There are relatively few Evangelical Christian bookshops in the Republic of Ireland and none that I know of in the north County Dublin area.

With this in mind, I felt led of the Lord to have an outreach of this type in the Balbriggan area at the above venue, offering individuals and members of local churches and Christian fellowships the chance to pick up some free literature, tracts, information, calendars and second-hand books, in addition to the children’s colouring book range from the Trinitarian Bible Society and “John 3v16” handcrafted bookmarks in many languages.

Also on display will be some copies of my three gift books “A Biblical Journey through the Irish Year;” “Singing on the Journey Home” and children’s book: “God Made You, God Loves You, God Saves You.”

Everyone is welcome to drop in to the Cairde centre in Hampton Street, Balbriggan anytime between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. on Monday evening, 30^th January next. Light refreshments are available for all.

Occasions like this can be daunting when we attempt them on our own and so it is good to bring a friend along! However, this is not always possible, as friends are often not available at the particular times when we most need them. But there is One who is always available… what better Friend than the Author of our soul’s salvation?

 I pray that the Lord will bless this little venture, use it to His glory and that His Presence will go with me. Lord willing it will proceed as planned and that, spiritually, something good will be achieved by it.

I suppose that most people have made them – and mostly they don’t last! There are so many vices that people may want to cut down on – or give up completely, but somehow they just don’t have the willpower.  “Why don’t New Year resolutions work?” one may ask. Well, the answer is simple – because of the weak nature of our humanity! In Job 5v7 we read: “Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” Matthew 26v41 proclaims: “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Nevertheless, there are the success stories! I know a man who gave up smoking many years ago, but it wasn’t a matter of mere willpower, for with David, the Psalmist he could say: “My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121v2) You see, he went to a meeting one night, where he heard that he needed to be right with God in order to spend eternity in heaven and when he asked God to take over his life, all those vices that he knew to be displeasing to Him immediately lost their attraction. To be right with God, we need to change our ways, allowing Him to deal with the sin in our lives, but we cannot do this in our own strength.

Original sin is something that each one of us has inherited from the Garden of Eden… “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5v12). Furthermore, the Bible tells us that no sinner shall inherit eternal life… “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” (Psalm 1v5) ‘How awful,’ you may think, ‘but since I have inherited my sinful condition, what on earth can I do about it – and how can I have that assurance of sins forgiven, and a home in heaven?’

The answer to these very serious questions is surely found in God’s Word, the Bible, where God has laid out His simple plan of salvation. In Romans 5v8 we read: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” And in Romans 6v23 we read… “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Many of us are familiar with the story of how Jesus, a righteous person, died all those years ago. But did you know that if you had been the only one, He would still have died for you? Looking far down the years, He could see your birth – and mine, and that of all the other souls who populate this world of ours… and He loved each one of us enough to die, that we may have life. “Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” (2Peter 3v9), He wants each one of us to be ready for that terrible Day of Judgement, when “the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up…” (2Peter 3v10)

Are you ready for this awful Day, which may take place sooner than we think? If not, salvation can be found, not in your own self-righteousness, good works, church-going, community work, or in any other seemingly virtuous trait that you may possess – but in the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary – who was not just a righteous person, but the Son of God. “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 3v16) When Jesus died, and rose again, He conquered sin and death forever, and no further sacrifice is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher that the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” (Hebrews 7v26-28) Remember that only He can forgive sins, because only He was born sinless, and has never sinned. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4v12)

What then, must I do to be saved? Firstly I must acknowledge my sinful state… “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1John 1v8) Secondly, I must acknowledge that I cannot save myself… “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2v8&9) Thirdly I must believe that Jesus has paid the price for my sins once and for all, and that no further sacrifice is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1John 2v2) “Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7v25) Fourthly I must repent of all those sins that I’ve committed, whether big or small, in my previous life. Of course I may not remember everything – but if I have a repentant spirit regarding my past, His blood will cover it all. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1v9) Finally, having put my trust in Him alone for salvation, I may rejoice in His wonderful promises to those that love and follow Him… “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13v8) “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5v9)…”But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6v22&23)

Please don’t walk further into the unknown year that lies before you, without considering the most important thing in life – your soul’s salvation. Jesus said… “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10v9) “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2v21) He will not turn away anyone who comes unto Him by faith… “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6v37) Why not pray a prayer of faith, in the quietness of your heart today?  Remember – tomorrow may be too late!

