The Messiah's Secret - Walking in the Footsteps of Christ.

A Lady's Meeting

Below: 
My two daughters wore clogs when they were  approximately two years of age.

Duke Wenceslas of Bohemia of the Czech Republic he lived between 901 – 935 AD was noted and honoured for his Christ –like life,

He gained a reputation of being kind and generous to the people of Western Bohemia. In his honour the people of Bohemia put a statue of him in the square that bears his name ‘Wenceslas Square’ in Prague.

A legend grew up around him; the Roman Emperor Otto 1 bestowed on the late Wenceslas the title “king” in association with his faith in Jesus, the “King of Righteousness.”

John Mason Neale reflected this in the title of his hymn, “Good King Wenceslas.” He wrote the lyrics of the carol to a 13^th Century tune, and in 1853 it appeared in “Carols for Christmas –Tide.” (John Neale also wrote: O Come, O Come Emmanuel.)

In the middle 1800’s in England there was both wealth and poverty. 

The industrial entrepreneurs making vast amounts of money, while those they employed were poorly paid for working long hours in the factory and mills. Thirty years before Manchester experienced the ‘Peterloo Riots’ through the introduction of new technology, machines that could do the work of several people.

 In his carol John Neale was encouraging and convicting the wealthy and high ranking men and women of his day to take notice of the life of Wenceslas, who was equal to them in every way, only he took Christ’s compassion to the poor of Bohemia and he encouraged the serving people to be like the Page who was obedient to follow Wenceslas.

Carol.  Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night, though' the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gath'ring winter fuel.

The season is winter and it is the day after Christmas Day, the evening of the Feast of Saint Stephen. John Neale was encouraging the wealthy to remember at  Christmas the poor. He brought to people’s attention in the carol the ministry of Saint Stephen. Stephen was chosen by the twelve Apostles (Matthias the twelveth Apostle) along with six other disciples to the food distribution to the Hellenists the Jewish Greek speaking widows.   Acts 6 v 1-6 

                                 

King Wenceslas looked out from his window and he saw in the moonlight a poor man collecting wood. Immediately he summoned his page and inquired about the man.

"Hither, page, and stand by me, if thou know'st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?"
Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain."

The page knew him and where he lived. He lived at the foot of a mountain near a forest on a route to St Agnes’ Fountain.

Even though he lived near the forest, he was no doubt forbidden to cut down branches off trees. In the Rossendale Forest the inhabitants of the forest were not allowed to cut off branches for their fires.  
Wenceslas’ page estimated that he had traveled a league, approximately 3 ½ miles. The evening was the cold, and the snow we understand was deep, so the wood would be covered with snow.                                                                                            

"Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together;
Through the rude wind's wild lament and the bitter weather.

Wenceslas could have ignored the poor man, but he did not. John Neale pressing home the need of the poor. The Page was given instructions to get: meat, wine and pine logs, they would take them to his home.

Wenceslas a Christian man  reflected the life of Jesus, he had humility and compassion, also endless energy, and he would not be deterred by any hindrances like the weather or the time of day. 
Jairus came to Jesus to ask if he would go to his home to heal his daughter Jesus responded to his need, but was delayed by meeting the need of the lady who had a medical problem and she was healed. A man from Jairus' house arrived on the scene saying that Jairus' daughter had died and not to trouble Jesus any further. But Jesus insisted on going to the house where the girl lay dead. Jesus raised her from the dead. Luke 8: 40 - 56.
Some times when things seem hopeless, the Lord turns the situation around. John Neale inferring in the carol the need for commitment in helping the poor in the long term. 

"Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blow stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page. Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage freeze thy blood less coldly."

The two set out carrying their precious load, It was not easy; the bitter wind and the deep snow would have made the journey more difficult.  
Last winter carrying the shopping up the icy snowbound Higher lane, with the cold wind blowing against me, gave me a feel for what the Page would have experienced.                       

