(Titus 2:13)
A shout! A trumpet note!
A Glorious Presence in the azure sky!
A gasp, A thrill of joy,
And we are present with Him in the twinkling of an eye!
A Glance, An upward look,
Caught up to be with Christ for evermore!
The dead alive! The living glorified!
Fulfilled are all His promises that went before!
His face! His joy supreme!
Our souls find rapture only at His feet!
Blameless! Without a spot!
So shall we enter Heaven's joy complete!
(A.C. White, Biblical Fundamentalist)
There are four great results that follow the anointing; four evidences that can neither be disputed, nor counterfeited.
The first is VICTORY OVER SIN;
the second is POWER IN SERVICE;
the third THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT;
and the fourth A BURDEN FOR SOULS.
Now I care not what else you may have received, even though visions and revelations have been yours-- they fade into insignificance in the face of these four tremendous results. You may think that you have the gift of tongues, but if these four results are lacking, you have never been anointed with the Holy Ghost.
(Oswald J Smith, The Enduement of Power)
Wolfgang Hellwig, once a criminal himself, knows what jail is like... the bitterness and resentment. However, in his dark moments of despair, a brilliant light shone- the Gospell of Jesus Christ. Wolf realised that he was in a lost state. He hated the life he was living. Some caring Christians prayed for him and gave him a Bible. He read it about six months later. One day feeling low and alone, he opened the wonderful pages. His whole life changed. Committing his soul to Christ, he now carries a burden for the lost- those outcasts in prison- as he once was himself. His outreach ministry visits and writes to prisoners, giving them tracts, books, newsletters, and tapes. There are many letter-writers who correspond to inmates. Enquiries to Box 6629, Fairfield, Qld 4103.
In the early days of mission work in China, there was an elderly man named Li who accepted the Gospel. Having learned the truth, he immediately began to share his faith with others.
One day, soon after his conversion, he read "covetousness which is idolatry" (Col. 3:5). Determined not to fall into any kind of idolatry, he gave away all of his property and lived day to day from the hospitality of the people whom he was labouring to share the Gospel truth with.
Not far from Li's home was a large temple in which lived a cousin who was a priest. From time to time the young priest would visit his old relative, bringing him a small present of bread or millet from his very adequate supply.
Each time the old man received the gift, he would say, "My Heavenly Father's grace!"
After a while this began to annoy the younger man. He said, "Where does your heavenly Father's grace come in? The millet is mine. I bring it to you. And if I did not, you would very soon starve for all that He would care. He has nothing to do with it."
"But", replied the old man, "it is my heavenly Father who puts it into your heart to care for me".
"Oh, that is very well!" interrupted the priest. "We shall see what will happen if I bring the millet no more."
For a week or two he kept away, although his better nature kept prompting him to care for the old man...
In the passage of time, old Li's food supply finally ran out. The day came when he no longer had enough food for one more meal. Kneeling alone in his room, he poured out his heart in prayer to God.
He knew very well that his heavenly Father would not, could not, forget him. After pleading for a blessing on his work, and upon the people all around him, he remnded the Lord of what the priest had said, asking that, for the honour of His own great Name, He would send that very day his daily bread.
Suddenly the answer came. While Li was still kneeling in prayer, he heard an unusual clamour and cawing and flapping of wings in the courtyard outside, and a noise as of something falling to the ground. He rose up and went to the door to see what was happening.
A number of ravens, common in that part of China, were flying all about in great commotion above him. As he looked up, a large piece of meat fell at his feet. Thankfully, the old man picked up the unexpected food saying, "My heavenly Father's kindness!"
Then, glancing about him to see what had fallen before he came out, he discovered a large piece of Indian meal bread, cooked and ready for eating. Another bird had dropped that also. There was his dinner, bountifully provided.
With a thankful heart that was overflowing with joy, the old man started a fire to prepare the welcome meal. While the pot was still boiling, the door opened. To his delight, who should walk in but his cousin, the priest.
Looking into the pot, he cried, "Why, where ever did you get this?"
"My heavenly Father sent it", responded old Li gladly.
"He put it into your heart, you know, to bring me a little millet from time to time; but when you would no longer do so, it was quite easy for Him to find another messenger."
And then Li told his cousin the whole story about the coming of the ravens. The priest was very impressed by what he saw and heard, and it eventually led him to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He gave up his comfortable living in the temple and became a teacher of righteousness. (From Land Marks, 2/95, quoted in Small Prayers- Big Answers))
I feel Australia is turning away from God, and more and more to material possessions. In the Year 2000 we will bow to the ultimate altar of sport, at the Olympic Games in Sydney. (Ray Boyce, Charlestown, NSW)
We need God in this nation. Time is running out. We are in the last of the last days. This nation needs Jesus. (Les & Sharon Moore, Warwick, Qld)
Australia- A third world banana republic... Most of our manufacturing has been transferred overseas. We have been disarmed. Lawlessness and corruption are rife. Foreign laws have destroyed the family unit. Children are told they can do as they like. Family law prosecute the parents who discipline, and pay the children to leave home. (John McLean, Hervey Bay)
If we are going to bring the "Rock" sound into the church then we may as well bring in the kegs of beer, the wine bottles and the poker machines as well. After all, this would attract the non-church-goers really fast eh? (SECW)
Down the drain... Legalised prostitution... eroded family values... The destruction of the family means the destruction of the nation... The judgment of God must come. (Norm Wright, NSW)
People may have money, but that doesn't make them rich. (Joyce Archer,SA)
The world is set for the return of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. The stage is certainly set. This moves us to proclaim the Gospel message as far as we can and as far as possible by every means possible. (Rupert , Blacktown, NSW)
The news tell us that Jesus is coming soon and we look forward with joy to our release from this technical world which knows so little about our Lord Jesus and God's Holy Spirit and love. Praise God, the Latter Rain is still to come. It's going to be wonderful. (Sis Burlton, Balaklava, SA)
Ted Hellman of the USA, over 80 years old, has done chaplain work in prisons for over 12 years. He writes: "Society gives them a number. I tell them God is above numbers. Too many people think that you've got to be pure before you can come into their churches. I go in there to tell them that I love them in the Lord."
