The Gate of the Year!

It may not be altogether wise to refer to the Chinese at this time, but I believe that they are the only nation to give specific names to each calendar year. The year 2020, that is now coming to an end, was named "The Year of the Rat". Rats are powerful symbols of fertility, wealth and plenty, so people born in the Year of the Rat are considered to be optimistic, easy-going and kind, if a bit too direct. I wonder if the year will be looked back on as The Year of the Mask! I should note, by the way, that the Chinese New Year is a movable event, and that, for the Chinese, 2021 will not commence until Feb.12th!

I end the annual newsletter that my wife and I send out at this time, with these words: “So another, and most unusual, year has come to an end.  It would be a brave person who, with the evidence of the past 12 months to recall, would forecast anything about 2021. However, this is where we believe that our Christian faith is of great importance.  As someone once said: “We may not know what the future holds, but we know Who holds the future.”

Of course, 2020 has not been the only year in which there has been a worldwide crisis. In September 1939, Great Britain had entered what was to become the Second World War - just 21 years after the war to end all wars! The current Queen was, at that time the thirteen-year-old Princess Elizabeth. Her father, George VI was the reigning monarch and, as had become the custom, he spoke to the nation, by radio, on Christmas Day. In those uncertain last days of 1939, the king spoke words of peace that sought to calm the nation. He reminded them of the only true King, the One Who, alone, can provide true peace and real rest in such troubled times.  As he concluded his message of encouragement, he read the preamble of a poem that had been brought to his attention by the young Princess Elizabeth.

The poem that the Princess brought to her father’s attention was written by British poet Minnie Louise Haskins (1875-1957).  Published in 1908 it was titled God Knows. Years later, the poem gained popularity with a new title, The Gate of the Year, taken from the poem’s first line. It reads:

"And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied:

“Go out into the darkness and put your hand in the Hand of God.  That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East."  

King George read the poem to reassure the British people that their future was secure - in the hands of God. That wisdom that was true for the British people then, is also true for all of us today!

As the new year dawns, let us remember that God is our only safe harbour. He is our only true hope. He will lead and direct our lives when we put our trust in Him.  If we are willing to allow Him, He will light our path, and direct our steps, as we enter this new year.

We may not know what the future holds - but we may, through a saving faith in the Lord Jesus, know Him Who holds the future.

May all who read this blog post enjoy that relationship, and have a very good New Year. 

A past long gone.

I have tried to find the story online - but have been unable to do so! Of course, it may be entirely apocryphal, but even if it is just a parable, it has an important lesson. It is the story of a nun who had, in her youth, committed what she considered to have been a grievous sin. She had, as a Romanist, gone to her priest, and had received 'absolution'. However, this brought her no peace at all. Day after day, she would mentally chide herself for her foolishness, and seek forgiveness.

One day, as she prayed and, again, asked for forgiveness from the only One Who can truly grant it, she believed that she heard a voice asking: "For what do you require forgiveness?" She named the sin, and the voice responded: "But why. I forgave you that sin on the first occasion on which you asked!"

According to the English novelist, Aldous Huxley, "There are no back moves on the chessboard of life"! Yet is it not true that we remain aware of things that we have done in the past, and things that we failed to do? Often, our sins worry us. They motivate us to wish that we could undo the past!

That is why those of us who have placed our trust in the Lord Jesus can be thankful for the message of Father God, found in both the First and Second (aka Old and New) Testaments. The great prophet, Isaiah, urges us to "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." (Isa 55:6-7).

Another of the Hebrew prophets asks: "Who is a God like thee, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? ... ... Thou wilt cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:18-19; emphasis added). 

When Paul preached in Antioch, he said: "Let it be known to you therefore, brethren, that through this man [Jesus] forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by Him every one that believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39; emphasis added).

John, on whose letters my third book - Defending the Faith - is based, writes: "... if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:7-9; emphasis added).

Are you worried about your past? Rejoice! God has cast all of your sins into the depths of the sea. Are you still concerned about your sins? Rejoice! If you are in Jesus, and He is in you, (in other words if you are His true disciple, born again by the work of God the Holy Spirit in your life), they are forgiven, and you are cleansed from all unrighteousness. 

Permit me to share just two further scriptures. The writer of the great Letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus quotes from the prophet Jeremiah when he states: "I will remember their sins and their misdeeds no more." (Heb. 10:17); while the psalmist-king, David writes: "... as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." (Ps. 103:12).

If you have truly put your faith in the Lord Jesus, and received the salvation that He gained for you at Calvary, then the past is truly forgiven and, as the Spirit does His sanctifying work in you, the future is assured!

I love singing, and have many favourite songs and hymns. But if I was forced to choose just one as my "favourite favourite", it would be "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way" (aka "It is well with my soul".) Of that hymn, my favourite verse - and one that I seldom sing without a tear in my eye - is the one that reads:

"My sin; O the bliss of this glorious thought; My sin, not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord; Praise the Lord, O my soul."

May that be your personal testimony as well!

What is the "rust" in your life?

The apostle, Paul, emphasises that the whole man must be kept clean - not only from the sins that defile the physical body, but also from those that involve the inner attitudes and dispositions of the human spirit. Writing to the early disciples of Jesus in Corinth - infamous, in its time, as a hotbed of immorality and licentiousness - he states: "... let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, ..." (II Cor 7:1). Those who disregard these guidelines of grace, hinder the power and plan of Father God for their lives.

