Welcome once again to our Church Magazine.

If your home is anything like mine you are only recovering from the holiday bug! When you are struck down with back-to-school mania! Lunch boxes, covering school books, new reading books, homework, etc. etc. have turned moderate turmoil into chaos.

This would be a good time to sit in your favourite armchair - give yourself 10 minutes of peace and quiet as we meditate on, and assess our walk with God. The text that I would draw your attention to is found in Romans 12 v 1 : "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service"

Many devout Christians have found this verse hard to swallow! The thought of sacrifice always seems to bring with it thoughts of pain, difficulty and unpleasantness. Yet I would suggest that sacrifice does not always involve pain and suffering, and the challenge of full dedication of all that we are to the Will of God, should provide a more positive response.

The young footballer who wishes to be successful must make sacrifices in the area of discipline, and at times must put the game before his own personal safety. Successful home and family life is built around sacrifices that are made by each member of the family for the well being of all. Success in business requires a degree of sacrifice, time, effort and education all focused to the economic good of the endeavour - indeed sacrifice is required to bring success in any area of life.

Paul in Romans 12 v 1 is declaring that if the child of God is to become a true servant of God he must dedicate his total being to God and consider God’s Will as being the highest possible goal.

Let’s consider the nature of a "living sacrifice".

1 The Living Sacrifice is a Sacrifice that is alive!

 

That appears obvious and simplistic to us - but to Paul’s readers it was a radical statement! From Old Testament times, sacrifice had always meant death of an animal, blood had to be shed, but now Paul says it is not martyrdom that God is looking for but a consecration, a dedication of our lives to His Will.

 

As you sit in your armchair isn’t it amazing to think of Jesus Christ Who made Himself the once-for-all Supreme Sacrifice at Calvary in order that we become a living sacrifice to Him.

 

2 The Living Sacrifice is to be a Holy Sacrifice

 

"Holy" simply means "Set aside for God - separated from sin".

 

I can picture you in your chair, maybe after your Sunday dinner, the eye-lids heavy - just about to close over for a nap. Many of our Christian lives are like that - so relaxed they become inactive! Rather we must be a holy separated available people i.e.. a living sacrifice.

 

3 The Living Sacrifice is a Complete Sacrifice

 

The challenge of our text is to a complete dedication of every area of our lives into the service of God. Not a Sunday morning religion or an uninvolved attendance at Church, but rather a dedication of our complete being, morning, noon and night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the Will of our Lord and Master.

 

Remember - His Way is always best!

 

4 The Living Sacrifice is a Voluntary Sacrifice

 

There is no appeal to fear as a motive for surrender in the text. It does not demand forced conscription. It is an invitation to volunteers who, because of all Christ has done for them, respond on before the basis of gratitude.

 

5 The Living Sacrifice is a Joyful Sacrifice

 

Our Saviour is a Good Shepherd Who leads His sheep. He is not a driver who compels them to go where they do not wish to go.

 

Today you may be joyful - all appears fine - yet so often joy is a fleeting, temporary experience. True deep lasting Christian joy can only be found and maintained within a life of living sacrifice.

 

6 The Living Sacrifice is a Satisfying Sacrifice

 

[a] It will bring a satisfaction to our God when you and your service are fully dedicated to His Will.

[b] It will bring an inward satisfaction and joy to your heart if today you will make a full response and give yourself unreservedly and unconditionally into the service of your Loving Lord as He reveals His Way to you from day to day.

 

Our ten minutes are up for this publication! God awaits your response to His Word. God has given His Son to save you from sin. The only thing that you must give up to receive His salvation is that which is going to ruin you if you don’t. As missionary Jim Elliott said [before being martyred by Auca Indians in Ecuador] "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose".

As we start our heavy programme of winter activities at Ballee Baptist may we see much evidence of "living sacrifice" among our number.

oOo

From prayer that asks that I may be

Sheltered from winds that beat on thee,

From fearing when I should aspire,

From faltering when I should climb higher,

From silken self, O Captain, free

Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,

From easy choices, weakenings,

Not thus are spirits fortified,

Not this way went the Crucified,

From all that dims thy Calvary,

O Lamb of God deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,

The faith that nothing can dismay,

The hope no disappointments tire,

The passion that will burn like fire,

Let me not sink to be a clod;

Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God

Amy Carmichael

oOo

When I feel I can’t go on another day,

When everything around me isn’t going my way,

I look up to Him and find the grace to say

"The joy of the Lord is my strength".

