Philippians 2:20 (Amplified Bible) ~ For I have no one like him no one of so kindred a spirit, who will be so genuinely interested in your welfare and devoted to your interests. 

What a beautiful description of two people working together with one purpose for the things of the kingdom of God. The word “kindred” means someone having similar qualities; related by blood. Wow, now that is something to think about; having a kindred spirit, brought together with a different spirit, one of unity with the same interests, related by blood. We are all washed in the same blood, that precious blood of Jesus Christ, having the same goal, with the same vision, with spirit of unity in the Lord. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:7 to 9 (NIV), “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labour, for we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 

Here is something else to consider, the world uses a term to describe a close relationship between two people and they call it “soul mates.”  However, there is something stronger than a soul mate, for the term in itself has limitations, it only scratches the surface of true relationships and it only touches souls. But to have a spiritual relationship with someone and find a wife or husband who shares the same interests, who has the same goals, who wants to glorify God with their relationship is called being of “kindred spirit”; touching way past just the soul, for the soul is but temporary, while the things of the spirit are eternal. To be of a kindred spirit and having a passion to walk hand in hand, step-by-step, in unity before the Lord in serving Him together in the things of the Kingdom, is to have a kindred spirit, related by the blood of Jesus. Being born of the same seed is of far greater worth than to simply be a soul mate.    

My friend, oh, what it would be like to have someone of a kindred spirit to run the race with in Christ Jesus. The Bible says in Psalm 133:1 (KJV), “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” As we dwell together as kindred spirits, wanting to work together for the glory of God, then it is there the Lord commands the blessing. 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Luke 14:10 (KJV) Friend, go up higher to a better place. 

Go up higher to a better place,

Go up higher to a new place of blessings,

Go up higher to a new place of victory,

Go up higher to a new place of abundance,

Go up higher to a new place of glory,

Go up higher to new realms of faith,

Go up higher to soar to new heights,

Go up higher to be closer to Jesus. 

Listen to the words from the one who calls you his friend, ‘go up higher to a better place.’ His invitation for you is to move on up to a better place. There are realms of great faith, victory, and glory, of power, fire and passion in the Holy Spirit yet to be discovered, listen to His invitation to you today for our text in Luke 14:10 (KJV) Friend, go up higher a better place. 

His desire is to bless you and lift you up to better places than you have ever known before. His desire is for you to soar like the Eagle, with wind of the Holy Spirit beneath your wings lifting you higher, higher, and higher to a better place than where you are just now. 

My friend, oh may we have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to us today from Luke 14:10 (KJV) Friend, go up higher to a better place. 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Revelation 3:8 (KJV) ~ I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.  

I have been told many times, by several people, that when God closes one door He another opens. There can be doors of opportunities; doors that lead you from one place to another. It is interesting to note that God shut the door of the Ark in the time of Noah until it was the right time for the door of the Ark to be opened. Even if Noah had tried to open the door of the Ark it would not have happened until it was the right time to do so. If we are truly obedient to the Lord, if we are, in one sense, safe within the Ark of His will, then whatever door He shuts let us have the wisdom to submit to His will until He opens a new a door. God shuts a door for a reason, and He opens one at the right time. 

The Apostle Paul spoke about an open door in 2 Corinthians 2:12 (The Message), “When I arrived in Troas to proclaim the Message of the Messiah, I found the place wide open.”  God had opened the door, and all he had to do was walk through it. Also, the same term is used in Colossians 4:3 (NIV), “…and pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message”; an open door to walk through into a new area of fresh blessings, new beginnings, and of new opportunities to be an effective witness for the Lord. 

We can come before one door after another in our journey of faith, and life can be one door after another. The Bible says in Hosea 2:15 (KJV), “And I will give her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope.” In other words, He will open a door of hope in your valley of despair.   

His door is one which leads to a new beginning, a fresh start. For example, we come to Jesus Christ who is God’s front door of Salvation.  He is the Gate which we walk through and find Life. At Calvary God hung that door, with Jesus Christ on the lintel of a wooden cross, and used the nails as hinges. It is now up to each and every one of us to enter in through and by God’s front door of Salvation. It is the place we go to if we want to cross from death to life. Just as there is only one door to our heart, so there is only one door to the heart of God and that is where we find Jesus Christ. If we knock on the door of His heart, it will be opened unto us. It is there we enter in and are saved. It is there we find fresh (heavenly) pasture, through Jesus Christ, God’s front door.  

