Reflections
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Christmas lights and the Soup Place.
(The Soup Place is a mission of the Uniting Church, Coffs Harbour)
What do they have in common? On the face of it not much, yet there is a connection. Both serve the community in different ways and one supports the other.
We have had a Christmas lights display at our home for over 20 years, initially Adelaide and now in Coffs Harbour. I didn’t realise, when we bought a home in Corriedale Drive seven years ago, that we were buying in a street renowned for Christmas lights. We were pleasantly surprised when time came to set up the lights, to see our neighbours doing likewise.
It was during our second year in Coffs Harbour that people started asking if we were collecting donations. This was something I had never considered, but as people were asking, we decided to start a collection and when it came to deciding who to support immediately the Soup Place came to mind. The work of the soup place in providing meals to those who are in need in our community, reminds me of the work Jesus did, and so for me it was the ideal place to support.
Not only does our display allow us to raise funds for the Soup Place it also enables us to talk to people about the work of the Soup Place, it’s service to the community and it’s need for financial assistance. I am gladdened to hear people telling children, when they visit the lights, what we are raising money for and what the Soup Place does and encouraging them to donate money, because it is important, I believe, for children to understand that Christmas is about giving as well as receiving.
Every year thousands of people flock to Corriedale Drive during December, to see the lights and every year this number increases, which in turn brings more people to our display.
The generosity shown by the community in donating and making purchases from our stall to support the Soup Place, amazes us as the amount we are able to raise grows year after year, from $350.00 in the first year to $5,755.00 in 2022. As one person recently said “we live and work in a very generous community “and we give thanks for all those who so generously support our fundraising.
Bruce Leskie
U.C. Coffs Harbour
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On Love and Life.
Love, a complex emotion, difficult to describe.
Here’s one description.
As single threads we join this world,
As single threads we leave,
In between we’re stitched together
By the lives that we each weave.
But love’s the strongest thread of all,
It never really breaks,
In parting it gets stronger,
And greater love it makes.
Reference.
The Red Thread. A love story.
Leslie Walters. 2007
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The Weather
Looking up to see what is ahead.
One present I received for this last Christmas (2022), was a subscription to a newspaper. Nothing terribly unusual about that, except it only comes out as a paper copy, delivered by the ‘postie’, four times a year. It is called the ‘Bush Journal’. The Editor’s Essay, prompted me to think about how the Bible refers to the weather – and in researching, Jerry Bridges in his book, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts, says “A Christian TV meteorologist has determined that there are over 1,400 references to weather terminology in the Bible.” So many times!
But first, I will quote a little from the Editors Essay reflecting on the work of Inigo Jones and the weather.
‘To them (rural people) he was the weather prophet who understood the high stakes – and they poured their hopes into him.
This desire to control the uncontrollable feels more relevant now than ever. In this, the year of the Big Wet, farmers moved livestock to higher and higher ground like some grotesque game of chess, while sharpening their debogging skills and getting really good at finding shed jobs for rainy days. Will it ever be dry enough to sow, harvest, shear? Wouldn’t it be nice to be apprised of an end date to this uncertainty?
Floods, bushfires and drought are never welcome, not unexpected in rural Australia. And so when city journalists spill into the bush to report on these disasters, they’re often met with a baffling pragmatism.
“What can you do,” their farming subjects respond to questions begging for more anguished answers. But living on the land means accepting your vulnerability to what falls out of the sky (or doesn’t). Either way, you’re in the thick of it, so you have to be prepared.
Many of us feel a deep and almost familial connection to the weather. It is a reference point that anchors so many of my own memories…’.
She later says, ‘Weather threatens and revives our land – but it also unites us. Just look to the ragged lines passing sandbags along rising river edges, and people hauling flood-damaged sofas from houses of strangers. There is something about an almighty foe that makes humans feel like they must hang onto other humans to stay afloat. And that is not a bad thing.’
And haven’t we all seen this in the last three years, people supporting each other through drought, bushfires and floods?
Two Bible quotes that help us understand the need for patience, understanding the situations of others, faith and trust are:
James 5 - Patience in Suffering
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Matthew 16:2-3
But He replied to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?
Reference:
Jess Howard,
Bush Journal. Vol 5, Dec 2022
Happy Christmas.
Being in the happy position of being a minor player in the silly season drama with family, at this time of the year I tend to reflect on the Christmas story.
It is the story of the human condition, condensed in a fashion which can be appreciated at every level and by every age group.
Starting with the shepherds, total outcasts, the dregs of society, were the first to hear the message, announced by the angel.
In the stable, a teenage mum in an arranged marriage with an older man, victims of Roman bureaucracy, putting the newborn in a feed trough and grateful to share the space with farm animals.
Later, being visited by a group of academics from an alien land with alien customs and religious traditions, who knew what they were seeing transcended the differences.
As the world grows smaller and we grapple with issues poverty, marginalisation, harsh government policy, refugees and religious bigotry, if you see the Christmas story as the literal truth, half truth or myth, it is worth a moment of reflection.
And so as we prepare to welcome Santa and his reindeer friends with all the usual excitement.
I will never wish you Happy Holidays.
Best wishes for a happy Christmas.
Regards,
Margaret England,
Toormina.
Coffs Coast, News of the Area.
23 December, 2022
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GOD WITH US (Matthew 1:18-25)
Mary and Joseph were betrothed, a relationship as binding as marriage. Mary was pregnant yet still a virgin.
How could this be? Joseph knew the child was not his and saw divorce as the only solution, quietly if possible, though disgrace must surely follow.
God's messenger told Joseph to make Mary his wife although he was not the father of the child she would bear. That child would be the Son of God foretold by the prophet Isaiah, and called Immanuel (God with us).
Joseph however was told to name him Jesus, meaning saviour, because he would save people from their sins. Fully human and fully divine, Jesus' birth changed history.
He showed us how we should live. He suffered and died for us. By his grace and because he loves us, we are forgiven.
His Holy Spirit is constantly with us, and if we place our love and trust in him, we are promised life with him forever.
Win Howard
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THE BEGINNING (Matthew 3:1-12)
For nearly 500 years, the Jewish people had been dominated and oppressed by Persians, then Greeks, and finally Romans.
Unusually, during this time there had been no prophet bringing any message of hope, relief, or guidance from God.
And then came John. Outspoken, roughly clad and surviving in the desert on a diet of insects and honey, he much resembled the ancient prophet Elijah. He brought a single word message to the people – Repent! - a word that not only means feeling sorry for and confessing wrongdoing. It also means deciding to change life for the better.
To demonstrate their repentance, John required people to be symbolically cleansed by immersion in the nearby Jordan River. John brought another important message. He prophesied that someone far greater than he was coming but who, like him, would baptise those who repent - not with water, but with the Holy Spirit.
If we are prepared to turn our lives around, love God, and place our trust in Him, we too can experience throughout our lives, the presence and effect of the Holy Spirit within our innermost being, and be assured of eternal life with Him thereafter.
Win Howard
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WATCH! BE ALERT! (Matthew 24:36-44)
At the start of the Church's New Year we celebrate the Advent of Christ – both his coming as a baby in Bethlehem and the promise of his return in all his power and glory to establish his rule on Earth.
Jesus speaks to his disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem that was then yet to occur. He goes further to describe the troubles and difficulties people will face until his second coming. As only God knows the timing of this event, he does not tell his disciples when this will happen. Instead, he offers them hope and urges them to be watchful and alert.
We too need that message of hope as we survey the world today with all its current problems. Just as those early Christians had to endure bleak and forbidding times, so it seems do we. Like them, we have the assurance of Christ's return and until then, the continuing presence and comfort of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Watch and stay awake. Live each day as if Christ is coming tomorrow.
Win Howard
Continue with the quiet time
Find Peace – in Nature.
A sense of peace and calm washes over us when we leave our people-made structures, and take a walk in God’s creation.
This even more liberating and freeing when that walk is on the ‘wild side’ – not a city or urban park, but an empty beach, or bay, a paddle up a palm fringed creek or a paperbark wetland, a forest track or alpine pasture.
But even here, do we stop, slow our mind, a really see what God created for us to cherish and protect for all to share, let alone protect our planet.
I wonder whether there so many health problems today because we have lost touch with the earth – that feeling of attachment as our toes wiggle in the soil, or grip onto a rock, or are washed with clear, cold waters.
Pause to touch the hem of His garment, slow down. There are no cafes in those places (mostly), but here you will feel a sense of the Spirit, and time to have a conversation with God.
Find Peace – in Nature.
A sense of peace and calm washes over us when we leave our people-made structures, and take a walk in God’s creation.
This even more liberating and freeing when that walk is on the ‘wild side’ – not a city or urban park, but an empty beach, or bay, a paddle up a palm fringed creek or a paperbark wetland, a forest track or alpine pasture.
But even here, do we stop, slow our mind, a really see what God created for us to cherish and protect for all to share, let alone protect our planet.
I wonder whether there so many health problems today because we have lost touch with the earth – that feeling of attachment as our toes wiggle in the soil, or grip onto a rock, or are washed with clear, cold waters.
Pause to touch the hem of His garment, slow down. There are no cafes in those places (mostly), but here you will feel a sense of the Spirit, and time to have a conversation with God.
A Quiet Time to be Refilled
"How do I find time for a quiet time in the midst of the craziness of life?" We get busy! We also understand what it's like to feel drained and empty. This is why finding time alone with God is not just a luxury, it's vital to our survival!
A time of devotion is not to earn "brownie points" with God. It is a time set aside to be with Him without distractions, a time to rest in His presence and know Him.
So let's keep it simple.
A quiet time does not have to be long and does not have to be in a certain place. This is a time to do as God says in Psalm 46:1 - "Be still, and know that I am God." The "know" in this verse does not mean to know about; it is in reference to knowing through a growing relationship. Take a few moments to pause and become aware of His presence; He is near.
Quiet Time on the Go
In a quiet time we can refocus on Jesus rather than our circumstances. With or without technology, this can be done in many ways.
- Waiting. How many minutes of our day are spent waiting - waiting in a car line to pick up the kids, waiting at the checkout, waiting on an appointment, etc.? Turn this "waiting time" into a "quiet time." Be still. Quiet your spirit. Recognize God's presence. Remember His promises. Count His many blessings! Look around and pray for those you see or think of during this time.
- Lunch Breaks. We may be used to eating at our desk alone or joining a group for lunch. Instead, what if we invited God to have lunch with us? As you eat, try to disperse any distractions and focus on Who He is. Talk to Him about what's on your heart and mind. Include Him in your day.
- Drive Time. If you do any commuting or driving to and from places alone, this is an opportune time to include prayer, worship music, and even listening to Scripture. So often we put our minds on cruise control when we could be allowing God to speak to us and us to Him.
- Exercise Time. Why not exercise spiritually along with physically? Discipline your thoughts along with your muscles. Pray. Focus your thoughts on Jesus and listening for His Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. Paul says in 1 Timothy 4:8 - "for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." If we can walk around our neighbourhood, it's a wonderful time to notice God's creation and also pray for our neighbours or other things on our mind.
- Computer Time. Aside from actually working on the computer, laptop or our smart phones, how much time is spent just surfing, shopping, looking at Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? What if we turned our electronics off and spent a portion of that time with God?
In these moments God can refill us in ways nothing else can.
Reference: www.creativebiblestudy
.com
PEACE (John 14:23-29)
It was their last supper together. Jesus told his disciples he would soon be leaving them. They were not to be troubled by this. Although the world would not see him anymore, they would do so if they loved and obeyed him.
One of his disciples asked how this could be.
Jesus told them his Father would send them in his place, a Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, to teach and guide them.
He then gave them his peace.
Peace means lack of conflict or hostility, also freedom from fear or violence. It is when our mind is quiet and satisfied.
In Jewish tradition, peace (shalom) also included other things like justice, good health, security, and friendliness, as well as being a simple greeting or farewell.
As disciples of Jesus, we too receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and his peace if only we love and obey him and place our trust in him.
Win Howard
It was their last supper together. Jesus told his disciples he would soon be leaving them. They were not to be troubled by this. Although the world would not see him anymore, they would do so if they loved and obeyed him.
One of his disciples asked how this could be.
Jesus told them his Father would send them in his place, a Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, to teach and guide them.
He then gave them his peace.
Peace means lack of conflict or hostility, also freedom from fear or violence. It is when our mind is quiet and satisfied.
In Jewish tradition, peace (shalom) also included other things like justice, good health, security, and friendliness, as well as being a simple greeting or farewell.
As disciples of Jesus, we too receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and his peace if only we love and obey him and place our trust in him.
Win Howard
Children's Easter Prayer
God made you and God made me,
He made the world for us to see.
God loves you and long ago,
He sent his Son to tell us so.
Jesus showed us many things,
To love and share and dance and sing.
To learn and pray, to help and care,
He promised that He would always be there.
He died but then came back to life,
Let's celebrate for he's alive.
Amen.
Author unknown.
God made you and God made me,
He made the world for us to see.
God loves you and long ago,
He sent his Son to tell us so.
Jesus showed us many things,
To love and share and dance and sing.
To learn and pray, to help and care,
He promised that He would always be there.
He died but then came back to life,
Let's celebrate for he's alive.
Amen.
Author unknown.
-----------------------------
Easter
Let every heart be filled with joy,
A joy of thankfulness to our Saviour and King!
He is victorious over sin and death.
He conquered death to give us a new life.
A life blossoms through His unending love.
It is for a cause and without condition
The love that brings healing and reconciliation,
A pure love that creates in us real peace.
Peace that springs from his sacred heart,
A heart that bleeds for our affliction.
