Category: Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

All who are saved by Jesus are to be as his bride when he returns. Let’s get ready!

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Get to know Jesus, you get to know GOD

Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” And for that the Pharisees determine to kill Him, because He made Himself equal with GOD.

And He was, and is. As you get to know Jesus, you get to know GOD, the GOD of the universe, Creator, Redeemer, Lover of mankind!

Let’s read, observe, meditate on GOD

“So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.

Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”

“Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”

“Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”” (John 19:1-6)

I find this passage really difficult reading, because here Jesus is insulted, humiliated, attacked. It is painful for me to imagine this.

Look beyond Jesus’ human identity and experience

But as I read this, I also look beyond the immediate, into the past and future, and I envisage GOD: humiliated, insulted, attacked. The GOD of the universe allows Himself to be mocked for our sake: past, present and future, for the people who will love and trust, surrender and follow Him. For everyone in fact, because He wants that “none would perish.” (1 Peter 3:9)

Look beyond

When you look at Jesus, recognise: You are seeing GOD. Get to know Jesus, and you get to know GOD. The Creator of the Universe is present in you, in your life, if you have given your life to Jesus.

As He says in John 14,

He and the Father are one, because “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”.

Get to know Him… better and better… because He loves you and because He is worthy… and because He is the BEST INVESTMENT in your time, energy, interest, and love.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Drawing close overcomes Loneliness

Did you know that drawing Close to GOD overcomes loneliness?

Have you ever been at a party and felt completely alone? Or at a family banquet and had no one you felt you could talk to outside of superficial chatter?

All of us, at one time or another, have felt the sting of loneliness, whether as a forced shut in because of ill health, or in surroundings where others are literal strangers — or so distant in perspective or viewpoint, that we feel unable to relate to or to confide in them. 

Recognising others’ needs

As we draw into the autumn evenings, with an earlier and earlier darkening sky (northern hemisphere at least), can we be especially aware of those who may be all alone? For those who live nearby, is there a way to offer friendship when we spot someone who is otherwise isolated and alone? Shall I not be on the look-out for such people in my neighbourhood, or in fact act toward those who I know are alone, so that I can bless others. It is part of my responsibility as a follower of Jesus?

Recognising our needs

And what if you are the person who is isolated? Sometimes it is impossible to reach out. It is important then, to remember that, always we have Jesus. We that know him are never truly alone. And as we wave to our neighbour across the road, or simply smile at someone passing by, we may start a conversation which can lead anywhere. 

Created for Relationship

We all need human contact. We are created for relationship. Drawing close to Jesus is a great comfort we have, but not so for some others. 

When Jesus was on the cross, He was surrounded by others; and yet, he was utterly alone. Just as He was alone then, so He understands our needs and wants our fellowship. Time spent with him – in the Word, in prayer, in worship – is time spent in good company. No one likes to be alone all the time. But when our circumstances isolate us, we can remember he never leaves nor forsakes us; drawing near to him assures us that he will draw near to us (James 4:8).

As we pray, thanking GOD for His blessings to us, can we also pray for others, that they may experience the same intimacy with the Creator GOD that we have? And let’s also pray that He may draw us together, even miraculously if necessary. He so delights when we join together. Psalm 133 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity…” It delights us; it also delights the One who made us for relationship.

May you be blessed in Jesus’ company at all times, whether you are by yourself or in the company of others. And may you take the opportunities you have to share that blessing, with the courage the LORD has given you to do it.

Shalom and GOD bless.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Don’t Lie to Me

“Don’t Lie to me”

I just came from church and from hearing a cracking good Word to the Ecclesia.

It’s time — a Kairos time — to stand for righteousness. When we see unrighteousness, it’s time to use our voices. 

As I listened, I thought, “What bothers me the most, that I would challenge without fear the status quo.” Answer: Lying.

I don’t want to be lied to by politicians anymore. I don’t want to be lied to by the Media. I’m saddened by couples who, within a marriage or partnership, they lie or are lied to by a spouse.

When my child was tiny, and the first Christmas came along, I made a decision I’d not lie about Santa. I knew that one day, if he lied to me, I’d say, “I never lied to you, so don’t lie to me,” and he’d likely challenge me.

Sure enough, when he was about 12, he did say something untrue (not a habit of his but he did test me out) and we had that very conversation.

I said, “Don’t lie to me.” 

He said, “You’ve lied to me.”

I said, “I’ve never lied to you.”

He said, “What about Santa Clause?”

I said, “I never lied. You drew your own conclusions. When you got a present with no card to say who it was from, you assumed it was from Santa. But I never said it was.”

“Oh yeah,” he said.

The relationship between my son and I is, until this day (and I trust beyond), built on our telling one another the truth.

Don’t lie to me

In Exodus 20 the 10 commandments are listed. One says, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour” which we typically reduce to, “You shall not lie.”

In court, you’re meant to tell the truth. Politicians ‘swear’ to do right by the country. Traditionally, they swore on a Bible, although that is increasingly being passed by the wayside… and at our peril.

I want a politician to tell me the truth. I want people in the media to tell me the truth. Not their truth. Not their spin on the truth. Not the bit that suits them. Not an out-and-out fabrication. Not their wishful thinking. 


I want the truth. And I am going to insist on it. 

I will expect it, graciously and with patience… but with persistence. I will ask for it with GOD’s direction, discernment and revelation, as to timing and/or scenario. But I do want it and it is most reasonable to expect it.

What bothers you most?

Will you weigh in with the LORD, asking Him to reveal to you what puts fire in your belly that He will support as you challenge society in a direct, meaningful way that suits your personality and your calling?

