Wednesday June 10, 2009
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2.
There’s nothing like a text of this type to put things into perspective. Both God’s size and timeline are beyond imagination. If the nations are a drop in the bucket in comparison to God, where does that leave us individuals? A dose of insignificance does a great deal to undermine our arrogance and independence. And if we are so insignificant in the grand scheme of things, our puny worries and fretting don’t really add up to much either. Makes you wonder why God bothers with us!
Yet God cares about the sparrow and provides for them and their families. He will do the same for us. After all, as Paul suggests, if he gave his only Son to a cruel death to redeem us—our greatest need—why would he withhold providing for our lesser needs, Romans 8:32? The balance between God’s vastness and his love for the most insignificant is reflected in both our awe and joy and is essential to maintain a sense of security in life: he is both able and willing to respond to our needs and concerns.
God has many ways of providing for us, often, perhaps mostly, though others. Thanks to many of you that responded to my need for information on a couple of hymns. Both friends and strangers heard my call! If you wish to help us further in publicising our book Happy Together for those of you that have one, post a comment at chapters.ca, amazon.ca, amazon.com or amazon.co.uk. Just entering the words Happy Together will find us at or near the top of a number of hits. Even amazon.com has us at number nine of over 29,000 hits! We note that the book is also available at booktopia.com.au in Australia, kalahari.net in India and deastore.com in Italy.
We will be busy this weekend in Medicine Hat and in our own church, and we are planning a short tour across British Columbia early next month. Please keep us in your prayers for safety and sales!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday June 8, 2009
I put on righteousness as my clothing. Job 29:14.
This all sounds very admirable, but if you look at the context, Job is lamenting his lowered status among men, where formerly his good deeds were the basis of his righteousness. As you may recall, much of Job is a defence against God’s apparently punitive action towards him based on his own righteousness. It is a defence that all of us make at one time or another—“how could God let this happen to me when I have been so faithful?” In fact, the unfairness of God is used as a common factor in general against the evil and suffering in this world of ours.
Actually it is a feeling I have now. Having put so much time and effort—and money!—into our new book, and sensing that God was calling us to do so, surely it is now his responsibility to ensure the book finds its market! Our faithfulness should ensure his response. Yet as Ann often points out, when we have done all we could Jesus still made the point that we “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10). We are still responsible to do what we can to ensure our book gets to market. And as I stated last time—that is not my bag!
You can probably sense my frustration in these words. I have more important things to do that running around Canada selling books—I write them! So the next few weeks are going to be a balancing act: working on that interfering promotion while trying to complete—and enjoy—writing this second book before a looming deadline.
I quote parts of two hymns in this book, but need to reference them. If you can give me references for the following it would help enormously.
No power of Hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from his hand.
Till he returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I stand.
and
Till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.
If you can help here, please respond by the comment box below or to my email address:
bryannorford@shaw.ca.
I put on righteousness as my clothing. Job 29:14.
This all sounds very admirable, but if you look at the context, Job is lamenting his lowered status among men, where formerly his good deeds were the basis of his righteousness. As you may recall, much of Job is a defence against God’s apparently punitive action towards him based on his own righteousness. It is a defence that all of us make at one time or another—“how could God let this happen to me when I have been so faithful?” In fact, the unfairness of God is used as a common factor in general against the evil and suffering in this world of ours.
Actually it is a feeling I have now. Having put so much time and effort—and money!—into our new book, and sensing that God was calling us to do so, surely it is now his responsibility to ensure the book finds its market! Our faithfulness should ensure his response. Yet as Ann often points out, when we have done all we could Jesus still made the point that we “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10). We are still responsible to do what we can to ensure our book gets to market. And as I stated last time—that is not my bag!
You can probably sense my frustration in these words. I have more important things to do that running around Canada selling books—I write them! So the next few weeks are going to be a balancing act: working on that interfering promotion while trying to complete—and enjoy—writing this second book before a looming deadline.
I quote parts of two hymns in this book, but need to reference them. If you can give me references for the following it would help enormously.
No power of Hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from his hand.
Till he returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I stand.
and
Till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.
If you can help here, please respond by the comment box below or to my email address:
bryannorford@shaw.ca.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday June 6, 2009
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.