It is full of mercy and compassion,
A heart wounded for our sins and vainglory.
Rejoice! Jesus is truly risen from the dead
For us to live once again,
To live without blemish of pride,
And live a life unselfishly for others in need.
Estela Canama
April 2017
--------------------------
Thoughts of Easter
I awoke before dawn this Easter morn,
Laid very still and just thought,
Not of the eggs and bunnies that Easter brings,
But of the gift of life that it brought,
I thought of that cross he carried,
That crown of thorns on his head,
The nails into his body they buried,
Betrayed by even those that he led,
Up that road to Calvary,
Totally sinless too,
Jesus paid the ultimate out of love,
He died for me, for you,
Love keeps no records of right or wrong,
Love doesn't keep a score,
To our Father in heaven we all belong,
Just as on that day long before,
I looked in the room at my sleeping sons,
Tears slipped from my eyes,
God had done more than I could have done,
To just watch as my son suffered and died,
My Easter held such meaning then,
As I watched the dawn breaking through,
Just thinking of that day so long ago,
When God did what I could not do.
Deborah Wininger
Published: May 2014
-------------------
Meaning
When Jesus came on the scene
He came in a way that was humble
Here on earth
He never mumbled nor grumbled
Man shed innocent blood
When Jesus died on the cross
They thought they were above God
In the end they found out who was boss
Easter is a day set aside
For Christ's death, burial and resurrection
If in your life you're not living right
This is the time to make corrections
Easter shouldn't be celebrated
With nice clothes and beautiful hats
God's death, burial and resurrection
Has nothing to do with that
Jesus bore the cross
Heading for Calvary
Through God's love
Allowed us to be free
He was put in His tomb
And on the 3rd day He got out
So I could capture salvation
And for this reason I can jump and shout
Now when I think of Easter
I don't think of material things
I use it as a reminder
Of the joy it brings.
By Deacon Michael A. Burke Sr.
March 23, 2008
Shttps://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/a-easter-poem
Easter
Let every heart be filled with joy,
A joy of thankfulness to our Saviour and King!
He is victorious over sin and death.
He conquered death to give us a new life.
A life blossoms through His unending love.
It is for a cause and without condition
The love that brings healing and reconciliation,
A pure love that creates in us real peace.
Peace that springs from his sacred heart,
A heart that bleeds for our affliction.
It is full of mercy and compassion,
A heart wounded for our sins and vainglory.
Rejoice! Jesus is truly risen from the dead
For us to live once again,
To live without blemish of pride,
And live a life unselfishly for others in need.
Estela Canama
April 2017
--------------------------
Thoughts of Easter
I awoke before dawn this Easter morn,
Laid very still and just thought,
Not of the eggs and bunnies that Easter brings,
But of the gift of life that it brought,
I thought of that cross he carried,
That crown of thorns on his head,
The nails into his body they buried,
Betrayed by even those that he led,
Up that road to Calvary,
Totally sinless too,
Jesus paid the ultimate out of love,
He died for me, for you,
Love keeps no records of right or wrong,
Love doesn't keep a score,
To our Father in heaven we all belong,
Just as on that day long before,
I looked in the room at my sleeping sons,
Tears slipped from my eyes,
God had done more than I could have done,
To just watch as my son suffered and died,
My Easter held such meaning then,
As I watched the dawn breaking through,
Just thinking of that day so long ago,
When God did what I could not do.
Deborah Wininger
Published: May 2014
-------------------
Meaning
When Jesus came on the scene
He came in a way that was humble
Here on earth
He never mumbled nor grumbled
Man shed innocent blood
When Jesus died on the cross
They thought they were above God
In the end they found out who was boss
Easter is a day set aside
For Christ's death, burial and resurrection
If in your life you're not living right
This is the time to make corrections
Easter shouldn't be celebrated
With nice clothes and beautiful hats
God's death, burial and resurrection
Has nothing to do with that
Jesus bore the cross
Heading for Calvary
Through God's love
Allowed us to be free
He was put in His tomb
And on the 3rd day He got out
So I could capture salvation
And for this reason I can jump and shout
Now when I think of Easter
I don't think of material things
I use it as a reminder
Of the joy it brings.
By Deacon Michael A. Burke Sr.
March 23, 2008
Shttps://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/a-easter-poem
So What is Lent?
In the early church, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by new converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. Today, Christians focus on relationship with God, growing as disciples and extending ourselves, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves for others.
It may seem odd to us but the word ‘Lent’ is actually derived from an old Anglo-Saxon word for ‘spring’ (lencten).
Lencten or Lent in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.
With Australia being in the Southern Hemisphere, what could possibly be the connection between spring, in the Northern Hemisphere, and preparation for Easter?
There is a very clear connection if we think about it for a minute. Thoughts of ‘spring’ usually conjure up images of blooming flowers, warming days and increasing sunlight as winter’s cold and harshness gradually disappears. But spring is not instantaneous; it is a process of snow melting, temperatures rising and a little more light each day.
This is exactly what should happen during the season of Lent- parts of our life that are cold, in darkness and harsh should be examined and reflected upon to convert us more deeply to the Gospel. To do this we need time for reflection and prayer in order to honestly look at life and individually ask serious questions: where is God in my life? How much do I pray? Am I overwhelmed by something (food, electronic gadgets, alcohol, sugar, cell phones, etc.)? Do I share to relieve the sufferings of the poor?
Lent
Lent is a Christian observance beginning on Ash Wednesday, (2nd March, 2022), 40 days before Easter, and concluding on Easter Sunday. It is a reminder of the time Jesus spent in the desert wilderness fasting, praying, overcoming temptation and affirming God, after he was baptized by John the Baptist.
The word “Lent” comes from the old Anglo-Saxon word ‘lencten’, which means “springtime,” named after the time of the year in which it occurs, (in the Northern Hemisphere).
What we now call Lent was originally a period of fasting and study for new Christians who were to be baptized on the Saturday before Easter. New Christians emulated Jesus to practice self-denial and humility and to prepare for receiving God’s grace and forgiveness in baptism.
As time passed, early Christians who felt a need for spiritual renewal began joining newcomers in the observance of the period of fasting and self-denial. Lent, then, arose from these early practices of the church and was endorsed, by the Roman Emperor, Constantine, as an observance, after a decision of the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.
Since about 600 A.D., the church has marked the beginning of Lent, on Ash Wednesday, by applying ashes to the foreheads of Christians in the sign of the cross as a symbol of humility and repentance. The ashes are a reminder of our mortality, Christ’s suffering on the cross and how greatly we are in need of God’s mercy.
The ashes are applied with the words: “Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Alternately, these words are said: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”
The ashes for Ash Wednesday can be made from palm branches, maybe from the previous Palm Sunday, that are sprinkled with water or olive oil.
Lent can be viewed today as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and tossing things which hinder our relationship with God. The purpose of Lent is spiritual growth.
Historically, fasting, alms giving, prayer and reading the scriptures or other spiritual works have been associated with Lent. Some Christians give up vices or specific pleasures during Lent as a spiritual discipline.
Today, in Western churches, only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are designated as fasting days. Members of Eastern churches, however, still fast throughout Lent.
Some churches ignore Lent. Some believe it places too much emphasis on sin, guilt and repentance, and they would prefer to do away with that. Some churches don’t observe Lent because it is a “tradition” of the Church, not explicitly directed in the Bible.
For others, the idea of Lent as an emulation of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness is a Bible-based tradition.
Lenten observance can be difficult.
It requires that we examine material and spiritual excesses in our lives. It demands directing our bodies, minds and spirits to spiritual purposes for almost six weeks. It is contrary to our culture’s idea that everything must be happy, easy, and have mass popular appeal.
The reality is that Jesus’ life was full of poverty, simplicity, and sacrifice, and it is an opportunity for us to focus on this, during Lent, and our lives today.
From:
Grace United Church, Barrie , Canada.
MissionDoctors.org
------------------------
In the early church, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by new converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. Today, Christians focus on relationship with God, growing as disciples and extending ourselves, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves for others.
It may seem odd to us but the word ‘Lent’ is actually derived from an old Anglo-Saxon word for ‘spring’ (lencten).
Lencten or Lent in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.
With Australia being in the Southern Hemisphere, what could possibly be the connection between spring, in the Northern Hemisphere, and preparation for Easter?
There is a very clear connection if we think about it for a minute. Thoughts of ‘spring’ usually conjure up images of blooming flowers, warming days and increasing sunlight as winter’s cold and harshness gradually disappears. But spring is not instantaneous; it is a process of snow melting, temperatures rising and a little more light each day.
This is exactly what should happen during the season of Lent- parts of our life that are cold, in darkness and harsh should be examined and reflected upon to convert us more deeply to the Gospel. To do this we need time for reflection and prayer in order to honestly look at life and individually ask serious questions: where is God in my life? How much do I pray? Am I overwhelmed by something (food, electronic gadgets, alcohol, sugar, cell phones, etc.)? Do I share to relieve the sufferings of the poor?
Lent
Lent is a Christian observance beginning on Ash Wednesday, (2nd March, 2022), 40 days before Easter, and concluding on Easter Sunday. It is a reminder of the time Jesus spent in the desert wilderness fasting, praying, overcoming temptation and affirming God, after he was baptized by John the Baptist.
The word “Lent” comes from the old Anglo-Saxon word ‘lencten’, which means “springtime,” named after the time of the year in which it occurs, (in the Northern Hemisphere).
What we now call Lent was originally a period of fasting and study for new Christians who were to be baptized on the Saturday before Easter. New Christians emulated Jesus to practice self-denial and humility and to prepare for receiving God’s grace and forgiveness in baptism.
As time passed, early Christians who felt a need for spiritual renewal began joining newcomers in the observance of the period of fasting and self-denial. Lent, then, arose from these early practices of the church and was endorsed, by the Roman Emperor, Constantine, as an observance, after a decision of the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.
Since about 600 A.D., the church has marked the beginning of Lent, on Ash Wednesday, by applying ashes to the foreheads of Christians in the sign of the cross as a symbol of humility and repentance. The ashes are a reminder of our mortality, Christ’s suffering on the cross and how greatly we are in need of God’s mercy.
The ashes are applied with the words: “Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Alternately, these words are said: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”
The ashes for Ash Wednesday can be made from palm branches, maybe from the previous Palm Sunday, that are sprinkled with water or olive oil.
Lent can be viewed today as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and tossing things which hinder our relationship with God. The purpose of Lent is spiritual growth.
Historically, fasting, alms giving, prayer and reading the scriptures or other spiritual works have been associated with Lent. Some Christians give up vices or specific pleasures during Lent as a spiritual discipline.
Today, in Western churches, only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are designated as fasting days. Members of Eastern churches, however, still fast throughout Lent.
Some churches ignore Lent. Some believe it places too much emphasis on sin, guilt and repentance, and they would prefer to do away with that. Some churches don’t observe Lent because it is a “tradition” of the Church, not explicitly directed in the Bible.
For others, the idea of Lent as an emulation of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness is a Bible-based tradition.
Lenten observance can be difficult.
It requires that we examine material and spiritual excesses in our lives. It demands directing our bodies, minds and spirits to spiritual purposes for almost six weeks. It is contrary to our culture’s idea that everything must be happy, easy, and have mass popular appeal.
The reality is that Jesus’ life was full of poverty, simplicity, and sacrifice, and it is an opportunity for us to focus on this, during Lent, and our lives today.
From:
Grace United Church, Barrie , Canada.
MissionDoctors.org
------------------------
A prayer for Ash Wednesday
March 2, 2022
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and the journey toward Holy Week. This is a holy day too, when many of us will hear again ancient words of the fragility of life and of grace – that God has formed us ‘from the dust of the earth’, that we are mortal, and yet in God’s hands we remain. May this new season of the church be a time of deep reflection and meaning pointing us to new life.
Assembly National Consultant Rev Lindsay Cullen has offered this prayer, as today we also join with others across the world in praying for peace in Ukraine and other parts of our beloved yet hurting and ashen world.
Loving God, Sometimes we look around the world and we see ash.
In Australia we may see the results of bushfires — ashen trunks, blackened grass and burnt limbs.
In Ukraine. We see ruined buildings, rubble and wounded people.
In Queensland, we see loss of life and livelihoods, homes and precious items due to floods.
In Tonga, we see the aftermath of volcanic eruption – the struggle to rebuild, to clean up ash, and provide clean water.
And sometime the ash we see is in our lives.
Broken relationships, lost jobs, lost homes, lost hopes and dreams.
The ashes of grief in the loss of loved ones.
Today we are invited to consider ashes as an entry into a period of contemplation and repentance,
Of focus and consideration of the suffering and the faithfulness of Jesus.
We may be marked or mark ourselves with an ashen sign of the cross,
To remember that we are marked by our discipleship and commitment to follow Christ.
And we are reminded that Jesus shared our human journey.
That God in Christ also experienced loss, grief, terror and oppression.
And there is green.
Green shoots from ashen trees.
Compassion, solidarity and rebuilding in times of national and global tragedy.
Caring, sharing and the possibility of healing in our personal tragedies.
In many Christian traditions, the ashes are created from the green leaves of Palm Sunday,
Which will return again this year.
The Ash of this day, and the repentance and contemplation of Lent will in time
Give way to the vindication and joy of Easter.
But for now, we see ash.
By your Spirit be with us in this Ash Wednesday.
Through Jesus, lead us through the season of Lent.
Inspire us, loving God, to mirror your care and compassion for all,
And seek the way of peace and justice,
When we look around the world and we see ash.
In the name of Christ we pray,
Amen.