Time is short. I think the world is now in judgment. America is having one disaster after another. We must keep our affection on Jesus and do His works. (Ted Hellman, Boone, USA)
Christians have to learn how to live within their culture, but above its power. (Paul Grant, Brisbane, Qld)
Search yourself... Write down from A to Z the things in your life that are stopping you focusing on the Lord. Then give them all to the Lord. (Roz, Lockrose, Qld)
Bobby, cold, damp, miserable, calling papers on the croner, stopped to listen to the song. The door of the church, opening to admit a newcomer, tempted the lad to venture in.
Bring them in, bring them in,
Bring them in from the fields of sin;
Bring them in, bring them in,
Bring the wand'ring ones to Jesus.
sang the people of First Church.
"Say! I wonder if they mean it," thought the boy as he snuggled nearer the heater. "I wonder if they honestly mean it- what they're sayin' in that song- 'bout bringing of 'em in. It's a fine place to be brought ter, and I'd like mighty well to know who Jesus is. Say, I wonder if it could mean folks like Dad- if they'd do anything to give him a lift."
On they sang through the five verses- it was a cheery song for a rainy night, and the First Church people liked a hearty simple refrain:
Bring them in, Bring them in,
All who are lost in the ways of sin;
None too vile and none too frail,
His healing power will never fail,
Bring the helpless ones to Jesus.
"They'd never keep it up this long if they didn't mean it fer sure," mused Bobby. "Seein' as the landlord's turned us out and there ain't any place fer him but jest the saloon- he might git to be a man ag'in if he'd half a chance and a place like this here to get a start. Say- I'm goin' to give it a try."
And out of the door, into the cold, wet night hurried the boy.
The benediction had been said, and the people of First Church were preparing to leave when the door was pushed open and a ragged, rain-soaked boy boldly entered, dragging after him the almost helpless figure of a man much the worse for liquor.
"What's this? What's this?" asked one of the men severely. "Guess you've got into the wrong place, my boy."
Bobby took one quick look around the room, then shook his head decidedly, as he tried with his small strength to brace the wretched man by his side. "No-the place's all right- it's the same; but say, yer ain't agoin' away and closin' up, are yer? For I've brought him in, as yer said to."
"What's this? Brought who in?" It was the kindly voive of the pastor as he drew near the boy.
"All of yees- in singin' yer said ter bring 'em in, and no count folks who ain't done the straight thing. Anyhow, that's the way it sounded, and so I jest brought him along like yer said to that Jesus as you said in the song would fix him up. Ain't it straight- that there song?" And the boy looked wistfully into the pastor's face which showed kindness.
"Tell us about it, my boy", said the man gently. "Is he your father?"
"Yes, he is my dad, and some way he got on the wrong track. And Ma she tried to set him right till she got tired and died, and then sister Liz she tried till she got hurt and went to the hospital. Pa wasn't hisself when he did it. And then just I've been tryin', but 'tain't no kind of use, and there ain't no place now for ter stay ter get a start- and there ain't nobody that cares. And then I heard you folks singin' ter bring 'em in- folks like him, an' somebody what lives here would take 'em in hand- Jesus was the name, wan't it- say, don't He live here?"
The stupid man the boy supported nowdropped heavily on the floor. "Tain't no use, Bob", he said, "yer pa can't help it- nobody cares. Let's go back to Pete's and get nuther drink- that'll make it all right."
But the pastor's strong arm had lifted the man and helped him to the pew. Then he turned to the silent, serious group about him.
"Brothers and sisters, what do you think of the boy's question- 'Doesn't Jesus live here?' And if He did live here, what would He dojust now on this rainy, cold night, with this poor, fallen father and his faithful son? Men, women, let's help Bobby save his father!"
Bobby and Bobby's father never went back to Pete's for another drink, neither
that night nor the nights that followed; and their voices may be heard each
week as they mingle with other voices in sending out upon the street the invitation:
Bring them in, bring them in,
Bring the wand'ring ones to Jesus.
(Sword of the Lord)
1. Every time difficulties and impossible situations arise now, I will believe in the omnipotence of God and His fatherly aid. I will not give place to worry, but completely trust in the Father's tender, loving care, for He never gives more than I can bear and always has ways and means to help. Then by the time persecution breaks out, I shall be "practised in faith" so that I can experience His aid.
2. Now I will bear my small bodily ailments- pain, weakness and fatigue- in faith in the power of Jesus' blood that sustains me and renews my strength. Then I shall have practice for the future when the physical suffering will be far greater.
3. Every time I am faced with hardship and meaninglessness, I will surrender my will, and when I am chastened, I will humble myselfeven more beneath the mighty hand of God. I will say, "Yes, Father, Your judgments are just- and so are the ones to come."
