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Word from Scotland

    by Sandy Shaw

Philippians Chapter 1 and in verse 3, we now listen to Paul praying. It is always significant thing to hear someone praying. You learn a lot about a man when you hear him pray. We pray what we believe. Many people say prayers – that does not make them Christian, of course – and we need……  ( Click for more )
Philippians is a very warm and personal and intimate letter. Paul mentions his bonds and coupling chains in Chapter 1 verse 13. It is a letter all about partnership in the Gospel. Romans is quite theological, and Corinthians is correcting a whole lot of issues. Galatians deals……  ( Click for more )
Let’s turn to Paul’s letter the Church at Philippi, but firstly to Acts Chapter 16, and for a very good reason. Philip, after whom the city was named, was the grandfather of Alexander the Great, the mighty Roman conqueror, who died of syphilis because he was unable to control his own passions. This……  ( Click for more )
We are reading in Matthew Chapter 21 – and last week I spoke about the coming and ministry and life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as being a watershed. Everything has been leading up to this moment and from the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, everything flows. But the most important……  ( Click for more )
As we come to that season when many focus their thoughts upon Jesus it is valuable to refresh our hearts and minds on what is crucial and central – as so many people do not know who Jesus is. I have heard of all kinds of versions of Jesus. Turn to Matthew Chapter 21 and verse 10 – The……  ( 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 – and in Jerusalem Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Saviour and Lord, will be crucified. Over these past weeks Jesus has been speaking to the crowds - and teaching the disciples.……  ( Click for more )
Psalm 100. We turn to this most sung Psalm - but how well is it known and understood? And, how is it practised? We read that this Psalm is for giving thanks. It also tells us why we should give thanks - and how to give thanks. This was Jesus’ ‘hymnbook’ – his praise……  ( Click for more )
Psalm 99. The Lord reigns - let the nations tremble. In Psalm 97, it is let the earth be glad - let the distant shores rejoice - but let the nations tremble. Let the people be aware that our God is not to be trifled with - He is not a dead piece of wood as Isaiah says - He is……  ( Click for more )
In Psalm 98 verse 4 – the Psalmist encourages singing and praise and the worship of Almighty God. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth - burst into jubilant song with music. There is a new song because He is coming - and now today we have another new song because He has come - and is coming……  ( Click for more )
Psalm 98 – Sing to the Lord a new song. Repetition is one of the best ways of learning. Do you recall the value of having learned the tables at school? Recapitulation of the last lesson - and for various reasons - to see how things flow - to see something of the logical way God has had His Holy……  ( Click for more )
Psalm 97 – You could not get a stronger - more positive opening – than this. Read through Psalm 97. These words are so simple - so clear - so factual - with no room for wondering. The earth has every reason to rejoice and be glad - God is in control - and the distant……  ( Click for more )
We come to Psalm 96. The Psalms are packed with exhortations to praise God in song. "Sing to the Lord a new song." This is probably not one of our most favourite phrases - nor is it the most popular theme. You do not hear this mentioned frequently. But - it is a command - "Sing……  ( Click for more )
Psalm 95 begins with the Invitation - "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord." Here we have an invitation to come into the presence of the Lord God Almighty, the King of Kings - the risen and living and ascended Lord Jesus Christ. There are certain invitations we receive……  ( Click for more )
We are reading in Psalm 94 – we come to verse 12. It is as if the Psalmist re-tunes his harp to play softer melodies. Blessed is the man you discipline - there is a difference between being disciplined and being punished. In some areas of life, we are aware of that and can usually……  ( Click for more )
Psalm 94. What an unusual opening - so different - not many prayers begin by addressing God in such terms. It arrests you. It does get your attention, and, it is true. Now and again - we need something to shake us - awaken us - regarding our praying. God does not reject, ignore or overlook this……  ( Click for more )
Psalm 93 is quite a short Psalm - but here right at the very beginning is one thing we all need to know - one truth of which we need frequent reminding - "The Lord Reigns" - our God reigns - He is robed in majesty. The picture is quite astounding. Jesus Christ is risen and living and alive……  ( Click for more )
Turn to Psalm 91. 2022, with all its stresses and tensions and uncertainties, is over, and we need an encouraging and reassuring word for 2023. There is a secret place in God - where we can rest. Come with me into that secret place. He who dwells - will rest. That is the condition.……  ( Click for more )
Psalm 92 - A Psalm or Song - for the Sabbath day – or a word for first Sunday of the year – and even a vision for 2023. This Psalm tells us what to do - what to sing - when we gather together in the Name of Jesus. It teaches us not only what to do - but why to do it - and how to do it……  ( Click for more )
December 26, 2022
We do not know if there were three wise men – but we do read of three women who in their own way – and in God’s sight – were wise – three wise women – Elizabeth and Mary and Anna. As we approach the end of a calendar years it is as if God gives us three wise choices to bless the……  ( Click for more )
December 19, 2022
Matthew 2 verses 1 to 18 – We read of these wise men making their way from the east to Jerusalem. This whole incident has been so grossly romanticised – that the truth can easily be lost. Their number has been limited to three – we have made them kings – and we have given them……  ( Click for more )
Why would a young upstanding businessman marry a pregnant teenager who claimed to be a virgin? Because God told him to. Why do some people’s lives take the strangest turning at times? It can be that God is behind it all – but not always! Matthew 1 verses 18 to 25 are among the best-known……  ( Click for more )
There is no better way to start your day than by having a ‘quiet time’ with God – and let our gracious God set the pace and the agenda for our day. It was the Perth City Mission Superintendent who introduced me to a “Quiet Time” - and the Latin/Greek teacher, leading Scripture Union on Friday……  ( Click for more )
As we come to what is called the first Sunday in Advent, turn to Psalm 25, where David seeks the Guidance of God - and shows us how to seek the Guidance of God. David is totally dependent upon God. That is a priority for those seeking guidance. No matter how serious his situation is, he keeps looking……  ( Click for more )
In Luke Chapter 18 and at verse 31, Jesus Christ takes his 12 disciples aside - and tells them - we are going up to Jerusalem. Jesus is leading the way – as Passover approaches - but this Passover will be like no other Passover. Jesus always leads the way – but look where Jesus is going.……  ( Click for more )
Turn in your Bible to Psalm 20. Here in these opening words, we read of something which we do not come across often in the Psalms - the words of the prayer of the people for David. The people are letting David know that they are praying for him. Whatever the storm is like in your present circumstances,……  ( Click for more )
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