Rev Lindsay Cullen
Assembly National Consultant
Uniting Church Assembly
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Coming out of the darkness and into the light.
From the very beginning of time, the Universe, or perhaps, Multiverse, was created in darkness, and then ‘God commanded, ‘let there be light’. The light was separated from darkness, and we call the day ‘light’ and the night, ‘dark’.
In our photos, although not completely dark, just as night isn’t with a full moon, The Amphitheatre in Carnarvon National Park, (NP) was quite light, but we then walked back through the narrow entrance, into the bright light. Carnarvon NP is in Queensland, (Q'ld), 660km NW of Brisbane, with Injune and Rolleston being the closest towns to the NP.
Carnarvon Gorge winds between towering sandstone cliffs. A layer of basalt flowed over the sandstone, and a cap on the cliff tops remains. Water percolates through the sandstone, and Carnarvon Creek is a permanent water source, a cool, moist oasis in the dry environment of central Q’ld. It flows permanently over an impervious layer of shale. The low light, permanent water and cooler environment, allow remnant rainforest to survive.
The Amphitheatre is an 8.6km walk from the carpark, up the gorge, and one has to climb a tiered ladder to discover this secret oases. Hidden inside the gorge walls, is a 60m deep chamber, gouged from the rock by running water over millions of years There is a narrow opening to the sky above the towering cliff sides of the amphitheatre. Further up the gorge, displays of the fragile art of the rich culture of the local indigenous people of this region, can be seen. Ochre stencils of tools, weapons, ornaments and ceremonial objects, and engravings can be seen on the walls. Carnarvon NP is truly one of God’s most beautiful creations.
When we watch documentaries about the Universe, it is the science which is emphasized, but the science fits with what we read in the Bible about the creation of the Universe and our Earth. In Genesis 1a: ‘In the beginning when God created the universe, the earth was formless and desolate……everything was engulfed in darkness, and then God commanded, ‘Let there be light – and light appeared. God was pleased with what He saw. Then He separated the light from the darkness and He named the light ‘day’ and the darkness ‘night’.
What is light and darkness. Darkness is less or no light (or photons, which are packages of energy) making objects visible when a light appears. You can’t see anything, or much, in the darkness, but when light comes, the darkness fades, or disappears.
For Christians, John has quite a lot to say to us about darkness and light. In John 8:12 Jesus says: ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’. And in John 1:5, ‘the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. In 12:35 ‘The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going’. In 12:46, John tells us, Jesus said, ‘I have come into the world as a light, so that no-one who believes in me should stay in darkness’. John does though remind us in 3:19, that those who love darkness, do so, because their evil deeds are hidden, and they don’t like the light.
Matthew in 5:16 reminds us to ‘…let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven’.
In Thessalonians 5:5 we are reminded that all God’s children are children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness’. We read in Psalm 119:105, that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path’, and ‘For it is You who light my lamp; the Lord God lightens my darkness’ (Psalm 18:28).
At times, we might feel we are the person Sri Chinmoy, the poet, writes about:
In the darkness of my doubts
I know not what to say.
In the darkness of my jealousies
I know not what to feel.
In the darkness of my insecurities
I know not what to become.
However, if we find God, believe and trust in Him, we will come into the light, darkness dies, or it becomes less dark. Sometimes God does not always take away the darkness and lift people out of a situation, but He becomes the light in the darkness. Many who minister know only too well, that people who find themselves in darkness, are given hope when they know God, who becomes the light in their darkness.
There are many stories … those missionaries and aid workers in developing and troubled nations around the world, who serve to bring God’s light into the people’s everyday lives. And, how the children and rescuers, and their families, must have felt when the children (and the rescue team) emerged from being trapped in the underground cave In Thailand, in June 2018! We all remember their story, as the Australians who lead the rescue efforts, brought those children into the light of day.
Let us all walk into the light, but also learn to cope with the darkness with God’s love and guidance. It will feel like emerging from a cave entrance into the bright light, and a great weight and fear will be lifted from us.
Lyndall Coomber
Our New Year wish for You.
I wish you Health
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.
I wish you the Love of friends and family
And Peace within your heart.
I wish you the Beauty of nature
That you may enjoy the word of God.
I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities
For those things that really matter in life.
I wish you Generosity so you may share
All good things that come to you.
I wish you Happiness and Joy
And Blessings for the New Year.
I wish you the best of everything
That you so well deserve.
Ine Braat, Netherlands
--------------------------
I wish you Health
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.
I wish you the Love of friends and family
And Peace within your heart.
I wish you the Beauty of nature
That you may enjoy the word of God.
I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities
For those things that really matter in life.
I wish you Generosity so you may share
All good things that come to you.
I wish you Happiness and Joy
And Blessings for the New Year.
I wish you the best of everything
That you so well deserve.
Ine Braat, Netherlands
--------------------------
New Year Prayer
by Charlotte Anselmo
Thank you Lord for giving me
The brand new year ahead.
Help me live the way I should
As each new day I tread.
Give me the wisdom
That I may help a friend.
Give me strength and courage
So a shoulder I may lend.
The year ahead is empty
Help me fill it with good things,
Each day filled with joy
And the happiness it brings.
Please give the leaders of our world
A courage born of peace,
That they may lead us gently
And all the fighting cease.
Please give to all upon this earth
A heart that’s filled with love.
A gentle, happy way to live
With your blessings from above.
by Charlotte Anselmo
Thank you Lord for giving me
The brand new year ahead.
Help me live the way I should
As each new day I tread.
Give me the wisdom
That I may help a friend.
Give me strength and courage
So a shoulder I may lend.
The year ahead is empty
Help me fill it with good things,
Each day filled with joy
And the happiness it brings.
Please give the leaders of our world
A courage born of peace,
That they may lead us gently
And all the fighting cease.
Please give to all upon this earth
A heart that’s filled with love.
A gentle, happy way to live
With your blessings from above.
Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas.
For Christians around the world, the official end to the Christmas celebrations and holiday, occurs on the 6th January.
It is known as Epiphany or the 12th day of Christmas, and celebrates how a star led the Magi, or Three Kings, or Wise Men, to baby Jesus. In 2021, this is on a Thursday.
Countries celebrate in different ways, some with parades, floats, people in costumes as kings bearing gifts, and light shows and fireworks.
In England people used to have parties and played tricks on people, such as hiding live birds in an empty pie case, so that the birds flew away when opened, (as in Sing a Song of Sixpence).
In Bulgaria, people jump into freezing water to retrieve a wooden cross, a tradition dating back to Byzantine times (395CE – 1453).
In Melbourne, the Greek Orthodox Australians have the annual Blessing of the Waters.
In Italy children wake to find gifts and candy.
The Pope, in his Homily, calls for the faithful to be like the Magi, whom he has said, continued to look to the sky, took risks and set out bearing gifts for Christ. Through taking risks in finding Jesus, the child, in discovering His tenderness and love, we rediscover ourselves. (nytimes.com).
In Germany, it is still known as Three Kings’ Day.
In the eastern church, it commemorates Christ’s baptism, and Christmas was originally celebrated on January 6th. It was also a night for seeing off evil in many parts of Europe, and involved much noise to scare away ghosts and spirits. (Philip Ardagh 2001)
In Mexico, they bake a Rosca de Rois Reyes, a sweetbread in a ring shape to resemble a crown, with a baby figurine hidden inside, which represents the Holy Family’s need to hide from King Herod.
In France, for January 6th, called the Fete de Rois (celebration of the Kings), families and friends share a cake called a Galette dês Rois, a delicious flat, round cake made of puff pastry filled with an almond flavoured paste, and a bean shaped object called a feve, is hidden inside. The finder of the feve, will be king, or queen, for the day (and may wear a crown).
At our Coffs Harbour Uniting Church, one year, we baked and shared a French style Galette dês Rois, and declared the finder of the feve (a bean), king for the day! The recipe can be found on various websites.
Christmas decorations are to be taken down by this date!
Love Came Down at Christmas
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead,
Love Incarnate, Love Divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token,
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
Christina Rossetti - 1830-1894
The Christmas Tree.
In winter, when most trees are bare, fir trees are covered in bright green needles. By bringing them into the house, we’re bringing in little feeling of new growth and summer. By decorating the tree with tinsel and baubles we are adding blossom and fruit. But when did the idea of chopping down a tree, bringing into a home and decorating it, begin?
Well – pardon the pun – it had its roots in early pagan, (non-Christian), celebrations but, according to the historian Clement A. Miles, the first recorded mention of a Christmas tree was in 1605 in Strasbourg. It was covered in everything from paper roses to sweets and gold foil.
The three points.
To justify what was, probably, originally part of a pagan festival as the centre of Christian celebrations, the Christmas tree has since been given added Christian symbolism. It was pointed out that the basic shape of a Christmas tree is a triangle, with one point at the top. The three points are said to represent the ‘Holy Trinity’ of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.
St. Boniface
According to legend, in eight-century Germany, a Christian saint called Boniface stumbled upon a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree. They were just about to sacrifice a baby to the tree when St. Boniface dashed to its rescue. He snatched the axe to be used in the sacrifice, and chopped down the tree instead. Picking up the baby, Boniface saw that there, growing between the roots of the chopped down oak, was a tiny fir tree. To him, this symbolised new life coming from death, as with Christ’s resurrection. From then on, the tree came an important part of Christmas celebrations in Germany.
The first tree in England
Many believe that the idea of a Christmas tree was bought over to England by Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria. Albert first ordered a tree from Coburg in Christmas 1841.
In fact, there had already been a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in the 1790’s. It had been ordered by Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George 3rd.
However, it was interest in Prince Albert’s tree that somehow caught the public imagination and made the Christmas tree such an important part of Christmas in Britain.
The Trafalgar Square tree.
One of the most famous Christmas trees is the one presented to the British people every year by Norway. This is a ‘thank you’ to Britain for its help during the Second World War. When Norway was occupied by enemy forces, the King of Norway, King Haakon, escaped to England. Here he set up a ‘Free Norwegian Government’. Since 1947, a tree about 24 metres, (70 feet), tall has been sent over from Oslo and erected in Trafalgar Square, near Nelson’s column, every Christmas.
Reference:
The Truth about Christmas. Phillip Ardagh. 2001
----------------------1
Mary’s Eyes
So many lights there are in Mary’s eyes!
I sometimes see them brown as brown!
Then, when she lifts them up in quaint surprise,
And lets them fall as swiftly, quaintly down,
I’ve fancied purple depths did softly spread
Like pansies in an old-time garden bed.
What though she hide them often from my view –
Long lashes resting on a fair young cheek! –
I know they’re deeply tender, sweetly true,
They tell me things that Mary dare not speak.
‘Tis not in mortal’s power to explain
What things they say to me, as plain as plain!
I know where sunbeams hide when clouds do frown!
Where stars go homing when ‘tis day!
But if you bid me say her eyes were blue? or brown?
And I should fail, forgive my slow, blind way;
You couldn’t tell, yourself however wise,
If Mary looked at you in quaint surprise.
Jessie Jeanes.
This is from the little book called ‘The Scent of Wildflowers’ and was described as ‘A Little Book of Helpful Verse’. It was published and printed by ‘The Religious Tract Society’ in London, on or before 1935. It is not known when this poem was written. There is some more information on the story, on this website, Aug 2021, in ‘The Hem of His Garment’.
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Advent Calendars
Older people often complain that they don’t like those ‘new fangled’ advent calendars with chocolates behind each door, but prefer the traditional ones that simply have pictures.
In truth, the earliest advent calendars all contained chocolates and little presents!
The first calendars were made in Germany at the end of the 19th century. These advent calendars were much bigger than today’s, but still had twenty-four numbered doors.
Advent is simply the period from December leading up to Christmas.
Reference: The Truth about Christmas, Philip Ardagh, Macmillan Children’s Books. 2003
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25th December, the day we celebrate a Christian event.
For Christians, Christmas Day is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. In the West this is celebrated on the 25th December, but this date wasn’t really thought to be Christ’s birthday. No bible scholar really believes that Jesus was actually born in a stable in Bethlehem on the 25th, so how did this date come about?
The answer has much to do with another sun, this time of the ‘s-u-n’, rather than the ‘s-o-n’ variety. Long before the 25th December became Christmas Day, it was a special day in the Roman calendar. There was a festival to celebrate the sun, called Saturnalia and, in the middle of it was the 25th: Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (the Birthday of the Invincible One). This is all a part of what is called the winter solstice, the period when the shortest day and the longest night are followed by longer, brighter, warmer days.
In celebration, people decorated their houses and presents were exchanged. Sound familiar?
An Emperors decree.
When the Roman emperor Constantine became the Christian emperor, he declared that it would be Christ’s birthday that was celebrated on the 25th December, instead. The non-Christian Romans didn’t mind. They still had an excuse for a party. What we don’t know is exactly when this first 25th December Christmas was actually celebrated, but It had become an event by AD 354.
Christmas ups and downs
Christmas hasn’t always been celebrated in Britain since then. Oliver Cromwell’s Puritan parliament, 1647, abolished Christmas altogether! After the execution of King Charles 1, Cromwell ruled the country. He believed that to be a Christian you must lead a serious, sensible and simple life full of prayer. Puritanism had no room for joyful festivities and feasts.
In 1660, with a King back on the English throne, Christmas was reinstated, but by the 1790’s the idea had simply fizzled out! In Britain, it wasn’t until around the time that Charles Dickens published his story, A Christmas Carol, in 1843, that Christmas came back with bang. Since then it has become one of the most important dates in the year.
Some other confusions over dates.
