Share My Journey

Une Méditation pour la Nouvelle année. . .

2010-01-02T19:31:00.000Z

Cela a été demandé une fois à Karl Barth, discutablement un des plus grands théologiens qui ont jamais vécu, qui la perspicacité théologique la plus profonde qui il avait jamais su était. Après que quelques délibération des moments qu'il a dit simplement, ‘Jésus m'aime, ce que je sais, car la Bible me dit donc. '

Je suis sûr que nous apprécions tous une bonne histoire de l'amour, et d'enfance tôt nous sommes élevés sur ‘fins Heureuses '. À ce temps de l'année il y a mime être exécuté à foison autour du pays, et beaucoup des histoires de base qui se trouvent derrière eux sont des histoires de l'amour. Par exemple, prenez Cendrillon qui est une histoire de l'amour classique au sujet de put pauvre sur Cendrillon qui tombe amoureux de Prince Charmer.

Mais il y a une histoire de l'amour qui est éternelle et interminable, et c'est l'histoire de l'amour de Dieu pour les gens. Bien sûr nous savons que Dieu a toujours aimé des gens du même commencement, bien qu'Il ait été de temps en temps fâché avec eux. Après tout, ne faites pas tout de nous qui sont les parents disent à un moment ou un autre que nous aimons toujours nos enfants bien que nous ne puissions pas les aimer quelquefois.

Il y a juste sur deux mille années quelque chose de miraculeux s'est produit, le même de qui n'avait jamais été vu auparavant et ne s'est jamais passé depuis; Dieu est venu réaliste de vivre parmi Ses gens sur cette nuit quand Jésus est né dans l'écurie à Bethléem. Il n'est pas venu purement pour une visite, mais avec un but, et ce but était mettre dans opération Son plan pour le salut d'espèce humaine.

Le monde était alors une place coupable, de même que c'est maintenant. La Bible nous dit que pas seul fait entièrement Dieu péché de la haine, mais qu'Il demande le châtiment pour lui par mort pour le pécheur. Encore Dieu aime aussi Ses gens avec tel amour terrible. Comment est-ce qu'Il pourrait exiger le paiement pour péché ―le résultat de lequel exilerait Ses gens de Lui pour éternité cependant encore trouve un moyen les pardonner et les réconcilier encore une fois à Lui-même?

C'était cette énigme qui a résulté si il y a longtemps en la naissance de Jésus sur cette nuit. Né dans le plus humble de circonstances, Il est né pour un but, et ce but prendrait trente-trois années être accompli.

Ce n'est pas dur pour n'importe qui qui est un parent pour imaginer la scène dans cette écurie. Dans ces jours les maisons étaient ce que nous nous reporterions maintenant à comme habitations polyvalentes. Les animaux vivaient sur le whilst égal inférieur que la famille habitait au-dessus dans les pièces. L'écurie aurait adjoint les pièces de famille. C'est très probablement cette Mary a donné la naissance en une des pièces dans les bâtiments d'habitation mais a déplacé après dans l'écurie à cause de pénurie d'espace, en mettant tendrement son bébé nouveau-né dans la crèche qui avait été remplie de paille fraîche. Vous pouvez les imaginer regarder l'enfant minuscule avec un mélange d'inquiétude et amour intense, seulement le même comme tout nouveau parent veuillez.

Le plus grand miracle d'au sujet de l'événement de Jésus la naissance ' est que c'était le point où Dieu et humanité ont rencontré dans un très vrai chemin. C'était le moment quand le Divin et l'être humain est arrivé à la plus grande intersection de vie être joint ensemble à jamais. La naissance de Jésus était beaucoup plus que juste la naissance d'un nouveau bébé, c'était la démonstration physique d'amour des Dieux pour Ses gens, amour qui a dépendu seulement de la personne qui aimait, amour qui était désintéressé et librement donné, même à ceux qui iraient le nier et refuser de l'accepter.

Une des plus grandes tragédies dans ce monde est pour quelqu'un pour sentir qu'ils sont privés d'affection et non désirés. À cause de l'événement qui a eu lieu dans l'écurie qui nuit à Bethléem qui nuit de miracles, ce besoin n'est jamais le cas. Karl Barth a choisi le cantique ' Jésus m'aime ' pour citer de. Peut-être je peux illustrer mon point avec le titre d'un autre grand cantique favori, ‘cela qui un ami que nous avons dans Jésus '.

Le miracle de la naissance de Le Christ à Bethléem a été suivi par beaucoup d'autres miracles comme l'enfant a grandi dans un homme, en culminant avec le plus grand miracle de tout quand Jésus est devenu l'Agneau de Dieu sacrificatoire et est mort sur la croix à Calvaire comme l'une fois pour tout le paiement pour les péchés d'espèce humaine. Le prix de péché qui Dieu a demandé a été payé dans plein pour tout le monde qui choisit de réclamer Jésus Christ comme leur Rédempteur et le reconnaître Seigneur.

Le cantique écrivain nous dit que ‘Dieu est Amour ', et les débuts de l'histoire de l'amour pour nous à Bethléem dans cette écurie, continue à la croix à Calvaire, et sur dans une éternité dépensée avec Le Christ notre Rédempteur. C'est une histoire de l'amour qu'embrasse tout et nous assure que rien ne peut nous séparer jamais de l'amour de Dieu dans Le Christ Jesus, notre Seigneur et Rédempteur.

J'ai commencé en citant les mots du cantique, ‘Jésus m'aime ', et maintenant je conclurai avec une ligne d'un autre cantique célèbre par Samuel Medley (1738-1799):

Je sais que mes vies du Rédempteur!

Quelle joie que l'assurance du bienheureux donne!

Il vit, Il vit, qui était mort une fois;

Il vit, ma Tête éternelle!

Il vit, me bénir avec Son amour;

Il vit pour m'implorer au-dessus;

Il vit, mon âme affamée nourrir;

Il vit, aider à temps de besoin.

Quel amour étonnant! Et c'est là pour tout de nous partager dans, simplement pour le demander.

Eine Meditation für das Neue Jahr. . .

2010-01-02T19:27:00.001Z

Karl Barth, wohl einer von den größten Theologen, die je gelebt haben, wurde einmal gefragt was der tiefgründigste theologische Einblick war, den er je gewußt hatte. Nach einiger Momente-Überlegung sagte er einfach, ‘Jesus liebt mich, dieses, das ich weiß, denn die Bibel sagt mir damit. '

Ich bin sicher, daß wir alle eine gute Liebesgeschichte schätzen, und von früher Kindheit werden wir auf ‘-Happy-Ends ' gehoben. Zu dieser Zeit vom Jahr dort sind Pantomimen, die in Hülle und Fülle um das Land aufgeführt werden, und viele von den grundlegenden Geschichten, die hinter ihnen liegen, sind Liebesgeschichten. Zum Beispiel, nehmen Sie Aschenputtel, das eine klassische Liebesgeschichte über armes gesetztes auf Aschenputtel ist, das sich in Prinz Charming verliebt.