I’m glad I had my surgery when I did, because this year is turning out to be very busy. Our books arrived about the time I felt like my old (the operating word) self again, and set in motion a round of telephone calls, emails, faxes and visits to many locations to promote the book. Fortunately, Ann, my constant support, enjoys the challenge, but it’s not my cup of tea! I am happier at my computer than gadding about trying to sell books. However, I guess promotion is part of writing, at least until you are “Shack” writer.
I have to agree with our text regarding “reckless words,” but note that there are times when silence is not so golden either. One of the disappointing things about promotion is that in contacting people and organisations regarding the book our approaches are often ignored. Many emails to magazines, and phone calls—even repeated calls—to radio and television stations go unanswered. What makes it worse is that as a general rule, we have better courtesy shown to us by non-Christian bookstores, outlets and media than Christian ones, although the larger Christian organisations tend to be more business-like.
It’s almost as if being in God’s service puts them above the common rabble and so makes common courtesy irrelevant. Yet recognizing the value and dignity of every person derived from the Image of God in each one deserves that we treat every person at all stratas of life with respect. At least hurting words recognize your existence, ignoring you denies it! The opposite of love is not just hate; it is also indifference.
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.
I’m glad I had my surgery when I did, because this year is turning out to be very busy. Our books arrived about the time I felt like my old (the operating word) self again, and set in motion a round of telephone calls, emails, faxes and visits to many locations to promote the book. Fortunately, Ann, my constant support, enjoys the challenge, but it’s not my cup of tea! I am happier at my computer than gadding about trying to sell books. However, I guess promotion is part of writing, at least until you are “Shack” writer.
I have to agree with our text regarding “reckless words,” but note that there are times when silence is not so golden either. One of the disappointing things about promotion is that in contacting people and organisations regarding the book our approaches are often ignored. Many emails to magazines, and phone calls—even repeated calls—to radio and television stations go unanswered. What makes it worse is that as a general rule, we have better courtesy shown to us by non-Christian bookstores, outlets and media than Christian ones, although the larger Christian organisations tend to be more business-like.
It’s almost as if being in God’s service puts them above the common rabble and so makes common courtesy irrelevant. Yet recognizing the value and dignity of every person derived from the Image of God in each one deserves that we treat every person at all stratas of life with respect. At least hurting words recognize your existence, ignoring you denies it! The opposite of love is not just hate; it is also indifference.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday June 2, 2009
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1.
The whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 is devoted to the way love expresses itself. The New Testament in particular deals with the love God has for us or our love for him, generally pointing out that love without actions is dead. Love is verified by the actions it provokes, supremely the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for those he loved. This passage is unique in that it reminds us that not all apparently loving actions are motivated by love. In fact, lesser, even offensive, motives can provoke seemingly good actions.
What motives might these be? It doesn’t take long to look around us, or even inside us, to find some answers. Desire for personal recognition or advancement, fanatical dedication to an ideology, creating a sense of indebtedness to oneself, plain old manipulation or even a court order can provoke seemingly loving actions. But these actions can be done without care or concern for the person to whom they are directed. These motives are not long term; once the desired end is gained or found to be unattainable, or irritation or impatience sets in, the actions cease.
On the other hand, “love never fails.” Paul lists qualities of love that reveal attitudes that cannot exist with the lesser motives listed previously. Love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres,” for love does not require other motives to support it; it is sufficient in itself. Of course, in practice our earthly relationships are not totally altruistic. Most of us need a “pay‐off” somewhere along the way to keep us encouraged, and fortunately, most of the time real love gains a response.
But our text reminds us that while our words and actions may be a proof of love, we need to discern our motives behind those words and actions; are they really generated by love?
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1.
The whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 is devoted to the way love expresses itself. The New Testament in particular deals with the love God has for us or our love for him, generally pointing out that love without actions is dead. Love is verified by the actions it provokes, supremely the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for those he loved. This passage is unique in that it reminds us that not all apparently loving actions are motivated by love. In fact, lesser, even offensive, motives can provoke seemingly good actions.
What motives might these be? It doesn’t take long to look around us, or even inside us, to find some answers. Desire for personal recognition or advancement, fanatical dedication to an ideology, creating a sense of indebtedness to oneself, plain old manipulation or even a court order can provoke seemingly loving actions. But these actions can be done without care or concern for the person to whom they are directed. These motives are not long term; once the desired end is gained or found to be unattainable, or irritation or impatience sets in, the actions cease.