John Speed-Andrews was an English evangelist in the second half of the 19th century. Once, when he was touring a large manufacturing plant, he noticed a man using a high-intensity torch to work on huge slabs of steel. Using a pantograph he traced the pattern on a blueprint, that was attached to a table, and this enlarged the design as it was burned into the metal. There were times, however, when the flame made no impression. When this happened, the operator would apply a chemical substance to the resisting patch and, immediately, the cutting was able to be resumed.

The worker explained to the visitor that, although the torch was capable of cutting through clean steel, up to a thickness of eight inches (20 cms), if it encountered even the slightest film of rust on the surface, the flame would not penetrate. The chemical cleaned the patch of the rust, so that the cutting could continue.

Mr Speed-Andrews wrote: "It struck me, forcefully, that this is a picture of the Christian. The Holy Spirit is seeking to produce in us, God's perfect design. If the life is unblemished, He is able to continue His efforts but, if we are carnal or backslidden, His work of shaping us is hindered until the area in question has been thoroughly cleansed."

If we want the joy, and the victory, that comes from having our lives cut to God's pattern, then we need to avoid the hindering "rust" that accompanies "... every defilement of body and spirit, ..." Each of us knows what that area is in our individual life. We need to bring that area (those areas?!) under the cleansing blood of the Lamb - even God the Son: the Lord Jesus Whose entry into this world we will shortly be celebrating (even if His birth did not take place on Dec.25th!). May we do so - for our own good, and that Glory might be given to Him.

From darkness to light.

It's traditional for many, during the Christmas and New Year period, to listen to a performance of Georg Friedrich Handel's "Messiah". The complete libretto is taken directly from the Word of God, and the music is at times gentle; at times moving; at times, positively heavenly.

One well-known chorus is based on Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called 'Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace'." 

This chorus is preceded by an aria based on Isaiah 9:2: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined."

The question may well be asked: "Who are these people?" This is why the previous verse should not be overlooked! It prophesies what will happen to those who are in the shadows. "But there will be no gloom for her that was in anguish. In the former time He brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time He will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations."

The tribal lands of Zebulun and Naphtali were in the fertile agricultural lands of northern Israel, a multi-ethnic area where many pagans had settled. The description here extends it west to the Mediterranean Sea and east to the other side of the Jordan River. But its location put it on the immediate path of the Assyrians when they swept north to conquer Israel in 722 BC. These tribes were the first to experience the overwhelming cruelty of their conquerors. They certainly knew darkness, and gloom!

About seven hundred and fifty years later, Jesus began his teaching in Galilee, in the same part of Israel, a region despised by the religious élite of Jerusalem. Matthew points out that Jesus began here deliberately, to fulfil this prophecy (Matthew 4:13-16). In this "land of darkness", His message was heard by many Gentiles. He visited the pagan territory of the Gadarenes where He healed people possessed by demons (Matthew 8:28) and went to Tyre, on the Mediterranean coast, where He healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21-28). His kingdom was not only available to the Jews, but to everyone, and that includes you and me! We may all be drawn into His glorious light.

Unlike the Assyrian warriors, the Messiah didn't sweep down with military force, but was born in humility as a child, bringing a kingdom where the poor, the meek, the hungry and the suffering would be the blessed. Unlike the Assyrian empire, His kingdom would have no end. As the Christmas season approaches, let us thank God the Father for "His inestimable gift" (II Cor. 9:15), Who has become the Saviour of all those who trust in Him.

  https://youtu.be/VmX52fHLFC4

  https://youtu.be/MS3vpAWW2Zc

Please copy and paste if the links don't work!

Demons of addiction

At the moment, during my personal devotions, I am reading through Mark's account of the Gospel. Last week I was reading in chapter 5 - the story about the healing of a demon-possessed man in the country of the Gerasenes: a predominantly Gentile area.

As I read, I sensed that the Lord was speaking to me - not about demon possession, but about demonic influence in certain areas. There are private issues involved that I am not at liberty to share, but what I realised was that at least some of what we refer to as "addictions" are the result of demonic influence - and that such influence is as much in need of being cast out as were the multiple demons that possessed the poor man from the country of the Gerasenes. This realisation (dare I call it a revelation?!) has already caused me to pray differently for some of those who are on my daily prayer list, and who suffer from certain addictions!

However, the Lord continued to speak to me, reminding me of a garden analogy. I may clear a patch of ground, rooting out every single weed, regardless of how small it me be. Yet, if I leave it for just a few weeks, I may be assured that weeds will start to grow again! Whether fresh seed be dropped by birds, or blown in on a breeze, the outcome is guaranteed. I then thought of the words of the Lord Jesus: "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first." (Luke 11:24-26).

So is there anything that can be done to stop this kind of situation from coming to pass? Thankfully, there is! In the garden, I must immediately plant my clean patch with good, strong, healthy plants - flowers, vegetables, or whatever. They will be established before the unwanted seeds can make an entrance, and the few that do manage to take root, will be starved of nutrition, and be easily removed. So in the spiritual realm. Paul writes to the early disciples of Jesus at Philippi: "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Phil 4:8). That's what I must do - fill my mind, my heart, my spirit, with that which is good, and upbuilding, and pleasing to Father God. If I do, then those things that cause me harm, that spoil my testimony, that have a negative effect on my life, will be less likely to take root.