Aber es gibt man Liebesgeschichte, die zeitlos und endlos ist, und das ist die Geschichte von Gottes Liebe für Leute. Natürlich wissen wir, daß Gott immer Leute vom genauen Anfang an geliebt hat, obwohl Er bisweilen bös auf ihnen gewesen ist. Doch, machen Sie nicht alles von uns, wer einmal Eltern-Meinung oder noch ein sind, daß wir immer unsere Kinder lieben, obwohl wir sie manchmal nicht mögen könnten.

Nur über vor zwei tausend Jahren etwas wunderbare kam vor, das Ähnliche von dem nie vorher gesehen worden war und nie seit es passiert ist; Gott kam zur Erde, um an dieser Nacht, als Jesus im Stall bei Bethlehem getragen wurde, unter Seinen Leuten zu leben. Er kam nicht rein für einen Besuch, aber mit einem Zweck, und dieser Zweck war Plan für die Rettung der Menschheit in Operation His zu setzen.

Die Welt war dann eine sündhafte Stelle, ebenso wie es jetzt ist. Die Bibel sagt uns, daß Gott nicht nur Sünde insgesamt haßt, aber daß Er Vergeltung dafür als der Tod für den Sünder fordert. Doch liebt Gott auch His Leute mit solcher gewaltiger Liebe. Wie konnte er der Zahlung für Sünde ―das Ergebnis fordern von dem für Ewigkeit seine Leute von ihm verbannen würde, doch immer noch ein Mittel finden, ihnen zu vergeben und sie einmal mehr zu sich zu versöhnen?

Es war dieses Rätsel, das so vor langer Zeit in die Geburt von Jesus an dieser Nacht resultierte. In den demütigsten von Umständen geboren wurde Er für einen Zweck geboren, und dieser Zweck würde dreiunddreißig Jahre dauern, die erfüllt werden sollten.

Es ist schwierig für niemanden, der Elternteil ist, um sich die Szene in diesem Stall vorzustellen. Damals waren die Häuser das, auf das wir uns jetzt als Multizweck-Wohnungen beziehen würden. Die Tiere lebten auf dem niedrigeren Niveau, während die Familie oben in Zimmern wohnte. Der Stall hätte aneinandergegrenzt, die Familie wohnt. Es ist höchst wahrscheinlich, daß Mary Geburt in einem der Zimmer im lebenden Quartier gab, aber wegen Mangels an Raum danach in den Stall zog und ihr neugeborenes Baby zärtlich in die Krippe legte, die mit frischem Stroh gefüllt worden war. Sie können sie sich den winzigen Säugling mit einer Mischung von Sorge und intensiver Liebe ansehen vorstellen, nur das Gleiche als irgendein neuer Elternteil würde.

Das großartigste Wunder von überall um dem Ereignis von Jesus ' Geburt ist, daß es der Punkt war, wo sich Gott und die Menschheit auf eine sehr wirkliche Weise trafen. Dies war der Moment, als der Theologe und der Mensch bei der größten Kreuzung von Leben ankamen, die ewig zusammen verbunden werden sollte. Die Geburt von Jesus war viel mehr als nur die Geburt eines neuen Babys, es war die physische Demonstration der Götter-Liebe für Seine Leute, lieben Sie das auf nur der Person abhing, die liebte, lieben Sie das selbstlos und frei gegeben war, zu sogar jenen, die vor sich gingen, es zu bestreiten und abzulehnen, es anzunehmen.

Eine der großartigsten Tragödien in dieser Welt ist für jemanden, um sich zu fühlen, daß sie ungeliebt und unerwünscht sind. Wegen des Ereignisses, das im Stall stattfand, der Nacht in Bethlehem, diese Nacht von Wundern, dieses Bedürfnis ist nie der Fall. Karl Barth wählte, daß die Hymne ' Jesus mir ' liebt, davon zu zitieren. Vielleicht kann ich meinen Punkt mit dem Titel einer weiteren großen Favoritenhymne illustrieren, ‘was für ein Freund, den wir in Jesus ' haben.

Das Wunder von der Geburt von Christus in Bethlehem wurde von vielen anderen Wundern gefolgt, als das Kind in einen Mann wuchs, und gipfelte mit dem großartigsten Wunder von allem, als Jesus das aufopferungsvolle Lamm von Gott wurde und auf dem Kreuz bei Kalvarienberg als es starb, das einmal für alle Zahlung für die Sünden der Menschheit. Der Preis von Sünde, die Gott forderte, ist vollständig für jeden gezahlt worden, der wählt, Jesus Christus als ihr Erlöser zu behaupten und Ihm Herrn anzuerkennen.

Der Hymnenschriftsteller sagt uns, daß dieser ‘Gott Love ' ist, und die Liebesgeschichte beginnt für uns bei Bethlehem in diesem Stall, setzt zum Kreuz bei Kalvarienberg fort, und auf in eine Ewigkeit gab unseren Erlöser mit Christus aus. Es ist eine Liebesgeschichte, die alles umarmt und uns versichert, daß uns von der Liebe von Gott nichts je in Christus Jesus, unserem Herrn und unserem Erlöser trennen kann.

Ich begann, indem ich die Wörter der Hymne zitierte, ‘Jesus liebt mir ', und jetzt werde ich mit einer Linie von einer weiteren wohlbekannten Hymne von Samuel Medley (1738-1799) schließen:

Ich weiß, daß mein Erlöser lebt!

Welche Freude, die die blest-Zusicherung gibt!

Er lebt, Er lebt, der einmal tot war,;

Er lebt, mein ewiger Head!

Er lebt, mich mit Seiner Liebe zu segnen;

Er lebt, oben für mich zu plädieren;

Er lebt, meine hungrige Seele, um sich zu ernähren,;

Er lebt, in Zeit des Bedürfnisses zu helfen.

Das was das Erstaunen von Liebe! Und es ist für alles von uns dort, darin zu teilen, einfach für das Fragen.

Mi Nuevo Mensaje del Año para Meditar en. . .

