Saturday 18 December 2021

Who is He in Yonder Stall?

A picture for Christmas and also picture puzzle - can you find where the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Lamb that had been slain in the picture?  (Answer further down page)
I was praying what picture to make for Christmas, then later the words of the Hymn "Who is He in Yonder Stall" came to me... I pondered why the Lord announced the birth of Jesus to the Shepherds...then a friend posted a photo of a stone food or water trough/manger the type that would have been used in the days of Jesus in Israel, the post explained various things about this. Which are different than the cosy wooden type of mangers popularly depicted in pictures.  In Biblical times when the Temple in Jerusalem made sacrifices, priests kept sacrificial lambs in stone troughs in a blanket for protection, unblemished perfect lambs waited to be examined before sacrifice.  For the Shepherds visiting Bethlehem to see what the angels announced, finding a baby wrapped in cloths lying in a "stone" trough would have been a powerful testimony, they would have understood as they were familiar with rearing sacrificial lambs.  If we study scripture we see the significance of the title John the Baptist gave Jesus - “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" John 1:29. And in the book of Revelation we see. "and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain" Revelation 5:6.   

Who is He in yonder stall,
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
’Tis the Lord! oh wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
  Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?

Who is He to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?

Who is He the gathering throng
Greet with loud triumphant song?

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?

Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Who is He who from the grave
Comes to succor, help, and save?

Who is He who from His throne
Rules through all the worlds alone?

’Tis the Lord! oh wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
  Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Words by Benjamin Russell Hanby (1833-1867)

Peter N Millward 0

Friday 29 October 2021

Remembrance 19:32

The Secret of England's Greatness.

Secret of England's Greatness

A few days ago I was reading an old book...it had much fascinating reading and information and then I came across something which stopped me in my tracks and made me reflect on times past and how "God fearing" the population of the British Isles used to be and what a difference it made upon the world... In the book - the author had written ...."When an African Prince asked Queen Victoria the secret of England's greatness, she handed him a Bible  and said the secret was to be found therein."  My apologies to the rest of the British Isles.....the prince probably would have meant the British Isles, but I am quoting from the book......Afterwards I went searching - and found old black and white engravings which also recount the same story and others suitable to put together to make into one picture and colorized....The text underneath the Bible in the centre of the picture ...."the throne is established by righteousness." Proverbs 16:12. 

I also discovered elsewhere - Reading accounts of Queen Victoria's Coronation - We note how much reverence and importance was placed upon the Bible and the role it has played, as had been the custom in previous Coronations since Edward the VI. ( It is a remarkable story, one I shall return to - why the Bible has such a pre-eminent place at coronations of the Kings and Queens of Great Britain)  Below is something which was written from another book in 1838 and gives us some idea of the gravity and influence of the Bible has had upon Queen Victoria's life and reign:

"This custom, my dear Friends, has been continued to the present day. The Presentation of the Bible to the Sovereign forms a very touching part of the service, and it will be particularly interesting to you to know, that on the present occasion, our beloved Diocesan has been employed in carrying the Bible immediately before the Queen in the Procession.  The Archbishop presents it to her, saying,

Gracious Queen, we present you with this Book ; the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is wisdom ; this is the royal law ; these are the lively oracles of God.

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this book, that keep and do the things contained in it . For these are the words of eternal life, able to make you wise and happy in this world, nay wise unto salvation , and so happy for evermore, through faith in Christ Jesus ; to whom be glory for ever ."  From the book "God save the Queen. A sermon preached in Godalming Church on the occasion of the coronation of our most gracious Queen Victoria the 1st."  by the Rev. W. R. Fremantle, A. M.  1838.

* While researching the above anecdote "The Secret of England's Greatness" and Queen Victoria. There is another picture, a more famous one painted during Queen Victoria's reign which now hangs at the National Portrait gallery  Below are comments written on their website underneath a photo of the painting. What do we make of it when they cannot prove the anecdote to be untrue, but dismiss it anyway.?

"The scene depicted is based on a popular but unfounded anecdote current in the 1850s. This stated that, when asked by a diplomatic delegation how Britain had become powerful in the world, 'our beloved Queen sent him, not the number of her fleet, not the number of her armies, not the account of her boundless merchandise, not the details of her inexhaustible wealth … but handing him a beautifully bound copy of the Bible, she said 'Tell the Prince that this is the Secret of England's Greatness'." National Portrait Gallery.

It is sad sign of our times. I also came across other websites too, which question the validity of the anecdote. Most view the story cynically while claiming many things, they do in fact appear more biased and flawed than the history and characters they are supposed to treating unbiasedly. Wisdom and fairness should always determine how history is presented and portrayed. We also note today there is widespread hostility towards anything connected favourably to the Bible. Why is that?.

