Your God?

“You shall have no other God(s) before Me”. Exodus 20:3 

I would suggest that since the first commandment gives us the foundation for the other 9 commandments, and much of the Bible, it must be important. We should therefore treat it with respect and reverence. But do we do that, even and especially as so called ‘committed Christians?’

What or who is your God? Please don’t patronise me by suggesting that you have no God other than the God of Exodus 20:3. I can think of a few, and they include, but are not limited to: my house, my car, my spouse, my child, my parents, my bank account, and the list goes on. Question: Would any of these ‘gods’ keep us from going to church? I would suggest not, unless they were used in an extreme case by an extreme person. 

So, what kind of ‘gods’ might keep us away from the place of worship? What would you rather do, or where would you rather be, instead of church? It is possible that some in the previous list might keep us from church, but there is another which certainly would keep us from our place of worship. I have seen it show up at all ages, from primary school age, right through into mature adulthood. The reason is simple. This one can involve the whole family, especially when encouraged in the young, by their parents and once started, it is almost impossible to stop.

Sport! Any kind of sport, whether actively involved, or as an armchair participant. You will inevitably hear the words, “but this is the final. Or Semi final. Or an important draw etc etc…” I know of no greater potential drain on church attendance, or even membership than sport.

Angels

See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their Angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. Matthew18:10NIV

For it is written: ‘“He will command his Angels concerning you to guard you carefully” Luke4:10NIV

It is said that we all have an Angel looking over us, and that every child has their own guardian Angel, and these verses would back that up. That being true, do you know who your guardian Angel is? Or is your Angel always in the background, their presence unseen?

The devil is real, and even he didn’t need to be convinced that there are Angels, guarding us carefully. He quoted the words of the Old Testament to tempt Jesus when He was exhausted, having been in the wilderness. In an almost sarcastic tone he uttered the words of Luke 4:10 to see if this temptation of throwing Himself from a high place would work. Thankfully it didn’t. Have you ever noticed that the words of Scripture are used by those who believe, and even those who don’t believe? We must be careful how we read and use the Word of God, because it is often used and abused by those who don’t care.

We can see that we have an Angel by our side from childhood, into adulthood and eternity where we will join in the praise around the throne. There is comfort in the sure and certain knowledge that God has not only provided His Holy Spirit to guide and convict, He has also provided an Angel, or perhaps even more than one, to guard us carefully. With these heavenly benefits, why would some people not want to have this protection in this life?

Human nature kicks in, and wants its own way, no matter how good any offer can be, so we are entitled to refuse. That is another gift from God, called free will. We are not robots, and our gracious God allows us to accept or reject His gifts. Sadly we think we know better than God, how sad is that?

I am happy to accept God’s gifts, including the Angels He provides for my benefit. Have you ever wondered what these Angels look like? I certainly have, and I believe I have the answer. Angels look just like you and me. When there is a need, or an impending danger looming, God will place someone right there at that time, and in that place to provide the need or avert the danger. I’m sure you have experienced this first hand, and often. The face of that help, I suggest, is your Angel for that time and place. Oh, and by the way, it works both ways. You may well be someone else’s Angel. Perhaps without knowing it, but in the heart and mind of the person you helped, you are, and always will be, their Angel.

So, who is the face of your Angel? I would be surprised if you couldn’t name a few!

Christmas

What is Christmas to you? Does it have the deeper meaning that goes beyond the white fur lined red suit worn by a cheery, red faced,white bearded portly man? I hope so. This post was started on Christmas day, and already I have seen Christmas in action.

While out at the local cemetery to think and reflect, I couldn’t help but notice the number of people coming out of cars into the cold foggy morning air to do the same. It’s a time to look back on our loved ones who are not here now to enjoy this happy time. For some, this is a very sad time, and a ‘Happy Christmas’ is nowhere to be heard. But among the still grieving, there were the children running around in the happy spirit of the day, grasping one of their gifts that appeared under the tree earlier this morning. Children have a very simple view of Christmas, and at times I envy them.