2010-01-02T10:52:00.004Z

Karl Barth, discutiblemente uno de los más grandes teólogos que han vivido alguna vez, se preguntó eso una vez que la visión teológica más profunda que él había sabido alguna vez era. Después de que unos deliberación de los momentos que él simplemente dijo, ‘Jesús me ama, esto que yo sé, porque la Biblia me dice para que. '

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Yo estoy seguro que todos nosotros apreciamos una historia de amor buena, y de la niñez temprana nosotros nos levantamos en ‘los fines Felices '. En este momento del año hay pantomimas que se realizan abundantemente alrededor del país, y muchas de las historias básicas que quedan detrás de ellos son las historias de amor. Por ejemplo, tome Cenicienta que es una historia de amor clásica sobre el pobres poner-en Cenicienta que se enamora del Príncipe Encantar.
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Pero hay una historia de amor que es eterna e interminable, y ésa es la historia del amor de Dios para las personas. Claro nosotros sabemos que Dios siempre ha amado a las personas del mismo principio, aunque Él de vez en cuando ha estado enfadado con ellos. Después de todos, no haga todos nosotros quién es los padres dicen alguna vez que nosotros siempre amamos a nuestros niños aunque no podrían gustarnos a veces ellos.
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Hace simplemente encima de dos mil años algo milagroso ocurrió, el gusta de que nunca se había visto antes y nunca ha pasado subsecuentemente; Dios se redujo a la tierra para vivir entre Sus personas en esa noche cuando Jesús estuvo en el establo en Belén. Él no vino puramente para una visita, pero con un propósito, y ese propósito era poner en el funcionamiento Su plan para la salvación de humanidad.
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El mundo era entonces un lugar pecador, así como es ahora. La Biblia nos dice que no sólo hace Dios en total el pecado de odio, pero que Él exige la retribución por la vía de para él la muerte para el pecador. Todavía Dios también ama a Sus personas con el tal tremendo amor. ¿Cómo Él podría exigir el pago para el pecado ―el resultado de qué desterraría todavía todavía a Sus personas de Él para la eternidad encuentre un medios para perdonarlos y reconciliarselos más una vez a Él?
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Era este rompecabezas que producía el nacimiento de Jesús tan hace tiempo en esa noche. Nacido en el más humilde de circunstancias, Él nació para un propósito, y ese propósito tomaría treinta y tres años ser cumplido.
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No es duro para cualquiera que es un padre para imaginar la escena en ese establo. Por esos días las casas eran lo que nosotros nos referiríamos ahora a como las moradas para uso múltiple. Los animales se mantuvieron en el más bajo nivel aunque la familia vivió anteriormente en los cuartos. El establo habría estado uniendo los cuartos familiares. El más probablemente es esa Mary dio el nacimiento en uno de los cuartos en los cuartos vivientes pero pasó después al establo debido a la escasez de espacio, mientras poniendo a su bebé recién nacido tiernamente en el pesebre que había estado lleno con la paja fresca. Usted puede imaginarlos mirando al infante diminuto con una mezcla de preocupación y el intenso amor, sólo igual que cualquier nuevo padre habría.
El más gran milagro de por todas partes el evento de Jesús el nacimiento de ' está que era el punto dónde Dios y humanidad se encontraron de una manera muy real. Éste era el momento cuando el Divino y el humano llegó a la más gran intersección de vida a unirse juntos para siempre. El nacimiento de Jesús era mucho más de sólo el nacimiento de un nuevo bebé, era la demostración física de amor de los Dioses para Sus personas, amor que sólo dependía de la persona que amó, amor que era generoso y libremente dado, incluso a aquéllos que seguirían negarlo y negarse a aceptarlo.
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Una de las más grandes tragedias en este mundo es para alguien sentirse que ellos son los unloved y no deseado. Debido al evento que tuvo lugar en el establo que nocturno en Belén que noche de milagros, esta necesidad nunca es el caso. Karl Barth escogió el himno que ' Jesús me ama ' para citar de. Quizás yo puedo ilustrar mi punto con el título de otro gran himno favorito, ‘eso que un amigo que nosotros tenemos en Jesús '.
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El milagro del nacimiento de Cristo en Belén se siguió por muchos otros milagros como el niño creció en un hombre, mientras culminando con el más gran milagro de todos cuando Jesús se volvió el Cordero de Dios sacrificatorio y se murió en la cruz en el Calvario como el una vez-para-todos el pago para los pecados de humanidad. El precio de pecado que Dios exigió ha estado totalmente pagado para todos que escogemos exigir a Jesús Christ como su Redentor y reconocerlo Señor.
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El himno-escritor nos dice que ‘Dios es el Amor ', y las salidas de historia de amor para nosotros en Belén en ese establo, continúa a la cruz en el Calvario, y en en una eternidad gastada con Cristo nuestro Redentor. Es una historia de amor que abraza todo y nos asegura que nada puede separarnos en la vida del amor de Dios en Cristo Jesus, nuestro Señor y Redentor.
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Yo empecé citando las palabras del himno, ‘Jesús me ama ', y ahora yo concluiré con una línea de otro himno muy conocido por la Samuel Medley (1738-1799):
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¡Yo sé que mis vidas del Redentor!
¡Qué alegría que la convicción del blest da!
Él vive, Él vive, quién una vez estaba muerto;
¡Él vive, mi Cabeza eterna!
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Él vive, para bendecirme con Su amor;
Él vive para suplicar para mí sobre;
Él vive, mi alma hambrienta a alimente;
Él vive, para ayudar a tiempo de necesidad.
¡. Qué amor asombroso! Y está allí para todos nosotros compartir en, simplemente por el preguntar.

Poem for Today: The Birth and Adoration of Christ

2010-01-01T07:14:00.001Z

I
The angel comes to bring the news
Of the Christ child’s virgin birth;
Poor shepherds in the starlit fields
Are the first to hear on Earth.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

Though at first they gaze in fear
It quickly turns to joy,
They marvel at the angelic choir
And leave to find the boy.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

‘In David’s town’, the angel said,
that’s where the Christ child lay,
You’ll find Him wrapped in cloths,
In a manger filled with hay.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

To Bethlehem they went,
To the stable rough and bare,
And on their knees they worshipped
The Saviour lying there.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

They told the wondrous story
Of all they’d seen that night,
Of the choir of heavenly angels,
Of the glory of God’s light.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

All who heard them wondered
At the words the shepherds spoke.
Mary smiled at the infant Christ,
Now cradled in her cloak.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

The shepherds homeward sped,
Returning to their sheep,
Praising Almighty God,
Whilst the infant child did sleep.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

II
Scripture had foretold the birth
Of a ruler, who would bring
Peace on Earth to all men;
Of Christ, the shepherd king.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

Then Herod, with a secret plan,
Sent the Magi on their way:
He bid them go and find the place
Where the infant king did lay.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

Having listened to the king,
They travelled on their journey far,
To find where the child lay
They followed the shining star.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

The star stopped, shining bright
Above the house with the infant boy,
And when the Magi saw it
They praised with exceeding joy.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

Inside the house they saw Him
As in Mary’s arms he lay:
Their gifts they placed before Him,
Then left for their homeward way.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

God had warned them in a dream
To say nothing to the king,
So they returned a different way
And told him not a thing.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!