4. I will look to Jesus ever anew, turning to Him with all my heart. And as I behold the Man of Sorrows, Who is full of grief and affliction, the desire to suffer is implanted in my soul. I will look to Him, the mighty Victor, Who has vanquished satan and sin.
5. In faith I will claim Jesus' redemption in my daily battle against my spirit of criticism, pride, stinginess, envy, self-will, egoism, anger, the desires of the flesh, and bondage to people and things. Then sin will not be able to weaken me in the future, and if I should be taken to a concentration camp, I can be a witness for Jesus when living together with others, by radiating His love and peace.
6. I will bear every hardship, great or small, out of love for Jesus, so that when I have to undergo pain and torment in persecution, my natural reaction will be, "I will bear it for Your sake, Lord Jesus."
7. I will live in close fellowship with Jesus now, conversing with Him at all times and doing everything for Him in love, so that love, which is the strongest power of all, will give me the strength to bear the suffering in the time of persecution.
8. I will lead a life of prayer now, so that I shall be able to pray later. Prayer will be my deliverance in times of loneliness, temptation, suffering and torment, and when I am forsaken. Prayer will bring me Jesus and heaven on earth.
9. Now I will fight resolutely against my fear of others and my desire to win their favbour, love, respect and approval, so that I can overcome cowardice. I commit myself to making an uncompromising stand for the Lord. I want to seek only God's approval in all matters now so that later, during persecution, I shall be willing to pay the price.
10. I will do good now to those who hurt me and treat me unjustly by blessing them and showing them love in thought, word, and deed. Then later I shall be able to meet my persecutors the right way, not judging them, but humbled because of my own sin and meek like a lamb, full of mercy towards them.
11. Every time I am at a loss as to what to say in some situation or conversation, I will trust the Holy Spirit implicitly to guide me and give me His words, now also at future trials and cross-examinations.
12. Today I will count on the reality of heaven, which Jesus brings into our lives, and abide in this hope, so that during persecution I can rejoice, saying, "Suffering will come to an end, and everlasting glory will follow."
(From The Eve of Persecution, by Basilea Schlink, dated 1974)
VITAMIN A - This is the ACCEPTANCE vitamin.
It stands for new life, or life eternal. You see, Christ died for our sins and
by accepting Him we receive this new life (John 1:12).
VITAMIN B - This is the BELIEF vitamin.
It is essential to the development and normal functioning of our new life. Our
Great Physicin explains that "all things are possible to him that believeth"
(Mark 9:23).
VITAMIN C - This is the CONFESSION vitamin.
It must be used daily to keep in perfect condition (John 1:9).
VITAMIN D - THis is the DETERMINATION vitamin.
It is most necessary. It has a wonderful effect upon one's backbone, which,
of course, is vital to good posture. Simply determine "not to know anything...
save Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2).
VITAMIN E - This is the well-known and absolutely necessary ENDURANCE
vitamin.
It produces true beauty (2 Tim. 2:3).
Other health-giving verses: John 10:10, 6:47, 48, 4:14, 6:27.
(Selected)
There is an urgency in the spirit to get the message of salvation out to unbelievers. We have open air services in the parks in Ayr and districts. We also go to nursing homes... wherever the Lord leads us, and to places that we are invited to. People love to listen to singing. We sing and get the message across that way, as well as preaching some sermons. Lives have been touched everywhere we've been. God is moving one more time in the earth, bringing His people home to Himself, for His Glory.
We firmly believe that people who are open and willing to carry the anointing of God are the ones God is using in these last days to get the Word out, to break the yoke of bondage and destroy it. The anointing is so important to every born again believer and yet it is the most left out thing in the church today. Some are actually ashamed of the anointing- and yet it is the Holy presence and Glory of God. Many churches today are full of the world. We really cannot tell if they even belong to the body of Christ, but we know that we must keep those old Holy Ghost standards set out in the scripture. We enjoy Fair Dinkum, as the articles printed are firmly against compromise in the church; it's straight to the point, and we like that very much. (Pastor Lawrence Henaway, Ayr, Qld)
I'm already retired at the age of 68, but I have decided to pioneer a church in this city of 130,000. (Juan Cornelios, Philippines)
1. Overcoming pretences (Matt. 6:1-15).
2. Overcoming anxiety (Matt. 6:24-34).
3. Overcoming the urge to be critical (Matt. 7:1-6).
4. Overcoming error (Matt. 7:15-23).
5. Overcoming storms (Matt. 7:24-27).
6. Overcoming greed (Lk. 12:13-21).
7. Overcoming lust (1 Th. 4:1-7).
8. Overcoming selfishness (1 Cor. 10:23-33).
9. Overcoming divisions (1 Cor. 11:17-22).
10. Overcoming confusion (1 Cor. 14:20-33).
11. Overcoming bitterness (Matt. 18:21-35).
12. Overcoming our possessions (Matt. 19:16-22).
13. Overcoming our aggressiveness (Matt. 20:20-28).
14. Overcoming sanctified evil (Matt. 21:12-17).
We are the survivors...
Consider the changes we have witnessed. We were born before television, penicillin and polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, frisbees and the pill. We were before radar, credit cards, laser beams and ball point pens; before panty hose, dishawshers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, air conditioners, drip dry clothing and before man walked on the moon.