On the other hand, “love never fails.” Paul lists qualities of love that reveal attitudes that cannot exist with the lesser motives listed previously. Love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres,” for love does not require other motives to support it; it is sufficient in itself. Of course, in practice our earthly relationships are not totally altruistic. Most of us need a “pay‐off” somewhere along the way to keep us encouraged, and fortunately, most of the time real love gains a response.
But our text reminds us that while our words and actions may be a proof of love, we need to discern our motives behind those words and actions; are they really generated by love?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday May 29, 2009
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 3:13-14.
Of course, forgetting is not that hard as we age, although too often it is the things we wish to remember that we forget, and the things we would rather forget remain doggedly in our memories! Especially for me, I am only too happy to forget my prostate cancer and the surgery that it provoked.
Apart from some lingering effects that are slowly clearing up and a necessary quarterly check up, I am now feeling much the same as I did before surgery; this despite some aggressive surgery and a slower than normal original recovery. The surgeon’s prediction to my doctor seems to be coming true: “He’s young and healthy and will recover.” Healthy! I understand that part but young? Perhaps at 73 I’m still young compared with the majority of prostate cancer victims he has to deal with! I am so thankful to all who participated in prayer and care, and especially to God who is the Great Healer, for my healing to date.
But forgetting what is behind is only part of the equation; what of that which is ahead? Probably due to age, I am continually impressed with redeeming the time I have left. Whatever triumphs or regrets I may have in regard to the past, it is how we finish that counts. Let me quote Robertson McQuilkin from a book mark I carry in my Bible.
I fear the Dark Spectre may come too soon—or do I mean too late?
That I should end before I finish, or finish but not well.
That I should stain your honour, shame your name, grieve your loving heart.
Few, they tell me finish well Lord, let me get home before dark.
What are those responsibilities that weigh upon me the most? Firstly, it is the primary responsibility that we have as Christians—the family that God has given us. What legacy am I leaving them and what encouragement for them to maintain the faith? With almost 20 in the family and probably more to come, it is an awesome but immensely enjoyable task. Beyond that I feel the increasing burden to use to the fullest God’s gift of writing for a wider ministry.
Not sure who will read it or when. Sometimes our gifts are more apparent to strangers than those closest to us. And frequently our work is only recognized after we depart. But front and centre are not the results I obtain, but the drive to complete the work I feel constrained to do. That is what will obtain “the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
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 3:13-14.
Of course, forgetting is not that hard as we age, although too often it is the things we wish to remember that we forget, and the things we would rather forget remain doggedly in our memories! Especially for me, I am only too happy to forget my prostate cancer and the surgery that it provoked.
Apart from some lingering effects that are slowly clearing up and a necessary quarterly check up, I am now feeling much the same as I did before surgery; this despite some aggressive surgery and a slower than normal original recovery. The surgeon’s prediction to my doctor seems to be coming true: “He’s young and healthy and will recover.” Healthy! I understand that part but young? Perhaps at 73 I’m still young compared with the majority of prostate cancer victims he has to deal with! I am so thankful to all who participated in prayer and care, and especially to God who is the Great Healer, for my healing to date.
But forgetting what is behind is only part of the equation; what of that which is ahead? Probably due to age, I am continually impressed with redeeming the time I have left. Whatever triumphs or regrets I may have in regard to the past, it is how we finish that counts. Let me quote Robertson McQuilkin from a book mark I carry in my Bible.
I fear the Dark Spectre may come too soon—or do I mean too late?
That I should end before I finish, or finish but not well.
That I should stain your honour, shame your name, grieve your loving heart.
Few, they tell me finish well Lord, let me get home before dark.
What are those responsibilities that weigh upon me the most? Firstly, it is the primary responsibility that we have as Christians—the family that God has given us. What legacy am I leaving them and what encouragement for them to maintain the faith? With almost 20 in the family and probably more to come, it is an awesome but immensely enjoyable task. Beyond that I feel the increasing burden to use to the fullest God’s gift of writing for a wider ministry.
Not sure who will read it or when. Sometimes our gifts are more apparent to strangers than those closest to us. And frequently our work is only recognized after we depart. But front and centre are not the results I obtain, but the drive to complete the work I feel constrained to do. That is what will obtain “the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday May 26, 2009
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.
The question that arises when reading this verse is: What is rest? Mostly we think of rest as cessation of activity, or at least a change in routine that provides much needed R and R. If this is the rest we expect from Jesus we may be disappointed.