Wenceslas noticed that his Page grew tired and was struggling to cope carrying his heavy load of provisions, so he suggested that he followed in his footsteps.

The Page I would describe as being ‘poor in Spirit’ he was struggling to do what he was asked to do, in the strength that he had.  
A lady rang me this morning asking for help as she was not very well and as a result unable to fulfill an obligation, she asked me to do it for her. I saw her like the Page she was struggling to do what he was asked to do, in the strength that he had.   
I know a Christian lady who is very disabled by her illness, she is living out her faith in the strength that she has. She can’t feed herself, she is dependent on her carers and friends, she waits upon the Lord to give her the strength that she needs.              

‘Poor in Spirit’ in the Carol also points to the rich of John Neale’s day were stingy in their giving. Charles Dickens’ wrote ‘A Christmas Carol’ that was published in December 1843 were the main character Scrooge he was protriat as not wanting to give gifts at Christmas.

In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.

Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing

John Neale’s portrait Wenceslas is of him being strong like Jesus, someone to follow in his footsteps.

My sister, I admire very much, she became a Christian when her children were baptized at her local Anglican Church At that time she was married, however, a few years later, when the youngest was one year old, her husband left the family home. When the youngest of her seven children started Senior school she decided to get a job.

At my sister's church in a prayer meeting she received a picture in her mind of a pair of feet, she thought no more about it until on her next visit to church on entering a room the Vicar was speaking, she was surprised to hear him say “Jesus washed his disciple’s feet.”

Within a few days later, a friend of hers asked if she would accompany her to the chiropody clinic and it was after that visit she realized what the Lord was calling her to do, to become a chiropodist.

The Lord went before her on the course, when it came to her final exams, the night before she was swatting up and she read about the exchange of gases in the lungs.

Next day a large proportion of the exam was on that very subject. In her practical exam the tutor focused on bio mechanics - the working of the joints in the foot and the associated problems and remedies. Once again the Lord had gone before her, she was able to answer all the questions and she passed her exams. Over the last twenty three years, My sister's ministry has been one of care and compassion,  never charging more than a person could afford.

If anyone asks her, “How did you come to be a chiropodist?” she witnesses to how the Lord called her and how much the Lord has blessed her and her family.

John Neale’s message I’m sure has touched rich and poor alike to share  the love of Christ that the Lord gives to us freely to bless one another.

The Messiah’s Secret – The Rich Man and Lazarus

  (Children’s spot)

Placed on the table a blanket cereals and tinned foods.
Being a Christian is about helping people like Lazarus and also friends and family.

Several children brought to out a word and read it out: 'giving tins of food and chocolate', 'pray to Jesus', 'help mum', 'help dad', 'help grandparents', 'give some of our pocket money to help others', 'feed the birds and be kind to animals'. 

On the screen: Some of the voluntary work that members of our Church Fellowship are involved in: Hospital, Charity Shops, Civic Pride, Aid Agencies and the Voluntary work within the frame work of St Mary’s.

Jesus  was drawing to the attention of the Pharisees Scribes and Lawyers in the parable, to show by example God’s justice and love to their own people.  

 A parable  – is comparable with a real life situation.   

The Jewish rich man had paid little or no attention to the plight of Lazarus, he thought only of himself. He may have considered that he was doing his bit by throwing the bread that was used to wipe his hands with after his meal to the beggars at his gate. However, he was guilty of treating the poor man, Lazarus a son of Abraham, like a Gentile. 

Jesus uses the common term used in those days as reference to a Gentile ‘a dog’ here in the passage the dogs are described as licking Lazarus’ sores. Jesus introduced a Gentile who was attending to a Jewish man’s well-being; a person who cared enough to show compassion and practical help. 

