But If Not...

When we pray, or at least when I pray, there is a tendency to present God with a 'to do' list of requests, fully expecting that some will at least be answered. The more we ask, the better the chances that at least a few will find God's ear, and we will get the reply we want.

One of the biggest words in the Bible is 'if'. A small word, but with a hefty punch. Jesus used it in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed just before His arrest. He asked His Father to remove the cup of a cruel death from Him, but also said, “If it be Thy will”. The Old Testament tells of the words of the three who were put into the fiery furnace to roast. Their prayer was that they believed their God is able to deliver them, and then these words, “but if not”. This was not a sign of a weak faith, but the evidence of a strong faith. Strong enough to take it if or when the answer is not what we want, and still believe strongly in the judgement of our God!

Maybe you have been Blessed to have come across this kind of prayer, either in someone you admire (how can you not admire such faith?) or love. Maybe you have prayed it yourself, when your back is to the wall, and there is nowhere else to go, but to the Lord. Then you will also know that the faith required to say “If not....” is no small thing. I would also suggest however, that God will honour these prayers from a contrite and hungry heart, and perhaps more so than when He is given a 'to do' list.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Dan 3:17-18 (KJV)

Faith? Easy!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb 11:1 (KJV)

Faith is easy when you are well, and don't need to be healed. Faith is easy when you have enough for your family, and don't need food. Faith is easy when you are IN the boat, and don't have to step out into the unknown. Faith is easy when your children are healthy, and you don't fear disease. Faith is easy when you sit opposite the doctor and he tells you the result is negative. Faith is easy when you sit in church thinking about roast beef, and don't have to worry about the hunger of foreign children. Faith is easy when the police don't come to your door to tell you your child is held in a cell, undergoing a drugs test. I could go on, but do you get the idea?

The verse above has words in it, like 'hoped for' and 'not seen'. How vague is that? How can we have faith when the whole idea is cloaked in doubt? If you have ever been in a situation where you needed to feel and see God, and exercise your faith, but couldn't, you will understand how empty these negative words can sound.

But take another look at the verse. It also has words like, 'substance' and 'evidence', and these are very positive words. Words we want to hear, and at times, need to hear. When times are tough, these are the sentiments you want to feel, and let's face it, as God's children, we can.

I think there is a veil between the way we see things in our humanity, and the way God sees things in His wisdom. We think 'hope for' and He thinks 'substance'. We think 'unseen' and God thinks 'evidence'. So, the lesson is clear. When our faith is tested, and we have doubts, we must bear in mind that we only see part of the image. God sees the bigger picture, and so can add the substance and evidence to ease our human doubt.

So, when things get out of your own control, try handing it over to the one who knows the end from the beginning. The one who can fill in the blanks in your life. Later on, when you are in the better position of being able to look back, you will maybe just be able to make out the faint form of your Saviour 'standing somewhere in the shadows'. I trust you will not have to go through a long valley, before you see that welcome shadowy form! Take heart, faithful ones, the way out of your difficulty is near, and certain.  

Decision Time

If you live in the UK, by this time, you will have heard all the arguments for and against each of the political candidates, and soon, you will be putting your final decision down to record your voting intentions to carry you through the next few years. Only the real enthusiasts will join a political party, but we all have an opinion, and fortunately we live in a country where we can express it openly. Your vote is special. It is unique, and yet you will be one of many people who share the same ideal for parliament. As adults, we all have the intelligence to understand the differences between the policies, and we can tell which people can best deliver those promises, so that's where the cross goes. Your choice is beside the cross, but you have still not signed up to the party you vote for.




Our attitude to Faith is very like that too. We listen to the sermons, and watch the people who call themselves by the name Christian, and we decide whether we are convinced to put our name beside the Cross. Of course in this ballot, you can also abstain, and not show any allegiance at all. And you don't even need to be a member of a church, to be a Christian, although I do believe it is to be encouraged. At some time in our life we will have to make that eternal decision. Do we believe enough to be identified with the Cross? Like you, I know many people who have seen the lives of Saints on this earth, and heard all the arguments to make them convinced in what they should do, but they don't quite go as far as being a disciple.... yet....




