Saturday December 27, 2008
You are the light of the world. Matt 5:14
Jesus is speaking to his disciples, calling them the light of the world. Strange, because in John’s gospel, Jesus claims that he is the light of the world, 8:12 and 9:5. This can only be explained by assuming that his disciples understood who he was and so reflected his light. What is light in this context? God is the source of the natural light that we see by, and to be separated from him is to be in perpetual blackness, a characteristic of hell. But here light also is a symbol of truth, which Jesus also claimed to be—the way, the life and the truth.
This is contrary to the way Jesus is perceived by western populations in general. He is considered to be one of a smorgasbord of competing ideas all claiming to be the truth, often perceived to be a variety of superstitions that bring a measure of comfort to those foolish enough to believe them. This makes Jesus out to be a fool or mentally deranged for believing his own message, or a charlatan trying to con those ignorant enough to be taken in by him. Not that he gained much from his perceived deception; crucifixion on a Roman cross was not much of a prize!
The problem is that if one belief is the truth, much of another claim to truth is not. The current pressure for tolerance is a thinly veiled coercion for compromise. Christians have no problem with the first, but balk at the second. If, as we believe, Jesus is God come to earth to reveal himself to humankind, then Jesus is the light of the world, the basic truth of the universe that we ignore or reject at our peril. But to receive him is entry into an understanding of life—the light of the world—not to be found anywhere else.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Friday December 26, 2008
They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matt 2:11
The remarkable thing about the kings from the east was their acceptance of Jesus as greater than themselves in spite of the humble surroundings in which they found him. No longer a new born in a stable, but now an infant in “the house” where “they saw the child.” There they “worshiped him.” Jesus also received worship later on from the blind man he had healed (John 9:38), although others including angels refused worship (Rev. 19:9–10) in accordance with the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Worship is our most difficult act, for in doing so we forfeit our independence and acknowledge our dependence on God. Perhaps this is why we tend to turn to him in times of extremity—our resources are exhausted and we have nowhere else to turn. I’m sure God sometimes allows adversity into our lives to get our attention. I’m forever grateful that God entered the mutual life of Ann and myself in the good times, and stayed with us though our lifetime to the present. Then when sickness strikes, as it has, we know we are already in his hands having experienced his continuing presence. We know we can face the future with confidence.
It is especially at this Christmas season, the celebration of Jesus’ appearance as a baby on earth, that Jesus comes to us all again seeking the worship from us he received from the eastern kings. Looking back on a lifetime of his love and guidance, it is easy to worship him. And now, facing a New Year of some uncertainty, but with assurance of His continued care for us, it is still easy to worship him. In fact, life takes its meaning, colour, depth and sense of destiny in our lifetime experience of his omnipotent greatness and immeasurable love. Worship is our natural response.
They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matt 2:11
The remarkable thing about the kings from the east was their acceptance of Jesus as greater than themselves in spite of the humble surroundings in which they found him. No longer a new born in a stable, but now an infant in “the house” where “they saw the child.” There they “worshiped him.” Jesus also received worship later on from the blind man he had healed (John 9:38), although others including angels refused worship (Rev. 19:9–10) in accordance with the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.”
Worship is our most difficult act, for in doing so we forfeit our independence and acknowledge our dependence on God. Perhaps this is why we tend to turn to him in times of extremity—our resources are exhausted and we have nowhere else to turn. I’m sure God sometimes allows adversity into our lives to get our attention. I’m forever grateful that God entered the mutual life of Ann and myself in the good times, and stayed with us though our lifetime to the present. Then when sickness strikes, as it has, we know we are already in his hands having experienced his continuing presence. We know we can face the future with confidence.
It is especially at this Christmas season, the celebration of Jesus’ appearance as a baby on earth, that Jesus comes to us all again seeking the worship from us he received from the eastern kings. Looking back on a lifetime of his love and guidance, it is easy to worship him. And now, facing a New Year of some uncertainty, but with assurance of His continued care for us, it is still easy to worship him. In fact, life takes its meaning, colour, depth and sense of destiny in our lifetime experience of his omnipotent greatness and immeasurable love. Worship is our natural response.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
CHRISTMAS 2008
As we celebrate this Christmas season, I want to share with you something my good friend and fellow writer Laura-Lee Rahn has penned. She has a knack of hitting the nail on the head. Here is her offering for you this season.
Thanks Laura-Lee.
Bryan
As time goes by the debate over the "true" meaning of Christmas intensifies. Some wish to make Santa the center of the holiday while others wish to re-instate Jesus as the center of the celebrations, as he has been since his birth all those centuries ago.