“Dear Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I am a sinner, needing your salvation. Thank You for sending Your only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to save me. Please forgive me for my sins, and come into my heart at this very moment. Cleanse me, make me a new person – the person You want me to be, so that my life will be used for Your service. Keep me from falling, give me courage to tell others of my changed life, help me to read Your Word, the Bible and to find fellowship with those who share my experience. May your Presence reign in my life, for all of my days, in Jesus Name, Amen.”

It was a depressing foggy winter’s evening as I glanced at my watch, wondering why my husband was so late home from work. Some time later I discovered to my dismay that his train had been delayed because of a fatality on the railway line and it appeared that this was no accident. Unfortunately this has not been an isolated incident over the years and now, as the festive season comes to an end and we enter a new year, I have been reflecting on the statistics which will be released for 2011. A recent report has found that men under the age of 35 accounted for 40% of all suicides, 527 people died by suicide in the Republic of Ireland in 2010 and Northern Irish suicides have risen by a staggering 64% in the last decade. But, horrific statistics aside, I feel dismay at the thought of the mental anguish that each individual soul must be suffering to commit such an act.

I have also been thinking on Biblical examples of the Lord’s servants who went though low times in their lives. David clearly reveals this in many of his psalms and Job is a prime example of someone who has gone through so much that he feels despair for a time – but praise God for His goodness to these two men and His love for all mankind today!

Ultimately David and Job triumphed over their respective situations, because their hope was in the Holy One of Israel. In the words of Job: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:” (Job 19v25&26)

Job faced more tragedy in a short space of time than most people could physically face over a lifetime. While most of his ‘comforters’ became his accusers, God loved Job; he was victorious in the end – and today is rejoicing eternally with his Saviour.

Yes, God loved Job, He loved David and He loves you and I – whatever giant despair threatens to overwhelm us. Surely love is the answer? Bereavement, loss, being diagnosed with a serious illness and many other issues can all contribute to an individual’s depressive feelings but when we know that we are truly loved and cared for, it can change our whole perspective on life.

Today, whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever your problems are, you can be certain of this one fact… God loves you! Although you may feel that no one on this earth loves you – you can be sure of God’s love for you. “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 3v16)

Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace give I unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (1John 14v27)

These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ to all who have repented of their sins and who have put their trust in Him.

Yes, it may be good to talk to a professional counsellor when one is feeling low, but surely the best Counsellor of all is He who loved you enough to give His very life for you? At this moment, if you do not know Him as Saviour, I would urge you to trust in Him for salvation. Your prayer can be a simple one, in your own words… “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for all sins I have ever committed. Please come into my life and take over my problems – I entrust them all into your care.”

If, however, you do know Jesus as Saviour today and like Job, you are facing some deep waters – ask the Lord to turn this testing time into something positive and wonderful. Whatever happens, be assured of this… “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Hebrews 13v14) Remember too, if you are a Christian to reach out prayerfully in His love to souls around you, for who knows what turmoil your neighbour or that fellow traveller who stands beside you daily on the railway platform is going through…

It is hard to believe that seven years have now passed since the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake which occurred on Sunday, December 26, 2004. ‘Tsunami’, a Japanese word, originally meant ‘a large wave in a harbour’, but is now used to describe the most destructive of all waves. Unlike other waves, it is caused by neither the influence of moon or sun – but by a giant disturbance under the sea, which may be either a volcanic eruption or an earthquake (as in this case). As coincidence would have it, my reading was in Revelation when this disaster struck. Earthquakes are mentioned more in this final book of the Bible, than in any other, and are very much associated with the end times. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24v7&8: “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. And these are the beginning of sorrows.”

As the months and years of our ageing universe pass, we know from God’s Word that there will be more and more earthquakes in ‘diverse places.’ In the latter times, our earth will suffer the most violent tremors ever experienced in the history of mankind. Those of us in western Europe, to date, have had very little experience of earthquakes, and yet, some day every nation of the world will be affected by that great earthquake mentioned in Rev. 16v18: “And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.” In Verse 20 of this chapter we learn that: “…every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.”