In the Christian calendar, a date marked BC means ‘Before Christ’ and AD means ‘Anno Domini’ which is Latin for ‘ in the year of our Lord’ (i.e. after His birth). What makes it confusing though is that most historians now believe that Jesus Christ was probably born in what we call 6BC. In other words, Christ himself was born 6 years ‘Before Christ’!
Reference: The Truth about Christmas. Philip Ardagh. MacMacmillan Children’s Books, 2003millan Children’s Books, 2003
For Christians, Christmas Day is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. In the West this is celebrated on the 25th December, but this date wasn’t really thought to be Christ’s birthday. No bible scholar really believes that Jesus was actually born in a stable in Bethlehem on the 25th, so how did this date come about?
The answer has much to do with another sun, this time of the ‘s-u-n’, rather than the ‘s-o-n’ variety. Long before the 25th December became Christmas Day, it was a special day in the Roman calendar. There was a festival to celebrate the sun, called Saturnalia and, in the middle of it was the 25th: Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (the Birthday of the Invincible One). This is all a part of what is called the winter solstice, the period when the shortest day and the longest night are followed by longer, brighter, warmer days.
In celebration, people decorated their houses and presents were exchanged. Sound familiar?
An Emperors decree.
When the Roman emperor Constantine became the Christian emperor, he declared that it would be Christ’s birthday that was celebrated on the 25th December, instead. The non-Christian Romans didn’t mind. They still had an excuse for a party. What we don’t know is exactly when this first 25th December Christmas was actually celebrated, but It had become an event by AD 354.
Christmas ups and downs
Christmas hasn’t always been celebrated in Britain since then. Oliver Cromwell’s Puritan parliament, 1647, abolished Christmas altogether! After the execution of King Charles 1, Cromwell ruled the country. He believed that to be a Christian you must lead a serious, sensible and simple life full of prayer. Puritanism had no room for joyful festivities and feasts.
In 1660, with a King back on the English throne, Christmas was reinstated, but by the 1790’s the idea had simply fizzled out! In Britain, it wasn’t until around the time that Charles Dickens published his story, A Christmas Carol, in 1843, that Christmas came back with bang. Since then it has become one of the most important dates in the year.
Some other confusions over dates.
In the Christian calendar, a date marked BC means ‘Before Christ’ and AD means ‘Anno Domini’ which is Latin for ‘ in the year of our Lord’ (i.e. after His birth). What makes it confusing though is that most historians now believe that Jesus Christ was probably born in what we call 6BC. In other words, Christ himself was born 6 years ‘Before Christ’!
Reference: The Truth about Christmas. Philip Ardagh. MacMacmillan Children’s Books, 2003millan Children’s Books, 2003
An Acrobat, A Wheelbarrow, and a Challenge of Faith
I love using the Charles Blondin story as an illustration of faith! Not only was he a fascinating man, but the story of his pushing a wheelbarrow across Niagara Falls is one in which kids as well as adults can identify the difference between mere belief (head knowledge) and true faith (belief in action; heart knowledge).
Can you imagine a tightrope stretched over a quarter of a mile and spanning the breadth of Niagara Falls? The thundering sound of the pounding water drowning out all other sounds as you watch a man step onto the rope and walk across.
This stunning feat made Charles Blondin famous in the summer of 1859. He walked 160 feet above the falls several times back and forth between Canada and the United States as huge crowds on both sides looked on with shock and awe. Once he crossed in a sack, once on stilts, another time on a bicycle, and once he even carried a stove and cooked an omelette!
On July 15, 1859, Blondin walked backward across the tightrope to Canada and returned pushing a wheelbarrow.
The Blondin story is told that it was after pushing a wheelbarrow across while blindfolded that Blondin asked for some audience participation. The crowds had watched and "Ooooohed" and "Aaaaahed!" He had proven that he could do it; of that, there was no doubt. But now he was asking for a volunteer to get into the wheelbarrow and take a ride across the Falls with him!
It is said that he asked his audience, "Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?" Of course the crowd shouted that yes, they believed!
It was then that Blondin posed the question - "Who will get in the wheelbarrow?'
Of course...none did.
(Later in August of 1859, his manager, Harry Colcord, did ride on Blondin's back across the Falls.)
The story of Charles Blondin paints a real life picture of what faith actually is. The crowd had watched his daring feats. They said they believed, but their actions proved they truly didn't.
It's one thing for us to say we believe in God. It's true faith though when we believe God and put our faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Don't worry, Jesus has carried many across to Heaven's gates. He can be trusted!
Reference: The Charles Blondin Story – A Picture of Faith. Author unknown. www.creativebiblestudy.com
- Life and Times
Why do we celebrate Halloween? It is a strange holiday. It seems to be getting bigger every year. I have always struggled with the celebration of Halloween for two reasons.
Firstly, it seems another commercial interest we have adopted from America, which I find unfortunate.
The second reason, however, is much more significant. Before I explain what I mean by this, let me give you a quick overview about the origins of this ‘holiday’.
During the 8th Century, Pope Gregory 3rd created a religious day on the 1st November which would be day for the offering of prayers for the saints, martyrs and all those who had recently died. It was given the name: All Saints or All Hallows day.
As with many religious festivals, it began the evening before. The 31st October therefore became All Hallows Eve. As time went on, the ancient pagan traditions of the Gaelic festival of Samhain began to be incorporated into the celebration of All Hallows Eve.
With the rise of Gothic literature and the horror genre during the 19th Century, All Hallows Eve took on a darker tone to become the Halloween we know today.
I don’t know about you, but I find it troubling to see the creepy and grotesque decorations and costumes adorning the windows of our shops. On more than one occasion my kids shared how they feel scared by what they see in the shops. This is why I struggle with Halloween. Not because it upsets my kids but because it is a celebration of dark spirituality.
Most of us operate with a notion of some sort of spirituality. We do not talk about it, but it is there. Whether it is the little superstitious habits of touching wood or not stepping on the cracks in the pavement, to a sense of the afterlife or the question of whether we can still communicate with loved ones who have deceased – the spiritual world breaks into our reality in more ways than we might like to think.
When we celebrate Halloween however, we are celebrating the darker side of spirituality.
Now this is not a rant about the evils of the fantasy genre (I’m a big Harry Potter fan) - but it is what Halloween celebrates. It celebrates death and darkness. But darkness will never satisfy, it will swallow us up.
At the beginning of Gospel of John it says this about Jesus in John 1:5. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
When Jesus came into the world to die on a cross and rise again, he was fixing the broken relationship of humanity with God, bur also, defeating the powers of darkness by giving true hope and light.
This message is also celebrated by many Christians on the 31st October. On this day in 1517, a German monk called Martin Luther challenged the straying Church which led to a recapturing of the true light. The gospel of Jesus Christ.
That is what I remember on the 31st October. That the darkness has been overcome. That the true spirituality and forever hope, is found in Jesus, the light of the world.
Rev. Angus Gibb. Orange City Life. 28 October-3 November, 2021
Shoe Man
"The Shoe Man" is an inspirational poem said to be credited to Leanne Freiberg; others believe the author to be unknown. It causes us to rethink how we judge and treat others. It also encourages us to connect with others. We never know what may be going on in their lives, but God does.
Will we take the risk and the time to connect so they will see Jesus? We may be the one whose soul is truly touched.
The Shoe Man Poem
My alarm went off
It was Sunday again.
I was sleepy and tired
My one day to sleep in.
But the guilt I would feel
The rest of the day
Would have been too much
So I'd go and I'd pray.
I showered and shaved.
I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat
In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer
As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me
Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side
I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine
But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: "Our Father"...
I thought, "This man with the shoes
has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched
Even worse, there are holes on the side!"
"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said a quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer
But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best
When walking through that door?
"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought,
Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended
And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud
Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters
His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear
The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering
And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached
Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out
What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft "clink"
as when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me
To tears, and that's no lie
It was the same for the shoe man
For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service
As is the custom here
We must greet new visitors
And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow
And wanted to meet the shoe man
So after the closing prayer
I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark
And his hair was truly a mess
But I thanked him for coming
For being our guest.
He said, "My names' Charlie
I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes
But he had a large, wide grin
"Let me explain," he said
Wiping tears from his eyes.
"I've been coming here for months
And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"
"I know that my appearance
Is not like all the rest
"But I really do try
To always look my best.
"I always clean and polish my shoes
Before my very long walk.
"But by the time I get here
They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."
My heart filled with pain
and I swallowed to hide my tears
As he continued to apologize
For daring to sit so near.
He said, "When I get here
I know I must look a sight.
"But I thought if I could touch you
Then maybe our souls might unite."
I was silent for a moment
Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison
I spoke from my heart, not my head.
"Oh, you've touched me," I said,
"And taught me, in part;
"That the best of any man
Is what is found in his heart."
The rest, I thought,
This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am
That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.
Leanne Freiberg
The Cracked Pot Story
The author of the Cracked Pot story is unknown; yet the wisdom that it holds is displayed in our lives daily through God's working in and through us!
Have you ever felt like this pot with its crack – imperfect and ashamed? There may have been something in your life that caused you to feel "cracked." In all honesty, probably most of us have felt this way at one time or another. Yet what we neglect to realize is that God is sovereign; He created us each unique and when we depend upon Him, amazing things can happen!
”But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves ;”
2 Corinthians 4:7
”And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’”
2 Corinthians 12:9
The Story of the Cracked Pot
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'
The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?'
'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.'
‘For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'
Author Unknown
--------------------------------
Christian Mission On Land and at Sea
I am not a great one for too much nostalgia. Many organisations get trapped in their pasts to the detriment of today’s changing needs. And yet the past is important as well.
At The Mission to Seafarers, we rightly celebrate our history, recognising our proud heritage and the common purposes and values which continue to inform our work today.
In days gone by, Maritime Services Chaplains in the UK used to visit lighthouses and bring care and support to the keepers.
This picture shows a visit to Bishop Rock Lighthouse in the 1930s, a tower on a remote, isolated ledge far out at sea off the coast of Cornwall. I believe what we are looking at is a transfer by a method similar to “breeches buoy” – but I am sure the more well versed of you are going to correct me!
Whatever, it must have been a hazardous, uncomfortable, and probably a rather damp way of making a welfare visit! I love this picture, though. The dog collar, the suit, the hat. I am just a bit disappointed he is not smoking a pipe. No hard hat, high viz or safety boots in sight (not that I am arguing against health and safety in these changed days – of course not!). What I most love, however, is (that) this is a man enjoying his work – and revelling in the adventure.
I am reminded of the story of the two men whose hats blow off on a wet and windy day. One is embarrassed and annoyed. He tries to chase his hat without anyone noticing, cautiously and unsuccessfully trying to step on it, only to find it perpetually whisked further down the street.
When he does catch it, he moans and grumbles at the mud on it. We can imagine some choice words before he returns in a foul temper to his long-suffering wife.
The other man joyfully chases his hat, jumping in the puddles and laughing in his pursuit, not caring at the looks of others around him. He takes his muddy hat back to show his children as a mark of an afternoon of unexpected adventure.
He has a story to tell. Surely his is the way to live and work.
The challenges presented to our local teams all over the world are often unusual and frequently difficult. As in the picture, they can include making welfare visits that demand unusual means of access – some of which I have experienced for myself. And many of our teams operate in remote places.
Ours is a ministry, a work, like no other. Every day, we are seeing new people, new ships, encountering problems and dilemmas and joys that we might never have expected at the start of the morning. It is work which demands a spirit of adventure and an accompanying grin. Quite apart from anything we might say, or gift we might bring, it is probably that look in our eye and a warm smile that will lift spirits more than anything else.
Those we work with need to know we enjoy what we do and enjoy every person we meet.
That is a powerful thing – and this picture seems to say it all.
Certainly, over these last pandemic months, the challenges have been even more prominent and difficult than in normal times. And yet the spirit of creative adventure and the Maritime Serviceman’s warm smile has carried us a long way in our care for seafarers – I am grateful to all.
Equally, as I know so often for myself, it is often we who are buoyed up by the smiles and laughter of crew on ships. We sometimes get as much or more in our daily work than we give. It is a wonderful thing. And this picture reminds us of our ultimate task – to keep a heartfelt smile on the face of seafarers, to contribute to their fulfilment at work and to make their adventures happy ones with good endings and a positive story to tell.
Surely that is our God-given task
.
Reference: Andrew’s May 2021 blog. The Mission to Seafarers, Latest News 15th June 2021.
The Mission to Seafarers (formerly The Missions to Seamen) is a Christian welfare charity serving merchant crews around the world. It operates through a global Mission 'family' network of chaplains, staff and volunteers and provides practical, emotional and spiritual support through ship visits, drop-in seafarers centres and a range of welfare and emergency support services.
Read more at www.missiontoseafarers.org
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The Hummingbird Story
A parable of the Quechuan people of South America, this hummingbird story encourages us to do what we can when we can.
How many times do we look at the world around us and become overwhelmed? Do we ever look at what "big" things other people are doing and compare ourselves thinking our efforts are too small?
Be encouraged by this parable that our small efforts become big in the hands of God!
------------------------------
Once there was a great forest fire.
All the animals fled to the edge of the forest and froze in fear not knowing what to do.
They watched as the flames began destroying the beauty of their home.
Finally a tiny hummingbird flew to a body of water and took a few drops into its beak. It then flew quickly toward the fire allowing the drops to fall on the roaring flames.
Over and over the tiny bird continued.
Drop by drop.
Back and forth.
Again and again.
The other animals watched from the edge of the forest, and called to the little bird, "What are you doing?"
The hummingbird replied, "I am doing what I can."