When all my hopes, plans and dreams are dashed

There’s nothing I can do to change the past,

I know there’s only one thing that can last

"The joy of the Lord is my strength".

When friends and loved ones seem so far away

And they feel there’s nothing they can do or say,

To help me through - I bow my head and pray

"The joy of the Lord is my strength".

When doubt and fear creep in, I’ve learned to pray

"Lord, give me strength to face another day",

He’s promised His Word, "I’m here always",

"The joy of the Lord is my strength".

Mrs E Green

oOo

For feelings come and feelings go

And feelings are deceiving,

My warrant is the Word of God,

Naught else is worth believing.

Though all my heart should feel condemned

For want of some sweet token,

There is One greater than my heart

Whose Word cannot be broken.

I’ll trust in God’s Unchanging Word

Till soul and body sever,

For though all things shall pass away

His Word shall stand forever.

oOo

Must I go and empty handed,

Thus my Dear Redeemer meet,

Not one sail with which to greet Him,

Lay no trophies at His feet?

These were spoken by a young man as he lay dying, having just come to know the Saviour only a short time before. Thinking of this I asked myself the question - after being on the "Christian Pathway" for quite a number of years just how many souls I would have to lay at His feet if my little lifespan were to come to a close? After all when we stand before Christ on that great day as those who know Him I believe what we have accomplished down here according to worldly standards will be burned up as wood, hay and stubble and only that will remain which is done for Christ and the extension of His Kingdom.

By this time Geoffrey and Gillian will be trying to get adjusted to life in Panama. Now that they have gone let us not forget them, remembering especially the little ones that God will keep His good protecting hand upon them, keeping them free from all sorts of illness and bugs that can so easily attack. Pray too for Geoffrey and Gillian as they would seek to learn the language that God will help them from becoming discouraged and homesick. How the devil can get in especially with new missionaries on the field, when everything and everyone around them are strangers.

We do praise God for answer to prayer for our dear brother Sam Irons. Our prayer would be for a speedy recovery and that soon he and Anna will be in our midst again, and back to the work that God has called them to. Remember to pray for the work in Sandes and those who "stand in the gap" whilst Anna and Sam are away.

Just at this time of the year let us think too of the students who will be entering Bible College for the first time, seeking to prepare themselves for the work to which God has called them.

We never fail to be amazed as we continue to receive letters from Tom Lewis now with B.E.E. International and Alan Armstrong of ECM, telling us of the wonderful things that are taking place in Eastern Europe. Countries which before were closed to the Gospel are now open and the believers can now meet openly to have fellowship and hear God’s Word without fear of arrest or persecution. We have a great God, One Whose power is over all.

Recently I read an item from "Brain Gold" on being a missionary. This was described under three headings:

1 Ambassadors

2 Labourers

3 Saints

The description of an ambassador really struck me, quote - "An ambassador is a ‘sent one’ who represents his king or government in a foreign land. He lives differently from those around him because he is from another culture. He normally has a message from his government to give to the people of the country to which he is sent, and he has all the authority to speak of behalf of his king and country. Also the honour of his king and country depend on him and his lifestyle. As Christians we represent our King in a foreign land. Ephesians 2 v 19 tells us we are members of the household of God, a Heavenly Kingdom. We are strangers to this world and are living in a foreign land. Because we are in God’s Kingdom, we live differently from those around us. We speak on behalf of our King, who has given us a message to give to the citizens of the earthly kingdom in which we live, the message of reconciliation [ II Corinthians 5 v 18]. We also have all the authority of God to proclaim this message, and our lifestyles are a reflection on Him. We are ambassadors, but are we good or bad? There is no unemployment in God’s workforce but there are many nonworking members."

Let us all seek to do our part whether by praying, giving or going, that we might be all good soldiers of Jesus Christ and that we may not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Oh ye saints arise be earnest,

Up and work while yet ‘tis day.

‘Ere the night of death o’er take you

Strive for souls while yet ye may.