As the terrible story of the Tsunami unfolded, so too did many stories of heroism and fortitude. I read a newspaper report of one young girl, a tourist in the region, who saw and recognised the signs of the Tsunami before it struck. Being a student of geography, she was well read in this particular phenomenon, and knew the tell-tale signs of approaching catastrophe. The result was that she raised the alarm within the little area where she happened to be at the time, and was able to save the lives of at least one hundred people. Surely, we too, as Christians, need to be well read in God’s Word? His will for us is that we should know the warning signs that accompany the times we live in, and be prepared to warn those souls around us to “flee from the wrath to come.” (Matt. 3v7;Rom.5v9). I am sure that it took courage for this young girl to shout the warnings to the formidable adults around her. It takes much courage for us also, to visit our neighbours, and warn them of the things that we have gleaned from God’s Word. But proclaim it we must, going in His strength, for Jesus tells us: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 10v32&33). And in Mark 8v38 we learn that… “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Just as God told Noah to be prepared for the coming flood, we are exhorted to be prepared for “that day and hour” which no man knows. (Matt. 24v36). “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would have not have suffered his house to be broken up.” (Matt. 24v42&43).

The Tsunami ‘came as a thief.’ People were not expecting this sudden dreadful devastation which overtook them. Those masses of people who checked in at airports during the pre-Christmas rush would have made excellent preparation for their holidays. Perhaps weeks, even months of meticulous planning and anticipation filled their lives. How much more should we anticipate and be prepared for “the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord!” (Mal. 4v5). “Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” (Rev. 16v15).

Some day that curse upon our earth shall be removed, and terrible events like Tsunamis shall be no more, for we read: “And there shall be no more curse; but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” (Rev. 22v3-5). And so, this life is but for a season, but the years of eternity are indeed “for ever and ever.” Without the Lord, those ages of eternity are too awful to contemplate, for we read: “And whosoever was not found in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20v15).

To those who know Him, He says: “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (Rev. 3v11). So long as we are followers of Jesus, and “Walk in the Spirit,” (Gal.5v16) this day and all our tomorrows belong to Him.

To those who do not know Him, He says: “Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Rev.3v20).

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22v16&17). “He which testifieth of these things saith, ‘Surely I come quickly,’ Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22v20). May God bless His precious words to the hearts of all who read, and may “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Rev. 22v21)

As coincidence would have it, I came across the term ‘mortgaged’ (Nehemiah 5v3) in my daily reading this morning – something which I found to be so relevant after listening to angry bank customers here in Ireland recently. After a week of speculation on Ireland’s budget/austerity measures; the initial reluctance of some banks to pass on lowered interest rates to mortgage holders – and a weakening Euro, it is so easy to become pre-occupied with how all of this could affect us as individuals. Then I turned to the simple and very beautiful words of Jesus in Matthew 6v28… “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

I also think of His words earlier in the chapter: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6v19-21)

Recently I learned from an elderly friend that many of her acquaintances were worried about the whole financial situation here in Ireland- so much so that they had taken their entire life-savings out of the banks and hidden it below the floorboards of their homes! I can only imagine all of the things that could happen to those bank notes; mice love to gnaw on paper for one thing and as for thieves – almost every house in my own neighbourhood has been broken into at some time or other.

My thoughts then turned to Paul’s words to Timothy in 1Timothy 6v17-19: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

How uncertain are riches indeed – and how deceitful! (Matthew 13v22) We live in an era when global greed and dishonesty continues to threaten the livelihoods of millions of people but if we know Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we should understand the depths of these words: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1Tim. 6v6-8) Yes, there is much to be learned from the lilies of the field and the birds of the air!

At the same time Christians, if they are asked for an opinion, must declare their opposition to the corruption that exists in their countries. I think again on those words which made Nehemiah angry… “We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.” (Nehemiah 5v3) How I admire the faith and determination of Nehemiah who looked to his Lord for provision and for guidance in all that he undertook; in the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, and how marvellous that this practice of usury was reformed, under the Lord’s direction!

Yes, those who love the Lord currently live in an uncertain and corrupt world where honesty and integrity are rare; yet in this awful darkness we must let our lights shine out brightly. In the words of Paul to the Philippians: “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights of the world;” (Philippians 2v15)

Some day (perhaps sooner than we think) our material possessions will fade away and only those unseen attributes of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5v22&23) which the Lord bestows upon those who trust Him will remain.