Then an angel appeared to Joseph
Saying to Egypt they all must run,
Fulfilling the words of the prophet,
‘Out of Egypt did I call My Son.
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace on earth among men!
© Colin Gordon-Farleigh, December 2005

Love and Hope for the New Year

2009-12-31T06:20:00.004Z

As one year draws to a close and the next is awaiting just around the corner, so the TV screens, magazines and newspapers carry features about all that has happened in the preceding twelve months. As the current year draws to a close there is an added dimension, for they are looking back over the first decade of the new millennium as well.

Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with looking back! In doing so it's possible to relive the good moments and be reminded of the things that needed to be put right as well. It's a time to reflect on what achievements have made the world a better place, and what has worsened because it has not been addressed.

Unfortunately there is far too much that has not been addressed in our society, and as a result we have seen an dramatic increase in hate crime. We read of teenagers carrying knives and guns, either to protect themselves from other like-minded young people or to threaten others with. We hear about young lives, both victims and aggressors, wasted on the streets by killings. Drug-taking is constantly increasing, and many of the idols that young people look up to are known as much for their drug-taking as their ability in their particular occupational field.

The good news is there, however, because of an amazing act of love. The good news is that God loves each of us, even those who choose to deny His existence. God's love is selfless and unconditional. This means, dear reader, that He loves you. He is a personal God, not some distant figure who looks down on us, demanding that we worship Him and yet not interacting with us.

Because of His love for us He sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to come with a message of hope and reconciliation. That message is as it always was, for every human being on the earth. It matters not what religion you follow now or even if you have none , the message is still for you. It's a simple message --- God loves you! You can know the peace that comes through Jesus Christ by believing on Him, believing that He is the only true Son of God; believing that when He died on the cross at Calvary for the sins of mankind, He died for you; believing that He defeated both death and the grave and that He lives today with God the Father, interceding on behalf of those who have chosen to follow Him.

Jesus Christ is the Hope that we have for the future. Even today, despite all the bad things that happen in our world, Jesus Christ is at work through His followers, spreading the message of hope that He was sent to bring in the beginning. It's part of the greatest love story that has ever unfolded. Every page of the New Testament in the Bible tells of God's love, and in doing so emphasises the ultimate truth for us that God not only loves us but that God is love.

I wish you a very happy new year for 2010. May it bring you love, peace,happiness and, above all, true hope for the future. If you haven't already accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your Saviour and Lord then may it be a year in which you make that life-changing decision.

Joanne Lowe's Meditations

2009-12-27T09:01:00.001Z

IT’S A NEW DAY

“For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.”

Psalm 95: 7, 8 (King James Version)

Have you ever had a day when it seemed like everything that could go wrong did go wrong? I had a day like that yesterday and I’m so grateful to God for giving me today to serve Him. Yesterday, I was unable to log in to my website to edit it. Also, my computer was acting crazy and I had to do two complete system recoveries on my computer.

Yesterday was a very frustrating and discouraging day for me. However, as usual, Jesus won over satan. Jesus defeated satan at the cross and the war has already been won. However, as long as we are in this world, we will have battles. What an assurance it is to our hearts to know that Jesus will always bring us through every battle victoriously.

For some of you, Jesus has been knocking at the door of your heart for many years to let Him come in. Yesterday is gone but it’s a new day. Jesus said “Harden not your heart”. Please don’t hurt Him any longer by refusing to let Him come into your heart.

Will you swallow your pride today and humble yourself? Admit that you are a sinner, repent of your sins, ask God to forgive you and invite the Christ of Calvary into your heart to be your personal Saviour before it is too late. Jesus is waiting for you with a heart filled with unconditional love and compassion. Let Him come into your heart today.

Joanne Lowe

December 27, 2009

joannelowe8@cox.net

www.joanne-ourprecioussaviour.blogspot.com

A Hymn for the Christmas Season (5)

2009-12-25T06:36:00.002Z

Good Men and True 88 88

Good men and true, sing out your praise,
To Christ the King your anthems raise;
Your gifts and worship you must bring
To praise the Lord, the heavenly King.

He is our Lord,, so make your choice
To praise him with your heart and voice;
And celebrate this Christmas Day,
For Jesus Christ has come to stay.

He is our Saviour and our Lord,
Just as was promised in the Word;
Confess Him now and you will see
God’s Kingdom for eternity.

Know Jesus Christ and see the Light,
And worship Him this very night;
Before the Ancient of all days,
Good men and true, sing out your praise!

Christmas Greetings

2009-12-24T23:27:00.004Z

May I wish you all, dear readers, everything that you wish for those whom you love and care about this Christmas, and may the richness of God's blessings be with you today and remain with you always.

Happy Christmas!

Christmas Eve Message 2009

2009-12-24T19:58:00.002Z

Karl Barth, arguably one of the greatest theologians who has ever lived, was once asked what the most profound theological insight that he had ever known was. After a few moments deliberation he said simply, ‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.’

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I’m sure that we all appreciate a good love story, and from early childhood we are raised on ‘Happy endings’. At this time of the year there are pantomimes galore being performed around the country, and many of the basic stories that lie behind them are love stories. Take Cinderella, for example, which is a classic love story about poor put-upon Cinderella who falls in love with Prince Charming.

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But there is one love story that is timeless and never-ending, and that’s the story of God’s love for people. Of course we know that God has always loved people from the very beginning, even though He has been angry with them from time to time. After all, do not all of us who are parents say at one time or another that we love our children always even though we might not like them sometimes.

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Just over two thousand years ago something miraculous occurred, the like of which had never been seen before and has never happened since; God came down to earth to live amongst His people on that night when Jesus was born in the stable at Bethlehem. He didn’t come purely for a visit, but with a purpose, and that purpose was to put into operation His plan for the salvation of mankind.

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The world was a sinful place then, just as it is now. The Bible tells us that not only does God hate sin altogether, but that He demands retribution for it by way of death for the sinner. Yet God also loves His people with such tremendous love. How could He exact the payment for sin ― the result of which would exile His people from Him for eternity ― yet still find a means to forgive them and reconcile them once more to Himself?