Should we really accept the opinions of historians and experts when their obvious bias disqualifies them? Rather should we not challenge them and hold them to account.

With all that is happening today because of cancel culture, and unfavourable narratives about Britain's history and culture. Now more than ever we should be seeking wisdom and fairness to be the final arbiter when looking at British history.

So I have made what I consider important points to remember when reading this subject of this anecdote. We must note - Non of those commenting negatively or questioning the anecdote mention this.

The first which doesn't prove anything, but indeed shows the curious way the question is phrased is likely someone from outside the British Isles - The question "What is the secret of England's greatness." Naming "England" is a common mistake many foreigners make when applying the name "England" to the whole of Great Britain, which was made up back then of Scotland, Wales, England, and the whole of Ireland.
Queen Victoria herself was no doubt well aware of this pictures existence and story. Given the great level of public awareness and interest in the picture throughout Britain, as it toured the British Isles. Neither the Queen nor her courtier's ever cast doubt on the veracity of the story behind the picture. It very much appears this was accepted at the time and there is no record of any one questioning it.
Without Queen Victoria herself challenging the story of the picture during her lifetime, or anyone else at the time....we can only conclude it very likely did take place.
With no evidence to disprove the anecdote, it should be presented from a neutral standpoint and the public allowed to make up their own minds without being swayed by personal opinions or bias of historians.
By all accounts Queen Victory was regarded as a truly committed Christian. It is well known she had a strong Christian faith. A visit to the Billy Graham website is just one example of stories shared about the life of Queen Victoria.
Would this story seem out of character with what we come to understand of Queen Victoria's faith?
Reading accounts of Queen Victoria's Coronation - We note how much reverence and importance was placed upon the Bible and the role it played, as had been the custom in previous Coronations since Edward the VI. Below is something which was written in 1838 and gives us some idea of the gravity and influence of the Bible upon Queen Victoria's reign......."This custom, my dear Friends, has been continued to the present day. The Presentation of the Bible to the Sovereign forms a very touching part of the service, and it will be particularly interesting to you to know, that on the present occasion, our beloved Diocesan has been employed in carrying the Bible immediately before the Queen in the Procession. The Archbishop presents it to her, saying,
Gracious Queen, we present you with this Book ; the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is wisdom ; this is the royal law ; these are the lively oracles of God.
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this book, that keep and do the things contained in it . For these are the words of eternal life, able to make you wise and happy in this world, nay wise unto salvation , and so happy for evermore, through faith in Christ Jesus ; to whom be glory for ever ." From the book "God save the Queen. A sermon preached in Godalming Church on the occasion of the coronation of our most gracious Queen Victoria the 1st." by the Rev. W. R. Fremantle, A. M. 1838.
One has to note non of the various websites which have articles written disparaging the anecdote ....Make mention of any background information shared above.....And one has to ask why? Is there a political agenda the way they want to present Britain's history to the public?.
I will let all who read this draw their own conclusions......

(Digital Image Restoration – © Peter N Millward

Peter N Millward 2

Tuesday 7 September 2021

Scripture 10:49

Be Alert and of Sober Mind

For Prints, cards - click link or image

In the picture we will notice a Christian standing on an open Bible in full armour, armed to the teeth - with the sword of the Spirit - The Word of God, resisting a lion. We will also note the bones of those scattered about who did not make the Lord their strong tower or put their trust in His Word ....not even their staff and mitres could save them! In the distance, sublime cathedrals and a humble country church - a tranquil scene in contrast to the life and death struggle witnessed in the foreground. What does the scripture tell us about being a Christian and the life of faith?

"Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 1 Peter 5:8.

And "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

Peter N Millward 0

Monday 9 August 2021

Testimony 14:50

Lilias Trotter - Many Beautiful Things

In Algeria 1928, an elderly missionary surrounded by friends and fellow workers lay dying at a Mission she founded 40 years previously, her mind was still clear and spirit still strong even after weeks of suffering. As the end drew near, she looked out of the window, and exclaimed - ”A chariot and six horses!” Someone close by asked ‘You are seeing beautiful things,” and this dear missionary looked up with joy and said - “Yes, many, many beautiful things!” Those remarkable, amazing last words were spoken by Lilias Trotter.

The Bible says "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants." Psalm 116:15.

