Your Choice

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 The Message

It is here! A new year is on us all, and it will contain lots of shocks and surprises through until December. Some we will be able to cope with easily, and some we will struggle badly with. The good news is that the verse confirms that God has only good plans for us, not just for the year, but always. It’s not God’s fault if our year doesn’t work out the way we wanted.

We are not so good with our own plans or intentions, are we? When we think about it, many of the problems in our lives are self inflicted, and a direct cause of our own decisions, both bad and good. So instead of thinking about resolutions at the start of this year, how about thinking ahead to next New Year, DV, and looking back at the things we wanted to achieve, and those we could have done better? Maybe then with God’s help, we will be better people, and have made a difference. I like the way the Old Testament prophet says it: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18,19 NIV

Happy New Year, and may it be filled with God’s Love and Blessings!

Looking Back

And now we look back on all this and thank God, an artesian well of thanks! When you got the Message of God we preached, you didn’t pass it off as just one more human opinion, but you took it to heart as God’s true word to you, which it is, God himself at work in you believers! 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Msg

Looking back is not always good, and can be dangerous. Take Lot’s wife as a good example of that, she looked back and turned into a pile of salt! But then she did disobey the express command of God. She did not ‘trust and obey’ as the hymn says. Looking back can be contrary to God’s will, but it can also be hurtful as we remember those times we have been a disappointment to others or to ourselves. We could have done things differently, and we know it without somebody else telling us so. No one knows our failings better than ourselves, and reminders are not necessary!

A new year filled with fresh opportunities beckons, and we can either learn from the mistakes and disappointments of our past, or be condemned to repeat them in the coming year. As the old saying goes, “The one thing we learn from history, is that we don’t learn from history”. For my part, it is more than turning over a new leaf, or trying to make a fresh start. It’s that I must put any time ahead in God’s hands, and be content to do His will, without second guessing it in impatience because things don’t happen how or when I think they should.

We have been blessed with the gift of another year to let God use us, lead us and direct our hearts, so let’s resolve to give God the time to work out our future, whatever it is, and for however long He allows. So, Happy New Year!  

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b, 14 NIV

Finished

That’s it for another year. After all the hype that started in late October, the presents are given and received, the big turkey dinner and all the trimmings have been demolished, and the high calorie desserts have been digested (almost). Now, as my old Dad would have said, it’s back to ‘old claes an’ porridge’. It’s a bit of an anti climax when all you have to show for the big day is an expanding waistline.

But the great thing for the people who call themselves Christian, is that it isn’t over. It’s another reminder of the baby who started His earthly journey among us as Immanuel, “God WITH us”, but it wasn’t the end of the story. With the exception of a small family incident when He was only 12 years old, Jesus life is silent until He explodes onto the scene some 18 years later on. It is worth reminding ourselves that Jesus’ ministry lasted a short 3 years, before he was crucified aged 33 in disgrace with common thieves. What a tragic end that started with angels announcing His birth!

When he had received the drink, Jesus said,“It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 NIV

Hold it right there, because just as the baby Jesus in the manger was NOT the start, because Jesus was with the Father ‘in the beginning’, the Cross was not the end. It is worth keeping in mind the words spoken by our Lord as he hung on the cross, taking our sins on His own body, “IT IS FINISHED”. Christian, take note and take heart, it’s not over yet, and we are comforted by the fact that He is STILL IMMANUEL GOD WITH US, and he is coming back for His own. Amen to that!

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 NIV

So when you wonder if the troubles of this life are all worth it, because the Christmas season of Jesus birth is past, and the events of the crucifixion get you down, look up and remember Jesus words at that dark time when He talked about the plan of salvation: ‘It is finished’. However....it is not ALL over yet, but it will be one day, and in the words of the old song: ‘It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus’. Yes, there is more to our lives than the trials we have here. The Apostle John sums up our eternal future in these amazing words, so take heart fellow pilgrims:

I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighbourhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.” Revelation 21:3-5 The Message

Chaos

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIV

You didn’t think we could get to the season of Christmas without some thoughts on the matter, did you? In the words of the song , ‘It’s a Jungle Out There’, and you will know that as you do any last minute shopping and you try to get a place to park your car and then elbow your way through the masses of shoppers. Not funny, but is this really part of what Christmas is all about? It becomes a chaotic world as we all try our best to get everything done before the big day, and no one knows that better than mothers as they try to get their family safely through Christmas. Was it always like this?