(Abbreviated by Susan Smart)
-----------------------
How often we can become overwhelmed by fear or the shear size of problems and become paralysed to do nothing. Or we may compare ourselves to others and feel too small to matter.
What we consider to be small and insignificant may actually be huge in God's scheme of things.
Have you ever noticed how often God's view and the world's view are opposite? The world says, "Be first!" God says, "Be last." The world says, "Go, go, go!" God says, "Be still." The world says, "Bigger is better!" God says, "Small is important."
The widow giving her offering of two small coins in Luke 21:1-4, was affirmed by Jesus when He said she had given more than all the rest. Jesus went on to say in Luke 16:10, "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much.
In God's hands, small can become big just like in John 6 when a boy's lunch of five loaves and two fish became enough to feed over 5,000 and also have leftovers!
This little hummingbird story can remind us to do what we can. Everything we do for the Lord Jesus matters. It counts!
Every word.
Every prayer.
Every act of kindness.
Every hug.
Every penny.
Small counts in the hands of our BIG God!
Used by permission of Susan Smart www.CreativeBibleStudy.co
---------------------------------------------------------------------------m
The Hem of His Garment
I have been rummaging through some of my old family 'things' while staying 'put' in COVID-19 lockdown times, and came across a small book that caught my attention.
The book was called 'The Scent of Wildflowers' and was described as 'A Little Book of Helpful Verse'. It was published and printed by 'The Religious Tract Society' of London.
This society, 'Provided Christian literature aimed at children, women and the poor'. It was founded in 1792 and ended production, as this company, in 1935. It then became the 'United Society of Christian Literature'.
One of the 12 little verses was 'The Hem of His Garment' by Doris Canham. This is how it was written then. Prior to 1935.
Lord, we have left unlatched a little gate
To give Thee entrance to our working day.
We need Thee now. It is too long to wait
Till night to kneel and pray.
Our brain is pressed by problems,
but our lips
May murmur for a moment Thy dear name.
Our hands are busy, but our fingertips
May touch Thy garments hem.
Forgive us Lord, our lack of tenderness;
Forgive us Lord, the quick, impatient frown,
And cool our fevered souls, as we caress
The fringe upon Thy gown.
Just for a moment- just a stolen hush
In home and office, mill and marketplace -
We close our eyes, and feel Thy garments brush
Gently across our face.
And we are healed - and Thou art gone away.
We feel Thee pass and latch the little door,
Leaving Thy sandal-print upon our day,
Thy rose upon the floor.
Doris Canham
I have been rummaging through some of my old family 'things' while staying 'put' in COVID-19 lockdown times, and came across a small book that caught my attention.
The book was called 'The Scent of Wildflowers' and was described as 'A Little Book of Helpful Verse'. It was published and printed by 'The Religious Tract Society' of London.
This society, 'Provided Christian literature aimed at children, women and the poor'. It was founded in 1792 and ended production, as this company, in 1935. It then became the 'United Society of Christian Literature'.
One of the 12 little verses was 'The Hem of His Garment' by Doris Canham. This is how it was written then. Prior to 1935.
Lord, we have left unlatched a little gate
To give Thee entrance to our working day.
We need Thee now. It is too long to wait
Till night to kneel and pray.
Our brain is pressed by problems,
but our lips
May murmur for a moment Thy dear name.
Our hands are busy, but our fingertips
May touch Thy garments hem.
Forgive us Lord, our lack of tenderness;
Forgive us Lord, the quick, impatient frown,
And cool our fevered souls, as we caress
The fringe upon Thy gown.
Just for a moment- just a stolen hush
In home and office, mill and marketplace -
We close our eyes, and feel Thy garments brush
Gently across our face.
And we are healed - and Thou art gone away.
We feel Thee pass and latch the little door,
Leaving Thy sandal-print upon our day,
Thy rose upon the floor.
Doris Canham
In early July I came upon this story, and a view based on our global crisis: a view based on a personal experience which you will be familiar with.
Can we cope with uncertainty?
Simple story.
Twelve boys and their coach from the Wild Boars junior soccer team are stuck underground in a flooded Thai cave.
There is no obvious way out.
Rescue teams from around the world arrive, along with two Australian dudes with an unusual hobby and half an idea on how to get the boys out.
Those Aussie blokes have no idea the world is watching.
Will they be part of the rescue of the century or a tale of unimaginable horror beamed into lounge rooms around the world?
What happened in that north Thailand cave changed the lives of those Aussie blokes in ways you would never imagine.
Three years after the rescue mission ... one of the blokes, retired WA vet Dr. Craig Challen, (was asked), to remember what was at stake, how the mission changed his life and why he still doesn't understand why people think he's a hero.
We were completely oblivious ...
' It was only when I got back to Australia that i started to realise the enormity of the whole thing,' Dr Challen says.
' We just were completely oblivious to the fact that this was a story, a huge story, around the world.'
You would think that after three years, the spotlight on him would have died down. Apparently not.
He says he had the 'strangest experience' just a few weeks ago.
Cr Challen was barely recognisable - or at least that is what he thought!
It didn't matter that he had a face mask or that he was waiting in line for a coronavirus test.
Nothing - not even a global pandemic - was going to stop a women named Jenny from meeting him, face-to-face.
She had read his book, 'Against all Odds', so that might explain it.
'But it seemed a bit bizarre to me that somebody would recognise me there in that situation.' Dr Challen says.
'I didn't think it was possible. I barely recognised myself with a mask on.'
I still can't believe they all survived.
So how did the boys get stuck? Like kids everywhere, sometimes teenagers do crazy things.
Of course, the kids weren't crazy but that one little excursion sure caused a heap of trouble. The team went into Tham Luang caves on June 23, 2018, to perform some sort of initiation ceremony.
Torrential rains caused flooding, which trapped them all.
Two British divers found them nine days later. There were discussions about leaving them inside until the flooding had receded.
But that would take months and there was no certainty the group would survive for that long, even with the supplies the military was preparing to bring in.
One of the led divers came up wit the idea to sedate them with anaesthetic drugs before rescuers before rescuers like Dr. Challen, and his Australian cave diving mate, Dr Richard Harris, guided the boys out.
Not only were they trapped four kilometres inside, but there some extremely narrow 'choke points', including a 38 centimetre-wide hole, (about three times smaller than a standard car windshield), that they would have to squeeze through.
And of course, the whole rescue would have to be done in the dark.
'As I sit here today, I still just can't believe that they all survived,' Dr. Challen says.
'We fully expected casualties.
I can't emphasise how dangerous it was.
The only thing that drove us to do this rescue was the fact that if they stay in the cave, we were convinced they were going to die anyway, and it was going to be pretty horrible and extended death.'
'They were laughing and joking and acting like idiots...'
What do 12 boys and their coach look like when you finally get to the cave where they are trapped four kilometres undergound? Well, surprisingly normal.
'By the time we saw them, they'd been fed. But the first nine days, they had nothing to eat at all. So they'd obviously lost some weight, And I was expecting them to be in a lot poorer condition,' Dr Challen says.
'But they looked pretty good. They looked like healthy, happy kids.
They were laughing and and joking and acting like idiots - like teenage boys are supposed to be doing.up for this adventure.'
Right through this thing, we never saw any tears or trembling lips, or any indication that these kids weren't up for this adventure.'
Why was it best not to meet the parents?
Dr Challen was glad to have no interaction whatsoever with the boy's families.
'The last thing we needed, which could have only clouded our judgement was to be dealing with a whole load of distressed parents,' he says.
God knows what it's like to realise that the world wants you to think of away to get a whole soccer team back up to the surface.
But there was nothing about the task that seemed to phase our WA vet.
Any heroes here?
Anyone who thinks they're a hero, put your hand up now.
Dr Challen's hand will be firmly stuck down his side. It won't move an inch.
Does he think he did anything extraordinary? Nope.
Was it dangerous? Not really.
But does being labelled a hero have the odd perk? Sure does.
'We didn't feel like heroes. We were just some dudes with an unusual hobby that were interested in cave diving rescue,' Dr Challen says.
'I just suck it up, I guess. It's not all that bad. Everybody's nice to me at all times now.'
It's still the best debriefing technique I know.
So how do Aussies celebrate a job well done?
In the time honoured way , of course.
They crack a tinnie.
Even though it was a government mission, some bright spark managed to come up with the important goods - a carton of beer, Thanks god.
'Because it was a government mission, it was a dry mission.' Dr Challen says.
"but some people from the government who shall remain nameless, managed to to lay their hands on some of the essential supplies.
'I can't remember what kind it was. It didn't matter.
When something like that is over, you just want to sit back and crack a tinnie and enjoy the moment with your mates.
It is still the best debriefing technique I know of.'
It was a good news story the media always loves. Words like miracle - in big black headlines - were splashed across every front page.
Rescue of the century was the phrase every US TV anchor loved to roll their tongue around. But the line that best sums up the rescue came from the head of the joint command centre co-ordinating the the operation. Narongsak Osatanakorn.
Simple but oh so true: 'Today Thai people, team Thailand, achieved mission impossible.'
How that cave changed my life too ...
The rescue changed everything for the boys and their coach but it did much, much more than that too.
Of course, those rescued got to live.
But the rescuer also got to live differently.
Dr. Challen was 53 when the rescue happened. He thought he knew lots about all sorts of things as you do in middle age.
Little did he know.
He described what happened to him after the rescue in soft tones. Put simply he grew. He learned to look at life in a completely new way.
'You get to that stage where you're sort of confident in your own little world, and you think you know a lot about how the world works,' Dr Challen says.
'You have your friends and acquaintances, and people that you meet through work and your adventures and hobbies, and that sort of thing. And then, all of a sudden, you have your paradigm shift and your horizons expanded.'
Simply because he's gotten to meet all kinds of people, as he puts it.
He's learned, 'everybody has their own story and everybody's got something to offer.'
'When I walk into a room and I'm meeting a whole load of people, I just think every single person in here knows something that I don't,' he says.
'The ideal would be if I could extract one bit of information or a novel view from everybody in this room, then how much of a better off person would I be by the time I walked back out of it?'
'And that's what I always try to do."
But there's one thing that still drives him nuts...
It's one of the hoo-hahs about how we are handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Sure it's challenging. Sure it's fast moving. Of course, it's had it moments. But really ... Dr Challen says he's felt perplexed and puzzled about how the world has struggled to cope.
It's as if we've never faced uncertainty before.
Dr Challen has a simple way of looking at things like that and trying to get them t make sense.
He uses three words to explain his frustration at how we have coped.
The three words are: Life is Uncertain.
'Many people are reacting to this pandemic like it's the first time they've ever faced uncertainty in their life,' Dr Challen says.
'And I try and get this message to people that uncertainty is life. We do not know what is going to happen.
Everybody has management strategies to try and reduce uncertainty or predict the future somewhat. But this has entered the public discourse in a very dangerous way of projecting this notion that we can eliminate uncertainty.
What we need to be doing is teaching ourselves and everybody else in society, how to manage this uncertainty and instead of trying to eliminate all the bad things that are going to happen, ... learn how to develop contingency plans so that you've got your bases covered.'
From: We didn't feel like Hero's, Christiane Barro, The New Daily, July 2021.
Life
While looking for some thoughts from different sources in these difficult times, these words perhaps give us a different perspective on our current life situation - many and varied as that may be, across our lives and community.
--------------------
" Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realise it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is a mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it!"
Mother Teresa
------------------------------------------------
A Fishing lesson in the Bible
“He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s.” (Luke 5:3 NKJV)
Lesson one: Invite Jesus into your boat. That’s the starting point! Always!
Nothing has greater influence on your personal success than whether or not you have Jesus Christ in your life. By himself, Peter fished all night and caught nothing. But when he brought Jesus on board, he caught more fish than he had ever caught before.
Now, Jesus never performed a miracle without a purpose. He always used His miracles to illustrate principles. So this incident teaches you what to do when you’ve failed, or when your best is not good enough.
For Peter, his boat represented his livelihood. When you’re a fisherman, your boat is your business! It’s significant that Peter invited Jesus into his business, and Jesus used it as a platform for his ministry. Are you willing to do what Peter did? He’ll bless anything you give Him. If you give Him all your life, He will bless all of it. But if you give Him just part of it, He will bless just that one part.
Here’s another thought: Having Jesus in your boat eliminates the fear of failure and reduces your worries about the results. When Peter made Jesus his fishing partner, the results were incredible.
But don’t miss the sequence.
First, Peter used his boat for Jesus’ purposes. Then Jesus blessed Peter’s boat and used it to take care of all Peter’s needs.
Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Mathew 6:33 NLT).
Did you get that? “Everything you need.”
Reference: https://www.christianshortsermons.com
“He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s.” (Luke 5:3 NKJV)
Lesson one: Invite Jesus into your boat. That’s the starting point! Always!
Nothing has greater influence on your personal success than whether or not you have Jesus Christ in your life. By himself, Peter fished all night and caught nothing. But when he brought Jesus on board, he caught more fish than he had ever caught before.
Now, Jesus never performed a miracle without a purpose. He always used His miracles to illustrate principles. So this incident teaches you what to do when you’ve failed, or when your best is not good enough.
For Peter, his boat represented his livelihood. When you’re a fisherman, your boat is your business! It’s significant that Peter invited Jesus into his business, and Jesus used it as a platform for his ministry. Are you willing to do what Peter did? He’ll bless anything you give Him. If you give Him all your life, He will bless all of it. But if you give Him just part of it, He will bless just that one part.
Here’s another thought: Having Jesus in your boat eliminates the fear of failure and reduces your worries about the results. When Peter made Jesus his fishing partner, the results were incredible.
But don’t miss the sequence.
