3rd May 2024.
(Mark 10:17-22).
Corrie ten Boom was a survivor of the hateful Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
She was well acquainted with loss. She lost family, possessions, and years of her life to hateful people. Yet she learned to concentrate on what could be gained spiritually and emotionally by putting everything in the hands of her heavenly Father.
What does that mean to us? What should we place in God’s hands for safekeeping? Well according to the story of the rich young man in Mark 10, everything. He held abundance in his hands, but when Jesus asked him to give it up, he refused. He kept his possessions and failed to follow Jesus and as a result he “went away sad” (v.22).
Like Corrie ten Boom, we can find hope by putting everything in God’s hands and then trusting Him for the outcome. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God.”
….Pastor Ross.
1st May 2024.
(Mark 10:35-45).
“Working Dogs”, many of whom are specifically trained to aid people in life threatening situations are “born” it is said to rescue others.
The Bible tells us of the Messiah who was born to rescue humanity from the penalty of sin. What He did rises above all earthly comparison. Two thousand years ago, God himself became human in order to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. When Jesus became a man, He understood and proclaimed that He was born to rescue (John 12:27).
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”(Mark 10:45).
Let us praise our wonderful Saviour; Jesus Christ, who was born to save all who will accept His offer of salvation. Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Christ came to seek and to save the lost.”
….Pastor Ross.
29th April 2024.
(Proverbs 15:1-23).
The tragedy of war is staggering, yet relationships and our families can begin to fracture with only a few hateful words. James wrote, “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark”(James 3:5). A key to avoiding verbal conflict is found in Proverbs: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. See verse 1.
A very small comment can start a large fight. When we, by God’s grace, choose not to retaliate with our words, we honour Jesus our Saviour. When He was abused and insulted, He fulfilled the prophetic words of Isaiah, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth” (Isa.53:7).
Proverbs urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words. “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life…how good is a timely word!” (15:4,23).
Reflect then on this SLM:-
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”
….Pastor Ross.
