The Witness of Suffering

Why does the child of God sometimes suffer so much?  Whilst in prayer for such dear ones, I spontaneously started to sing, ‘O for a thousand tongues to sing my Great Redeemers Praise!  ‘The glories of my God and King, the triumphs of His Grace.’  Finding the hymn book, verse two struck me.  JESUS! The name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease.  Tis' music in the sinners ears, tis' life, and health, and peace.  I was broken before such a SAVIOUR!  He loves and cares for us.  Yet He allows such times for our unsaved loved ones to see that relationship demonstrated when suffering calls. 

JESUS!  The name that charms our fears.  His wonderful Grace and Peace carries us when we feel incapable of lifting a foot, crying another tear or seeing how we will cope with the circumstances we find ourselves in.  It is His strength within us that girds up our wounded and grieving hearts.  Psalm 18 : 28 Amplified Bible states, ‘For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; The Lord my God illuminates my darkness,’ verse 27 ‘For You deliver an afflicted and humble people.’

Our loved ones see what often we fail to realise, that the life and light of JESUS shines in us brightly during our season of darkness.  By faith we cling to Him, knowing He will be with us and He will bid our sorrows cease.  For though afflicted we are not crushed.  And this is the truth, JESUS is the music to the sinners ears, tis' life and health and peace.  This, our testimony, leads our loved ones to see our Great Redeemer, God and King!’

THE COST OF OUR REDEMPTION

April 22, 2011 – Good Friday

Matthew 27:26 - 31 (NKJV) ²⁶Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. ²⁷Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. ²⁸And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. ²⁹When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ³⁰Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. ³¹And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.

This was no common thief or murderer that the soldiers were mocking – this was God incarnate, and as I read these words this morning the realization came again, that with just one glance He could have struck every one of those men dead, had He done that He could have walked free – for surely no one would have dared move against Him after that. But you see had the Lord Jesus not gone to the cross, then every man and woman that had been born or ever would be born would have been destined to spend eternity separated from God – and that is something too terrible to contemplate.

The crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ was not an accident – it was not some plan gone terribly wrong – He was not a victim – He was fulfilling His Father’s plan to redeem fallen man – and that plan was made way back in eternity.

The Lord Himself had spoken of this to His disciples

John 10:17 - 18 (NKJV) ¹⁷“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. ¹⁸No one takes 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. This command I have received from My Father.”

The Lord Jesus came to pay the price for our sin – no one else could pay it because no one else has ever lived a sinless life. Our sin has separated us from a Holy God – through His death and resurrection the Lord Jesus Christ has opened the way for us to be reconciled to God – The Lord Jesus loves every one of us and He longs for that moment when we turn to Him in repentance for our sin and ask Him to forgive us and come into our lives as Lord and Saviour. Will you think seriously about these things?

Put on the NEW SELF

O, the irksome feeling after having my suspicions confirmed! – 7lbs! The dreaded half a stone! I seldom stand on my scales, as my clothes tell the tale of excess. Buttons becoming tight, then not fastening at all!

Last time I braved the scales was the first week of October. This was after a break in Llangrannog, followed by two nights B & B in Conway.

How does this half stone creep on so quickly? For me there are two reasons for the gain. Firstly”eating out”. I give permission for someone else to be my nutrition provider. The second is obvious, I’m on holiday! Chocolates, scones, wine and the occasional

Ice cream doesn’t help either.

So decision made, I choose to put more thought in again to meals and snacks. All the above are still allowed, it is just the quantity and frequency that is slashed. I instantly feel good.

As a believer and servant of Jesus Christ, I see all this as a reflection of what the Lord would have us do more regularly than just at the beginning of a new year - self examination. The communion table is one such time. If all else fails, here we can take stock, and if necessary repent and clear out the outer courts of our temple, which is our flesh life.

My school motto, back in the 1970’s was a passage from Philippians Chapter 4: 4-8, the King James Version.

The “Whatsoever things” have stayed with me to this day.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true

Whatsoever things are honest (noble NIV)

Whatsoever things are just (right NIV)

Whatsoever things are pure

Whatsoever things are lovely

Whatsoever things are of good report (admirable NIV)

If there be any virtue (excellence NIV)

And if there be any praise, think on these things.

There are other lists, but these are of things that can make us stumble or just become sluggish. “Whatsoever” is personal and it is usually attached to a particular appetite or other. Yours could be work, music, TV, Facebook, magazines, socializing. The lists are endless.