As usual, I have decided to step right into the center of the ruckus and compare these two iconic figures side by side. I will state the case for Santa but will allow Jesus to answer for himself.
So in the hopes that this will encourage you and perhaps give you something to think about this Christmas, I present:
SANTA vs JESUS
# 1) Santa comes to you only as long as you believe in him.
As God has said: ' I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.' (2 Corinthians 6:16)
# 2) Santa sneaks into your home, even if the doors and windows are locked.
"I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in . . ."(Revelation 3:20)
# 3) Santa gives gifts on the basis of being "Naughty or Nice".
But God demonstates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
# 4) Santa gives special treatment to the rich. The richer you are, the better the gifts you get.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3: 28-29)
# 5) When Christmas is over, he splits.
". . . the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
# 6) Santa stays at the North Pole 364 days a year.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:7-10)
# 7) Santa isn't acquainted with pain and hard times.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. (Isaiah 53:3)
# 8) Three little words: LUMP - OF - COAL!
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?" (Matthew 7:9-11)
# 9) Santa travels through the sky by sleigh and reindeer.
They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:30, 27)
# 10) Santa has only existed for a few hundred years. (In some countries, he doesn't exist at all).
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1)
He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.’ (Revelation 21:6)
As we celebrate this Christmas season, I want to share with you something my good friend and fellow writer Laura-Lee Rahn has penned. She has a knack of hitting the nail on the head. Here is her offering for you this season.
Thanks Laura-Lee.
Bryan
As time goes by the debate over the "true" meaning of Christmas intensifies. Some wish to make Santa the center of the holiday while others wish to re-instate Jesus as the center of the celebrations, as he has been since his birth all those centuries ago.
As usual, I have decided to step right into the center of the ruckus and compare these two iconic figures side by side. I will state the case for Santa but will allow Jesus to answer for himself.
So in the hopes that this will encourage you and perhaps give you something to think about this Christmas, I present:
SANTA vs JESUS
# 1) Santa comes to you only as long as you believe in him.
As God has said: ' I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.' (2 Corinthians 6:16)
# 2) Santa sneaks into your home, even if the doors and windows are locked.
"I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in . . ."(Revelation 3:20)
# 3) Santa gives gifts on the basis of being "Naughty or Nice".
But God demonstates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
# 4) Santa gives special treatment to the rich. The richer you are, the better the gifts you get.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3: 28-29)
# 5) When Christmas is over, he splits.
". . . the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
# 6) Santa stays at the North Pole 364 days a year.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:7-10)
# 7) Santa isn't acquainted with pain and hard times.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. (Isaiah 53:3)
# 8) Three little words: LUMP - OF - COAL!
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?" (Matthew 7:9-11)
# 9) Santa travels through the sky by sleigh and reindeer.
They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:30, 27)
# 10) Santa has only existed for a few hundred years. (In some countries, he doesn't exist at all).
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1)
He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.’ (Revelation 21:6)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday December 23, 2008
He will be the sure foundation for your times, Isa 33:6.
During this time of economic downturn, I think everyone would like to know where the bottom is. Somewhere down there, there must be a bottom, a foundation that is secure. In actual fact, the only final assurance is the prayer that God would “give us this day our daily bread,” a catch word for the basic necessities of life. The One who used birds to feed Elijah, fed the widow from a bottomless jug of oil, and fed 5000 with a boy’s meagre lunch can surely see us who trust him through this time also.
But all this does not preclude us from being prepared for the difficult times. There are always those things we can do and should do if we are to be responsible. But there frequently comes a point where we can do no more, and it is in these circumstances we have no choice but to rely on God for his strength and provision. He is the only sure foundation for life.
But what can we do to prepare for illness? Lifestyle can have a great effect on our state of health, and Ann does her best to make sure I eat sensibly. Someone has written to us asking about my “diet.” Is it a sickness imposed regime or simply healthy eating? For a chocolate addict and sweet tooth like mine there is a clear route to follow, for sugar feeds cancer; hence the cottage cheese—now gratefully laced with fruit!—and flaxseed oil. My previous diet of bread loaded with jam, ice cream, cookies, chocolate chip muffins . . .—you get the idea—now severely curtailed.
