Hello & Welcome to my blog that addresses the trials and challenges that we face in our walk with the Lord, “Blessed is anyone who perseveres under trial” (James 1:3).

Shall we keep that ‘corrupted’ word for the King of Kings?

(I have taken this short  devotional message – about this word ‘Awesome’ – from my book ‘Daughters Under Trial.’  I wrote ‘Daughters Under Trial‘ for Christian women,  but comments I receive prove men are being blessed by the book too… “I realise that ‘Daughters Under Trial’ was written with women in mind, but it blessed me just as much as it did my wife“ Rev. Reynolds. UK).

excerpt taken from  Chapter 15  from ‘Daughters Under Trial’  Christine Smith

An Awesome Holiday?

I received a report from WordPress about my blog. When a blog is doing well, WordPress send a report to congratulate them.

My report said, “Christine Smith, Congratulations! Your blog is doing absolutely awesome”

This made me cringe. Why? Well, I believe the word ‘Awesome’ should only be used for the description of God and His awesomeness, like in the Bible. Even though unbelievers don’t know any different – it still pains me when I hear it used to describe so many things – or people.

But many Christians too, in all innocence, are using the word ‘Awesome,’ for almost anything. This is a word that has long been corrupted, just like many other words today that have been changed from their original meaning (i e, ‘gay’ merely meant: happy or jolly).

Whenever I have the time. I like to watch the English programme called ‘It’s Me Or The Dog’ with Victoria Stillwell. I like dogs (if they like me, that is!) and I enjoy this programme on dog training. But the word awesome is used when a dog has responded to training, when ‘amazing’ or ‘great’ or ‘incredible’ would do.

I believe the word ‘awesome’ is Holy, and belonging exclusively to the Master and His great works. It is such a powerful and ultimate word, meaning something so incredibly unbelievably inspiring, and something above and beyond our human reasoning or imagination -  that it cannot be associated with the human things it is being used for in today’s vocabulary.

> When we use the word ‘Awesome for anything or everything – what other word is left to describe the King of Kings, the Master of the Universe?

In the Bible the word ‘awesome’ pertained to God or His stunning works which were always: Unspeakable; Powerful beyond all reason; Terrible; Unsearchable; Unfathomable; Wondrous; Fearful; Inexplicable; Unimaginable energy; Inspiring. It was a word to display the awesomeness of God.

I was very grateful for the report from WordPress that my blog is doing well. It was good to know that my devotional messages are being read and are helping and encouraging people. But my blog is not awesome! For me.. only… God and His works are awesome!

*A dog can’t be awesome!

*A good meal can’t be awesome!

*A fabulous holiday isn’t awesome!

*A diet that worked isn’t awesome!

*A car can’t be awesome!

*Even our children can’t be ‘awesome’

“Let them praise Your great and awesome name”(Psalm 99:3.nasv).

“The Lord who is great and awesome” (Nehemiah 4:14.nasv).

“Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works” (Psalm 66:3.nasv).

“Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds” (Psalm 66:5.nasv).

“Let them Praise Your great and awesome name; Holy is He” (Psalm 99:3.nasv).

“The Lord  your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God” (Deuteronomy 7:21.nasv).

“Our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God…” (Nehemiah 9:32.nasv).

“Around God is awesome majesty”(Job 37:22. nasv).

There can only be One who is awesome! There can only be One who does great and mighty unimaginable awesome deeds. It is the great and mighty ‘Awesome’ One.

Shall we let God completely own this word? Shall we keep the word ‘Awesome’ for Him and Him alone? Then our children, and our grandchildren will really understand and know what God really is – the awesome powerful One.

(there are many other Scriptures pertaining to the word awesome in the ISV version other than the scriptures here).

A Prayer of Praise.

Lord, you are the great and mighty awesome One. We worship You and praise Your Holy name. We acknowledge Your great power. We acknowledge Your awesomeness. You are the great and mighty Creator One of all things. You are the only person who is awesome, yet You are our personal, faithful friend. What humility. My Saviour. My King.

Amen.

end of excerpt.

I am sorry if anyone reading this doesn’t agree with me, or who doesn’t feels as strongly about it as I do. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.

This devotional message and prayer was taken from Chapter 15 in ‘Daughters Under Trial’ entitled ‘An Awesome Holiday?‘

‘Daughters Under Trial’ Christine Smith. Copyright 2012. Living Devotions. UK. ISBN. 9780956908827

To order ‘Daughters Under Trial’ go to www.lostinfaith.org

God Bless you.