Of course, if I am, myself, a disciple of the Lord Jesus, then I also have the assurance, given by the beloved disciple, John: "Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4). The devil, we must accept, is stronger, and more clever, than you or me. Praise God, however, he is not more powerful than the Lord Jesus, Who dwells in each of His disciples by His Spirit.

P.S. I have wondered, for some days as to whether, or not, I should share this post! However, I realised that someone may read it, who is labouring under an addiction of one sort, or another. It is my prayer that any such will find help here - and, of course, if anyone wishes me to pray for them, then I shall be happy to receive an e-mail (using either the e-mail address from which you received notification of the post or, if you came to the blog from another direction, then using the address at the top) in which you share your own issue(s). Please be assured of total confidentiality.

Amazing Grace

In about 1736, a young boy named John Newton went to sea with his father, on a Merchant ship. A few years later, his father retired and, some time after that John was "press-ganged" into the British Royal Navy. Facing intolerable conditions, he tried to desert, but failed. He was punished, severely, in front of the full ship's complement. Eventually, he was able to transfer to a ship that was going to Africa to collect slaves who would be taken to the British colonies in North America. 

Newton hardened himself to the trafficking of human beings and, eventually, became captain of his own slave ship. He denied God and goodness in every way. Even after he was enslaved himself and escaped, he lacked empathy and went back to being a slaver. However, on May 10th, 1748, his life was changed forever. Off the north-west coast of Ireland, his ship encountered a terrifying, violent storm. As it appeared that the vessel would sink, Newton cried out, "Lord, have mercy upon us!" The storm began to die down, and the ship limped into Lough Swilly. 

Newton recognised, and began to reflect upon, God's mercy. It was the beginning of a spiritual journey that led him to faith in the Lord Jesus, the Christ, and His atoning sacrifice for the sins of mankind, at Calvary. He experienced the amazing grace of the amazing God. In time, he left the slave trade, and entered Christian ministry in the Church of England. Although he became a well-known preacher of the Gospel he is, of course, best known for his much-loved poem (later set to music): "Amazing Grace; how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me" - an amazing testimony of his own experience. 

Not all of us go through physical storms at sea. However, each of us does go through the storms of life, when we feel totally overwhelmed by various experiences. Like John Newton, we may cry out to Almighty God, seeking His mercy. 

In the book of the prophet Isaiah, we read these words: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you so that He does not hear." (Isa 59:1-2). 

At Calvary, the Lord Jesus bridged that gap of separation by His sinless sacrifice. As God the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin we respond to that love, and are born again. God the Holy Spirit now dwells within us, and gives us the power to forsake our sin - doing for us what we are incapable of doing for ourselves. That is, truly, amazing grace. May it be your experience, today!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6OZMThBZz2w

Who, then, is beautiful?

A young woman with whom my wife and I are acquainted was, to be polite, of a substantial build! She works in a retail outlet that we have used quite a lot since coming to France, and one that - outwith the restrictions imposed because of Covid-19 - we still visit occasionally. I think that it must have been before the Covid outbreak that we noticed that she was absent from the shop. One of her colleagues, with whom we are also friendly, explained that she was on extended leave as she was having surgery to remove some of the excess weight that she had been carrying.

Some time later, we called in and, to our delight, she had returned. "Quelle différence !" (What a difference!). Here was this relatively slim young woman looking as happy as could be. It must have been "pre-Covid", because I know that we hugged!!! 

Then some time later again, after the first 'lockdown' in France, I happened to call into the shop. Our friend was, again, missing. I made enquiries, and learned that a customer had insulted her with a comment about her size, in such a way as to cause her emotional problems. 

Beauty, of course, is in the eye of the beholder. I have seen photographs of females who are, allegedly, "the most beautiful women in the world"! But that is only the opinion of the person who produced the photographs. I have my idea of what a beautiful woman looks like - but a tribal chief in Samoa has a totally different idea as what constitutes real beauty! 

In Genesis 24, we read that Abraham, knowing that he was near to the end of his earthly life, charged his senior servant, Eliezer, that he would not allow Isaac, the son of the promise, to be married to a Canaanite woman, but that he would go and find a wife from among Abraham's own kindred. Eliezer assured Abraham that he would do so, and set off with suitable gifts for the young woman he believed that YHWH, his master's God, would provide.

He asked for a sign: "Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the maiden to whom I shall say, 'Pray let down your jar that I may drink,' and who shall say, 'Drink, and I will water your camels' - let her be the one whom Thou hast appointed for Thy servant Isaac. By this I shall know that Thou hast shown steadfast love to my master." (Gen 24:13-14).

The young woman to whom he was directed was named Rebekah, and she was "... very fair to look upon," (v.16|). But physical beauty was not the crucial point for Eliezer. His prayer gives us an important clue as to the kind of beauty he sought for his master's son. Common courtesy would have prompted Rebekah to provide drinking water for a stranger - but to water camels was a different matter altogether! Ten thirsty camels could drink up to 210 gallons (more than 950 litres!). Rebekah clearly had a servant's heart. She was, in the eyes of others, a physically beautiful young woman. However, she was also  a young woman of beautiful character - and that is much more important. 

