God is down to earth!

The message of the Christmas angels spoke of glory to God in the highest Heaven but also of his glory - expressed in peace and goodwill - on the lowest earth. God is not confined to a rarefied spiritual atmosphere beyond our comprehension. He is to be found in the rough and tumble world where we are, not remote or removed. He is with us and only a prayer away. He was revealed to humble shepherds and was born in a smelly stable. And if our hearts are open we may know his presence in the bustling supermarket or the crowded street. It is a sense of God's presence which can make the meaning of Christmas really come alive for us.

We might make the following our prayer: 'When our Christmas joy evaporates with the frustration of Christmas shopping and my holiday plans elaborate until I'm wrapped in the trappings and trapped in the wrappings, Lord untangle me; help me get the tinsel out of my hair refresh me with a look at the gift of your Son'.

No present like the time

It is said that there is no time like the present but also, there is no
present like the time! We might receive wealth or position but without
time they would be of little worth. The gift of time is not something
to be left under the tree but rather to be used wisely and well.
Compared with previous generations we have many time saving devices
but what do we do with the time which is saved? We should resolve to
spend it wisely, and the time to begin is now!

A culture of death?

AN announcement on Australian T-V news stated that the leading cause of death for both men and women under thirty five was suicide and it seems that this obtains in some of the richest countries. The tragedies of affluence abound. But why this waste . not least among young people with the potential to 'make it' in life?
I put it down to a lack of faith in the widest sense of the term. Many lose faith in themselves and in there being any meaning in this life and are ready to take their chance on the next world even if for them it represents nothing but oblivion.
People with a positive attitude or faith believe that the best is always yet to be. Life is not a bubble, empty and without significance. It is more like an egg, full of untold posibilities.
Life is to be affirmed and meant to be lived to the full believing that God loves us and thinks highly of us.

Live contact

No doubt recorded messages have their uses but sometimes I am frustrated when I phone a firm and receive a series of recorded answers to questions I never thought of asking anyway. I want to scream 'Let me talk to a live person to whom I can explain my individual need!' On many issues I am glad that by faith I can speak to God and be assured of his care and concern for me as an individual. I will not be fobbed of with a stock answer but will receive grace sufficient for my need.

Take courage

Courage is not the absence of fear but its conquest. Fears can come like poisoned darts and destroy our confidence but courage is fear that has said its prayers. In the Bible the phrase 'fear not' appears 366 times- once for every day in the year - even in a leap year. The peace of God can be like a sentinel guarding heart and mind. That is just what we need!

Knowing and not knowing

St John said that we know that we have passed from death to life but St Paul said that we only know in part. To know is not to know all. We can know enough to be able to live and move and have our being, physically and spiritually. But we should also know that there is much that we don't know. It is said that faith is a balance of knowing and not knowing. We may find satisfaction in knowing but humility in realizing that there is much that we cannot know or, in other words, mystery in life and death.

Talk 'n tucker

We live in a world of rushing and sometimes miss out on the blesings of a more human approach. I think of sharing a meal with a good friend and engaging in open conversation with a real person and compare that with the exasperation I feel when dealing with many dehumanised firms with recorded messages answering questions I never thought of asking.

Ideals and possibilities

It is good to have ideals and aims for which we strive but sometimes we have to come to terms with what is possible. This is not a perfect world and we are not perfect either. There are limits which we have to accept and beating ourselves up may not solve anything. The bible says that God knows our frame. He at least is reasonable. Without being overly soft on ourselves we can only do our best, leave the rest - and then be at rest.

I

No worries?

In all the English speaking coountries I have visited there have been characteristic catch phrases. For example, when I first came to Oz I was taken back when a 'check out chick' said "See ya later!'. Then there was "Good on ya" which sounded friendly and encouraging. But the phrase, "No worries" was one that stuck in my mind. Like most people I tend to worry at times - often about things which never happen anyway. Worry is the interest we pay on tomorrow's troubles and sometimes it is at a high rate. Jesus said not to worry. He also said that we should have faith and I try to do as I have been told.

