1 to 11. Imagine the scene. These fishermen have been out all-night fishing – working hard – probably……  ( Click for more )
Are there opportunities when it looks as though it might be a seemingly impossible situation? We have missed it – it cannot happen – we are too old or it’s too late. Think of what happened to Moses. God’s purpose here – as in other places – is to train men – to prepare people……  ( Click for more )
Turn to Acts Chapter 27, where we read of Paul’s ‘Mediterranean Cruise’. It is often easier to face a setback or problem when it is your mistake – but what do we do when it is not our fault? Sometimes other people make foolish decisions, which can affect us seriously. Paul……  ( Click for more )
A few weeks ago, we took time to look at the various challenges and difficulties which confronted Joseph. Joseph had faced one obstacle after another. It was a tough time, but Joseph did three things that kept him going Joseph depended upon God’s presence no matter where he was. And the Lord……  ( Click for more )
At Pentecost, the risen and living and ascended Lord Jesus Christ poured out the Holy Spirit upon one hundred and twenty disciples just as he had promised. Jesus always keeps his word. Jesus Christ always fulfils his promises. Has Jesus Christ given you a promise that has as yet to be fulfilled? If it was given……  ( Click for more )
What happened at Pentecost and how is this so highly relevant to the Church of Jesus Christ today? Why does this matter? It is much more important than many realise. I always knew there was something more – but it was not until January 1969, when Jim Kincaid walked into our Fraternal and……  ( Click for more )
I cannot imagine what it must have been like to see Jesus Christ go. These men were so different on that awesome occasion. They were able to take it in their stride. We read the account of the Ascension in the opening section of ACTS and also in the concluding words of the Gospel of LUKE – and we come to Ascension……  ( Click for more )
God is processing Joseph’s way to leadership in Egypt and every stepping stone to get Joseph to become Prime Minister of Egypt appears most painful. This fourth obstacle sees Joseph having his identity stolen – it is taken from him. Genesis 37 verses 31 to 35 –……  ( Click for more )
Let’s return to look at an important character, Joseph – most relevant in these present times. Joseph is given 14 Chapters – Genesis 37 to 50 – and he faces some seven major setbacks in his life. Come, let’s revisit certain aspects of the life of Joseph. Without this……  ( Click for more )
In I Kings Chapters 18 and 19 we have been reading about Elijah’s ‘success’ and victory – and the very natural reaction – which is the experience of many of us – if we wish to admit it. It is always wise to admit to reality. 1 – GOD MAKES ME REST MY……  ( Click for more )
There are times when we can feel so empty. Life drains us, and that has consequences. Turn to I Kings Chapter 19 and verses 1 to 18 where we read about Elijah – quite a remarkable man, and yet we are told that Elijah was a man just like us – he faced all the various ups and downs of life……  ( Click for more )
We come to Luke Chapter 19. At the end of Luke Chapter 18, we read of that poor blind tramp, Bartimaeus, crying out to Jesus Christ for mercy and sight - and Jesus is so gracious and tender and powerful. Just along the road we read of a man who was a rogue and a rascal - and very……  ( Click for more )
Jesus and his men are on their way to Jerusalem. Jesus has decided and Jesus has decided that this is the hour. Luke 18 verse 35 – They make their way to Jericho, and a blind man – a beggar calls out – “Jesus, Son of David - have mercy on me.” Those who were leading……  ( Click for more )
In Luke Chapter 18 and at verse 31, Jesus Christ takes the 12 aside - and tells them - we are going up to Jerusalem. Jesus has been speaking to the crowds - and teaching the disciples. Jesus has been healing the sick – and receiving young children with open arms. We have been listening to……  ( Click for more )
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