In the UK, one choice is needed on the 5th May, but the other is open ended. It's a big question. Which Cross will your name be beside? Decision time!

Really!

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Pet 3:9 (KJV)

Really? Well what about Bin Laden? Does he actually count too? We now know that he died in a US military led operation on a secure compound in Pakistan, as reported on 2^nd May 2011. The reactions are predictable, and I have to confess to being in the number that thought, “that's good, and about time”. The fact that he had died in the gunfight didn't really bother me too much, after all, what would have happened in the courts if he had been taken alive? The trial would have been years of wrangling as all these top lawyers argued the merits of the case. Euphoria, chanting and cheering people are lining the towns and cities around the USA, cheering the death with unashamed happiness. “We” cheer the death of Bin Laden, and “They” cheer the fall of the Twin Towers. Take another look at the verse.

Isn't it good that we have a God who is longsuffering, and patient, even towards the least deserving, because that is a characteristic of God that we humans don't seem to possess. At this point, I do not want to be misunderstood. Bin Laden's crimes are legion, and his life has been driven by an evil we cannot ever quite imagine. He did deserve to be found and stopped before he masterminded any more terror from his Islamic Extremist mindset. No, I am just reminded once again, of the difference in 'mind' between us and our God, and glad that He is the ultimate judge, not us.

Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Gen 18:25 (KJV)

Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them. Proverbs 24:17-18 (NLT)

Oh and by the way, that same God will be our judge too, so it is always important that we continue to “live right”, Right? 

Dissimulation

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:9-10 (KJV)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)

I like the language and sentiment of the King James version of these verses, although the NIV says it better in today's language. The unmistakeable theme is sincerity. The idea of true sincerity (NIV) being likened to the simulation of sincerity (KJV) cannot have missed you. I took the time to look up the word in the original text, and the word 'hypocrisy' jumped out at me. I detest that word, and the implications it conveys. This word is almost exclusively reserved for Christians, as seen through the eyes of the skeptic or unbeliever, so it has a real barb for those of who are serious about living the best life we can for the Lord. It is a description we should try to avoid at all costs, as it can do untold damage to the growth of God's Kingdom here on this earth!

I remember the first time I heard these verses, or at least the first time they stuck with me, and they were given in the King James language. “Don't let your (brotherly) love be a sham, or an embarrassment” was the way it was preached, and the concept took hold. I will be the first to own up to missing the mark so very often, but I have become more aware of its importance, in me and my fellow Christians, as time has passed. I think it is easier, much easier, so see this insincerity in others, than in ourselves. So, that's where a good friend comes in. One that can tell you what they see, but without either of you being offended, or embarrassed. Such friends are few, but essential. I pray you and I, have at least one!

UK Elections

2011 UK, Scottish and Welsh Elections

May 5^th, 2011 will see parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales, and a UK referendum on the Alternative Vote (AV). As a non party political member, I felt it would be helpful to provide a light hearted look at the words and phrases, used by all politicians of all parties, and a guide to what they really mean! Here are a few. You will have your own, which you are welcome to add.....

'Clearly'. ...as clear as mud but I will dress it up in jargon so that you have no excuse but to know what I think I mean, but am not really sure about.

'I have always been clear about this'. ...still clear as mud, but the politician will now make you feel (without actually saying so) a numpty for not seeing it in the first place. Don't feel bad. The thing being clarified will still not be clear, as this word can be replaced by another simpler word, 'waffle'!
'What I hear on the doorstep is..'.... This is a great way to turn a bad conversation or question around to their way of thinking. Of course doorsteps don't have names, and so the claims cannot be verified. I think a milkman will hear more on the doorstep, than any politician.

'We have to ensure'... A great way to make you think they will do something about the problem being discussed. It's a great and vague way of seeming to address something important, but not actually having any solution. In other words, they know as much as you. Actually, you will know more than them, but they will find this hard to accept.

'I have always said'... Probably said to the dog while out walking, or in the shower where no one else listens, or to the yes-men and yes-women who surround them and bask in the glow of their presence.