In the words of Jesus: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6v24)

My prayer is that souls in our spiritually dark world would be touched and turn to the Lord because of the riches of love, joy, peace and uprightness that they witness in the lives of those who are His followers.

The following is a short extract from the end of one of my stories in “A Biblical Journey through the Irish Year.” The story entitled: Wars, Rumours of War, Three Hostages… and the Prayers of the Saints (Matt. 21v22 & Matt. 24v6-8) tells of how a young woman, Annetta Flanagan from the small village of Richhill in Northern Ireland was taken hostage by the Taliban back in 2004. Many Christians in the Richhill area prayed fervently and I thank the Lord that Annetta and her two colleagues were released unharmed some weeks later…

“The dawn of Tuesday 23^rd November 2004, brought that release of Annetta and her colleagues – almost a month after they were taken hostage on Thursday 28^th October. The details of the release were vague – probably because no one wanted to jeopardise those who could be involved in possible future hostage situations. One of their captors is believed to have been shot dead, but the three victims were safe and well. Only those involved in this traumatic event knew how it was for them, and are able to tell their story. But from the moment that I heard that breaking news, I wanted to tell a story – a story of the great power of our wonderful Saviour, for whom all things are possible, and I wanted that story to have a happy ending. I thank God that it did!

With tears in my eyes, I looked at all types of newspapers on display that week, depicting the smiling face of Annetta as she headed home to be re-united with loved ones. A headline in one Dublin newspaper announced: “Town rejoices as power of prayer brings Annetta home.” (Irish Independent, Wednesday 24^th November 2004).  Even the secular world was acknowledging the power of prayer!

It is interesting to note that during their time in captivity, three Afghan women offered to take the place of the three hostages! What a noble gesture – and yet on hearing of this I was immediately struck by the words of Romans 5v7… “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.” No doubt the Afghan ladies saw the injustice in threatening to kill people who were merely helping with democratic elections. However, who would offer his or her life for someone whom, in his or her view, was evil and even deserved death? Nevertheless we read… “But God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5v8) The righteous Son of God laid down His life for all (1Tim. 2v5&6) in the knowledge that nothing less than this enormous sacrifice could ever redeem the human race. 

Valiant soldiers through the ages gave their lives, so that democracy would overcome the tyrants of this world.  Annually we remember the dead of two World Wars, and the sacrifices that were made. How much more then, should we acknowledge and honour Jesus, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9v6) who gave His life for the billions of souls throughout the ages, to redeem them to Himself? I have no doubt that he has spoken to souls through this and other traumatic events, and that He will continue to speak to them in the days that lie ahead – so that they may trust Him for eternity, escaping a worse situation than they have been involved in, upon this earth. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord, For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55v8&9). A short time after the event, I wrote to a local newspaper wishing the released hostages a full recovery after their horrific ordeal. My letter concluded with the words of Ephesians 3v20&21, which I feel is an apt conclusion to a story that must give God the glory. Perhaps, too, it may have even more joyful implications than we would ever have dreamed possible… “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end, Amen.”

Morning, noon and night our whispered anxious prayers,

Rose in silent anguish to the throne of He who cares.

Oh blessed Lord, we thank thee now, for thou hast said: “Believe…

For if ye are my servants… ye shall indeed receive!”

If we, as Christians, sometimes get discouraged, how much more so must those who neither believe in (nor are led by) the Holy Spirit? They work hard, going from door to door with absolutely no reassuring presence of the ‘Comforter.’ (John 14v16-18) Given this sad fact, I have often thought that ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses,’ in general, are very diligent in their outreach; if only Christians were this diligent! They systematically cover every square metre of our little island, visiting the remotest of dwelling places. I am certain that this is so in every other country of the world where they have a presence. I remember years ago being at an evangelical church in Athens, close to where St. Paul preached on Mars’ Hill (Acts 17v22). A man stood up in the middle of the meeting and started shouting and waving his hands. The Greek people who sat beside us explained that this person was a ‘Jehovah’s Witness’ who was disputing what the preacher was saying. From research I have discovered that unfortunately most countries in the world now have a ‘Jehovah’s Witness’ presence.

