Friday January 2, 2009
The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14.
The last few weeks or so have been quite hectic. Especially for old codgers like us, preparation for leaving home for an extended period, travelling to Montreal for Christmas, the rounds of visiting and some decorating at our daughter’s home, a short night flight to London and living out of a suitcase while coping with jetlag; this all piles up. We are now staying with our friends in Oxford, and are glad of a few days of a slow lifestyle—it has to be: we sleep late, fall asleep in the chair and fall into a deep sleep for one or two hours each afternoon!
I doubt if either of us ever want to be bored, but there seems little chance it will happen until we have wings and a harp. Not that we would have it any other way. The God given health and ability to travel to visit with our beloved family and friends of long standing, to find ways of serving and increase our resources for service are gifts we treasure. We are so grateful that this prostate cancer has not hindered our plans for the New Year, and I do not feel any ill effects from the disease.
Ann’s continuing studies, our time serving the mission in England and my work writing and getting our books published are all part of being able to communicate to our culture the knowledge of God. Our text today clearly looks to some future time when God himself will intervene in our sick world and all will know who he is. But in the meantime, our efforts, however small, are part of the ongoing work to see his kingdom come and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. This destiny that Christians have prayed for over two millennia will come to pass, but we are privileged to be part of building it for the time we have left.
Tomorrow we take the coach (“bus” for North Americans) to the south coast where my sister will meet us and take us to our assignment at Worthing. Again there will be a gap of a day or two while we get established and e-connect again with the world at large and you in particular.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Thursday January 1, 2009
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. Prov. 21:13.
A brand new year, a brand new start—or that’s the general idea. But the resolutions made will be broke once more, and much of the baggage from last year will carry over to this one. We think in personal terms such as family conflict, health issues, financial strain or personal loss. Changing the date on the calendar will not resolve these issues so easily, and many of us will continue to face the challenges of last year. But there is always the recognition that others have it worse. This thought is not a panacea for our troubles, but engenders a sense of thankfulness that we do not have their problems.
Our text today points to the major tragedies in the world, always overshadowing our individual ones. Major areas of poverty are a continuing and growing problem, particularly as the world financial crisis deepens. Military conflict and oppression is still a chief source of misery, as are despotic regimes that subjugate their citizens and religious minorities. Then there are natural disasters prevalent in many areas of the world, and localised disasters such as ships sinking, planes crashing and fires that take large numbers of human lives—today many New Year revellers were killed in the Bangkok fire.
Our personal difficulties are often big enough to consume us, but the world calamities are so overwhelming, that we think we can do nothing about it. But being concerned about others can lessen the anxiety about ourselves, for there is something we can do about worldwide tragedy. Following and contributing to an aid agency or childcare program is a positive contribution although it may seem like an insignificant act. A child noticed hundreds of starfish left on the beach by the receding tide. As he started throwing them back into the sea one by one, a passer-by commented that he was making little difference to the vast numbers. The boy threw another starfish into the foam as he replied: “It made a difference to that one.” We can make a world of difference to one person also.
Whatever your concerns for the coming year, we pray that God will richly bless you and meet your needs over the coming year. And may you be encouraged to be the one to bring God’s blessing to some other individual in need.
If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. Prov. 21:13.
A brand new year, a brand new start—or that’s the general idea. But the resolutions made will be broke once more, and much of the baggage from last year will carry over to this one. We think in personal terms such as family conflict, health issues, financial strain or personal loss. Changing the date on the calendar will not resolve these issues so easily, and many of us will continue to face the challenges of last year. But there is always the recognition that others have it worse. This thought is not a panacea for our troubles, but engenders a sense of thankfulness that we do not have their problems.
Our text today points to the major tragedies in the world, always overshadowing our individual ones. Major areas of poverty are a continuing and growing problem, particularly as the world financial crisis deepens. Military conflict and oppression is still a chief source of misery, as are despotic regimes that subjugate their citizens and religious minorities. Then there are natural disasters prevalent in many areas of the world, and localised disasters such as ships sinking, planes crashing and fires that take large numbers of human lives—today many New Year revellers were killed in the Bangkok fire.