‘It Could Take Faith To…’

“If you want to be inspired… If you want to review or strengthen your faith… if you want one of those rare ‘can’t-put-it-down books… this is the book for you. Be prepared for a one-sitting read!” (Ministers wife, UK)

Christine Smith, has taken her unique and fascinating experiences from her journals and written them into a captivating page turner.

For content description/further reviews/orders go to: www.lostinfaith.org

‘Daughters Under Trial ‘

“If you need fresh insights from God’s word, or a devotional with a difference; for your life to be changed for the better, or something special for your group fellowship – this is the book you need! Each inspiring message is followed by a very moving prayer. Christine’s inspiring devotionals never fail to enlighten and enthuse”  (Sharon, fellowship leader).

For further reviews /Orders go to www.lostinfaith.org‘

‘My book of prayers’

Ideal for personal use; ladies classes; gifts.

Out for Christmas  – limited copies. To secure an order for Christmas email livingdevotions@gmail.com

O Lord, I cannot hold on to You by myself. I am weak! Please cling on to me! Don’t let me go!

I humbly ask, that You will be merciful, by not allowing me to escape You!

Lord, I humbly ask, that You will make all too real to me, what a ‘grass-is-greener sheep’ may need to go through to be brought back into Your fold. Please re-assure me, that no-one loves me as You do, and no-one ever will. Help me to understand, how much I mean to You – and how You need me too!

Please give me the realisation of the hunger, filth, sadness, emptiness, and loneliness the Prodigal son had to endure, before coming to his senses, before realising the wonderful life he had, and could still have, back home with his loving Father!

O Lord, I know You are not looking for perfection in us, because the people You used, were not perfect. You understand that we are human, and prone to worldly ways. I also know You are a merciful, all loving, forgiving God, and would receive me back into the fold. But please help me to be fully aware, that leaving You behind, would mean replacing You with something else that would be to my disadvantage, and that I could be left with wounds and scars from the world, that may take a long time to heal, and that I may  carry some awful consequence for choosing a backsliden life.

I ask to my shame Lord – to make me more in love with you. I ask that You will show me afresh, what it cost You to go to the cross for the sin of the world; the pain, the scorn, the nail-piercings; the crown of thorns – for me.

Help me Lord, to realise how privileged I am, to ever have walked with You at all. So I ask. I plead, for your help to return to that first love. Help me to fully realise, that if I backslide, that I may be one of those, who may never want to come back to You; that I may get hardened while I am out there away from You!

Please give me the strength – not to grow any colder.

Amen.

“Consider then and realise how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord…. Your backsliding will rebuke you” (Jeremiah 2:19).

“The backslider in heart will have the fill of his own ways” (Proverbs 14:14).

“How great is Your goodness which You have stored up for those who fear You” (Psalm 31: 19).

“You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

“Fear the Lord and turn away from evil (i,e. wrong). It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:7,8)

Christine Smith. If this prayer has been of any help to you please leave a comment.

My book of prayers comes out at Christmas. For details and to secure an order go to blog entitled ‘My book Of Prayers’  (limited supply).

To order my books www.lostinfaith.org

This is the continuation of my blogs addressing – ‘The wonderful forgotten anointed Hymns‘ – the hymns that were once the most integral part of a service.

Hymn no 3  (see 1 & 2 on blogs entitled: ‘The wonderful forgotten anointed hymns’ & ‘Billy Graham’s Theme Tune’).

I believe these anointed hymns will return to our services once again, and when they do, an explanation of each should be printed in the church bulletin, or explained from the platform, because the circumstances in which they were written is why they are inspired, and the reason they brought people to their knees in true and lasting repentance.

no 3) WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

Joseph Scriven wrote this hymn in 1857. He was born in 1819 to wealthy parents in Dublin, Ireland. He was a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin.  At the age of twenty-five he decided to leave Dublin to migrate to Canada; the reason being the accidental drowning of his fiance the night before their wedding!

Although this hymn is not particularly great literary writing, it’s simple truths have brought comfort to countless of God’s people since it was written.

In Canada, Joseph Scriven started to take the Sermon on the Mount literally. He gave away his possessions – even sharing the clothing from his own body! He never refused  help to anyone in need.