Lilias Trotter lived a remarkable life, pouring it out in service to her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and Lilias, modeled what it is to be a true follower an example of someone who lived in the light of Eternity. Her amazing story only really coming to the attention of the wider public in the last 6 years or so. Lilias was also a gifted painter, and may well have become an acclaimed artist if the famous art critic, John Ruskin had succeeded persuading her. But Lilias had another vision for her life - A very wonderful documentary and film has been made and released in 2015, which shares the story of this remarkable lady, her journey, mission and art. A link to the film - Many Beautiful Things

* The tribute picture was created after reflecting on those last words of Lilias, I also wanted to include some of Lilias' artwork in the picture. So chose some birds/flowers Lilias made, and placed in the window top left corner - the original illustrations can be found at www.ililiastrotter.wordpress.com/

Peter N Millward 0

Tuesday 13 July 2021

11:46

John Wesley Preaching at Gwennap Pit. 1762 - 1789

Republished and Digital Image Restoration – © Peter N Millward

For Prints, cards - click link or image

John Wesley Preaching at Gwennap Pit

John Wesley Preaching at Gwennap Pit. A hollow piece of ground which was said to have been formed from a collapsed mine working. Wesley found it was a superb place to preach. and called it ‘the most magnificent spectacle this side of heaven’. Wesley preached there eighteen times between 1762 and 1789. The structure is said to be able to seat about 1500 people comfortably but on one occasion Wesley's preaching attracted 32,000 people!. The first use of Gwennap Pit was in September 1762 and John Wesley himself recorded the occasion: ‘The wind was so high that I could not stand at the usual place at [the village of] Gwennap; but a small distance was a hollow capable of containing many thousands of people. I stood on one side of this amphitheatre towards the top and with people beneath on all sides. I enlarged on those words in the gospel for the day Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see….hear the things that ye hear.’

Today the Gwennap Pit can still be visited - in about the year 1806. 12 terraces had been cut into the sides to create seating that still exists today. A group of local mine captains and a mining engineer had decided to preserve the pit as a memorial to John Wesley and his message.

Let us reflect on the amazing spiritual legacy John Wesley left behind and what God did through the Wesley brothers over 200 years ago. Today, many churches and denominations have since fallen away, turning their backs upon God. But they certainly do well to remember just how God blessed His faithful servants in times past, who were obedient and zealous for God and His Word. And at the same time reflect on what will happen to those who refuse to listen and reject Him? - A day of reckoning is fast approaching.

Peter N Millward 0

Sunday 16 May 2021

16:17

New Film - History of the Broad and Narrow Way Picture

Some weeks ago I discovered that I could transfer text to voice...realising the potential and having the text already prepared with the Broad and Narrow Way picture it was an incentive to try....for a few years I already had some sketches prepared for a book, so I just needed to finish. Video is a fascinating departure for me artistically speaking. Its been an enjoyable challenge, especially translating to other languages. If anyone is interested in a particular language and would like to help, please share and I will see what I can do. Please send feedback about the videos is always appreciated!

Portuguese translation below

German Translation below

French Translation below

Peter N Millward 0

Thursday 11 March 2021

Remembrance 16:50

Sadhu Sundar Singh

Sundar Singh lived at the turn of the last century, his life was both remarkable and challenging, a disciple of Jesus Christ who chose the life of a Sadhu, (An Indian Holy man).

One time Sadhu Sundar Singh was travelling on foot with a Buddhist monk in Tibet, it was a bitterly cold afternoon and a real danger of freezing to death if they did not reach their destination, a monastery before nightfall. It was getting late when the two travelers heard a cry, it was another traveler who had slipped off the path and injured himself….. The monk said, “Do no stop. God has brought him to his fate. He must work it out himself.” Sundar Singh replied, “No, my brother. God has sent me here to help this man. I cannot abandon him.” But the monk hurried away along the path. Finding himself alone in the fading light Sundar Singh, undaunted went down to where the man lay, put him on his back with a blanket he turned into a sling, then struggled back up on to the path. It was a difficult business walking through the snow and there’s no record how long he walked, But eventually Sundar Singh saw some lights in the distance – it was the monastery……But as he walked further he came across an object partially buried in snow on the path – it was the frozen body of the monk who had left them, he had succumbed to the freezing cold. Sundar Singh eventually arrived at the monastery with the injured man, they had both survived - The physical exertion from simply carrying the injured man had generated enough heat to keep both their bodies from freezing.

A scripture to ponder this story - "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 16:25

Peter N Millward 0

Friday 5 March 2021

Testimony 12:42

Dive into the Bible - A Very Deep Pool!