We got married first, then lived together. How quaint can you be! We were before house husbands, gay rights, computer dating, dual careers and computer marriages. We were before day care cenres, group therapy and nursing homes. We had never heard of FM radio, tape decks and electric typewriters, artificial hearts, word processors, yoghurt and guys wearing ear rings.
For us "time sharing" meant togetherness, not computer or condominiums; a "chip" meant a piece of wood and software wasn't even a word. In 1959 "made in Japan" meant junk. Pizza, McDonalds and instant coffee were all unheard of.
In our day cigarette smoking was fashionable, grass was mown, coke was a cold drink, and pot a thing you cooked in. Rock music was Grandma's lullaby and AIDS were helpers in the principal's office. We were certainly not before the differences between the sexes were discovered, but surely were before the "sex change". We made do with what we had and were the last generation so dumb as to think you needed a husband to have a baby.
No wonder we are so confused and that there is such a generation gap.
But we have survived!
(Northern Aflame 1/96)
On the night of October 31, 1942, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker and seven Army officers boarded a Flying Fortess and took off on a special mission to the South Pacific.
By the next morning their compass had gone awry, their radio had ceased to function, and they were completely lost. When their fuel was exhausted, they crashlanded in the ocean, managed to save three rubber life rafts, inflate them, and climb aboard.
Rickenbacker recounts: "The hours were interminable. We organised little prayer meetings in the evening and morning. One of the men had brought along his Bible. We sustained ourselves by reading it, for we had no food- only four oranges, a little water, and two fishing lines, but no bait. On the eighth day, tormented by the pangs of hunger and thirst, we prayed frankly af humbly for deliverance."
"If it wasn't for the fact that I had seven witnesses, I wouldn't dare tell this story, because it seems so fantastic. But within an hour after that prayer meeting a seagull came in and landed on my head! It was bait which enabled us to catch fish. These we ate raw, and they were our only food. One man died before help came out of the very skies from which we had fallen 3 weeks and 3 days before."
God heard their cry and answered. His ear is always listening earthward. (Jonathan Gray, Adelaide, SA)
Our loving Father has blessed me with the gift of speech. I was mute. I did not go past Grade 5. I went to a special school to help learn to talk, but without success.
I started to talk, but had a bad stutter until I was about 30 years old, when I asked Jesus into my life. I knew He was there with me. The more I trusted that He would help me, my stuttering went.
He has done wonderful things in my life. I give praises to my Lord for teaching me His way through His Word. I cannot do it without the help of the Holy Spirit. Praise God, He was the One Who helped me. There is a purpose for my voice. I want to serve Him and give praise and glory to my Lord God through the Holy Spirit. (Jenny, Ravenshoe, Qld)
In a carpenter's shop
An apprentice, 'tis true,
Was completing the work
He'd been given to do.
To finish his work
Just one board he'd need.
But it must be quite perfect...
Quite perfect indeed.
Piece after piece
The man tossed down below.
Worm-eaten? Big knotholes?
If it's bent, has to to go!
The one perfect piece
He found in good time.
And he planed, and he sanded,
And polished it fine.
'Twill bring a good price.
"It's perfect, I know."
And he arranged it thus
Its best lines to show.
Then the Carpenter came,
In the twilight's last glow.
The Master-eyes searching
The skill of His worker to know.
He stooped and He pondered.
He stooped, oh so low,
And picked up a discard-
The one with a bow.
He turned it, and touched it;
He frowned in deep thought-
Rugged knotholes, worm-eaten...
But for a price had been bought!
Then a smile touched His features.
And half nodding assent,
He took the piece to His workbench
And o'er that discard He bent.
He sanded and chiseled,
Then the knotholes He planed.
And He polished and pondered
While the hours crept away,
Till an object of rare beauty
By the others He lay,
The worm-eaten, bent discard
No longer the same.
'Twas a piece of fine craftsmanship
And inscribed with the Name
Of the One who had saved it
From fire and from shame.
For within its marred surface
Retrieved from disaster
Were the words written clearly:
"Remade by the Master".
(Lavena Crooks)
I have become completely disillusioned with party politics with all its attendant evils. It's taken me a long time to come to the realisation that even the very best of human organisations are seriously flawed. So long as I continued in the past to hope for a political party to save Australia, my hopes were in vain. Humans have an unending capacity to destroy human institutions, as well as make laws they have no intention of keeping.
The only laws and statutes that can bring about peace, prosperity, and most of all, freedom, are God's holy laws. We disobey them at our peril and pain.
I have in the past tried the philosophical approach to life's problems, trusting in human logic and reasoning. All of that rubbish failed me, of course, but all the while I ranted and raved, and ran around in circles, God never tired of showing the way. Even to the point of giving me a good old clip about the ears to set me straight.
Now I'm sadder, poorer, but hopefully wiser for my travails. Importantly though, God has continued to give me unbounding hope in what I do. (Anon.)
Fulfil your ministry where you are.
We cannot all be evangelistically famous,
Or be listed in Who's Who,
But every person, great or small,
Has important spiritual work to do.
For seldom do we realise the importance of small ministries,
Or that degree of greatness that unnoticed hospitality leads to;
For it's not the big celebrity in a world of fame and praise,
But it's doing unpretentiously in all undistinguished ways
The ministry work that God fully assigned us to do,
Unimportant as it seems.
