My thought for today

Psalm 54:4 (NIV) ~Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

peebles — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:16:33 +0000

Surely, God is my help. King David’s enemies wanted him to fall so they could rejoice over him with gloating. His enemies wanted to cause Him to become greatly discouraged. They wanted to bring him to a place of resignation, or more simply put, a place where he would sit down and just simply give up. However, David drew His strength from God and kept on going to become an over-comer.

There is an old gospel song written by Margaret Pleasant Douroux, and sung by Helen Baylor, with these wonderful lyrics from Psalm 124:1 (NIV) ‘If the LORD had not been on our side.’

If it had not been for the Lord on my side,

Tell me, where would I be? Where would I be?

He kept my enemies away
He let the sun shine though a cloudy day
Oh, He wrapped me in the cradle of His arms
When He knew I’d been battered and torn.

In times when you feel as if the battle is too much, when you feel as though you cannot go on, then go to the Lord, who, as our text for today says in Psalm 54:4 (NIV), will help us and strengthen us, “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” Listen how loving and caring God is towards you in Isaiah 46:4 (NIV), “I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

The word “sustain” in Hebrew is samak, meaning to “hold up, to lean upon, rely upon, to lay one’s hand upon and strengthen”. It is the Lord who sustains me. He is whom I rely upon for my every need, and it is He, who lays His hand upon me, to uphold me and strengthen me.

A few years ago, during a difficult time in my life, I became aware of some people who were hoping to see me fail and fall flat on my face, so they could gloat over my shortcomings. I knew that the enemy wanted to destroy my testimony and my faith in God, but like David, from Psalm 54:4, I too could say this, my confession of faith, as a testimony of God’s grace, provision, protection, and goodness, “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” And praise God, to this day, I am still standing strong in the LORD and in the power of His might!

My friend, when you go through times of difficulty that may reveal your shortcomings and that is just what they are, shortcomings, you can still come through victorious if you keep your eyes on Jesus, and draw your strength from Him. Take heart, for what you go through today, you will not go through tomorrow, because they will not last forever. God can, and will, turn things around for you. The Bible says Psalm 46:1 (KJV), “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.” He is the One who will help and sustain you every second of the day. He is the One who will carry you through and rescue you; He is the One who keeps you going, He is the One who will give you the strength that you need to be an over-comer in Him, in every area of your life.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Deuteronomy 10:15 (NIV) ~ Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you.

peebles — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:21:51 +0000

What a beautiful term of endearment to use, “set his affection on.” Oh, the romance of such words speaks volumes of His endless love towards His people. Not only does God, in out text for today, set his affections on His people, but the verse brings home a more intimate meaning by saying, “He chose you.” He chose you to set His affection on you. You are the Father’s desire; you are the apple of His eye. You are His treasured possession and thinks about you all the time. His affection is set upon you and His amazing love is a banner over you. Everything He does He does for you, so you can know how much He loves you. His affection is for you; His desire is set on you to bless you and uplift you.

To set your affection on someone is to love with everything you have. This love is one that is pure, giving and forgiving. This love is kind and gentle yet, strong, and it is a love that will not let you go. He has set you as a seal upon his heart, a seal upon His arm, and your name is written in the palm of His hand. Oh, how beautifully and sweetly do the words from Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) sing to your soul, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”

The Hebrew word for affection is hasaq, meaning to set one’s affection on, desire, love attached to, kept in love. Now, you can see how much He loves you, because He has drawn you to Himself with loving-kindness, He has kept you with His love, and attached Himself to you in a loving covenant relationship, where He has set His affection on you, the one whom He loves with an everlasting love. God wants to bless you with His best and He wants to fill your life with His Life.

My friend, this verse for today surely speaks to you of His love for you. God has loved you, God has chosen you to set His affection upon you, and He not only loves you but, God in is love with you.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Exodus 5, Bricks without straw.

peebles — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:11:28 +0000

This is an amazing story, one to which we can all relate. There is spiritual battle that rages for the soul, where the evil taskmasters will do everything to stop someone from having the freedom to worship the true and living God, and having a personal relationship with Him. Furthermore, the hard taskmasters will try to get people to blame God if things go wrong, and try to deflect the blame somehow towards God. These “taskmasters” will oppress you and try to bring you down to a place where you feel you are stuck between a rock and hard place, and things go from bad to worse, where you are told to make, ’bricks without straw’. Though they beat you and torment you, they want you to come to a place where you would not want to seek the face of God, because you think that it is Him that is doing this to you. But God has only good things for your life. God wants to bless you, and bring you up out of these circumstances, from the place where you are told to make, ‘bricks without straw’, to a land of blessing.

No matter how hard the enemy tries to defeat you, no matter how difficult things get, even though you feel as if you are in a place where everything is going against you, where you are told to make, ‘bricks without straw’, know this, you have something inside so strong! No matter how hard the enemy tries to pull you down, you WILL get through these times. You will be set free from their taunts, you will rise above it all and move on, because the Bible says in 1 John 4:4 (KJV),“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”.

Just as God promised His people that He would deliver them, by His mighty outstretched hand, by signs and miracles, so God will deliver you. By His mighty power, He will set you free from the hard taskmasters who taunt by telling you that you’re no good, you will never amount to anything, you’re worthless, you can’t doing anything right, you’re lazy and beat you down. But God always wants to bless and encourage you, He wants to be the up lifter of your head. He thinks you’re fantastic, you’re the apple of His eye. To Him you’re beautiful, to God you are amazing, and God will bring you a mighty deliverance from making, ‘bricks without straw’, to a place of blessing.

Now listen to this, from the book of Jeremiah 29:10-11 (NIV), “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’”

God has only good things for your life. It is not in God’s nature to be bad towards you. That is a lie from the enemy, who does not want you to see, that God loves you, so he blinds your eyes to the truth. The enemy wants to beat you down so low, and have you broken inside and down trodden, ‘making bricks without straw’. But the Bibles says in Matthew 11: 28 to 30 (Amplified Bible), from the very lips of Jesus, himself, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good — not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.”

My friend, sometimes the storms of life hit us hard, and we can feel as we are making, ‘bricks without straw’. Nothing is going right for us at all, and we are stuck between a rock and hard place. However, do not despair, for God is about to deliver you, and bring you out from the oppression of the enemy. He will bring you a mighty deliverance, by His mighty outstretched arm. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He will cause a miracle to happen. He will bring you up and out of your, ‘Egypt of hardship’, to the land of blessing, because He loves you.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

1 Kings 19:15 to 16 (NIV) The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.

peebles — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:13:34 +0000

God told Elijah to do three things, yet he only did one of them, the one which would personally benefit him the most. Elijah was rather selfish in his choice, he only wanted to do something from which he would get the most gain . Does this sound controversial or too close to the truth? Afterwords, t is also interesting to note that after Elijah sought out Elisha to be his servant, Elijah’s only recorded miraculous sign was to be taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, compared to the many he had done before hand.

Meanwhile, Hazael king of Aram went onto be king, and Jehu, in turn, become king even though Elijah did not anoint them as God commanded him to do. But what could have happened to these kings if they knew the blessing and hand of God upon their calling by being anointed with oil in the name of the Lord from the man of God?

When God asks you to do something you cannot take the attitude of, “God I will pick and chose what I want do and when I want to do it. I only want to do something that will benefit me and make me look good, I only want to do something from which I will get the most out of it.” You cannot pick and choose, or disregard God’s request just because it does not appeal to you. The Bible says in James 5:17 (NIV), “Elijah was a man just like us.” Would you believe that there can be times in your life when you do pick and chose God’s will just like Elijah, but remember that obedience brings blessing.

