Isaiah
54 - 4 - 5
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
For your Maker is your husband,
The Lord of Hosts is His name;
and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
He is called the God of the whole earth.
KJV
One year ends, another begins. Traffic came to a standstill waiting to feed into the local supermarket for one last mad dash for alcohol and nibbles before the partying begins.
"Hey Lizzie" a voice shouted from the parking lot. "Coming over to ours tonight we expect a full house" It was a neighbour who normally held a large New Year's Eve party and he was loading bottles and tins into the back of his Range Rover. Perhaps he felt sorry for the old girl and half hoped she would not accept invitation.
"Sorry" shouted Lizzie across the car park "I WILL BE ON MY KNEES praying for this God forsaken country and its leaders. There was a momentary hush as passing fellow shoppers didn't know whether to laugh or just ignore the elderly woman.
The man closed the boot of his car thinking 'mad old coot' I've done really well this year at this rate I should be able to buy that off shore retreat and retire early. He climbed into the driver seat and glanced at his passenger bedecked in gold jewellery, designer clothes with not a single strand out of place on her coiffured hair.
Lizzie panted dragging the overloaded shopping trolley up the slight incline. Perhaps she considered she had overdone it as usual but the youngsters had large appetites and no one ever left her table empty. She heard the approaching car and gave a little giggle, despite her advancing years she had still made it home before her neighbour.
The woman in the passenger seat noticed the bedraggled figure disappearing up the path to her front door. "How on earth did she do that" she complained to her irate husband. He turned into his driveway and said "well if we hadn't been stuck in traffic that would not have been the case, how long before gridlock?"
"They say she is seventy-six years old. Hardly a wrinkle in sight, how does she do that, the amount I spend on so called miracle products is disgusting, not to mention the cost of hairdressing and manicures. He glanced at the masked face. "Not doing much good then is it"? he replied "never mind, keep going, the finance is available and you might eventually find a product that helps and I will see an improvement in my savings account." A voice whispered "or save a soul" His wife raised her hand and smacked him on the shoulder. "Hey" protested her man "physical violence, physical violence." She was not letting this go "what's her secret, locals say she is such a happy person, literally joyful and she doesn't wear any make-up or even bother with trendy fashion. Its just jeans and jumper"
"When you find the secret to what she has and what you haven't got let me know" replied her husband as he headed for the kitchen and a very needed cup of coffee. He was sure he heard the word "Hope"
Later that evening a small group headed down Lizzie's long rambling garden to the Annexe. This sturdy stone building had served as a play house for young children, a safe place for teenage parties and Lizzie remembered the times they had enjoyed clearing the mess that had been firmly contained well away from the immaculately maintained house and parental scrutiny, although she did suspect her father was guilty of peering through the windows now and again just to check.
The large stone fireplace took pride of place. Customised box storage seating was arranged around the four walls. Loads of space for toys and later on games and costumes from their various theme events. How she loved the memories it held for her. Here they would leave the old year and welcome the new. A huge fire blazed in the grate. Wooden flooring had been polished and a large rug lay in front of the hearth. Two chairs, one would always remain empty for their Lord, he was their High Priest and the other a concession for Lizzie who usually had to be lifted off the floor after any attempt to sit for any length to time amongst the group. The youngsters happily lolled on the brightly coloured bean bags. The three tier trolley held refreshments and a small wooden table held a small loaf and a decanter of wine covered with a white cloth.
The final count was nine. Ben explained one couple had a problem getting a reliable baby sitter for New Year's Eve and June had succumbed to an attack of flu. "Nevertheless' proclaimed Ben "For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Matthew 18 - 20
The sound of bawdy laughter drifted through an open window from the neighbour's party. "Could you please shut the window Ben" Lizzie suggested "we have another way of leaving one year and starting another.
The bread was broken and the wine drank in His Holy Name. The room filled with praise and the weight of the Holy Spirit fell on the small gathering. They prayed for a hurting world, for those who paid the price for a country at war, the innocent children traumatised by the horror of brutal butchery, orphaned and alone. No doubt one day they would understand everything, but for now they knew that their brothers and sisters were being slaughtered by men who were under the control of a very dark power.
They prayed God would deal with their leaders who shamelessly continued to supply weapons of war to tyrannical powers. Judgement would come.
They prayed Lord your Kingdom come, use us in the days ahead. Give us the words to speak in every situation. Let Your Will be done. Strengthen us as we face increasing persecution and no doubt draw the attention of those who are building a very different church.