As I drove home, there was the well dressed teenager, very carefully carrying a few gifts in his arms, looking worried that he might drop one. Let me speculate. He was too young to be married, and too old to be the simple child we spoke about earlier. My thinking is that he was on his way to the love of his young life, bearing presents that he hopes she will like. To top his appearance off (literally) he was sporting a white fur trimmed red hat with a white bauble on top. He didn’t care who saw him, because his mind (and possibly heart) was already taken elsewhere with thoughts of love. A carer was making her way from a house where she would have tended to the needs of someone who would not get through the day without her. There was a group of working men in and around a big hole in the ground, I suspect trying to fix a problem which affected the community. And then small groups of families walking to meet, greet, and give gifts to their own, perhaps to enjoy Christmas dinner.

A happy tradition carried on in my daughters, is the Christmas family dinner where mums, dads, children, grandparents and friends are all invited to sit round the big table to enjoy the food lovingly prepared for this particular occasion. When the normal seating is all used, out come the stools and the odd chairs, so that everyone is included and welcome. This doesn’t happen at any other time of year, so everybody joins in the fun, wearing those funny hats from the Christmas cracker and telling the jokes printed on the slip of paper for your enjoyment. If you are fortunate, you might even get a little plastic toy or puzzle to show around.

Eventually, there comes the time to push back from the table having eaten more than you should have, and after loosening your now too tight belt a few notches for comfort, the clearing up begins. The presents stacked under the tree and wrapped so carefully, are ripped open to reveal the needed, wanted, and funny gifts we love. There is coloured wrapping paper strewn everywhere that also needs to be gathered up by the host and/or hostess. After weeks of preparation and planning this lovely slap up meal, it is over so quickly for another year. Chances are we'll do it all again, because it brings us closer together!

It’s a good idea to use the ‘why’ question often asked by young children who want to understand something. They keep on asking ‘why’ until they are satisfied, and only then do they stop asking. Why the gifts? Why sing those same Carols every year? Why the decorated tree? Why the celebration? Why santa, and where does he fit in? Why was all this started in the first place? Asking the searching ‘why’ questions always brings you back to the baby Jesus born into the poverty of an occupied land. To many, His chances of survival would seem slim, but survive He did, and more than that! This helpless baby born to poor parents would grow up into a miracle working, death defying, life changing Saviour. In the space of some 33 years this Jesus would do no wrong, but ironically be murdered in cold blood for His selfless, pure life. But the story doesn’t end there. The God-man defeated death, rose from the grave, and only after being seen by multitudes of people, went back to God His Father where He is now interceding on our behalf. This life is well documented in the Gospels and secular writings so there is no doubt in the sure foundation of our salvation.

Let’s live as though every day is Christmas Day!

Immanuel

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew1:23NLT

It’s not Christmas yet, but December has started and already the festive jumpers are out, trees are up, shops are busy taking our money to the tune of “Jingle Bells”, and the kids are getting excited. The advertising and marketing people are in full swing making jingles to sing, and ‘meaningful advertisements’ to watch. In case you didn’t get the message, TV is filled with afternoon Christmas movies to tug at your heartstrings, and make some of us reach for the tissues.

You can’t fault the children. After all, Christmas has been neatly wrapped up in all the feel good trappings, including the cute and cuddly garden centre santa. I wonder how many know the full story of the baby Jesus coming to earth to save us from the very things we now celebrate. Well meaning mums and dads find themselves in serious debt as they try to stay ahead of the next ‘must have’ toys, games, clothes, perfumes, gadgets, and the list goes on. How can the average parent keep up with the demands of the marketing gurus?

Keep in mind the many children and adults who can’t have, and don’t want, elaborate and expensive gifts under the tree, wrapped in foil and tied in a bow. That is the last thing on their minds. Food, warm clothing, physical safety, and a real comfy bed are uppermost in their minds, probably along with the weight of the loss of a dear family member.