So do not sit and idly wish for wider new dimensions
Where you can put into practice your many good intentions,
But at the full spot where God placed you,
Begin at once to do little things
To fulfil the lives of those surrounding you.
Fulfil the ministry spot on which you're standing,
By being more considerate and a little less demanding.
(Bob, Port Lincoln)
I miss my beloved John more than anyone can ever imagine, but also I know the strength and undergirding of our Lord and I'm more aware of the courage that can only come from the Holy Spirit as I see life take me into things and places where only God could make a way. (Irene, Qld)
I've a great desire to follow God keeps on burning within my heart. I know I am God's child. John 1:12. I write my own songs, which is the most beautiful way of expressing your faith. Your feelings, your emotions become notes and words. Your songs are a reflection of your heart and your faith in God. (Grahame, Gunning, NSW)
The Puddle family have moved from Darwin to the Sunshine Coast and are commencing a new fellowship. They look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for us in their new ministry.
Choose to love- rather than hate
Choose to smile- rather than frown
Choose to build- rather than destroy
Choose to persevere- rather than quit
Choose to praise- rather than gossip
Choose to heal- rather than wound
Choose to give- rather than grasp
Choose to act- rather than delay
Choose to forgive- rather than curse
Choose to pray- rather than despair.
(Selected)
He had just completed his 6 months in jail. He had four children. His crime was something that had happened ten years ago. While he was in jail all seemed well. His super of $10,000 was used by his defacto wife, to care for her and their four children.
One week before he was due to be released the prison received a phone call from his wife. She said that she didn't want him to come home when released. She had moved in with the next door neighbour.
The only reason that two people are not dead today is because the Holy Spirit had made a new creature of this young man. In prison he had been wonderfully born again.
The defacto wife has since asked him to take the children, and is showing signs of remorse. Adultery has sown its seeds of pain and grief.
Despite these difficulties, this man is fired up afresh for the Lord. He can see the wonderful things His Lord has already done for him. He aims to tell his wife that he loves her, and that he wants her home. He can now offer her a Christian home, a marriage, and a brand new way of living for them and their children. (Jim Williams, Inala Prison Ministries)
Churches put $4 into real estate, for every $1 in evangelism. (Discipling, 3/96)
Lord, thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day be old. Release me from craving to straughten out everybody else's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.
Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Help me to endure them with patience.
Teach me the glorious lesson that sometimes I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet- a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so, Amen. (Quote by Dr John Irvine from a 17th Century manuscript)
I love the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word and try to live a life pleasing to the Father. (Sis Lambert, Raymond Terrace, NSW)
All men complain that they haven't enough time. It's because they look at their lives from too human a point of view. There's always time to do what God wants us to do, but we must put ourselves completely into each moment that he offers us.
I went out, Lord. Men were coming out.
They were coming and going,
Walking and running.
Everything was rushing, cars, lorries, the street, the whole town.
Men were rushing not to waste time.
They were rushing after time,
To catch up with time.
To gain time.
I can't wait, I haven't time.
I'd love to help you, but I havben't time.
I can't think, I can't read, I'm swamped, I haven't time.
I'd like to pray, but I haven't time.
You understand, Lord. They simply haven't the time.
The child is playing. He hasn't time right now... Later on...
The schoolboy has his homework to do, he hasn't time...
Later on...
The student has his courses, and so much work, he hasn't time...
Later on...
The young man is at his sports, he hasn't time...
The young married man has his new house, he has to fix it up, he hasn't time...
Later on...
The grandparents have their grandchildren, they haven't time...
They are ill... They have their treatments, they haven't the time...
They are dying, they have no...
Too late! They have no more time!
And so all men run after time, Lord.
They pass through life running- hurried, jostled, overburdened, frantic,
And never get there.
They haven't time.
In spit of all their efforts, they're still short of time. Of a great deal of
time.
Lord, you must have made a mistake in Your calculations.
There is a big mistake somewhere.
The hours are too short.
The days are too short.
Our lives are too short.
You Who are beyond time, Lord,
You smile to see us fighting it.
And You know what You are doing.
You make no mistakes in Your distributions of time to men.
You give each one time to do what you want him to do.
But we must not lose time,
waste time, kill time,
For time is a gift that You give us,
But a perishable gift-
A gift we cannot keep.
Lord, I have time.
I have plenty of time.
All the time that You give me.
I am not asking You tonight, Lord, for time to do this and then that,
But Your grace to do conscientiously,
In the time that You give me,
What You want me to do.
(Sent by Peter Jaensch, Adelaide, SA)
1. Know Jesus Christ as your Saviour.
2. Bow to Jesus Christ as your Lord.
3. Grow in grace by feeding upon God's Word.
4. Glow with the fullness of God's Spirit.
5. Flow with the Church in gifts and callings.
6. Go from confort zone to battlefield.
7. Plow the soil of listeners' hearts by prayer.
8. Show the reality of Christ in your life.
9. Sow the Gospel seed to all who will hear.
10. Owe the Gospel to those who haven't heard.
11. Throw down the powers of darkness in spiritual warfare.
12. Grow healthy churches to nurture and multiply results.
13. Wow, look what God can do!
(Message of the Cross)
Recently a very dear friend of mine was killed. He was the closest friend I ever had next to Jesus. It was one of the saddest days of my life when we parted. A car-
His name was Woodruff. He was my dog. He came into my life shortly after Alice walked out of it with the children. He filled the void that comes with separation and divorce. God used him to heal my hurting heart. He was clever, too. He knew over a hundred different words and phrases.