Under the Law of Moses Lazarus as a son of Abraham should have expected to be helped, “If there is among you a poor man, one of your brethren, in any of your towns within your land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not harden your hearts or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him, . . . . . . You shall give him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him; because for this the Lord you God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.” Deuteronomy 15: 7 – 11   

This was Jesus’ point these leaders were neglecting justice and the love of God. It was unjust of the rich man to ignore Lazarus’ need of help under law and he denied him the love of God in God wanting his people to love and care for one another. Luke 11: 42. 

Jesus’ ministry was to the sons of Abraham mainly who were outcasts: the tax collectors, the prodigal sons and people like Lazarus He was showing God’s love in reaching out to gather the nation, all the people in readiness for his return bringing in the kingdom.

Practice what you preach.
 “Jesus said on one occasion “ The Scribes and  the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.” Matthew 23 v 1.   

Paul in his letter to Timothy reminded him to put into practice what he had taught him that the love of money is a snare it makes people selfish. He said not to desire things that are temporal but to seek those things that will last for ever.                          

                                                                                                                           

 “But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Matthew 6: 33
Our search to find God is not straight forward, there are many ways; we can find God in creation while looking at a sunset, holding a new born baby, reading or hearing a verse of scripture from the Bible or singing a hymn etc

After we enter into our relationship with the Lord Jesus our God, we have started on a journey of faith and we discover how real God’s love is, the peace and joy in times of stress, resting in the knowledge that whatever our circumstances are, the Lord Jesus is in it, with us. These things stem from knowing who we are in Christ, we are children of God. 

Taking Care of one another
The churches ministry today is to the people who need a helping hand, relief from suffering whatever their background or circumstances might be. We can help in practical ways and when asked, 'why you are doing this for me?' we are able to tell them about Jesus and God’s love for them.  

After death, the rich man became aware that he had neglected his responsibility to love and support his brother Lazarus.

Out of the abundance of our lives, our scripture readings remind us that we have a commitment to our church and its needs, the Diocese and the wider church. Our brothers and sisters in Christ who need our help.  Our Harvest Project this year is helping Christians in Cambodia. (Our Tear Fund rep presented the project.) 

In the parable Jesus upheld Lazarus by saying when he died he was with Abraham in Paradise, whereas, the rich man was in a place of torment Gehnna or hell.

The rich man wanted Abraham to send Lazarus from Paradise to him in Gehnna, but it was not possible there was a gulf between the two places. Abraham could not warn his brothers either. There was no opportunity for him to make amends.

John Bacon the once famous sculptor left an inscription to be placed on his tomb after his death in Westminster Abbey: “What I was as an artist, seemed of some importance to me while I lived; but what I was as a believer in Jesus Christ is the only thing of importance to me now.”

Jesus ends this parable saying, if the rich men of Israel who read the scriptures were not convinced through his teaching, the signs and miracles neither would they believe in his resurrection from the dead. His words were realised when John the disciple wrote.

 “He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” John 1: 10 – 12.

*On another occasion, an incident that happened when the Gentile Syrophoenician lady approached Jesus for him to heal her daughter, but Jesus in his reply pointed out to her “Let the children first be fed, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”                                   

The Messiah’s ministry was first and foremost to the Israelites, the children of God. Jesus was feeding them with his word and signs. For Jesus to consider changing direction to take his message to the Gentiles at this point, ‘to throw away the children’s bread’ his message was directed to the nation of Israel.

The woman answered him “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”, this Gentile lady was looking to eat the crumbs, the words that were falling from the mouth of Jesus, she believed that he was the Jewish Messiah and wanted to partake of the blessings. Jesus commended her for her answer and her daughter was healed. Mark 7 v 24-30

In this encounter we can envisage the new covenant embracing the Gentiles. As Gentiles we have entered into the blessings from our Father God to all his children in every nation.