Here’s my food philosophy. We live in a hostile environment—enough pollution around to poison a horse—and our food is increasingly deficient in nutrients, prepared foods loaded with risky additives. No wonder our bodies are ill–prepared for viral, bacterial and other onslaughts against them! Perhaps the spiritual battles humankind faces have their counterpart in those unseen pests that invade our bodies. Unfortunately, this knowledge doesn’t reduce my desire for chocolate or occasional adventures down the cookie aisle or around the fancy cake stands. Temptation comes in many guises.
He will be the sure foundation for your times, Isa 33:6.
During this time of economic downturn, I think everyone would like to know where the bottom is. Somewhere down there, there must be a bottom, a foundation that is secure. In actual fact, the only final assurance is the prayer that God would “give us this day our daily bread,” a catch word for the basic necessities of life. The One who used birds to feed Elijah, fed the widow from a bottomless jug of oil, and fed 5000 with a boy’s meagre lunch can surely see us who trust him through this time also.
But all this does not preclude us from being prepared for the difficult times. There are always those things we can do and should do if we are to be responsible. But there frequently comes a point where we can do no more, and it is in these circumstances we have no choice but to rely on God for his strength and provision. He is the only sure foundation for life.
But what can we do to prepare for illness? Lifestyle can have a great effect on our state of health, and Ann does her best to make sure I eat sensibly. Someone has written to us asking about my “diet.” Is it a sickness imposed regime or simply healthy eating? For a chocolate addict and sweet tooth like mine there is a clear route to follow, for sugar feeds cancer; hence the cottage cheese—now gratefully laced with fruit!—and flaxseed oil. My previous diet of bread loaded with jam, ice cream, cookies, chocolate chip muffins . . .—you get the idea—now severely curtailed.
Here’s my food philosophy. We live in a hostile environment—enough pollution around to poison a horse—and our food is increasingly deficient in nutrients, prepared foods loaded with risky additives. No wonder our bodies are ill–prepared for viral, bacterial and other onslaughts against them! Perhaps the spiritual battles humankind faces have their counterpart in those unseen pests that invade our bodies. Unfortunately, this knowledge doesn’t reduce my desire for chocolate or occasional adventures down the cookie aisle or around the fancy cake stands. Temptation comes in many guises.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday December 21, 2008
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16-17.
The controversial nature of this text is not its claim, but the attitude we bring to it. If we feel we have not received sufficient blessings in this life, we will disagree with it. On the other hand, our sense that we are very fortunate will find hearty agreement with its assertion. We are all aware of the apparent contradiction of some who are content with little and others who have much but are never satisfied. And it’s not necessarily that the former are simply acquiescent and the latter are ambitious—neither of those attitudes are necessarily good or bad—but whether we have an ongoing contentment with what life has handed us.
At our present stage of life—now in our seventies and with my souvenir from life (PC)—what is the balance of blessing compared with its opposite? Probably about 100 to 1 in favour of the blessings received “from the fullness of his grace.” Of course, we live in a very stable and prosperous part of the world, so we benefit from that, as opposed to those who live in poverty stricken lands. Are they exempt from this grace?
Not at all. Many who live in poverty and under persecution also find comfort and contentment from their faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil 4:11-12). But for me personally, I still have to answer the question: would I be content or complaining if my situation became serious? Have I really learnt that lesson? Only time will tell.
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16-17.
The controversial nature of this text is not its claim, but the attitude we bring to it. If we feel we have not received sufficient blessings in this life, we will disagree with it. On the other hand, our sense that we are very fortunate will find hearty agreement with its assertion. We are all aware of the apparent contradiction of some who are content with little and others who have much but are never satisfied. And it’s not necessarily that the former are simply acquiescent and the latter are ambitious—neither of those attitudes are necessarily good or bad—but whether we have an ongoing contentment with what life has handed us.
At our present stage of life—now in our seventies and with my souvenir from life (PC)—what is the balance of blessing compared with its opposite? Probably about 100 to 1 in favour of the blessings received “from the fullness of his grace.” Of course, we live in a very stable and prosperous part of the world, so we benefit from that, as opposed to those who live in poverty stricken lands. Are they exempt from this grace?
Not at all. Many who live in poverty and under persecution also find comfort and contentment from their faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil 4:11-12). But for me personally, I still have to answer the question: would I be content or complaining if my situation became serious? Have I really learnt that lesson? Only time will tell.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Saturday December 20, 2008
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16.
Well, here’s a downer for this weekend. Perhaps my sickness is a result of my sins against others. I’m sure that there are some people that I have hurt that I’m unaware of, but as Ann is fond of saying, we try to keep short accounts with sin and dirt. If anyone out there is listening and has a complaint against me I am only too willing to confess it, especially if it means I can dump this disease! However, even if this sickness is not a result of my thoughtlessness, I’m still ready for a trek to the confessional.