We can all sin and choose things which we would gain the most from, things that will make us look good, and disregard God’s will, yet there is forgiveness and mercy to be found in God, as well as Divine restoration.

My friend, today when God calls you to go and do something, bear in mind, God is asking you to do it because He believes in you and trusts in you to do it. God is looking for men and women who will rise up and say, “Here I am Lord, send me to do whatever it is you want me to do.” And as you do so, you will find you will go on to be involved in more and trusted with even greater things to do in His name.

God bless you my friend, Matthew

2 Samuel 5:20 (NIV) ~ So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me.” So that place was called Baal Perazim.

peebles — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:11:35 +0000

The place Baal Perazim means “the Lord who breaks out”, in other words, He is the Lord of the breakthrough. How awesome is our verse for today, how powerful is this word from God for your life and your situation right now? Listen to what God is saying from our text for today, “As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me.” Can you imagine a flood of God’s power raining down from heaven as a mighty deluge sweeping the enemy away? As waters break out so the Lord will break out against your enemy to sweep them away.

I once read a story by Mary Mapes Dodge (1831 to 1905) called The Legend of Hans Brinker. The children’s book tells the story of a young boy who saw a leak in a dyke and put his finger in the hole to stop the dyke from bursting and thus flooding the villages. The story goes that he stayed there all night until help arrived in the morning.

Now picture this if you will, you have prayed to the Lord for your breakthrough and the Devil is standing with his finger in the hole trying to stop the answer coming through to you. However, the more you keep believing and praying, and the more you keep trusting and obeying the Lord, the more holes will start to appear in that dam. One by one another hole appears, and another one, then another one, then one more, and before you know it, holes are appearing all over the wall, and very soon the dam that the Devil has tried to built up against you from receiving God’s blessing and his answer to your prayers will burst open. Just as our text for today says in 2 Samuel 5:20 (NIV) “As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me.” The windows of heaven will burst open as God’s blessing will not just trickle out, but burst out, like the breaking forth of waters, and so will his blessing be unto you. Your answer will come! Suddenly, your breakthrough will come and the enemy will be swept away, for God will be unto you The Lord of the Breakthrough.

My friend, be encouraged to know that when you enquire of the Lord in prayer like King David and go to Baal Perazim, you will defeat your enemy, for as water breaks out, the Lord will break out against your enemy. Go to God in prayer seeking His direction, then wait for His answer and watch in awe as He sends you the answer, so you to can say like King David, “As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me,” for God has been unto me The Lord of the Breakthrough.

God bless you my friends, Matthew

Hebrews 21:1 (NIV) ~ let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

peebles — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:06:39 +0000

When there is a pebble in my shoe, do I make the time to take it out, or walk with the constant pain and discomfort which it will cause? When you walk with a pebble in your shoe, you accommodate it and compromise your walk by allowing it to slow you down. Muhammad Ali once said, “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out, it’s the pebble in your shoe.”

Pebbles can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and dare I even suggest, they can even masquerade as a gift from God. The pebble can be one of unforgiveness, or bitterness, or envy, or strife, or even wrong attitudes. No one is exempt from such things, and if not dealt with, you will eventually learn to walk with it and settle for a mediocre approach to dealing with the pebble in your shoe.

It always amazes me that when you first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, your reaction to sin becomes one of horror and disdain. Do you remember how quickly you ran to the feet of Jesus for forgiveness and deliverance from the snare of sin? But now the stain of sin on your soul and your royal robes does not hasten you to the Saviour’s side to be washed in His cleansing blood as it once did. Does your spiritual thermometer reveal that your passion for the things of God has become so cooled that you accept the stain of sin and learn to walk with a limp because of the pebble in your shoe?

To deal with a pebble in your shoe you have to do a few things. First, admit that there is something there, and then stop and bow down to remove it. God cannot deal with the pebble of sin in your life unless you admit that there is sin. Secondly, take time to talk to God and bow down before Him and ask for Him to remove the sin (pebble) so you can walk in Him and run freely once more.

My friend, notice if you will in our text for today that it says in Hebrews 21:1 (NIV), “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Throw away the pebble in your shoe that stops you from running your race, and run your race with perseverance, which God has marked out for you, without limping and run in such a way as to win the prize and let nothing hinder you.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Psalm 18:35 (KJV), “Thy gentleness hath made me great.”

peebles — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:12:39 +0000

Aesop (620 – 560 BC), a Greek slave, is best known for the numerous fables that are credited to him. One of his fables tells the story of a battle, which took place between the Wind and the Sun. One day they both saw a man walking along the road wearing a jacket. The Wind boasted to the Sun, “I am so strong I can make his jacket come off.” So it blew as hard as it could, with all the gales it could muster, but instead of taking his jacket off, the man pulled it closer to himself, holding it tighter to his body.
Then is was the Sun’s turn to try. It broke through the wind and clouds, and shone on the man with its gentle rays of sunshine. The man paused and looked up. Then, as the Sun kept shinning with its gentle rays of warmth, the man relaxed and took his jacket off.It was not the harsh, howling winds, or the raging, blustery winds which cause the man to take his jacket off, but the gentleness and warmth of the Sun, which caused the man to relax, feel at easy and take his jacket off.

Our text for today says in Psalm 18:35 (KJV), ”Thy gentleness hath made me great.” His gentleness will take away the howling, raging winds and bring us peace. His warmth will minister to us and help us throw off the “jacket” of heaviness and despair, and replace it with a garment of praise. He will fill us with joy in the Holy Spirit as we yield ourselves to His gentleness and there, throw off the things that hinder us from enjoying more of the resplendent rays of glory from the Son of God the Light of Life.
My friend, it is the gentleness of the Lord that will minister to us the most. His gentleness will cause us to feel safe and secure in the Saviour’s love. God will shine upon us through His Son, who is the Light of Life. He will let His brilliant rays of glory and gentleness lift us up and make us great, for the Bible says in Psalm 18:35 (KJV), ”Thy gentleness hath made me great.”

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Isaiah 40:28 to 29 (NIV) ~ The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, He will not grow weary and His understanding no-one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

peebles — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:58:59 +0000

This verse of Scripture simply drips with the dew of heaven, watering and nourishing every part of your life. From the first six words, God sets out His stall, as it were, and lays it before a watching world; His magnificent omnipotence, showing He is from everlasting to everlasting eternally true to all of His promises. He does not change like shifting shadows, as the Bible says in James 1:17 (NIV), “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly light, who does not change like shifting shadows.” This illustration is powerfully explained by a sundial, for when the sun is at high noon in the sky it is at the peak of its power. God is always at the peak of His power and does not change like shifting shadows on a sundial. He will not grow weary, but He will always and forever be the everlasting, all-powerful, Mighty God.

How comforting is this beautiful gem, this precious jewel within our text for today, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Twice, within this verse of Scripture, you have two Divine promises from God: He gives you strength and increases your power when you are weak. Notice if you will, how God wants you to be strong, to be strong in health, strong in your spirit and soul, and strong in the Lord and power of His might. Whatever need you may have in your life, God wants to show himself strong on your behalf, for He is your ELOHIM ADONAI your everlasting God, your JEHOVAH JIREH.