Will you ask the LORD to give you the opportunity to challenge: to speak out, ask for, or to discuss whatever it is in situations that can make a difference?

This world is failing. We need to turn things around. We human beings are in charge (Genesis 2:15) and failing miserably.

Why you? Why me? Why now?

“Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies;
The peoples fall under You.” (Psalm 45:5)

We need to trust the LORD as we venture to impact society for the good of mankind, in a way that fits our calling and purpose, with His timing (not presumption). But this scripture and many more, are words that will enable us to find confidence in His plans and purposes, which are to be fulfilled by us.

Let’s we, in the Kingdom of GOD, begin to turn this ship around! With grace, with courtesy (as love is never rude (1 Corinthians 13)), with His timing, using our own voices… and with persistence, let us expose the Kingdom of Darkness, bringing it into the Light, where society is meant to be.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Is Islam compatible with the West?

Recently, I was at a debate hosted by Winston Marshall in Central London. The topic was “Is Islam compatible with the West?”. 

I’ll explain my explanation as to why Islam is not compatible with the West.

Two faiths, two belief systems reveal overlap yet incompatibility

In a nutshell the two constructs of the The West and Islam are built on different faiths: Islam worships Allah as GOD. The West is build principally on the Judeo-Christian value system, with Christianity primarily at its core and the Creator GOD is the same entity for both.

First, let us address the basic difference between the god of Islam and that of the West… 

Names of GOD

There are many names for the G-D of the Bible. None of them is Allah.

Elohim. Jehovah. Yaweh. Immanuel. Yeshua. These are a few of the names of the GOD of the Bible. The GOD who sees (Hagar). The provider (Jehovah Raph) are two more…. There are many more. But not Allah. 

These two belief systems worship different gods.

Culture

At the core, these are two different religious systems, both with a moral code. There are some overlapping principles such as 

– Conservatism: both are fundamentally against abortion, for example. 

– Both the Bible and the Koran say sexual practices are meant to be between members of the opposite sex. 

– Excess with alcohol is discouraged… although Islam goes further and says alcohol is not allowed (some denominations of churches frown on alcohol too, but that is not ordained by GOD but rather, is a Christian cultural choice).

– the Family is valued as a construct… though Islam allows polygamy whereas Christianity embraces “one wife”

Politics

This name of GOD reveals a definite distinction between the two constructs of Christianity and Islam. The West is built on Judeo-Christian values and although there has been a definite shift (largely through pressure and manipulation of the pre-existing system towards socialism, beginning in the late 19th century, with the Fabian Society (on which much of Labour Party policy and many Labour MPs rests), Alice Bailey, and Cultural Marxism in the UK for example, Judeo-Christianity is still the bedrock on which the entire West was founded centuries ago.

Islam is locked into revenge and aggression whereas Christianity and the West are founded on consequences with forgiveness. “An eye for an eye” in the Koran and the Old Testament has been replaced with “turn the other cheek,” for example. Further even in the Old Testament, the principle of forgiveness was evident time and again as the Israelites pleaded with GOD to forgive their trespasses, which He did repeatedly do.

There are a series of other differences which I will only mention in passing for the sake of brevity

 – The view of women as equal v subservient

 – Equality v inequality in the sight of the law

 – Expectation toward truth telling in Christianity v acceptable to lie to the infidel in Islam

 – Regard for the stranger as welcome (and to assimilate into the Western culture) v the stranger in a foreign land, if Islamic, has a duty toward Jihad (to overtake)

 – The Western society is based upon love your neighbour as yourself v one the Islamic which is based on suppression and superiority to overtake your neighbour

Both beliefs are Evangelistic

Since both faith systems encourage evangelism and since they are competing rather than complementary systems, this puts the two constructs in opposition to one another.

Conclusion: 

Islam is the antithesis of the West

– Christianity centres around GRACE: forgiveness is its benchmark

– in Islam, personally, I see NO GRACE, only punishment and a lack of forgiveness

Islam is therefore, clearly not compatible with the West.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Fractious Times, so let’s stand for what is right!

It’s very good to get along with people. But when you can’t, you must stand for what you believe in. If it is an important principle, it’s worth fighting for…

We are in fractious times: times when wrong is considered right and right is considered wrong; times when freedom of speech depends on who’s doing the talking or what the speech is; times when evil is called good and good, evil. We live in fractious times, so let’s stand for what is right.

There are times to keep peace and a time for war (Ecclesiastes 3). Even though we fight — not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6) — still we must learn to hold our ground over issues of faith, freedom, and righteousness.

There is a lot of robust debate and in-y0ur-face accusation at present. We need to learn which fights are worth engaging, and walk away from the rest.

There are different ways to fight too. Jesus used words to teach and to warn. He used love to touch the heart of a person, and truth to turn them from evil. We must do the same.

Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery. He did say, “Go and sin no more.” He did not condemn, but nor did He condone. He set a standard and for humanity’s own good, He encouraged — and encourages us to keep to it.

Choose your battles and take your ground

There are moments (only a few) when I wonder if I’ll post something that I’ll be censured for. I’m not looking for trouble but I do consider: Is this worth fighting for?

It is… if it’s worth posting at all, it’s worth standing by whatever I might say.

Luke 14:28, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it”

I need to count the cost, and if it’s valuable, if it’s important, I need to post it. I also need to be aware: I might cause friction. I might get into trouble. Well, if it’s worth writing, someone won’t like it. But others may; others may learn. So, I need to forge ahead.

Don’t be Petty… But don’t compromise

How many times does it say, “fear not” or “do not fear”in the Bible? Apparently, once for every day of the year (Gregorian Calendar, ie 365 times). Why does it say it? Because as human beings, we tend to fear: fear what others may think; fear what others might say; fear what others might do.