Once, when I was visiting a remote rural area of County Waterford, I gave an elderly lady (who lived alone) a tract. “Are you a ‘Jehovah’s Witness’?” she asked. How disappointing to discover that ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ had been in this isolated location, but this lady had never in her life been spoken to by an evangelical Christian!

“It’s not a good idea to go out ‘two-by-two.’ They’ll think we’re Jehovah’s Witnesses,” I heard someone once say. But why should we, as Christians, decide not to do something – just because a certain well-known cult does it? Anyway, we should be guided and influenced by God’s Word and led of the Holy Spirit for it is He who speaks to souls, to guide them into all truth. It is He, also, who prepares the hearts of the individuals He wants us to speak to.  (Proverbs 16v1)

“Not interested. I have my own religion (or church),” is the response of many people to Jehovah’s Witnesses at the door. But the Christian should have a very different attitude. Essentially we need to know the scriptures, never forgetting to put the emphasis on Jesus and His finished work on the cross at Calvary. At some time, many of the people within this and other cults have sincerely reached out for truth – but in doing so they have embraced error. These individuals, like those in other cults, need a loving witness. To slam the door or to be coldly hostile or impatient is not a Christ-like reaction. Be led of the Holy Spirit, and love the person – but not his erroneous beliefs.

I thank my Lord for leading me into the marvellous light of His truth and I pray that, in His strength, I can reach out to those who have been deceived. That glow of His presence makes it all worthwhile, and I can face the burdensome tasks of the day, in the knowledge that, insignificant as I am, He can use me to reach the souls for whom He died, rose – and lives to save. Oh that many would turn from error, seek His face and find the real Jehovah; He who encompasses Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (1John 5v7&8)

How lovely are those words which refer to Jehovah in Isaiah 26v3&4… “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.”

Frances Ridley Havergal, devotional writer, poetess and hymn writer certainly found that “perfect peace,” when at the age of fourteen she trusted the Lord Jesus to save her. Miss Havergal was plagued with ill health during her short life but she was greatly used of the Lord, because she had later consecrated that life to Him. I love her hymn “Like a River Glorious,” which declares the all-sufficiency of “Jehovah” and the perfect peace and blessing that is to be found when we “trust Him wholly.” What a beautiful analogy: the sparkling peaceful river, flowing deeper and deeper as it makes its way to the sea!

Link to this hymn: http://hymntime.com/tch/htm/l/i/k/likriver.htm

Last night the sounds of soaring fireworks hissing through the cold night air reminded me of how much I dislike everything that is associated with this time of year. And yesterday I noticed that our local free newspaper was advertising ‘bags of haunted bones, spooky specs, garlands of skulls, hanging ghosts, vampire teeth… and Happy Halloween Banners,’ amongst other things.

‘So what’s happy about Halloween?’ I ask myself. This same newspaper informs me that a cat in the locality is found stoned to death, while another is skinned alive within the space of one week; these horrific practices very often occurring in the run-up to Halloween. It also warns of the dangers of bonfires and of children handling fireworks, resulting in severe hand, facial and eye injuries.  

Halloween for me is a time of the year which is permeated by satanic influences. Those who are guilty of the horrific practice of throwing small defenceless animals onto bonfires may well be described by some of the words from Romans 1v30&31… “Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:”

Having said that, I am sure that most people who celebrate Halloween are certainly not guilty of the vile deeds mentioned above; they merely see it as a tradition to pass on and some fun for their children, unaware that this celebration has its roots in darkest evil.

Oh how our nation needs the Lord! While the masses trudge on through the dubious celebrations of the seasons towards a lost eternity, many Christians keep a low profile and are reluctant to speak out on the issues of our times. Perhaps instead of staying indoors with our earplugs in on Halloween night, those who are able should prayerfully go as the Lord leads to try and reach these souls for whom Jesus died.

Neighbourhood bonfires and organised firework displays are always well attended, making them excellent venues for giving out tracts and striking up conversations with families and individuals. In the darkness of the night recipients may not be able to read the tract – but later at home they will find it in their pocket, read it – and hopefully be spoken to by it!