My friend, we can push and shove with all our might against a door hoping it will open for us, but if we are fully trusting in the Lord and we will allow Him to open the doors which need to be opened and close those which are not the right ones for us, we will find peace. For our text for today says in Revelation 3:8 (KJV), “I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” Let us, this day, trust God to open the right doors for us, albeit with the right employment opportunity, or an opportunity to spread the gospel and engage in the work of the ministry. Let us walk through every open door God has for us, knowing that His protection, provision, peace and power will be with us with every step we take. Let us fully trust Him, for it truly is God who opens the right door for us at the right time. 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

With Kurbaan success, once again Karan Johar has proved that, he is the movie maker with golden hand.  This year he received two super hits Wake Up Sid and Kurbaan. Last year also he has bagged the block buster hit Dostana.

This things raising hopes in Shahrukh Khan fans. Because Shahrukh Khan and Karan Johar are working together for the movie  My Name Is Khan. In recent past there is no movie form Shahrukh Khan which can has the caliber to set new records at Box Office.

Now all the hopes are on My Name Is Khan only. Karan Johar has spent huge amount on this movie. Kajol is playing the female lead after long gap.

Colossians 3:9 to 10 (NIV) ~ Since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 

Can you picture this verse coming alive before you? Can you imagine that you have been out rolling around in the muck, you are covered in dirt, and then you take off all your filthy rages and put on new white garments that are clean and spotless? The Bible says in Ephesians 4:22 to 24 (NIV), “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” 

Not once, but twice in the Scripture, this descriptive phase is used, “Put on the new self,” the new Christ-centred attitudes and characteristics. Cast away your old rags and clothe yourself in and with Christ Jesus.  When you come to Christ Jesus you are a new creation, for the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 

My friend, God is calling you to take off the old and put on the new, to exchange your filthy rages for royal robes you don’t deserve, but by His grace, mercy and love He wants to give them to you. So take off your old self and put on the new in Jesus, and be made new in every area of your life as you clothe yourself in Christ Jesus. 

In the words of an old gospel song:

The windows of heaven are open; the blessings are falling tonight,
There’s joy, joy, joy in my heart, for Jesus made everything right
I gave Him my old tattered garment; He gave me a robe of pure white
I’m feasting on manna from heaven, and that’s why I’m happy tonight. 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

До Нового года осталось 39 дней 9 часов и 38 минут, так что мы еще успеем подготовиться. Например, никто не помешает нам сделать своими руками вот таких снеговиков и бутылочки со звездочками из проволоки. Вот здесь понятно описано, как именно. Ну а если руки растут из других мест, всегда можно ограничиться наклеиванием снежинок на окна или, на худой конец, фигурным раскладыванием цитрусовых по всей квартире.

The first Christmas card of 2009 fell on to our doormat this morning.  The very kind sender was very considerately wishing our family a “Very Merry Christmas” and a “Happy New Year”.  I’m not being ungrateful, really I’m not, but I’ve filed it.  Until it becomes relevant.

Well, I can hardly put it up on the window sill, now can I?  It’s November 21^st for God’s sake.

I’m still in late summer / early autumn mode if I’m honest.  You know – fluffy socks some days, bare feet on others.  And winter’s not officially with us until December 21^st.

For me, Christmas should begin one week before and last until January 2^nd, maximum.  My friends keep asking, “Are you all sorted for Christmas?” No, actually, I’m not, and I’m not going to be for a while yet.  I’ll get sorted for Christmas, when it’s Christmas.

Bah humbug?  No, definitely not.  Christmas is a wonderful time of year.  But should it take up weeks and weeks beforehand?   No!  I’m really busy with other more important things.

In my view those lovely well-wishing people who send Christmas cards in November clearly do not have enough going on in their lives.  Christmas starts on 18^th December and not before.

Signed:  Busy, grumpy, midlife writer

P.S. Have to say, though, I did come across this whilst writing the post.  I absolutely love it because it’s light-hearted, bright and happy.  Think I’ll send something similar this year (but not until 18th!).

Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) ~ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. 