Desmond Shaw

oOo

1 The innocence of a lamb

2 The wisdom of an owl

3 The cheerfulness of a cricket

4 The friendliness of a squirrel

5 The complacency of a camel

6 The adaptability of a chameleon

7 The diligence of a beaver

8 The fleetness of a deer

9 The vision of an eagle

10 The agility of a panther

11 The patience of an ox

12 The endurance of an elephant

13 The tenacity of a bulldog

14 The strength and courage of a lion.

oOo

Two ways, two roads, you’ve a choice to make,

You’ve reached the cross-roads, which will you take?

Way to the left, or way to the right?

One seems easy, the other a fight.

...... The Choice is yours.

God has not promised an easy path,

But all who follow escape His wrath.

Then after the Cross, the crown is given,

And trusting in Christ, a place in Heaven.

...... The Choice is yours.

Satan has promised you joy untold,

Pleasures of sin for a season hold,

But what of the end, what will it bring?

Farewell to peace, joy and everything.

...... The Choice is yours.

Two ways, two paths, so which will you choose?

The broad easy way, the good refuse?

Or will you take the way of the Cross

Counting the pleasures of sin but dross?

...... The Choice is yours.

The popular life seems bright and gay.

What does it yield at the end of the way?

The narrow road which the saints have trod,

Leads on to happiness, home and God.

...... The Choice is yours.

Selected

oOo

In the glare of earthly pleasure,

In the fight for earthly treasure,

‘Mid your blessings without measure -

Have you forgotten God?

While His daily grace receiving,

Are you still His Spirit grieving

By a heart that’s unbelieving -

Have you forgotten God?

While His bounty you’re accepting,

Are you His commands neglecting

And His call to you rejecting -

Have you forgotten God?

oOo

Those "lazy days of summer" have finally gone and now it is time to restart our winter programme. But before you turn over the page, read on to see if you qualify to come to our meetings. You see we just don’t take anyone you know - you need an interest in the things of God and a desire to be with God’s people, to learn of others working abroad and at home and finally a love for those without Christ. If you have any one of these qualities then we would love to have you join us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and even more especially on the last Wednesday of the month for our prayer meeting.

Are you thinking of how busy your week is already or how much you enjoy the opportunity to sit with your feet up on a Wednesday evening? Ladies, surely 2 hours out of at least 672 hours in a month is not too much to ask in learning about God’s Word through visiting speakers or in bringing our prayers to the Lord collectively as a group of women.

I have been encouraged by the slight increase in our numbers during the past year but as usual there is room for many more. As we heard in Church recently who will replace those who faithfully come and participate when illhealth or old age prevent them coming if we cannot encourage you young women or even new older women to come and join us? I do assure you that our ladies meetings are worth making an extra effort for.

If you are even the tiniest bit curious to find out what goes on during the evening then we would really love to see you and enjoy fellowship together. There is a great bond of unity amongst the ladies which extends to having a lot of fun especially when we meet more informally at Christmas and when we go away in the summer.

Please come and encourage us as we encourage others in the work of the Lord. Join with us whenever possible for prayer at the end of the month. If you cannot make it to these meetings may I encourage you to pray for us throughout the incoming year that with God’s help we may be effective servants for Him as we seek to serve in whichever way we can.

Lesley Kennedy

oOo

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" Psalm 30 v 5

Never give up trusting, though the road is dark as night;

Never give up trusting, though beyond you see no light.

Count upon the Living God,

He the path of sorrow trod -

Knows the rough and rugged road,

Never give up trusting!

Never give up trusting, though your prayers may seem unheard;

Never give up trusting, but believe His Precious Word.

If upon the Lord you call,

Gates of brass will quickly fall,

He will undertake it all,

Never give up trusting!

Never give up trusting, though your efforts sadly fail;

Never give up trusting, though the enemy assail.

Fully trust whate’er betide,

God has promised to provide.

In His shadow safely hide,

Never give up trusting!

Never give up trusting, but rejoice and praise and sing;

Never give up trusting ‘till the shouts of triumph ring!

Do not ‘mid the shadows stay;

Look beyond the grim and grey,

Joy will come at dawn of day,

Never give up trusting!

Edith L Hennessay

oOo

I counted pounds while God counted crosses.

I counted gains while He counted losses.

I counted my worth by the things gained in store,

But He sized me up by the scars that I bore.

I coveted honours and sought for degrees.

He wept as He counted the hours on my knees!

oOo

Watch for Him and be always ready that you may not be ashamed at His advent. Should a Christian go into worldly assemblies and amusements? Would he not be ashamed should his Lord come and find him among the enemies of the Cross? I dare not go where I should be ashamed to be found should my Lord come suddenly.