It is good also to arrange a meeting for this time of year, at which someone who was once ensnared in evil will speak and perhaps give his or her testimony.

As Christians the Lord has placed us where we live today for a purpose and He has commanded us to reach the souls with whom we come in contact and those who live around us.

Let us not cower and hide away because of the evil atmosphere that this time of year brings and let us “be not overcome with evil,” but rather let us “overcome evil with good,” (Romans 12v21), in the knowledge that “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1John 4v4)

I recently wrote a little article for a local newspaper after the disappearance of a gate which my father, the late Mr. Jack Hutchinson, had fitted to the entrance of the back lane of his farm. These gates bring back memories for me of peaceful country walks and of happy days of my closely knit family throughout the seasons. I am saddened that the gates are gone as I associate them with my father who died only a few months ago. One has been taken away by my brother, in case it is stolen too and the other… who knows where it is? The theft of the gate is only a minor one in a number of other more distressing recent events in my life. But the photograph of the gates and the poetry which they inspired me to write will live on… hopefully to touch hearts for a long time to come. Below is the poem that I wrote almost eight years ago for a baby niece’s christening, inserting a photograph of the gates…

Today, a precious baby girl,

I watch your tiny life unfurl,

Knowing not the future path of years,

You sit with smiles, and sometimes tears

At the gateway of life.

I trust you will blossom and grow,

As lovely days shall come and go -

Each joyous occasion a treasured milestone

On a path that belongs to you alone.

There may be a mountain to ascend

And often a spiralling bend,

And crossroads too – a difficult decision -

For not all roads are signed with vision.

And some may carry a heavy toll,

As the journey of life shall onward roll.

But I know a narrow little road

Where the cares of life you may unload.

Branching off from busy highways,

It leads so far from this world’s byways.

There you may rest in green pastures,

And be restored by still waters -

For its toll has once for all been paid

By one, Jesus, who died in your stead.

So, I will pray for you little niece

That you may choose this road of peace,

And take the hand of a Shepherd Friend,

Who will guide your life to journey’s end,

Until you meet that crystal river,

And dwell in the light of His presence

Forever.

I have always been fascinated by old deserted farms, cottages and even the ruins of what were once the grand mansions of aristocracy now lying miserably derelict and dangerous in their decadence. The Irish countryside is full of them! It is interesting how a house will soon fall to wreck and ruin because it is no longer occupied, a phenomenon known as ‘entropy’ or the ‘law of universal decay.’ I once explored the rooms of an old cottage in the Mourne Mountains which lay deserted and abandoned like the Marie Celeste. Within its walls lay the writings of those who had once lived there; I felt strangely saddened by the atmosphere and those possessions, now ruined by the lashing rain which had long since infiltrated the cottage in many places. How sad to think that if those people were still living there, the cottage would not have fallen to ruin…

Surely without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we too would face ultimate destruction?

A man, rich in prestige and the things of this world, but without Christ, is as without hope and decadent, as the ruins of any great house, but if he can humbly come to the Lord, and truly say with the Psalmist… “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow,” (Psalm 51v7), then the Lord will come in strength, and fill that heart with His presence!  I wrote the poem ‘Derelict’ many years ago now…

I see them everywhere,

The empty houses, the derelict houses,

In various stages of ruin,

But the end of them all is the same –

If they are never occupied again.

Birds nest in their chimneys,

Cattle walk in windowless living rooms,

Where children, long since dead, laughed and ate.

Rats nest in ancient fireplaces,

Stoked years ago by willing hands,

But the last flame died when love had gone.

Now weary travellers shelter from rain

Within their shadowy walls,

Once witness to the joy and tears of life.

But in time they start to crumble,

Becoming decadent, dangerous,

Worse than useless.

Even the ruins of what were once

The grand mansions of aristocracy

Now lie sadly decomposing, with weeds and fungus

 Sprouting from their tarnished walls.

And one bleak day, with stones

And memories washed away by time,

The wind will whisper in a space

That once was home.

I see them everywhere –

They are like a stage without actors,

A person with no personality,

A plan without a purpose,

A body without a soul,

Man without God…

No indwelling Presence

To nurture, love and fill with warmth…

The second law of thermodynamics:

All things left to themselves…

Will eventually decay.

© Elizabeth Burke