My friend, what an awesome promise of God; what comfort, what strength, what an encouraging and uplifting word for you today from God in our text from in Isaiah 40:28 to 29 (NIV), “The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, He will not grow weary and His understanding no-one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

God bless you my friend, Matthew

Joshua 14:12 (KJV) Now therefore give me this mountain.

peebles — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:15:58 +0000

Mountains can come in many shapes and forms. However, many people have tried to climb a mountain and have stopped at the foot of it and said, “This is too hard to even try.” They have been defeated before they have even begun. Their fear of failure has held them back, so the mountain in their mind gets bigger than is actually is. In our text for today, Caleb, although he was 85 years young, he still had a strong desire to conquer, a strong desire to win and enjoy the satisfaction of walking in the victory of being an over-comer. He never let any mountain stand in his way or prevent him from going forward in God. No enemy was going to keep him from entering into the promises of God.

Mountains are there to be conquered. The Bible says in Zechariah 4:7 (NIV), “What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground.” In other words, you will be conquered; you will not stand in the way of any man or woman who wants to go forward in God. Caleb could say with confidence, because of his faith in God, in Joshua 14:12 (KJV), “Now therefore give me this mountain. For I will surely conquer it.”

Caleb never looked at the size of the mountain, but he looked at how big God was before the mountain. He knew with God all things are possible, and under the anointing of the Holy Spirit it will become as level ground before him. When David went out to fight Goliath I am sure all the Israelites who stood before Goliath said, “He is too big to fight, he is as tall as a mountain.” While David said, “He is too big to miss, this day he will fall before me.” David and Caleb had a different spirit than those who saw an object as a mountain, while Caleb and David saw mountains as opportunities for God show Himself strong on their behalf, and for them climb their mountain and overcome it in His strength.

No mountain of lack will stand before me, for He is my Jehovah Jireh, my provider.

No mountain of sickness will stand before me, for He is my Jehovah Rophedh, my healer.

No mountain of inadequacy will stand before me, for I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

My friend, what mountain stands before you today? What mountain of the enemy tries to taunt you just as Goliath taunted David? What mountain tries to stop you entering into the promises of God? Rise up like David and slay the giant, take courage and draw strength from God like Caleb, who had a different spirit in him and took possession of the promises of God, and tell your mountain it will become level ground under the anointing of the Spirit of God, like Zerubbabel. Stand tall and declare with a roar of victory as Caleb did from Joshua 14:12 (KJV), “Now therefore give me this mountain. For in His strength I will surely conquer it, in Jesus’ mighty name!”

God bless you friend in Jesus, Matthew.

Proverbs 13:11 (NIV) ~ Whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

peebles — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:00:20 +0000

Here is a great heavenly principle for success: little by little you can make a huge difference in your life. A little increase in your prayer life, a little increase your daily Bible reading, a little increase in reaching out to people, changing a little at a time, can help make all the difference in the world.

I once heard the story of a man called Mr Little, who lived in a little house in a little town and he worked for a very little salary. The neighbours wondered how Mr Little and the whole Little family could get along on such a small salary. He was asked, “Mr Little, how do you and Mrs Little and the seven little ones get along on such a little salary?” He replied, “Every Little helps!”

Make a difference to your day and to those you meet everyday by smiling just a little more, helping out just a little more, sharing the good news about Jesus and how God answers prayer just a little bit more. It is all the little things that you say and do within a relationship that makes the relationship blossom and grow, little by little you fall truly in love with someone.

The song, “Little Things Mean a Lot,” was written by Edith Lindemanin in 1953, it was then sung by Kitty Kallen, and in 1954 it was a number one hit in America. It had such romantic and wishful lyrices such as:

Blow me a kiss from across the room, say I look nice when I’m not,
Touch my hair as you pass my chair, little things mean a lot.
Give me your arm as we cross the street, call me at six on the dot,
A line a day when you’re far away, little things mean a lot.

Give me a hand when I’ve lost the way, give me your shoulder to cry on,
Whether the day is bright or gray, give me your heart to rely on.

Send me the warmth of a secret smile, to show me you haven’t forgot,
For now and forever, that’s always and ever, honey, little things mean a lot.

Little by little you can grow in God. Little by little you can make better choices, little by little you can gain ground, little by little you can grow in confidence. Little by little you can change your lifestyle by exercising just a little more and eating healthier foods, and little by little you will lose one pound at a time.

If God answered all your prayers at once, how would you ever grow in faith? The Bible says in Exodus 23:30 (NIV), ”Little by little I will drive them out before you.” Little by little God will help you gain the ground and move on from one victory to another, growing in faith, believing for more and trusting in Himmore.

My friend, our text for today says in Proverbs 13:11 (NIV), ”Whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Consider this, the corridors of time are hung on small hinges, it is the little things that make a huge difference, therefore why not make a quality decision today to make a big change in your life little by little.

God bless you my friend, Matthew

Psalm 104:28 (NIV) ~ When you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

peebles — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:55:05 +0000

The phrase “you open your hand” is repeated verbatim in Psalm 145:16 (NIV), and is a sign of God’s favour and love towards that which he has made. To have a clenched fist is to withhold and is a sign of disapproval. Yet, the hand of the LORD your God is open, with palms facing upward, in an open display of his mercy, grace and love towards you—God is before you with His hands open.

Gaze in awesome wonder upon His hands and see there before you all you will ever need, for from the open hand of His love you will find His favour and His blessing. There your life will be satisfied with good things, because you have made the LORD your Saviour.

Now, let us look upon those pierced open hands of Jesus Christ reaching out in love towards you. His hands are open. Come and receive by faith from the hand of Jesus all that you need. Receive healing, forgiveness, mercy, grace and every good thing to satisfy you.

My friend, the hand of God is open towards you, open with his favour towards you, open with His love for you. May you, in return, have a clean heart and open hands towards the LORD your God, holding nothing back from Him.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Genesis 24:11 (NIV) ~ He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town.

peebles — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:11:39 +0000

Camels can go a long time without drinking any water. They can even walk through a wilderness, and during dry spells they can still keep going, but sooner or later they have to take the time to drink from the well. Can you relate to this picture that I have painted with words today? Have you felt as if it has been a long time since you just sat at the well of His blessing and been refreshed? You have been on a long journey, and at times you have felt dry, but you have kept going. You have walked through a wilderness experience in your life, but you have been too busy with other things to spare a thought of kneeling down at the well to drink and be refreshed in the Lord. Your Great Shepherd Jesus wants you to kneel down and draw from the well of Salvation, to be refreshed. You cannot carry the load all by yourself.

There once was a man was carrying a large shoulder bag, it was a very heavy weight over his shoulders. As he was walking along the way, a man pulled over while driving a horse and cart and offered the man a lift. The man climbed on beside him still carrying the heavy load over his shoulder. When the man who owned the horse and cart noticed this he said, “You can lay it down and rest.” But the man replied, “You were kind enough to carry me, I could not expect you to carry my burden as well.” Many people have carried unnecessary heavy loads which they think they can, and should, carry, just like that man. They have carried the load on their own shoulders, like a camel carries a load on its back. It is time to let Jesus carry you and to take your heavy load and give you rest as you fully trust in Him.