Instead, I seek to be life giving, and life affirming, and also life convicting. To live a purposeful life, we need to have principles and to stand by them.We live now in a world of relativism, a time when ‘everyone does what they think is right in their own eyes’. Well, throughout the book of Judges, the Israelites did this and there was utter chaos: disobedience, defeat, repentence, a pleading-for-help, victory, disobedience — a cycle that ran over and over again.

So, can we lead the way back to righteousness, by modelling it? Can we lead the way by loving others and accepting them? Then when they ask us a question of morality, can we speak boldly, gently, truthfully, lovingly, honestly? It’s a risk. But let’s do it! Not to pick a fight but to stand for morality in a world that so desperately needs it.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Let Go Control, Let GOD Bless

GOD loves you and wants to bless you. No condition, no reservation, no catch!

Are you and I able to receive?

Let Go Control, Let GOD Bless

I want to urge all of us to let go control and let GOD bless us in the ways He desires. We can learn to say “yes” more to His opportunities and “no” to personal ambition and fear and distraction.


How GOD has blessed me

I’d like to share with you how very blessed I have been over the past 2 years… BUT there has been a tough time in the midst of this blessing, and that is a part of the blessing!

I can be super-organised. Because I can organise my time quite well, I am able to take on responsibility. And I love to be busy. 

So over the last couple of years, I’ve become more and more involved in a variety of missions and ministries, and I love it!

The first step was to say “yes” to GOD when He moved me to a new church. The former was great. The new is a perfect fit.

As I said “yes” to GOD in my work and my church family, He has blessed me by changing me, making me more like Him. The relationships I am building, as well as my pre-existing relationships are solid, life-giving, enriching and challenging: a perfect balance for life and growth.

The talents He’s given me are being used and developed. This is perhaps one of the most rewarding results of my learning better how to say “yes” to GOD.

In the midst, there has been some spiritual attack. There has been some decision-making where I went off-track. But He does make all things good to those who love Him, and so, I have moved through a difficult bit of time and come through, shining as before. (Romans 8:28; Job 23:10)

I am truly blessed in this life. It is because I’ve put aside more and more, my tendency to control outcomes through organisation, and focusing my organisation skills toward the missions He has given me. I’m still a work-in-progress, but what I’m saying is this: 

As we learn to let go our expectations and outcomes, as we lay down our control and allow Him to lead, we will be changed in ways that are truly a blessing. There are blessing for others and blessings for ourselves, there to be received, when we say “yes” to GOD. I am living it, and I encourage it!

Thank you, Jesus, for your wonder! Amen.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Religion v Obedience: Is there a Difference?

GOD created us as human beings filled with His Spirit, to be in relationship with Him. He saves us today for relationship. He wants a relationship between us with Him, and since mankind’s disobedience which led to the Fall of man, GOD has worked a way to re-build His relationship with us. 

There is religion which man creates to try to get back to GOD. There is GOD’s way of obedience, to draw us to Himself. Religion v Obedience: Is there a difference? Yes, indeed there is…

The Gospel

Jesus came, died on the cross, was buried and was resurrected. That’s the heart of the Gospel that restores us to GOD. For those who believe, our relationship with GOD is restored.

Salvation by grace

Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”. GOD has made a way. GOD calls us. We can choose to respond. 

Salvation by works

While faith without works is dead (James 2), salvation doesn’t come through our works, but through our GOD-given faith. If that’s the case, how do we know the difference between works to preserve us v works as an attempt to save ourselves?

How do we spot the difference?


It isn’t actually that difficult to recognise the difference between works to save ourselves and works that are a delight to GOD.

If He’s asked us to do something and we do it, that’s obedience. (If we don’t, that’s disobedience.) The result is that we are grateful to the LORD for His salvation.

If the observation is in the Bible, we do behave accordingly out of obedience. Nevertheless, that isn’t what saves us. What saves us is our faith. We obey out of faith in Him.

– Our action is out of love for and faith in GOD.

– Although faith without (any) works is dead, when we “put our money where our mouth is”, aka when we do what we promise to do, then we are following through with our commitment, acting in faith and obedience, loving GOD.

But when we act (or react) out of fear, when we count on rules to save us — rather than GOD, when we do what the rules say, not trusting GOD but our behaviour to save us, that’s religion. And that isn’t what GOD wants for us.

Religion v Faith

Religion is empty. Faith is full. Obedience is a demonstration of our faith. 

Religion is action to save ourselves. Faith is belief in GOD who saves. Obedience is action led by the LORD, either through His word, or in HIs personal request to us.

In 1 Peter 4, Peter has written, “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” and likewise we do all things through Him.

Let us look at obedience as Faith in Action. Conversely, Religion is Action to get us saved. One is by GOD’s grace. The other is through our will. One is life-giving, the other is following religious rules. The behaviour might be similar, but the motive completely different. Let’s aim for life… and His love… every time:)

Categories
Character Development

On my birthday

On my birthday

I’m young enough to be bothered about getting old, and old enough to know it’s inevitable now…

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” This proverb speaks volumes to us and for me, it is trusting Him in and for my life, in every nuance and every aspect.

My birthday, another birthday, has just passed. I’m of an older generation now. Life has been rich, challenging;  with my grey hairs I know I’m in latter years. Although I am healthy, strong, joyful, energetic, my chronology suggests I’ve lived the majority of my life already. I am well. But I realise this year, as I pass over another year: 

I’m young enough to be bothered about getting old, and old enough to know it’s inevitable now…

Trust the LORD and His timing. I’ve done more in my life in the last few years than in all the decades before. GOD is not finished with me. I have no regrets and every expectation. The Joy of the LORD truly is my strength!