Dive into the Bible - A very deep pool, no one knows it's full depth, only God, yet its safe for toddlers to paddle and enjoy...in fact learning to swim in the Bible pool is the best thing children can do growing up, with eternal blessings for all who enjoy its benefits and find the Pearl of Great price found within its depths. Many wise merchants have been known to sell all they possess, that they might obtain this one unique precious pearl. Have you swam in this pool of no regrets? Whatever situation you are in, take a swim in the Bible pool, don't give up, when you find this precious and valuable pearl, seek to obtain it - because you wont regret it! “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46.

Recently we did an outreach at the local Mangroves near where we live in Caucaia - Some photos of our time, bringing a little joy to a very needy area. We had some presentations and Bible stories also food. Also took my easel and paints and revisited a subject, placing a huge Bible as a swimming pool in the scene of the mangroves. I painted a similar picture many years ago around 2004 helping an outreach to a very needy area in Fortaleza. The photo below is from the outreach in 2004 - How time flies!

Carol Coppens from Canada also saw the recent picture on Facebook painted at the Mangroves and made a poem inspired about diving into the Bible pool, and came up with a poem below. So I decided to share it here, alongside a similar picture I did years ago in 2003 when experimenting with Bryce 3D Software. Thank you Carol for sharing your wonderful poem and words! Click on the image below for posters and cards available

Dive into the bible,
It is a deep pool,
All wisdom and knowledge
Contained in its whole.

Each page tells the story,
Of God's plan for men,
To rescue from sin,
And restore us again.

Our sin holds us captive,
God's will we defy,
We hate being told,
To the world we must die.

We know we're unable
Our sins to deny,
God must grant to us faith,
To see Him with our eye.

The story's all there,
In clear black and white,
Press on through its pages,
'Til God grants you sight.

Without living faith,
Heaven's closed to our pleas,
So give God what He's due,
And submit, on your knees.

Dive into the bible,
Its waters are deep,
Pray His grace to convert you,
And your soul to keep safe.

Carol Coppens 2/9/21

Peter N Millward 0

Monday 4 January 2021

00:54

The Liberty Prayer Tree - 2020 US Presidential Election

Recently I saw friends posting the Blob Tree test on FB, created by behavioral psychologist Pip Wilson, a psycho-educational gamester and EQ developer. Well, I couldn't resist taking the blob tree test a step further - I was fascinated to see how this could apply to the 2020 US Election and break down all the complex issues involved into Blob people.....If like me, you will probably be wondering where the Election is heading. So I have been hurrying to get this finished before January 6th - It has blob characters in various situations. If interested your welcome to download and print with the text below. - A look at the picture will hopefully inspire many to pray and meditate about what is happening and intercede.

The 2020 United States Presidential Election - The Liberty Prayer Tree.

An exercise in praying for the Elections using scripture. Various situations represented, some will be easy and some will require reflection, research and prayer for understanding.. Print out for groups or for personal use. 

Leaders - Proverbs 8:15-15.  “By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; by me     princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth.”

Apathy - Galatians 6:9.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

Corruption/Betrayal - Proverbs 19:5.  A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.  

Worry - Isaiah 35:4.  Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."  

Helping - Proverbs 3:27.  Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.  

Losing Hope/Giving Up - 2 Chronicles 15:7.  But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."   

Frustration - John 16:33.  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."    

Making Wrong Choices - James 4:17.  “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them”.  

Speaking Without Thinking - Proverbs 29:20. Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.  	

Manipulation - 2 Corinthians 11:14.  And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  

Hatred - Proverbs 10:12. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. 

Dishonesty -  Proverbs 11:1.  The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.          	

Unity - Psalm 133:1.  How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!  

Value Others -  Philippians 2:3.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.  

  Hope -  Psalm 33:18.  But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

Be Strong and Courageous - Deuteronomy 31:6-8.  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  

Responsibility to Warn - Ezekiel 33:8.  When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand.   

Only One True Foundation - 1 Corinthians 3:11.   For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  

No Hiding from the Truth - Job 34:22.   There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide.  

Rebellious Leaders - Proverbs 28:2.   When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.  	

Courage to Stand for the Truth - Jeremiah 23:29.   "Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?  

 Fervent Prayer -  James 5:16.  The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. 

 Do Not Suppress the Truth - Romans 1:18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
  
Do Not Resist the Truth - Psalm 140:8.  Do not grant the wicked their desires, LORD; do not let their plans succeed.  

and 26:	Obedience and Repentance - 2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek    my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  

 27:	Accountability - Numbers 32:23. ………..you may be sure that your sin will find you out.

The Swamp - Hebrews 4:13.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.  

Good Conscience - Timothy 1:5.  The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.