Ira Sankey saw Joseph Scriven on the streets in Port Hope, Ontario, with a sawbuck and saw, and asked someone who the man was, so he could approach him to work for him. But he was told that he would never get the man to work for him, as all he wants to do is saw wood for poor widows and sick people who cannot pay.

When Joseph Scriven wrote this hymn, he had not written it for publication. On hearing of his mother’s serious illness in his far-off Dublin, he wrote these words… ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus…” By chance, a  friend saw the poem on a scrap of paper by Joseph’s bed, and asked who had written it. Joseph replied, “The Lord and I did it between us.”

Joseph Scriven, died of accidental drowning. The citizens of Port Hope, Ontario, erected a monument on the Port Hope-Peterborough Highway, which runs from Lake Ontario, with these words inscribed: “Four miles north, in Pengally’s Cemetery, lies the author of this great masterpiece, written at Port Hope in 1857.”

1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Ev’rything to God in prayer! Oh what peace we often forfiet, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry – Everything to God in  prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged – Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful. Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness – Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour , still our refuge – Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in  prayer. In His arms He’ll take and shield Thee – thou wilt find a solace there.

“A person of too many friends comes to ruin (Lit, be broken in pieces), But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24 nasb).

This Scripture may surprise us! But this is because we have been conditioned to believe that the more friends we have, the more popular a person we must be, and the better image we will have, or the better off we will be. Yet according to this Scripture – it seems not. In fact, the people God used – were near friendless!

So if you are one of those people, who never seems to have as many friends as others have, you should not feel odd, or unhappy about it. According to this Scripture you are be better off! A rare, loyal friend, is better than 50 that we think are friends.

The King James version puts that Scripture like this… “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly…”

These two translations seem so opposite from one another. But really they are not.

The King James version is a clever way of saying… if you have friends, then you must actually be a friend to them. You must show yourself to be a friend. It is talking of neglecting them. It takes time and the giving of ourselves to do this. So like someone I know, who on Facebook for example, has 5,000 friends, it is impossible to be a real friend to each, so they could get hurt/broken and feel rejected when lacking the attention others receive on the ‘like’ buttons! I also know people, who have said, that before they went on Facebook, they had a life! I also know people who have been ‘broken’ because they neglected their longterm faithful friends to such an extent, they felt unneccessary and unwanted so drifted. Then there is the ‘unfriending’ that happens on Facebook, which can crush someone’s spirit, including the ‘denial’ of a friend request. (By the way, I am not trying to get at Facebook, I have no reason to – it is just a good example to use for this Scripture).

The definition of a friend: Someone you trust and who trusts you. Someone you have feelings of real affection for. Someone that matters to you if they are sad. Someone you can point out a mistake to, because they know that you genuinely love them and have their interest at heart. The Bible puts it a better way… “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 17:17), but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy”  We should be able to trust the guidance, and the truth of a real friend.

Real true friends are rare – appreciate any you have.

The original translation of this Scripture is for the word ‘ruin’ is… ‘broken into pieces’ What can this mean? ‘broken into pieces’?  ‘Broken into pieces’ sounds so  drastic!

Just as a way of explanation, I want us to consider Facebook again… I have only just joined Facebook, and already I cannot seem to keep up with what everyone is saying and doing. I have felt somewhat here, there, and everywhere, and rather distracted (and it could be that Facebook may not be for me).  It has also made me feel ‘nosy’ – a new feeling I don’t like having. Then sometimes, I have felt as if I am intruding on someone’s privacy. But even more, I am concerned, that I will soon get so taken up with Facebook, that I will unwittingly be overlooking, or neglecting the ones who have seen me through devastating situations in my life; the ones who have stood with me through thick and thin; those who prayed their heart out for me; those who have loved and believed in me no matter what; the friends who never forget me – and I think this is what that Scripture must be about… “a person of too many friends comes to ruin” So maybe this Scripture is a warning?

We may have many ‘friends’ but really, we will only have few like this… “there is a friend who sticks…” (Prov 18:24). You will find it hard to get rid of a true friend. They cling! They will become almost part of you, because the definition of ‘sticks’ is: defends you; sticks up for you; remains close to you.

“Some companions are good only for idle talk, but there is a friend who sticks/clings… “ (Prov 18:24 REV).

