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.”
Friday, May 29, 2009
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!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday May 21, 2009
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? James 2:15-16
This past week or so has been a time of some feverish activity. Book selling and promotion has been at the top of the list, but both Ann and I have also been checking on our health. Ann’s foot is still not comfortable some six weeks after the operation to remove a bunion. She has checked with the surgeon, and he says to bathe the foot frequently, but it is doing OK. I have also been back to my surgeon who pointed out that I am now a cancer patient and there will be three monthly check ups to ensure I am clear after surgery. While the tests were clear, there is always a possibility of cancer returning.
As a result, we are tired most of the time and being in our early 70s doesn’t help! In addition, our garden has not had the attention it needs, although the weather has been cool and damp—enough to slow things down and wait for us! Today we have a book signing at the university bookstore, and two more signings at local bookstores at the weekend and at our church next month. We have out of town signings at the end of the month and in July we will be at the west coast for a conference and are currently working with more bookstores there. All this in addition to constant emails and book deliveries to stores and purchasers.
But in all this we are warm and well fed. I am in danger of putting back on the ten pounds I lost during surgery! It is easy in the busyness of life to forget those who are not so fortunate. But, as James reminds us, the test of our Christianity is not only in our attitude to those in need, but in our action toward them, and somehow that must be fitted into our personal set of priorities. Ann constantly reminds me of someone who needs some of our time, and I am too ready with meaningful excuses! To be meaningful, life must be full, but we need to measure those things that we fill it with.
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? James 2:15-16
This past week or so has been a time of some feverish activity. Book selling and promotion has been at the top of the list, but both Ann and I have also been checking on our health. Ann’s foot is still not comfortable some six weeks after the operation to remove a bunion. She has checked with the surgeon, and he says to bathe the foot frequently, but it is doing OK. I have also been back to my surgeon who pointed out that I am now a cancer patient and there will be three monthly check ups to ensure I am clear after surgery. While the tests were clear, there is always a possibility of cancer returning.
As a result, we are tired most of the time and being in our early 70s doesn’t help! In addition, our garden has not had the attention it needs, although the weather has been cool and damp—enough to slow things down and wait for us! Today we have a book signing at the university bookstore, and two more signings at local bookstores at the weekend and at our church next month. We have out of town signings at the end of the month and in July we will be at the west coast for a conference and are currently working with more bookstores there. All this in addition to constant emails and book deliveries to stores and purchasers.
But in all this we are warm and well fed. I am in danger of putting back on the ten pounds I lost during surgery! It is easy in the busyness of life to forget those who are not so fortunate. But, as James reminds us, the test of our Christianity is not only in our attitude to those in need, but in our action toward them, and somehow that must be fitted into our personal set of priorities. Ann constantly reminds me of someone who needs some of our time, and I am too ready with meaningful excuses! To be meaningful, life must be full, but we need to measure those things that we fill it with.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday May 17, 2009
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15.
I promised in an earlier blog that I would give an update on our book that has recently been published. We originally planned the book as a legacy for our children and grandchildren on our 50th wedding anniversary, but a friend encouraged us to publish it, and several revisions and years later it is now available as Happy Together: Daily insights for Families from Scripture. It is available from Amazon in Canada, the US and the UK and most North American Christian Bookstores and should be available at Chapters/Indigo. If you are in Lethbridge or Calgary books can be obtained directly from us. E-books are also available on line.
The book is intended for those making the choice to marry or live together, and for others who have young families but little time or theological background. In the book we seek to provide young couples wisdom from Bible passages relating to family dynamics from Genesis to Revelation. Anecdotes and stories from life illustrate many of the concepts expressed. Daily insights provide an incremental learning pattern where small changes can significantly improve relationships over time.
Dr. J I Packer has kindly written a foreword for the book in which he affirms: "Their comments on the chosen passages yield a wealth of wisdom on these themes, far more, I guess, that most of us ever dreamed was there." He goes on to say: "Marriage in the Western world is rocky today, and there could hardly be a more strategic time for this book to come on the market. I heartily recommend it. May it have the rich, wide ministry that it deserves."
As many of you know, Ann and I have been married for 54 years, and have over a dozen children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ann is completing her Political Science degree and I have a Master of Divinity degree. Before retirement I was an architect and a pastor. We have a number of book signings pending, some in the university and general bookstores and we may encounter questions regarding the Bible’s position on sexual practices. Pray with us that we may be able to answer these questions “with gentleness and respect.”
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15.
I promised in an earlier blog that I would give an update on our book that has recently been published. We originally planned the book as a legacy for our children and grandchildren on our 50th wedding anniversary, but a friend encouraged us to publish it, and several revisions and years later it is now available as Happy Together: Daily insights for Families from Scripture. It is available from Amazon in Canada, the US and the UK and most North American Christian Bookstores and should be available at Chapters/Indigo. If you are in Lethbridge or Calgary books can be obtained directly from us. E-books are also available on line.
The book is intended for those making the choice to marry or live together, and for others who have young families but little time or theological background. In the book we seek to provide young couples wisdom from Bible passages relating to family dynamics from Genesis to Revelation. Anecdotes and stories from life illustrate many of the concepts expressed. Daily insights provide an incremental learning pattern where small changes can significantly improve relationships over time.
Dr. J I Packer has kindly written a foreword for the book in which he affirms: "Their comments on the chosen passages yield a wealth of wisdom on these themes, far more, I guess, that most of us ever dreamed was there." He goes on to say: "Marriage in the Western world is rocky today, and there could hardly be a more strategic time for this book to come on the market. I heartily recommend it. May it have the rich, wide ministry that it deserves."