'I am calling for'... Sounds like a yodel from an Austrian mountain. All politicians will call for something in their career, but we all know (they don't) it's who will listen that's important, and even more important again, who will do something about it! Anyone can 'call' but it takes someone special to 'do', and they are few and far between in the ranks of the Scottish Parliament, or even any government body... including the Westminster Government.

'We will set up a committee'... A good way to put off making any decisions right now, while making it look like the obvious solution (which will be hard to implement) might not be the right one.

'Let's be careful not to offend'... Wow, this is one of the best ones. They will hide behind the PC excuse, which allows the minority groups to take over while the majority view is ignored. What is democracy, if not the wishes of the majority(duh?)... except when we might offend someone, or a minority group. Now run over in your mind the types of people or groups who get most protection from this? Certainly not the mainstream voting majority.

'We will make the difficult decisions'... No they won't! These decisions are difficult, and therefore political suicide. So there is talk about decisions being difficult, but little or no action. Difficult solutions are needed for difficult decisions, so difficult decisions will be made to choose which difficult decisions will be made! (Hope you were able to follow :). That is why there is little or no action taken of real importance.

'Manifesto promise'... This is different from all other promises. When other mortals make a promise, their word is their bond and can be counted on. Not so for the politician. As long as it is written in a manifesto document, it is open to being broken at will, because you can count on them saying 'but the situation has changed since the intention (it's not a promise at this point) was made'.

'No, what I said/meant was'... At this point you know you have them on the ropes. You have reminded them of their words during an unguarded moment, and it is a sinful pleasure to watch them squirm as they try to wheedle their way out of it.
'I've done nothing wrong'... Literally means, I am as guilty as sin!

So what method can we use to help us decide which person or party to vote for? How about things like....
Not arrogant
Not ashamed of their roots or Christian faith
Stays faithful to their spouse and family
Honest with expenses and allowances

Has a good track record of moral and ethical integrity.

Another look at this list tells you that there is not a party political element to it. There is, however, something about honesty and integrity which should be the bedrock of anyone serving in public office. Let's go for a choice along those lines, then whoever it may be, male or female, from whatever party, we are best placed to get a good return on our vote. So go out there and make your mark on the ballot paper, and make a difference, while thanking God for this freedom!

Dangerous Dogs

A 10-year-old girl is in hospital in Dundee after being attacked by two Rottweiler dogs in the street. The incident happened as Rhianna Kidd was riding her bike. Rhianna's grandmother, who lives in the area, ran from her house to help. A passing motorist also sounded his horn to try to distract the dogs. The little girl was taken to Ninewells Hospital in the city.

It's that time of year again. Sometime during the summer, a child will be mauled or killed by a family pet, or in this case, pets! Where was the owner? Why were the dogs not on a lead? Why were they allowed free rein in a public place? So many questions, and so few answers. If the wee girl was riding a bike, the dogs had to scare her enough to get her off the bike, or even knocked her off, before attacking her, and putting her in hospital for injuries including a broken jaw, and re-constructive surgery. These dogs are BIG, and that's an understatement. Certainly much too big for a 10 year old to fight or run away from.

Have you seen some of the dog owners? Do you not think they are sometimes an extension of their personality? Maybe even look like their dog (or is it the other way around)? I am talking in general, so please don't give me the odd exception. The choice of dog may even come down to an image thing, where the owner wants to be seen with a certain kind of dog. You don't usually see little old ladies with Rottweilers, do you? And big macho tattoo'd bouncers don't usually own a poodle, do they? 

I hope this silly season of dog attacks is over soon. I suppose it's not really the dog's fault. Maybe we should take firm action against dog owners whose wee family pet attacks and maims a human. These dog owners made a choice in the dog they own, so they should live with the consequences of their inability to train them, and keep them under control. So, after putting the dog(s) down, the owner should be made to visit and pay for the victim's medical injuries, while they work voluntarily for an animal shelter, on the days allowed out of prison. Yes, I think a month or two in jail is in order too. Where do our sympathies really lie? With the dog, or the dog owner, or the victim?... Careful how you answer!

News?