The cowboys of the "Wild West" allegedly had a saying about females: "Looks don't last; cookin' do!". There is a lot of truth in that! 

Proverbs 31:10ff is a description that I have often applied to my own dear wife. In v.30 we read "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Of course, the same is true of we males!

Who, then, is beautiful? Those who reflect something of the beauty of the Lord Jesus in their lives; who display His character through their own; who draw others to Him by who they are.

Do you display this kind of beauty? Do I? That's perhaps a question worth pondering! 

The Ultimate Physician

Covid-19 notwithstanding, 21st-century medical science is amazing! Physicians are able to cure many illnesses, both mental and physical; surgeons can perform surgery that, even a few decades ago, would have been considered impossible; therapists can assist in recovery using equipment that can sometimes appear to have been developed by science fiction aficionados. However, only the Lord Jesus can bring about the healing that makes 'bad' people 'good'! 

My former Professor of New Testament at the University of Glasgow, the Rev. Dr. William Barclay, tells of a conversation he had with a noted psychiatrist - and one who recognised his own limitations! "All that a psychiatrist can do," said the doctor, "is strip a man naked until you get to the essential man; and if the essential man is bad stuff, there's nothing you can do about it. That's where you come in!" Prof. Barclay later commented: "I think that he meant that this is where Jesus comes in!"

In Luke's account of the Gospel record, he shares the situation regarding a man named Zacchaeus.  You may read the story in Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus was a 'bad' man who needed, not medication, or surgery, or therapy, but inner healing. He was, Luke tells us that "... he was a chief tax collector, and rich." (Luke 19:2). This latter fact is not surprising since, as a chief tax collector, he was able to 'take a cut' from what his subordinates had collected - always more than what the Roman authorities demanded! He was, indeed, a very wealthy man!

However, he appears to have heard about this wandering Teacher, Jesus of Nazareth and, for whatever reason, he wanted to see him. Unfortunately for Zacchaeus, he was a man of great wealth, but small stature. He wasn't the only person in Jericho who wished to see Jesus! Now, if he had been a butcher, a baker, or a pottery maker, people would gladly have ushered him to the front of the crowd. But a tax collector - a chief tax collector?! No way! What was Zacchaeus to do?! 

He did something that must have raised quite a few eyebrows! He climbed a conveniently-situated sycamore tree! To help us to realise what this meant, think of your local Provost, or Mayor, in full ceremonial robes, doing the same thing! To most people, it would probably be quite shocking! But, in this situation, not to Jesus!  He stopped, just under the tree; looked up, and said: "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." (Luke 19:5). Zacchaeus hurried back down to the ground - as quickly as his flowing robe allowed him! - and Jesus went to his house.

This, to the crowd, was an even bigger shock than seeing Zacchaeus climb the tree! Luke writes: "And when they saw it they all murmured, «He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.»" (Luke 19:7). Zacchaus was a very happy man - or was he? 

I suspect that he was, in fact, overwhelmed with guilt when Jesus looked up and told him that He was coming to his house. Jesus had reached into what that psychiatrist had referred to as "the essential man" - what Zacchaeus really was, stripped of his fine clothes; his luxurious (by contemporary standards) home; his great wealth. The evidence for this is that, as the day progressed, he "... stood and said to the Lord, «Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.»". (Luke 19:8).  That was a sign of true repentance, and a willingness to make full reparation. So, Luke's record ends: "And Jesus said to him, «Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.»" (Luke 19:9-10).

"Today salvation has come to this house, ..." As Jesus spoke those words, Zacchaeus was spiritually healed. Only the Ultimate Physician can do that. And what He did for Zacchaeus, He can, and will, do for you. You may not have the same wealth that Zacchaeus had. You may not exercise the greed that he had exercised. But, like him - and like me! - you are a sinner in the sight of Almighty God. That is the essence of your being. It's in your DNA. The Psalmist-king David penned these words: "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Ps. 51:5). That is not making a comment on the act of sexual intercourse between a husband and wife in a Biblical marital relationship! It is merely making the point that, from the moment of my conception, I have been a sinner!

Are you aware of your sinfulness? Are you experiencing guilt? That is because God the Holy Spirit is working in your life. Yield to His prompting, and allow the Ultimate Physician to perform His amazing surgery of the soul.  It will be for your eternal good; and to His eternal glory.

 

Afterwards!

The following arrived in my Inbox, last week. This is a translation of the original French, and required some modification, but I hope that it gets the main idea across! It doesn't just apply to the 'oldies' among us. Even the younger folk may benefit from reading - and applying - it.

« The day has barely started and ... it is already six in the evening.

Monday has barely arrived ... and it's already Friday ... and the month is already over ... and the year is almost over ... and already 40, 50 or 70 years of our lives have passed ... and we realise that we have lost our parents, friends ... and we realise that it is too late to go back ... !!

So ... let's try anyway, to make the most of the time we have left ...

Let's not stop trying to participate in the activities that we like ...

Let's put some colour into our greyness.

Let’s smile at the little things in life that bring peace to our hearts.