So, “be bold” is what I want you to catch today. Enjoy Him and enjoy the life He’s given you. And don’t regret the past but “press on to the upward call of GOD in Christ Jesus” today. 

All glory to GOD. 

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

A Leadership call to the World

We have a Leadership Call to the World

“The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want…” (Psalm 23)

Jesus is our shepherd. We are His sheep. That doesn’t mean we rest in the crook of his arms. Rather, we have a Leadership Call on our lives towards the world

We are shepherds in the world…. so lead folks. Let us lead.

Get prepared!

I once was walking across private farmland, alone but by invitation. I was invited to do so, with one proviso… “be sure to close the gates’ behind you” as I passed through.

Along my journey, I approached a gate, beyond which was a small herd of grazing sheep. I went through the gate, swiftly closing it behind me and walking passed them. 30 seconds later, I heard a soft but persistent sound, “pad-pad-pad”. I turned around, and there were the sheep, following me – steadfastly.

I had never felt such a responsibility in my life. I suppose it prepared me a little for parenthood!… but also for leadership.

“We all like sheep have gone astray…” (Isaiah 53:6)

We have managed to find The Shepherd sooner than some of our colleagues, friends and family members.

And we are going to have herds of people following us, because we have the answers to their questions: Jesus! 

Jesus is the answer – what is the question?

Why is there famine? Why is there war? Why am I ill? Why am I in despair?

Regardless of the question, the answer — the truth — lies in the conception, life, death, and resurrection of one man: Jesus. Because His answer points to the Creator of the Universe, His answer sums up to love and compassion, strength and responsibility, hope and endurance. 

Each of us has a part of the world that we influence

In our work or in our play, in our family or amongst our friends, whether the people we assemble with know Jesus or not, we are called to be salt and light, we are called to embody love and grace, because we know the GOD of justice and mercy. And so we must carry the message of why we each are here on this earth. 

Whether we are the lowliest child or a super-CEO, we who know Jesus have the secret to the universe: There is a Father who made us, to be like Him: creative; and though we are lost, we can be found. 

We are here to glorify our Maker, to love and honour those who brought us into this world, and to love one another as we love ourselves.

So, pick up our boot straps

So, let’s get on with giving glory to GOD. 

Let’s get on with honouring our parents. 

Let’s be grateful for those we know. 

And let us learn to love ourselves so we can love those others also.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Justin Bieber sings to GOD

Justin Bieber sings: Everything Hallelujah! to the world… At the World Cup Final Justin Bieber sang to His GOD. While the world has been spinning out of control, it has also been finding its way back into freedom to enjoy Jesus. Praise GOD!!

Amen!

While the world spins out of control there are golden moments when the kick back is absolutely beautiful.

Celebrity after celebrity is coming to the LORD. Scientists, musicians, actors, politicians… The World is turning away from GOD, and it is also turning to Him.

Sing Hallelujah. Christ Jesus won the victory on Calvary thousands of years ago. There are times and seasons when people turn to GOD. As the world gets darker, the light gets brighter. We pray for the individuals and we pray for our own nation.

Praise the LORD and enjoy! Revival is here.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

What is Sin? (part 1)

Let’s look at John 8 to gain some insight into what Jesus taught about sin. What is sin?

In John 8 we see first a woman being dragged before Jesus for judgment. She has been caught in the act of adultery. The religous leaders want to test Jesus, to see how He’ll deal with the situation, which is clearly a sin punishable by death.

‘What will Jesus do?’ they wonder, plotting to catch Him in disobedience.

Jesus offers a rainbow

The men surround the women. They impress on Jesus — What are you going to do about this woman who has sinned against the Law of Almighty GOD?

He waits, He draws in the sand, He says, ““He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 

And they all walk away.

He then says to her “…sin no more.”

What is sin?

She broke the Law but Jesus let her go. But didn’t she sin? Does he really let her off?

Not entirely. Yes, He let’s her leave, but with a warning — a yellow card! He says, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” There is a warning in that. There is a condition inherent in what He has done. She has a second chance.

The rainbow signals a promise to mankind. GOD sent the rainbow to mark a promise: He’d never flood the earth again.

“Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Genesis 9:11)

Jesus says “sin no more” because He’s giving her a chance to change. He’s giving her a chance to repent. He’s giving her a chance to walk in freedom — not only from the harsh judgement of a death sentence, but also free from the oppression and shame of sin.

Like the rainbow, He issues a promise: sin no more and you will live.

The accusers

And what about the men who judged her? What does Jesus do for them? He offers them freedom too. He has facilitated their conviction, just as they facilitated the woman’s. “He who is without sin among you…” And they all depart. They have an opportunity to repent, and they will be set free from judgment.

Sin is the opposite of freedom

Are the men forgiven?

A closer look at the text will reveal their hearts . They admitted their sin, by declining to throw a stone. But then what? It is, of course, what is in their hearts that matters to GOD most of all.

What is sin?

In a nutshell, sin is not directly about our actions. Sin is not simply about what we do. Instead, sin is rebellion against GOD.

Next time I’d like to continue into John 8, to look more deeply at those who had condemned the woman. They didn’t leave as she did. They continued on — questioning and debating Jesus.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

For Mothers: We need more Children!

I would like to thank us all here, who have children, are raising children, are looking after children. This is simply to say, “Thank you” because we need more people like us who have the joy of raising children, recognising it is challenging as well as invigorating. You and I are willing to make the sacrifice to raise children…. so, thank you.