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It was this conundrum that resulted in the birth of Jesus on that night so long ago. Born into the humblest of circumstances, He was born for a purpose, and that purpose would take thirty-three years to be fulfilled.

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It’s not hard for anyone who is a parent to imagine the scene in that stable. In those days the houses were what we would now refer to as multi-purpose dwellings. The animals lived on the lower level whilst the family lived in rooms above. The stable would have been adjoining the family rooms. It’s most likely that Mary gave birth in one of the rooms in the living quarters but moved into the stable because of shortage of space afterwards, tenderly laying her new-born baby in the manger which had been filled with fresh straw. You can imagine them watching the tiny infant with a mixture of concern and intense love, just the same as any new parent would.
The greatest miracle of all about the event of Jesus’ birth is that it was the point where God and humanity met in a very real way. This was the moment when the Divine and the human arrived at life’s greatest intersection to become joined together forever. The birth of Jesus was much more than just the birth of a new baby, it was the physical demonstration of Gods love for His people, love that depended only on the person who loved, love that was selfless and freely given, even to those who would go on to deny it and refuse to accept it.

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One of the greatest tragedies in this world is for someone to feel that they are unloved and unwanted. Because of the event that took place in the stable that night in Bethlehem, that night of miracles, this need never be the case. Karl Barth chose the hymn ’Jesus loves me’ to quote from. Perhaps I can illustrate my point with the title of another great favourite hymn, ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’.

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The miracle of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem was followed by many other miracles as the child grew into a man, culminating with the greatest miracle of all when Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb of God and died on the cross at Calvary as the once-for-all payment for the sins of mankind. The price of sin that God demanded has been paid in full for everyone who chooses to claim Jesus Christ as their Redeemer and acknowledge Him Lord.

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The hymn-writer tells us that ‘God is Love’, and the love story starts for us at Bethlehem in that stable, continues to the cross at Calvary, and on into an eternity spent with Christ our Redeemer. It’s a love story that embraces everything and assures us that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer.

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I started by quoting the words of the hymn, ‘Jesus loves me’, and now I’ll conclude with a line from another well-known hymn by Samuel Medley (1738-1799):

I know that my Redeemer lives!

What joy the blest assurance gives!

He lives, He lives, who once was dead;

He lives, my everlasting Head!

He lives, to bless me with His love;

He lives to plead for me above;

He lives, my hungry soul to feed;

He lives, to help in time of need.

What amazing love! And it’s there for all of us to share in, simply for the asking.

Rest easy --- At least our Ejucashun Sistem is great!

2009-12-22T22:46:00.003Z

The following questions were set in last year's GCSE examination in Swindon, Wiltshire (U.K.)
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These are genuine answers (from 16 year olds)
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Q. Name the four seasons
A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar
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Q. Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A. Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists
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Q. How is dew formed.
A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire
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Q. What causes the tides in the oceans.
A. The tides are a fight between the earth and the moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins the fight.
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Q. What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on.
A. If you are buying a house they will insist that you are well endowed.
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Q. In a democratic society, how important are elections.
A. Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election.
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Q. What are steroids.
A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.
(Shoot yourself now , there is little hope)
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Q. What happens to your body as you age.
A. When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.
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Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty.
A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.
(So true)
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Q Name a major disease associated with cigarettes
A. Premature death
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Q. What is artificial insemination.
A. When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow.
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Q. How can you delay milk turning sour.
A. Keep it in the cow.
(Simple, but brilliant)
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Q. How are the main 20 parts of the body categorised (e.g. The abdomen).
A. The body is consisted into 3 parts - the brainium, the borax and the
abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels: A, E, I, O and U
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Q. What is the fibula?
A. A small lie.
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Q. What does 'varicose' mean?
A. Nearby.
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Q. What is the most common form of birth control.
A. Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium.
(That would work)
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Q. Give the meaning of the term 'Caesarean section'.
A. The caesarean section is a district in Rome.
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Q. What is a seizure?
A. A Roman Emperor.
(Julius Seizure, I came, I saw, I had a fit)
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Q. What is a terminal illness
A. When you are sick at the airport.
(Irrefutable)
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Q. Give an example of a fungus. What is a characteristic feature?
A. Mushrooms. They always grow in damp places and they look like
umbrellas.
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Q. Use the word 'judicious' in a sentence to show you understand its
meaning.
A. Hands that judicious can be soft as your face.
(Yes, that really was the answer given!)
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Q. What does the word 'benign' mean?
A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight.
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Q. What is a turbine?
A. Something an Arab or Sheik wears on his head.

A Little Gentle Christmas Humour

2009-12-21T10:54:00.002Z

A man in Scotland calls his son in London the day before Christmas Eve and says, “I hate to ruin your day but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.”

'Dad, what are you talking about?' the son screams. “We can't stand the sight of each other any longer” the father says. “We're sick of each other and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Leeds and tell her.”

Frantically, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. “Like hell they're getting divorced!” she shouts, “I'll take care of this!”

She calls Scotland immediately, and screams at her father “You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. 'Sorted! They're coming for Christmas - and they're paying their own way.'

'January Jade' : New CD from Sheer Joy Music

2009-12-19T11:09:00.004Z

Earlier this year I met up with Robert Beaton, a songwriter/composer/musician/singer, and we collaborated on a new song called Love Away the Hate which is to be released soon by Jennifer Douglas on the Sheer Joy Music label.

More recently Robert has been busy in the SJM Recording Studio putting an album together of some of his earlier songs, and January Jade is the result. It will be available from the Sheer Joy Music shop in the next 48 hours, so keep a watch for it and you'll be able to listen to some sample tracks. Robert is already busy working on his next album, called Empty Spaces, at the Studio. It will be released early in 2010.

Runcorn Local History: Tanning Industry

2009-12-19T09:04:00.008Z

Local Runcorn author Chris Darlington has just released a local history CD about the Tanning Industry that used to be one of the major industries in the area. Retailing at £4.95, this is definitely a great stocking-filler for the local history buff. I had the pleasure of being invited to do the voice-over on this project, drawing the various threads of the interviews together. The CD is available from the Curiosity Bookshop in High Street Runcorn, or email to Chris Darlington at grimdarl@ntlworld.com to arrange payment & postal delivery.

There were four main tanneries in Runcorn, the Highfield, the Camden, the Puritan and the Astmoor, and the interviewees worked at one or the other of them. All too often history becomes consigned only to the printed page or as stories to be passed down through the family, but in releasing A Little Bit of Leather these memories have been saved for posterity by Chris Darlington.