My friend, lay it all down at the feet of Jesus, kneel down at the well and be refreshed. Let Him help you, let Him refresh you, let Him lead you. It is time to pause, even in the busyness and the hustle bustle of life, and come to the well to drink. If you do not take the time to rest, sooner or later you will be so dry on the inside, so empty, that you will find it difficult to cope on your own. This need not happen if you just take the time to rest in Jesus and drink of the well, and be refreshed in Him.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Joel 2:25 (KJV) ~ And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.

peebles — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:07:32 +0000

A few years ago, I watched a TV program on wild locusts and the way they destroyed everything that stood in their path. With devastating effect, they descended upon a field of corn. Within half an hour the swarm wiped out the entire field of corn, leaving nothing but a vast wasteland. In my mind I could almost picture the enemy of souls, like a swarm of locusts eating away at a harvest of blessing over someone’s life. What does the swarm of locusts do? They devour your field of blessing, eating away at your joy, your provisions, your way of being able to fully prosper. But never fear, for the green shoots of blessing will appear and God will restore unto you the years the locusts have eaten.

Have you ever felt you have been robbed and cheated out of blessings? Have you ever felt as if you have gone through a wilderness experience? Have you ever felt as if you never got on in life but have faced a swarm of locusts over your harvest of blessings?

Now is the time to ask the Lord for the wind of change over your life, to blow the devourer away. Something amazing happens when you are faithful with your tithing unto the Lord; here is His promise to you from Malachi 3:10 to 11 (KJV),^“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Did you notice the powerful promise from God in verse 11? “I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes.” Let the wind of His Holy Spirit blow over your life; let Him rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so you will experience the latter rain, so your threshing floors will be filled with grain and your vats overflow.

My friend, God will restore your blessing; He will restore your field of blessing. He causes such a blessing to come upon you that you will not have enough room to contain it. God will turn things around for you: all your years of emptiness, of loneliness, of just getting by, of not seeing any fruit for your many years of hard work. The Bible says in Job 42:12 (KJV), “So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.” Job remained faithful to the Lord even in years the locusts had eaten. We must develop a way of life of being faithful to the Lord during those years of lack, as the Bible says in Habakkuk 3:17 to 18 (NIV), “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” We must be faithful to Him in all times, and rejoice in Him, in good times and not so good times. We keep serving God and being faithful and He will do for us, as our text for today says in Joel 2:25 (KJV), “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.” And once more, we will live in the abundance of His blessings; His blessings that the devourer will not touch, because God has rebuked him for our sakes. He is a God of restoration, and as He has promised He will restore unto you the years that the locusts have eaten. Get ready to receive, from God, your blessings of restoration.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Isaiah 40:30 to 31 (NIV) ~ Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

peebles — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:01:29 +0000

What an awesome promise from the Lord! These two verses of Scripture are without doubt personal favorites to many people, who I know could easily recite them, as they have committed them to memory.

Even at the beginning of such a powerful cluster of God-inspired sentences, all rich with fruit and anointed of God to minister to your soul, you can find inspiration and hope. Notice if you will, how these two verses of Scripture are different in their tone, yet compliment and flow into each other and fit each other like a glove.

Within the first verse from Isaiah 40:30 (NIV), “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.” It is as if God is saying, “I know where you are right now, I know that you sometimes feel weary and fall but, take heart, for when you trust in me and put your hope in me and lean on me with your whole heart and soul, I will renew your strength, I will help you soar far above it all, I will help you run and not be weary and walk and not fall, for I am the Everlasting God who does not grow tired or weary and I am here for you.”

When you rest upon Jesus, leaning closely upon Him with every fiber of your being, you will find in Him everything you need. Now pause for just a second and try and take in the enormity of such a statement, “In Him” who is your all-Sufficient One, in whom you will find everything you need to keep going from strength to strength. In Him, you will produce much fruit; you will go from strength to strength and soar on wings like eagles to new heights in God.

Within the second portion of our text from today in Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) there are to be found four, yes, four amazing personal promises from a covenant-keeping God to you with the word “will” in them, when you put your hope completely in Him.

1 – (God) Will renew your strengthen,

2 – (So you) Will soar on wings like eagles,

3 – (So you) Will run and not grow weary,

4 – (So you) Will walk and not faint.

My friend, today let our text for today minister to every area of your life, let this fruitful cluster of heavenly fruit nourish your heart and soul. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. For today God wants to strengthen you, He wants you to soar higher than you have ever gone before, to experience new realms of His glory with an ever-increasing measure. He wants you to take up the baton and run and walk in Him every day with such an intimate walk with Jesus that you will not feel faint, because in Him you will find all you will ever need to be more than a conquer. So be encouraged and uplifted today as you mediate on our text for today in Isaiah 40:30 to 31 (NIV), “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Psalm 40:2 (NIV) ~ Therefore we will not fear.

peebles — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:08:57 +0000

Here, in the midst of all the turmoil, and the rollercoaster of events that have blighted the psalmist, he makes a quality, life-changing decision to not fear whatever befalls him, but to stand firm in God. “Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she shall not be fall: God will help her at the break of the day.”

Though, on every corner, the enemy lies in wait in his vain attempt to beguile and trample your soul, you will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right side, yet you will not fear, for the LORD Almighty is with you, the God of Jacob is your fortress. He breaks the bow of the enemy and shatters his spears asunder, so you can say with great confidence from our text for today, in Psalm 40:2 (NIV), “Therefore we will not fear.”

There may be times of great distress and loss, of great persecution and trouble, yet God is your refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore, when these dark clouds appear, know that God is with you. Fear not, for He will strengthen your resolve and bring you through, for there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. It may be a long night of dark clouds but know this, God will help you at the break of the day. This powerful statement from God, “At the break of the day,” indicates that times of trouble, hardship and pain will not last forever, your daybreak is coming, so stand firm and know that He is God.

God will turn your sorrow into joy,

God will turn your pain into praise,

And God will turn your trials into a powerful testimony.

My friend, fear not! Put your trust in the Living God and you will not fall. When the enemy comes in like flood, the Lord will raise up a banner against him, the Lord will cause your heart to be brave, to be bold, and to rise up in His strength and power to fear not, for the God of Jacob is your fortress and in Him you will prevail and be victorious; in Him you will march on. In God, you can have this victorious confession of faith, “Fear not my beating heart, clothe yourself with His strength. Let my anchor be steadfast in His never-failing love. Take up your armour and gird yourself, oh, my soul and march on; march on for God will help me at the break of the day. He is with me. Therefore, I will not fall. In Him, I am a valiant warrior and I will overcome and rejoice.”

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Ezekiel 1:10 (KJV) ~ As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

peebles — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:40:16 +0000

This was a vision that Ezekiel saw of living creatures in the fire. In verse 5 of chapter one of Ezekiel, he says, “In appearance their form was that of a man.” Each one of these creatures can be seen as very symbolic. Let me try and explain.

First of all, a man: God is an investor of people. He came to save us and passed onto us His great commission, to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. To tell the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ to all creation. The Bible says of Jesus in Philippians 2:8 (NIV), “And being found in appearance as a man”. Mankind is within the heart-beat of God. Salvation was given to man, so man could come close to God.

Secondly, the Lion: we are called to be as bold as a lion, to be strong, courageous, and to be fearless in battle. We are called to walk with power and authority, and to reign and rule as kings in Christ Jesus.

Thirdly, the ox: the ox is a very loyal, hard-working servant, ready to do its master’s bidding at just a word. It does not grumble nor does it rebel, but it picks up the yoke and goes to work, serving its master. It is a perfect picture of servant hood and how we should be.