In a day when so many wives feel neglected, unwanted, unappreciated and taken for granted, God is speaking to husbands to rise up and love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:22 (NIV), “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the LORD.” A covenant wife is one who understands the value and importance of loving her husband just as the husband loves his wife. A covenant marriage is one in which both a husband and wife work through everything together in prayer. They are always there for each other, taking the time to listen and pay attention to what each other is saying. They believe in each other, encourage each other, and respect each other, and they never disrespect one another in public or in private. As a result, there will be nothing that will hinder your prayers and His peace rules your heart.

The husband is the head of the family and the spiritual priest who spends time in prayer for his wife and family. He cherishes his wife, feeds her, esteems her, respects her, appreciates her, never takes her for granted, builds her up in the most holy faith and like a Boaz, covers her in prayer and protects her. 

I love story about the young man on the night before he was going to get married who was given a gift from his father who was married to his mother for over forty-five years and was still loving her with everything he had. What his father gave him was a watch, but on the face of the watch there was a message engraved that said, “Say something nice to Sarah.” Husbands take the time to say something nice to your wife today; wives say something nice to your husband today as well. 

The Bible says that a woman’s true beauty is not caught up with material things 1 Peter 3:4 (NIV), “Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Gentlemen, your wife is gift from God, and ladies, your husband is a gift from God. Even though a husband is the head of the family, this position should never be one which is used to gain, or win a disagreement, or to be manipulative or controlling, which is not of God. Likewise, a woman should not have the same negative attitudes towards her husband. The Bible says in Colossians 3:19 (NIV), “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” Love them as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Wives, in turn, will respond to being appreciated and cherished. As a result, they willing submit to their husband as fitting in the Lord, knowing him to be a godly man who loves her with all his heart, for when you love someone with all your heart, you want to do your best for them, blessing them and being a blessing to them as a godly husband. 

The responsibility for a husband is one that should not be taken lightly, for a husband is held accountable before the Lord for the way he treats his wife and his family, for she is his wife, and not merely a wife, but the wife of his covenant marriage before the Lord. I believe it is time for men to be men, but in order for that to happen, women must respect their husband’s position within the covenant marriage, so they can rise up and be the leader God calls them to be. 

My friend, when a man treats a woman as the Bible says in Ephesians 5:25 (NIV), “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,” and when a woman responds to her husband’s Christ-centred attitude, his love and Kingdom living, then something special happens, they both begin to live in and enjoy the blessings of a covenant marriage the way God has intended and ordained for them.    

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Matthew 22:32 (KJV) ~ “…‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’ God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” 

Oh, how I love the phrase, “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” He is our ELOHIM ADONAI, our everlasting God. From one generation to another He is God. “Great is Thy faithfulness O God, my Father; there is no shadow of turning with Thee.  All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me.” 

This same God who made a covenant with Abraham and sealed it with blood as He walked through it as smoking brazier with a blazing torch, is the same GOD who brought the people out of Egypt with a display of His awesome power, who parted the sea so the people walk across on dry land to the Promised Land. He is the same God who, time and time again, throughout the Old Testament, showed Himself strong and mighty to save for His people. He is the same God who bared His holy arm with great and mighty works and delivered His people who called upon His name. He is the same God who showed His power to heal, raise the dead and conquer death, hell and grave, through His Son Jesus Christ. He is the same God who gives gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His will. He is the same God who gives you His ZOE life through Jesus Christ, and this great God, who is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is our God!

He loves to display His glory in our lives, for He is a living, powerful, awesome God. He is from everlasting to everlasting. He is not a God of past miracles, but a God who is living to do miracles right now, for He has saved the best till now! He is the God of the NOW; here and now He is a living, all-powerful EL SHADDAI. 

My friend, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our God. He is not only omniscient, not only omnipresent, but also omnipotent. Every manifestation of His awesome power and glory in the Scriptures can testify of His love for us. Just as every person in the Bible turned to the Lord and received a miracle for their lives, so we can do the same, for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our God, the God of the living, to display His power from one generation to another.

The cry of my heart today is, “Oh, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, my God, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds; O Lord renew them in my day, in my time make them known. For you are the God of the living, let this generation live in the manifestation Your great power and glory.”