And, despite everything, we must continue to take advantage of the time that remains to us with serenity. Let's try to eliminate the "after" ...

I will do it after ...

I will say something after ...

I'll think about it later ...

We leave everything for later as if "after" was ours.

Because what we do not understand is that:

afterwards, the coffee cools down ...

afterwards, the priorities change ...

afterwards, the spell is broken ...

after, health passes ...

afterwards, the children grow up ...

afterwards, the parents get old ...

afterwards, the promises are forgotten ...

afterwards, day becomes night ...

afterwards, life ends ...

And that "after" is often too late!

So ... let's leave nothing until after ...

Because by always waiting until after, we may lose 

the best moments,

the best experiences,

the best friends,

the best family!

The day is today ... The moment is now ...

Not one of us is at an age when we can afford to postpone what needs to be done right away until tomorrow.

Perhaps if you have read this post you will wish to share it.

Or maybe you will leave it for ... "after"!

And, then, you will never share it. »

All of that reminded me of a poem that I have also used when speaking about procrastination (putting off until 'tomorrow' what should have been done today). It reads like this:

‘Tomorrow’, he promised his conscience,
‘Tomorrow, I mean to believe.
Tomorrow, I'll think as I ought to,
Tomorrow, the Saviour receive.                                                                                                Tomorrow, I'll conquer the habits                                                                                                                That hold me from Heaven away.’                                                                                                                But ever his conscience repeated                                                                                                          One word, and one only – ‘Today!’

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
Thus, day after day, it went on.
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
’Til youth, like a vision, had gone;
’Til age, and his passions, had written
The message of fate on his brow;
And forth from the shadows came Death,
With the pitiless syllable, ‘Now!’”                      (Author unknown)

Paul wrote, very simply: "... we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For He says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time ; behold, now is the day of salvation." (II Cor. 6:1-3; emphases added).

While I was still teaching, I attended the funeral service of one of my pupils - a lad of about 16 years of age. Shortly after I retired, I attended the funeral service for a former pupil - a lad of about 18/19 years of age. Earlier this year, I was informed of the death of another former pupil - a young man of about 40 years of age. Death, sadly, is no respecter of age. For any one of us - including me - today may be our last day in the mortal bodies we currently inhabit.

This is why there is an urgency in the Gospel message. This life is not merely a 'rehearsal'. This is "it"! Those who die without the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour, go to a lost eternity. It is only thse who are "in Him" who are assured eternal life in His presence. 

Don't leave it until "tomorrow", or "after". Do to now! If I may be of any help, please feel free to contact me by e-mail, at the address given at the top of the page. 

Sowing seed; presenting Jesus.

This morning, I was able to tune in to the online worship service provided by the Harvest Church in Hamilton (Lanarkshire!). The pastor,Willie Watt, was speaking on the well-known parable of Jesus: The sower and the seed. His main point, if I understood him correctly, was that the responsibility of the believer to sow that seed - the Gospel message. However, it is only a work of God the Holy Spirit in the heart of the individual, that will bring about that change known as 'conversion'.

In John 7, the apostle records that Jesus had gone up to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. He went to the Temple, and was teaching openly. Some of the people wondered if the authorities really knew that He was the Christ - the Messiah. The Pharisees heard these questions and, with the chief priests, sent Temple officers to arrest Jesus. These men listened to Jesus, and returned to the chief priests and the Pharisees - without Him! We read, in vs.45-46: "The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why did you not bring Him?" The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!"

The testimony of the Temple police to the matchless power of Jesus' teaching is most telling! Sent to arrest Him, they were so impressed by Him that they could not do so - risking the fury of their masters! If people will take the time and trouble to really look at Jesus - not, as my former minister, the Rev. George B Duncan often said, at the church; or at Christians; or at the clergy - but at what He said, and what He did, they cannot be anything but impressed! T.R.Glover, a Cambridge University lecturer in Classical Literature, wrote: "Jesus remains the very heart and soul of the Christian movement, still controlling men, still capturing men - against their will, often - changing men's lives,and using them for ends they never dreamed of." 

The challenge of this to present-day disciples of Jesus seems to be: Be uncompromising in presenting the Lord Jesus! Or, as Pastor Watt might have put it ths morning - Be bold in sowing the seed of the Gospel! Perhaps some of us are so side-tracked into "doing good works in His Name" that we forget to mention the Name itself - sometimes because of a mistaken idea that we may embarrass people; sometimes, to our shame, to spare our own embarrassment.

It is the business of the disciple of Jesus to present Him to the world. "... Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matt 28:18-20). It is the business of the disciple of Jesus to make it clear that He has a rightful claim on our lives. No amount of "do-gooding" will, by itself, achieve that. Paul wrote to the early believers in Rome: "... But how are men to call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?" (Rom 10:14).

Whilst there is no record of any of the Temple police having become followers of the Nazarene because of what they had heard, their reaction is impressive. Our own bold, and unhesitating offer of the Saviour to our contempraries might well have surprising results! And, if we are not yet, ourselves, His disciples, then looking to Him, and to Him alone, may be sufficient to lead us to full salvation.

The camera never lies!!

When we see a photograph, or watch a video, today we may be excused for asking: "Is it real?" When I was a younger man, it was often said that "the camera never lies"! However, even if, in our day, the camera itself never lies - the resulting photograph/video may be manipulated by the use of computer software (and it doesn't have to be the expensive programmes!) to show something that is, in fact, totally false.