A Little Bit of Leather . . .

A major part of Runcorn’s industrial history is represented by the Tanning Industry, and A Little Bit of Leather gives you an evocative glimpse into that era as you listen to interviews conducted with folk who played a part in forming the history. A ‘must-have’ for everyone interested in Runcorn’s local history.

An Advent Poem for Today

2009-12-18T14:12:00.005Z

A Carolling!

A carolling! a carolling!

Hot toddy, snow and holly;

Mistletoe and mince pies,

A time for being jolly!

A carolling! A carolling!

Sing of the Saviour’s birth;

Of angels and of shepherds,

Of peace on all the Earth.

A carolling! A carolling!

The songs so full of joy.

Sing of the heavenly choir

That praised the infant boy.

A carolling! A carolling!

Sing of the guiding star;

Of shepherds and of wise men

Of how they journeyed far.

A carolling! A carolling!

Sing of that glorious day

When God came down to Earth

A baby in the hay.

A carolling! A carolling!

A story of God’s love:

The Christ child in the manger,

Who came from up above.

A carolling! A carolling!

From that crude manger bare,

His travelled to the cross,

He hung and suffered there.

A carolling! A carolling!

His death ordained to be;

He bled upon that cross,

And died for you and me.

A carolling! A carolling!

Our Saviour, brother, friend;

Destined soon to rule

That Kingdom without end.

A carolling! A carolling!

Our song will never end,

Till everyone on Earth

Knows Jesus Christ as friend.

Obama's Speech at Copenhagen Summit Meeting

2009-12-18T14:10:00.000Z

Commenting on President Barack Obama’s speech at the summit, Tearfund’s Director of Advocacy Paul Cook said: ‘Obama highlighted the need to ‘act boldly and decisively in the face of a common threat' and that he came to Copenhagen to act not to talk.

'Unfortunately he completely contradicted himself - the US’ actions in terms of figures for action on mitigation and finance, even after yesterday's announcement, just don’t stack up or equal survival for poor people and the planet. There were no new pledges on targets and a complete failure to acknowledge the fact that the richest and most powerful nations must take responsibility for the climate crisis that they have caused.

'For the sake of the poorest and most vulnerable people living on the front line of climate change, we sincerely hope world leaders do not squander this opportunity by providing the most vulnerable with nothing more that great oratory and empty promises.’

A Hymn for the Christmas Season (4)

2009-12-18T09:54:00.003Z

The Angels Sang 7777

See a manger filled with hay,
Where the infant Christ-child lay;
There in oil-lamps flick’ring glow,
God was born on earth below.
And the angels sang, Alleluia!
And the church bells rang, Alleluia!
And all the stars shone bright,
That first Christmas night, Alleluia!

Hear the song the angels sang,
Hear the tune the bells all rang;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men,
Hear them singing it again.
And the angels sang, Alleluia!
And the church bells rang, Alleluia!
And all the stars shone bright,
That first Christmas night, Alleluia!

Glory shining all around,
People bow to heaven’s sound;
Voices sing in harmony,
Jesus came for you and me.
And the angels sang, Alleluia!
And the church bells rang, Alleluia!
And all the stars shone bright,
That first Christmas night, Alleluia!
© 2006 Colin Gordon-Farleigh

This Carol has a catchy tune to it, and when I was busy composing it I drove my wife mad! I sang it day after day until I was happy with it. In the end I felt very happy with it and it has become one of my favourites. I hope you like it and enjoy singing it, dear reader. Why not print out the sheet music and get your whole church to sing it this Christmas. If you click on the sheet music image then it will enlarge, or right click on it and save it as a picture to print out full size.

Can Your Mattress Kill You?

2009-12-17T11:16:00.003Z

Many centuries ago people used to sleep on purely natural matter, starting with the earliest man who probably slept on an earth floor, comforted at best by plant material to help to cushion him against the hardness of the floor. Gradually progress was made in the sleeping department, and people slept on mattresses that were little more than hessian bags filled with straw or dried bracken. Still not the most comfortable, but better than the alternative of sleeping on the floor. In many parts of the Third World people still sleep on a rush or cane mat, often on concrete floors, even today. However, the wealthy wanted more comfort through the long nights, and so gradually the bags were made of smoother materials and filled with softer things such as feathers. Even these were improved upon for the seriously rich people, for they had theirs filled with down rather than any old feathers. Ultimately mattresses evolved to become what they are today, offering a wide range of coverings, firmness or softness, and fillings.

Over the last few years one type of mattress that has become hugely popular is the Memory Foam mattress. There have been many surveys conducted about the efficiency of these mattresses, and in almost every survey published by the manufacturers and retailers of these products, about 90% of those surveyed claimed that Memory Foam mattresses gave the best night's sleep that they had ever had.

However, one important factor that the manufacturers and retailers fail to mention about these products is that the foam is made from petroleum-based chemicals. So, if you have one of these mattresses you are sleeping on a potentially lethal mix of chemicals! Alarmist propaganda? Well, just read through the following and then judge for yourself.

Let's consider what the term polyurethane means first of all.

The term refers to any polymer made of organic units joined by urethane connections. By organic units you should understand hydrocarbons from the petroleum or derived chemicals.

Theoretically, a fully reacted polyurethane polymer should be chemically inert. But any chemist will tell you that even fully reacted polyurethane can produce dust inducing mechanical irritation to the eyes and lungs. And, as there are no industrial processes 100 % complete, you should expect the polyurethane to expel its chemical load. Only the resin blends can expel isocyanates, which were proven to be skin and respiratory sensitizers, causing asthma. This is just a short list of toxins found in an analyzed type of memory foam: TDI (Toluene Di-Isocyanate), Polyol (Poly Ether Gycol), Silicone Surfactant, Tertiary Amine, Stannous Octoate, Flame Retardant, Pigments/Dyes. TDI is an aromatic hydrocarbon (it is really smelly) causing asthma. Tertiary amines have strong odors and are allergenic. No need to comment on the dyes... You can read here how the "technology chemicals" can impact your health.

By using the material to make mattresses which people will spend a large portion of their life sleeping on means that those people will be repeatedly exposed for long periods of time to low levels of carcinogenic chemicals. Without doubt, the hydrocarbons evaporate and invade the bedroom, and the resultant chemical exposure can lead to severe damage of the immune and nervous systems. It has long been held that protracted exposure to petro-based products will worsen conditions such as arthritis, allergic asthma, lupus and similar disorders. Some research has detected extremely high levels of toxins such as arsenic and phosphor compounds in Memory Foam.

So, why am I so interested in this subject?