First, Peter used his boat for Jesus’ purposes. Then Jesus blessed Peter’s boat and used it to take care of all Peter’s needs.
Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Mathew 6:33 NLT).
Did you get that? “Everything you need.”
Reference: https://www.christianshortsermons.com
Why it is important to be kind - always?
Being kind is a decision we all make every day. It's easy to snap at someone or to put them down (in words or in your mind) if they annoy you.
It takes discipline to 'look for the good' in that person.
I once had someone say to me 'be kind to everyone you meet... because you never know what that person is going through today'.
Someone cuts you up on the freeway? Maybe they're distracted because their child is sick.
Someone says something sarcastic and hurtful? Maybe they're grieving and are lashing out because they are feeling hurt about their loss.
Acts of affection, goodwill, consideration, and thoughtfulness don't cost us anything and can change someone's day for the better. Don't act as they would, choose your own response and be kind!
Let's all remind ourselves that kindness can make the world a better place;
'Do unto others what you would have them do unto you'.
Inspirational Words of Wisdom www.wow4u.com
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The Guest House.
This being human is a guest house.
every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture, still,
treat each guest honourably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the
malice, meet them at the door
laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Reference: Jalal Al-Din Rumi (1207-1273)
Translated by Coleman Barks
This being human is a guest house.
every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture, still,
treat each guest honourably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the
malice, meet them at the door
laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Reference: Jalal Al-Din Rumi (1207-1273)
Translated by Coleman Barks
Three Blind Mice, Three Blind Mice, see how they run… – were it that simple!
You may have missed reading the May, 2021 edition of the Frontier News, the Frontier Services newsletter.
This edition opens with a message from Jannine Jackson, the National Director and I quote from it.
“First the brutal drought. Then the fire ravages of the bushfires, followed by the fear and uncertainty of Covid. And now the flood waters. There’s only so much the human spirit can take!”
“Across eastern Australia, there is another disaster in full swing: a mouse plague of biblical proportions.
Earlier today, one of my team members was briefing me on the latest developments in Coonamble in NSW.
It’s just one example of many outback communities reeling from this grim plague.
Folks in this corner of our country are trying to rebuild from the worst drought in Australia’s recorded history. They were celebrating their first good season in years, and now their harvest has been ruined by mice.
The stories our Chaplains and our farming families are sharing with us are shocking. Mouse droppings in kitchen drawers, in children’s toy boxes and (dead mice), rotting atop water tanks. Stock food destroyed. Houses damaged because mice are eating away concrete foundations!
One farmer estimates he has killed 35,000 mice in the past 10 weeks.
The stench is said to be unbearable, and the associated health risks are alarming.”
“Outback communities like these were already struggling financially and emotionally. Now, many are overrun with mice – and overwhelmed by the mammoth task ahead.
But there is hope. And that hope springs from the support of people like you.”
You too, can help these people in their isolation, and it is not just about the losses on their properties, but the mental stress experienced by those on the land, and also people in their local communities.
Begin by supporting them in your prayers, and you can also donate funds to help these families.
Have a look at the website at www.frontierservices.org
Reference: Jannine Jackson, National Director, Frontier Services, Frontier News p.2, May 2021
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Credo - an excerpt
Mix a little shake of laughter in the doings of the day,
Scatter golden bits of sunshine as you plod along the way,
Stop to cheer a fellow human that's a bit worse off than you--
Help him climb the pesky ladder that you find so hard to do;
Show by every daily motive, every thought and every deed--
You are one that folks can turn to when they find themselves in need;
Just forget the rugged places—make believe they're slick and smooth;
When you spot the troubled faces, pull a grin and try to soothe;
Roy Neal Hinkel was an American television correspondent for NBC News.
An aerospace specialist, he reported live on the Apollo 11 landing.
Mix a little shake of laughter in the doings of the day,
Scatter golden bits of sunshine as you plod along the way,
Stop to cheer a fellow human that's a bit worse off than you--
Help him climb the pesky ladder that you find so hard to do;
Show by every daily motive, every thought and every deed--
You are one that folks can turn to when they find themselves in need;
Just forget the rugged places—make believe they're slick and smooth;
When you spot the troubled faces, pull a grin and try to soothe;
Roy Neal Hinkel was an American television correspondent for NBC News.
An aerospace specialist, he reported live on the Apollo 11 landing.
- Born: May 30, 1921, Died: August 15, 2003
THE GOOD SHEPHERD - John 10:1-18
Many of the Old Testament heroes were shepherds (‘pastors’ in Latin) -Abraham, Moses and David to name a few.
Unlike our modern day graziers with flocks of hundreds of sheep controlled by horsemen or sheepdogs, shepherds of Jesus’ time would normally have had very small flocks. Each animal would know the shepherd and his call and would follow him rather than being driven by him. At night they would all rest in a sheepfold or cave where the shepherd would sleep across the entrance to protect the flock from thieves or predators.
Jesus used this as a metaphor to describe his role. Like a shepherd he leads us. He does not drive us or compel us. His leadership is one of service; setting an example for all leaders to serve the people they lead.
Jesus is the gate or door protecting us from harm.
He cares for us and never will abandon us. He ensures we have life to the full. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for us.
Like sheep we have all gone astray but so great is his love for us he suffered death that we might live with him forever.
Win Howard
Many of the Old Testament heroes were shepherds (‘pastors’ in Latin) -Abraham, Moses and David to name a few.
Unlike our modern day graziers with flocks of hundreds of sheep controlled by horsemen or sheepdogs, shepherds of Jesus’ time would normally have had very small flocks. Each animal would know the shepherd and his call and would follow him rather than being driven by him. At night they would all rest in a sheepfold or cave where the shepherd would sleep across the entrance to protect the flock from thieves or predators.
Jesus used this as a metaphor to describe his role. Like a shepherd he leads us. He does not drive us or compel us. His leadership is one of service; setting an example for all leaders to serve the people they lead.
Jesus is the gate or door protecting us from harm.
He cares for us and never will abandon us. He ensures we have life to the full. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for us.
Like sheep we have all gone astray but so great is his love for us he suffered death that we might live with him forever.
Win Howard
EASTER SUNDAY John 20:1-18
Belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus is absolutely fundamental for Christians.
Yet for some it is a doubtful or difficult concept.
Initially the disciples of Jesus could not believe it either.
But the many appearances of the risen Christ to them and others over a forty-day period convinced them otherwise. Indeed, the proof that Jesus had risen from the dead must have given them tremendous confidence in spreading the Gospel message as they did.
For us it is more difficult. Unlike them we have not physically met the risen Christ. The people at Corinth had the same difficulty and Paul deals with this in chapter 15 of his first letter to them. It really comes down to straightforward logic. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then death is final and not even Christ was raised. Our preaching is useless and so is our faith and our Gospel is false. If Christ has been raised then resurrection is possible and death can be overcome.
We too can anticipate our own resurrection and eternal life with God.
This day, the most important in the Christian calendar, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and by God’s grace, the hope of our own.
Christ is risen indeed! Hallelujah!
Win Howard.
Belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus is absolutely fundamental for Christians.
Yet for some it is a doubtful or difficult concept.
Initially the disciples of Jesus could not believe it either.
But the many appearances of the risen Christ to them and others over a forty-day period convinced them otherwise. Indeed, the proof that Jesus had risen from the dead must have given them tremendous confidence in spreading the Gospel message as they did.
For us it is more difficult. Unlike them we have not physically met the risen Christ. The people at Corinth had the same difficulty and Paul deals with this in chapter 15 of his first letter to them. It really comes down to straightforward logic. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then death is final and not even Christ was raised. Our preaching is useless and so is our faith and our Gospel is false. If Christ has been raised then resurrection is possible and death can be overcome.
We too can anticipate our own resurrection and eternal life with God.
This day, the most important in the Christian calendar, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and by God’s grace, the hope of our own.
Christ is risen indeed! Hallelujah!
Win Howard.
JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH (John 12:20-33)
Arriving in Jerusalem for the last time Jesus tells his disciples the shortest of all parables.
A grain of wheat never produces more grain until it falls to the ground and dies.
Jesus was predicting his own death as being necessary for his ministry to succeed.
The death of the Son of God would result in the salvation of many.
Some Greek converts to Judaism were visiting Jerusalem for the Passover festivities and were keen to meet
Jesus. Their interest might have provided Jesus with an opportunity to return with them to Greece and thus
avoid the agony and horror of the death he knew was awaiting him.
Though his heart was troubled he rejected praying to God for deliverance.
If Jesus had yielded to the temptation of avoiding the Cross there would have been no resurrection and both he and his message would likely only be footnotes in history.
His teaching and example would have been lost and there would now be no Gospel of love, hope, forgiveness and
salvation. Jesus died that we might live.
Win Howard
------------------------------------------
WHY JESUS CAME (John 3:14-21)
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, sought a late night talk with Jesus. Jesus told him God so loved the people of this world he sent his only Son to live among them -not to condemn them for their misdeeds, but to save them.
All they had to do was to be born again -a concept Nicodemus completely misunderstood.
Jesus explained the rebirth of which he spoke was obviously not physical.
It meant a complete change of direction in people's lives, attitudes and relationships.
People could choose to believe by placing their absolute faith and trust in him.
This includes believing all that he stands for, and his promise of eternal life with God.
Because God loves us, whoever we are or whatever we have done, we are saved by God if only we believe. This is the good news -what we call the Gospel. If we don't believe we condemn ourselves.
Win Howard
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, sought a late night talk with Jesus. Jesus told him God so loved the people of this world he sent his only Son to live among them -not to condemn them for their misdeeds, but to save them.
All they had to do was to be born again -a concept Nicodemus completely misunderstood.
Jesus explained the rebirth of which he spoke was obviously not physical.
It meant a complete change of direction in people's lives, attitudes and relationships.
People could choose to believe by placing their absolute faith and trust in him.
This includes believing all that he stands for, and his promise of eternal life with God.
Because God loves us, whoever we are or whatever we have done, we are saved by God if only we believe. This is the good news -what we call the Gospel. If we don't believe we condemn ourselves.
Win Howard
Balance In Life
MARK 6:31 NIV 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Balance is a difficult thing to achieve in this fast-paced life.
Success usually requires discipline, a large commitment of time, and a lot of hard work.
But sometimes what's needed is to take a vacation!
Taking a trip is not always necessary, but taking a break from your normal routine is.
You need time to think, and time to listen to what God is saying to you - as well as physical rest. Without taking time to "recharge your batteries" you will never be your best.
People who face relentless responsibilities, such as pastors, mothers of young children, care givers, and owners of small businesses, especially need an occasional break.
(Be creative. It doesn't have to be expensive.)
We want to lead productive lives and be fruitful in our walk with the Lord, but we cannot take the place of God. We cannot do everything. We are not God.
Burning out is not a good witness for the Lord, as it makes Him look like a hard taskmaster.
Humans require rest. To continue to be healthy and productive for many years, we must live a balanced life which includes rest and taking time off. Jesus, after his baptism by John the Baptist, went into the wilderness to pray – he sought quiet places on numerous other occasions.
Always keep the big picture in mind.
Pray for God to help you achieve balance in your life.
Reference: www.adevotion.org
MARK 6:31 NIV 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Balance is a difficult thing to achieve in this fast-paced life.
Success usually requires discipline, a large commitment of time, and a lot of hard work.
But sometimes what's needed is to take a vacation!
Taking a trip is not always necessary, but taking a break from your normal routine is.
You need time to think, and time to listen to what God is saying to you - as well as physical rest. Without taking time to "recharge your batteries" you will never be your best.
People who face relentless responsibilities, such as pastors, mothers of young children, care givers, and owners of small businesses, especially need an occasional break.
(Be creative. It doesn't have to be expensive.)
We want to lead productive lives and be fruitful in our walk with the Lord, but we cannot take the place of God. We cannot do everything. We are not God.
Burning out is not a good witness for the Lord, as it makes Him look like a hard taskmaster.
Humans require rest. To continue to be healthy and productive for many years, we must live a balanced life which includes rest and taking time off. Jesus, after his baptism by John the Baptist, went into the wilderness to pray – he sought quiet places on numerous other occasions.
Always keep the big picture in mind.
Pray for God to help you achieve balance in your life.
Reference: www.adevotion.org
LISTEN TO HIM (Mark 9:2-9)
Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, up a high mountain in the far north of the country. There they witnessed an incredible sight. Dazzling light radiated from Jesus' person and clothing.
Two other figures appeared talking with Jesus. The disciples identified them as Moses and Elijah. A cloud enveloped them all and a voice said, "This is my Son whom I love. Listen to him". The disciples were terrified, Peter babbling about building shelters. Then it was all over and they were alone with Jesus.
All the Gospels report this story except John, where there is a brief reference to Jesus being seen in all his glory (John 1:14). A few days beforehand Peter had said he thought Jesus was the Christ. Now there could be no doubt whatever in their minds about who Jesus really was.
We may yearn at times for a mountain top experience confirming God's presence in our lives and feel our faith is lacking if it doesn't happen. Then again we may be able to recall events where we felt sure God was right there with us. As his disciples we must trust him, love him and listen to him, relying on his assurance that each of us will be changed, forgiven and forever be in his presence.
Win Howard. Feb 2021
-------------------
Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, up a high mountain in the far north of the country. There they witnessed an incredible sight. Dazzling light radiated from Jesus' person and clothing.
Two other figures appeared talking with Jesus. The disciples identified them as Moses and Elijah. A cloud enveloped them all and a voice said, "This is my Son whom I love. Listen to him". The disciples were terrified, Peter babbling about building shelters. Then it was all over and they were alone with Jesus.