The fireworks sounded the hour, midnight, welcoming only heaven knows what in the coming year. Ben announced a proposed makeover for the tiny sanctuary which was filling as people realised the only hope they had was Jesus. When it reached twelve the overflow would form another cell. The true church of God was going underground.
Lizzie remembered reading an account of the martyrdom of the apostles. "One account particularly spoke to me" she said "that of Paul. He was beheaded but he was also abandoned by the others" I would imagine the original messianic jews had a problem with his actions before the Lord got hold of him on the road to Damascus.
2 Timothy 4 - 6-8 ( letter to Timothy)
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
She continued "the Lord didn't choose the learned or the wise but a simple shepherd boy David to be King. That's the way he works. We just thank Him for blessing us and giving us a glimpse of His Kingdom to come.
Can we remember christians out there who have stood for their beliefs and often been abandoned by family and friends who quite frankly consider them (along with the present Pope) "bonkers" It's hard to walk alone but Yeshua hated the Nicolatians with one foot in the world and one in the church. Lord we are grateful for this small fellowship, protect those who have to soldier on alone unable to find a group in their area upholding biblical truth.
Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you. 'Jehovah' - mark the word - 'Jehovah' shall guide thee continually.'*
Eventually they left the Annexe totally unaware they were being observed through a gap in the hedge. The party in the neighbouring garden was in full swing, gyrating bodies squealed and punched the air totally eliminating any chance to overhear the conversations in the small procession heading towards the main house. Still the woman could see Lizzie and couldn't help noticing how her smile illuminated and radiantly infused the whole group. "What on earth are they singing?
"I will follow Him, follow Him where ever he may lead." Don't know that one she muttered to herself as she staggered back to the drinks trolley. "Now darling" she approached her husband draped over a young woman half his age "perhaps we might sort out that holiday abroad soon. My tan is getting a tad tired you know" she turned towards her amused audience. "How does a trip to the Seychelles sound" her husband removed his gaze from the ample cleavage of his temptress. "Lovely darling, let's do it" he replied.
She continued "Don't forget Jill has asked me to be Peter's godmother. Course I don't believe in all that stuff but Jeremy and I are booking the Hall for the refreshments after the ceremony. We'll sort the details out next week and before I know it I will be zooming to the sun again" and with that final comment the empty vessel clattered into the dining room for another session at the trough.
Lizzie stood at her bedroom window gazing at the stars. She knew that the coming year would bring with it tragedy and sorrow for many. It was literally the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24 - 8
And the end of the world? false prophets abound. People were panicking on their daily diet of earthquakes and aliens to say nothing of natural disasters.
Matthew 24 - 36
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
* Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Daily Readings.
The man closed the boot of his car thinking 'mad old coot' I've done really well this year at this rate I should be able to buy that off shore retreat and retire early. He climbed into the driver seat and glanced at his passenger bedecked in gold jewellery, designer clothes with not a single strand out of place on her coiffured hair.
Lizzie panted dragging the overloaded shopping trolley up the slight incline. Perhaps she considered she had overdone it as usual but the youngsters had large appetites and no one ever left her table empty. She heard the approaching car and gave a little giggle, despite her advancing years she had still made it home before her neighbour.
The woman in the passenger seat noticed the bedraggled figure disappearing up the path to her front door. "How on earth did she do that" she complained to her irate husband. He turned into his driveway and said "well if we hadn't been stuck in traffic that would not have been the case, how long before gridlock?"
"They say she is seventy-six years old. Hardly a wrinkle in sight, how does she do that, the amount I spend on so called miracle products is disgusting, not to mention the cost of hairdressing and manicures. He glanced at the masked face. "Not doing much good then is it"? he replied "never mind, keep going, the finance is available and you might eventually find a product that helps and I will see an improvement in my savings account." A voice whispered "or save a soul" His wife raised her hand and smacked him on the shoulder. "Hey" protested her man "physical violence, physical violence." She was not letting this go "what's her secret, locals say she is such a happy person, literally joyful and she doesn't wear any make-up or even bother with trendy fashion. Its just jeans and jumper"
"When you find the secret to what she has and what you haven't got let me know" replied her husband as he headed for the kitchen and a very needed cup of coffee. He was sure he heard the word "Hope"
Later that evening a small group headed down Lizzie's long rambling garden to the Annexe. This sturdy stone building had served as a play house for young children, a safe place for teenage parties and Lizzie remembered the times they had enjoyed clearing the mess that had been firmly contained well away from the immaculately maintained house and parental scrutiny, although she did suspect her father was guilty of peering through the windows now and again just to check.