Well, the answer is simple. A couple of years ago in an attempt to get a better night's sleep for my wife and myself, I purchased a Memory Foam mattress which came highly recommended by the retailer concerned. It was certainly not a cheap option, costing us £1000, but we felt that if it performed as promised then it would be a worthwhile investment.

Almost immediately I had a problem with getting unbearably hot at night, so much so that we had to use a lightweight duvet even in the winter. We experienced aches and discomfort soon afterwards, and we soon questioned the wisdom of our purchase choice.

The next thing that shocked me somewhat was to discover that there was a large body-sized stain appearing on the mattress where I slept, and this despite a mattress protector and under-sheet. Even though the mattress was not supposed to be turned over due to the fact that the Memory Foam was on the top surface only, I did just that.

Over the period that we had the mattress, which was up to about four months ago, my asthma increased to previously untold levels, and my health in general deteriorated. About four months ago we had had enough, and so we went out and purchased a new bed and mattress which was made of natural materials. We also changed the carpet in the bedroom. I certainly would not recommend Memory foam to anyone, especially now that I have learned a little more about it.

The following is an extract from the Softpedia website where you can access and read the full report about this subject by clicking here.

What Is Memory Foam?

Polyurethane is synthetic and is made from petroleum products. Therefore, its production furthers our dependency on fossil fuel resources. The production of synthetics from petroleum products is energy-intensive and often generates toxic waste byproducts.

Polyurethane foam is not biodegradable, and it ends up in the landfill for a very long time.
The chemicals in new polyurethane foam outgas into the air. These toxic chemicals are called VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, and you can often smell them until they dissipate. Most of the VOCs from polyurethane foam dissipate in several weeks to several months, depending on many variables, such as the types and amounts of synthetic materials; amount of fresh-air exchange in the room; temperature and humidity; and breathability of bedding materials like comforters and bedspreads.

All mattresses made with synthetic foams, batting, or fabrics must be treated with flame-retarding chemicals so that they meet the federal open-flame flammability test. Whether a mattress is made with standard polyurethane foam, memory foam, recycled polyurethane foam, Dacron, or even a combination of soy-based and polyurethane foams, there's no getting around the problem of flame retardants. Although bioaccumulative PBDEs, the most toxic flame-retardant chemicals, have been voluntarily discontinued by U.S. mattress manufacturers, the alternatives are only somewhat less toxic, and not considered acceptable by the German field of Bau-Biologie. (The measurable Bau-Biologie standards for health are perhaps the most stringent in the world.)

Flame-retardant chemicals in mattresses that contain any amount of polyurethane foam are called organophosphate chemicals. Unlike VOCs, these chemicals do not become gases, are not easily detectable by smell, and levels may increase over time as the materials age. Even though the levels are chronically low, since your body and face are on the mattress for a third of your life (during your most sensitive regenerative time), it might be best to consider a chemical-free alternative.

A Hymn for the Christmas Season (3)

2009-12-17T08:29:00.006Z

The Sign 9.9.9.9.

An angel appeared to the shepherds
As they tended their sheep on that night,
Foretold of the birth of the Saviour,
Who would banish the dark with His light.

He told of a sign that would guide them
To the place where the infant would lay;
For God placed a star in the heavens
As a sign on that first Christmas Day.

So leaving their sheep far behind them,
With the star shining brightly above,
They followed the sign to a stable,
Where they worshipped God’s mercy and love.

They knelt at the altar of heaven,
All their gifts and their praises did bring,
Though they saw the tiniest baby,
All their worship was poured on a king.

The Sign is a gentle Christmas Carol, sung to music by David Gedge who was, until recently, the organist at Brecon Cathedral. If you click on the sheet music image then it will enlarge, or right click on it and save it as a picture to print out full size.

Joanne Lowe's Meditations

2009-12-10T17:49:00.002Z

THE HEARTACHES OF LIFE

“As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”

Isaiah 66: 13 (King James Version)

There are times in all of our lives when the burdens we bear and the pain in our hearts overwhelm us. When God calls someone we love home to be with Him, even though we are happy that our loved one is with Him, our hearts are broken because we miss our loved one so much.

Thomas Andrew Dorsey, the son of a Baptist minister, wrote two hundred or more songs. One of the songs he wrote “Precious Lord” came from the depths of his heart. His wife had died in childbirth and the child also died a little later. He was overwhelmed with grief and heartbroken.

I think if we are honest with ourselves that these words he wrote describe how every one of us feels at times. “Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home.”

Heavenly Father, we confess that there are times when it is very difficult to keep going because we are heartbroken. What an encouragement it is to our hearts to know that You understand how we feel when we are grieving. We ask that You would please kiss away our tears.

You not only understand how it feels to lose a loved one; You also feel our pain. We ask that You would please hold us close to Your loving compassionate heart and comfort us. Thank You for being faithful to encourage and comfort us when we feel like we can’t take another step or give another smile. Amen.

Joanne Lowe

joannelowe8@cox.net

www.joanne-freedominjesus.blogspot.com

A Hymn for the Christmas Season (2)

2009-12-08T09:06:00.002Z

Sing to Jesus! 8787
Tune; Calon Lân

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Alleluia, sing to Jesus!
To the manger praises bring;
Alleluia, lift your voices,
Praises to the infant king!
Alleluia, sing your praises,
Sing them loud to Christ the King!
Alleluia, sing your praises,
To His feet your tributes bring!

Alleluia, sing to Jesus!
Songs of praises to the boy;
Alleluia, lift your voices,
Songs of love and songs of joy!
Alleluia, sing your praises . . .

Alleluia, sing to Jesus!
Join the others at His birth;
Alleluia, lift your voices,
Son of God come down to earth!
Alleluia, sing your praises . . .

Alleluia, sing to Jesus!
Ox and ass have gathered round;
Alleluia, lift your voices,
Standing now on hallowed ground!
Alleluia, sing your praises . . .

Alleluia, sing to Jesus!
Joining with the heavenly host;
Alleluia, lift your voices,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Alleluia, sing your praises . . .
© Colin Gordon-Farleigh, 2006

Christmas --- A time for miracles

2009-12-08T08:48:00.002Z

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ whom God sent to bring a message of hope and the gift of salvation to a needy and troubled world. The need for people to repent of their sinfulness and turn back to God in the name of Jesus Christ is as urgent today as it has always been --- perhaps, in this broken nation, even more so.

We seek peace; Christ gives peace.

We seek life; Christ gives eternal life.

We seek light; Christ is eternal Light.