So loyal a dog. The sadness of losing him is overwhelming at times. Things just aren't the same anymore.
We really need friends in this life. Friends are a special breed of people. It's great to know that Jesus has always been, and will be, our Friend, even when we are sick, mad, bad, ugly, or poor.
(Br Peter, Geelong, Vic)
God is able to spare us from the furnace; but if not, He will join us in it. Whether He spare or share, He will be there. (Selected)
I am my neighbour's Bible;
He reads me when we meet.
Today he reads me in my home,
Tomorrow in the street;
He may be relative or friend,
Or slight acquaintance be;
He may not even know my name,
Yet he is reading me.
(Millie Stopp, Murray Bridge, SA)
I once preached in a manufacturing village. The next morning I went into a manufacturing establishment to view its operations. As I passed into the weaving department I beheld a great company of young women, some of whim, I observed, were looking at me, and then at each other, in a manner that they knew me. I, however, knew none of them. As I approached nearer to those who had recognised me they seemed to increase in their manifestation of lightness of mind.
Their levity made a curious impression on me. I felt it to my very heart. I stopped shirt and looked at them. I know not how, as my whole mind was absorbed with the sense of their guilt and danger. As I settled my countenance upon them I observed that one of them became very agitated. A thread broke. She attempted to mend it; but her hand trembled in such a manner that she could not do it. I immediately observed that the sensation was spreading, and had become universal among that class of triflers. I looked steadily at them until one after another gave up and paid no more attention to their looms. They fell on their knees, and the influence spread throughout the whole room. I had not spoken a word; and the noise of the looms would have prevented me being heard if I had.
In a few minutes all work was abandoned, and tears and lamentations filled the room.
At this moment the owner of the factory, who was himself an unconverted man, came in, accompanied by the superintendent, who was a professed Christian. When the owner saw the state of things he said to the superintendent, "Stop the mill". What he saw seemed to pierce him to the heart. "It is more important", he hurriedly remarked, "that these souls should be saved, than that this mill should run".
As soon as the noise of the machinery had ceased, we had a marvellous meeting. I prayed with them, and agve them such instruction as at the time they could bear. The Word was with power. Many expressed hope that day; and within a few days as I was informed, nearly everyone in that factory, together with the owner, had hope in Christ. (Charles Finney, Revival Truths)
Editor's Note:
It is Fair Dinkum's aim to print the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ. I also
include a small amount of news articles of a negative nature to inform you of
some alarming trends towards the prophesied end time chaos and world government.
There are sure present day signs that THE ONLY HOPE for our world is the Lord
Jesus Christ...
Good news, positive....
We are living in very exciting times. We believe the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is soon. World events point very clearly to His coming soon. (Lloyd Hopkins, SA)
In September 95, the Gorbachev Foundation organised the State of the World Forum. The former head of the Communist empire gathered together nearly 1000 guests and participants including political leaders, scientists, intellectuals, and business executives. The Forum's global, panreligious theme was "human interdependence... with each other.. with the earth... with the Spirit which perenially guides the affairs of humankind." With a focus on "the wisdom distilled by all faiths", the assembly featured a prayer to the universal god. The religious and metaphysics leaders taught pantheism (all is god, since one cosmic force connects all things), universalism (all paths lead to the same ultimate reality), and monism (all is one).
Gorbachev's 100 Fellows- a hand-picked "council of the wise", or "global brain trust" told the assembly a new set of inclusive, universal values must replace the Judeo-Christian world view. The old beliefs and political systems must be abandoned to fit the new global perspective. Gorbachev has plans to streamline and empower the UN if he becomes the next Secretary General.
The Forum participants are working for a global "democracy". National sovereignty and loyalties are incompatible with global consciousness and planetary governance. Consensus would guide the new global system. Synthesis, dialectics, common ground and compromise positions would pave the way to a global utopia. (Christian News, 10/95)
The sombre facts...
Computers now control commerce, industry, transportation, mining, communication, statistics, education, medical research,... Artificial intelligence may soon tutor a child... trucks might drive themselves through the night and unload themselves at their destination.
Technology has brought us not a step nearer to the elimination of war, crime, poverty, or famine.
After 95 years of the most technological advance of human history, we find ourselves in the grip of devastating evils. At this moment wars rage in Europe, the Middle East, in Central America, in Africa and in Asia. The sinister spectre of terrorism and violence stalks the globe, and no one knows just where and when it will strike next. Australia, which is so favoured with peace and prosperity, has a prison population of 10,000- a tragic reflection on our society in a nation of only 18 million. Organised crime is on the increase everywhere.
Scientific research, instead of leading us on the path to world peace, has only supplied us with more sophisticated weapons of wholesale destruction. Two-thirds of the world's population still live below the poverty line. Millions of them eke out a mere existence without adequate shelter, clothing or nourishment, let alone the basic amenities of sanitation and running water which we take for granted. Millions of the world's children suffer from malnutrition, let alone the opportunity we accept as any child's right- that of learning to read and write.