“He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction” (Proverbs 18:24 RV).

Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 145:14 NASB).

‘What a friend we have in Jesus’ – by Joseph Scriven  – a true friend to those – that no-one else wanted as their friend!

Christine Smith. Living Devotions.

If you were blessed in any way by this message please leave a comment.

To order my books www.lostinfaith.org

This is the continuation of my blog addressing the wonderful forgotten anointed hymns, which were once the most integral part of service.

I believe these anointed hymns will return to our services once again. When they do, an explanation of each should be printed in the church bulletin, or explained from the platform, because the circumstances in which they were written is inspiring.

Hymn no 2  (see no 1 on previous blog entitled: The forgotten anointed hymns).

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine.

This has been a popular song in evangelical circles for a long time, and became the theme tune for Billy Graham’s meetings ‘Hour of Decision’

It was written by one of the most prolific hymn writers of all time – Fanny Crosby.

She was born in new York. She was totally blind from infancy and went to one of the first established special schools for the blind in the US.

She was converted during the singing of Isaac Watt’s hymn ‘Alas and did my Saviour bleed’ at a meeting in a Methodist church in New York.

She wrote more than 8,000 hymns, including ‘To God be the glory’ ‘Safe in the arms of Jesus’ ‘Rescue the perishing’ ‘ I am thine O Lord, I have heard Thy voice’

These hymns are anointed because of the circumstances they were written in, and also because they literally brought people to their knees in repentance. There are many talented song writers today – but that does not mean that all the songs written are anointed…. enjoyable maybe, but an anointing is something different – very different. An anointed song does not need any ‘whipping up, so to speak, to have an effect.

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine: O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God; Born of the Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long.

2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

3. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blessed, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

These words may be simple, but when anointed it hardly matters how simple!

It is incredible that a woman who had been blind from a tot, could write… ‘visions of rapture burst on my sight…’

Please see hymn no 3 under blog title: ‘A person who of too many friends comes to ruin’ – which is the continuation of my list of,  ‘The forgotten anointed hymns.’

Christine Smith. Living Devotions.

If this has blessed you in any way – please leave a comment.

To order my books www.lostinfaith.org

This is the start of my list addressing the forgotten anointed hymns. I feel it my duty, as much as I am able, not to let these hymns be forgotten, and this is why I am doing this series on them.

I am near devastated about all the wonderful hymns that have been put aside in churches these days. They were once the most integral part of a service. But -  I really believe they will come back. They have to! They are too anointed not to be needed once again. I don’t know how, or when the trend not to continue singing these anointed hymns came about, but I do believe that one day, they will become the main songs in services again.  The Anglicans recognise and respect how God moved and inspired men and women to write them, while going through the most tragic of circumstances in their lives, so these hymns are still sung in Anglican services.

There are young people and couples who have probably never heard an anointed hymn.

I think that when a hymn is sung – the background of who wrote it and in what circumstances, should be put in the church bulletin, or explained from the platform.

Hymn no 1.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.

This hymn has a very important place in the history of English hymnody. 

This is because it is one of the earliest hymns in the English language to include the personal pronoun ‘I’ and to express  the experience of Christian faith rather than simply limiting itself to matters of doctrine.

It has long been acknowledged as one of the finest hymns ever written.

Watts wrote the hymn in 1674 as a communion hymn. He based it on Galatians 6;14 “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ’

1. When I survey the wondrous Cross on which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God; All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.

3. See from His head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down; Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

4. His dying crimson, like a robe, Spreads o’er his body on the Tree; Then am I dead to all the globe, And all the globe is dead to me.

5. Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demand my soul, my life, my all.

Please see hymn no 2 ‘Billy Graham’s Theme Tune’ for the continuation of my list of – ‘The forgotten anointed Hymns’

Christine Smith. Living Devotions.

If this has blessed you in any way – please leave a comment.

To order my books www.lostinfaith.org

In Spain, when my daughter was visiting us, she wanted to go a drive up the mountains. The mountains in Spain look as if some big Hoover has sucked all life from them because they are so bald, yet in their own way, are strangely attractive.

On our way, we stopped frequently, to get out of our old camper van to take in the scenery, and to look at all the wild, dried grasses on the mountains. I always take scissors along to cut some of them for displays. It seems a shame for them never to be seen out there in the wild.