The Messiah's Secret - The Lost Sheep 

In  our Gospel reading Jesus was sat eating with tax collectors and others who were termed as sinners. I wondered if Matthew who was once was a tax collector was gossiping the Gospel, eager for some of his associates to come and listen to Jesus.  Luke 15: 1-10 

It is only when Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees and scribes that we get a glimpse of what he was discussing with them.  He was gathering the lost sheep of the house of Israel in preparation for the coming in of the kingdom.                                                   

The Parable of the lost sheep  

Jesus referred to the ninety nine sheep, these were the people who kept to the letter of the laws of Moses and were righteous, their names written in ‘The Book of Life’. 

“But now, if thou wilt forgive their sin-and if not-blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” Exodus 32: 32.  

“But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose names shall be found written in the book.”               Daniel 12: 1.

The lost sheep were like Matthew the disciple who was once a tax collector and deemed as an outcast because of collecting taxes for the Romans and for coming in contact with them on a regular basis.  

The tax collectors reputation for fraud was highlighted when Jesus invited himself for tea at Zacchaeus’ home. Afterwards he announced that he would make restitution under Jewish 4 times above the amount he had acquired by fraudulent means. Exodus 22. Jesus announced that salvation had come to his house. “For the Son of man came to seek and save the lost.” Luke 19: 1 – 10.  

The Messiah's Secret page 32, 33  

These lost sheep were regarded as having no hope and were lost to God. People like the poor, the homeless and the beggars Most of these people had given up on the law, as they probably could not afford to buy their sin offerings and as a result were cut off from the law. Through the shepherd, Jesus, in his love assured them of their place in the kingdom. Jesus said that there was great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine righteous persons who need no repentance.                                       

Jesus’ mission he was gathering, embracing the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 10: 6  

These people whom God loved and their love for God and had faith in Him Jesus was removing the overburdening laws that had been added by the Pharisees. Having heard the call of the shepherd, they became followers of Jesus and as a result were not allowed in the synagogues. John 9: 22.                                                                  

My niece introduced us to her boyfriend, we learnt that he worked for the Inland Revenue. We could not resist to pull his leg about his job; even today collecting taxes for the government is not popular.  

A new Christian had problems sleeping and wrote to the Inland Revenue enclosing a cheque for £100. “Please find enclosed a cheque for £100.” PS. “And if I still can’t sleep, I’ll send you the rest.”  

Today we are heavily taxed, I remember several years ago, my aunt complaining that her pensions and savings were taxed twice.  With the financial crisis our taxes have increased. The latest VAT on water and more increases in the pipe line.

The Food Banks are stepping in to relieve a growing number of people's crisis in making ends meet. Often putting paying their bills before they spend money on food and for some that means going without food. This is where Jesus is carrying the brokenhearted, those who are suffering. By contributing food to the Food Banks we are helping to carry, release people from their burden.              Carved Hands - Derwentwater, Keswick                                                                 

Under man’s ruling authority we will always have the poor and downtrodden. Matthew 26: 11.                                                                                                                                 Injustice and poverty in the 18 century was heard in a nursery rhyme, an appeal through the voices of children. Today, it’s the children who suffer most, as some go to school without having any breakfast.                                                                            

“He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather his lambs in his arms.” Isaiah 40: 11.   Words to Baa Baa Black Sheep by our church’s organist

Jesus, Jesus loves His little sheep.

White ones, black ones, He will keep

all who come to Him, all in their need

No-one will be denied, He all will feed.                                                                          

Jesus, Jesus loves His little sheep

Will you come to him, stay and reap

 all His love for you, forever the same

 Will you come to him, and take his name.

In the nursery rhyme 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' the black wool 
I interpret as being 'the sin of  injustice.' Only the rich could afford the expensive black wool.

You cannot dye black wool; I have tried using bleach to lift the black colour out of the wool, but it did not work. It reminds me that we can’t change the colour of our heart; the stain of sin won’t bleach out by our own effort.

Jesus does not look at the colour of a person’s skin but looks at the stain on the heart.