As many of you know, Ann and I have been married for 54 years, and have over a dozen children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ann is completing her Political Science degree and I have a Master of Divinity degree. Before retirement I was an architect and a pastor. We have a number of book signings pending, some in the university and general bookstores and we may encounter questions regarding the Bible’s position on sexual practices. Pray with us that we may be able to answer these questions “with gentleness and respect.”
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thursday May 14, 2009
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25.
There are several of our daughter Alex’s In-laws who are going through a period of anxiety and grief. We have mentioned L.’s losing fight with cancer in our last blog and she passed away at 2.30 a.m. yesterday morning. So this is a time for mourning for her parents, her two daughters and a remaining sister and three brothers. It is made harder as one of L.’s daughters has recently had a lump removed from her breast, but the situation is worse than at first diagnosed and it appears that further surgery is probable.
It is difficult to find kind and encouraging words at a time like this; not that the words aren’t there, but they can sound so trite and pat when shared at the wrong time. Grief has to run its course, and in many situations just being there to share in the grief can be a comfort; the offer to pray for God’s comfort is rarely refused in times of distress. And that offer is not just to comfort the grieving ones, because we know that God hears those prayers and responds to our distress, and a sense of his presence will draw the needy one to him.
I know the deep distress felt by Alex, who is firmly part of the family. Others closely associated with them like ourselves, will be praying through this difficult time. For now the kind words are words that share in their sadness. We know that grief washes over like waves, with times of respite in between. It is at those times when grief lifts for a while, words of encouragement and hope will find their place. Please join us to pray for comfort and hope for this deeply hurting family.
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25.
There are several of our daughter Alex’s In-laws who are going through a period of anxiety and grief. We have mentioned L.’s losing fight with cancer in our last blog and she passed away at 2.30 a.m. yesterday morning. So this is a time for mourning for her parents, her two daughters and a remaining sister and three brothers. It is made harder as one of L.’s daughters has recently had a lump removed from her breast, but the situation is worse than at first diagnosed and it appears that further surgery is probable.
It is difficult to find kind and encouraging words at a time like this; not that the words aren’t there, but they can sound so trite and pat when shared at the wrong time. Grief has to run its course, and in many situations just being there to share in the grief can be a comfort; the offer to pray for God’s comfort is rarely refused in times of distress. And that offer is not just to comfort the grieving ones, because we know that God hears those prayers and responds to our distress, and a sense of his presence will draw the needy one to him.
I know the deep distress felt by Alex, who is firmly part of the family. Others closely associated with them like ourselves, will be praying through this difficult time. For now the kind words are words that share in their sadness. We know that grief washes over like waves, with times of respite in between. It is at those times when grief lifts for a while, words of encouragement and hope will find their place. Please join us to pray for comfort and hope for this deeply hurting family.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday May 12, 2009
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
This is a peculiarly Christian text. I doubt the average man on the street would agree with it. It is only in the recognition that there is value to be found in the adversities of life, particularly that God is at work in those circumstances, that produces a perseverance of faith, strengthened character and hope for the future. From a general point of view, it is readily noticeable that a life of ease encourages a superficial attitude to life; those that have had much difficulty to deal with frequently have a greater depth of character and personal resources.
We are currently dealing with three areas of adversity. We have already mentioned our daughter’s sister-in-law L. who has been fighting cancer for some time and is still holding on to life. But now she is only given days to live. Faith in these circumstances is the difference between despair and hope. Secondly, we have a niece in England whose son is a dwarf. After much research and soul searching, and committing him to the finest surgeon in the UK, he will commence leg lengthening with a five hour surgery on Monday. He is now five years old, and the process will take him until he is eleven. He is an outgoing, plucky lad, but prayer for him would be appreciated.
Thirdly—hardly adversity now!—I have been told I am free of cancer, that all the numerous samples of tissue taken from around the removed prostate are clear. While I am feeling like my old self again, I am still dealing with some of the after effects of the surgery. But in my case the worst is over, and it would be highly difficult to get prostate cancer again! Many thanks for those of you that prayed for me and to the medical staff and others who worked with me through the surgery. And especially to God who continues to be my rock and stay though all of life.
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
This is a peculiarly Christian text. I doubt the average man on the street would agree with it. It is only in the recognition that there is value to be found in the adversities of life, particularly that God is at work in those circumstances, that produces a perseverance of faith, strengthened character and hope for the future. From a general point of view, it is readily noticeable that a life of ease encourages a superficial attitude to life; those that have had much difficulty to deal with frequently have a greater depth of character and personal resources.
We are currently dealing with three areas of adversity. We have already mentioned our daughter’s sister-in-law L. who has been fighting cancer for some time and is still holding on to life. But now she is only given days to live. Faith in these circumstances is the difference between despair and hope. Secondly, we have a niece in England whose son is a dwarf. After much research and soul searching, and committing him to the finest surgeon in the UK, he will commence leg lengthening with a five hour surgery on Monday. He is now five years old, and the process will take him until he is eleven. He is an outgoing, plucky lad, but prayer for him would be appreciated.
Thirdly—hardly adversity now!—I have been told I am free of cancer, that all the numerous samples of tissue taken from around the removed prostate are clear. While I am feeling like my old self again, I am still dealing with some of the after effects of the surgery. But in my case the worst is over, and it would be highly difficult to get prostate cancer again! Many thanks for those of you that prayed for me and to the medical staff and others who worked with me through the surgery. And especially to God who continues to be my rock and stay though all of life.
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