We also stopped to visit the caves – all dotted in the mountains like tombs. They are the same caves God called us to evangelise in 1970. (I can always tell, whenever we go back to them, how real that call was, in the days of dirt tracks, no telephones, running water, electricity, or lighting; and caves brimming with scorpion, lizards, and centipedes. Knowing me – it shows that when God calls you to do something, He must give the grace to go with the call).

When we arrived at the top of the mountain, we got out of the camper van to walk around.  Chris went his way and my daughter and I went another. Then I heard my daughter gasp, and I saw her, hand over her mouth, staring at a sheep in a deep crevice lying on its side, barely alive, snatching its last breath. I have observed many sheep in Spain, and if they are on their back, they cannot get up alone. But this sheep was on its side, yet it was still dying right in front of our eyes! My daughter couldn’t bear it, and neither could I. But how on earth would we get this big heavy sheep up from the ditch, into our van, to get it to some help!? It was a larger sheep than many I’ve seen, and sheep can bite (as every Pastor knows!). But between us, we still decided to try and get the sheep into the camper. But even with three of us, it was an impossibility. We even put a big piece of material underneath it to drag it up from the crevice, but the sheep was so heavy the cloth just tore as we pulled it upwards.

We knew if we just drove away, that it would continue upsetting us for a long time, and ruin many a good nights sleep. We then had the idea to scout around for the Shepherd. But in the most barren, and empty of places, there was no-one to be seen. This sheep had stumbled right into a hidden crevice – maybe due to what killed the cat – curiosity! We wondered if the Shepherd was out looking for his missing sheep.

My daughter and I were in tears, as we watched this handsome woolly creature, snatching its last breathes in the boiling hot sun without any shade. This sheep was too weak to be able to bite anyone! We even wondered if it was dying while giving birth!

We felt in a dilemma. It would feel so cruel to just drive away, yet there seemed to be no alternative, and it was becoming too distressing watching a lovely big animal in the last stages of death. We thought at least, we would put some water in a bowl and leave it next to the sheep, even just to make us feel somewhat human when we drove away.

So I went to the van and filled a large washing up bowl with water, and then put it down next to the dying sheep. To our utter surprise, the sheep, eyes still closed, head still on its side, plopped out its tongue, and started sucking up the water very slowly, until the bowl was empty. Then almost immediately after, it revived! It then got straight up – clambered up from the crevice, and ran past us all as fast as it could!

That sheep was merely dying of something we hadn’t even thought of! Thirst! We thought that for some unknown reason it was dying from some disease, or a broken leg. But it was dehydrated! We were all so happy that day, that we had saved that sheep’s’ life. We had arrived only minutes before that sheep breathed its last.

Dehydration is a serious matter and dehydration can happen any time of the year!

The function of water:

* Water regulates the bodies temperature.

* Water is for necessary for circulation.

* Water stops risk of heart attack.

* Soft drinks and alcohol steal water from the body.

* Without water diseases such as cholera are rampant.

Water removes toxins.

>The Scriptures have been left to us to remove the toxins of the world that we have to live alongside daily.

>The Scriptures have been left to us to drink of – for our very Spiritual survival.

>The Scriptures have been left to us for all our Spiritual nutrients. The soul needs different ones than our bodies!

We cannot live only on the water that is given to us at Church. We also have to drink for ourselves!

Many sheep are dying in these last days, and you only have to read my blog, on the reasons why people are leaving their faith.

We will be a dehydrated sheep, and a slowly dying sheep, if we do not drink daily at the fountain. We wouldn’t dream of going without fluid for a day would we? We should not be surprised if ever we find ourselves slowly dying out, burning up, shrivelling in our spiritual life, if we fail our soul in giving it the nutrients it craves.

The Lord left us more than enough water to drink of, and if we lap it up, we will be certain that our soul is always a living spring, bubbling up inside.

“…having cleansed her by the washing of water with His word” (Ephesians 5:26).

“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul” (Psalm 18:7).

Christine Smith. Living Devotions.

If you were blessed in any way by this message please leave a comment.

To order my books www.lostinfaith.org

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Christine Smith. Living Devotions.

To order my books www.lostinfaith.org

Christians are losing their faith.

How do I know?