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Shahrukh Khan and Farah Khan were acted together for the movies Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om. Both the movies bagged huge hits and broken the Box Office records. Many days back only they have announced their next flick.

But till date it hasn’t hit the sets. Shahrukh Khan has postponed Farah Khan’s movie and committed for other movies. now Farah Khan is planning her next movie with Akshay Kumar. According to the news from the Bollywood circles, Tees Maar Khan is the title for Farah and Akki’s movie.

Already Aditya Chopra has replaced SRK with Ranbir Kapoor now Farah. At least now SRK has to wake up.

John 20:16 (NIV) ~ Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

Oh, how sweetly does He call your name.

Here in the garden Mary is looking for Jesus. She could have walked right passed Him; her eyes were on other things rather than looking to see who it was that stood right in front of her. She could have continued to look and not find Him, until Jesus spoke to her in one word. All it took was just one word and everything changed. All it takes is just one word from Jesus and everything changes. The Bible says in John 20:16 (NIV), “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’” All at once, her heart knew it was Jesus the Messiah who was calling her name.

Everyone Jesus has ever called He calls by name. Oh, what a comfort to know Jesus knows your name.

At once, Mary turned towards Him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” which means teacher. There once was a time when your eyes never looked towards Him until He called your name, and then all at once, you turned to Jesus and saw Him as your Messiah, Teacher and Lord. When you hear His sweet, gentle voice lovingly call your name, all at once there is rest for your soul, all at once there is peace in your heart; all at once you are saved.

My friend, can you hear Jesus calling your name today? Perhaps today you are looking to find the Christ of Calvary, wherever you are right now, cry out to Jesus and as you do so, you will hear the blessed Saviour calling your name.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Psalm 145:13 (NIV) ~ The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. 

The Lord is faithful to all His promises. 

Here you have a cast iron guarantee from the word of God; the Lord is faithful to all his promises. His promise is a promise you can depend upon. You can reply and lean on His promise with all your might, with the full assurance that He is faithful to all His promises. In fact, if you look back into the Old Testament in Joshua 21:45 (NIV), Joshua tells all who are listening, his words echo with an absolute truth and power in God through the corridors of time, and even today they shake the very earth which we stand on with their overwhelming, awesome substance and filled with a power-packed faith and carried on the very authenticity of the integrity and character of God, “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.” He is a covenant keeping God, who is faithful to all His promises. 

His covenant is a covenant of love towards all He has made; a covenant of promise; a promise which resounds through the very Universe with this amazing theme, “God is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all he has made.” Every star, every planet, every celestial, heavenly angel, from everything that God has made, from every mountain top, every valley, every plant, every bird of the air, every fish of the sea, every creature which lives on the earth, from every plant, to everything that has the breath of life in it, can testify and join together in a beautiful symphony sung in one accord, “The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.” 

My friend, what an amazing Scripture to encourage our hearts with, and build us up for the day ahead, from our text for today in Psalm 145:13 (NIV), “The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.” 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV) ~ For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. 

In 1955, an actor named James Dean played the part of “Jim Stark” in the film called, Rebel Without A Cause. While it was a brilliant portrayal of the changing times within a society and the conflicting attitudes of different generations, the title arrested your attention. For even today many live as rebels without a cause. They rebel against any kind of authority whatsoever, refusing to accept responsibility or accountability of any sorts. But most of all, they rebel against God, refusing to accept His ways. 

In the UK, a civil order (ASBO) may be made against a person who has engaged in anti-social behaviour. In today’s society, some actually revel in anti-social behaviour to the point they wear any ASBO (anti-social behaviour order) like some sort of sick badge of honour.  

To be a rebel without a cause is to press the self-destruct button, having no respect for anything or anyone, allowing anarchy reign. In one sense, you raise a clenched fist up to God and say to Him, “I will not obey you, nor will I follow your ways, or accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, I will do things my way!” But the Bible warns us in 1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV), “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 

The alarming thing is that one day people who take such an approach and refuse to bow the knee to Jesus Christ in this lifetime, who do not repent and ask God for His forgiveness, will have to bow the knee before Him at the Judgment seat, where their pleading for forgiveness will be fruitless. 