We need more people like us!

So share with your friends who have so far elected not to have children, that we need in our society more children, if society as we know it is going to continue to thrive.

“Bless the little children who come unto me,” a famous person said.

Statistically, we need more children in many of our societies, if our all of our cultures are going to survive. The Japanese are in dire straights with a diminishing population, but so too is South Korea, UK and most of western Europe. Even America, I think, has suggested a population decline amongst its people.

Culture and civilisation is a hodge podge of variety. Variety is good. But too much variety within one society, and we lose the identity, the integrity, of that society. So, “Bring on the children!” folks.

As variety is the spice of life, then important too is the base ingredient that holds the whole dish together.

Be blessed. Children are a blessing. So long as we can afford to feed and clothe them, let us have more children.*

*Easy for me to say, as I’m beyond child-bearing years. Ho hum.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Murder!

The sudden death, and then revelation that Ann Widdecombe was murdered is heart-wrenching for many in politics and many Christians, because Miss Ann Widdecombe was high level and of a high standard in both.

Ann will, I believe, be with her Lord Jesus now. I trust she’ll be dialoguing with Him and having a great time dancing in worship to her King.

But the untimely earthly departure and in violence, is shocking, tragic, and a warning to our society, which is completely out of control now. Violence is bred from a lack of the right sort of education — moral education. Remove the 10 Commandments, remove “you shall not kill”, remove social contract and social consequences, and what arises? Murder. The murder of a keen thinker, a great communicator, and a profoundly wise and godly woman.

We must pray more than ever before. Our society is crumbling. The Church MUST arise for only Jesus comes between us and barbarism.

We pray for the politicians and government. We pray for the schools and all educational institutions. We pray for parents. Our young people are targets for despair, violence, and pain. Our young people must have hope, grace, and a healthy fear of authority and of GOD, if our society is to survive.

Blessings,

Sarah

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Ramping up the Politics with a new PM

Andy Burnham

Ho Hum. Another Prime Minister. Probably Andy Burnham, elected as MP a few weeks ago, by a small constituency in Greater Manchester, though not by the general public. A nice guy. But is he going to be a good prime minister?

We are really ramping up the politics with a new PM, aren’t we?

Is he GOD’s appointed for this hour?

Well, given GOD appoints all leaders, yes AB is GOD’s man for this hour. BUT is he for the collective good or will GOD use him to teach us just how much we need GOD?

Media Hype

With news channels running 24/7 the programme producers need to have new, moment-by-moment news. And nothing makes the rounds like bad news. So all sorts of forecasting is being speculated around Andy Burnham’s fiscal ideas. All the while, he is saying he hasn’t even chosen his chancellor yet. And, by the way, the deadline for someone else to challenge him hasn’t even come round yet. 

Everyone is so certain about absolutely nothing.

Standing on the Rock

Jesus told a familiar parable in Matthew 7, which I present to you today:

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

“And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

Who has the authority to command the winds, rains and seas? Who more than the Creator of the Universe?

“In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with GOD and the Word was GOD…” (John 1)

Jesus is the rock

Stand firm on Jesus, trust and acknowledge He is ultimately in control, and whether there is a new Prime Minister who’s policies benefit the nation or hamper it, you can be sure you are protected from the storm.

Categories
Character Development Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Steeped in Love

Recently, I wrote about being a soldier for Christ.

Now please re-read that post and add in your mind, “Everything needs to be steeped in love.”

I Corinthians 13 begins, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love is…”

I am not sure I need to say more. Simply, soak your attitude, soak your behaviour, soak your determination, soak your ego, soak everything about you — your motive, your attitude toward others, even (and perhaps especially) your attitude toward yourself — in the love you have for others and the gentle perfect love Jesus has for each and every one, soak it all in love. And you and your steps will be incredibly blessed.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Enjoy life; enjoy the journey

What does GOD offer us?

In Nehemiah 8:10 the prophet says, “the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

May I encourage us all to enjoy what the LORD provides and not to allow the enemy to steal our joy! He likes to kill, steal and destroy; but Jesus came to bring abundant life. (John 10:10)

How true this is for me: “The joy of the LORD is your strength” was one of the first scriptures given to me prophetically. And as I have journeyed with the LORD, I have learned JOY. 

My first experience of joy which I can distinctly remember, was coming out of the baptismal water. Feeling light, elated, peaceful, I said to myself, That’s what joy is!

As I journey now, filled with joy rather than emptiness or sadness, I realise that when all is well, the enemy attempts to rob me of this joy as in order to destroy whatever work the LORD is doing through me.

This is by way of a little bit of Testimony

My achilles heal is relationships. There are some rocky times in our relationships … that’s just normal.

But sometimes, the enemy attempts to shatter my joy with doubts about a friendship or a family relationship. He tries to sabotage. BUT the longer I walk with the LORD, and the more often I ignore the fear, the shattering turns to into lesson the LORD has for me. Grace comes in full measure as I realise people are no more perfect than I am. We’re all on a journey.

I’m learning to ignore disappointments 

Yes, I do get disappointed in people sometimes, perhaps because I put them on a pedestal, or perhaps because Jesus is showing me a glimpse, a tiny taste of the disappointment He experienced when His chosen people turned their backs on the love of GOD,

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)

The disappointment — the pattern of pain — is not going to destroy my joy. It may be diminished for a time, but you, and I, and all of us, need to stand — achilles heal and all — on the serpent’s head. He may bite our heel but he will not destroy us.

How to overcome: 5 steps

1. We surrender to GOD; we surrender the disappointment we feel. And if the disappointment comes through a person, we forgive that person for their imperfections, and surrender that person to the LORD.

