What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. – Matthew 19:6
The world often views marriage as a civil contract that can be broken easily by either party. Jesus said it is much more than that. Marriage is a union established by God and witnessed by God. It is to be maintained inviolate until death terminates the relationship. This is for the good and happiness of man. Children need both parents and the security that a loving marriage can provide. If you are married, renew your vows today to one another. Determine to be faithful and loyal to one another. This is the will of God. —Donald L. Norbie
Lord beloved, I would ponder, breadth and length and depth and height, Of Thy love’s eternal wonder, all embracing, infinite. —Amy Carmichael
“The aim of this first book in the Aletheia Adventure Series is stated in the Preface as being “an attempt to help and encourage young readers to develop an understanding of the truth contained in the Word of God”.
The story is set in the city of Aletheia, in the mysterious land of Err.
There is a full page detailed map of the city of Aletheia with names such as Redemption Square, Good Shepherd Primary School, Pray Always Farmlands and Run-the-Race Retirement Home.
In the land of Err there are similar names with spiritual significance in their meanings such as: Inner-self Improvement Centre, Know-it-all, Angerton, Mockton and Other-gods Conference Centre.
The reader is introduced to Jack Merryweather “an ordinary boy to whom extraordinary things never happened”. Little did he think that this was about to change. Since the story is presented in an allegorical way, the individuals in Jack’s class at school have names such as Marigold Goody who “never did anything wrong”.
The adventure really begins with Jack encountering Timmy Trial who is the school bully. They enter the farm sheds belonging to Jack’s Grandad and are transported into a mysterious land “the farm sheds were gone; there was a strange road ahead; an unknown city loomed large close by”.
The purpose of their unexpected journey is revealed when Timmy is told by an inhabitant of the city “there’s plenty that we can teach you during your time with us to help you understand what it means to become a Christian”.
The two boys are joined by Henrietta Wallop and her two brothers, but Timmy has had enough and slips away “a lone figure walking south down Apathy Road”.
An exciting adventure begins as the four children set out to rescue Timmy in the land of Err. Will they be kept safe from the dangerous Snares in the dark forest? Will they ever find Timmy? You will need to read the book to find out.
There are numerous illustrations throughout the narrative as well as a helpful list of Bible references included at the end of this imaginative book filled with valuable spiritual lessons.”
In hushed and reverent tones, the tour guide explained the beauty and detail of the great cathedral. Suddenly a hand was laid on his shoulder and an impatient lady said, “Young man, tell me—has anybody been saved here lately?” The question hung there, unanswered. Ornate cathedrals don’t last for eternity, but saved souls do. May the Lord give us a passion today, not for the beautiful and temporal, but for the never dying souls of men. —Arnot P. McIntee
If He should come today, And find I had not told; One soul about my heavenly Friend, Who’s blessing all my way attend; What would He say? —Grace E. Troy
“Subtitled Mentoring the Next Generation for Christ, the subject of this book is clear although the word mentoring may be less familiar to UK readers. It focuses on the importance of what Paul wrote to Timothy long ago about “teaching others also” (2 Tim 2.2), and it does this very well indeed.
The first chapter uses the familiar Olympic torch idea: “passing the torch” means to transfer responsibility to someone else. Every Christian is to be a beacon of truth during their lifetime, and all are also called to pass the torch to the next generation. But “how does one motivate younger believers, especially our own children, to catch the vision and be sold out for Christ?”
The latter half of the book tackles this question in a clear, inspiring and very readable way. Stimulating younger people, especially teenagers, Bible study and resources to help, training in godliness, and participation in all assembly activities are each described with good examples given. Responsibilities of both the mentor and the mentee (unusual word? but you get its meaning!) are well set out: for the mentor – be available, be willing, be accountable, be an example; the case of Elisha with Elijah is used to make some excellent points for the mentee to heed.