I began with sharing one of my irks! Thankfully we have the Lord. Invite Him regularly to sweep clean your outer courts, that is why He came. His blood is available to cleanse and restore, any time of day or night.

A happy and Christ centred New Year to all.

Ephesians 4: 7-23

Romans 14: 17-21

Suffering with Bells Palsy

The past 3 1/2 months I have been suffering with Bells Palsy which affects me in many ways but especially causing a distortion of my face. It came on suddenly and it was a complete shock to Tim and myself. I felt the peace of God in hospital but when I came home and looked at myself, I cried. It took me a few days to come to terms with it. During that week a neighbour knocked on my door to say it was his wife's 80th birthday and she wanted me to attend. I replied "I do not think so in my state" but he said she would love to see me and there would only be a few close friends. As I closed the door I was reminded of the scripture in Ecclesiastes 1 v 2 "Vanity of vanities - all is vanity"[i]. I felt ashamed of myself - this lady I had witnessed to and helped out was seriously ill. How could I not attend - it probably would be her last birthday. I remembered that what is in the heart is more important than what is on the outside. I did go and when I arrived there were about 14 people there who I did not know. They looked at me so I made my entrance by saying, "Hi I'm Linda, I have Bells Palsy so if you hear a slurping noise - it's me!" Everyone clapped and I am so glad I went as my friend died a few days later and it was a privilege to be there. During this illness I have had to rest and life has become rather narrow but God has been with me and taught me quite a lot. I have learned to accept where I am at - to be content in the situation and to trust God and take a day at a time. I also had to overcome some real fears along the way. I threw myself on God and had to trust Him to be with me, and He was, and when I had to go through and face that fear God's peace instantly took over. Not a minute before, just at the exact time I needed it. God's timing is perfect. In Psalm 29 v 11 it says "the Lord will give strength to His people. The Lord will bless His people with peace" and He does. I have learned that life is not fair but we have to make the best of what life throws at us. God does not want us to have confidence in flesh and wants to strip it away leaving us with total confidence in Him. When bad things happen we can kick and scream or we can turn to God and say "I don't understand this, Lord, but I am going to trust You and we will go through this together." And through this time of suffering He is making us more like Him and changing the things that need to be changed in our lives as we yield ourselves to Him. I want to thank everyone for the support and prayers you have given me. I thank God also for my husband Tim who has been a wonderful support and my family but most of all I want to thank God for His mercy - which is new every morning, and to give all the glory to Him, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I would like to finish with Psalm 138 v 1-3:- I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to you I will worship towards your holy temple And praise Your Name For your loving-kindness and your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your Name In the day when I cried out - You answered me And made me bold with strength in my soul. Amen.

---

[i] King James Version

The country has a change of government.

As believers in Jesus we are told to pray for those in authority over us, whilst they that govern should do so diligently, for government has been established to protect and lead the nation for the benefit of all the citizens.

This is true of the church. God expects His leaders, pastors and teachers to work diligently, upholding His truth within the church and to the wider community as has been our national heritage until now.

Why have we seen a general downward trend in attitudes towards each other; respect for those in authority and a seeking after self interests rather than the general good? I believe that a lot of the blame lies at the churches door. The church hasn’t been there with the answers for the nation. So much so we are in danger of being marginalised or worse forsaken.

In Ezekiel Chapter 22, we read how God condemns the leaders of Israel in Jerusalem of social injustice and idol worship. The leaders had forgotten Him. Isn’t this true of our nation’s leaders? Like Jerusalem, our leaders include the clergy. Verse 26 of chapter 22 states, “Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy [truth] and the common [man’s thinking]”. Church leaders have embraced the thinking of the day rather than upholding God’s timeless Word.

It is never too late to call on the Lord to forgive us for forsaking Him and His Word, the Bible. We can do this as individuals, churches, communities and government. ‘For God is slow to anger and abounding in love and mercy’.

The end of Ezekiel, Chapter 22, and verse 30 [the Sovereign Lord says] “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land ……”

For Israel there was none. But I believe there are thousands just waiting to call on the Lord for wisdom to apply His timeless truth in their own lives and for the wider good. Our church seeks to serve God and others and to teach God's truth as shown in the bible. Can I encourage you in this also?

LF

Half full or Half Empty?

Being a Christian Do You Want More

Half full or Half Empty?