The large stone fireplace took pride of place. Customised box storage seating was arranged around the four walls. Loads of space for toys and later on games and costumes from their various theme events. How she loved the memories it held for her. Here they would leave the old year and welcome the new. A huge fire blazed in the grate. Wooden flooring had been polished and a large rug lay in front of the hearth. Two chairs, one would always remain empty for their Lord, he was their High Priest and the other a concession for Lizzie who usually had to be lifted off the floor after any attempt to sit for any length to time amongst the group. The youngsters happily lolled on the brightly coloured bean bags. The three tier trolley held refreshments and a small wooden table held a small loaf and a decanter of wine covered with a white cloth.
The final count was nine. Ben explained one couple had a problem getting a reliable baby sitter for New Year's Eve and June had succumbed to an attack of flu. "Nevertheless' proclaimed Ben "For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Matthew 18 - 20
The sound of bawdy laughter drifted through an open window from the neighbour's party. "Could you please shut the window Ben" Lizzie suggested "we have another way of leaving one year and starting another.
The bread was broken and the wine drank in His Holy Name. The room filled with praise and the weight of the Holy Spirit fell on the small gathering. They prayed for a hurting world, for those who paid the price for a country at war, the innocent children traumatised by the horror of brutal butchery, orphaned and alone. No doubt one day they would understand everything, but for now they knew that their brothers and sisters were being slaughtered by men who were under the control of a very dark power.
They prayed God would deal with their leaders who shamelessly continued to supply weapons of war to tyrannical powers. Judgement would come.
They prayed Lord your Kingdom come, use us in the days ahead. Give us the words to speak in every situation. Let Your Will be done. Strengthen us as we face increasing persecution and no doubt draw the attention of those who are building a very different church.
The fireworks sounded the hour, midnight, welcoming only heaven knows what in the coming year. Ben announced a proposed makeover for the tiny sanctuary which was filling as people realised the only hope they had was Jesus. When it reached twelve the overflow would form another cell. The true church of God was going underground.
Lizzie remembered reading an account of the martyrdom of the apostles. "One account particularly spoke to me" she said "that of Paul. He was beheaded but he was also abandoned by the others" I would imagine the original messianic jews had a problem with his actions before the Lord got hold of him on the road to Damascus.
2 Timothy 4 - 6-8 ( letter to Timothy)
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
She continued "the Lord didn't choose the learned or the wise but a simple shepherd boy David to be King. That's the way he works. We just thank Him for blessing us and giving us a glimpse of His Kingdom to come.
Can we remember christians out there who have stood for their beliefs and often been abandoned by family and friends who quite frankly consider them (along with the present Pope) "bonkers" It's hard to walk alone but Yeshua hated the Nicolatians with one foot in the world and one in the church. Lord we are grateful for this small fellowship, protect those who have to soldier on alone unable to find a group in their area upholding biblical truth.
Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you. 'Jehovah' - mark the word - 'Jehovah' shall guide thee continually.'*
Eventually they left the Annexe totally unaware they were being observed through a gap in the hedge. The party in the neighbouring garden was in full swing, gyrating bodies squealed and punched the air totally eliminating any chance to overhear the conversations in the small procession heading towards the main house. Still the woman could see Lizzie and couldn't help noticing how her smile illuminated and radiantly infused the whole group. "What on earth are they singing?
"I will follow Him, follow Him where ever he may lead." Don't know that one she muttered to herself as she staggered back to the drinks trolley. "Now darling" she approached her husband draped over a young woman half his age "perhaps we might sort out that holiday abroad soon. My tan is getting a tad tired you know" she turned towards her amused audience. "How does a trip to the Seychelles sound" her husband removed his gaze from the ample cleavage of his temptress. "Lovely darling, let's do it" he replied.
She continued "Don't forget Jill has asked me to be Peter's godmother. Course I don't believe in all that stuff but Jeremy and I are booking the Hall for the refreshments after the ceremony. We'll sort the details out next week and before I know it I will be zooming to the sun again" and with that final comment the empty vessel clattered into the dining room for another session at the trough.
Lizzie stood at her bedroom window gazing at the stars. She knew that the coming year would bring with it tragedy and sorrow for many. It was literally the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24 - 8
And the end of the world? false prophets abound. People were panicking on their daily diet of earthquakes and aliens to say nothing of natural disasters.
Matthew 24 - 36
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
O sweet Lord Jesus;
Thou art the present portion of Thy people,
favour us this year with such a sense of Thy preciousness,
that from its first to its last day we may be glad and rejoice in Thee.
Let January open with joy in the Lord,
and December close with gladness in Jesus!
Daily Readings
by
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
* Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Daily Readings.
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