If you want to be a rebel, then rebel against the enemy of souls and do the will of God.  Be a rebel with a cause against the tide of opinion of those who want nothing to do with God. Be a rebel with a cause, rebelling against all that is evil and fight the good fight of faith. Submit willingly to the Lord, with hands raised and hearts surrendered. Stand firm in Him, with integrity and honour before the Lord.

My friend, when you rebel against God, you in essence, turn your back on Him. Turn your negative rebellious attitudes over to the Lord and let Him give you a new beginning and fill you with a positive Christ-centered life.The Bible says Acts 3:19 (NIV), “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Repent, do a complete turnaround from the direction in which you have been going, and go the other way. The Bible also says in Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV), “This is what the LORD says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Only in Jesus will you find peace, joy, rest, order, a cause worth living for and a home in heaven to look forward to.

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Matthew 6:26 (NIV) ~ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 

To God you are a priceless masterpiece, a trophy of grace, a beautiful vessel made by the potter’s hand, woven by the very finger of God. God loves you because you’re so valuable to Him.  

Note if you will the wording from Matthew 6:26 (NIV), “…yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” God cares for all of His creation, but He gives special attention to you. If God cares for, and feeds, the birds of the air, how much more will He care for you and want to bless you? God wants to look after you, because to Him you’re valuable and so precious beyond words. You are a matchless beauty beyond compare and He loves you and wants to pour out His blessings for you over your life because you’re worth it.  

My friend, let our text for today lift up your spirit and cheer your heart from Matthew 6:26 (NIV), “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” How much more valuable? Much more than you could ever think of, or ever imagine, because He loves you so, so much. 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Acts 2:2 (NIV) ~ Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

The word “suddenly” is a very powerful one. In total, it is mentioned 45 times in the Bible. Three of the ways the word is used are as follows: first, in Hebrew ‘pitom’ is mentioned 12 times meaning, all at once, in an instant, by surprise, so quickly, unexpectedly. Then in Greek ‘exaiphnes’ is mentioned 5 times, meaning, unexpectedly and lastly, ‘aphno’  is used 3 times meaning, suddenly like a rushing wind. 

Oh, for God to breakthrough suddenly in answer to prayer! Oh, for a “suddenly moment” to happen. What a tremendous blessing it would be, if we have been praying for something to happen, when suddenly God brought the answer. 

He can heal suddenly.

He can move suddenly.

He can deliver suddenly.

He can bring the breakthrough suddenly.

He can bless you suddenly.

He can provide suddenly.

He can save suddenly. 

Suddenly, He can make a way where there seems to be no way, in an instant, so quickly, all at once, by surprise, God can move suddenly. Oh, for more “suddenly moments” from God! 

My friend, in our text for today, the disciples were gathered together in one place to pray, when, as the Bible says in Acts 2:2 (NIV), “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” Suddenly, everything changed, as the Holy Spirit came as tongues of fire and rested on each of them. 

Oh Lord, take us by surprise, bring a revival suddenly, let Your fire fall suddenly and fill our earthen vessels afresh with the Holy Spirit. Oh Lord, move suddenly when we least expect it, take us by surprise Lord, and have your way, do something way beyond our hopes and dreams and move suddenly with something new in our lives. 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Kajol who is lucky partner of Shahrukh Khan has paired once again opposite him for the movie My Name Is Khan. My Name Is Khan is ready to hit the screens by February 2010. Karan Johar is confident about this movie, he is thinking that, this movie will break all the records in Bollywood.

Kajol has spoken recently about this movie. She said that, like the previous movies Like DDLJ, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai which featured SRK and Kajol, this movie also becomes a Block Buster hit. She refused to speak much about her character, but has shown lot of excitement while speaking about this movie.

Psalm 103:1 (NIV) ~ Praise the Lord, O my soul. 

Six times in the book of psalms you can read this exact phrase, “Praise the Lord, O my soul.” It can be found in Psalm 103:1, 103:2, 103:22, 104:1, 104:35 and 146:1. The word “praise” in the Hebrew language has many meanings, all with different responses. Here below are those which are listed relating to the theme from our text for today from Psalm 103:1(NIV), “Praise the Lord, O my soul.” 

Exodus 15:2 (NIV), “He is my God and I will praise Him.”

(All numbers from the Zondervan NIV exhaustive concordance)

5658 ’nawa’ to praise. 

Deuteronomy 32:3 (NIV), “Oh, praise the greatness of our God.”