I do not know who these people are or where they are from, but daily these search words are typed in my blog:  ‘”I have lost my faith’  “I have lost my faith because of Pentecostalism”  “I am losing my faith”  “Help! My wife is backsliding”  “My husband is losing his faith in the Lord”  “I don’t believe it anymore”

Even as I write another person has just keyed in, “My spouse is backsliding”

I have been in ministry a very long time, and I know of four main reasons that causes someone to lose faith and backslide. Here is the first…

1. Quoting Scriptures out of context.

Quoting a Scripture, without any consideration of the surrounding verses and context, can be misleading, and especially to a new Christian. There are certain Scriptures that are quoted from one person to another, until the true meaning of the Scripture, has never been understood.

Here is the first Scripture that so often gets quoted out of context…

1) “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4 :13).

This Scriptures has become a favourite to use when we want to do something difficult. But quoting it out of context, is suggesting to someone how they can do anything and everything. But this Scripture has nothing to do with being able to do all things. And let’s be honest we cannot do all things as many people have found, then wondered why the Scripture hadn’t held up!

Paul here, was talking specifically about his ability to be able to live with a lot or with little. Before his conversion Paul would have been a man of enormous wealth. He was at the ‘top of the career ladder.’  When he got converted he suffered terribly for the sake of the Gospel (“we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed, but not despairing, persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed” 2 Corinthians 4:8).

Paul points out in the Scripture in question, how his life has changed, and how he can now live with a little or a lot when he says… ” I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity. I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance, and suffering need – I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”

There is nothing to stop us using this Scripture in its correct context, and say with Paul… “I am able to be content no-matter what I have or don’t have, as the Lord will give me the strength to live happily with it or without it”

But to use it as a ‘I can do anything’ I want Scripture, and God will be behind me, is quoting it out of context and is misleading, and causes wrong expectations.

Christine Smith. Living Devotions.

Please leave a comment if you have been helped in any way by this devotional message

Scripture no 2

“My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory” (Philippians 4:17-19).

This is quoting just half of a verse.

The Philippians were the only ones to have helped Paul financially to spread the Gospel. The Philippians sent aid to Paul over and again, and told them how faithful they had been in doing this, and for sharing in his troubles.

When Paul was away spreading the Gospel, he told the Philippians that he wasn’t looking out for the arrival of their gift, and that what was more important to him, was  would be credited to their account. But in those days – they hadn’t heard of ‘giving to get’ and the Philippians wouldn’t have even thought about any credit for the help they were giving Paul. That’s why Paul commended them for their sacrifice, and told them… “I have received the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, and an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God, And (because of this) my God will supply your needs according to His riches in glory”

If we only hear the latter part of this Scripture, it gives this impression…. ‘wow, every single thing I need or want will be supplied!’  This has caused discouragement when it didn’t happen that way.

This Scripture is referring to giving and there is a ‘BECAUSE’ to this promise. It is a conditional Scripture.

Of course, we can take an example from this Scripture and reason… ‘well we have given’ ‘we have tithed’, or  ‘we have been faithful to missionaries’, and the likes, so God will meet our every need too! But we must be aware, that ‘giving to get’ does not please the Lord.

Sometimes, we may have to live with that ‘thorn in the flesh’ like Paul had to. Sometimes we may have to ‘overcome’ something, or have the grace to live with it – or without it, whatever the case may be.

Sacrifice is a loss – not a gain!

That’s why it is called – a sacrifice.

A sacrifice has gone… because it has been sacrificed!

In the Bible when an animal had been sacrificed – that was it – it didn’t exist anymore!

Christine Smith. Living Devotions.

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Scripture no 3

“This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it”

I cannot describe just how much this one upsets me, and the chorus even more which goes …. ‘‘This is the day, This is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice. I will rejoice, and be glad in it, and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord had made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made‘

I am sure John Peterson wrote some good songs… but he really went wrong on this one.  I have seen people confused while this song was being sung, or when it was quoted to them, when it could have been the most terrible day of their lives for them!

This Scripture is confusing and damaging if the real meaning of ‘that day’ isn’t known when the Scripture has got passed down from one to another. I have heard people say to someone in a dreadful state, albeit with a good heart, and due to not understanding the Scripture – ‘well this is the day the Lord has made sister/brother, so we will just have to be glad and rejoice in it with you.”

This Scripture has nothing to do with ‘this’ day, this ‘current day‘ and I’m sure if John Peterson had seen the results I have seen, and experienced, he may not have written a chorus using only half of a verse.