We may have sidelined Jesus, the Christ, out of the season but he and his family were also stuck in the middle of a chaotic world when the baby Jesus made an entrance. If you think it is a frantic world at Christmastime now, take a moment and think about Mary and Joseph. They were forced by the rulers of their day to take a trek to their hometown, with thousands of others, just to be counted. No reliable 4x4 to take them, but a donkey! Not a nice paved road, just a track. No 24 hour shops along the way to stop and do some retail therapy, just very basic places to stop for essential rest. Oh and did I say that Mary was very pregnant? How do you think she felt as they bumped along the way, and a caring Joseph would be very anxious for the safety and security of his wife. In a land controlled by soldiers, nothing was sure. They couldn’t even get a half decent place to rest when they got there, just a stable, and of course the baby was born right there. If ever there was a chaotic time for this wee family, this was it!

So if you get to feeling that this is a crazy time of year, and it is nothing but disorganised chaos, you would be right, but when it all started 2,000 years ago, the world was also unsafe, and more chaotic than we can imagine. Let’s be thankful for all that we have, and the greatest gift we could have been given by our Heavenly Father, the baby who became our salvation, Jesus the Christ, also known as the Messiah, Emmanuel, God WITH us, who came to save His people (that’s us!) from their sins. Now, wasn’t all that original chaos worth it? Yes, and a resounding Amen!

Have a Happy and Blessed (even if chaotic) Christmas!!

Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

There is a lot made of peace, especially at Christmastime and rightly so, because the Son of God came to earth as a baby to live, grow, and give us peace. He is the ‘Prince of Peace’ and not just for a season. There is only one letter missing in the phrase ‘Price of Peace’ and it tells us of the cost of that elusive thing we can’t quite grasp, ‘peace’.

Nations desperately need it. People need it, as do individual hearts. The verses show that we should not be anxious about anything, and that is a tall order, but the key is in the words ‘prayer and petition’. It’s good to want peace, but do we want it enough to lay hold of God and petition Him for it until He answers?

At a personal level, I have recently found myself saying something like, “I am at peace with that” and it conveys a deeply held belief that I accept the will of God in something I have prayed about, and the resulting answer has given peace. Not just a general peace, but specific to my prayer. In fact I will go further. God has answered in a way I had not thought possible, but better than I could have hoped, so peace naturally follows. Yes, I still get anxious, and yes I will still worry from time to time, but when I get an answer from God which gives me peace, I am more ready to believe that He will answer ‘over and above’ my prayer next time. He will provide the peace, and my faith grows. What a combination, and what a great God we serve!

The Elephant

The old phrase, “The elephant in the room” comes to mind sometimes. There are subjects which are avoided like the plague when people get together, which are so obvious and indisputable, that you have to ask yourself why is it avoided, and not tackled head on? These elephants can be about the Christian’s attitude to death, serious or terminal illness, same sex ‘marriage’, or maybe a massacre of school children, and we either don’t know how to respond, or more likely we don’t want to admit that the elephant really IS there.

So we don’t talk about it in case we offend some elephant lovers. The elephant is ignored, or used to hide behind, or can’t be seen because it isn’t YOUR elephant. There might even be a few people with very loud voices who tell you that the nice elephant is really your friend, and is not the problem. Then of course it might stop looking like an elephant, and start to look like something else, and much smaller, like a very friendly and protective pet.

Hmmmm..... Ok, so let’s go on ignoring the elephant! That’s easier for everybody, right?

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Prov 12:15 NIV

Ho Ho Ho

I love the season of Christmas, and all the attractions of the season, including the last minute rush, the tinsel and the tree. But the presents give me a problem, because I don’t have much of an imagination, so I rely heavily on the help and advice of my daughters, and even my grandchildren. Ok I admit it, I like them being involved in my Christmas too.

The ‘reason for the season’ is nothing like anything that is pushed at us through the TV/Radio/Magazine adverts. It has nothing at all to do with that nice red suited happy Santa-man and his reindeer. Sorry Santa, because I do like you and even your reindeer who must be the best fed animals on Christmas Eve. The symbology of the tree with lights and decorations, and gifts laid round the base is not lost on me, but it’s not about that, and I love all of this too. Oh and then there is the family dinner, as we sit round a bountiful feast, fit for a king or queen, and enjoy each other’s company, especially those we might not have seen for months. It is good to be together with friends and revisit the strength of your friendships. It’s not that either.