Should a Christian man ever be in a passion? Suppose His Lord should come - would he not be ashamed at His coming?

One may say of an offender, "I will never forgive her; she shall never darken my door again". Would you not be ashamed if the Lord Jesus came and found you unforgiving?

Oh that we may abide in Him and never be in such a state that His coming would be unwelcome to us!

I called to see one of our friends, and she was whitening the front steps of the house. She apologised, but I assured her that I should like my Lord to come and find me just as I found her; doing my daily work with all my heart. We are never in better trim for seeing our Master than when we are faithfully doing His work. There is no need for a pious smartening up; he that abides in Christ always wears garments of glory and beauty. He may go in with his Lord into the wedding whenever the midnight cry is heard.

CH Spurgeon

oOo

We only see, and we only appreciate, according to the ability we possess to discern and to take in. You know the reason why the unconverted find so much in the Book of God to find fault with, is because of what he is as a Natural Man; as exemplified by the wasp and the bee that alight on the same flower for their own sustenance and their own purposes. What the wasp takes from the flower, he doth but convert into poisonous venom, wherewith to do that which only he is capable of doing, whereas the bee converts that which she has taken from the same flower into that which sustains herself and is meat to mankind. So is it with the unconverted man and the child of God; where the natural man only gathers that which is like the venom of the wasp’s sting, the child of God gets that which he converts into honey for himself, and to share with others to their blessing.

oOo

Once again it is time for another youth report. Our Youth Fellowship over the summer months has had a very busy schedule.

The 6th July found the youth at Portballintrae for a barbecue and also fun and games on the beach. Then on 27th July a few of our young people set off for Enniskillen with tents and rucksacks on board, for a canoeing weekend, which was enjoyed by everyone present especially the occasion when Wullie capsized the canoe, giving the Pastor and Mrs Kennedy their first dip of the weekend.

On 13th August a Church barbecue was organised by the youth, which took the form of a Treasure Hunt followed by the barbecue at Greenmount, and then the Pastor gave a short word about "The Rain". The Youth Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr John Luke who organised such a successful treasure hunt.

On 31st August thirty of our youth set off for Belfast where we had an enjoyable time ten-pin bowling.

Alison lead our Youth Choir off in song in our evening service on 2nd September.

Our meetings for the winter months have now commenced, our first one being held in Stephen and Linda’s house, where 35 gathered to praise the Lord. Mervyn McMullan gave a word of testimony and Alan Hoey gave a short word out of Philippians 1 v 21, where we were challenged to "live as Christ, and give Him our all".

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to come to our YPF if you do not already attend and you will be made most welcome. So why not come to our next meeting on October 7th - "Meet the Mayor".

Annaleen

oOo

God writes with a pen that never blots;

God speaks with a tongue that never slips;

God acts with a hand that never fails.

~~~

SEED

If you plant for 1 year - Plant Grain;

If you plant for 10 years - Plant Trees;

If you plant for 100 years - Plant Men;

If you plant for eternity - Plant the Word.