The Scripture comes from Psalm 118:2. “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes, THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE: LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN  IT”

The day this Scripture is referring to is THE DAY OF ALL DAYS. The DAY when Jesus came! THAT day when the One who was rejected, became the head corner-stone. THAT day when He did away with the cruel law; which was such a huge burden on people’s backs, while those who had made them didn’t abide by them. THAT day when He made it possible to live by grace, instead of having to ‘earn’ our Salvation.

This Scripture is not about the day we wake up to. We could wake up to the most horrendous day, like the day the twin towers were blown up!  Or like the day the doctor arrived at our door, to tell us that our son had only 3-6 months to live due to acute myloid leukemia! This chorus, or quoting half of a Scripture, is also what can make Christians look simple and naive to the world. But it can also damage someone who may have just received the most dreadful news, such as the day their was son killed at war! God did not make that day! Sin, selfishness, and evil power-hungry men made that day!

A Cornerstone: “The origin of a buIlding (the temple); Indispensable fundamental basis; cornerstone placed in the foundation and everything is built around it. A cornerstone is USUALLY CARVED WITH A DATE! THAT date and THAT day… was CALVARY! Let us be glad and rejoice in it!

“It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is the stone the builders rejected, which has become the capstone” (Acts 4;10).

“See, I lay in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6)

“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes, THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE: LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN  IT” (Psalm 18:2).

(To be continued with the second reason that has caused people to lose their faith).

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Christine Smith. Living Devotions.

To order my books www.lostinfaith.org

Mothers Day.

In America it is Mothers Day.

This is the ideal time to remember the very first mother – Eve. But today I want to remember the very overlooked mother in evangelical circles – the mother of Jesus.

It is sad how we have thrown out the baby with the bath water (for want of another expression). Because catholics worship Mary, and have made her an idol, we tend to show our disapproval by hardly ever mentioning Mary.

I have felt very convicted of this. I know Mary isn’t alive physically, and I know we are only to pray and worship the Lord. But we can still recognise, respect, and bring to mind more often, this remarkable young woman, who was chosen to bear Jesus for 9 months! There has to be a valuable lesson to learn from this very special mother… because…

Mary was favoured (Luke 1:28).

We need to know why she was favoured.

We need to know why she was chosen.

We need to know what it was about her that God particularly approved of.

We need to learn what we can about the one who was chosen to carry the King of Kings!

It is true, that Mary was a direct descendant of the King of David the tribe of Judah which gave Jesus the right to the Jewish throne, and that she was of nobility being in the Royal line… BUT the family had lost all of its status because of the years of Israels captivity and years of foreign domination.

Mary would have been amongst one of the many very poor young peasant girls, who would have picked fruit, olives, and worked hard, and got her hands dirty, for the rich landowners. Starting work early, going to be late to begin early again the next morning; a routine of eating little and sleeping little. She would have been looked upon, as any other peasant girl; a nobody. She was probably even ‘owned’ and had probably been ‘bought’ to be a slave.

The secret to Mary the mother of Jesus is in her own song in Luke 1:46.

“My soul exalts the Lord, And my Spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he has regard for the humble state of his bondslave (I.e. female slave)… He has scattered those who were proud…. He has brought down rulers from their thrones. And has exalted those who were humble…“

She was literally saying here, how  God chose a ‘nobody’ instead of a ‘well-known’ or upper class rich woman.

The secret to Mary was her humility!

God exalts the humble, and says so in His word.

God favours the humble and says so in His word.

God shows mercy and favour to the humble, and says so throughout His word. .

God hates pride so much, that he chose to be born in a stable. He chose to walk the mountains fasting and praying, instead of feasting in a palace. So it should be no surprise the reason why he hates pride in His children.

“God is opposed (i.e, against) the proud but gives grace (ie, mercy) to the humble” (nasv James 4:6).

“For though the Lord is exalted, Yet He regards the lowly, But the haughty He knows from afar” (nasv Psalm 138;6).

Do you feel rejected? Do you feel like a nobody? Then please please read my devotional message in my latest book, Daughters Under Trial ‘ -  Are You Rejected? Are You Unloved? You may discover that you are more of a ‘somebody’ than you think!

Christine Smith. Living Devotions.

If you have been helped in any way by this message please leave a comment

To order my books  www.lostinfaith.org