2035 ‘hab‘ come, give, ascribe, bring praise to God. 

2 Chronicles 30:21 (NIV), “…By the Lord’s instruments of praise.”

6437 ‘oz‘ vigorously praise, stout-hearted. 

Psalm 7:17 (NIV), “Sing praise to the Lord.”                

2376 ‘zaman‘  to sing, sing praises, to make music, to chant, to sing, to play instrument to worship God. 

Psalm 9:1 (NIV), “I will praise you, O Lord.” 

3344 ‘yada‘ to express praise, to extol, to make a public confession, to lead in thanksgiving, brings praise. 

Psalm16: 7 (NIV), “I will praise the Lord.”

1385 ‘barak‘ to bless, pronounce blessings, give praise. 

Psalm 18:3 (NIV), “I will call to the Lord who is worthy of praise.”

2146 ‘halal‘ to make one’s boast in the name of God, hallelujah, to cheer, bring praise; to sing wedding songs, congratulate, to speak words invoking divine favour. 

Psalm 22:3 (NIV), “You are the praise of Israel.”  

9335 ‘thilla‘ proclaiming the excellence of a person, praiseworthy deeds, theme of praise. 

Psalm 26:7 (NIV), “Proclaiming aloud your praise.” 

9343 ‘toda‘ thank offering, thanksgiving, an expressing of thanksgiving, choirs that give thanks. 

Psalm 47:7 (NIV), “Sing unto him a psalm of praise.” 

5380 ‘maskil’ psalm of wisdom and praise unto the Lord. 

Psalm 66:17 (NIV), “His praise was on my tongue.”  

8128 ‘romam‘ praise in exaltation.  

My friend, whether you lay down prostrate before the Lord, or you are standing with hands raised is sweet surrender, or bowed down on your knees before your King, or dancing with spontaneous joy, shouting out with victorious words, making a joyful noise, bursting out, bubbling over or even flowing with extravagant worship, let it all be done under the banner of praise unto the Lord. 

In our text for today, David speaks to his soul, He is speaking words to raise his spiritual temperature, he encourages himself in the Lord, he motivates his soul into worshipping the Lord. The Bible says in Psalm 103:1(NIV), “Praise the Lord, O my soul.” May we all say a hardy “Amen”, in response to David’s example and may we say to ourselves, “Praise the Lord, O my soul.” 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Colossians 3:16 (NIV) ~ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 

Let the word of God dwell in you richly. 

The KJV Bible says this in Colossians 3:16 “Sing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  As we water, feed and nourish the seed of God’s word in us, it will grow in our hearts and burst forth with a song of His saving grace. Invest your time in the word of God, never let it depart from your lips, meditate on it day and night and be careful to do all that is says. First thing in the morning, soak yourselves in His word before you leave the house, or get up to face the fresh challenges of a new day. Then, as you rest on your bed at night, fill your mind with His word before you sleep. Let His word dwell in your richly. Never be content with just a few verses of Scripture, but always want more of God, always look for more, and always be filled with a holy hunger for His word, and with a zeal for the absolute truth of His word, dwelling in you richly. 

Let His word be like the very air that you breathe. Let the sheer fabric of your spirit, body and soul be so passionate for more of the Word of God, that it consumes you to know more of His Majesty, love and power and make it known to others. Let the wealth of His word grow within the bank of your heart with an increasing daily interest. Invest in His word in your life and you will reap a very rich reward. 

My friend, when we let His word dwell within us richly, we allow His Holy Spirit to develop a more Christ-like character within us. As we let the word of Christ dwell within us richly, we allow the Master Potter to shape us by His hands and we allow His word to work in our lives to help us lead a more Christ-centred lifestyle. As we spend more time in God’s word, we will find that change will happen within us, a radical change which causes us to want to do more things for the Lord. It will help us be more bold and stout-hearted, and it will encourage and strengthen us, and build us up in the most holy faith. If you really want to know someone, then spend your time learning about them; spend more time in their company. If you want to know more of Jesus Christ, then spend more time getting to know Him through prayer, and let His word dwell in your richly. 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) ~ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

The word “whatever” is used six times in this one verse, and then we find it again in verse nine. They are as follows:

1. Whatever is true
2. Whatever is noble
3. Whatever is right
4. Whatever is pure
5. Whatever is lovely
6. Whatever is admirable
7. Whatever you have learned

The Greek word for “whatever” is hosos, meaning how great; how much and everything. The word “whatever” is not used in a dismissive or arrogant manner. Moreover, it is used to draw attention to the leading statements, “whatever is…”, and “whatever you have learned.” Therefore, we can see that though the world has tried to hijack the word “whatever” and use it with a negative connotation, God has used it in a positive way. 