The Christian is in a privileged position because they know the real reason for the season, and it’s not ‘things’ but a person in the form of a helpless baby. That tiny boy grew up to be vilified, abused, wrongly accused, and eventually crucified as an innocent 33 year old. But, we praise God that it didn’t end there because he rose from the tomb, ascended into heaven, and is now with His Father God. The best part to all Christians is that Jesus is now here with us in the form of His Holy Spirit. IMMANUEL GOD WITH US.

While you are enjoying the gifts, food, family, tree and tinsel, remember the reason for the season is God with us, IMMANUEL! It is worth noting that the name was given before Jesus was even born. God’s plan of salvation was already in place. Thank you Lord.

Confirmation

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Romans 8:15-17

How do we know we are a child of God? In fact, how do we know this constantly, day by day, no matter how things are going, or how we are feeling? Resting and relying on our feelings is not the most reliable way to decide anything, because we can be up one day, and down the next.

If you received Christ as a child, I think you have an advantage. You see, as we get older we tend to over analyse things, but when we are younger it is natural to trust and believe without second guessing ourselves. So, how do we know for sure that we are saved and heaven-bound? It is too important to be left to chance.

But how exactly does the Holy Spirit confirm with our spirit that we are children of God? It can come in many ways, and always with an unmistakeable tug in your heart. Perhaps you get this assurance in something said from the pulpit. Or in the Creation that only God could have made for us. Or the words and melody of a hymn, chorus, or gospel song. If I am being honest, this is the way I feel the Spirit confirming His presence the most. I am often reduced to tears as we sing songs about God’s gift, and our promise of a heavenly home. Or as we read the Bible accounts of God moving in the lives of His people, in the Old and New Testaments. Or when a new Christian gives the story of their own encounter with the living Christ. The ways we are affected are many. John Wesley said it this way, “My heart was strangely warmed” and that about sums it up.

Don’t doubt it. If you have prayed, confessed your sin, and repented, the Spirit will not let you forget it. He will tug at your heart from time to time in unexpected ways, just to remind you that you are a child of God. Isn’t our God good? We are certainly blessed!

Abuse

In recent weeks there has been a lot of coverage in the news media of many counts of child sex abuses under the framework of the UK football associations and coaching staff. It transpires that many have hidden these abuses for years partly because they felt they would not be believed, or were too embarrassed to tell their story to the police. I have some thoughts on the matter which you may or may not feel are connected. These are my opinions only.

These abuses did not happen overnight, or even in the recent past. We have been getting news of similar abuses drip fed involving youth groups, and even major churches. Every time I hear the problem being discussed by so called experts, they always skate round their own responsibilities. This is especially true of our politicians. It tells me that we are seeing the tip of the iceberg and there is a lot more to come.

If you are old enough to remember the lifestyle and morality of 40 years ago or even more, you will have witnessed a massive change in our attitude to sex in all its forms. Think about the way that sexual freedom has been advocated and manipulated. Magazines, newspapers, film and TV have all sold us the lie that love is sex, and is a commodity. We have lost the meaning of marriage, and the pure love of a couple in the form of a man and his wife. Our nation has turned its back on morality at the hands of the liberal agenda of free love which was pushed in the 1960s and has only become worse as time passed. There is an old saying, “when you open the floodgates, you can’t tell the water where to go”, or as the Bible says, “We have sown the wind and are reaping the whirlwind.”

Who is responsible for this decline? Is it down to one person or group? No, the issue lies at the door of the generation who turned a blind eye as attitudes changed, and no one wanted to be called a prude, or unenlightened. We swallowed the lie of the devil that everything would be ok. After all, the experts were in control. Now, 40 or 50 years later, we act surprised when one abuse is reported after the other and each one seems worse than the last. Let me ask a personal question. What do you see or think when you watch the TV dramas and soaps, or go to the movies, or read the salacious celebrity newspaper gossip? Have we become so used to the blatant sex scenes that we no longer bother that they are there? Have our consciences been seared with a hot iron so that all sensitivity is gone? Would we think of making a complaint?