All the Gospels report this story except John, where there is a brief reference to Jesus being seen in all his glory (John 1:14). A few days beforehand Peter had said he thought Jesus was the Christ. Now there could be no doubt whatever in their minds about who Jesus really was.
We may yearn at times for a mountain top experience confirming God's presence in our lives and feel our faith is lacking if it doesn't happen. Then again we may be able to recall events where we felt sure God was right there with us. As his disciples we must trust him, love him and listen to him, relying on his assurance that each of us will be changed, forgiven and forever be in his presence.
Win Howard. Feb 2021
-------------------
Is there a lesson here for all of us?
As In this anonymous poem, some people have learnt to face challenges without fear. However, we are reminded that there are many, especially the young, for whom we can, throughout our life, build bridges to help those with challenges and to overcome fear.
Early Christians worked to remove barriers, in the way of people, to know Jesus.
Today we need to build bridges, and also go out and journey with people, as Jesus did.
Let’s build bridges of friendship and dialogue.
----------------------
The Bridge Builder
by Anonymous
An old man going a lone highway,
Came, at the evening cold and grey,
To a chasm vast and deep and wide,
The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side
And built a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim near,
"You are wasting your strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day,
Yon never again will pass this way;
You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build this bridge at evening tide?"
The builder lifted his old grey head;
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followed after me to-day
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been as naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!"
FISHERS OF MEN (Mark 1:14-20)
Jesus had commenced his ministry, proclaiming the good news that God's kingdom was near.
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee where a thriving fishing industry functioned, he met two sets of brothers busy fishing. He called them to follow him. They immediately dropped what they were doing and did so.
Perhaps it was not quite so sudden. Andrew and his brother Peter were already followers of John the Baptist who had identified Jesus as the Messiah. James and his brother John may also have previously heard Jesus speak. They did not ask to be called. They had no special talents or experience. They embarked on a risky and uncertain future leaving families, homes and businesses behind.
As followers of Jesus we too are called to speak and act in proclaiming his good news.
Like the rich young man (Mk.10:21,22) we are free to say no, but what then is our reason for being? How do we love God with all our being if we do not obey his call?
Win Howard - Jan 2021
----------------------
A New Year Prayer
THE WORD WAS GOD (John 1:1-18)
No one has ever seen God but John tells us much about him.
Being eternal, God has always existed and had no beginning. He is the Creator of all things and his Spirit was present at the Creation. He is the source of all life, both physical and spiritual, life that is our light and hope.
In the person of Jesus, he chose to be part of this world he had created, becoming fully human as well as fully divine. Most did not believe him and rejected him. But to those who do believe him he gives the right to become his children, spiritually re-born.
Out of love for us, he came to teach us how to live. He died for us and by his grace offers to save us.
An offer open to each of us, not because of any good we may have done, but because we have placed our belief and trust absolutely in him.
Win Howard - Jan 2021
-------------------------------
Perspectives of Christmas -1
We hear a lot about keeping Christ in Christmas.
I was in a different church from usual and found myself sitting beside a beautiful nativity scene. From a side-on position, I could see, lying behind the stable, neglected and with arms reaching up, Baby Jesus! The little manger was empty.
I wondered if the minister had hidden it there or if it been some childish mischief. If I put it back, would I be spoiling some surprise the minister had set up?
In the end I picked it up and, with a silent prayer of thanks, I laid him in the manger.
The minister saw me and said,’ Ah, I was wondering where our Lord was.’
When it comes to keeping Christ in Christmas, it is not a case of railing against a secular society. It is much more of an individual, personal thing.
Do it for you, and for him. Keep the Lord in your heart and he will always be in Christmas.
Perspectives of Christmas -2
Christmas, in a way, makes no sense.
It’s a mix of traditions any reasoning man can pick apart and scoff at (if he had a heart of stone).
It’s the nonsensical alongside the wonderful, the frivolous beside the deeply spiritual.
If we were to concern ourselves with the reason why we did the anything, we would do half as much – if that – of the things we traditionally do.
But, if it brings people together, if it adds to the joy of the world, does it really need to stand serious enquiry?
As the American author Madeleine L’Engle once wrote, ‘Had Mary been filled with reason, there’d be no room for the child.’
Allow yourself the nonsense, the fun; blend as many traditions as you like if it increases the love
- but, always, remember the child.
From The Friendship Book 2020
-------------------------------------
The Puddle.
Mandy looked at the puddle, wondering how to get across it. She wiped rain from her eyelashes and looked up.
A little boy looked out of a bus window. He smiled – the kind of innocent smile that goes straight to the heart – and waved.
‘In that moment,’ she told me, ‘I wasn’t just someone getting soaked. I was part of something. A family. Something bigger, perhaps.
I stepped into that puddle wearing his smile. And I didn’t mind!’ - From The Friendship Book, 2020
In Mark’s Gospel 4:35-41 we are told the story of the sea being whipped up and seemingly dangerous, even to the fisherman among his followers on the boat.
Jesus quietened the waves and then rebuked the men for not having Faith even after a long time with Him learning of His teachings.
In verse 40 Mark wrote: He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Our little story at the beginning can be likened to this gospel story.
Give guidance, re-assurance, even encouragement to a stranger, through the simple, friendly act of a smile or a wave.
You may never know, but your simple actions could well lead to someone taking that step of ‘Faith.’
-----------------------------------
Mandy looked at the puddle, wondering how to get across it. She wiped rain from her eyelashes and looked up.
A little boy looked out of a bus window. He smiled – the kind of innocent smile that goes straight to the heart – and waved.
‘In that moment,’ she told me, ‘I wasn’t just someone getting soaked. I was part of something. A family. Something bigger, perhaps.
I stepped into that puddle wearing his smile. And I didn’t mind!’ - From The Friendship Book, 2020
In Mark’s Gospel 4:35-41 we are told the story of the sea being whipped up and seemingly dangerous, even to the fisherman among his followers on the boat.
Jesus quietened the waves and then rebuked the men for not having Faith even after a long time with Him learning of His teachings.
In verse 40 Mark wrote: He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Our little story at the beginning can be likened to this gospel story.
Give guidance, re-assurance, even encouragement to a stranger, through the simple, friendly act of a smile or a wave.
You may never know, but your simple actions could well lead to someone taking that step of ‘Faith.’
-----------------------------------
TALENTS (Matthew 25:14-30)
Describing God's kingdom, Jesus told the story of a rich man leaving on a journey. The man entrusted his three servants with huge sums of money for investment while he was away. Upon his return he found two of his servants had doubled the original amounts he had given them and so he congratulated and promoted them both. The third servant however had buried the sum he received in the ground and returned it intact rather than run the risk of losing it from investment. His master berated him for his laziness and dismissed him, pointing out he should at least have banked it and earned interest upon it.
In the story the sums of money are called talents. A talent was a measure of weight equal to about 36 kilograms and also described a quantity of silver of that weight. In value that much silver would have amounted to the entire earnings of a worker over a period of about twenty years. Since Jesus told the story however, a talent in our language has come to include a natural ability or skill possessed by a person. For us, this adds greatly to the significance of the message Jesus gave his disciples.
Jesus’ message is this -all we have is entrusted to us by God as gifts to be applied by us in his service. This includes our material wealth and possessions as well as the abilities, skills and spiritual gifts we were born with or subsequently acquire.Failure to use these God-given gifts through lack of faith, laziness, fear of the risks that might be involved, or any other excuse, can only result in loss, waste and disappointment.
Win Howard
_________________
BE PREPARED (Matthew 25:1-13)
Jesus in this parable likens an important aspect of God's kingdom to a situation that might arise at a Jewish wedding. No less than ten bridesmaids had to wait for the bridegroom to arrive and then escort him to the wedding.
He did not arrive until after midnight and only five of them had sufficient oil in their lamps to enable them to provide the escort. By the time the other five acquired oil they arrived late and were excluded from the ceremony.
The wedding symbolises God's kingdom; the bridegroom is Christ; the bridesmaids are us; the lamps are our lives; and the oil is the Holy Spirit.
The message is that unless we keep our lives filled with the Holy Spirit enabling us to accompany Christ to his kingdom, we face exclusion.
Becoming a disciple of Christ is not just a single occurrence. It is an ongoing and continuous journey. Are we keeping our lamps filled with oil or are we allowing them to go out? We do not know the day or hour of Christ's return which might be at any moment. Are we ready?
Win Howard
_____________________
LAW OR LOVE (Matthew 23:1-12)
The Pharisees were respected for their meticulous observance of the Law of Moses and the Oral Tradition which accompanied it. They were intensely proud of their efforts and encouraged everyone to follow their example - an almost impossible task for most to achieve.
Jesus had a very different view of their behaviour as can be seen from the remainder of Matthew 23. He was offended by their self-importance and their legalistic interpretation of the law without regard to its spirit or intent or the need for justice and mercy. For Jesus all the law was covered by just two commandments - love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love one another as yourself.
Jesus condemned the arrogant and self-righteous attitude of the Pharisees. Their primary motivation was receiving praise and prestige rather than offering sincere love and humble service.
There is here a lesson for us all. It is so easy to be seduced by status, honour and recognition and be deluded into thinking we are better than we are.
Win Howard
Perhaps you might list caring, compassion, integrity, trust , love, giving and so on.
You might list 'Faith'.
As a Christian, you might live your life trying to follow Jesus's teaching.
In Mathew 5:16, 'Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven'.
In living our core values this week, let us look at INTEGRITY and you might like to read and think about it. But first, a prayer:
Loving God, give me a pure heart. Help me to do the things I should. Give me light and integrity (honesty and good moral principles), that I may be your presence in the world.
You might like to read Philippians 4:8 - you could Google it on your computer or phone.
Confucius said: 'the strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the individual and the family.'
What role has integrity played in your life?
How do you think others view your integrity?
What behaviour would change in you, if this value was lived more deeply?
Who is a person you know who exemplifies integrity? How does he/she do this ?
Do you know someone lacking integrity?
May you see the face of Christ, in everyone you meet,
May everyone you meet, see the face of Christ in you.
______________________
What did you say?
--------------------------
Why did God allow the Cornonavirus to happen?
COVID-19 has been compared to other pandemics throughout history, and when there is a deadly, or life threatening event of any kind, which affects one family, a community, or the global population, there are many who ask - Why did God let this happen?
Recently a lady I know was having a clean-up, (as so many of us have in a time of isolation!), and she found an article which is the focus of this week's reflection.
I hope you have also read last week’s Reflection, (below), which basically asks a similar question of you during this COVID-19 global pandemic. Any response is likely to go way beyond the fact that the virus is extremely contagious, that many people around the world have contracted the virus, and a large number of people have died.
What follows may offer some deeper thoughts. The words are from the daughter of a person with a name, that we as Christians, are familiar with. Whilst it is not about a pandemic, can we draw some comparisons?
What do you think? Please put your thoughts into our CHAT section on this website. It is inspiring and challenging to discuss our differing views. After all, politically, economically and socially around the world, there are different approaches and opinions on how to deal with – live with – this pandemic way of life.
------------------------
“Why did God allow the September 11 crisis to happen? (2001)
Finally, the Truth - on National TV (USA). Billy Graham’s daughter was being interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her,
‘How could God let something like this happen?’ regarding 9-11-01...
Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.
She said, ‘I believe that God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman that He is, I believe that He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leaves us alone?’
I know there has been a lot of e-mails going around in regard to 9/11/2001, but this really makes you think. If you don’t have time, at least skim through it, but the bottom line is something to think about. In light of recent events …..terrorist attack, school shooting etc.
Let’s see. I think it started when Madeline Murray O’Hare (she was murdered, her body was found recently) complained she didn’t want any prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn’t spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock’s son committed suicide). And we said, an expert should know what he’s talking about so we said, OK.
Then, we said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in his school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don’t want any bad publicity, and we surely don’t want to be sued. (There’s a big difference between disciplining and touching, beating, smacking, humiliating, kicking etc.) and we said, OK.
Then some wise school board member said, since boys will be boys and they are going to do it anyway, let’s give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won’t have to tell their parents they got them at school. And we said, OK.
Then some of the top elected officials said it doesn’t matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. And agreeing with them, we said it doesn’t matter to me what anyone, including the President, does in private as long as I have a job and the economy is good.
And then someone said let’s print magazines with pictures of nude women and call it wholesome, down-to-earth appreciation of the female body. And we said, OK.
And then someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children and then stepped further still by making them available on the internet. And we said, OK, they are entitled to free speech.
And then the entertainment industry said lets make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence and illicit sex. And let’s record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide and satanic themes. And we said it’s just entertainment, it has no adverse effect and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead.
Now we are asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don’t know right from wrong, and why it doesn’t bother them to kill strangers, their classmates and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out.
I think it has a great deal with ‘WE REAP WHAT WE SOW’.
‘Dear God, why didn’t you save the little girl killed in her classroom?’
Sincerely, Concerned Student.
AND THE REPLY
‘Dear student. I’m not allowed in schools’.
Sincerely, God.
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world’s going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how someone can say, ‘I believe in God’’ but still follow satan, who, by the way also ‘believes’ in God.
Funny how we are quick to judge but not be judged. Funny how you can send a thousand ‘jokes’ through email and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass free through cyberspace, but the public discussion of God is suppressed in the school’s and workplace.
Funny how someone can be fired up for Christ on Sunday, but be an invisible Christian the rest of the week. Are you laughing? Funny how when you go to forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you’re not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it to them. Funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.
Are you thinking?
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then discard it.… no one will know that you did. But, if you discard this thought process, then don’t sit back and complain about what a bad shape the world is in!”