The baby in the stable stall does not bellow out ‘ho ho ho’ as we approach Him. He does not need our decorated trees and gifts, after all He is the Creator of everything anyway. In this season, let us remember that HE IS THE GIFT, and not someone we need to keep happy by giving to Him. Except your heart, but that’s not in the usual Christmas narrative we see or hear is it? The old saying is still true, “Wise men (and women) came to Jesus, and they still do today”.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIV

Happy Christmas to one and all!

Wonderful Counselor

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

We really need one in the world today, don’t you agree? In among the tinsel and toys of the Christmas season, there are places around the world where the best negotiators and counsellors are desperately needed. The dispute between the Israeli people and the surrounding Arab/Islamic nations is one, and the Arab Spring has brought about its own troubles within these emerging democracies. Closer to home, we have the ongoing sectarian troubles in Northern Ireland, and the UK and Scottish governments to legalise same sex marriage.

Having a ‘go between’ in negotiations is essential, and preferably one who can be impartial and yet judge in clear and acceptable and understandable tones. I think it is fair to say that we also need such a person in our own lives, because we all without exception have done something wrong, and have needed someone to speak on our behalf. I love the verse on a personal level, and more so at Christmastime, but look at the phrase again.

This same baby Jesus who left heaven to live an earthly life, was crucified, but rose again, is no ordinary counsellor. He is a ‘wonderful counsellor’! Look at the two words this way:
Wonderful:= awesome, wondrous, miraculous, astonishing, amazing, astounding, phenomenal, unique, marvellous, lovely, admirable, magnificent, enjoyable.
Counsellor:= advisor, mentor, advocate, instructor, teacher, guide.
So a “Wonderful Counselor” means an amazing guide, who leads us on an astonishing journey! Let’s make this Christmas the start of our journey with the best guide we could have: Emmanuel ‘God WITH us’.

The Vote

When the city came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They’ll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn’t recognize and welcome God’s personal visit.” Luke 19:42-44 (The Message Translation)

I do not have any special gifts as far as my faith is concerned, but I could not fail to see the significance of this verse after the recent UN vote to give the Palestinians a form of recognition as a nation, needing a country to call their own. Of course there is a long history of bad blood between the Jews and the Muslims, which goes way back to Biblical Old Testament times when Ishmael became the father of the Islamic faith, and Israel who became the father of many nations, and was Blessed by God.

Perhaps like many, you didn’t pay much attention to the vote in the United Nations. After all, it is not an unreasonable thing for a nation of people to want a piece of land to call their home. It is reasonable as long as that country wants to live in peace, and at peace (there is a difference) with its neighbours. I think that’s where those who voted against this ‘reasonable’ UN request were coming from. It is not unreasonable to show that those against were largely ‘Christian’ in outlook, and those for the recognition were mostly ‘Islamic’.

The people of Gaza and other areas who want some of ‘their land’ back, as they see it, are led and governed by Hamas, a terrorist group with strong ideological links to those of Iran. Do we need to be reminded that the majority of Islamic Palestinians, and all of Iran, do not recognise Israel as a nation, and have it on their open agenda to annihilate the Jewish nation, country and people? Have you looked at a map of the middle east, and where the State of Israel is located? Take note of the nations and their political and religious allegiances which surround it, and then read the verse again. This was the time when Jesus wept over Jerusalem and its people for rejecting Him, and He knew clearly what was ahead. Might be a good idea for us to take note too. Just saying!

Evangelical Christians

In recent days, the Church of England has been in the news as they debated and voted on the admission of women as Bishops in their church. There are reports that some ‘Evangelicals’ stopped, or at least voted against the motion. Also recently, the name ‘Evangelical Christians’ has been used with some disgust and disdain, so what brings this about? Why should the word ‘evangelical’ cause so much trouble?

I checked out the definition and found it as follows (not my words):
Evangelicalism de-emphasizes ritual and emphasizes the piety of the individual, requiring him or her to meet certain active commitments, including:

• The need for personal conversion, or being "born again"
• A high regard for biblical authority
• An emphasis on teachings that proclaim the saving death and resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ
• Actively expressing and sharing the gospel

I also found out that evangelicalism has been around in the reformed church since the 1700s, and has not had a bad press until fairly recently, and I wonder why? Has the church in general changed, or does society no longer have any truck with the type of gospel described by the four characteristics shown above? Perhaps the church has not done itself any favours with some prominent senior figures who now disagree with, or have no regard for some or all of these basic foundations?