2. We can shift our focus on the issue,  look at Jesus: the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) rather than dwell on the disappointment. 

3. We trust in the LORD always, searching our heart to see if we’ve done anything we should not have, and repent. 

4. We wait, we are still, for “He who waits upon the LORD shall renew His strength. He shall mount up with wings like eagles. He shall run and not be weary. He shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

5. We count our blessings, expressing our gratitude with praise.


Recently, I was a bridesmaid 

It was a joy and great fun to be a bridesmaid at a long-standing friend’s wedding.

I’m a bride of Jesus! I enjoy life!! I live like a bride every day.

We all are beautiful, special, “fearfully and wonderfully made.” 

(Psalm 139:14)

And as we wait upon Him, we celebrate what we have, look at how He is teaching and training us and we…. “Rejoice in the LORD always, Again I say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Categories
Character Development

What is it to be a soldier of Christ

Our identity in Christ is not the same as how we see ourselves.

What is it to be a soldier of Christ?

Do you know your are a saint?

Do you know you are chosen my GOD?

Do you know as a chosen saint of GOD, a soldier of Christ (the only offensive weapon of warfare is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of GOD), that you have an identity far different, beyond, your own self concept?

This is the starting point of “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

By grasping this verse, seeking GOD’s perspective of you, being determined to know who you are in Christ, you will begin to discover:

Your identity 

Your identity in Christ

Your purpose now

Your strategy

Your church family where you will thrive (perhaps you’re already there!)

Your mission.

The first step is knowing who you are in Christ — saved by His grace, yes. But that is the starting line The starting gun hasn’t even been fired yet, if that’s where you are.

Find your identity: How GOD made you, before life caused grief, fear, metamorphosis away from who GOD made you to be.

Then find your identity in Christ: How GOD sees you and what you are meant to be doing with the gifts, talents and abilities you have (aka “What is in your hand?” – Exodus 4:2)

Then seek the purpose He has for you. 

As you pray, as you ask Him for the connections with people, ministries, the Word of GOD for you, then you will begin to walk in the ways, places, amongst the people you are meant to be influenced by and those you are meant to influence. 

This is not only for the young. This is not for the faint-hearted. And this will only be effective if you are fully surrendered to Him — not networking in order to grow your ministry or your purpose — to fulfil His desires, through you, for His ends. 

I pray: that you will be fulfilled and that you will be determined to discover who you are, why you’re hear now, and what part you are to do to bring the Kingdom of GOD to earth.

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

Amen

“In Him, we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28a)

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Prophetic Word Unfulfilled

I gave a prophetic word to some prayer colleagues in March 2025. It was a conditional word, to come to pass over 29th May (or before). It was conditional on prayer.

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face…” (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

If the body of Christ prays for Sir Keir Starmer, he will turn or he (or his government) will be gone by 29th May 2026

That was the word.

Sir Keir is, as far as we know, still a prophesied atheist. And he is still PM of the UK. 

So, either we didn’t pray enough OR I got the word wrong.

Consequence of Unfulfilled Prophecy

I have to acknowledge that I gave a word and it did not come to pass. 

I have never given a public word before. And I got my first wrong. Or I didn’t encourage enough prayer. Either way, what I’d believed to come to pass did not.

I believe that if a word is given and it doesn’t come to pass, it is vital that this is acknowledged. 

So, I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t cause anyone to stumble. I certainly believed this word to be from GOD.

“If My people… will humble themselves…”

I’m sorry. 

Every blessing,

Sarah

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

A Leadership call to the World

We have a Leadership Call to the World

“The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want…” (Psalm 23)

Jesus is our shepherd. We are His sheep. That doesn’t mean we rest in the crook of his arms. Rather, we have a Leadership Call on our lives towards the world

We are shepherds in the world…. so lead folks. Let us lead.

Get prepared!

I once was walking across private farmland, alone but by invitation. I was invited to do so, with one proviso… “be sure to close the gates’ behind you” as I passed through.

Along my journey, I approached a gate, beyond which was a small herd of grazing sheep. I went through the gate, swiftly closing it behind me and walking passed them. 30 seconds later, I heard a soft but persistent sound, “pad-pad-pad”. I turned around, and there were the sheep, following me – steadfastly.

I had never felt such a responsibility in my life. I suppose it prepared me a little for parenthood!… but also for leadership.

“We all like sheep have gone astray…” (Isaiah 53:6)

We have managed to find The Shepherd sooner than some of our colleagues, friends and family members.

And we are going to have herds of people following us, because we have the answers to their questions: Jesus! 

Jesus is the answer – what is the question?

Why is there famine? Why is there war? Why am I ill? Why am I in despair?

Regardless of the question, the answer — the truth — lies in the conception, life, death, and resurrection of one man: Jesus. Because His answer points to the Creator of the Universe, His answer sums up to love and compassion, strength and responsibility, hope and endurance. 

Each of us has a part of the world that we influence

In our work or in our play, in our family or amongst our friends, whether the people we assemble with know Jesus or not, we are called to be salt and light, we are called to embody love and grace, because we know the GOD of justice and mercy. And so we must carry the message of why we each are here on this earth. 

Whether we are the lowliest child or a super-CEO, we who know Jesus have the secret to the universe: There is a Father who made us, to be like Him: creative; and though we are lost, we can be found. 

We are here to glorify our Maker, to love and honour those who brought us into this world, and to love one another as we love ourselves.

So, pick up our boot straps

So, let’s get on with giving glory to GOD. 

Let’s get on with honouring our parents. 