For example, this well-known photograph (it appears on many web-sites) indicates that a young girl has climbed to the top of a very high tower of some sort, and is taking a "selfie"! However, if we look more carefully, we see that she is portrayed in very high contrast, whereas the surroundings are just the opposite. There is no shadow on the platform on which she appears to be standing. Even on an otherwise calm day, the wind at that height would, I suggest, have both her hair and her skirt blowing a lot more than is shown in the photograph. Indeed, I find it difficult to believe that anyone would manage to climb to that height in a skirt! 

I may be wrong - but I am certainly not convinced that this is a genuine photograph! 

Centuries before even the basic box-camera had been invented, the apostle Paul warned his young "son in the faith", Timothy, about counterfeit reality (if that is not an oxymoron!) in the church. He said that, in the last days, people would be self-absorbed: "... holding the form of religion but denying the power of it." (II Tim 3:5). He repeatedly emphasised the need to live a godly life, warning that "... evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived." (II Tim 3:13).

Paul charged Timothy to "... continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." (II Tim 3:14-15). True godliness honours, and obeys, God; while its counterfeit seeks pleasure, and personal gain. One seeeks to please the Lord; the other gratifies natural desire. Each one is identified by its actions.

When others hear us say that we are "Christian" (although I prefer to say "disciple of Jesus", as the word "Christian" has, sadly, become greatly devalued in our modern society and culture!), they may wonder about the reality of our claim, and of our faith. Our lives will answer that question by reflecting the reality of the Christ!

How real am I making the Lord Jesus to others? And you?!

Testing, testing!

When I was very young, public address systems were not very common. Then as the years passed, it seemed to be the case that every public building had to have such a system installed. At the beginning of the programme - be it a Variety Show in the Town Hall, or a worship service in a church building - someone would always be heard, speaking into the microphone the words "Testing, testing" in order to ensure that all of the equipment was operating correctly.

Many years later, as a schoolteacher, I was required to test my pupils on their knowledge of my subject - be it Religious Studies, or History. Although there were set times for the formal examinations, I would also throw in a test or two as we worked our way through a topic. Some pupils didn't like such additional tests, but they knew that they would be coming, and that they should be prepared for them by completing homework, and staying abreast of classwork.

Almighty God, we might say, works on a similar principle. His Word says: "... do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, ..." (I Peter 4:12; NASB). Of course, God's tests aren't necessarily ones that we would have chosen for ourselves, because they never seem to come at 'the right time', and they invariably test us in our weakest areas! However, there is a reason for this. The tests of life are designed to sharpen us mentally, and strengthen us spiritually. They are not for the benefit of the teacher - they're for our own benefit! 

When tests come - and they will! - we have two possible reactions. We may act the victim, complaining that we have been singled out, and are being unfairly treated. Alternatively, we may allow them to teach us more about ourselves, and the Father God we claim to serve. 

For a number of years, I regularly 'worked out' at a gym. I had a choice. I could use the various pieces of apparatus as resistance, and push myself to grow physically stronger. Or I could have walked around, feeling sorry for myself, and remaining flabby! The same is true in the spiritual realm - and we have to make the choice!

Commenting on the temptations of the Christ, William Barclay has this to say: "In this life it is impossible that we should escape the assault of temptation; but one thing is sure - temptations are not sent to us to make us fail; they are sent to us to strengthen the nerve and the sinew of our minds, and hearts, and souls. They are not meant for our ruin, but for our good. They are meant to be tests from which we emerge better warriors and athletes of God. ... ... Jesus was not left to fight His battle alone - and neither are we." (D.S.B. on Mark; in loc).

Here's a comforting (i.e.strengthening) thought - Father God will never give you more than you can handle, or give you a test that you cannot pass.Listen to these words of Paul, from his first letter to the disciples of Jesus in Corinth: "But remember this - the wrong desires that come into your life aren't anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it, for He has promised this and will do what He says. He will show you how to escape temptation's power so that you can bear up patiently against it." (I Cor 10:13; TLB).

But be prepared. The test may come at any time. We prepare by the faithful, daily, practices of reading His Word, and of communing with Him in prayer. Are you prepared?!

Coping with fear.

It was only recently that I discovered that my younger daughter - a fully-grown adult! - has a fear of flying. In this, she is certainly not alone. Many people share that particular fear. The very thought of being airborne fills them with anxiety. For that reason, certain techniques have been recommended:

1. Avoid sugar, and caffeine, before and during a flight.

2. Lean back at take-off; allow your muscles to relax as much as possible.

3. Rate your anxiety, on a scale of 1 to 10. Then think positive thoughts, and note how much your fear decreases.

4. Breathe deeply; close your eyes; stretch your arms.

5. Wear a rubber band on your wrist, and 'snap' it to break unpleasant thoughts.

Now I am unable to verify any of these suggestions, as I don't have a problem with flying. That is, perhaps, because I have a sixth suggestion that I know does work - not only for the fear of flying, but for all fears. In fact, I would claim that it is the most important of all! It is simply to put your trust in Father God. When I have to fly, I always pray, before take-off, asking for God's protection for the flight. I am then able to relax, safe in the knowledge that He is in control, and that "underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27).