Our personal difficulties are often big enough to consume us, but the world calamities are so overwhelming, that we think we can do nothing about it. But being concerned about others can lessen the anxiety about ourselves, for there is something we can do about worldwide tragedy. Following and contributing to an aid agency or childcare program is a positive contribution although it may seem like an insignificant act. A child noticed hundreds of starfish left on the beach by the receding tide. As he started throwing them back into the sea one by one, a passer-by commented that he was making little difference to the vast numbers. The boy threw another starfish into the foam as he replied: “It made a difference to that one.” We can make a world of difference to one person also.
Whatever your concerns for the coming year, we pray that God will richly bless you and meet your needs over the coming year. And may you be encouraged to be the one to bring God’s blessing to some other individual in need.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday December 27, 2008
Live a life of love. Ephesians 5:2
I have mentioned previously that our daughter’s family and their friend from an attached suite have four dogs between them—usually all together in the house, and all BIG dogs! Mealtime is particularly instructive. We like to think dogs are animals of faithfulness, but we soon find their interest is far more mercenary. They all take up positions around the table, their eyes telling you they haven’t been fed for days. They wait for some relenting dupe to fall for their deception, or remain in a catch stance for any food that falls from the table.
Of course, with a two year old at the table, some food does stray from its original destination. Anything that drops from the table rarely reaches the floor but is snapped up with the ferocity of a shark attack. As Jesus said, it’s not right to give the dogs food prepared for the children, but these dogs certainly do eat the crumbs and more that fall from this table. I’m just glad that these dogs have been trained not to eat what’s on the table. I suppose there is some value in having these living vacuum cleaners under foot; it’s just a pity they are selective in what they suck up.
But they receive a life of love—and it’s a dog’s life. Food, water, a bed to sleep in all provided for the pleasure of having them feign adoration. They are quick to give clear signals if they don’t get what they want and could be very persuasive if they didn’t know—or pretend to know—who the boss is. After all, they know which side their bread is buttered, although most dogs I know eat better than that. I have to agree dogs are intelligent—perhaps more than we give credit for. Spending time with dogs makes it clear that dogs are not a man’s best friend, but men are a dog’s best friend.
As I have noted earlier, I like dogs—as long as they belong to other people. But unlike them, I am not taken in by a dog’s eyes or tail. To believe otherwise is a bit like believing in God: good for you if it brings you comfort! At least that’s what some think who don’t really know the truth about dogs and God. For some of us, God is the source for living a life of love. And for many, dogs are clearly a step along that road.
As I recover from my obvious addiction to my family’s dogs, and Ann and I travel to England, it may be a few days before we are hooked up to the internet again, so expect some gaps in my diary writing. Be in touch again soon.
Live a life of love. Ephesians 5:2
I have mentioned previously that our daughter’s family and their friend from an attached suite have four dogs between them—usually all together in the house, and all BIG dogs! Mealtime is particularly instructive. We like to think dogs are animals of faithfulness, but we soon find their interest is far more mercenary. They all take up positions around the table, their eyes telling you they haven’t been fed for days. They wait for some relenting dupe to fall for their deception, or remain in a catch stance for any food that falls from the table.
Of course, with a two year old at the table, some food does stray from its original destination. Anything that drops from the table rarely reaches the floor but is snapped up with the ferocity of a shark attack. As Jesus said, it’s not right to give the dogs food prepared for the children, but these dogs certainly do eat the crumbs and more that fall from this table. I’m just glad that these dogs have been trained not to eat what’s on the table. I suppose there is some value in having these living vacuum cleaners under foot; it’s just a pity they are selective in what they suck up.
But they receive a life of love—and it’s a dog’s life. Food, water, a bed to sleep in all provided for the pleasure of having them feign adoration. They are quick to give clear signals if they don’t get what they want and could be very persuasive if they didn’t know—or pretend to know—who the boss is. After all, they know which side their bread is buttered, although most dogs I know eat better than that. I have to agree dogs are intelligent—perhaps more than we give credit for. Spending time with dogs makes it clear that dogs are not a man’s best friend, but men are a dog’s best friend.
As I have noted earlier, I like dogs—as long as they belong to other people. But unlike them, I am not taken in by a dog’s eyes or tail. To believe otherwise is a bit like believing in God: good for you if it brings you comfort! At least that’s what some think who don’t really know the truth about dogs and God. For some of us, God is the source for living a life of love. And for many, dogs are clearly a step along that road.
As I recover from my obvious addiction to my family’s dogs, and Ann and I travel to England, it may be a few days before we are hooked up to the internet again, so expect some gaps in my diary writing. Be in touch again soon.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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