Can you honestly say there is no connection between our loss of national morality, and the increase of sexual abuses of all kinds? When morals started to drop on the UK TV, a lady called Mary Whitehouse stood up and warned us of the consequences of this increase of sex scenes on TV, and what did society do? They laughed and said she was a crank. The truth is she was right. Can you honestly say she was wrong? The Christian way of life is sneered at, ridiculed, and dismissed as irrelevant, but God’s Word tells us clearly that sexual abuse is wrong.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practise homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9,10

The Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe. They will obey spirits that tell lies. And they will follow the teachings of demons. Those teachings come through people who tell lies and trick others. These evil people cannot see what is right and what is wrong. It is like their conscience has been destroyed with a hot iron.

1 Timothy 4:1,2

Spare a Thought at Christmas

It’s the time of year for happiness. Kids love the mystery of the surprise gifts under the tree, and adults love putting the tree up, with Christmas lights, tinsel and glitter. There is a certain magic in the festive air for both children and adults alike, especially true when the real meaning of the season is not lost. We must never lose sight of the fact that we celebrate the baby Jesus, who is the ‘reason for the season’.

Sadly, this is not the season of love and peace for everyone, so as you celebrate, remember those who are not so fortunate. They are all around you, and in numbers you wouldn’t recognise because some will go along with the festive flow while feeling empty inside. With others it is more obvious. The homeless poor are in our towns, and we let their presence blend into the background where our consciences are not bothered, but we get some relief  by dropping a coin or two in a charity box found in every shop. Your lonely friend is not so easy to spot.

It’s at Christmas, more than any other time of year, we must look beyond the lights, bargains and carollers, to the one who made the season possible for us to enjoy. Jesus slipped into this His world almost unnoticed, and He came to the lowly and humble of His day. So as we sit around the family table enjoying the good food and company, yes, remember the lonely and those who are less fortunate and don’t have much, but more than anything else give thanks to God above for the gift of His Son. The season is called CHRISTmas for good reason, so go ahead and celebrate your heritage with thanks as the child of God that you are!!

She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

A Prayer

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation….. Psalm 71:17,18

If you had one wish for your life, what would it be? Would it possibly take the form of a prayer like the Psalmist? In our youth, we seldom have time or the desire to think beyond our own needs, or the immediate needs of our family if we are blessed with one. The real question behind my words is, what is most important to you, and what do you want your legacy to be when you are gone?

We all know folks who have walked this life, done good, lived close to their Lord and God, and we relish their memory much more than some others. The reason for this is their quest and zest for life, and for passing something of that enthusiasm down to the rest of us. The way they did that was through their simple, unassuming, uncluttered faith. And we can do the same.

The best way for us to influence others for good is firstly to get old gracefully. We joke about that, but there is a truth underlying the words. There is no better or greater example than one given from a full heart, and a love for God which drives all other loves. When we are close to God, we automatically become closer to our spouse, children and friends and without it being an effort. So while life lasts, at whatever age we are, let us live out the words of the Psalmist when he prays: So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation.

The ageing  Apostle of Love, John, puts it so well when he records his own thoughts in 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Amen to that prayer.

Forgiveness and Consequences

I tend to see myself as a patient and quite forgiving person. I like to see even handedness in my  dealings, and usually root for the weak, or the underdog. I am not alone in wanting to see justice and peace in the world.


Then there are child abusers, and child molesters, and child murderers. Like Ian Huntley in fact! He murdered two young girls, who trusted him, and he took their lives, and the lives of their families away... for ever!


This sub human is now planning to sue the prison authorities for 10,000s of thousands of pounds because, they did not protect him from the other inmate(s) in his prison, who tried to cut his throat. In fact, they did manage to wound him, but he survived, unlike his two young victims. 


Actions have consequences. All of them. Some good and some bad. Maybe there really is some honour among thieves, but in any case, it should come as no surprise that Huntley is not liked, even in prison. This is a consequence of his actions, and although not a good one, it is understandable! The part I cannot stomach is that he is now pursuing legal action against the prison authorities for allowing him to be attacked, or to put it another way, for not standing over him 24 hours a day!