Fourthly, the eagle: it spreads its wings and flies. There are times when it will soar to great heights with the wind beneath its wings. It makes its home in the rock. God wants to break us out of our comfort zones, and for us to spread our spiritual wings, to soar high in God, with the wind of the Holy Spirit beneath our wings, lifting us to new heights in God. He wants us to make our home in the Rock, Christ Jesus.

My friend, this vision that Ezekiel had is one which points to Jesus Christ; it also points to the foursquare gospel:

Jesus as the man: our Healer.

Jesus as the ox: our Saviour with the servant heart, who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

Jesus the as the eagle: our baptiser in the Holy Spirit. One of the symbols of the Holy Spirit is that of a dove.

Jesus as the Lion: the coming King. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

Ezekiel says of these creatures in chapter one verse twenty (NIV), “Wherever the spirit would go, they would go”. May we be lead by the Holy Spirit and always follow Jesus, to go where He would take us.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Genesis 46:1 (Amplified Bible) ~ So Israel made his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba a place hallowed by sacred memories and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

peebles — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:57:01 +0000

When I was a young boy of about ten years old, I can remember going to my grandmother’s house. As you entered her house, you could not miss the pictures on the wall of her family. Everywhere in the house, you could see happy memories of people smiling, of school photos and wedding photos. You could see how people had changed over the years, by the clothes which they wore and the many different hair styles they had, not to mention the decorative wallpaper in the background of many a photo.

She also had things that her grandchildren made in pottery class on the mantel piece, showing them off to the world as if they were priceless masterpieces. My grandmother surrounded herself with fond precious memories, so in the stillness of the night, she could look at them and smile with gladness.

I can remember hearing this old gospel song sung by The Stanley Brothers, called “Precious Memories”:

Precious memories, unseen angels, sent from somewhere to my soul.
How they linger, ever near me, and the sacred scenes unfold.

Precious memories, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul.
In the stillness of the midnight, precious, sacred scenes unfold.

As I travel on life’s pathway, know not what the years may hold.
As I ponder, hope grows fonder, precious memories flood my soul.

Like Jacob in our text for today in Genesis 46:1 (Amplified Bible), “So Israel made his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba a place hallowed by sacred memories and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac,” we too can fill the walls of our life; fill the mantel piece of our heart with precious memories from God. We too can reflect with great gladness and smile on His goodness in our lives.

We can see where we have been, our lives once covered with the stains of sin, then washed clean by His precious blood. We can recollect with fondness on the many times in our lives in which God has turned our acts of faith into a priceless masterpiece for His Kingdom.

My friend, it is good at times to pause, to take a time out and just thank the Lord for all that He has done for us. Throughout life’s journey from here to glory, let us fill our lives every day with precious memories of His goodness and faithfulness. Precious memeories are made when you do something good for God, now go and have a great adventure in God so when you are resting and gazing upon His faithfulness and goodness over you life, you, too, can sing:

Precious memories, unseen angels, sent from somewhere to my soul.
How they linger, ever near me, and the sacred scenes unfold.

Precious memories, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul.
In the stillness of the midnight, precious, sacred scenes unfold.

As I travel on life’s pathway, know not what the years may hold.
As I ponder, hope grows fonder, precious memories flood my soul.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

2 Samuel 23: 22 (NIV) Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.

peebles — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:23:12 +0000

Benaniah went down into a pit on a snowy day to fight a lion. Before his path was a pit with a roaring lion in it. Benaniah had to go down into the pit to face this challenge in order to progress. Some battles are inevitable, some challenges are unavoidable. As a Christian you will come across battles in your life which are unavoidable; ones that are very difficult to handle, these battles make you feel as if you are in a pit and the roaring lion of the enemy is in there with you fighting against you. But God gives you a way to get out of the pits, to defeat the roaring lions and come through things a stronger man and woman in God.

Imagine if you will that, it is you going down into that pit on a snowy day with your sword in your hand; your hand so cold with the frost, that it feels like its falling off. You are slipping all over the place because of the snow, and there before you is this large angry lion, roaring and snarling at you. You can’t go back, your only way is forward, through the lion.

You face the lion in His strength and you overcome it, with your faith in God, and your sword in your hand. He gives you the victory, from there you come out of the pits and into the blessings.

There are some lions in your life that you must face to progress forward. You cannot let the enemy intimidate you with his roaring and his snarling. You have the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Therefore stand firm in the faith, stand tall in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, here is how the enemy is defeated, the Bible says in Revelation 12:11 (KJV) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.

My friend, when you feel as if you are in the pits, when you feel discouraged, when you feel as if nothing is going right for you, when your feeling weary and you can almost feel the breath of the lion breathing down your collar, with his roaring and his snarls ringing in your ears. That is the time to go to God’s word, that is the time to pray, that is the time to encourage yourself in the Lord, to take the sword of the Spirit, the word of God and slay your lion, then come out of the pits a stronger, man and woman for the Lord. When you take the sword of the Spirit and build yourself up in the most holy faith, trusting in God that He will bring you through this battle victoriously, you will find a renewed zeal for the things of God, and a deeper faith in God, trusting in His power to save, and to lift you out of the pits and into the blessings. If God be for you then who can stand against you? William Carey (1761 to 1834) once said, “Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God. The Bible says in Psalm 40:2 (KJV) He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. Moreover the Bible also says in 2 Samuel 22:29-30 (NIV) You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. With my God I can slay every lion, I can defeat every foe, with my God, I can get out of the pits and into the blessings.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Luke 13:8 (KJV), ”…This year also…”

peebles — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:49:38 +0000

Here we are at the beginning of not only a new day, but also a new month and a new year. During the last year, we can look back and testify of the faithfulness of God, the blessing of the Lord, His provision and protection. Now let us draw strength and encouragement from our text for today, let our hearts be full of cheer, bold and strong in the Lord as we enter into this new day.

This year also may we know His faithfulness and love,

This year also may we know His forgiveness and tenderness,

This year also may we know His blessing and favour,

This year also may we know His grace and mercy,

This year also may we know His justification and sanctification,

This year also may we know His provision and protection,

This year also may we know His increase and prosperity,

This year also may we know His maturity and wisdom,

This year also may we know His bounty and abundance,

This year also may we know His healing and deliverance,

This year also may we know His pardon and peace,

This year also may we know His salvation and majesty,

This year also may we know His direction and anointing,

This year also may we know His Kingdom and Glory,

This year also may we know His Divine power in the Holy Spirit.

This year also, God knows the plans for your life; plans to bless you from the dawn of the New Year until the twilight of it. For the Bible says in Deuteronomy 11:12 (KJV), “The eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.” His eyes are also upon you to bless you, and give you His best.

This year also, may we wrap His blessings around us like a garment and let them covering us in His love. We do not enter this year with a hope that is feeble, but we have a hope like an anchor, that is steadfast and sure, grounded in the Saviour’s love.

‘This year also,’ implies a limit. Just as this new year will one day come to an end, so one day soon the day of grace will be over, the door will be closed and time as we know it will come to an end.

Will those who have an unbelieving heart, have one this year also? For many this year also may be their last. Would it not be better to start this year with Jesus Christ as your Saviour and end it with Him?

If this year also be my last, then Lord let me serve you with everything I have, let me unreservedly be totally surrendered to You. Lord let me do Your will with a holy zeal and hunger for the Kingdom of God. May this year, I serve you with a passion and power in the Holy Spirit.