The apostle Paul goes on to use the word “whatever” like a jewel in a crown in these two verses of Scripture, to highlight a glorious principle of Kingdom living. The Bible says in Philippians 4:9 (NIV), “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Notice if you will, the four things Paul puts emphasizes:

1. Learned
2. Received
3. Heard
4. Or seen in me

In other words, Paul is saying, “Whatever Christ-like attributes, whatever fruit of the Holy Spirit, whatever Godly lifestyle has been in any way reflected in my life, imitate and put into practice.” 

My friend, the word “whatever” is one which will cause us to stop and focus our attention on the next word or action. The Apostle Paul, in our text for today, is asking us a leading question, with the word “whatever”. Paul does not elaborate on the attributes or qualities that we are to put into practice, rather, he mentions them only briefly, thereby drawing us, enticing us, as it were, to take a closer look and examine them, and then work them into our own lives. Whatever is found within Jesus Christ can be found in everyone one of Paul’s statements. Furthermore, he then goes on to say in Philippians 4:9 (NIV), “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” When we think upon Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, His peace will guard our hearts and minds, which will promote a more Christ-centered life. 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

James 4:8 (Darby Translation) ~ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Oh, what a glorious promise from God to start our day with, from James 4:8 (Darby Translation), “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Take time to be near the Master; draw near to Him. Put aside the troubles of your day and draw near to God. From first thing in the morning, to midday, to evening, till the twilight of the night, draw near to God. For in His Presence is pardon, peace and power. As you draw near to God you will enjoy His sweet fellowship, comfort and strength.  

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. 

Someone once said, “We are only as close to God as we want to be.” For as we draw near to Him we are convicted of sin and challenged to live a holy life before a Holy powerful God. Oh, how awesome is His Name! Oh, how we marvel at His saving grace. How majestic are His mercies and how caring is His compassion? As we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. As we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth, as we obey His word, as we desire to dwell under the shadow of His wings, He will draw near to us. 

My friend, let us develop a closer walk with the Master and let the cry of our heart be expressed in the words of this old gospel song:

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. 

How do we develop a closer walk with Jesus? By prayer, reading our Bibles and doing His will. Some people want to get closer to Jesus just to receive a miracle, but when you get closer to Jesus to know Him more, you can have a miracle every day. When you get closer to Jesus everything is going to be alright. So let us put aside all which would hinder us from growing in God and let us obey His word with a willing heart, led gently by the Holy Spirit from our text for today in James 4:8 (Darby Translation), “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

1 Corinthians 1:1 (The Message) ~ I send this letter to you in God’s church at Corinth, believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life.  

Notice if you will, the statement by the apostle Paul from our text for today, “…believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life.” The history books will tell you about Corinth in the time of the apostle Paul. It was a cesspool of iniquity, a den of thieves and robbers, male and female prostitutes. It was a place where homosexuals and lesbians openly paraded their lifestyle, while corrupt people took bribes and looked the other way for a fair price. There were drug dealers, pimps and people who preyed on young children. Exploitation and acts of violence and many other things went on, some too terrible to mention.

Corinth was an ungodly place to live in. Yet God wanted to save all of them, because of His great love towards them. He hated the sin, but loved the sinner. So it all began in prayer, then God broke through in a revival. Such was the effect of the move of God that many of those who lived such lifestyles, as previously mentioned, turned to God and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.   

If God can do it in Corinth, He can do it anywhere. For nothing is impossible with God. No city is too hard, no sinner is too far gone that God cannot save! If God can do it in Corinth, He can do it anywhere!  

My friend, all over this world there are modern day cites just like Corinth; cities crying out for a miracle, crying out for help. The Bible says in Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV), “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.”