Even at a time when life is moving mostly as it should, there are those “down” times, when little or nothing gets accomplished, or things go wrong and set us back. Those days are not rare; they seem to be a natural part of life. On reflection it may be that the down days are a reminder that we need to rest—yes, the R and R type!—to recoup and recharge for the days ahead. As Elijah ran from Jezebel (1 Kings 19) God left him to sleep and told him to eat in preparation for his journey. Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is sleep!
A deeper rest is freedom from the anxiety provoked when every effort we made fails to provide for some critical need of life. As hard work drains our strength, so constant emotional effort saps the spirit and the greatest emotional strain is worry. When we have done all we can, what then? The rest Jesus gives is rest from anxiety. To know him and his care means that we can safely leave with him that which we cannot do ourselves; that he will work with us to accomplish his will in our situation—even if that is different from what we expect. To rest in him means that we are content with wherever he leads, because we know that he will never leave us or forsake us.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.
The question that arises when reading this verse is: What is rest? Mostly we think of rest as cessation of activity, or at least a change in routine that provides much needed R and R. If this is the rest we expect from Jesus we may be disappointed.
Even at a time when life is moving mostly as it should, there are those “down” times, when little or nothing gets accomplished, or things go wrong and set us back. Those days are not rare; they seem to be a natural part of life. On reflection it may be that the down days are a reminder that we need to rest—yes, the R and R type!—to recoup and recharge for the days ahead. As Elijah ran from Jezebel (1 Kings 19) God left him to sleep and told him to eat in preparation for his journey. Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is sleep!
A deeper rest is freedom from the anxiety provoked when every effort we made fails to provide for some critical need of life. As hard work drains our strength, so constant emotional effort saps the spirit and the greatest emotional strain is worry. When we have done all we can, what then? The rest Jesus gives is rest from anxiety. To know him and his care means that we can safely leave with him that which we cannot do ourselves; that he will work with us to accomplish his will in our situation—even if that is different from what we expect. To rest in him means that we are content with wherever he leads, because we know that he will never leave us or forsake us.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday May 24, 2009
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
In any economic downturn, these words take on greater significance. At face value, these verses in the context of the whole passage indicate that those whose first priority is the kingdom of God will not starve or go naked. It does not signify that there won’t be times of privation or loss and many Christians have frequently faced those conditions. The emphasis in our text of the importance of life over food and the body over clothes indicates for me that the delicacies that we eat and the smart attire we aspire to are neither essential nor part of the promise.
Loss of livelihood, homes and critical possessions cause great distress, creating the need for care and support for those caught in those circumstances. But it is our Christian response to these losses that will not only carry us through and maintain our sanity, but also indicate where our priorities really lie. Most of us have gone through difficult times and survived, and the same will eventually be true of those of you striving against the odds today.
Perhaps the most significant meaning from this passage for me was when I understood that God is my supplier. However important my job, social or relief agencies may be for sustaining the necessities of life, they are simply the means by which God provides. If they are not available, God has other ways of providing for us. John the Baptist may have only worn camel skins and lived on locusts and wild honey but he survived—at least until his martyrdom. God has many unexpected ways of providing for our essential needs, for most of us with better fare and garb than John!
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:25-26.
In any economic downturn, these words take on greater significance. At face value, these verses in the context of the whole passage indicate that those whose first priority is the kingdom of God will not starve or go naked. It does not signify that there won’t be times of privation or loss and many Christians have frequently faced those conditions. The emphasis in our text of the importance of life over food and the body over clothes indicates for me that the delicacies that we eat and the smart attire we aspire to are neither essential nor part of the promise.
Loss of livelihood, homes and critical possessions cause great distress, creating the need for care and support for those caught in those circumstances. But it is our Christian response to these losses that will not only carry us through and maintain our sanity, but also indicate where our priorities really lie. Most of us have gone through difficult times and survived, and the same will eventually be true of those of you striving against the odds today.
Perhaps the most significant meaning from this passage for me was when I understood that God is my supplier. However important my job, social or relief agencies may be for sustaining the necessities of life, they are simply the means by which God provides. If they are not available, God has other ways of providing for us. John the Baptist may have only worn camel skins and lived on locusts and wild honey but he survived—at least until his martyrdom. God has many unexpected ways of providing for our essential needs, for most of us with better fare and garb than John!
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