End note:
We see two views widely expressed in most of media:
One: The pandemic has brought people closer together. Yes, we are all in the same boat! And yes, people are bound together by feelings of love, compassion, admiration, justice and other positive feelings, but at the same time, there are feelings of hate, fear, blame, racism, aggression, injustice, jealousy, loathing –and the list goes on….. Hopefully we have learnt a lot, despite the negative aspects.
Hopefully God’s love and the Jesus story may reach people who otherwise may never have found ‘the Good News’, who may never have been into a church – when their doors were open. Apparently, visits to websites on prayer and meditation have increased greatly in COVID times.
The second thing I’ve noticed is the increase in ‘story telling’ during this time. With any sort of mental health problems, storytelling seems one way of working through the problem to improve one’s wellbeing. I have noticed that advertised access to storytelling sessions on offer, seem to have increased recently. Have you any storytelling experiences from a Christian perspective which could help in these times? We’d love to hear from you - so CHAT now!
----------------------------------
Describing God's kingdom, Jesus told the story of a rich man leaving on a journey. The man entrusted his three servants with huge sums of money for investment while he was away. Upon his return he found two of his servants had doubled the original amounts he had given them and so he congratulated and promoted them both. The third servant however had buried the sum he received in the ground and returned it intact rather than run the risk of losing it from investment. His master berated him for his laziness and dismissed him, pointing out he should at least have banked it and earned interest upon it.
In the story the sums of money are called talents. A talent was a measure of weight equal to about 36 kilograms and also described a quantity of silver of that weight. In value that much silver would have amounted to the entire earnings of a worker over a period of about twenty years. Since Jesus told the story however, a talent in our language has come to include a natural ability or skill possessed by a person. For us, this adds greatly to the significance of the message Jesus gave his disciples.
Jesus’ message is this -all we have is entrusted to us by God as gifts to be applied by us in his service. This includes our material wealth and possessions as well as the abilities, skills and spiritual gifts we were born with or subsequently acquire.Failure to use these God-given gifts through lack of faith, laziness, fear of the risks that might be involved, or any other excuse, can only result in loss, waste and disappointment.
Win Howard
_________________
BE PREPARED (Matthew 25:1-13)
Jesus in this parable likens an important aspect of God's kingdom to a situation that might arise at a Jewish wedding. No less than ten bridesmaids had to wait for the bridegroom to arrive and then escort him to the wedding.
He did not arrive until after midnight and only five of them had sufficient oil in their lamps to enable them to provide the escort. By the time the other five acquired oil they arrived late and were excluded from the ceremony.
The wedding symbolises God's kingdom; the bridegroom is Christ; the bridesmaids are us; the lamps are our lives; and the oil is the Holy Spirit.
The message is that unless we keep our lives filled with the Holy Spirit enabling us to accompany Christ to his kingdom, we face exclusion.
Becoming a disciple of Christ is not just a single occurrence. It is an ongoing and continuous journey. Are we keeping our lamps filled with oil or are we allowing them to go out? We do not know the day or hour of Christ's return which might be at any moment. Are we ready?
Win Howard
_____________________
LAW OR LOVE (Matthew 23:1-12)
The Pharisees were respected for their meticulous observance of the Law of Moses and the Oral Tradition which accompanied it. They were intensely proud of their efforts and encouraged everyone to follow their example - an almost impossible task for most to achieve.
Jesus had a very different view of their behaviour as can be seen from the remainder of Matthew 23. He was offended by their self-importance and their legalistic interpretation of the law without regard to its spirit or intent or the need for justice and mercy. For Jesus all the law was covered by just two commandments - love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love one another as yourself.
Jesus condemned the arrogant and self-righteous attitude of the Pharisees. Their primary motivation was receiving praise and prestige rather than offering sincere love and humble service.
There is here a lesson for us all. It is so easy to be seduced by status, honour and recognition and be deluded into thinking we are better than we are.
Win Howard
- =================================================
- Living your Values
Perhaps you might list caring, compassion, integrity, trust , love, giving and so on.
You might list 'Faith'.
As a Christian, you might live your life trying to follow Jesus's teaching.
In Mathew 5:16, 'Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven'.
In living our core values this week, let us look at INTEGRITY and you might like to read and think about it. But first, a prayer:
Loving God, give me a pure heart. Help me to do the things I should. Give me light and integrity (honesty and good moral principles), that I may be your presence in the world.
You might like to read Philippians 4:8 - you could Google it on your computer or phone.
Confucius said: 'the strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the individual and the family.'
What role has integrity played in your life?
How do you think others view your integrity?
What behaviour would change in you, if this value was lived more deeply?
Who is a person you know who exemplifies integrity? How does he/she do this ?
Do you know someone lacking integrity?
May you see the face of Christ, in everyone you meet,
May everyone you meet, see the face of Christ in you.
______________________
What did you say?
Recently I was reading about websites and came across the word ‘Christianese’. I wondered what this was and what is its relevance in today’s church.
Thinking on it, I have noticed that people of various Christian denominations, who attend church regularly, tend to use a ‘normal’ vocabulary throughout the week. However, when attending a church service or function, they resort to a specialised repertoire of words that are not easily understood by those outside the community of faith, or possibly a number of people in it, let alone any people new to church.
Christianese can mean any, or all, of these:
Christianese refers to words Christians use that the unsaved masses are not likely to understand. ie. Christian buzzwords. (‘Unsaved’ is an example of a term only Christians would understand).
Christianese – terms and jargon used within many branches and denominations of Christianity as a functional system of religious terminology. (see what I mean?)
Christianese – a language used in the Christian subculture and usually understood only by other members of that subculture.
A language developed by Christians, solely for the use of Christians.
It can also be referred to as ‘Church Speak’.
As Christian communicators, it’s important to avoid words and terms in our writing, our conversations and church services, that could be misunderstood, or fail to communicate in the desired way, because they only have meaning to those in the Christian subculture.
The point is that words really do matter. The New Testament was originally written in ‘Koine’ Greek, the everyday language of ordinary people, which indicates that ‘the greatest news in the world’ can be communicated without a complex specialised religious vocabulary.
But how many people feel like outsiders in Christian circles because they do not know the lingo? How many people are intimidated when walking through the doors of a church on a Sunday morning or at any time, (unless it is as a tourist looking at a Cathedral)? They already feel like an outsider, a stranger, without being confronted by a different ‘language’.
Is the use of Christianese an unintended, but quick way, to signal, ‘Yes, you are an outsider, and you do not fit in here’ or that ‘we use words here that you may find disturbing or mysterious’? Did Jesus say we had to use so much Christianese language?
Should we confuse or scare them with seemingly inappropriate words or ancient language?
Isn’t it our job as disciples to connect with others in the community and encourage them to find Jesus/God in their lives?
Some examples and interpretations from the references listed include:
Washed by the Blood / Saved by the Blood of the Lamb. Could anything sound more like a cult to an outsider than the mental image of people getting washed in sheep blood?
Body of Christ. Are you talking about Jesus’ physical body or an insider’s metaphor for the church?
Born again. How, ‘physically’ or?
It was the Lords will….when something fails. Is this an excuse for failure of ministry, personal irresponsibility, inaction or sin?
Behold the Blood, (Body) of Christ… What is this that is being served up?
To quote Paul Steinbrueck:
'To avoid Christianese does not mean to eliminate all talk of Christ. It means avoiding talking about Jesus in a way that people, including some current congregation members, would not understand. Christians tend to use ‘insider’ terms such as redemption, sanctification, salvation, liturgy and gospel. That’s fine if you are talking with believers but maybe too many people have been ‘switched off’ by these and similar terms.- Importantly, if we want to share God’s love with unchurched people, and to our congregation, if we want them to feel like they are welcome at our church, then we have to speak about Jesus and the Gospels, in ways they can understand, and relate to, in today’s world.'
References:- Wikipedia
- 12 Christianese Words and Phrases We Need to Explain, Brandon Hilgemann, 23 Aug 2016 (www.propreacher.com)
- Paul Steinbrueck (www.ourchurch.com)
- Church Speak, Strange Things People Say. Msgr Charles Pope, 3 Feb, 2016
- 17 Phrases that Indicate Your’re Fluent in Christianese. Barry Howard, 22 Feb., 2018,
- (www. goodfaithmedia.org)
- Ross Coomber, 16 August, 2020
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Why did God allow the Cornonavirus to happen?
COVID-19 has been compared to other pandemics throughout history, and when there is a deadly, or life threatening event of any kind, which affects one family, a community, or the global population, there are many who ask - Why did God let this happen?
Recently a lady I know was having a clean-up, (as so many of us have in a time of isolation!), and she found an article which is the focus of this week's reflection.
I hope you have also read last week’s Reflection, (below), which basically asks a similar question of you during this COVID-19 global pandemic. Any response is likely to go way beyond the fact that the virus is extremely contagious, that many people around the world have contracted the virus, and a large number of people have died.
What follows may offer some deeper thoughts. The words are from the daughter of a person with a name, that we as Christians, are familiar with. Whilst it is not about a pandemic, can we draw some comparisons?
What do you think? Please put your thoughts into our CHAT section on this website. It is inspiring and challenging to discuss our differing views. After all, politically, economically and socially around the world, there are different approaches and opinions on how to deal with – live with – this pandemic way of life.
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“Why did God allow the September 11 crisis to happen? (2001)
Finally, the Truth - on National TV (USA). Billy Graham’s daughter was being interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her,
‘How could God let something like this happen?’ regarding 9-11-01...
Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.
She said, ‘I believe that God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman that He is, I believe that He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leaves us alone?’
I know there has been a lot of e-mails going around in regard to 9/11/2001, but this really makes you think. If you don’t have time, at least skim through it, but the bottom line is something to think about. In light of recent events …..terrorist attack, school shooting etc.
Let’s see. I think it started when Madeline Murray O’Hare (she was murdered, her body was found recently) complained she didn’t want any prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn’t spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock’s son committed suicide). And we said, an expert should know what he’s talking about so we said, OK.
Then, we said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in his school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don’t want any bad publicity, and we surely don’t want to be sued. (There’s a big difference between disciplining and touching, beating, smacking, humiliating, kicking etc.) and we said, OK.
Then some wise school board member said, since boys will be boys and they are going to do it anyway, let’s give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won’t have to tell their parents they got them at school. And we said, OK.
Then some of the top elected officials said it doesn’t matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. And agreeing with them, we said it doesn’t matter to me what anyone, including the President, does in private as long as I have a job and the economy is good.
And then someone said let’s print magazines with pictures of nude women and call it wholesome, down-to-earth appreciation of the female body. And we said, OK.
And then someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children and then stepped further still by making them available on the internet. And we said, OK, they are entitled to free speech.
And then the entertainment industry said lets make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence and illicit sex. And let’s record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide and satanic themes. And we said it’s just entertainment, it has no adverse effect and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead.
Now we are asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don’t know right from wrong, and why it doesn’t bother them to kill strangers, their classmates and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out.
I think it has a great deal with ‘WE REAP WHAT WE SOW’.
‘Dear God, why didn’t you save the little girl killed in her classroom?’
Sincerely, Concerned Student.
AND THE REPLY
‘Dear student. I’m not allowed in schools’.
Sincerely, God.
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world’s going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how someone can say, ‘I believe in God’’ but still follow satan, who, by the way also ‘believes’ in God.
Funny how we are quick to judge but not be judged. Funny how you can send a thousand ‘jokes’ through email and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass free through cyberspace, but the public discussion of God is suppressed in the school’s and workplace.
Funny how someone can be fired up for Christ on Sunday, but be an invisible Christian the rest of the week. Are you laughing? Funny how when you go to forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you’re not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it to them. Funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.
Are you thinking?
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then discard it.… no one will know that you did. But, if you discard this thought process, then don’t sit back and complain about what a bad shape the world is in!”
End note:
We see two views widely expressed in most of media:
One: The pandemic has brought people closer together. Yes, we are all in the same boat! And yes, people are bound together by feelings of love, compassion, admiration, justice and other positive feelings, but at the same time, there are feelings of hate, fear, blame, racism, aggression, injustice, jealousy, loathing –and the list goes on….. Hopefully we have learnt a lot, despite the negative aspects.
Hopefully God’s love and the Jesus story may reach people who otherwise may never have found ‘the Good News’, who may never have been into a church – when their doors were open. Apparently, visits to websites on prayer and meditation have increased greatly in COVID times.
The second thing I’ve noticed is the increase in ‘story telling’ during this time. With any sort of mental health problems, storytelling seems one way of working through the problem to improve one’s wellbeing. I have noticed that advertised access to storytelling sessions on offer, seem to have increased recently. Have you any storytelling experiences from a Christian perspective which could help in these times? We’d love to hear from you - so CHAT now!
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- Is God in your Coronavirus world?
The last few months have been challenging, and we will all have our interpretations and personal stories, which we will tell in the years to come.
No doubt there will be a myriad of publications about this pandemic looking at a whole range of different perspectives.
In the recent Bible Society magazine, which I have been reading, there is mention of a new book by an Oxford mathematics professor, John Lennox, that is now available.
He writes how ‘the Christian worldview not only helps us make sense of it, but also offers us a sure and certain hope to cling to.’
The title of this book is: “Where is God in a Coronavirus World?”
Imagine you are having a discussion with friends about this, how would you answer the question?
Perhaps you would like to email, ‘Zoom’ or even meet with friends, if that is possible at this stage, and submit a summary to our Chat site of your shared ideas. Or you can write your own personal response to this question, on our Chat site.- ---------------------------