That is certainly what David did, as he records in Psalm 31. The background to the psalm is that a conspiracy had arisen against him. His friends had abandoned him. "Yea, I hear the whispering of many - terror on every side! - as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life." (v.13). Not just fear, but terror! But David made a choice, and declared: "But I trust in Thee, O Lord; I say, "Thou art my God." (v.14).

When you're afraid, it may help to breathe deeply, or snap a rubber band. But don't leave out the best way to cope with the fear of flying - or any other fear. Follow David's example and put your trust in God. He is the One Who never lets us down if we are truly His, born again through God the Holy Spirit, and claiming the atoning sacrifice of Jesus the Son - Who often said "Fear not"! (cf. Matt.10:31; Lk.12:7, 32; Rev.1:17). "... perfect love casts out fear." (I John 4:18) - and the only perfect love, is the love of Almighty God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Death - the final frontier!

As I have mentioned before, I am an avid reader, and enjoy reading not only my Bible, and various theological books, but also a good novel. I especially enjoy a good detective story - trying to figure out  the identity of the perpetrator of the crime involved (usually a murder!). Often, I fail miserably, and it is only in the final chapter that the criminal is exposed! Some of the novels I have read have been real 'cliffhangers', and it has been almost the last page before I discover "whodunnit"!! However, there is one cliffhanger that none of us will ever resolve until we experience it for ourselves - what happens after physical death?

Anyone who has watched, in sadness, as someone close to them has died may wonder about their new existence (if they believe that there is "anything" after physical death, in the first place!). Our hearts may ache to know what they are doing, or where they are. Some appear to have the idea that the after-life is just a continuation of this one. How often have I read, on the pages of Facebook, "birthday anniversary" wishes being sent to someone who died, perhaps many years ago? I even read one 'tribute' (and I have no doubt that that was what was intended) to a mother who had died. I can't recall the exact wording, but the wish was expressed that, now that she and the father who had died many years previously, were able to celebrate their wedding anniversary together, the father would be treating the mother to a nice meal in an Italian restaurant "up there"!

That, I would respectfully suggest, is simply wishful thinking. The Bible clearly teaches that if a person had a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, the Christ, then that person's spirit is with Him, awaiting that call, and sound of the shofar, to which I referred in the previous post. Awaiting the resurrection if the body as it is instantly transformed into the new body that will be theirs throughout eternity. 

So we do have some clues regarding those who have died, in Jesus. We know that they are enjoying God's presence. Paul, inspired by God the Holy Spirit, writes these words to the early disciples of Jesus in Corinth: "We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (II Cor 5:8; emphasis added).  We also know that they are recognisable, and conscious of their surroundings - just like the rich man and Lazarus the beggar, of whom the Lord Jesus spoke (Luke 16:19-31). We also know that they haven't yet received that perfect body that will be theirs at the Rapture, as stated above.    

There is more that we may know - but that refers to after the Rapture; the seven years of the Tribulation; and the Second Advent when the Lord Jesus will vanquish His enemies. That is yet another topic for another post!  The only other truth that I would share just now is that Father God, in His matchless love and power, has a glorious reunion planned. Then, our eternal rejoicing will truly begin. The last page of the mystery has a very happy ending - if you are in Jesus! If not ... !!!

This is why I so often end a post by urging you to, if you have not already done so, turn to the Lord Jesus, confessing your sinfulness, and your sins; accepting the forgiveness that He gained for you at Calvary; and handing over the reins of your life to Him. It's something I did more than 60 years ago and, although I have let Him down more often than I care to remember, He has never let me down. He won't let you down, either!

"I shall return"

The words that head this post are those referred to in the previous post. They were spoken by American General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, to the people of the Philippines in 1942, as he left for Australia to command the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Theatre in the Second World War.

Some 1900 years earlier, very similar words were spoken by Jesus of Nazareth to His closest disciples. One of those present has recorded the words for us: "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:1-3; emphasis added)

We know that Gen. MacArthur fulfilled his promise to the people of the Philippines. But what about Jesus? It's now heading towards 2,000 years since He made His promise - but it hasn't yet been fulfilled! 

Listen to another of those who were present when the Lord Jesus made that promise: "... do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up." (II Peter 3:8-10).

The event to which Peter refers - "... the day of the Lord ..." is, I would contend, the Second Advent when the Lord Jesus will return to deal with the forces of evil, once and for all. However, there is a prior event to which His words also apply. This is the event referred to by Paul when, in his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he writes: "... this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thess 4:15-18; emphasis added).

This event is referred to as "the Rapture" of the true church. It is that event to which the Lord Jesus referred when He said: "But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come." (Mark 13:32-33). There will be no warning. It will happen in an instant. Paul writes to the Corinthian believers: "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." (I Cor 15:51-52; emphases added).

There are, in fact, three "stages" to the Rapture. The first of these is the sound that will be heard. That will be the voice of an archangel with "a cry of command" - the command to those who have already died in the Christ; true believers from all previous generations; to rise to meet with Him, “… in the air …”!  That will be followed by the sound of the shofar (not the man-made metal trumpet, but that which is created by Father God). Vance Havner, an American preacher of an earlier generation, used to say, "I'm not looking for signs; I'm listening for a sound"! – the sound of the voice of the archangel, and of the shofar.