(Based on Signs of the Times 1/86)
The world, now so dependent on computer gadgetry, could easily go hay-wire if cyber-crooks sabotaged military and civilian information technology. Computer viruses can cause failure of a country's phone system, banking system, air-traffic control system, and military communications. Television and radio broadcasts can potentially be hi-jacked with substitute messages from an enemy power. (Based on Time article: Cyber-War, 8/12/95)
Christians are being crucified in Sudan. A recent visitor to an area normally forbidden to foreigners reports seeing people crucified. Some were still alive, some dead, and some corpses whose flesh had been gnawed to the bone by birds and wild animals. Relatives were allowed to stand around, frightened, but they wren't allowed to help those who were being crucified. (News Digest)
The European Union destroyed nearly 3 million tons of fruit and vegies, including almost a million tons of apples, in 1993, at a cost of $900 million. This food, all fit for human consumption, was buried in the ground and allowed to rot because of the EU's scheme to keep food prices artificially high. (Daily Telegraph, 8/95)
Of China's 200 million religious believers, Christians make up 75 million. That is almost 25 million more than the Chinese Communist Party members (and many of them have turned to Christianity). The leadership of the Communist Party is in a panic. One of its leaders complained that none of its members was willing to propagate its ideology. (They no longer believe in it themselves.) (Toowoomba City Church newsletter 12/95)
A classified electronic UN weapons system known as HAARP (High Frequency Auoral Research Program) is a high energy transmitter, not unlike a gigantic microwave oven. Its technology dates back to the scientific work of Tesla, who patented AC power, and developed and publicly demonstrated a "death ray" in 1940. It can:
The US government has a 1996 budget of $15 million for HAARP experimentation.
Project Blue Beam is a top secret government HAARP project for making spectacular holographic images, through High Definition TV high resolution imaging technology, using the sky as a sort of projection lens.
Experts are concerned about the harmful effects that HAARP technology can have on the ionosphere, which is essential in protecting all life from harmful space radiations.
Could this harmful technology be part of the end time domination, destruction, and deceiving images that planet earth faces during what the Bible calls the great Tribulation?
(Source: Apocalypse Chronicles, 2/96)
The Apostle Paul failed.
Peter failed.
Every one of the twelve apostles failed.
David, Israel's king, "a man after God's own heart", failed.
Moses, giant among the Israelites, giver of the law, deliverer of his people,
failed.
Jacob, father of Israel, failed.
Isaac, son of promise, failed.
Abraham, progenitor of Israel, father of the faithful, protype of all who are
righteous through faith, failed.
Who hasn't failed?
It is not failing that is the problem. It is what one does after he has failed.
To take failure as final is to be a failure.
To see in failure the school of the Spirit is to let failure contribute to one's
growth in Christ.
(Richard Halverson, Pulpit Helps)
My life of destruction from alcohol began when I was very young. Having been picked up by the police for offenses while drunk, I soon built up a hatred for them. My continued resentment against the law caused me to blow up a police patrol car and to burn a policeman's private car. I soon found myself in a psychiatric hospital. My life became totally unmanageable. I was certified insane. I completely gave up hope. With two other sick, suffering alcoholics I escaped, using an offensive weapon. That night while trying to drink several bottles of methylated spirits, one of my companions died beside me and I was at death's door.
The turning point in my life was the moment that I put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. I had tried for years without changing. The only time I held a Bible in my hands was in the witness box in Court. I only went to Church for weddings and funerals. Before this miracle took place in my life I thought everyone was a Christian except alcoholics, thieves, prostitutes and prisoners; in fact everyone who was noticeably a wrongdoer. I thought they could not become Christians because they were all too "bad"- including me. How wrong I was!
Having a purpose in life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can bring love, joy, peace and understanding- for it is Christ who makes the difference. (Tom Varney, Esk, Qld)
John (Texas) Quicksilver began his working life as an Aussie drifter. He tells his story...
It was midwinter in 1982 when I came to Goolwa. I was not a man of letters, for my school had been the school of learning- how to read the bush and stock routes from the Queensland border through the Territory, and on to the top end of the Kimberlys, then down through and across the back of Bourke. Places city folk seldom came to and knew very little about.
Being a rough rider, a drover, a stockman, a horse-breaker, a part time tent boxer, a riding instructor and in between, a pretty good hell-raiser, living the life I did it seldom worried me too much what other folk thought. As for Bible thumpers, well I sure would give them "what for" plus a lot of choice words one wouldn't find in a ladies' sewing circle, if they disturbed my drunken stupor.
Now it was 1982, and the years of wild living had taken hold, for as one sows, so shall one reap, I was to learn. Here I was, some thirty-five years of hard living and hard drinking. It was mid-winter, and of all places, Goolwa!
Here it was so cold a man could have walked across the River Murray. I was camped in my caravan, just me and me sawg, and me old camp dog, and not much else; no tucker, and everything closed till Monday, but at least we had coffee, if nothing else!
There came a bang on the door. "Hey, you in there". I opened the door and knew straight up from the way he was dressed he was a Bible thumper. He said, "Want to come to church?"
"Church!" I replied in true blue Aussie lingo. "No way, mate. Never believe in them and never will."
Then this stranger said to me, "They are having a supper after."
"In that case," I said, "Let's go". A man must swallow his pride if he wants to eat.
To make it short, that night, 16th June 1982 I was to meet me best mate. HIS name is JESUS, and when I met HIM that evening, my life was changed forever. From that night I was to commit my remaining life to HIM wholly. On the 26th June 1982 I was reborn, dying to the old nature and the old life forever. (Dipped and branded I called it back then!)
No one is beyond salvation. Even old horse breakers like me.