Paul recalled how he persecuted the church in his unbelief. His life changed dramatically when he saw Jesus in a vision on the Damascus road, and he heard Jesus say those words, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me!” From hearing the words of Jesus in his heart, he was changed man and he followed Jesus.

Peter had denied Jesus three times, when he heard the cock crow and he remembered Jesus’ words to him. “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter . . . “Before the cock crows today you will deny me three times. And Peter went out and wept bitterly.” Luke 22: 61

The Lost Coin

The woman who lost the coin that belonged to her. If we think of this coin as her relationship with God and were she is struggling to find the Lord her God to answer her prayer.

Sometimes when we are anxiously seeking the Lord for answers to a situation or a problem, he just does not seem to be there we cry out, ‘Where are you Lord, when I need you?’

Paul in his letter to the Ephesians wrote, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1: 16-18

Or it may be that we have lost sight of the passion that we once had to proclaim the Gospel to our friends.

 “Being rooted and grounded in love may we have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, length, height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3: 17-19.

We want to rekindle the flame of our smoking embers.

Prayer

Help us gracious Lord, to seek out and embrace the years that the locusts have eaten. That you would stir up the flame within us, so that we may shine for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The  Messiah's Secret - The Lord's  Prayer

   Our Father in heaven , hallowed be your name

Your kingdom come your will be done on earth

as in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom the power and the glory are yours

now and for ever. Amen.

During this time we had 'The Lord's Prayer' as a meditation in two ways: pictures and words on the screen and the prayer sung from a CD. Prepared by our Worship Leader.

A frame of another cube.

With each of these boards there was a verse from the Lord’s Prayer and one or two pictures that related to the readings: Hebrews 12: 18-29.   Luke 13: 10-17

The children came to the front of church and described the pictures that they had stuck on the board and the adult with them related to us all, the pictures with the Lord’s Prayer and readings.  Matthew 6: 9-13 

When you look at the contents of the Lord’s Prayer it embraces our Christian way of life, in our humanity.

In the prayer we are touched by the nearness of God, we give thanks as he upholds the structures that provide the practical requirements for daily living. The importance of forgiveness. The awareness of our faith being tested and as children of the kingdom of God applying Jesus’ victory over the devil and his activities.

1/   Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

Your kingdom come your will be done on earth as in heaven. 

The pictures on the board: Moses and the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai. A family representing the church. Pictures of people. Universe. Light. Tell the World about Jesus. 

God is our Father; he loves us and cares for us. We are allowed to call God, Father or daddy, a very personal term. 

The Chorus ‘Abba Father’ beautifully describes our relationship with God our Father.

“Abba Father, let me be Yours and Yours alone, May my will for ever be ever more your own. Never let my heart grow cold, never let me go. Abba Father let me be Yours and Yours alone.” Mission Praise No 3 Dave Bilbrough, Thankyou Music,

*The Israelites could see the smoke and fire surrounding the upper reaches of Mount Sinai. God was almighty and awesome and even Moses trembled with fear. Israel’s relationship with God was reverential.

2/ Give us this day our daily bread.

                                           

The pictures on the board: Loaf of bread (2). Moses in conversation with God. Grapes and figs. Jesus feeding the 5,000 people. Evangelism –sowing the seeds of the kingdom. A wheat field. Hope reaching out in mission. A bird.

On the Israelites wilderness journey God provided manna (bread) daily from heaven. God feeds daily the birds and all living creatures. Jesus in his prayer asks God to give us this day our daily bread.

Jesus is the bread of life; Jesus said that his words were spirit and life

3/ Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

The pictures put on the board: God would provide a lamb, Jesus on the cross. The prodigal son embracing his father. The empty tomb.

God our Father knows that we will fall into sin, the pictures express the forgiveness we received when we first turned to Jesus and the ongoing forgiveness that is ours in Jesus.

We ask Jesus to forgive us, when by our words and actions we fail to walk in his love. We revere God by keeping his word. Jesus said that if we love him we should keep his words to us, by loving one another.

