21. August 2010 by Chris Wyatt.

As I prepared for the message this Sunday morning, I read again the familiar story of the conversion of the Philippian jailor in Acts 16.  But today I noticed something I hadn’t noticed before, I noticed his joy.  Acts 16:34 says, “And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.”  Just a few moments before (see v. 27), he despaired of life, but now he rejoiced – what was it that made the difference? It was believing in Jesus Christ.

            In v. 30, he asked the question, “What must I do to be saved?” He wanted to know how he could have the assurance that when this life was over, he was ready for eternity.  Many today seek this assurance, but are told it isn’t possible, or else they are given some complex answer of some religious rituals they must follow in order to HOPEFULLY gain eternal life.  But the answer today is as simple as it was then, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved”

            Believing in Jesus Christ brings joy to one’s life, for it brings with it the assurance of eternal life.  Then for the Christian, joy comes as we believe the promises of God’s Word, and apply them to our lives – promises of His presence; promises of His provision; promises of His protection.

            The Philippian jailor experienced joy that day, because he believed in Jesus Christ, how about you? Do you have that joy? Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ for your salvation?  Christian, are you living in God’s joy by trusting the promises of His Word?

            “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8

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3. November 2009 by Chris Wyatt.

A couple of weeks ago, as I was preparing to come to church, there was frost on my windshield.  It wasn’t really a surprise, I had noticed earlier in the week that there was frost on the roofs when I was walking the dog.  We knew it was coming, but the fact of scraping the windshield brought home the reality that summer is over, we are well into fall, and winter is just around the corner.  Though I like the summer better than the winter, I do enjoy the change of seasons, and certainly each one has its unique beauty, but as I pondered the changing seasons, I was reminded of Jeremiah 8:20. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” 

Today is the day of God’s grace, the opportunity to be saved.  II Corinthians 6:2 reminds us that now the day of salvation.  We know from the Bible that God will judge the world one day - that day is coming, just like winter is coming.  As we look in the Bible, we see that the day is drawing closer and He has given us many signs to indicate that.  Like the frost on the window, we need to heed those signs and if we haven’t already done so, we need to choose Jesus Christ today, while there is time.  

Jesus Christ has provided a complete salvation, He took upon Himself the judgement we deserved, so that we could enjoy the peace of God for all eternity in Heaven.  Have you accepted Him as YOUR Saviour?  If not, trust Him today - don’t let the sad words of Jeremiah 8:20 be yours.  If you do know Him, rejoice that you know Him, then be busy telling others of His wonderful salvation while there is opportunity to do so. 

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11. October 2009 by Chris Wyatt.

Well, here we are again, another Thanksgiving season is upon us.  An opportunity to be thankful for the many blessings and kindnesses we enjoy. 

Thankfulness is a good thing.  We are taught to say “please” and “thank-you” as part of our manners from earliest childhood - and so we should.  When a person is grateful, it causes us to want to show further kindness, ungratefulness on the other hand may make us think our kindness was unappreciated and cause us to wonder if it was worthwhile.  So to be thankful is certainly a good thing - show your gratitude to family, friends and strangers alike for the kindnesses shown to you.

But really this special day is set aside for another purpose - to give thanks to our Creator.  Thanks to our fellow man is good, but how about giving thanks to the One who gave us all things?  Some may ask, what has God ever given to me?  The question may be better asked, what hasn’t God given to me?  James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”  I Timothy 6:17 goes on to say that, “… the living God… giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”  Life, health, wealth, freedom - all are from God.  Without God, we wouldn’t even be here, let alone have things to enjoy.  We here in Canada have much to be thankful for.  This is not to say that life is without difficulties, disappointments and sorrows, but even amidst these things we are a blessed people.  Of all the people who are under-appreciated, God must surely be at the top of the list, for not only do folks forget to thank Him, there are some who refuse even to acknowledge Him and His existence, yet, still in His mercy He continues to bless them in many ways.

Speaking of thankfulness, we cannot end this post without talking of that which we ought to be the most thankful for, that is His blessed gift of salvation.  II Corinthians 9:15 puts it well, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”  There is no gift so great, no gift so costly, no gift so lovingly given, no gift so available as this Gift.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16, and again, “…the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.  Have you received this wonderful gift?  If not, receive Him by faith today.  If you have already received Him, you have something to be eternally thankful for.

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30. September 2009 by Chris Wyatt.

Well, the day has arrived - my first opportunity to “blog”.  To me the purpose of blogging is communication - the opportunity to communicate, whether a simple thought, or an important Biblical truth.  On that note, obviously my thoughts mean little, whereas Biblical truth is vital.

This week has, and will continue to be a busy one - studying, working, helping some folks move, taking some young people to a youth rally, and on and on we could go with the plans and goals of the week.  Life certainly can get busy for all of us - so busy that it is easy to leave some things out.  Yet, in the busyness of life, I am reminded of the importance of time spent with God.  Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek God and His righteousness first.  The Psalmist said he would seek God early, for his soul thirsted for God (Psalm 63:1).  Yes, though we are not all “morning people” a day begun with God is a day started right - time for prayer, to read and meditate on His blessed Word, to praise Him for all His blessings.

In the busyness of your life, take time for God.  

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