One of those days?

Albert Orsborn - a former world leader of The Salvation Army - used to say that there are days when all God's angels seem to be flying in the wrong direction. Certainly, we all have times when everything is NOT going our way. For us the test is how we cope at such times. I find that my faith helps enormously. It does not make life trouble-free but it does make me free to deal with each day as it comes - living in day-tight compartments - without fretting over the past or fearing the future.

Finding what is lost

I don't make a habit of losing things but recently I lost my wallet/diary. It was a small thing but a big bother for apart from cash it included credit cards, driver's licence etc. I searched high and low retraced my steps to shops I had visited and so on. Then, when I got up the next morning it literally dropped at my feet! An answer to prayer, certainly! How it happened, another story.
Retrieving something we have lost is an enormous relief and may not always refer to material things. Recovering peace of mind or a clear conscience may take an enormous load off our shoulders and there too may involve both seeking and praying.

For this cause

During the civil war in China a communist was about to be executed by nationalist forces. He managed to tear the bandage from his eyes and, before his body was riddled with bullets, he shouted, "I'm dying for an ideal. What are you living for?" His words should certainly challenge us all. Some live to make money or further a career but have nothing that could be called a cause.
On trial before Pontius Pilate Jesus said, For this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into the world that I should bear witness to the truth" (John 18.37 NKJV)
I believe that our destiny is to make the cause of Jesus Christ our own. That will invest our lives with the meaning and significance it must otherwise lack.

History without tears

In a car a rear view mirror may be nearly as important as a windscreen! A backward glance can help to avoid past mistakes catching up on us. For a few years I have been involved in the Salvation Army Historical Society and we have been seeking to review the Army's past in order to improve its future. By innovative presentations we have sought to teach 'history without tears' and last evening saw a good crowd gather for such an event.
In our personal lives it may sometimes be good to look back before we go forward. That way we may avoid repeating past errors. To make a mistake once is human but to go on making the same mistake may be just plain daft!

An overload of news

We seem to suffer from an overload of news in these days. There are the recurring themes of the financial crisis, the flu epidemic, attacks by pirates, explosions in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan and so on. Good news rarely makes the front pages of the papers or the headlines on the telly and yet it is present in abundance and to keep a balanced view of life we should keep it in mind. In western countries most of us have plenty to eat and can sleep peacefully in our beds. There are plenty of people ready to do us good turns. The sun comes up each morning. God is good. When I take my morning walk I often make a resolve that until I get home again I will count the blessings which are mine - all manner of things for which I am grateful. I never run out of things for which to give thanks and always feel better for exercising both body and soul. Try it and see!

A culture of violence

Increasingly, it seems that we have a growing culture of violence. This is evident in school-yard bullying, nightclub bashings, mayhem at sporting events, road rage and abuse of women and children. There must be many reasons for the unfortunate trends. Without doubt, some of the problem is related to the influence of alcohol and drugs. Media moguls must also share responsibility for the violent content of many video games, T-V programmes and the like. When some deny that this affects the behaviour of viewers I point to hard headed business interests ready to pay very big bucks in the belief that media advertising does affect people's lifestyle choices. Then the much publicised violence of sports stars provides a shocking example for adoring fans and the weekly procession to tribunals for statutary slaps on wrists seems to have little effect. Signs of blood-lust in crowds at some sporting events are disturbing and indicate that in our secular society the jungle is not far from the surface and still needs taming. That points to the need for a power greater than our own.