*In the true story of the Israelites Exodus from Egypt they held God in high esteem and tried to be obedient to his commands. Moses interceded on behalf of the people and God forgave those who rebelled against him. Exodus 14: 10-16.  17:3-7

 In our reading the Israelites before they approached the mountain had to consecrate (set apart) themselves by washing their clothes. Even then they were held back from going closer to the presence of God.

*Debt to God

The first-born redeemed for 5 shekels.

“Every first-born man among your sons you shall redeem.” Exodus 13: 1,13.

“Everything that opens the womb of all flesh, whether man or beast . . . . nevertheless the first-born of man you shall redeem, . . . .And their redemption price (at a month old you shall redeem them) you shall fix at five shekels in silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.” Numbers 18: 15, 16.

“And the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him (Jesus) up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.” Luke 2: 22-24.

*Our Redemption through Jesus’ Passover

The Hebrew people at the start of their wilderness journey were instructed by God that only the people who were circumcised could eat the Passover Meal, they were a sanctified people, set apart by God’s covenant with Abraham, and the many Gentiles who accompanied them out of Egypt could not participate in the meal. These were the people who had connections with the descendants of Jacob but were not circumcised.

This gives insight into Jesus’ words concerning sanctification.”I have given them thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth, as thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.” John 17: 14 – 19.

The words of Jesus in his prayer spoke of his disciples being in the world but not part of it.

Jesus - The Passover the Lamb of God laid down his life for us for the forgiveness of sins. In repentance and faith Jesus releases us from the bondage of sin and the devil.  The blood of Jesus written on the door posts and lintels of our hearts sets us free from all that stands against us.

The Holy Spirit the sanctifier acting on the word, Jesus. -  We are sanctified, set apart for the righteousness of God dwells in our being; we are in the world but not a part of it.

“You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you.” John 15: 3, 4.

 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6: 20.

“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6: 11

*In the second part of this verse "as we forgive those who sin against us." 
Jesus asks us to forgive those things were other people have offended or hurt us. Jesus does not want his church to condemn people and bring them under judgement and punishment.

*Moses was a judge among the people of Israel. The people brought their disputes to him for his judgement believing that God would speak through him.

The Jews expected Jesus to be like Moses, but he did not judge people: when the two brothers came to Jesus to settle their dispute over their inheritance. Jesus responded by saying, “Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?" Luke 12:13, 14.

The woman caught in adultery was not condemned by Jesus. He asked those who brought her before him asking him to make a judgment over her under the Law of Moses. Jesus’ response “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” John 8: 3-11.

4/ Lead us not into temptation.

The pictures on the board: The cockerel. The hen. The barren landscape. The open door.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that God will discipline us by gently showing and convicting us when we are not listening to his words.

God will test our faith as a result we strengthened and our faith increases.

*The temptation must have been very great to disobey Moses and God. The people of Israel were not to set foot beyond the designated area on the Mount Sinai.

5 Deliver us from evil.

On this board: The tank relating to war. The boat rescuing merchant seaman taken hostage at sea. Jesus praying for the lady bound for 18 years with the spirit of infirmity. The life changing experience of the cross and that’s expressed with the caterpillar being changed into a butterfly.

In our gospel reading the lady had been bound by Satan for 18 years and Jesus healed her releasing her from the spirit of infirmity.

The number 18 is mentioned twice in these verses 10 - 17.
The significance of the number 18

18 made up of 3 sixes 666.

666 are associated with Satan’s activities in the Bible.(see blog God the Mathematician) 

At the beginning of Chapter 13: 4 Jesus said, "Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worst offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." 18 people of Jerusalem who were killed when the tower fell on them, unless they repented 
The 18 who were killed when the tower fell on them, came under judgement because of Israel's sin. The fig tree that bore no fruit, again symbolized Israel's sin. The tree was given a reprieve for a year hoping that the gardener's tender loving care would help it to produce fruit  

In Jesus’ compassion he gave them the sign of Israel’s reprieve when he released the woman from Satan’s bondage with the spirit of infirmity. It also is prophetic of the restoration of Israel in the last days when Jesus returns. 