My solution is easy. Keep him locked up all day, and do not open the door to the cell, ever. Only provide whatever meals can be shoved under his door. A diet of pizza and pancakes should about do it. We have abolished the death penalty, so that's not an option, but he doesn't have to get 5 star treatment either. Let him breathe and eat. I think that would about do it. Then the other prisoners can't get near to harm him again. It's either that, or handcuff him to a prison warder in shifts for protection. Now that's going too far! I, and lots of people like me, will wonder how this will end. Will the lawsuit be successful? In our upside down, PC, Social Services driven society, I would not be surprised, but it doesn't make it right.   

Should the Pope Resign?

"Should the Pope Resign?" This is the question raised on many fronts, by many people, and the background reason for the question is the severe and sinful act of child abuse by some priests in some countries.

Before we get into this question, let me put my own thoughts on record. Child abuse, any child abuse, whether it is physical, or emotional, or psychological, is wrong. It is sinful in any and all forms. I use the word 'sinful' because it best describes the way the church would normally talk, and it is the language understood by all church persuasions, no matter the denomination. I hope there is no doubt as to where I stand on this abhorrent action.

While I was growing up, the Pope was often referred to as 'infallible in church matters, and in matters of church law'. I was also taught that the Pope was not elected in a purely physical way. He was appointed by God, the next one in a long line of Popes going back to the first Pope, believed to be St Peter. (My Catholic friends can correct me if I am wrong). Fundamentally, the Pope was not only elected by men, he was also appointed by God! Where does resignation fit into this arrangement? It is not straight forward. The question goes right to the heart of who the Pope is believed to be by this church.

I have read many journalistic comments about this issue, but I have also learned that people who are a part of the media have their own personal axe to grind. They have their own agenda, and it is not always obvious. I believe the question should not be, "Should the Pope Resign?" but it should be "What should the church (any church) do if there is a clear case of child abuse by any of its priests or nuns or ministers?" My answer is that they all should be first removed from their position, then charged and taken to the secular courtroom. I say removed first because the church of God cannot thrive under an accusation of something as serious as child abuse. Prison is an easy and small price to pay for the abuse of an innocent child. The bible teaches that church leaders carry a greater burden and responsibility to God, than those they lead! 

As far as the accusation against the Pope is concerned, only two people know the truth, the Pope and God Himself. All other opinions carry no weight. There are arguments on both sides which could last for ever. Lets face it, the Pope will not, indeed cannot resign, for in doing so he will change the nature of the 'representative of God' here on earth, and in this church.

God tells us that 'vengeance is mine', and we started to talk about sin at the beginning. If we do believe that God is really a God of Love and Justice (therefore judgement), then His judgement on the Pope, and all of us too, is far more severe than anything a human courtroom could sentence us to. After all that, the lesson is one for us all. Live our lives in the light of our certain afterlife, whether in Heaven, or sadly in Hell. I for one am glad that I am not allowed to make that judgement! I am happy to leave it in the hands of Someone who knows better! Aren't you?

   

Ryan 2007-2010

A solitary and pure flower.

He was only three years old and didn't deserve the sad life he had, much less the tragic death. His name was Ryan, and he was passed on to another couple because his own mother 'couldn't cope'. Another report says she wanted peace to redecorate her house, and gave £20 to the killer couple to look after him for her for a month.

This is tragic on a number of levels. How is it that a mother (not a Mum! A woman can be a mother, but only some make it to be a Mum) can sell her child for a month, to let her do some painting? Having given her child away, how on earth can she NOT know the kind of house and environment she is placing her child in? The people in the dock and charged with murder, are the couple who beat, and starved the child to death, and rightly so. But what about the mother? Does she have no guilt in this transaction?