Who can I trust in a world falling apart around me? In a society where greed and corruption have replaced old fashioned honesty. Where cheating on one's spouse has become the norm, and people no longer care for one another. Who on earth can I trust?
It seems that the answer is "NOBODY!"
Yet there is someone on Earth that I can trust. Nearly two thousand years ago, God came to Earth in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, and Jesus is still alive and is still here on Earth by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I can trust Him because He is the Truth. He is wholly good and reliable. He is strong, and well able to do whatever He promises to do. (Gino Sandri, Vic)
I doubt if anybody gets any pleasure out of paying tax. It is one of those things we do of necessity.
Tax is one of the supports on which our modern society rests. It's the price we pay for the benefits we receive.
There is, however, a country which has no taxation and all amenities are freely provided, having been paid for already. The Bible calls it "a better country" and that country is Heaven.
When the Lord Jesus Christ was here on this earth He told us plainly how man might become a citizen of that country: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Now in most countries it is possible, with the necessary qualifications of good character and conduct, etc, to take out naturalisation. Some get in without the necessary formalities and thereby lay themselves open to deportation. Neither of these avenues are open for entry into Heaven.
Most of us automatically obtained citizenship of the country in which we live simply because we were born there. And this is the way we become citizens of Heaven- by being born again.
Being "born again" contains in a nutshell the change needed before sinful men and women can enter Heaven. Natural birth is a marvellous process whereby a new life is begun on this earth through no efforts of the child born. Similarly, spiritual birth is a new, distinct beginning which starts when a person receives everlasting life by believing in the name of the only begotten Son of God. No personal efforts are required; just personal trust and reliance in Christ who died for sin upon the cross.
Heaven is being populated all the time, but still there's room for more. There are no restrictions as to the type and class of people admitted.
Be wise and take the step at this moment. You are not able to dictate to God the terms of your entry into His country where He is the King. If you enter, it will have to be through the Lord Jesus Christ Who said, I Am the Way. Remeber His word of warning, "You must be born again".
Trust in Him and you will be born again and be certain of being in that "better country".
(Gospel Publications, PO Box 8461, Mt Pleasant, QLD 4740)
I was rebellious, angry, proud, guilty and LOST. I was holding anger in my heart- complaining about a wrecked car- no money- lack of health. I fell into darkness and despair. I turned to gambling, swearing, worldly videos, drinking, attempted suicide... Guilt-ridden despair. Guilt-ridden darkness. What a sad picture.
My God-fearing, faithful, prayerful wife never gave up. She claimed God's promises through His Word, and begged, pleaded, and cried to God for my soul. And He answered.
He emptied Himself for us. He ached in His heart. He cried tears of blood to reach us in our sins. (Graham, Ararat, Vic)
David Craig (no relation to me) found himself floating in the swollen waters at the mouth of the Johnstone River. The cool water helped revive him and he remembered that he had come there, to Flying Fish Point, to commit suicide. Drunk and tanked up on pills, he had lain on a rock expecting the overdosing to kill him.
He had drifted into unconsciousness. The tide must have risen and floated him out into the estuary. However, now that he had sobered up and the salt water had made him vomit up some of the overdose of pills, he no longer wanted to die. He struck out towards the lights blinking across the water through the darkness and drizzle.
No sooner had David struggled to the shore than he heard an authoritative voice say to him, "David I have more for you than this."
David was shocked. The voice seemed to come from around him, from the very air. He turned around slowly and looked for the speaker, but there was no-one to be seen. He kept peering, but it was a rainy night and people had wisely stayed indoors.
"David, I have something more for you to do than this..." The words kept reverberating inside his mind. A deep and unexplored part of David, a part ignored for years, told him it was God who had spoken. But why? David had spent hours in pubs arguing against the existence of God, so now he was very confused. He would have to go home and think about it.
Years have passed. David is no longer a hopeless, suicidal alcoholic. David had sought and found Christ as his personal Saviour and Lord.
Nearly two thousand years ago, in an obscure village, a child was born of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where He worked with a carpenter until He wasthirty. Then for thee years He became an itinerant preacher.
This Man never went to college or seminary. He never wrote a book. He never held a public office. He never had a family nor owned a home. He never put His foot inside a big city, nor travelled even 200 miles from His birthplace. And though He never did any of the things that accompany greatness, throngs of people followed Him. He had no credentials but Himself.
While He was still young, the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His followers ran away. He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was sentenced to death on a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth- the simple coat He had worn. His body was laid in a borrowed grave provided by a compassionate friend.
But three days later this man arose from the dead- living proof that He was, as had been claimed, the Saviour Whom God had sent- the Incarnate Son of God.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today the risen Lord Jesus Christ is the central figure of the human race. On our calendars His birth divides history into two eras. One day of every week is set aside in remembrance of Him. And our two most important holidays celebrate His birth and resurrection. On church steeples around the world His cross has become the symbol of victory over sin and death.
This one Man's life has furnished the theme for more songs, books, poems, and paintings, than any other person or event in history. Thousands of colleges, hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions have been founded in honour of this One Who gave His life for us.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the
governments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned have not changed
the course of history as much as this One Solitary Life. Over the centuries
millions have found a new life of forgiveness from sins and peace with God through
faith in Jesus Christ. Today He offers this life to all who will believe. "I
am the Way, the Truth, and the Life", Jesus said, "no man comes to
the Father, but by Me." "He that heareth My Word, and believeth on
Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation,
but is passed from death unto life." (John 14:6, 5:24)
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