It’s the time of year when we make resolutions – we make statements about the things we want to change and the achievements we want to fulfil. Some of us fail and some of us succeed. I suppose it depends to a large extent on how much you want whatever it is and how hard you are willing to strive for it too.

I’ve been a born again Christian now for over 2 years and I have made lots of progress during that time; but I have had my troubles and failures also, times when things didn’t seem to go as they should have or as I thought they might have done.

Last Sunday at church our pastor Geoff preached about double portions that are often mentioned in the bible and I remember as I listened intently thinking I’d be happy with even a half portion form God, never mind double helpings. How many times have I prayed over the last 2 years to be filled with the Holy Spirit, how many times have I begged “Lord – please fill me with your Spirit, please. He has on some occasions – rare ones but very memorable ones. Those times were indescribable and beautiful, but rare.

Then Geoff said something that was so very obvious and yet startling in its power and simplicity. How can we be filled, or have a double portion if there is no room in us for the spirit. You can only get a pint into a pint pot! If there is no room how on earth are you going to get more in there? No matter how long or how earnestly I ask if there is no room there is no room.

So how do we make more room? Well, the solution is quite as straightforward as the problem (although it might not be as easy to fulfil). I need to make more room for my God. I know I am saved, of that I am sure as night follows day. But if I want to share the things that God has for me I need to make room for Him – can’t you see that?

2008 holds many challenges some, which I will meet, and some in which I will fail to meet – that’s life. But if I want to be nearer my Saviour I must make room for Him.

I shall endeavour to make more time for my God and Saviour in every way I can. That’s my commitment to Jesus.

Do you know Him/ Do you know the Saviour of mankind? If you do then give your all to Him- give Him more of your life.

If you don’t know Jesus, well He is there waiting for you this year as He was last.

Do you know that only just over 2 short years ago I was trolling along quite happy with life but without Jesus.

2 years on I am so much happier with life, this one and the next. Oh, I still have problems – who doesn’t. But I share all my problems, and my successes with my Lord God and it is wonderful. You can share your life too, just get on your knees and ask God. He will listen, He will act, make some room in your heart for Him and He will fill it. All He needs is just 1% to start with then He will do the rest.

God Bless you and have a great 2008. Bill

I'm coming home!

Hey everyone,

I hope this email finds you well & happy......

I am not too sure who knows now & who doesn’t so I wanted to write to everyone.......myself & Aaron have done a lot of praying & thinking over the last few months & we have reached a decision (along with several personal words from the Lord) to come home.
It all started back when Lyn & Dave got sick.......I started to feel restless & uncomfortable in my spirit, I was constantly feeling down & miserable but I just started to pray about it & put it down to a little homesickness....but it didn’t go away....the feeling only got worse.

About 5 weeks ago we listened to a sermon by Reg Kelly called 'Eagles'....he spoke from Deuteronomy 32 about the baby chick learning to fly & leaving the nest......he said that the mother Eagle picks away at the babies nest to make it leave the comfort of the nest (this spoke to me about all the restlessness I had been feeling) But the sermon spoke to Aaron more than me..... later on he spoke about the process of the baby chick learning to fly.......the first few times the baby just falls because it hasn’t learnt to open its wings.....but the father Eagle (God) hovers above waiting for the moment the baby cries out for him, & then he dive bombs & catches the baby & brings him back to the safety of the rock (Jesus) but the most amazing thing that spoke to Aaron was the fact that, no matter how fast the baby falls, the father can fly faster....amazing....he realised that it was time for him to leave the nest & learn to fly (because that’s what God desires us to do....to soar) & to make his own nest but not to be scared because even if he falls, God is constantly watching over him ready to catch him & bring him (&us) back to the safety of the rock & being under the shadow of his wing......Reg kelly also said that when a female is looking for a mate she drops a stick & if a male is interested, he will pick it up.....but he will only pick it up if he is ready to mate with this female for the rest of his life.....(don’t pick up the stick if you're not ready for marriage) Aaron felt the Lord telling him that he had picked up the stick by proposing to me & now had to take responsibility for that fact & start to prepare a 'nest' for us (sounds funny I know)lol.

Our second word came from Marg when she came to visit Ebyown in September.......she came to us & said she had been praying for us & had had a word from the Lord saying that Ebyown was not our calling & then to Aaron she said she believed the Lord was telling him to leave & cleave. We pondered these things in our hearts & prayed about them but didn’t really consider anything....& for me especially all of this just added to my emotional conflict......in my heart I wanted to come home & I knew I had already felt the Lord telling me my time here was coming to an end......but I kept pushing it to one side in my heart & kept thinking of all the reasons why I should stay......