~~~

~~~

Some Christians are like wheelbarrows - not good unless pushed.

Some Christians are like canoes - they need to be paddled.

Some Christians are like kites - if you don’t keep a string on them they fly away.

Some Christians are like kittens - they are more contented when petted.

Some Christians are like football - can’t tell what way they’ll bounce next.

Some Christians are like balloons - full of wind and ready to blow up.

Some Christians are like trailers - they have to be pulled.

Some Christians are like lights - they keep going on and off.

oOo

The Holiday Bible Club this year was held, as usual, during the first week of the school holidays [i.e. 2nd - 6th July]. The number of children who came along were most encouraging, with an average daily attendance of almost 150. Indeed about 200 different children turned up at at least one of the meetings, and we thank God for the opportunity we have had to speak of the Saviour to such a number of youngsters.

We were following "The Wordless Book" this year, with Bible stories based on each of the five different colours - gold for ‘Heaven’, black for ‘sin’, red for ‘the Blood of Christ’, white for ‘the new life’, and green for ‘growing up in Christ’ - being used to teach an important lesson to the boys and girls each day. A mixture of flashcard and flannelgraph presentations was used, and we thank and praise God for the way the children listened so attentively to the messages day by day.

John 14 v 6 and Romans 5 v 8 were our two memory verses this year, while we also tried to teach the children a couple of new choruses as well. As usual the quizzes and outside games proved very popular, although this year for the first time we had to cancel the games on a couple of days because of the bad weather. But even there the Lord undertook for us, and it all turned out very well - while the tables were being set up for the individual bookwork sessions in the Sunday School building, the children were enjoying a further Bible quiz over in the main Church building. As you can imagine with such a large number of children we had a very busy week. Many people gave of their time to help in a variety of ways - whether in transporting the children, sorting the tables, serving juice and biscuits, supervising or teaching. Everyone was needed, and was certainly kept busy. They will all, I’m sure, have been blessed just by being there, but it was particularly encouraging to all involved to hear of two young boys who asked the Lord Jesus to be their Saviour during the week. We pray that they will continue to grow in Christ as the years go on. When many of us think of wasted years in our own lives, isn’t it just great to hear of such young lives being won for the Saviour!

As another season of the Good News Club is just about to commence, let us continue to look to the Lord expectantly.

"Salvation is of the Lord" Jonah 2 v 9

Ivan Bankhead

oOo

by Annie Johnson Flint

It is not always comfort to remember

That "God is in His Heaven",

When heavy clouds have hidden all the sunshine

And we are tempest-driven;

When all the world is desolate and lonely,

Or filled with hate and strife;

When hearts grow weary with their cares and troubles,

And grief and sin are rife.

It does not help that God is in His Heaven,

For that seems far away;

No voice comes down to us from that high silence,

No answer when we pray;

Up there, we think, the ceaseless hallelujahs

That rise around the throne

Must dull the echoes of earth’s lamentations,

And drown the sad heart’s moan.

But here is comfort - "I am with you alway

The Faithful and the True

And I will never leave you nor forsake you,

The long, hard journey through",

For Jesus Christ is present help and refuge,

Not far, but very near;

Our Light, our Guide, our Shepherd, our Consoller,

A Saviour Who is here.

"Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end". Matthew 28 v 20

oOo

Heavenly Father, hear my prayer

Night and day I’m in Thy care;

Look upon me from above, bless the home I dearly love;

Bless the friends with whom I play,

Make us kinder day by day.

~~~

The Good Lord loves us all,

Though we are very small,

He knows when little sparrows fall -

The Good Lord loves us all.

God cares for you and me,

Though bad we sometimes be;

He will forgive, we must agree,

God cares for you and me.

~~~

Please give us, Father, every day

Work to do and time to play;

Help us to be kind and good,

To act like Thy children should.

oOo

In the morning, sing His praises,

When the sun comes shining through -

At the noonday, glad hosannas -

To our King and Saviour true.

In the evening hallelujah -

Shades of darkness bring no fear -

For we’ve spent the day with Jesus -

And we know He’s ever near.

~~~

The time has come for me to choose,

It’s Jesus Christ or Heaven lose.

But if what Heaven loves, I hate,

Then closed to me is Heaven’s gate.

Christ is the only way to Heaven;

All other paths are detours to doom.

~~~

No other name can save us, no other name beside,

But Jesus Christ the Risen Lord, the One they crucified.

~~~

At the Cross we stand at the crossroad to Heaven and hell.

~~~

As sunset falls upon one’s life,

Its golden rays reveal those qualities of faith and love

The years have made so real.

~~~

Age is a matter of mind; if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!

~~~

Oh how it gives my soul a thrill

To know I’m saved by grace,

For by my works I would not see

My Blessed Master’s face.

~~~

On the road to Heaven we must observe the "no boasting" signs.

~~~

God will take care of you still to the end,

O what a Father, Redeemer and Friend!

Guiding, protecting and keeping His own,

He will take care of you - trust HIM alone.