This year also, let me give my all for you; as You have given Your all for me.

May this year also, I lift up the name of Jesus Christ my Saviour and His work of salvation at the cross of Calvary.

May this year also, my confession of faith be, I know that my Redeemer Lives! I know my God is faithful and I know that my God is an awesome God.

My friend, we enter into this new day, this new month, and this new year, with a new hope, a fresh enthusiasm, and a fire within our hearts burning brightly. May we begin this year also, with a fresh passion for the things of the Kingdom of God, because we know that, “this year also”, we serve a God who is Mighty to save, for whom nothing is too difficult, and with whom all things are possible. His mercies are new every morning and fresh every evening, because He is a faithful God, “this year also!”

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Psalm 65:11 (NIV) ~ You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

peebles — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:53:47 +0000

How sweetly do the chimes of the clock herald the beginning of a New Year, one which is crowned and adorned with the beauty and blessing of the Lord. It is the birth of a new day and the beginning of a New Year with the crossings over of the old into the new, the crossing over of the threshold into new opportunities, of dreams fulfilled and the joy of answered prayers.

The seal of ELOHIM ADONAI is upon this year for you, for He has crowned it with His bounty. As you prosper in the spirit, so shall your soul prosper in all things. When you seek first the Kingdom of God, all these things shall come upon you in ever-increasing measure. He will bless you when you come in and when you go out; He will make you the head and not the tail, and He will cause your carts to overflow with His favour. For this is the year of His blessing, this is the year of His favour for your life.

There is no better way to start your year than to know the favour, blessing and the overflowing abundance of God, as you take hold of His personal, powerful, promise to you from our text for today in Psalm 65:11 (NIV), “You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.”

Oh, what bliss, oh, what joy, oh, what peace, oh, what prosperity and power can be found from this precious promise filled with the abundance of His bounty and overflowing in purpose. This day you start your year with His favour, His provision, His protection and with His special seal of approval.

This year is your coronation year!

A year crowned with splendor,

A year crowned with royalty,

A year crowned with hope,

A year crowned with grace,

A year crowned with love,

A year crowned with prosperity,

A year crowned with awesome breakthroughs,

A year crowned with no limits,

A year crowned with possibilities,

A year crowned with His anointing,

A year crowned with His authority,

A year crowned with victory.

My friend, this is your year! God has designed great things for you this year. Believe and receive His bounty in faith, and may your “carts” in life overflow with His blessings and favour. As you trust in the Lord, from the first fruits of the this year until the very last seconds of the year, may there be no limits to the health, growth and stature of your spiritual life, your church life, your home life, your school life, and your work life. This year, may you prosper with the abundance of His bounty in every area possible.

God bless you my friend, Matthew

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.

peebles — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:06:39 +0000

Our text speaks of being changed from one degree of glory to the next, or as the NIV Bible puts it, with ever-increasing glory. To be changed into His image is a daily process, one that brings progress and victory. With every step we take in the Lord, we are being lifted higher and higher to new realms of glory in the Lord.

We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, we shine with His glory as we are being transformed into His likeness. Oh, what a magnificent truth that unfolds within our innermost being as we know Him more and more; from the depths of our very heart we are being transformed into His likeness, transformed by His glory from glory to glory. The Greek word for transformed is metamorphoo meaning changed into, changed in form. This is where we get the English word metamorphosis, meaning to change from one state or thing into something different. It is where a complete change in character and in appearance takes place. Therefore, as we walk before Him in holiness, as we follow after Jesus and love Him with everything we have, we will see a positive change in our character and it will brighten our appearance as we reflect more and more of the glory of Jesus in our lives. With ever-increasing glory we are being transformed into His likeness, changing daily into His image to become more and more like Jesus each and every day.

My friend, within our text for today we draw great encouragement, we are lifted up and blessed. For we are being transformed, changed from one degree of glory into another and lifted higher and higher as we follow Jesus.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Acts 5:31 (NIV) ~ Prince and Saviour.

peebles — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:44:01 +0000

Your Prince of life is Jesus, the one who rescues you from the enemy’s ugly sisters of Sin and Oppression. When your Prince comes He will change everything for you, His Cinderella church bride. The Bible says in Isaiah 9:6 (KJV), “He shall be called ‘The Prince of Peace.’”

“Do you believe in fairy tales?” I once was asked, to which I replied, “I like to believe in happy endings. However, it can only happen when you make Jesus Christ your Lord and Saviour. Only then can you live with the hope of glory that’s not just a fairy tale, but a reality, where your Prince of life Jesus changes everything for you.”

The story of Cinderella was first written by a Neapolitan soldier in 1634 in a story book called “Pentamerone”. It had all the characters and bare bones of a story written later by Charles Perrault in 1697. It was not until 1812 that the Brothers Grimm who were German wrote “Children’s and Household Tales” in the book they entitled Ashenputtel, which translated in English means “Cinderella”. It was not until 1950 that Walt Disney brought the wonderful story to the big screen through the brilliance of animation.

The story of Cinderella encapsulates a story of hope, where a Prince comes to the rescue and changes everything for Cinderella, as she is set free from her way of life and lifted up from sin to forgiveness, from oppression to freedom, from poverty to riches, from the pits to a palace and from death to life.

Many people have been told about the amazing story of Cinderella, a very beautiful fairy tale, with a great ending. Imagine, if you will, that you are Cinderella covered in filthy rages, put down each day by the ugly sisters called Sin and Oppression. Every day, they constantly taunt you, by saying such things as, “You are never going to the ball. No one would ever want you, you’re no good, and you’re useless.” Every day they trample upon your dreams, and try, at every turn, to discourage you and put you down. Everyday Cinderella is faced with the ugly sisters, not knowing which way to turn, while living in absolute poverty of spirit, and yet, daring to dream that there must be something better than this.

Then, one day, Cinderella hears that the Prince will be attending the ball. Just when she feels that she wants to go the ugly sisters stop her by keeping her busy doing other things. They keep telling her that she is unworthy, but she desperately wants to go.

Eventually, Cinderella goes to the ball, but not for long. Even so, with just one glance the Prince, captures her heart. In just one look, he says, “I love you, you are safe, you are accepted.” He then goes and looks for her. The Bible says in Isaiah 62: 12 (NIV), “You will be called the sought out of the Lord”.

Your Prince and Saviour does not come with just one glass slipper, for just one person, but He comes with Salvation, which is “one size fits all”. John 3:16 (NIV) says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will shall not perish but eternal life.”

The Prince of Peace, Jesus, comes to you, to take away your filthy rags and gives you robes of pure white. He brings you freedom from sin and slavery. He bestows upon you his riches and blessings. He says to you, “You shall go to the ball, you will be my bride, Heaven is your home, where you will find great rejoicing, feasting, singing, and everlasting victory.”

You will never have to live with the feeling that you are no good, unworthy or rejected. The Bible says in Ephesians 1:6 (KJV), “You are accepted in the beloved.” He is the up lifter of your head.

The story of Cinderella was only a shadow of a hope; it was fiction, just a fairy tale, but in Christ Jesus you have the real thing, non-fiction because His truth is a living fact.

The Prince and Saviour, with one glance, has captured your heart. He has made all things new for you, and you can walk in victory, you can walk in true happiness, knowing that God is your ABBA Father who loves you. You can walk with your head held high; you can walk tall in him. In Christ Jesus, your Prince and Saviour, you can dream big dreams and see them come true, for the Bible says in Psalm 37:4 says (NIV), “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

My friend, the church today is filled with Cinderella people, rescued from sin and oppression. In your Prince and Saviour Jesus Christ, you will find life, liberty and joy in the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to lift you up from sin to forgiveness, from oppression to freedom, from poverty to riches, from the pits to a palace and from death to life.