A matter of life and death

Easter is a matter of life and death. We commemorate the death of Jesus Christ as the victory of vulnerability over brute force and love over the forces of evil in the world. The early Church proclaimed that Jesus was still alive. Certainly he was alive in the memories of his followers - which memories were perpetuated when written in the gospel records. Then there was the conviction that, as he had prophesied, He was still alive with his Father God in Heaven. Furthermore, he was alive - and is still alive -through his alter ego or other self, the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. For Christians the flag of faith is not at half-mast but flying high. Jesus is not dead. He is alive and let loose in the world. He has moved from the 'here' to the 'everywhere'. Small wonder that Christianity is a faith which exults.

A memorable man

I have just had news of the passing of a friend known as a composer of music and a writer of prose and verse throughout the Salvation Army world. His name was Brindley Boon and at one time we worked together editorially. He had a phenominal memory and a fund of stories from a life-time of service in the Army. I learnt so much from him and enjoyed his huge sense of humour.His legacy of creativity will remain for many years and I am only one of many who are in his debt.

A balanced view

The news bulletins reveal human nature at its best as well as at its worst. In recent months we have learnt of the incredible bravery of volunteer firemen and other helpers at the scene of the bush fires. Such people have been ready to put their lives on the line with no prospect of personal reward. In what has sometimes been called the 'me generation' they stand out as shining exemples.

There is a growing awareness of problems caused by alcohol such as binge drinking by young people, road trauma and violence. The man in charge of a Scottish prison told me that 70% of his inmates were incarcerated for alcohol related offences, at great expense to taxpayers. I remember when many dismissed the suggestion that smoking was harmeful, but not now! It is time that more people also woke up to the dangers of alcohol. Few people start drinking with the thought that they will ever become addicted, but too many do. As a Salvationist I am pledged to and can celebrate an alcohol-free life and would not compromise my personal example in this resepct. I have met too many who have regretted starting to imbibe but not one who has regretted abstaining! There is no question of being judgemental of those who do not share my point of view - including some good friends. On the contrary, I am part of an organization that, more than most, seeks to help those with addictions.

Need and greed

The financial crisis is hitting people all over the world and its complexities may baffle many. But it is plain that unrestained greed has contrbuted to the problem with a knock-on effect affecting millions of decent,law-abiding folk. It might be said that there is enough in the world for everyone's need but not enough for everybody's greed. Hopefully some lessons have been learnt and there will be contols which will prevent any repeat of the widespread problems of the past year.

After the fire storm

It seems that the firestorms in Victoria may now be under control and victims have been humbled and grateful for amazing support from around the world but, what for observers may seem the beginning of the end is only the end of the beginning for those most affected. When the fires no longer attract headlines the work of rebuilding homes and lives will still go on. The Salvation Army has declared that it is 'in for the long haul' and hopefully other NGOs and government departments will also be committed for the long term. We should all continue to pray and pay for those who have suffered so grievously.

The fiery furnace

The Victorian bush fires continue to dominate the headlines and the horrendous extent of the havoc becomes even more clear. The disaster seems to have brought out the best and the worst in human nature. We have been inspired by the devotion of the fire fighters, the courage of many of the victims and the generosity of the public with an avalanche of donations. On the other hand we may have shaken our heads in disbelief at stories of looters and fires being deliberately lit. As a Salvo I have been humbly proud of the part being played by The Salvation Army alongside other bodies. My wife and I are on call to assist as we are able and certainly we pray for all those affected by the events of recent days.

Let the sunshine in

Many years ago in the UK we used to sing, 'Let the blessed sunshine in Open up the windows, open wide the door Let the blessed sunshine in'. I thought ironically about that this morning as I 'battened down the hatches' and closed blinds and curtains in anticipation of one of the hottest days on record. I love sunshine but I guess one can have too much even of a good thing. Today my prayers are with those whose homes are threatened by fires and the brave people who will be fighting the blazes. In a world where we have a financial crisis caused to some extent by greed it is good to recognise others who are prepared to put their lives on the fire line for the sake of others, God bless them!

