Jesus..Predicted So Long Ago.

In Job Chapter 20 Job exclaims these words of assurance...

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin is destroyed yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see him with my own eyes, I and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"

Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

To Serve Or Be Served!

Generally speaking there are more of us who want to be served...than there are who want to serve.

In my reading today (from Matthew 20) Jesus said this...

"whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

TFTD: This doesn't come naturally for us....we have to work at it....how about we start working?


Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

Man One....God Nil!

That was the headline in the Telegraph yesterday.

How arrogant and Godless would you have to be?

It had to do with the High Court challenge over the Chaplains in Schools.

Even if it really is Man One...God Nil.....(and I doubt that it is!)

In the end, the very end......

GOD WILL WIN.

Have a good day (while you can)


Peter Clark.

The Hopelessness Of The Hopeless!

At the moment I am reading through the Book of Job.

Bildad, one of the friends (who in the end isn't very helpful), speaks of the basis of a faithless life.

Job 8:10-19 (New International Version, ©2010)


10 Will they not instruct you and tell you?
Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?
11 Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh?
Can reeds thrive without water?
12 While still growing and uncut,
they wither more quickly than grass.
13 Such is the destiny of all who forget God;
so perishes the hope of the godless.
14 What they trust in is fragile;
what they rely on is a spider’s web.
15 They lean on the web, but it gives way;
they cling to it, but it does not hold.
16 They are like a well-watered plant in the sunshine,
spreading its shoots over the garden;
17 it entwines its roots around a pile of rocks
and looks for a place among the stones.
18 But when it is torn from its spot,
that place disowns it and says, ‘I never saw you.’
19 Surely its life withers away,
and from the soil other plants grow.

It is the same message about building a house - on the sand or on the rock.

TFTD: Any life built on anything but God is on a very shaky foundation.

Have a good day,


Peter Clark.

On Finding That You Have To Change Direction!

It is a great thing to be corrected as you read you Bible...

Job 5:17 says "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."

TFTD: Let's not dig our heels in and continue on the wrong path....but be humble and let God work on us.


Have a good day,


Peter Clark.

Saving And Losing One's Life.

Matthew 16:25

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."

Some people (not very wise ones) spend their whole lives trying to build a "life".

In the end they may own a substantial portion of what the world offers, but not really have life.

The very next verse says this...

"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"

A good question...that deserves a good answer from each of us.

Have a good day,


Peter Clark.

Spotted!

In my reading today Jesus is spotted by Peter and his real identity revealed.

It is commonly called Peter's confession of Christ. Jesus asks "Who do people say that I am?"

They answer and Jesus then asks..."But who do you say that I am?"

Peter answers on behalf on them all - "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16)

TFTD: In the end, it is what we think of Christ that is the most important thing in all eternity.

Have a good day,


Peter Clark.

Seeing The Big Picture!

Mostly, we live in our own little world with no idea that we may be a part of something bigger.

In Genesis, Joseph recognised that he was a part of a bigger story that was being played out.

He had been sold by his brothers because they thought he was a pain (and he probably was).

He ended up 2nd in charge of Egypt...and he explains it like this to his brothers...

Genesis 45:7

"But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."

He recognises that God sent him to Egypt and not the ill intent of his brothers.

TFTD: I wonder how you see your life playing out?

Have a good day,


Peter Clark.

The Faith Of David!

Isn't it amazing that in the Bible how some of the "greats" of Scripture have such flawed characters?

We tend to write off flawed characters, but God doesn't.

We see that in David...a man who is very flawed but loved and used by God in a very great way.

Psalm 13:5,6

"But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for He has been good to me."

What profound faith and trust David shows towards God....just amazing.

TFTD: How does our faith/trust show up in comparison.

Have a great day,

Peter Clark.

Beware.....The Mouth!

Matthew 15:11

"What goes into a man's mouth does not make him "unclean", but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him "unclean".

We can't help what we hear....but we do have some control over what we say.

TFTD: Beware of the what comes out of your mouth.


Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

Moving Lips....Far Away Hearts!

Saying one thing and doing another. If we experience that in other people we find it very annoying.

How does God put up with it?

Matthew 15:8 "These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

TFTD: We have to be very careful that our actions match our words.

Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

Taking Offence At Jesus!

Matthew 13:57 (New International Version, ©2010)

57 And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

This happened after Jesus came back to his home town.

They were familiar with him...they knew who he was....and they took offence at him.

Jesus wasn't the first prophet to be rejected in his own country. It happened to Jeremiah.

The result was that Jesus did not do many miracles there...because of their lack of faith.

TFTD: Love Jesus, and don't take offence at Him.

Have a good day,

Peter Clark.

Are You Shining?

In my reading this morning I was up to Matthew 13, where the parable of the weeds is explained. There is a description of what happens to the weeds - not very pleasant - who would want to be a weed!!!!!

In contrast, then we have the righteous.....

Matthew 13:43 (New International Version, ©2010)

43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Those who receive God's favour stand in bright contrast to those who receive God's judgement.

Have a great day,

Peter Clark.

What Do We Do About Being Tempted?

We are all tempted....it is a part of us being human

James 1:2-6 (The Message)

2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

Or do you prefer this version...

James 1:2-6 (New International Version, ©2010)


2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

What Do We Do About Being Lonely?

There are too many people who are lonely.

How do we combat our loneliness?

I am hoping that this Psalm is a help.

Psalm 23


1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.

What Do We Do About Being Sad?

John 5:24 (The Message)

Jesus says...

24"It's urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living.

It is as though Jesus says...."there is something bigger going on here....let this lift you out of your sadness".

Paul says, "what is pure...what is lovely....think on these things".

Having said that....I realise that sometimes our sadness has a medical base...and what we might need is a holiday....someone to talk to ....or some medicine from our Doctor.

There may well be a very good reason for us to be sad....feel the feeling.


Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

What Do We Do About Being Upset?

Some people seem to get upset over the most trivial things...everything.

I have pondering what might help these people.

Is it that they do not have in their mind a firm grasp on the assurance we have been given by God of our ETERNAL LIFE?

1 John 5:10-13 (The Message)

9-10If we take human testimony at face value, how much more should we be reassured when God gives testimony as he does here, testifying concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God's own testimony regarding his Son.

11-12This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life.


13-15My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God's Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he's listening. And if we're confident that he's listening, we know that what we've asked for is as good as ours.

Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

What Do We Do About Being Angry?

Some of us have a real problem with anger....and may need to seek out professional help. There is no shame in that.

The Scriptures are also helpful - we can put our anger in it's wider context. That is what Psalm 37 seems to do.

With help it seems as though it is something that we can "turn away from" and not carry over into the next day ("do not let the sun go down on your anger").

Prayer can also very effective. Find someone that you trust, and that you can pray with about your anger.

Psalm 37
Of David.
1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;
17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,
and their inheritance will endure forever.
19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish:
Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,
they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;
22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be destroyed.

23 The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be a blessing.

27 Turn from evil and do good;
then you will dwell in the land forever.
28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed;
the offspring of the wicked will perish.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak what is just.
31 The law of their God is in their hearts;
their feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
intent on putting them to death;
33 but the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Hope in the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,
36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
a future awaits those who seek peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
there will be no future for the wicked.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

What Do We Do About Being Worried?

We do worry about things, don't we?

How often do you toss and turn at night thinking about something - and doesn't it always seem worse in the night than it did in the day?

In 1 Peter 5:7 we read this.....

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

So, what DO we do about being worried - cast all our anxiety on God.

And we can do that because he cares for us.

TFTD: Isn't that great to know?

Have a fantastic day,


Peter Clark.

What Do We Do About Being Afraid?

Sometimes there are things in our lives that just make us scared.

Mostly, it is things that are out of our control.

We like to be able to do something about our situation - but if we can't, we become afraid.

What can we do?

This account below is when Jesus and the disciples were caught in the storm, in a boat, on the lake.

What could the disciples do?

Matthew 8:23-27 (New International Version, ©2010)

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

The disciples were not able to do anything...they had to rely on Jesus to do what had to be done.

TFTD: Can you have the trust to do that?

Have a good day,


Peter Clark.

How Long Will Our Freedoms Last?

I wonder.....we seem to be giving them away.

I use a prayer diary for a group who serves the persecuted church.