This is yet another occasion where words defy us to describe the people who made this three year old's life a hell on earth. Maybe there is a clue in that last statement. We have become so sophisticated and modern that we have bought the lie that there is no evil in this world. No devil. No satan. But what pushes anyone to destroy a child's life, by inflicting over 70 wounds and marks on his face and body, locking him in a storage cupboard, and starving him until he died. This did not happen overnight. It took time. Day after day. The child would have been terrified, scared and lonely. Very lonely. Where were the people who should have protected him? The answer to that question is NOT the local authority. We are too quick to blame them for other people's actions. This wee boy was brought into the world by two parents. Where were they? Did they care?

It's time we admitted to ourselves that there is evil in this world, and it is alive and well in the society we have created. We hide from it, and we will find ways to excuse it, saying things like... the mother came from a deprived background. Or maybe, the adults in the boy's life were abused when they were children. We might even hear it said that we just need to educate our young people in how to raise children! Raising a child is not rocket science. Not always easy, but the human race has been raising children for a very long time.

What has changed? What about these thoughts? In the past 20-40 years we have seen a change in society's attitude to morality, and the moral authority of the church. Any church. Children are no longer taken to church by their parents, or indeed even sent to Sunday School. We know better nowadays, don't we? We let the children make their own minds up, and we have abdicated our responsibility as parents and society in teaching them right from wrong. That might be because we don't know ourselves anymore. The family unit of Mum (yes Mum), and Dad (not father) has been devalued. Yes, I do believe that there is only ONE kind of family unit, and it is NOT an Adam and Steve set up, no matter what the PC brigade tell us!

Some crimes are bad. Some are very bad, and some are evil. Why do we have such a problem is seeing evil for what it is? We are creating a nation of children, and young adults, who are living in a moral vacuum. Brought about in part by the older generation accepting the lie that we didn't need to worry about evil and morality. All we had to do was build better houses and make a better environment. That would lift everyone up to a higher place and make us all better people. Did it work? No! The trouble is that there seems to be no appetite to return to teaching morality at home and school, and the ability to see the traditional family unit as a microcosm of society. If the family gets broken, so does our society. And so we reap the rewards of our own making! Have we passed the point of no return? I hope not!       

Caring Teacher Loses Job

I came across the following news item today, and couldn't believe my eyes! The short version is that a well meaning teacher has been dismissed because she asked if it would be ok to pray for one of her pupils who wasn't feeling well. No, she didn't actually pray, she ASKED if she could pray! She was dismissed because "The Oak Hill Short Stay School and Tuition Service in Nailsea, North Somerset told the teacher that sharing her faith with a child could be deemed to be bullying."

"Olive Jones was dismissed from her job as a home-visit teacher after she spoke about her faith with a girl's mother.

The maths teacher gives lessons to children who are too ill to attend school.

When the girl did not feel up to the November 25 visit, Mrs Jones spoke to her mother over a cup of tea and asked whether she could say a prayer.

The teacher - a mother of two herself - said when the woman told her the family were not believers, she did not go ahead.

But Mrs Jones was later let go after the mother complained the teacher's comments had distressed her and her child.

The Oak Hill Short Stay School and Tuition Service in Nailsea, North Somerset told the teacher that sharing her faith with a child could be deemed to be bullying." End of quote, as reported by Sky News 20 Dec 2009.

I am not sure how you define bullying in your house, but ASKING if you can pray for a sick child is not my definition of bullying. Where do these people come from? How does a teacher lose her job for caring? Even if the child's family were 'non believers', what possible harm could it have done?

Our nation is fast losing any credibility it once had as a 'God fearing nation', and more's the pity. We allow changes to happen around us, and especially as the season of goodwill approaches. My observation is that the 'silent majority' are the ones expected to 'compromise', 'change', 'understand other's views', and 'make allowances' for any and all other groups. Except for the normal, middle of the road, Christian believers who make all the concessions, but see no movement from those others in return.

As you can see, this really made me fizz. I don't know who you are, Olive Jones, but for what little it is worth, my opinion is that you should keep praying, keep believing, and hold the Faith. You did nothing wrong in asking if you could pray for a sick child. I wish there were more like you, and more who would dare to stand behind you in support!