Friday, January 2, 2009

Friday January 2, 2009

The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14.

The last few weeks or so have been quite hectic. Especially for old codgers like us, preparation for leaving home for an extended period, travelling to Montreal for Christmas, the rounds of visiting and some decorating at our daughter’s home, a short night flight to London and living out of a suitcase while coping with jetlag; this all piles up. We are now staying with our friends in Oxford, and are glad of a few days of a slow lifestyle—it has to be: we sleep late, fall asleep in the chair and fall into a deep sleep for one or two hours each afternoon!

I doubt if either of us ever want to be bored, but there seems little chance it will happen until we have wings and a harp. Not that we would have it any other way. The God given health and ability to travel to visit with our beloved family and friends of long standing, to find ways of serving and increase our resources for service are gifts we treasure. We are so grateful that this prostate cancer has not hindered our plans for the New Year, and I do not feel any ill effects from the disease.

Ann’s continuing studies, our time serving the mission in England and my work writing and getting our books published are all part of being able to communicate to our culture the knowledge of God. Our text today clearly looks to some future time when God himself will intervene in our sick world and all will know who he is. But in the meantime, our efforts, however small, are part of the ongoing work to see his kingdom come and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. This destiny that Christians have prayed for over two millennia will come to pass, but we are privileged to be part of building it for the time we have left.

Tomorrow we take the coach (“bus” for North Americans) to the south coast where my sister will meet us and take us to our assignment at Worthing. Again there will be a gap of a day or two while we get established and e-connect again with the world at large and you in particular.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Thursday January 1, 2009

If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. Prov. 21:13.

A brand new year, a brand new start—or that’s the general idea. But the resolutions made will be broke once more, and much of the baggage from last year will carry over to this one. We think in personal terms such as family conflict, health issues, financial strain or personal loss. Changing the date on the calendar will not resolve these issues so easily, and many of us will continue to face the challenges of last year. But there is always the recognition that others have it worse. This thought is not a panacea for our troubles, but engenders a sense of thankfulness that we do not have their problems.

Our text today points to the major tragedies in the world, always overshadowing our individual ones. Major areas of poverty are a continuing and growing problem, particularly as the world financial crisis deepens. Military conflict and oppression is still a chief source of misery, as are despotic regimes that subjugate their citizens and religious minorities. Then there are natural disasters prevalent in many areas of the world, and localised disasters such as ships sinking, planes crashing and fires that take large numbers of human lives—today many New Year revellers were killed in the Bangkok fire.

Our personal difficulties are often big enough to consume us, but the world calamities are so overwhelming, that we think we can do nothing about it. But being concerned about others can lessen the anxiety about ourselves, for there is something we can do about worldwide tragedy. Following and contributing to an aid agency or childcare program is a positive contribution although it may seem like an insignificant act. A child noticed hundreds of starfish left on the beach by the receding tide. As he started throwing them back into the sea one by one, a passer-by commented that he was making little difference to the vast numbers. The boy threw another starfish into the foam as he replied: “It made a difference to that one.” We can make a world of difference to one person also.

Whatever your concerns for the coming year, we pray that God will richly bless you and meet your needs over the coming year. And may you be encouraged to be the one to bring God’s blessing to some other individual in need.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Saturday December 27, 2008

Live a life of love. Ephesians 5:2

I have mentioned previously that our daughter’s family and their friend from an attached suite have four dogs between them—usually all together in the house, and all BIG dogs! Mealtime is particularly instructive. We like to think dogs are animals of faithfulness, but we soon find their interest is far more mercenary. They all take up positions around the table, their eyes telling you they haven’t been fed for days. They wait for some relenting dupe to fall for their deception, or remain in a catch stance for any food that falls from the table.

Of course, with a two year old at the table, some food does stray from its original destination. Anything that drops from the table rarely reaches the floor but is snapped up with the ferocity of a shark attack. As Jesus said, it’s not right to give the dogs food prepared for the children, but these dogs certainly do eat the crumbs and more that fall from this table. I’m just glad that these dogs have been trained not to eat what’s on the table. I suppose there is some value in having these living vacuum cleaners under foot; it’s just a pity they are selective in what they suck up.

But they receive a life of love—and it’s a dog’s life. Food, water, a bed to sleep in all provided for the pleasure of having them feign adoration. They are quick to give clear signals if they don’t get what they want and could be very persuasive if they didn’t know—or pretend to know—who the boss is. After all, they know which side their bread is buttered, although most dogs I know eat better than that. I have to agree dogs are intelligent—perhaps more than we give credit for. Spending time with dogs makes it clear that dogs are not a man’s best friend, but men are a dog’s best friend.

As I have noted earlier, I like dogs—as long as they belong to other people. But unlike them, I am not taken in by a dog’s eyes or tail. To believe otherwise is a bit like believing in God: good for you if it brings you comfort! At least that’s what some think who don’t really know the truth about dogs and God. For some of us, God is the source for living a life of love. And for many, dogs are clearly a step along that road.

As I recover from my obvious addiction to my family’s dogs, and Ann and I travel to England, it may be a few days before we are hooked up to the internet again, so expect some gaps in my diary writing. Be in touch again soon.