Let’s be grateful for those we know. 

And let us learn to love ourselves so we can love those others also.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Value of Fun

Fun is essential to life!

Celebration is part of GOD’s desire for us. He created the feasts for the Hebrew people, so they’d be encouraged to celebrate life. The first miracle Jesus is recorded to have done was to turn water into wine at a wedding!

The importance and value of fun in life cannot be underestimated.

I’m going to a wedding. I’m so excited because it’s a long-standing friend who’s getting married and that is always something to enjoy: Love!! A wedding is a celebration of love and a marker of joy to the start of a lifetime together,

“So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6)

Roller Coaster Rides

Sometimes life feels like an emotional roller coaster ride. A real roller coaster is a great way to unwind stress — well, it is for some. For others, it’s more stress but still, it is fun!!

Joy comes in all sorts of packages

Whether we’re a sombre sort or an effervescent person, whether our greatest joy is being out in nature, or at a music extravaganza, we enjoy life in so many ways…. and we need to. 

GOD wants us to enjoy life!

Whether in fair weather or foul

No matter the weather, political climate, or social scene, we can find ways to express ourselves in ways we enjoy. And we must! 

Whether the season is a strain or challenge or a wake up call, there is always something to be grateful for, and it is vital to life to find moments of pleasure. The world is a beautiful place; people are amazingly made (Psalm 139). 

Let’s each make a choice now, to remember to pause, to smell the flowers! Let’s look to the clouds or the furry tail wagger nearby, excited for a walk in the park. 

Chaim! To life!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

When Doubt comes knocking… Here’s what to do:

Preparing the Bride: 

“What to do when doubt comes knocking”

Do you wrestle with doubt in these challenging times? Let’s be honest and transparent: as darkness seems to increase in our society, does it sometimes seem that GOD is far away? Do we wonder, “Are you really there?”

When doubt comes knocking, here’s what to do

Recognise it. Acknowledge it. Work through it!

In Matthew 24:13 Jesus says, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” and verse 22 says, “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”

Yeshua knows the plan of the Father, maybe not in every detail (for He also says no one knows the timing of his return except the Father). Jesus assures us that GOD will ensure His children are not lost…

So, how do we hold onto our Faith when we feel doubtful or have questions?

What do we do when doubt comes knocking?

Be honest: with ourselves, with Him.

I have  been asking GOD to answer prayers because as it gets darker and darker spiritually, I want to see the hand of GOD move for a few different reasons:

  1. That some will be saved
  2. That some will be delivered

but also

3.   For reassurance that He is in fact, listening, sovereign and powerful.

I wait for His response and am not disappointed, though sometimes I do have to wait, or to look very deeply to recognise His response.

We can ask to have wealth, we can ask for victory… But when we don’t receive as we expect or ask, what happens then? Is our faith knocked? What do we hang onto, to ensure our faith holds strong? 

We hold onto the Truth. And the Truth is in Jesus’ identity — the Truth is Jesus’ identity.

Did Jesus live? Did he die on the cross? Was he resurrected? Was he born of a virgin?

When you ask these questions it puts all the temporal, temporary issues to the side. What do you really believe? Who do you really believe? That Truth will carry you through.

Trying times

Times are really testing right now, aren’t they? We have several threats to our peace of mind: the threat of energy shortages and steep costs; food shortages and the threat of them; war crouching at the door: culture wars, internal conflict and rebellion in many nations, and international war. Some fear a pandemic. Some fear the burning of the earth…

How do we hold on to our faith? Why do we hold on to our faith?

We choose. We choose to believe because Jesus is true. And we continue in our belief because the alternative is madness. We have life; the alternative is despair. We have hope; the alternative death.

As it gets darker… the light gets brighter

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12a). 

Why do you suppose he used analogies of light and darkness? 

Has the darkness ever been so obvious as it is right now, globally? Not in my lifetime.

The holocaust provided a glimpse, but taking nothing away from the horror of genocide and the attempted annihilation of GOD’s chosen people, only a portion of Europe was darkened at that attempt. Now, in a less physically violent way, the serpent is devouring the Judeo-Christian ideology and all of its Western societies through the departure from the core principles of life. Wrong has become right, and right wrong. Reality has been distorted and history changed to suit a new ideology. And so, we experience the darkness encroaching at an ever-faster rate, over an ever-widening scope.

But GOD

The light shines brighter in the darkness and is not overtaken. Indeed, the Psalms say that the darkness and the light are the same — as soon as there is light in the darkness, the light overcomes the darkness.

What do we do when doubt comes knocking?

We choose the light. We hang on, asking, seeking, persisting. We allow GOD’s light to come, to shine through us His children. We allow GOD’s voice to speak to us through His Word. We allow His love to manifest through fellowship with His people. We allow GOD’s Holy Spirit to manifest in presence and power as He wills. 

And the darkness of doubt is overcome.

“He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12b)

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

BOOK LAUNCH UPCOMING

I’ve a new book coming out.Who is my Father? will launch on 2nd June 2026. I’d love you to read it. Free on Amazon on launch day. Consider reviewing it to boost the profile so more can read, restore, and pass on GOD’s blessings… Link to follow at end of May.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Iran is squeezing the West

What a pressure cooker is Iran

Recently, the Pakistan government hosted peace talks between Iran and the USA. They talked for 21 hours but ultimately, they did not come to any agreement.

The tenuous cease fire continues at the time of writing. But it is flimsy at best.

A wrong assumption

Trump doesn’t seem to recognise that an ideology that celebrates death, held by the current Iranian Regime — Islamic extremism — couldn’t care less about the president’s threats on their society, their people, or even upon their own lives.

