New bishop of Rome - same head of the church

So we have a new Pope, Francis 1. being presented as a new head of the church.
Only problem is there was no vacancy. It was given to Jesus to be head of the church that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday today and for ever

Testing Times

This evening went to a quiz night in aid of pilgrim homes. A nice time spent with friends, only to find how little we knew. In round four we were fourth. By the end of twelve rounds we were last.

whoso findeth me...

This Sunday morning I preached from Proverbs 8 v 35 Whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Alas, not for the first time I didn't feel I managed to proclaim what I had got out of the text myself.
The me is wisdom and understand.. shown later to be the eternal son of God.
John Wesley in his notes says this supposes diligent seeking, so we thought of what might bring a fallen person to seek for something better. Surely it is as the person hears the cry of wisdom and the voice of understanding. Folowing his we looked at some New Testament verses showing Jesus to be life. Peter says "Thou hast the words of Eternal life".
I pray the Holy Spirit will apply this to some lost soul.

A little child shall lead them

Had the pleasure of witnessing the baptism of a 9 year old child today who had  a gracious testimony of her saviour.

Her favorite text is Psalm 16 v 11  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

May she be the first of many, her testimony of word and example pricking the consciences  of others.

The LORDs Saints

Today we attended the funeral of a dear old lady who left this life well in her nineties. Psalm 23 and a few verses from John 10 concentrating on the Good Shepherd, who gives his life for the sheep were read.
The main discourse concentrated on the verse from Psalm 116 - Precious in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his saints. She died in peace, when her saviour came to receive her to himself.
Although every funeral is a sad occasion, there is also joy for us knowing that she had been gathered into the eternal presence of her dear Jesus, having been released from her sufferings. May our end be like hers.

Expected ..

The snow is here again. Forecast  by the Met Office, and given publicity on every news program, it duly arrived yesterday. Some have a lot, we have a couple of inches, despite seeming to snow all day. Today is a day to get the sledge out and enjoy it.
We live having taken a prediction of the future.The greatest prediction is that Jesus is coming again. Will we be ready to enjoy it?

Taking hold of the covenant

At the Lords Table this evening we thought of taking hold of the covenant, as we find in Isaiah 56 v 4.
In taking the symbols of his broken body and his shed blood ( the blood of the new covenant)   by faith we take hold of the covenant.
It s for the Eunuchs and the sons of the stranger - the who take hold upon the Lord. What is promised is a place in his house.

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
It is very reminiscent of John 14 - In my fathers house are many mansions - I go to prepare a place for you.