Let’s take them in turn (my opinion):

• We no longer use words like conversion or being ‘born again’, because although a Bible term, it is old fashioned. There is also the link of these words being used by some TV evangelists in the USA mostly, who have behaved in anything but a Christian way, never mind evangelical.
• Some so called learned christians pour scorn on many parts of the Bible, like creation and the virgin birth, so its authority is immediately doubted.
• Many now believe that we will all get to heaven if we are kind and live a good life, and is a far cry from the belief in the saving death and resurrection of Jesus as the way to heaven.
• Telling your story of salvation is not ‘appropriate’ now, and seen as ramming it down other’s throats, and is frowned on to the point that believers are branded as ‘strange’, or even ‘bigots’.

It looks like the word ‘Evangelical’ has been misused and abused by the very people who should know better. Those people we should be able to trust to carry the Gospel forward, have let us down. So, it is not the word, or its origin or meaning, but what it has become known as by non Christian commentators. Maybe the best thing we can do now, is bear the name ‘Evangelical Christian’ as a real ‘Badge of Honour’ and wear it humbly but sincerely.

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:22-24 NKJV

Obvious?

And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name—and to do for Yourself great and awesome deeds for Your land—before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods? For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever; and You, Lord, have become their God. 2 Samuel 23,24 NKJV

It’s not a popular view, and very seldom expressed, but if we claim to believe God’s Word, and that it is timeless, we cannot ignore this verse. The latest war between Israel and Gaza is ongoing yet again, and it is impossible not to take sides in the conflict. I have watched many reports and listened to lots of commentators ask the question ‘why’ and there are few answers, but let me ask another question, ‘who’?

Who are the common factor behind all of the following, and others too numerous to list:
9/11 USA Twin Tower and Pentagon Suicide Plane attacks?
7/7 London’s Bus and Tube Train atrocities?
Bali Bombing?
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie?
Which group are most likely to use suicide bombers against their enemy?
(A quick ‘Google’ check will list many hundreds more)

When the question ‘who’ is answered, we are all in a much better position to consider the question, ‘why’. There’s an old quote that says something like, “Do not dismiss the obvious”. Wise words indeed.

Light or Heat?

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV

We get ourselves into situations when we want to add some light to a situation, but only seem to bring unwanted and unnecessary heat instead. At least I find that I do, maybe unintentionally, but it can happen anyway. Jesus words are clear, He is the light, not us, and we are to be like Him.

Arguments invariably cause friction, or heat and don’t help. A good evenly balanced discussion out of respect can bring light, and isn’t that what we ultimately want? Christians are usually on a hiding to nothing, because our views are now being seen as extreme, intolerant, and so we find ourselves at the edge of society and being marginalised by politicians and in fact anyone who disagrees with our views, no matter how conciliatory or reasoned we try to be.

Recent events have thrown up another problem. There are people who are very anti-Christian, and even atheistic, lying in wait, ready to ambush the unsuspecting pilgrim who just wants to follow his Lord. The internet is particularly well placed to act as the medium of choice for the enemy of the faith. Twitter and Facebook are often in the news for all the wrong reasons, because social media is hijacked by some who have no scruples. Even the simple Blog post can be shanghaied by those who may trawl the internet search engines, looking for a prime target to discredit. So how do we respond to these unwelcome and hostile attacks? The following verses show that we must recognise the work of the devil, and deal with his agents in a civil but steadfast manner, always mindful of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and His grace which always covers us.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 1 Peter 5:8,9 NKJV  

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. Ephesians 5:8-12 NKJV

Friendless

(A Very Short, Abridged Story)

He has a few friends, but is pretty much a loner. His pals feel the same. They work in the same place with lots of others who seem to get along fine, but every now and again there is an argument which can get heated. Most of the onlookers don’t really understand what they disagree about, but they take sides anyway. It usually goes against the loners.

The thing is that these people who don’t have a lot of friends, usually carry a stick around with them. Sometimes it is hidden, and you would never know it was there, and then again sometimes it is visible, quite visible, and occasionally it gets used. Why on earth would these people carry a weapon? Well it goes back a couple of generations when some of their family lost their lives in a horrific way. It actually goes back much further than that! Man’s inhumanity to man lead to a terrible set of tragic events and some of their ancestors said it would not happen again. Most people accept that as true, although there are some in the group of workmates, who say it was just a made up story, and they shouldn’t even be allowed to play. In fact they would want them out of the workplace altogether. That doesn’t help anyone.

