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.