Then it all reached a climax about a month & a half ago when I was sitting in church.....my head was great big mush of emotions & conflicts & thoughts going round & round.....it was so bad I couldn’t even listen to what salvi was saying in his sermon......looking back now I realise all of that going on inside me was because I was actually scared to make a decision.....but in the end I didn’t make it......while I was sitting there with all this going on all of a sudden I heard a voice in my head say as clear as anything 'Erin!.....go home.'.....it was so overwhelming that I went straight to my room & cried....I knew it was the Lord because he spoke the same way to me when he told me to be baptised......I spoke to Aaron & we both realised we had to make a decision........I personally had now had 3 different confirmations, one from the word, one from another Christian & one directly from the voice of God.

There was one thing that was worrying me......I was scarred that I was breaking my covenant with God because I had said I would come to Ebyown for 2 years (crazy I know to doubt God after he had spoke directly to me lol) but my problem was other people had said we were just running away & were breaking promises we had made with God.....so I prayed & sought advise from a very close friend whose spiritual opinion I greatly respect.

I came to realise I couldn’t be breaking a promise or covenant I had made with God because it had never been fulfilled in the first place......when I felt lead to come back to Ebyown, it was to work part time for the family & to study with the open university out here......neither of those things happened. UNISA never responded to any enquiries I made nor could I find the right application forms so I was unable to apply......looking back I now realise that was God's protection on me......if I had started to study I would never have passed anyway.
we have had no phone lines or internet for most of my stay......The cars have constantly broken down so I wouldn’t have even been able to get to Sue & Allen’s when I needed to.....Dave & Lyn have been away twice & then were seriously ill along with Aaron so as you can see there was no way I would have been able to study.......
The other thing as well as this is that when I came back here I was only dating Aaron, now I am engaged to him & it is now our priority to work towards out future together.
So why did the Lord bring me out here in the first place you may be asking?????????????????/

I have learnt so many valuable lessons out here that I would not have changed it for anything......I have learnt a lot of things about myself that I never knew....some of them bad & some of them good......the experience I have gained planning & teaching school with Paullina & Carlos will help me so much in the future when I come to study & hopefully go into early years education in the future. I have also had a lot more responsibility this time round.....not only with the schooling but also with the medicines while Lyn & Dave have been away.....I have not only given the kids their meds I have also had to order & pick up on specific days & also work out all of the meds for a month......all of it I found an amazing growing experience.
I have also been immensely privileged to have been an influence in Baden & Luke’s lives for almost a year......between 0&5 are the most important & precious years in a child's life & I feel so honoured to have been able to help them grow & learn & to have developed a close bond with them both.

so I think I have said everything.....lol.....I'm sorry if it is all a mish-mash,
We are returning to England on the 13th of December (well we'll land on the 14th). I will be moving back into my parents house, taking it easy over Christmas & then applying to a college in Ireland I have found that does small correspondence courses in early years education.....I hope to start studying with them in Feb....I will also be looking for any work I can get with children, maybe in a day care centre or something but I am trusting the Lord to open the right door for me there.....and of course we will both be getting the ball rolling on our wedding plans.....we hope to be married this time next year or rounds about......but it all depends on availability of places 7 also the Lords will of course.

Aaron is staying with my family over the Christmas period & then is maybe moving in with his brother in Wales come the New Year......he is however getting in contact with his old employer to see if his old job or any other is available to start work possibly as soon as we return & then look for accommodation in the area.....nothing is certain yet so we would really appreciate your prayers......if it is the Lords will for Aaron to stay in my local area that he will be able to find a place to live 7 that a good & suitable job will be available for him.....& also that if he moves in with Anthony that the Lord will guide him on what job to seek there & also if he is to study as well.

We have really appreciated all the love, prayers & support you have given both of us this year. It has been amazing to know that no matter what has happened, we knew there were people back home who love us & are always praying for us.

If you have any thoughts or advise for us we would really appreciate hearing from you.

thank you so much for reading this email
sending home all our love & prayers
Erin& Aaron
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
p.s. some verses we have read in Proverbs which have really encouraged us:......Proverbs 19v21:'many are the plans in a mans heart but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails' Proverbs 20v24 'a man's steps are directed by the Lord, how then can anyone understand his own way?'
p.p.s. sorry if there are any silly spelling mistakes lol.