Occasionally,some recreation is organised, like a game of football in the courtyard, and for a while everything goes well, but then it turns sour. The other side, start to kick at the loner team heels, and make unnecessary dives in the penalty box, and ignore the offside rule, but usually the referee allows the goals anyway. There are spectators watching on the sidelines, and they pick sides, as all spectators do. In this case it is confirmed that the loners do not have a lot of support, yet again. This seems to be the norm for them, and they get used to it. These unliked or hated people, are well educated, and not from a poor family unit because they have worked at their identity. The others, who are playing against them, are not so well dressed, or sometimes poorly educated, but feel that they are owed something from the loners, and that is their own part of the games field.

Trouble is that a part of the games field was offered to the poor people many years ago, but they refused it in the hope they would get something better. At the same time, the loners accepted the part of the games field they were offered, and worked on it to make a good place for their families to live. They even turned the dry and desert part into a garden area. From that time the gap between these two groups has grown bigger, until there is a deep hatred. Oh, and the stick? Well both sides actually carry sticks, and they have been known to use them. The loners, who have become the outsiders, have a bigger stick, and when they get goaded and niggled and provoked enough, they use it and people get hurt or killed. Nobody likes being pushed around, and certainly not to a breaking point.

The media is good at reporting when the loners use their stick, but they don’t record or report the many more times that they are kicked, and abused, and the other side do not play by the rules. So it looks to everyone that the loners have just pulled out their stick and used it, without any reason. But we know better, don’t we? Don’t we? The spectators are not all right in their judgement. The media is one sided, and not balanced. In the meantime the fight on the games field gets ugly, and there are fouls galore. You know what it is like, the foulers always say they were unfairly treated, and will go as far as taking a dive in the penalty box, in the hope that they will score the winning goal. I should say that the game is not over yet, but we are into extra time. If that doesn’t work, we go to the penalty shootout. No one likes a penalty shootout, because it doesn’t necessarily reflect the true result. Still that’s the nature of the ‘game’ being ‘played’ right now with human lives.

Price of Silence

But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, Seeing you hate instruction and cast My words behind you? When you saw a thief, you consented with him, and have been a partaker with adulterers. You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you; But I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes. Psalm 50:16-21 NKJV

Psalm 50 makes for interesting reading, and reminds me of the saying that goes something like: “For evil to prevail, all it takes is for good men (and women) to do nothing”. The Psalmist’s problem was more than being silent, it was that the others  thought he was like them! That is at the heart of the problem, for when we stay silent, others think we agree with their thinking, and that makes them happy and content, because they think they have our blessing.

When was the last time you stayed silent in the face of injustice or wrongdoing, or didn’t just moan about something, but broke your silence and spoke up for righteousness and God’s justice to the right people? Not easy is it, but if we don’t speak up against unrighteousness in our land, then who will?

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 will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

Walk Humbly

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 NKJV

It has been impossible to notice that the United States of America is voting for the man who would be president for the next four years. Obama or Romney, they both think they are the man to bring prosperity to this great nation, and both are happy to tell it at every opportunity. By the time you read this, the elections will be over and I/we won’t have to listen to it any more.

My Mum had a saying she used to describe selfish, proud and egotistical people, and it went like this, “..me, myself, and nobody else..”. Wise words, and this is something I am fed up hearing from both presidential candidates. Oh, it’s not just these two, it applies to politicians in the UK, and can be seen in many high level lifestyles here.

We used to joke about men needing to be ‘tall, dark, and handsome’ and then saying, ‘well two out of three isn’t bad’ and it would usually raise a smile. The prophet Micah doesn’t give us the option that two out of three is good enough. Justice, mercy and humility are all needed. I will be glad when the US election is over, and I don’t see and hear the ‘me, myself, and nobody else’ mantra again, or at least not until we have an election in the UK soon. It is worth remembering that there is a very large army of workers behind all political figureheads, from those who will clean up after the mess, to the security man who will be prepared to ‘take a bullet’ for the proud leader. Our nations do not revolve around one man or woman.

Talking about pride, I will leave you with another thought from Solomon, who was a very wise man: Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 NKJV. We like humility in our friends, and we would like our friends to think the same of us, but apparently politicians and humility don’t go together at all. I can’t help but wonder if man’s pride is the root of the failing spiritual condition of both great nations? Just a thought.