There are 33 miners trapped in a mine in Chile, and could be there until Christmas before being freed. There are over 20 million people homeless and injured and dead in Pakistan as flood waters take their toll on human life. And then there is the story of a woman who pets a cat, then opens a bin and puts it in there until the owner rescues it some hours later.


Which story gets the most news attention? Which is seen as 'interesting'? Which one has had over 2 million hits on You Tube? Yes, the cat in the bin story! Fortunately, the cat did not die or suffer before being rescued, but the lady who took leave of her senses for an instant, has had vigilante groups round her house, and has even had death threats by phone, letter, email and text. We seem to be more obsessed by the plight of an animal, than we are in the suffering and plight of human beings who are in real need.


It says a lot about the mindset of the UK population, and even further afield, that we take the 'cat in a bin' story to heart so much so that it arouses the wish to see the woman dead. She has apologised, and admits she doesn't know what came over her. At this point I have to ask in all seriousness, how many of us have wanted to do the same thing with a pest of a pet, who leaves smelly messages in our garden, keeps us awake at night, or strikes fear in the hearts of unsuspecting children? The only difference between us, and the woman in this case, is that she did it! Not only that she got caught! The story would never have got anywhere if a CCTV camera was not being used for other reasons and caught the lady in the act. It was then released to the media, and you know the rest of the story. It might never have been a media scoop otherwise.


Let's try to get our minds on the important things in life. That's human beings as they live, die and suffer. I am sorry to have to remind you, but a cat is an animal, no matter how much a part of the family you feel it to be. When it comes to the lady in the news, it reminds me of the old saying, "There but for the grace of God, go I". I think a bit of open honesty would not go wrong as we think about this story. Let it go, and instead worry, concentrate and give to those people who need it most. There is a big difference between a cat in a bin, and 33 miners in an earthen grave in Chile, or orphaned children in Pakistan. Get real!!

Humans versus Environmental Impact

The horrific story of 33 miners in Chile being trapped underground has been reported.

The 33 Chilean miners trapped deep underground have been told they may not be rescued for several months, the country's health minister has said.

Jaime Manalich said the miners, trapped 700m below ground since 5 August, had reacted calmly, AFP news agency said. Officials had delayed breaking the news out of concern for their mental well-being. A special exercise and recreation programme is being set up to keep the men fit during their long wait. 

Related stories

• Mine rescuers' challenge
• In pictures: Gruelling wait
• How would you survive being trapped?

They will also need to be in shape to be pulled up the 66cm (26 inches) wide shaft that is being bored to rescue them. That may take up to four months to complete.

There is some media interest in the fact that 33 human beings are trapped underground, and will be for several months to come. However, the attention is not nearly the same as that given to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster, which even got the folks in the USA so fired up that their President got involved, and was instrumental in getting the CEO fired, and establishing a fund from bp to clean up the environment they messed! I have no problem with the USA getting involved to help their own people who had lost their livelihood, but where is the same passion now?

I am asking myself, what do our leaders care more about, human life, or oil on some ducks and fish? I know I am simplifying things here, but that's what it boils down to. Looking back on the bp oil spill, there was not a lot of time spent reporting the loss of human life, just the environmental impact. Have we lost something here? Should we not be addressing the need to get these men out, and supporting their waiting families? By all reports, it will take as long to release these miners from their earthy dungeon, as it did to cap the gushing oil well. Cast your mind back to the anger and emotion expressed in the USA because the oil was continuing to damage wildlife. The images were never off our TV screens. Is it too much to ask that some of that passion is harnessed to help get these men out faster? There are obvious similarities between the two disasters, and the ultimate solution is to bore a relief well which will eventually get them out, while using small bore wells to provide essential support, medicine and food. Who knows what state these miners will be in by the time they are freed at Christmas? Does it matter?

Which is more important? Oil or human life? You decide!

Common Sense - An Obituary

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has  been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since  his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be  remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain;  Why the early bird gets the worm;  Life isn't always fair;  and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more  than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in  charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job  that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent  to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and  criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her  lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his  wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, you will mourn his passing. If not, join the majority and do nothing.