mercy

IT WAS HIS LIFE FOR YOUR LIFE!

(March 19, 2024) Wayne Swift calls it as it is, challenging us to reflect on a great truth…

Good Friday next week!

The day Christians remember the life of a great man who lived some two thousand years ago, and recalling His deeds and with affection and gratitude we extend Him our appreciation for the gracious way He gave up His life for us!

But… what was the background here? Let me share a eulogy to this great individual…

1. Beginning
Two young people, Mary and Joseph, were betrothed to be married – Joseph, an honourable man and his fiancée Mary, a young virgin with an outstanding reputation. Out-of-the-blue Mary claimed to have had a dream about falling pregnant to God Himself (Luke 1:35). Joseph must have thought she’d lost the plot! But then an angel appeared to him confirming Mary’ story (Matthew 1:20).

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GOD’S PRECIOUS CONCERTO!

(September 22, 2023) Norman and Margaret Moss reflect…

Listening to the introduction to a BBC Prom the other evening, we learned that Schumann’s Piano Concerto has a romantic secret.

The Clara Code
A key theme of the concerto is a series of notes which represent the name of Schumann’s beloved Clara. Sometimes this is referred to as the Clara code.

What a precious tribute to her! Schumann had written a whole concerto through which Clara’s name is enshrined forever. A very precious concerto indeed!

But – there is another concerto that is even more precious!

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WHEN TO KEEP A SICK KID HOME FROM SCHOOL

(August 27, 2022) America’s Mercy Health releases good info each month as part of their concern for everyone in showing the compassion of Jesus, such as the following…

When the school year rolls around, there is one thing all parents can be certain of: your kids will probably get sick at some point.

It just happens. And when it does, you’re often left wondering when to keep your child home from school or day-care.

The following are eight instances when you should definitely keep your sick child home.

A fever
Anytime your child has a fever of 38c or greater, you’ll want to keep them home. This is because a fever is a sign of an infection which may be something contagious.

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BENEFITTING OVER 2.8 MILLION PEOPLE

(July 27, 2021) Caloundra, Queensland. Diane Rickard
International Media Relations Manager, Mercy Ships shares Mercy Ships good news…

Global health charity, Mercy Ships, reports that after a completion and acceptance ceremony on June 16, followed by a handover celebration at the Tianjin Xingang shipyard this past week, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, Global Mercy™, has successfully been delivered and the charity has taken possession of their brand-new vessel.

Dream come true
‘This day is a dream come true – not only for us, but for those we serve,’ stated Don Stephens, Mercy Ships founder who spoke via video to those attending. ‘African heads of states and ministers of health have often expressed a desire for more of their healthcare professionals to be trained in-country. This ship will do exactly that. Many who suffer from disability and disfigurement will have access to surgical treatment and whole-person care in healthcare systems that will enable them to reach their God-given potential. We hope that this new vessel and the volunteer crew who serve on her will bring hope, healing and transformation for the next 40-50 years,’ he added.

Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo, said ‘We are very proud to take delivery of this special ship. The activities to be carried out on board have placed special and high demands on the construction of this ship. For the yard, it was the first time this type of vessel was built – a challenge that they managed very well. For Mercy Ships, delivery means that their capacity to help more than doubles. And at Stena RoRo we are happy to be a part of their fantastic work through Global Mercy.’

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A LIVING HOPE

George Forbes 2010(January 11, 2017) Missionary statesman Dr George Forbes reminds us of a fundamental truth…

Our world is full of people who have no hope!

There are multiplied reasons for this tragedy; however my purpose is not to describe the hopelessness, but to share the reality that there is hope.

Christians have a living hope
The hope of Christians worldwide is based on God’s love and amazing mercy; on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and on the plan of salvation for all who believe.

If you need hope, if you’re asking questions about life and the unknown future, I invite you to consider what the apostle Peter wrote.  It is found in chapter three of his first letter to the churches. Here are the words he wrote, translated faithfully and clearly in English…

‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has regenerated us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you by the power of God, having been kept through faith to a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time’ (1Peter 1:3-5). (more…)

WORDS OF LIFE (#2) – MERCY

Jim McClure
(September 17 , 2016) Dr Jim McClure, respected theologian, continues his series on some scripture words…

The Hebrew and Greek words of scripture are like inexhaustible mines and one finds new treasures each time the words are examined. This month, for number 2 in this series, I have selected ‘mercy’ and sought to open up this word up to reveal just some of the amazing truths and treasures it contains.

The Quality of Mercy – racham
In the Old Testament, especially in the KJV, the word ‘mercy’ is frequently used to translate the Hebrew word, chesed.  We could define chesed as the sure and steadfast covenant love of God for his people (however this is a word that we shall explore more full in a later study).  ‘Mercy,’ therefore is a most inadequate translation of chesed. (more…)

PAIN IN LIFE IS INEVITABLE BUT MISERY IS OPTIONAL

Ed DelphEd Delph shares another thought-provoker…

One of the biggest challenges in life is not allowing a temporary negative to become a permanent negative. It is hard to be rejected and not affected. It’s even harder to forgive someone who has betrayed or disappointed us in some way. (more…)

THE FOCUS OF TRUE WORSHIP

Jim McClure
‘Where is the best place to worship?’ asks a concerned Christian.

Dr Jim McClure, noted theologian, responds:

There is a sense in which worship of God should be central to our lives as Christians regardless wherever we are or whatever we are doing. However, in this article I want to address what we do when we formally come together to worship God. (more…)