~~~

He who abandons himself to God will never be abandoned by God.

~~~

We mutter and sputter,

We fume and we spurt,

We mumble and grumble,

Our feelings get hurt.

We can’t understand things,

Our vision grows dim,

When all that we need is

A moment with Him!

Selected

oOo

Margaret and I plan to release our second tape on Saturday 3rd November 1990 at 7.30pm in the Church DV. This date has been arranged within the last few days, therefore all arrangements have not been finalised, but a full programme is in the pipeline. It is two years since "Blest Calvary" was released. We sold 1200 of these ourselves, many finding their way even into atheistic and Roman Catholic homes. The Olivet Recording Studio also put 600-700 into the shops for sale. All our profits went to different areas of the Lord’s work - £1450 to date!

At the start this was done with some misgivings and fear but we proved the hand of God throughout these two years, and "to Him be the Glory, great things He hath done". On reflection what better title for the new album could have been chosen than "The Wonder of it All".

We are trusting the Lord for His Blessing even more abundantly, but we also need your support and encouragement, not only for November 3rd but also in your prayers as we travel from place to place spreading the Gospel in "our own small way". For over 12 months ahead DV we have a full programme, very demanding at times, but "we can do all things through Christ Who strengtheneth us".

We do sincerely appreciate all you have done but please continue to remember us in the coming days.

Don’t forget November 3rd - Come and bring a friend with thee.

Robert McMaster

oOo

They cannot shell His temple

Nor dynamite His throne,

They cannot bomb His city

Nor rob Him of His Own.

They cannot take Him captive

Nor strike Him dumb or blind,

Nor starve Him to surrender,

Nor make Him change His mind.

They cannot cause Him panic,

Nor cut off His supplies.

They cannot take His kingdom

Nor hurt Him with their lies.

Though all the world be shattered

His truth remains the same,

His righteous laws still potent

And Father’s still His name.

Though we face war and struggle

And feel their goad and rod,

We know above confusion

There always will be God.

oOo

We wish Pastor Kennedy a speedy recovery to full health and strength after his recent surgery.

Also our thought and prayers are with Brother Sam Irons after his recent heart surgery.

oOo

Mrs Agnes Armstrong of Milford, Armagh, was converted in 1932 under the Ministry of the late Mr Tom Rea, the well-known evangelist. She was baptised and received into the fellowship of the Armagh Baptist Church, where she continued to worship and serve God until the time of her death in April 1977.

On the day of her funeral her son, Leslie, wrote the following lines:

‘Ere Mother breathed her farewell breath

And news was flashed about her death,

Be sure of this - through second birth -

She was already there.

Already there, already there,

At Home with Christ in Mansions fair,

Far out beyond "the outer space"

This precious one had found her Place.

Already there, in pure delight,

Her faith has given way to sight,

Forever on the Lamb to gaze,

And sing with millions more His praise.

Already there - ah! blessed thought!

Relying on what God hath wrought,

Through Christ His Son upon the tree,

Her soul was saved eternally.

Already there, loved ones to meet,

No parting now, reunion sweet,

Their voices blending in the song,

Of that redeemed and happy throng.

Already there, her anchor cast,

The voyage o’er, the Valley past,

Her joy of joys has taken place,

Her sight of sights, to see His face.

Already there, beyond all pain -

Our earthly loss is Heaven’s gain,

With her Redeemer glorified,

And in His presence satisfied.

Already there - just gone before,

We’ll meet her on that Golden Shore,

Together with the Lord we’ll stand,

Forever in Emmanuel’s Land.

Dear reader, one day you too will be "Absent here". Will it be said of you that your are "Present there"? Have you been converted? When death comes will it mean "absent from the body and present with the Lord"? II Corinthians 5 v 8. The Lord Jesus said, "Verily, I say unto you, Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of God." Matthew 18 v 3.

Life with Christ is an endless hope; without Him it is a hopeless end.

"Eternity, where?

O friend have a care,

And sleep not,

Nor take in the world any share,

‘Till you settle this question -

Eternity, where?"

oOo

by Rev. Gordon B Watt

Not you, but God! On this my poor heart rests -

On this great, blessed, and eternal fact,

Not I, but Christ, Who died, Who ever lives,

Could meet my life in everything it lacked.

Peace, Pardon, Power, all perfectly are mine,

Not by self-effort, but through Love Divine.

Not you, but God! In everything I do;

In service that delights, or sorely tries;

When burdens press, and faith and courage test,

And, weary in the fight, the spirit cries -

My soul finds strength and joy in midst of strain

I know God has His plan; the Lord doth reign.

Not you, but God! Where’re may sound the call,

To fight, to pray, to suffer, work or wait,

I would be still enough to hear His voice

Throughout the working day, early or late.