Not Surprised

I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple. You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant. 2 Timothy 4:2-5 The Message

The leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, was given the dubious honour of being ‘Politician of the Year’ by Stonewall, the champion of Homosexual rights. The same group gave Cardinal Keith O’Brien the ‘Bigot of the Year’ award for expressing his opinion against the redefinition of marriage.

So we have an immoral group who are not only out of the closet, but who have locked the door behind them, a politician who leads a group of people not trusted by the ordinary voter, but not just a politician, a leader of a political party, and then someone who expresses a different point of view from the other two. Let’s not pretend that ‘Stonewall’ is a reasonable, balanced and equality based group. The events of the past few days have nailed that lie. The only person who is given bad press, is the one who dares to stand against the tide of political opinion, and to make it even worse, he is the leader of a church. Horror of horrors, that only makes matters worse.

I don’t know about you, but this gives me a problem, because Stonewall have all the major political parties in their pockets. Perhaps not in the same way that all party leaders are homosexual, but they do support the immoral agenda of something the Bible says is clearly and unambiguously a sin (no matter how opponents view it).  How should I vote? Should I abstain as a protest? Does it really matter? Scotland has a major vote in 2014 when it goes to the polls to decide on independence. The SNP by that time will have passed a law to redefine marriage in favour of homosexual and Stonewall wishes. Then a year later the UK will go to the polling booths to decide their leadership for the following five years. All of the main political parties have already agreed that the redefinition of marriage will be completed within their term.

Make no mistake, the moral landscape of our once Bible believing nation will change dramatically, and only time will tell how quickly our nation will fall completely. It is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’. You are free to dismiss my opinion, but I will take my stand alongside Cardinal O’Brien, who I have very little else in common with, but whom I admire for at least standing up and being counted, unlike some other church leaders who are happy to keep their heads down in case they are seen to offend. The Stonewall campaign asks for tolerance, acceptance, and freedom to express their views. It seems this only applies to them, and no one else, but then we were warned about attitudes like this by Jesus who is the truth, in these words: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 NIV

This Blog was a bit of trouble for me to set down, but today’s Bible verse says it best, and puts God’s absolute sovereignty into the picture. This verse is for me, and I needed the reminder of these words from the apostle Paul, who was under the authority of Rome, and had no vote to cast either: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1

Critical Mass

This was a subject I didn’t really like when I was in college. To me it was obvious that change would occur when enough of the current minority elements grew to a size that would tip the balance, and gain the weight to make a difference to the outcome.

So, how does that apply to us, the Christian community? Well, firstly, we are in the minority in the UK, and a very low minority at that. In fact, our opinions are usually dismissed out of hand by those in authority. A good example is the same sex marriage debate, and the redefinition of marriage which will result.

Does this mean that we are sunk, and not in any position to make a difference? I would say not, because we are called to be ‘the salt of the world’. It doesn’t take a lot of salt on a meal to make a difference to the overall taste. Also, have a think about the original disciples and apostles, a minority who became a worldwide influence of change in a very short time. Somehow, they reached that point where there were enough of them in God’s hands to change nations. They made a difference long before they reached a critical mass, and used it to change the world for good. God plus His child are a majority! The laws of physics are great, but they God’s laws, and in God’s hands, so let me leave you with these thoughts from God’s Word:

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

BST

It’s that time of the year again, where the clocks go back an hour, and you get that extra time in bed, to give you the long lie in you deserve. No excuses for being late for church then, or even missing it! It feels good to go round the house putting the clocks back that hour on Saturday night, after all who is going to stay up to 2am to do it? It’s one of the few good signs of winter approaching. (For our UK readers you should turn your clocks back at 2am on Sunday 28 Oct, and our US and Canadian readers a week later.)

Wouldn’t it be good to be able to turn time back for longer than an hour though? How about turning the clock back so that we can reclaim our youth, or maybe lost health and strength? How about going back to a time when we found our life’s love and reliving the moment you tied the knot and got married? We could go back to the birth of our children, and their first steps, their first birthday or Christmas! If only, if only... there are so many good times we could return to, if only we could turn the clocks back.

However many good times we could go back to, there are those times we would want to change. Those decisions we need to put right. The angry word to our best friend. A great personal wrong we need to rectify. To go back to be in a place we have regretted we missed, at a time we were needed. Unfortunately, we cannot go back to put great sins right, and the consequences of our past sins will always be with us, but I have great news! We might be able to remember them with regret, but if we have asked God to forgive our past sins, He has forgotten them already. As quick as that!