Applying Jesus’ victory over the devil and his activities.

The Lord’s Prayer has been used as a sword in releasing a person from Satan’s afflictions and bondage.

The power of forgiveness in bringing healing to soul and body, the prayer of deliverance from the spiritual activities in peoples’ lives and homes. Truly an amazing prayer.

6/ For the kingdom the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

This last sentence was added between 1^st and 2^nd Century. The church calls it the ‘Doxology’ a sentence of praise. The King James Bible includes this last sentence in Matthew 6: 13.

The pictures express worship and mission. People singing and praising God. A passport. A disciple in conversation with a man pointing the way to find Jesus.

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Everything on the board includes what the Church is about: worship, praise, healing and communicating the gospel so that people come to know Jesus by having faith in him.

 The churches praise in this Doxology re-enforces that the kingdom message, that there is great celebration in heaven over each person who accepts Jesus as their Saviour.

Good news

On Wednesday I heard from my sister who worships at a Pentecostal Church in Manchester that a revival has begun in South Wales. The outpouring began in April of this year in the  Victory Church, Cwmbran, Wales. 

The Messiah’s Secret – Treasure in Heaven 

Readings Hebrews 11: 1-3. Luke 12: 32 – 40

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12: 32- 34. NIV Bible

The congregation were in two teams each purse was opened as the questions were answered. The contents were either treasure that will be kept in heaven or moths (3) 

All the purses had sweets and gifts, the treasure purses had items from magazine cut outs relating to Christian ministry. The 3 purses with the moths had no magazine cut outs. In each purse a number of points scored and were added up to produce a winning team. 

The treasure are the things that we do willingly for others, we do for Jesus. These things will never fade and are kept safe in heaven.

Treasure Hunt (teaching the little ones to identify and the purpose behind these pieces of church furniture)

A picture was cut into four parts each part placed in connection with a question: 

Where do we read stories from the Bible? The Lectern (Eagle). Where babies are baptised - The Font. 

Where we receive Communion- Communion rail. 

Where the stories of Jesus are expounded - The Pulpit/reading desk. 

On the back of the four parts of the picture each had a gift.The picture was of Jesus.

Jesus the treasure of the kingdom of heaven.

Message 

We can do ‘face-time’ or skype people using technology, we can put the numbers in that connect us to a friend or relative to where they live on our planet and we see them on the screen of the phone where they are at that moment in time and have a conversation with them. It is amazing technology, we know how it works through satellite, wireless and cable.

God’s technology is to give us his kingdom not by just being linked or connected by prayer, but for his kingdom to be actually within us.

So how does it work? It works by faith, everybody has this element of creation faith. In this realm of faith there is a battle going on; it’s were people are searching to connect their faith to something. 

Some people experience the sense of having been in a place before and assume it’s a previous life, as a result they may turn and put their faith in re-incarnation. 

Some people believe in UFO’s or others may say I’ve seen a ghost so they turn to spiritualism. 

So the battle ground for people’s faith is in the world. The robber who steals a person’s faith is the devil, he will distract, confuse and lie, so that a person does not come to faith in Jesus.

Faith in Jesus

God has made it so that we are able to enter his kingdom now, and we enter through faith in Jesus. In the New Testament many of the people who came to Jesus to be healed were asked by Jesus did they have faith in him. The only requirement was to have faith in him.

The Bible says faith – is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11: 1. 

Faith is like: when we are poorly we go to the doctor, he examines us and prescribes the treatment for his diagnosis. 

We have gone to the doctor in faith having the assurance and conviction that he/she will give us the medicine that will make us better.