If God can do it in Corinth, He can do it anywhere. There is nothing to difficult for the Lord. Oh, the bliss of a life radically changed by the powerful saving grace of Jesus Christ. Here is the testimony from the apostle Paul about those who were saved in Corinth; it could quite easily be from our home village, our hometown or our city: 1 Corinthians 1:1 (The Message), “I send this letter to you in God’s church at Corinth, believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a God-filled life.” Cleaned, washed by the blood of Jesus Christ and set apart for a God-filled life, hallelujah! 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.

2 Samuel 23:10 (NIV) ~ But he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. 

When the hearts of normal men fail, the hearts of the men of God rise up and gain the victory. This passage of scripture tells the story of one of David’s mighty men called Eleazar son of Dodai, whose name means, “Beloved, God is a help.” While the hearts of some of the so-called fighting men within the army of Israel turned away in the heat of the fight, Eleazar son of Dodai, stood his ground. Great men of God lead by example. The Armour of God is for going forward, whenever we stand our ground we are the victor. It is only when we turn our back we become a victim. 

These few words captivate my imagination: “His hand grew tired and froze to the sword.”  Many people could debate that it was cramp in his hand which caused this to happen, but I hold a different view. Even though his hand grew tired, his sword “grafted” into his hand and became an extension to his body, it became, in essence, a part of him. This runs parallel with the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. It should become grafted into the very DNA and fabric of our spiritual lives. When we wield the sword of the Spirit, the Word of the Living God, no matter how long may the battle last or how tiresome the fight, as long as we stand firm in Christ Jesus, fully trusting in Him, God will bring about a great victory. 

Furthermore, what a glorious truth to discover: when we are at our weakest, God will show Himself strong on our behalf. Our weakness is turned into His strength, as we trust in Him to strengthen us in the heat of the battle when we become battle weary. The Bible says in Zechariah 4:6 (NIV), “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” 

My friend, imagine if you will, it was the Spirit of the Living GOD that caused the sword to stick to his hand like glue, never giving up, keeping on in the fight until, as the Bible says in 2 Samuel 23:10 (NIV), “The LORD brought about a great victory that day.” Great victory and great faith inspires others to do the same. Note if you will in 2 Samuel 32:12 (NIV), “But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.”

Let us draw strength and encouragement from our text for today in 2 Samuel 23:10 (NIV), “But he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day.” No matter how tried we become, may His sword stay grafted, frozen, glued and held tight to our hand as an extension to his body, and keep us going as we take our stand in the Lord and gain a great victory over the enemy. For beloved, God is our help!

 God bless you my friend, Matthew.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) ~ To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. 

Autumn, or the fall season as it is known in some parts of the world, is one of the four seasons which God spoke about in Genesis 8:22 (KJV): “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” As the leaves on the trees turn all sorts of colours, from brown, to copper, green and red, until they fall off the branches of the trees. From the fall season comes the winter, then springtime and summer. Just as God ordained the seasons of the Earth, each season bring with it different characteristics. Likewise, there can also be seasons of the soul which every one of us goes through in life.

There can be seasons of fruitfulness, abundance and blessing in the spring and summer times of our lives, and there can also be autumn and winter times. We can experience a season in a certain area of employment, or a certain place where we stay.  We might experience certain times of blessing and abundance and certain times of winter when things appear to be dead. You can experience a season of fresh raindrops of blessing from heaven, which pour incessantly from above, for example, a season of new heights in the Lord for ministry. There can be seasons of contentment, times of unfruitfulness, or times of springtime and seasons of new beginnings with the buds of a new life, a new direction and new adventure in God. With all these seasons we can experience maturity, growth and the beauty of a new season in our lives. 

We may go through something which we cannot understand, nor comprehend, during which we face a season of wilderness, dryness or barrenness, or even a season where we asked God, “Why is this happening to me? God where are you in this?” The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV), “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” I have walked with the Lord for over twenty years and I have come to know that He is a faithful God.

John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, a “season”, as it were, until the time was right for him to be voice in the desert for the Lord.

Even friendships and can have seasons. Seasons in our lives may come and go, but the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. 

My friend, you may be going through what feels like a winter season in your life, but be of good cheer, your springtime is coming; your summer is just around the corner. The joy of a new beginning, the fresh shoots of a new hope, will bring forth a rich harvest of blessing for your life. 

God bless you my friend, Matthew.