I was reminded of the following by a dear friend recently: The past is the past, and we can’t change it. The future is unknown, but we have the gift of ‘now’. That is why it is called ‘the present’, so let us all make good use of the time we have right now, and make it count for our tomorrows, and let our gracious God deal with forgetting about our past. After we have repented and asked for forgiveness, that’s His job, and He does it well. So let’s take our responsibility seriously for our ‘present’ as a gift from God, and not abuse His love, grace or forgiveness.

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor 6:2 NKJV

Heaven

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. Romans 8:15-18 The Message

‘Heaven’ is one of those words that conjures up differing images to different people. It is a vague word most of the time, probably because we have only a small idea of what the place will be like. In fact, most people accept that heaven is real, and will cling to the idea that their loved ones who have passed away, all of them, are now there! Most religions have a heaven for their members to be gained after death, and that is good, because it is true and based on Scripture.

Having been to a number of funerals in my time, I have heard that everyone who dies, goes to heaven. I have never heard any minister or pastor say that the person being laid to rest is bound for hell. Now simple logic says to me that ‘if there is a heaven to be gained, then there must be a hell to shun’. Otherwise, what’s the use of having a heaven if we will all end up there anyway, no matter how we live our lives? I accept that we cannot be the final judge, because only God can do that, but we do get ourselves lulled into a false sense of security if we only ever link death to heaven without consequence. Truth demands that we treat both heaven and hell seriously.

You may ask what evidence we have for their being a heaven anyway. I attended a funeral yesterday, of a dear lady who lived a long and Godly life. We heard not just about the people who were touched by her witness, but of her faith during uncertain times, and in almost impossible situations, when she trusted while she did not understand. Her favourite verse was, “Be still and know that I am God”. This lady was stilled, and she did know her God in a personal way. Ask her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Ask her friends and neighbours. Ask those who knew her in any way, but most of all find out about those whom she led to a saving knowledge of her Saviour Jesus Christ. As I thought about the troubles we all carry, I am encouraged once again to be still and KNOW that He is God, and He is the only one who knows the end from the beginning. Maybe I don’t stop worrying and wondering, but I am learning, slowly, to be still in His presence.   

I saw the clearest evidence of belief in heaven while talking to a family member who had just laid his Mum to rest. Among other comments I made the statement that she was ‘home now’ and a big knowing smile lit his face. There was no doubt, and the word heaven was not mentioned. For me, that makes all the difference, because for the child of God at the end of this life, Heaven IS Home. What better words to hear than: “Well done good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Lord” Matthew 25:21

Finally, should the words recorded by the exiled Apostle John not make us want to invest in our future home now, while we have the time and opportunity? Why take a chance with our eternal future, when we have this promise:  ..and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 NKJV

Be Sure

...you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23 NKJV

The simplest words are the easiest to remember and apply to our lives. This verse is a favourite in Sunday School, and can be understood by the youngest. Why is it then that we more advanced and intelligent adults seem to forget the simple truth of the verse? We seem to be surprised that our actions, not only have consequences, but those sins we commit, even those way back in our lives will find us out.... someday!

One of the best known UK TV presenters died a year ago, and he was venerated as a great man with monuments to his fame erected in his home town, and in those other places where he gave his time freely to help charities in prisons, hospitals and children’s homes. But wait a minute, this same man now has a list of hundreds of incidences of child abuses of the worst kinds coming to light. His young victims were afraid to come forward, or were even discouraged from damaging his career or charity work. So in his life they kept quiet. After all, who would believe them over such a famous celebrity?

There are two words which are not heard today, for the sake of offending someone’s feelings. One of the words is ‘sin’ and the other is ‘hell’. Why do we avoid them? I think it is because we don’t really accept them as severe any more. We have believed the lie of the devil, that neither are real, or at least not as bad as we have been told by our Sunday School teachers. I don’t know about you, but there are few words which adequately describe the sordid actions of this famous and previously trusted presenter, but for me the word is ‘sin’. Plain and simple. As for his eventual eternal destination, that is not for me to judge, because only God is qualified to do that. Having said that, let us not discount the reality of a place of punishment, and if sin is not addressed by us, and remains unforgiven by God, His Holy Justice is clear as described in His Word. We ignore sin and hell at our eternal peril. For my part, I prefer the gift of God, rather than the wages I may deserve.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NKJV

Fear or Faith?