The choice is up to each individual to make; either to continue in a state of darkness without Christ and without hope, or to live in the light of His eternal glory. Don't delay one minute longer; repent of your sins today and turn to the only One who can offer the gift of Salvation, Jesus Christ. He said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6).

Take the first step towards making this Christmas mean much more to you and make the choice to acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord today and for ever. It will be the most life-changing experience that you could ever meet with.

Emynau Gymraeg Nadolig: 'I'r Stabl'

2009-12-08T08:30:00.004Z

I’R STABL
TÔN: CALON LÂN
Brysiwch lawr i’r stabl fechan,
Gyda’r seren uwch ei phen.
Dyma’r baban yn y preseb,
Llawn o gariad yw eich trem.
Wyneb Mair ei fam sy’n gloywi
Yng ngoleuni’r lampau rhos,
Mab y Nef sydd wedi’i eni,
Daeth i’r byd ar sanctaidd nos.

Yn y maes bugeiliaid glywodd
Gân angylion oddi fry,
Gwelsant seren yn disgleirio,
Duw a’n carodd, meddai hi.
Draw o’r dwyrain daeth y doethion
I addoli wrth ei grud,
Aur a thus a myrr a gariant,
Caiff y Brenin rhoddion drud.

O dywyllwch llwm y stabl,
Trwy yr enedigaeth hon,
Daeth gogoniant y Tad y Nefol
I rhoi golau i bob bron.
Golau gall y dall ei weled,
Golau ddaw o’r Iesu gwiw,
Gras mor hael y Tad a’r Duwdod,
Yw ein gwaddol tra bom byw.
Colin Gordon-Farleigh © 2009
Cyf. Eirlys Gruffydd © 2009

A Hymn for the Christmas season (1)

2009-12-07T12:04:00.002Z

The Infant Christ 6786
Tune: DENNIS

Worship the infant Christ
Asleep in manger bare;
The Son of God, come down to earth,
His glory shining there.

Then Mary, looking down,
At the baby where He lay,
Saw all the angel promised her
Asleep on bed of hay.

She shed a tear of joy,
For the baby laying there;
She placed a kiss upon His head,
The world her joy to share.

God’s love complete in Him,
Is there for us to find,
He is our Saviour and our Lord,
Our souls He’ll care and mind.

So may we ever praise,
With heart and voice and soul,
The blessed Saviour of the world,
Who came to make us whole.

Now, as we gaze on Him,
In that manger crude and bare,
Our voices we will lift in praise
Of the Christ-child lying there!

Justice for Duke : Christians & non-Christians alike must be concerned about this.

2009-12-05T13:15:00.002Z

Please stand with CLC (Christian legal Centre) and people everywhere to support a good man in his fight for justice.

Petition, Campaign, special website and Candlelight Vigil 15 December 2009

In July of this year, Bible-believing Christian Duke Amachree, married and father of 3 children who had served Wandsworth Council as a Homelessness Prevention Officer diligently for 18 years, was dismissed in circumstances Christians and non-Christians alike across the country rightly view as completely outrageous. Please take a few minutes to read this almost unbelievable story and then to take action to help him and to stand up against an injustice that is as appalling as anything I have seen in my many years in this work.

This is Duke’s story:

In January of this year, Duke was helping a client with her housing situation. The client had seen various doctors who had told her that she had an incurable medical condition. Out of compassion for her, Duke commented that sometimes the doctors don’t know everything –and encouraged her to consider putting her faith in God.

The client did not complain to Duke, but did go to his managers to report him. Two days later the managers knocked on Duke’s door as he was conducting another interview, asked him to finish up and then report to the Director’s office.

When he arrived, Duke was told that there had been a complaint and that he was being suspended with immediate effect. His pass was taken away and he was told not to make contact with any of his friends and colleagues or to come near the offices. He was then marched off the premises.

You can see a very short film clip about Duke by clicking here.

Why we must take action in the days to come to help Duke Amachree

At CLC and CCFON we all believe, that this is one of the most appalling if not the most appalling case we have ever seen. The way Duke was treated anyone would think he had been caught viewing pornography on an office computer. Yet all Duke did was extend the hand of compassion to a fellow human being in distress. What’s more, there was nothing in his employment contract to indicate that he was in any way not to speak about God.

Don’t say ‘God bless’ or we'll sack you…

Incredibly, when our solicitor who represented Duke in the initial meeting with the employer asked what would have happened if Duke had simply said ‘God bless you’ to a client, the spokesperson for Wandsworth Council said it would have been advisable not to say that either.

Duke Amachree, a gentle, intelligent and kind-hearted family man living in Britain in 2009 has been found ‘guilty’ of an ‘offence’ which would amaze a visitor from any previous time in the history of Christianity in this country. Out of compassion he offered the hope of God to a woman in need. He breached no part of his contract. Yet he was marched off the premises and, after a period of suspension, was dismissed.

Please help by joining our ‘Justice for Duke’ Campaign in these following ways:

Keep Duke and his family in your prayers over the coming days. This is not an easy time for them and they will be greatly moved to know that there are hundreds or perhaps thousands of people praying for them every day.

Keep an eye on the special website for developments as we count down to 15 December 2009, www.justiceforduke.com

Take a few seconds to add your name to the ‘Justice for Duke’ petition. This will help raise awareness and make a statement that Christians and non-Christians alike will not stand by whilst a good man is treated this way. We hope any reasonable person would agree that a man who has served an employer honestly and diligently for 18 years should not be thrown out of his job just for mentioning God whatever their own beliefs may be, especially when he has no reason to believe his employer would view his words as being a problem. So please forward on to as many of your friends as you can.

If you live in Wandsworth, please write to your MP. A model letter can be found by clicking here for you to adapt, print off, sign and send if you would like to. Please see this link also to find out who your MP is and where to write to them.

Join the Candlelight Vigil outside Wandsworth Town Hall on 15 December (details on the www.justiceforduke.com site as well as on www.ccfon.org and www.christianlegalcentre.com). Please let us know if you are planning to come and if you are planning to bring friends by clicking here.This will give us an idea of numbers. There is a map available on the special site. http://www.justiceforduke.com/prayervigil.php

Please consider making a small donation to the Christian Legal Centre if you would like to help us with the cost of the campaign and similar work. You can make a secure Paypal donation on line in seconds by clicking here (other options are also available). All the work we do is free of charge to our clients who are suffering because of living and speaking their Christian values in their everyday lives. Please stand with them and with the work by making a small gift to cover the costs of that work today if you can.

Gee! --- What a cute bunch of kittens!

2009-12-05T13:08:00.002Z

Now that's what I call a real Body Warmer!

C'mon! Wake up! You promised you'd play with me!