Faith to believe that in his love, Jesus bore our sins upon the cross and healed our broken relationship with God and as a result, the Lord our God has poured his love, the treasure of the kingdom of God into our hearts.   

Jesus said, “In that day you will know that I am in the Father, and you in me, and I in you.” 

“If a person loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14: 20, 23.     

The Holy Spirit of God’s kingdom acts on the words about Jesus, bringing into fruition Jesus’ abiding presence in the heart and mind as a result the Christian bears the fruit of his kingdom.  

After entering into the kingdom of God we become its’ Ambassadors with the mind of Christ and our behaviour following the Lord’s life and teaching.

“God the Father will glorify me, for he will take what is mine; and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said he will take what is mine and will declare it to you.” John 16: 14, 15. 

Isaiah wrote of the kingdom of God, having been given the knowledge of it through prophecy. "The wolf will lie down with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the yearling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox." Isaiah 11: 6, 7. 

The Kingdom of God is where compassion grows like trees and where flowers bear the fragrance of joy and their seeds of truth are scattered. Its’ pathways are of patience and peace and the atmosphere, the substance of it is completely made up of love. 

Fear and worry are not there in the kingdom, unless a window is opened to let them in, like the moth that ravages the clothes. Fear and worry eats away at our faith.

We remove the fear and the worry as we take our problems to Jesus and leave them at the foot of his empty cross, leaving them there. Trusting and believing that Jesus will help us. 

Faith without works is dead wrote the Lord's brother James. 

Two years ago, I must admit that I was anxious as to whether we were right in having a Mothers Union (M.U) bric - brac Stall on Rawtenstall Market. We were raising funds for the M.U Relief Fund and I was asking myself as Rossendale's M.U Deanery Leader were we living by faith? 

The day before the event, while I was sorting and pricing up the items these words that are in our reading popped into my mind, "Sell your possessions and give arms." I was relieved and delighted at the same time that the Lord had answered our prayers. We were doing it for the right reasons. 

Our hope is that our inheritance in Jesus is kept safe in heaven for us. 

Jesus gave us the example in his parable of the man who went to his friends house at midnight, getting him out of bed to supply him with a loaf of bread to feed his quests who had arrived unexpectly." His friend at first was not too pleased at being disturbed, but he gave his friend the loaf. Luke 11: 5-8 

Some of he things that will last for eternity, the list is endless: When we have responded to our neigbour's need: the emergency and the errands etc. The times when we have prayed for their family and friends. The opportunities to tell them about Jesus. 

The Treasure that is stored in heaven.

There is an old saying, “You brought nothing into the world, and you can’t take anything out.” We can’t take our money or possessions with us when we die, but what we have in Jesus, we did not have it when we were born.

What we have in Jesus, we take with us when the Lord calls us home. It’s the treasure of the kingdom of God, the abiding presence of Jesus, the love of God in our hearts, his kingdom on the earth as it is in heaven. 

Judgment Seat of Christ. 

After the Lord calls out his church and we come before him for rewards, not punishment. The treasure that will never fade away will be a blessing to us: like the drink given to quench some one's thirst, the words of comfort when we ministered to a person in their time of suffering. Corinthians 3: 13.                          

Making a purse.  

A piece of cardboard cut out in the shape of a purse 16 inches / 10 inches. Two pieces of material cut slightly larger than the cardboard. Sew the two pieces of material together leaving the top opening and one side unstitched to allow cardboard to fit inside. Place the cardboard inside. Stitch up the side. Using a strip of foil glue it to the top opening.  

Another piece of foil to make the clasp into a small diamond shape. Decorate with bows and ribbon, cut out and glue on to purse 'Hello Kitty' and 'Wally.' Pictures of moths and treasure boxes with words: love , joy and peace inside the lids.                                      

The purses were attached with split pins to a large (recycled) cardboard sheet covered with lining paper, and a blob of glue on the back of the cardboard to keep it the pin in place.