God bless you my friend, Matthew

Deuteronomy 33:37 (KJV) says, “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

peebles — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:58:41 +0000

In the 2010 remake of the classic cowboy film called, True Grit, Mattie Ross, played by Hailee Steinfeld, says in the opening scene of the film, as the background music plays the timeless old hymn, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” “You must pay for everything in the world one way or another; there is nothing free except the grace of God.”

Learn to lean on the everlasting arms of God, where you will find His compassion, His protection and His mercy. It is here that you will find His mighty arms are strong to deliver and powerful to save and heal. When you feel crestfallen and low spirit, turn to God and you will find that “the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” He is your support at all times, God is the up-lifter of your head, and His everlasting arms are there to wonderfully support you during your time of need. There is such comfort to be found, such joy, and such peace cradled like a child leaning upon your Heavenly Father’s everlasting arms.

Elisha Albright Hoffman once penned this timeless hymn:

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms.

My friend, our text for today in Deuteronomy 33:37 (KJV) says, “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” This text brings hope, it brings peace, it brings healing and shows how much God really does love and care for you, for there is no safer place to be than within the powerful, yet gentle everlasting arms, of the eternal God, who is forever to be praised.

God bless you my friend, Matthew

Ephesians 5:16 (NIV) ~ Making the most of every opportunity.

peebles — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:28:21 +0000

Up is a 2009 American, computer-animated, comedy-adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. In the film, Carl Fredricksen, is a shy and quiet young boy who meets an enthusiastic and outgoing girl named Ellie. As they are playing together, they discover that they share the same interest in exploration, and their hero is the famous explorer, Charles F. Muntz.

Ellie tells Carl of her desire to move her clubhouse to Paradise Falls in South America, and makes Carl promise to help. Carl and Ellie grow up, get married and grow old together in the old house where they first met, while Carl made a living selling balloons, and Ellie worked as a zookeeper. Unable to have children, they repeatedly try to save up for the trip to Paradise Falls, but, as life would have it, other financial obligations arise which require them to use their savings over and over again. Just as they’re finally about to take their trip, Ellie becomes ill and dies, leaving Carl regretting not doing it sooner. Your heartstrings are touched and you find yourself with this overwhelming thought, “If only.”

If you allow setbacks to keep you from fulfilling your dream of taking that step forward, you will one day look back when you are old and unable to do all the things which you once dreamed of and say, “If only.”

It is said that two of the saddest words in the English language are, “If only.”

If only I had taken that step of faith,

If only I had the courage to ask her out,

If only I had applied myself more at school,

If only I had responded to God’s calling and gone to Bible College,

If only I had acted upon His leading to be a missionary,

If only I had taken the step of faith and trained for the ministry,

If only I had said, “Yes,” to Jesus when He called me to serve Him.

There have been many people like Carl, who never took the opportunity to go and do something when Ellie was younger, and lived with the sad thought, “If only.”

I remember well the story of the couple who, in their twilight years, sat at the table one day and asked each other, “So, when we first got married, what did God say to you?” They both said the same thing: “God was calling me into the ministry, to go into the mission field.” Then the man said to the woman, “But I did not want to say anything to you just in case you never had the same calling.” She said the same thing. Then, with tears in their eyes, they wept as they embraced in a gesture of trying to comfort each other and whispered, “If only.”

My friend, if you have a dream, a vision from God, then may I encourage you to do it. We only have one life to live, so let us live it for Jesus Christ, on fire with the Holy Spirit. For He who has called you will fully equip you for whatever task He has called you to do. It is time to rise above the shortcomings of life and take that step of faith. We should never let our shortcomings or fear dictate our path, but fully turn over every situation to God so He can turn things around for us. He will turn our negative into a positive, and He will supply all our needs. Our text for today says in Ephesians 5:16 (NIV), “Making the most of every opportunity.” We will never look back with tears of regret in our eyes, saying, “If only,” because we have willingly said, “Yes,” to Jesus.

God bless you my friend, Matthew

Luke 2:14 (KJV) ~ Peace on earth, and good will toward men.

peebles — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:23:16 +0000

The artillery guns fell silent, not a single shot from a sniper’s rifle was fired, nor was there a war cry to advance forward on Flanders field on the 25^th of December 1914, but instead small candles replaced the barrels of rifles over the trenches. The voice of war was replaced with the sound of voices singing, worshiping and praising God with Christmas Carols.

This is one of those times in history when you see that what man could never achieve with fighting, God could with a simple song; a simple song called, Silent Night.

The German soldiers started to put candles on their trenches and decorate their Christmas tree. The British responded by doing the same. Suddenly, without a rehearsal, the German soldiers sang the Christmas hymn, ‘Stille Nacht’ (Silent Night). The British troops in the trenches across from them responded by singing English carols and then together they, in a beautiful symphony of brotherhood, sang, Silent Night.

The two sides continued by shouting Christmas greetings to each other. Soon thereafter, there were calls for visits across the, “No Man’s Land,” on Flanders field where small gifts were exchanged. The truce also allowed a breathing space during which recently-fallen soldiers could be brought back behind their lines by burial parties. Proper burials took place as soldiers from both sides mourned the dead together and paid their respects.

At one funeral in “No Man’s Land,” soldiers from both sides gathered and read a passage of Scripture from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”

It is amazing to think that in a place where blood was spilled and hatred fuelled flames of war that a simple hymn at Christmas about Jesus Christ brought peace on a blood-stained battle field. The cold hearts of mankind can be melted by the love of God, when men allow God to move. In a fraction of a second, by one touch of His hand, God can cause a human heart, cruel and uncaring, to become noble and loving.

The Bible says in Luke 2:14 (KJV), “Peace on earth, and good will toward men.” Good will was extended on that day in 1914 to all the soldiers on both sides. It is amazing to think that when God is brought into circumstances or situations, he alone can bring peace and reconciliation and that he alone can bring a miracle for peace on earth, and good will towards men.

My friend, my prayer is not that we could be united in song all over the world, but that all over the world God can be allowed to bring peace, and good will to all men. But it starts with you and me taking that first brave step forward over the trenches of prejudice and hatred, and into a place of peace, and good will towards all men.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Hebrews 1:6 (NIV) ~ And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

peebles — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:11:58 +0000

In the NIV translation, there is a footnote that cross references this verse with Deuteronomy 32:43 (NIV), “Rejoice, O nations, with his people and let all God’s angels worship him.” Furthermore, the NKJV has this wonderful wording to the same verse, “Rejoice, O Gentiles with His people.” This is taken from the song of Moses which prophetically spoke of the birth of Jesus. We see the fulfilment of this verse in a field near Bethlehem where the Bible says in Luke 2:13 to 14 (NIV), “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’”

Here you have God giving a message through the lips of Moses not only to His people, not only to Gentile believers, but also to the world. In this verse, God gives a reason to rejoice for Salvation will come into the world through His Son Jesus Christ who is the Saviour of the world. Even at the birth of Jesus there was great rejoicing as all of God’s angels worshipped Christ the Lord. Let all God’s angles worship Him, let all God’s angels and mankind alike, bow before Jesus and worship Him.

