Run to the Father

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by Luke KincaidToday I am sharing a song with you that I have been listening for quite some time now. It is entitled "Run to the Father" by Cody Carnes. I love the truth contained in the lyrics and the reminder that I think many of us need to hear today. Whenever we find ourselves goin through a troubled or trying time we should run to God the Father instead of away from Him because He is where our safety is. He is the source of the grace we need. He is where we find true life. So run to the Father today as you read through these lyrics or sing along if you are able to follow the link to YouTube:https://youtu.be/HcpeLDp0FooI've carried a burden for too long on my ownI wasn't created to bear it aloneI hear Your invitationTo let it all goI see it nowI'm laying it downAnd I know that I need YouI run to the FatherI fall into graceI'm done with the hidingNo reason to waitMy heart needs a surgeonMy soul needs a friendSo I'll run to the FatherAgain and again and again and again You saw my conditionHad a plan from the startYour Son for redemptionThe price for my heartAnd I don't have a contextFor that kind of loveI don't understandI can't comprehendAll I know is I need YouMy heart has been in Your sightsLong before my first breathRunning into Your armsIs running to life from deathAnd I feel this rush deep in my chestYour mercy is calling outJust as I am You pull me inAnd I know I need You now  Much love,Luke

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The Five Gospels

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by Calven Celliers I recently came across a quote by British evangelist Rodney “Gipsy” Smith who said that, “There are five Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Christian, but most people will never read the first four.” The Five Gospels – Matthew. Mark. Luke. John. YOU! Have you ever heard the slogan that the only Bible some people may ever read is you? This is a reminder to us as believers that we need to keep our behaviour beyond reproach since non-Christians will judge Christianity by the day-to-day lives of Christians. The idea is that people form their impressions of Christianity not just from what Christians say, but also by what Christians do and how Christians treat others. I have a confession, there’s a reason I’ve always been reluctant to put a fish symbol on the back of my car. Come to think of it, do people even do that anymore? There was a time when it was the ‘in thing’ in many Christian circles, but in all honesty, I hardly ever see fish symbols on Christians bumpers these days. The point, however, remains true. What if I go over the speed limit? What if I don’t always manage to merge gracefully into traffic? People will start to form a negative impression of all Christians. The pattern holds true whether it’s a Jesus fish on our bumper or a cross around our neck or even if someone just happens to know that we go to church. Once it’s known that we’re Christians, then we’re on the witness stand. The truth is that we are all role models. Each one of us is setting an example for someone. You can’t walk away from that reality.  The people you interact with, in your sphere of influence, are watching what you do.  And by your words and actions, you are influencing others. People will look at us as followers of Christ and make judgments about what Christians are all about. This can have negative consequences if we display bad behaviour, but it can also have profoundly positive ones too. “One must not overlook the stark reality that the way one’s life is lived out will determine the impact.” (Ravi Zacharias) In his letter to Titus, an early church leader and trusted companion, the apostle Paul wrote, “7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” (Titus 2:7NLT)  Paul clearly knew that a principle of ‘do as I do’ rather than ‘do as I say’ is a most effective way to train others in the things of God, and he advised this trusted colleague to present himself to his brothers and sisters in Christ, as a worthy pattern of the good behaviour and the godly conduct that should be the hallmark of every believer. The people you interact with each day aren’t walls.  What you say and do, doesn’t just bounce off them. We impact other…

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Avoiding Fear and Anxiety

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by John DoyleThese are days of fear and anxiety in many people's lives around the World. Lockdown and the affects of it has hit many lives and families. We do need to be reminded of the teaching of God’s Word concerning how we must handle Fear and Anxiety and be an example to others that maybe going through stressful times.God's word says "Anxiety in a mans heart weighs him down but a good man makes him glad, one who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor..." Proverbs 12:25 - 26 Photo by NAN STUDIO from FreeImages We know from life experiences that anxiety and worry change nothing. It's just another way the enemy tries to destroy our walk with the Lord and our relationships with others. He we are reminded again in Gods Word: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)What an amazing promise from God when we apply these Biblical principals to our lives!The teachings of Jesus to His Disciples on this very subject are so relevant to His people in these days in which we are living.Lets read this together: Luke 12: 22 - 26“Then Jesus said to his Disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do be anxious about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why are you anxious about the rest?’”The Apostle Paul found his strength in God in times of great trial and sufferings on his journey of faith. He reminds us "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 11:23-12:10)Based on this amazing word from the Apostle Paul we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6. Lets “…put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” Psalm 131:1If you are struggling with worry or anxiety at this time let me encourage you to spend some time in God's Word and His promise is the He will give "Peace of Heart". In the Love of the Lord Jesus, John and Barbara.

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