A recent print cartoon has US Vice President JD Vance shouting across the negotiating table during talks between the US and Iran on the war. He’s saying, “You don’t hold any cards!” Meanwhile, the Iranians at the same table, are sitting in front of a chess game.

Two perspectives, two games, two world views. Trump is stymied, in my view, because he assumed something that is both logical and naive.

The Iranian Regime, the IRGC, do not care about life. Instead they anticipate the “resurrection” of a four year old “saviour”. The destruction of Big Satan: the USA, and Little Satan: Israel, is their ultimate goal and the cost to achieve this is immaterial.

How did Trump miss this?

I’m not sure how the Americans missed this (unusual) perspective. Bombing the life out of Iran is not as important to Iran as is their belief that Mohammad’s prophecies will inevitably come true and Iran and it’s proxies will have achieved their goals in holding fort until that fulfilment comes.

Life does not matter to them.

What needs to happen next

Iran will not surrender. So, the USA and Israel need to ensure it never gets nuclear weaponry — because they will use it — on  the USA and Israel. 

Innocent Iranians — and that is vast swathes of the population — need to survive somehow, in spite of the war.

The Western media needs to stop misjudging Trump and Netanyahu. Europe needs to join the narrative to destroy the military capacity of Iran. The way to success is through unity. So, it’s no wonder the West is failing against the Iranian Regime.

Psalm 133 says, 

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.

It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore.

Let’s pray for a miracle

Time is running out. The longer Iran coerces other proxy nations to fight against Israel and the West, and the longer their blockade to prevent oil moving into the rest of the world continues, the weaker the West becomes. Military weakness sows discontent shared through the msm. It allows egos to thrive, which erode and destroy the West from within.

Let’s pray for unity in strategy and belief amongst the Western leaders. That will start to turn the situation in the Middle East more than all the bombs and rhetoric exploding from the government and media classes.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Islam v Jesus

In the battle between Islam and Christianity in the UK, there are only two possible outcomes: Islam takes over the nation and the political system; or Muslims, particularly Jihadist Muslims, discover Jesus for themselves in a very personal way. The former outcome will create the transformation of the UK to a Muslim state under Sharia Law. The latter will move this nation toward the Judeo-Christian culture that is professed and is historic to Britain, but which has long since evaporated into a benign system of political correctness and bland superficial lip service to the Bible.

Islam v Jesus

I have come to the conclusion that there is only one way to save democracy and Western culture in this nation. As an historically Christian nation and one that has practised democracy, with Godly principles based on the Judeo-Christian 10 Commandments, we cannot defeat Islam. The only way forward for culture and democracy in this nation to survive, is for Muslims to discover Jesus is the Son of GOD. Then they will turn to Him and Islam will be defeated from within.

Islam will not — in the long run — be willing to live alongside any other system or belief. We Westerners cannot defeat Islam nor live in harmony with its political and religious system. We cannot defeat it by persuasion. So dedicated to Allah are practicing Muslims that unless they see that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth and the Life” as He has professed to be, this nation will become Islamic because the current elite, largely holding a Cultural Marxist attitude and holding the political power, favours Islam — though I reckon it is out of naivety and fear rather than out of any personal attitude or interest in faith toward anything but self. 

Please research!

Do your own research. Do pray. Do recognise that Islam is on the march in this nation. It has no intention of being peaceful with other religions for its religious code is to take over. Here’s one man with a story and a lot of inside information (above). There are so many others.

Read the Koran: Chapter 2 v 191, or chapter 9 v 5 or chapter 8. Islam is not a religion of peace. It is a system for take-overs.

Evangelism

Both Christianity and Islam are evangelistic systems. Biblical Christianity lives and breathes through and for a King of Kings who is loving. Everything about Jesus and Christianity revolves around and is motivated by love. 

But Islam is predicated on force, deceit and bloodshed. It’s all in the book and it’s all modeled from the lifestyle of the marauding Mohammed. 

The Muslim purpose for prayer in public places is to claim the ground. Ignorance and naivety of the Western elite don’t get this!

I am not preaching to persuade. I am simply saying, based on what I have seen happen already and what I see happening now, society in Britain as we have known it going to be is “gone!” …. without an intervening miracle.

A Miracle is needed

There is only one miracle that will make a difference: It is for Jesus to appear to Muslims in this nation in a personal, undeniable way. 

Otherwise, we’re lost as a society.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

In all things, laugh a little

We may experience new challenges in this dynamic season. How do we cope with increased stress or responsibility?

Grace!

Recently I took a friend to a healing meeting. All of us were asked what did we want from the Lord this night. I asked for grace.

And today, I was challenged with my time table v other people wanting help. I’ve got healthy boundaries, so I didn’t take on burdens but did realise this was the LORD asking me to show more grace and He was providing me with more grace to handle it.

Thank you LORD!

Trust GOD

I’m doing my utmost to encourage a new believer to lay down their circumstances, give them to the LORD, and trust GOD with them.

The more we trust GOD, the more we can lay down to Him any situation, and know confidently, it is dealt with.

Praise GOD!

And laugh🙂

Some seasons are intense. But not all. And always we can find joy in any situation.

No matter what, can you find something fun or funny in any situation? Yes, you can. We can.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Rejoice!”

(Philippians 4:4)

Praise

If you can’t find your joy, if you can’t find your laughter… Go to your core strength, which is to rejoice, to praise, to sing Hallelujah!

“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!”

(Psalm 150:6)

Trust your joy… “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

(Nehemiah 8:10)

Give your attention to the LORD and all will be well. Laugh for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Hallelujah!