Look again at the verses in Luke 2:13 to 14 (NIV), “Suddenly a great company of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.’” The Christmas Carol, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” beautifully describes how the angels worshipped Jesus on the day the Saviour of the world, who is Christ the Lord, was born.

Sing choirs of angels, sing in exaltation,

Sing all ye citizens of heaven above,

Glory to God in the highest.

My friend, if God says in Hebrews 1:6 (NIV), “And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him,’” then surely at this festive time let all His people, all Gentiles and every nation under heaven and on Earth, lift up their voices and rejoice and worship Him, for unto us a Saviour has been born, who is Christ the Lord.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Luke 2:10 (KJV) ~ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

peebles — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:58:08 +0000

Tidings of great joy, now there is an old-fashioned statement rich with meaning. God brings you tidings of great joy, not just tidings of joy, but great joy. There is something to celebrate; Jesus was born to save you from your sins, to deliver you from the grasp of the enemy and set you free. He was born a King, He was born the Messiah, He was born Christ the Lord.

The Greek word for tidings is euaggelizo meaning to announce good news, preach the gospel, declare the word of God. And that is exactly what the angels did on the very night that Christ the Lord was born.

What great joy it is to be saved from your sins, to have a Saviour born unto us who was the greatest expression of God’s love for us. This baby, this Saviour, was God’s gift to the world not just at Christmas time but every day of the year. And, you can receive this precious gift of God by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.

The song, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, was written by an unknown author in the late 15^th century in England and was later publish in 1833 by William B. Sandys in a Christmas collection of carols.

The song has a wonderful message tucked into the first few lines:

God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,

Remember, Christ, our Saviour was born on Christmas day,

To save us all from Satan’s power, when we were gone astray,

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy.

My friend, Christmas is a time of great joy, for unto you a Saviour had been born who is Christ the Lord. This babe of Bethlehem was the Son of God who grew up and died on the cross of Calvary and three days later rose again. Tidings of great joy were declared to all mankind for the Saviour has been born to save you from your sins, to save and deliver you, to save and heal you, to give you comfort and joy in His name.

God bless you my friend, Matthew

Matthew 2:2 (NIV), “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”

peebles — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:42:12 +0000

This was the question asked by the Magi (wise men). Notice if you will the specific statement, “born King.” Jesus was born a King, He did not inherit this majesty from any man, nor was it passed on to Him from one generation to another, but His coronation was before time began. Even when Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate and was asked by him in John 18:37 (NIV), “‘You are a king, then!’…. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born.’” If you open the doors of history, and look down the corridors of time, into the realm of eternity, you will see Jesus Christ for all time, for all eternity, crowned King of kings.

That is why we sing,

He is the King of Kings; He is the Lord of Lords,

His name is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; O He is the King.

Here are a few verses of Scripture which declare the Kingship of Jesus:

Psalm 24:7 (NIV) King of glory.

Psalm 47:7 (NIV) King over all the earth.

Daniel 4:37 (NIV) King of heaven.

Isaiah 41:21 (KJV) King of Jacob

Matthew 2:2 (NIV) King of the Jews.

Mark 15:32 (KJV) King of Israel.

1 Timothy 1:17 (NIV) King of eternity and King of ages.

Hebrews 7:2 (NIV) King of Righteousness, King of peace.

Revelation 19:16 (INV) King of kings and Lord of lords.

Furthermore, Jesus is the King of life, your Majesty on high, your Royal Highness in every sense of the word.

Jesus, as your King, is merciful and just.

Jesus, as your King, is full of compassion.

Jesus, as your King, is full of grace and tender loving-kindness.

Jesus, as your King, gives you His signet ring and He clothes you with royal robes you don’t deserve.

Jesus, as your King, baptises you with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, as your King, gives you His sword of the Spirit, the word of Truth and power.

Jesus, as your King, rules and reigns in power and authority.

Jesus, as your King, is strong to deliver and mighty to save.

Jesus, as your King, is powerful in battle.

Jesus, as your King, is merciful to you when you call upon Him.

Jesus, as your King, rules over sickness, death, hell and the grave.

Jesus, as your King, has lavished on you His forgiveness and pardon from sin.

Jesus, as your King, has treasures beyond compare.

Jesus, as your King, has given to you a place of honour at the wedding feast.

Not only is Jesus your King but He is also your High Priest, your Advocate, your Saviour and your Friend.

No one who meets Him, who spends time in the presence of King Jesus, will ever leave the same way. Just one touch from your King changes everything.

My friend, what an amazing, powerful verse of Scripture to bless and uplift you today, to find out, as the wise men did, that a King has been born. They asked the question in our text for today in Matthew 2:2 (NIV), “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” Jesus Christ the Messiah was born as a King to rule and reign with love, mercy, grace, sovereignty and power, in the hearts of men. Today, will you make this King your King?

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

John 10:22to 23 (NIV) ~ Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.

peebles — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:41:21 +0000

This is the only time in Scripture that the Feast of Dedication is mentioned. It is the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, meaning festival of lights. And, it is a festival of great joy. It is the time of illuminating the temple area with light and also for the Jewish people to illuminate their homes with light from candles, oil lamps and lanterns.

In John chapter 8:12 (NIV) we read this, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” And then, once again, Jesus said in John chapter 9:5 (NIV), “I am the light of the world.” Now, take note where Jesus was in John 10:22 to 23 – He was in the temple during the time of the Feast of Dedication, it was winter and it was dark. Now, let me take you even deeper into this amazing verse of Scripture, because now we see a prophetic picture of Jesus, the Light of Life, the Light of the world bringing not only Light into the Temple, but Life as well, and whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life.

Will you also permit me to take you just one more step deeper still? When you bring the Light of the world, the Light of Life, who is Jesus Christ your Messiah, into the home of your heart He illuminates your life with His Light of Life, and there is great rejoicing in your home as you dedicate your life to Jesus and to following Him.

My friend, when you let the Light of the world, the Light of Life into your life, there is great rejoicing as He illuminates your life with His Life. Let Jesus be in the centre of the temple of your heart and there, walk with Him all your days.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Matthew 1:23 (KJV), “And they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

peebles — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:27:24 +0000

Immanuel, God with us. The enormity of this verse overwhelms me, just to think on this, “The God of heaven living in me.” God with us, God in us, we carry His domain wherever we go.

The Bible says in Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) Therefore, the LORD himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and you will call him Immanuel.

Bob Mc Ghee wrote these powerful words about Jesus Christ our Immanuel:

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, We call His name Emmanuel,

God with us, revealed in us, His name is called Emmanuel.

My friend, there is such comfort, in this verse. Immanuel, God with us, God in us, the God of heaven living in me. I now have His strength in me to help me in my every day life, His rest in me to give me peace in Him, His power in me, to be all that He has called me to be, His mercy, His grace, His bounty, His favour, His tender loving-kindness towards me, and His mighty arm out-stretched to give me victory in whatever area I need it. If God be for us, then who can stand against us? Jesus Christ is our Immanuel.

Oh, how glorious does the hymn writer Charles Wesley pen these Holy Spirit inspired lyrics from the song, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”:

Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come offspring of a Virgin’s womb,

Veiled in the flesh the Godhead see, Hail the Incarnate Deity,

Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel.

Today will you let the God of heaven dwell in your heart and life, as “Immanuel, God with you” Jesus Christ the Saviour of your soul, living in you?

God bless you my friend, Matthew.