The earlier half of the book describes in some detail what is to be passed on, and why. In its own right this is worth reading and heeding, very relevant to the needs of assemblies today, totally Scriptural, absolutely clear, and a good reminder to us all. Here are some subheadings: divine truth is immutable; grace and truth are inseparable; meeting with believers is essential. The church has a threefold ministry: exaltation of the Lord, edification of believers, evangelism of the lost. A chapter called “A Pattern to Follow” describes both the expression and the distortion of salient NT truths such as – Christ the Head of the church; unity of all believers; priesthood of all believers; plurality of leadership; sanctity of the genders; the great commission.
Near the end of this highly recommended book is a challenge: “The church needs … those with ability and discernment to shun the limelight in order to invest time with those who need to learn sound doctrine, and to become aware of their calling in Christ”.”
He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Revelation 19:13-14
We’re told here of an entire army dressed in clean, white linen. But its Leader’s vesture is blood covered. That blood was shed 2,000 years ago, and is evidence of what He accomplished then so the rest of us could be with Him forever. His vesture also displays a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS”. Praise Him today for who He is and what He has done for you. —Ken Gross
The Lord is risen; and death’s dark judgment flood, Is passed, in Him who bought us with His blood. —William P. Mackay
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. – Psalm 46:11
David Livingstone often suffered terrible ailments and life-threatening situations while spreading the gospel among African tribal people. Livingstone’s Bible was recovered at the time of his death. It was noticed that he had passed his finger over Psalm 46:6 and 11 so often that the ink was nearly rubbed off. Comforting words for a man who was far from home and venturing through jungles infested with mosquitoes, dangerous beasts and cannibals. The Lord’s abiding presence is a great encouragement to keep venturing with confidence into the unknown for the cause of Christ! —W. A. H.
When the storms of life are raging, tempests wild on sea and land, I will seek a place of refuge, in the shadow of God’s hand. —M. Servoss
Peter seeing him [John] saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. John 21:21-22
Many things can distract us and cause us to take our eyes off of Jesus. In Peter’s case it was a storm (Matt. 14:3) and on another occasion it was the splendour of the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-5). In today’s reading, he was occupied with what John would be doing. Jesus lovingly admonishes Peter to “Mind his own business” and to refocus on following Him. May we also seek the Lord’s help to refocus from the many distractions in our lives and to refocus again onto our Lord and Saviour. —E. V.
O fix our earnest gaze, so wholly Lord on Thee, That with Thy beauty occupied, we elsewhere none may see. —C. Bernstein
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7
Are you struggling today? Overwhelmed by circumstances? Do you feel as if no one cares? Take heart child of God—your heavenly Father has not forgotten you! Note first His character. He can’t help but be good to you! Then mark His comfort. He is our place of refuge, a fortress able to withstand anything and everything. Finally remember His care. He knows both you and your present situation. He is well aware of what you need and is able to help you—right now! The secret is to trust Him. —Pete Smith
‘Til the storm passes over, ’til the thunder sounds no more; Hold me fast, let me stand, in the hollow of Thy hand; Keep me safe ’til the storm passes by. —Mosie Lister
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1 Timothy 6:7
It seems that much of my work in recent years has been to take funerals. Most of them are for people who lived in our town and who I may not have known and certainly have no idea whether they were saved. At such times, we cannot give false hope, for ultimately the eternal destination of each one rests in the Lord’s hands. Yet so often when I meet families they show no concern for their own mortality or the judgement of God, even in the face of losing a loved one. Sadly the focus is upon the monetary and material instead of the spiritual and eternal which is found in Christ. —Paul Young
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation; And take me home—what joy shall fill my heart! —Stuart K. Hine
And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal…And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me…And he offered the burnt offering. 1 Samuel 13:8-9
As soon as Saul had wrongly offered the burnt offering, Samuel arrived within the prescribed seven day period. Saul was not willing to wait on God’s time. One of the hardest things to do sometimes is to wait on the Lord. Have events not happened as quickly as you wanted? Be patient. God’s timings are always perfect. —Brian Russell
Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee; In closer, dearer company. In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, In trust that triumphs over wrong. —W. Gladden
