Mike Raiter

HEARTFELT DECLARATIONS

(July 15, 2025) Brian Bell pinpoints some scriptural truths…

Of all the scriptures contained in our Bible, surely Psalms are the most read. If like me you turn to them frequently, then you may agree the psalmist often seems to be able to reflect the thoughts of one’s heart.

For example, during the past two weeks I found myself in a personal situation for which I was seeking an answer and one morning I read in Psalm 15:4 about those who ‘… keep their promises even when it hurts.’ This gave me the direction I needed to complete a financial transaction!

In Psalm 19 the psalmist presents us with some excellent thoughts which I will share with you dear readers, perhaps similar thoughts to those you may have considered from your own reading. The verses I quote are from my NLT Bible.

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SING! SING! SING!

(April 09, 2024) Brian Bell encourages joyful praise of God with our Christian music…

In his letter to the Ephesians, chapter 5:18-19 (NLT), Paul gives us some advice about living in the Spirit – ‘…let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord.’

And in Colossians 3:16NLT, Paul also encourages our worship along the same lines – ‘Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.’

Singing – a Heritage
From my earliest childhood, I was brought under the sound of Christian music. I sang in the children’s choir and later in the church choir. This influence grew when I became a Christian in my mid-teens and began to take a keen interest in the Christian music of my generation.

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PROFIT FROM PHILEMON

March 09, 2024) Brian Bell shares…

It was while Paul was imprisoned in Rome that he wrote his short letter to Philemon, who it would seem was a wealthy man but also a well-respected believer among the Christians who made up the church in Colossae.

During his imprisonment, Paul had met a slave called Onesimus, a native of Colossae who had run away from Philemon. While in prison Onesimus came to faith in the Lord Jesus and the intention of Paul’s letter was asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back into his home.

From what is likely a very well-known story I share five encouraging thoughts…

1. Philemon’s Principle
While Paul writes specifically to Philemon he says he is ‘also writing to the church that meets in your house’ verse 2 (NLT). The church of course refers to the collective body of Christian believers.

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