Not you, but God! ‘Tis He Who counts in life,

And gives to those who trust the vict’ry in the strife.

oOo

by Oswald J Smith LL.D.

The great white throne is set. The Judge is seated. Angels and archangels are in attendance. All Heaven assembles. Unnumbered millions, in breathless wonder, survey the fearful scene. With awe on every face, they wait. Time’s final drama is to be enacted. Nothing else matters now. Everything of a secondary nature has been forgotten. ‘Tis God Almighty’s Judgement Day.

Presently amid the awful silence, the Dead appear; sinners great and small, from every clime and race, sinners of the deepest dye; murderers, sorcerers, liars, thieves, idolaters, adulterers, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, blasphemers, Sabbath breakers, infidels, atheists, agnostics and criminals of the blackest type, along with those who have neglected and forgotten God.

From the world’s great battlefields where their dust has lain for hundreds of years, they come; from ocean depths where ships were sunk long centuries ago; from graveyard’s innumerable, long since forgotten, they come. Oh, what a company! And how they keep coming, millions upon millions of them, once the men and women of earth - summoned to appear before the God Whom they have ignored and despised, to render an account. They glance this way and that, looking for means of escape. They call for the mountains to fall on them, and hide them from Him Who sitteth upon the Throne. But there is no escape, no help. It is the day of their doom.

And the books are opened, the books filled with the record of their earthly lives. Every sin is recorded, every transgression entered, every failure and neglected opportunity written down. Deeds long since forgotten, vile things carefully hidden from the eye of man, all, yea, all are now revealed, and the universe listens to the awful revelation. Aghast they stand, terror-stricken they wait; dumb they hear. Finally, the Book of Life is brought. "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" Revelation 20 v 15. It is not now a question of the depth of their sin; for all alike are guilty. Only one enquiry, only one thought:

"Is my name written there

On the page white and fair,

In the Book of Thy Kingdom

Is my name written there?"

In vain they search, in vain they scan its pages! Their last chance is gone, their final hope extinguished.

oOo

by Annie Johnson Flint

One day at a time, with its failures and fears,

With its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears,

With its portion of pain and its burden of care;

One day at a time we must meet and must bear.

One day at a time to be patient and strong,

To be calm under trial and sweet under wrong,

Then its toiling shall pass and its sorrow shall cease;

It shall darken and die, and the night shall bring peace.

One day at a time - but the day is so long,

And the heart is not brave and the soul is not strong,

O Thou Pitiful Christ, be Thou near all the way,

Give courage and patience and strength for the day.

Swift cometh His answer, so clear and so sweet -

"Yea, I will be with thee, thy troubles to meet,

I will not forget thee, nor fail thee, nor grieve,

I will nor forsake thee, I never will leave".

Not yesterday’s load we are called on to bear,

Nor the morrow’s uncertain and shadowy care,

Why should we look forward or back with dismay?

Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.

One day at a time, and the day is His day,

He hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay,

His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone;

As the day, so the strength, that He giveth His Own.

oOo

I have nothing to do with tomorrow,

My Saviour will make that His care;

Should He fill it with trouble and sorrow

He’ll help me to suffer and bear.

I have nothing to do with tomorrow,

Its burdens, then, why should I share?

Its grace and its faith I can’t borrow,

Then why should I borrow its care?

Anon

oOo

In the early hours of Sunday 16th September Ballee Baptist lost one of its dearest friends and Heaven gained a precious saint.

For over eighteen months I had the joy of driving up the Ballymoney Road to visit "Willie". It was always a visit I looked forward to, a thrill as we discussed and meditated on the things of God. He spoke of his upbringing amongst the Brethren Assemblies, his conviction under the Ministry of W P Nicholson in Ballymena, and above all of his conversion to Christ, that brought to his heart a peace that the world couldn’t give, and a peace it could never take away.

Now at 92 years of age, and after a prolonged illness his God and Saviour has called him to his eternal peace.

I commend William’s dear wife, Sis, to your prayers at this time [it was a joy to watch her attentiveness to her husband during his time of illness], together with Alfie and the rest of the family.

Brother Trevor Matthews [Faith Mission] assisted by a representative from Ballee Baptist Church, officiated at the funeral on Tuesday 18th September. I look forward to meeting my dear brother again - my prayer is that all who read this article will meet "Willie" again also!

When the roll is called up yonder - will you be there?

Pastor Kennedy

oOo