This was the entry for yesterday.

SOUTHERN SUDAN....XXXXXX recently came to Christ while working with Christians on the XXXXXXX compound as a construction worker. When his work came to an end XXXXXX returned home to live with his Muslim uncle, but was soon evicted when his uncle learned of his conversion to Christianity. Pray for God's guidance and provision of XXXXXX and for the XXXXX staff who are supporting him.

How far are we away from that?

Peter Clark.

God's Grace Does Marvellous Things...

Or perhaps I should say....AMAZING things.

Ephesians 2:4-5

"But because of His great love for us, God is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved."

It is by "grace" that we have been saved by God as opposed to "works".....by the things that we have done and are doing. They count for nothing when it comes to us being forgiven and having new life. IT IS ALL GOD'S GRACE.

Have a good day,


Peter Clark.

A Real Shepherd.

What does a true Pastor look like? Jeremiah gives us a picture.

Chapter 3 verse 15 "Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding."

We learn from that verse that the shepherd will come from God - that he will have God's heart - that he will with knowledge and understanding (compassion).

Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

God Wants Wisdom From Us.

Proverbs 3


1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.[b]

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
when you already have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.

31 Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.

32 For the LORD detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame.

Have you got all that....ready for the next lesson?

Have a great day,

Peter Clark.

God Wants Our Repentance.

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

TFTD: What will YOU say to your Heavenly Father?

Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

What Else Do We Need...

In Genesis 15:1 God makes a covenant with Abraham, He says.......

"Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward."

We often wonder about our reward in heaven.....but here we see that we have our reward already....the presence of God in our lives.


Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

Two Descriptions Of Us From The Master.

My reading today was from Matthew Chapter 5 and that reading included verses 13 & 14.

v.13 "You are the salt of the earth....."

Salt is a preserving seasoning. If it has no flavour, it has no value.

If Christians make little or no effort to affect the world around them, than they are of no value. We are not to be totally like the world, but rather to have some positive, preserving effect on it.

v.14 "You are the light of the world"

Is it possible to hide St Mary's Waverley? On top of the hill? I don't think so.

If we are living for Christ, then we will not be able to hide our "lights" - they will stand out for all to see.

Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

The Beginning Of Everything!

Proverbs 1:7

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

Wisdom is more than just knowing a lot....it is analysing and processing knowledge.

To "fear" the Lord, means to honour and respect Him, to live in awe of His power.

Trusting in God should be the basis of our whole life.....that will make us wise.


Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

The Cost Of Following Jesus!

One of the followers of Jesus once said (in Luke 9:57) "I will follow you wherever you go"

Jesus goes on to remind them, that it may not be as easy as it seems...it will be a hard life.....with not even a fixed place to lay one's head each night.

This leads one of the disciples to declare that he will follow Jesus...but first let him go stay with his family for some indefinite time and then he will catch up.

Jesus declares, " No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God." (V.62)

TFTD: We spend a lot of time looking back....and to the side...... to see what other people are thinking and doing.

Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

The Worst Thing....

After Church last night, Heather and I went for a walk along the coast from Tamarama to Coogee. There were lots of people - all oblivious to the presence of God in the world....in the universe....anywhere. Everyone was certainly having a good time...outside...playing....swimming....drinking....bbqs...walking....running and so on. Their was an energy in their leisure.

We commented that people spend so much time and effort trying to have a trim, in shape physical body....but having no regard for the spiritual...

After getting home, having dinner and washing up etc. I read my passage in the 365 day Bible...part of which was Genesis 4:13-14

13 Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”


Cain had killed his brother...and he was being punished by God.

Do you see his reaction...my punishment is more than I can bear...what is that punishment? He was going to be hidden from the presence of God.

In the short run our SIN (our self indulgent nature) might seem OK...and we can cope with it....but imagine living an eternity being hidden from the presence of God....and not being able to bear that fact....awful.

A good reason for us to work on our relationship with God.


Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

He Also Wants Our Prayer...

John 17


1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”


Have a great day,


Peter Clark.

Still More Of What God Wants...

Our praise...


Psalm 146

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD, my soul.

2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.

6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the LORD.


Have a great New Year's Day.


Peter Clark.