2 Chronicles 16:9

APPLES OF GOD’S EYE

(October 28, 2023) Robert McQuillan shares most sincerely…

Currently the eyes of the world are on the Middle East, especially Israel. There are fears that has happened, is happening, will spread involving several countries in war. Even nations endeavouring to support disadvantaged trapped victims with supply of badly needed food, water and medical supplies – or to fly people home – could become entrapped in whatever happens next.

The unfolding crisis has affected nations globally – for example here in Australia we’ve had protest rallies, a ‘significant contingent’ of troops and two aircraft being dispatched to the Middle East, increased fuel prices, cost of living threatened. In short, many people are looking for answers.

More importantly, souls everywhere need to discover Jesus, the coming king of peace and comfort who has all the answers, primarily salvation!

God can be trusted
Without sounding superspiritual, some weeks back I was reminded of David’s Psalm 122:6 that calls for prayer regarding Jerusalem… and I did so, including all Israel, in my general daily prayers. Now, like so many others, I too am deeply saddened by what has been happening in the Middle East.

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LEANING INTO LENT

(March 09, 2023) Dr Jim McClure shares… 

We are very familiar with the festivals of Christmas, Good Friday and Easter that are commemorated each year.  In fact they are so popular that the secular and commercial world has largely taken over Christmas and Easter as holidays rather than ‘holy days.’

Even so, as Christians, we do try to focus on the profound spiritual significance and meaning of those events. 

Lent
We are in the midst of festival of ‘Lent’ that is celebrated each year by millions of Christians throughout the world. It is a 6-week event that began this year on Wednesday, February 22, and will end on Saturday April 8, 2023 – the day before Easter Day. While many churches worldwide observe Lent, some denominations – and Christians – pay little attention to it.

What is Lent and why did it become part of Christian practice?  Almost 1900 years ago one of the leaders of the church, Irenaeus, mentioned a time of prayer and fasting for 40 days before Easter.    A couple of hundred years later it was generally practised by Christians worldwide. Its purpose was focusing on God, developing a closer relationship with Him and reflecting on the wonderful fact that Jesus Christ rose triumphantly from the tomb.

I am not suggesting that Lent should become part of the  calendar of every church and every Christian.  I wholly agree with the comment, ‘You could observe 1,000 Lents and it won’t ever accomplish in your life what the cross of Jesus has.’ That is absolutely true. 

Nevertheless, I believe that that our relationship with God can be greatly deepened and strengthened whenever we seriously set aside time in prayer and think deeply about what it truly means to be a Christian.

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