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Tuesday 21 June 2016

Referendum

REFERENDUM
An exercise of heart caused me to telephone a brother to enquire as to how his wife was feeling having undergone an operation and therapy for cancer. I have know him for over 45 years and assisted him in open-air preaching, distributing tracts etc. for many of those years.
Having heard directly from his wife I was able to speak with him too. We talked about a number of spiritual things and our current service for the Lord and our experiencing fellowship with the saints.
Suddenly and unexpectedly he asked me regarding my "vote" in the imminent referendum. He has always liked being humorous and I really thought he  was jesting. But he was absolutely serious and I was astonished. He had "always voted," and his experience among "Brethren" had influenced his decision as they taught it to be "their democratic right," and the vast majority of them voted!
I am fully aware that teaching regarding these things is almost unheard of today, but I can barely take in the thought of previous generations teaching such blatant error!
Can any "brother" provide information as to this practice? Was it generally "received" that dabbling in the politics of men was not only a Right," but a duty for the Lords' heavenly people?
Endeavouring to "prevent" what may "appear" to be in the prophetic Word, no matter how persuasive or plausible this argument may seem, is contrary to the Scriptures and thus the mind of God!
We are exhorted to pray for those in authority over us, remembering that the powers that be are ordained of God! We must realise that His will MUST be done, and He needs no help from us to accomplish it! 
Once again I am distraught at the ignorance of professing believers, both in the denominations and the Assemblies, alike. And frustrated that teaching on these things is non-existent or wilfully ignored or rejected.
It nevertheless quietens my fears, and banishes my disappointments, to know that God rules in the Kingdoms and affairs of men; He is STILL on the Throne!


Friday 3 June 2016

Mercy

MERCY
Mercy, or loving-kindness, appear to be entwined together and all Gods' believing people will have experienced and enjoyed this precious attribute of a Saviour-God.
I simply want to testify concerning His mercy toward me. Having come under chastisement as a son, I cried out to Him taking up something of the sentiments of Hezekiah when he knew he was to die.
I too stood on the brink of eternity, eleven years ago today! My Consultant had described my condition as a "walking time-bomb!" I desperately needed a triple heart-bypass operation. A terrifying prospect, I cast myself upon the mercy of my God and implored Him for the sake of the Name of His lovely Son that He would bring me safely through the procedure. HE DID!
I have enjoyed quite good health ever since, and not a single pain or complication connected with my previous condition. Not only have these precious blessings been vouchsafed to me, but He has helped me to view more fully, all things in the light of eternity, to see them somewhat as He does; and He has permitted me to serve Him, though falteringly, ever since.
"For Thy mercy (loving-kindness) is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds;" "For great is Thy mercy (loving-kindness) toward me;" 
"Mercy glories over judgement;" "Ye have....seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is full of tender compassion (tender mercy) and pitiful."
Psalm 57:10 & Psalm 86:13; James 2:13; 5:11.
I allow the Scriptures of truth, Old and New Testaments alike, to speak for themselves, and thereby for Him!