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 NKJV

Perfect love is faith at its most supreme, and most sublime. Perfect love is the goal every Christian should aspire to, and never lose the drive for its excellence. There are clever men and women who will debate whether we can achieve it in this life, or if we have to wait until our life in Heaven, but from this short verse, one thing is certain, even to the less educated among us. Faith or fear, but you can’t have both. They are mutually exclusive.

Imagine a balance scale, with Faith on one side, and Fear on the other. As you add to the Faith side, the Fear side gets lighter, and vice versa. It is extremely difficult to get a 50:50 balance on the Christian life between these two feelings, so we are encouraged by the apostle John to make sure we use Perfect Love to eliminate Fear. Is this possible? If it is in the Word of God, it is not only possible, it is to be our goal, and yes it can be achieved.

The battlefield of Fear and Faith is best demonstrated when a crisis happens. It can be in a hospital room, or a school classroom, or even in a church among friends. It is best explained as that feeling of being cared for more by your loving God, than the fear which the devil puts in our heart. Easy? No way. Possible? Yes, and is our best refuge in a time of crisis. Ask any Christian who has been there, and don’t take the word of someone who may mean well, but has not shared the experience of having to act with fear, but in spite of it, use their faith.

Church Reality

We all know that the church is not the building, but the people, as the old chorus tells us, but hold that thought. I would ask you to consider that we belong to two churches, and neither of them is the brickwork. Both are people centred.

The first church is the establishment formed by their statements of faith, and the standards to which it adheres. So, you might belong to a mainstream national church, or be labelled as an Evangelical, Baptist, Salvationist, Catholic, Holiness, Calvinist, Arminian etc etc. Belonging to one of these groups will broadly determine your church’s belief system, but not necessarily yours, or indeed the majority of the congregation. I have found that most folks go to a church because they feel comfortable there. It may be the music, or the minister, or the friends you make. Only very occasionally will it be the denomination.

The second church, and in my opinion, the more important church, doesn’t filter down from the statements of faith of a denomination, but from the congregation, or roots, upwards. In other words, it doesn’t really matter what it says on the tin (the manual), the content will likely be different. It may even bear no resemblance to the church’s core beliefs. Too strong? Think I am wrong?

I believe I am right in thinking that members of my own church who are over 55, will know and understand fully what their church’s core belief is, and claim the experience. There is usually one main difference between the protestant denominations, and in mine it’s Holiness. Sanctification. Second Blessing. This teaching sets the bar high, but it is no more than is required by God’s Word: ...as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy”. 1 Peter 14-16 NKJV

My particular church denomination is over 100 years old, and does not resemble the faith group it once did. Maybe we have become middle aged, or elderly (in church years), or maybe we have ‘moved with the times’, or maybe just maybe ‘the Glory has departed’. How bad and sad does that sound? So do you recognise my concern that we become the church we deserve? Maybe I am wrong, and things are really much better now, than they ever were before, and I would like to understand if this is the case. I understand that we all then have a responsibility to become the ‘Church’ in its true form, and I also recognise that I am an individual part of that body of believers by denomination, but more importantly by personal conviction, decision and witness. I pray I will be found worthy by the Head of the only Church that matters.

I know this piece will be read by people of various church groups and denominations, and so I would appreciate your own thoughts and experiences (if you feel you can comment freely).

How Come?

With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? James 3:9-11 NKJV

We would say, “How come”? The Bible says “These things ought not to be so”, but the meaning is clear and the same. How come we hear good and bad from the same person? How come there is so much positive and negative from the same lips? How come we hear prayers and gossip from the same mouth? But wait a minute. Hold on there, James is speaking to fellow Christians who share the name of Jesus. It was like that then, and it is no different today. When it comes to the tongue, we have not learned very much have we?

By way of some explanation, I am very aware that there are young Christians who will learn the teachings of the gospel, and may have come from a very different and difficult background. They have a path to walk which is not the same as someone who has borne the name of Jesus for many years, and is known as a ‘christian’. Can I suggest that such a person does much harm to their witness, and the witness of the church by not guarding their mouth? Before you respond, I recognise there is a difference between the slip of the tongue, and the almost ‘expected and normal’ use of their coarse language, or even when it is written down in a public social media forum for all to see.

Yes I am guilty of saying things I shouldn’t, but I pray I will never be seen as a poor mirror to the sunshine of God’s love by my talk, language or life. And yes, I also have to work on my impatience with the mature believer who still cannot bridle their tongue. Guilty as charged!