Unread

For a few years I have been a member of a writers' group comprised of people from various backgrounds. Some are very able with their pens and yet most of their work is unpublished while much that is vastly inferior finds its way on to book stands.What a pity! It is like that with the Bible which may be the most unread best-seller in the world. I remember some verse written by John Greenleaf Whittier:
'We search the world for truth; we cull The good, the pure. the beautiful, From graven stone and written scroll, From all the flower fields of the soul And weary seekers of the best We come back laden from the quest To find that all the sages said Is in the book our mothers read.'

Hot stuff

A few years ago the catchphrase in a British comedy show on T-V was, 'It 'aint 'arf 'ot, Mum! Not surprisingly, it has come to mind in recent days! The heat at the tennis tournament seems to have been excessive but the crowds have turned up driven by enthusiasm for their favourite sport. Good for them! I like to see enthusiasm. I have many friends whose enthusiasm for the Christian faith has been no brief spasm but a life-long commitment.I have seen them in the extreme north of Canada or Norway in long, dark, cold winters. I have also seen them in the heat of Africa. The word enthusiasm literally means 'full of God'and folk who are enthusiastic for good causes are needed everywhere. Will the true enthusiasts please stand up!

Rain, rain

In Melbourne we are in the midst of a heatwave and have had a month of drought conditions. For lack of rain the lawns are yellow and paddocks are parched. I remember ruefully that as a boy in the United Kingdom I joined in a jingle which began with the line,'Rain, rain go away until another washing day'. Then it seemed that we had too much rain; now we know what it is not to have enough. Water is essential for life. Our bodies contain a large amount of water. Without it we would soon expire. Jesus said, 'I am the water of life'. He meets the spiritual needs of parched souls and there are plenty of those around.

A new day

Watching the inauguration of a new US president was a moving experience. The inaugural address was thrilling and was a restatement of some of the values which have made America great, but of course it will take more than a great 'say' to bring in a new day. In the hurly burly of politics it is easy to lose sight of the ideals which we profess to defend. My prayer is that the new president may be led by the Lord and lead the nations into paths of peace. A sick and sorry world is crying out for that.

Try kneeling

It is said that if we have long-standing problems we should try kneeling.Prayer can change things or more likely, prayer can change people. Folk have known that since time began but unfortunately some have forgotten it. God is only a prayer away. We don't have to 'go it alone'. He is nearer that we think.

Resolutions or revolutions?

How are the New Year resolutions going? Some may be shortlived and forgotten by the second week in January. The need is for something more than a resolution; we may need a revolution. Unless people are governed by God they are likely to be ruled by tyrants, controlled by prejudices or addictions.But faith in God can be the spark that starts a revolution in our hesrts and the beginning of a new era in our lives.

The month of January

This seems to be a time when Australia 'dies' to prepare for living again. Even those who are not on holiday have a kind of holiday. Certainly the pace of life slackens and the traffic abates. I usually use the time to clear out rubbish - old documents, magazines and the like. I am a squirrel by nature and tend to hoard bits and pieces which just might come in handy. My wife on the other hand is enthusiastic about clearing out and looks eagerly at my well-lined book shelves which she thinks should be thinned out. I have resisted so far but I fear I may be weakening. I need the support of other husbands under seige! Hoarders of the world should unite!!

Black dog

One of my Christmas presents was a large book entitled, "Churchill and Australia". The subject was sometimes described as 'the greatest living Englishman' and certainly his achievements were huge but so were his mistakes and sometimes he was subject to depression which he described as his 'black dog'.He had the weaknesses of his strength. He who could rise to great heights could plunge to great depths. As a lesser mortal I find fascination in history and biography and in the realization that even the great and famous have to struggle with themselves and their frailties even as I do.

Holidays

The word holiday is derived from 'holy day' and reminds us that originally it was the Christian Church which insisted that employees should be given time off for rest, recreation and worship. Like metal human beings can suffer from fatigue. We need to be renewed in strength. At this time of year many people exercise their right to rest and hopefully use it wisely.