But now a grandson story. Luciano is almost two and is developing a vocabulary including a slow calamitous sounding “oh no” when something goes wrong. Yesterday, four of us were minding him—which means none of us was really sure what he was up to—until an “oh no” came from the dining room. There he was seated on the table having poured himself a generous portion—the whole jug—of orange juice into nothing in particular. It was running in all directions across the table and fanning out to all points of the compass across the floor.
Naturally, there was a suitable commotion, swishing and swiffering for the next ten minutes or so until the mess was cleaned up and only a residual stickiness remained. But during the clean up, Luciano again appeared, slipped on the wet floor and the back of his head met the floor. In a fine example of poetic justice, he was miserable for about the same length of time it took to clean up. Here’s one case of physical trauma that could probably have been healed with a little confession!
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16.
Well, here’s a downer for this weekend. Perhaps my sickness is a result of my sins against others. I’m sure that there are some people that I have hurt that I’m unaware of, but as Ann is fond of saying, we try to keep short accounts with sin and dirt. If anyone out there is listening and has a complaint against me I am only too willing to confess it, especially if it means I can dump this disease! However, even if this sickness is not a result of my thoughtlessness, I’m still ready for a trek to the confessional.
But now a grandson story. Luciano is almost two and is developing a vocabulary including a slow calamitous sounding “oh no” when something goes wrong. Yesterday, four of us were minding him—which means none of us was really sure what he was up to—until an “oh no” came from the dining room. There he was seated on the table having poured himself a generous portion—the whole jug—of orange juice into nothing in particular. It was running in all directions across the table and fanning out to all points of the compass across the floor.
Naturally, there was a suitable commotion, swishing and swiffering for the next ten minutes or so until the mess was cleaned up and only a residual stickiness remained. But during the clean up, Luciano again appeared, slipped on the wet floor and the back of his head met the floor. In a fine example of poetic justice, he was miserable for about the same length of time it took to clean up. Here’s one case of physical trauma that could probably have been healed with a little confession!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday December 19, 2008
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Ps 143:8.
The weather in Montreal is not much better than what we left behind in Lethbridge: cold weather and snow. But who cares about the weather when visiting family over Christmas—it’s mostly indoor activities and enjoyment of being with one another. Mind you, there are the dogs; I like dogs but I’m not a dog lover. With the two Alex and Gino have and the two from the adjoining suite often all together I find myself wading thigh deep through a sea of dogs on occasion. But it all comes with the family package!
There are other benefits to being here. On our visit to the supermarket I discovered fruit filled cottage cheese. Perhaps the beginning of a revolution, rather like fruit filled yogurt! And I discovered they are great on pancakes. I also have some time to complete editing of our book, hopefully to be published in the spring, plus there are always jobs to be done around the kids’ house—most parents of adult children can relate to that.
But the future still calls. Not just the time we spend here in Montreal, but the two months managing the mission guest house in England, and the pleasure of meeting our daughters and a couple of grandchildren while there to explore our old haunts. Then of course, there is the impending surgery unless the Lord intervenes in the meantime. Surgery, with its attendant risks, always makes us more aware of our mortality, and affects both Ann and myself in our concern for each other. That is why, for us, the above text is so appropriate, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Ps 143:8.
The weather in Montreal is not much better than what we left behind in Lethbridge: cold weather and snow. But who cares about the weather when visiting family over Christmas—it’s mostly indoor activities and enjoyment of being with one another. Mind you, there are the dogs; I like dogs but I’m not a dog lover. With the two Alex and Gino have and the two from the adjoining suite often all together I find myself wading thigh deep through a sea of dogs on occasion. But it all comes with the family package!
There are other benefits to being here. On our visit to the supermarket I discovered fruit filled cottage cheese. Perhaps the beginning of a revolution, rather like fruit filled yogurt! And I discovered they are great on pancakes. I also have some time to complete editing of our book, hopefully to be published in the spring, plus there are always jobs to be done around the kids’ house—most parents of adult children can relate to that.
But the future still calls. Not just the time we spend here in Montreal, but the two months managing the mission guest house in England, and the pleasure of meeting our daughters and a couple of grandchildren while there to explore our old haunts. Then of course, there is the impending surgery unless the Lord intervenes in the meantime. Surgery, with its attendant risks, always makes us more aware of our mortality, and affects both Ann and myself in our concern for each other. That is why, for us, the above text is so appropriate, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
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