The second stage concerns the ascent that we shall make. Paul writes: "And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds…" At the Rapture, there will be two kinds of believer. There will be those who have already died, in the Lord.

This, it would appear, was the big concern of the Thessalonian believers. “… we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.”  Sleep is used in the New Testament to describe death. So Lazarus was “asleep”; the centurion’s daughter was “asleep”.

The disciples of Jesus in Thessalonica knew that the Lord would return for His people. But they also knew that some of their number has already died. Had these brothers and sisters in Jesus missed out? Paul confirms that this is not so! Indeed, he states that those who have died in the Lord Jesus will rise first!   That is, they will actually rise before the second group - those who are alive, who are left.  “… then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds …”. The Greek word that is translated “caught up” is much stronger than that. It means to “snatch up”, “to seize”, “to pull forcibly”.  This, of course, is in line with Paul’s inspired words to the Corinthian believers: "... we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,". 

I learned, recently, of a period of time known as a “nanosecond”! I use the expression “period of time” because I cannot think of anything more suitable. But a nano-second is one one-billionth of a second! That is, quite honestly, beyond my comprehension. I believe that if Paul had been privy to such information, he might well have written “… we shall all be changed in a nano-second.”! 

But Paul mentions another aspect of the Rapture that we must consider. He writes “… the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality." The resurrection body is not going to be a body of flesh and blood as are the bodies that we now inhabit, for "... flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable." (I Cor 15:50). At the Rapture, we shall receive our new, and perfect, bodies, designed for eternity in the close presence of Almighty God!

The change will be a metamorphosis – just like a caterpillar that, taking much longer, changes into a beautiful butterfly. I don’t know about you, but that makes me really excited – and eager for that Rapture to take place!

The third "stage" in the Rapture is the union we shall enjoy. That union is, of course, with the Saviour, the Lord Jesus. Paul continues in that passage to the Thessalonians with the words: “and so we shall always be with the Lord.” This stage is connected to the procedures in a Jewish wedding – which is somewhat different to a wedding in either France or Scotland! However, to go through it in detail would make an already longer-than-usual post much longer still! Perhaps I shall share that in a separate post. Suffice it, for now, to say that the Bridegroom will have come for His Bride and that, while she does not know the precise moment, she may have an indication of it.

The written Word of God provides us with so many signs of the coming of the Bridegroom, - our Lord Jesus. Arguably the greatest of these is Israel, the nation, being reformed on May 14^th, 1948 – the date on which, many are convinced, the prophetic clock started to tick!

As we look at the ‘signs of the times’, (yet another potential post!) there can surely be no doubt in any Bible-believing person’s mind, that we are in the very last days – that the Rapture is, to use an English-language idiom, “Just around the corner”!

This is the Rapture.

I want to leave you with just three questions;

1 Have you been washed – in the blood of the Lord Jesus?

2 Are you watching – for His ‘coming in the clouds’?

3 Are you waiting - ?

When that great shout is heard; when the sound of the shofar echoes throughout the world; may you and I be among those who are snatched up, in a nanosecond, to be forever with the Lord.

Note. I deal a little more fully with the Rapture in my first book, "Great Words of the Faith" - links at the top of the blog. ALL royalties sent directly to Release International. 

Keeping your word!

USA General Douglas MacArthur had a long, and distinguished military career. However, he is, arguably, best remembered for a speech that he gave as he left the Philippines, in 1942, and told the people of the Philippines: "I shall return". He had retired from the Army in 1937, but was recalled to active service in July 1941, and conducted a valiant delaying action against the Japanese Forces, in the Philippines, after the USA was drawn into WW2 by the attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941. He was ordered to Australia in March 1942, and commanded the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific Theatre.

MacArthur was a man of his word and, two-and-a-half years after his departure from the Philippines, he returned and announced: "This is General MacArthur. I have returned!" In spite of overwhelming odds, the old soldier - he was, by then, 62 years of age - had kept his promise.

That kind of integrity is not easy to find in our own age. Nowadays - and, perhaps, especially over the past months and the Covid-19 situation - we question the promises of politicians; business can no longer be conducted on a handshake; parents have good reason to sometimes doubt their own children; and even those of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus don't always do what we say we will do!

Solomon says "It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."(Eccles. 5:5); while Paul advises the Colossian disciples of Jesus: "... whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Col 3:17). In the Book of Psalms, the shepherd-king of Israel, David, asks the question: "YHWH, who may go and find refuge and shelter in Your tabernacle up on Your holy hill?" (Ps 15:1; TLB). He then supplies the answer: "Anyone who leads a blameless life and is truly sincere ... [and] keeps a promise even if it ruins him," (vs 2-4).

So how does this apply to you, and to me? Do you keep your word, even if it costs you? Do I? For example, when we promise to pray for someone, do we actually do so - and for more than a couple of days? When we tell others that they can depend on us - can they? When we agree to deal with financial obligations on time - do we? Not one of us is perfect, but when we fail, do we admit our mistakes without making all sorts of excuses?

If we are truly disciples of Jesus, then we most certainly should - and if we aren't living like that, then we need to confess; seek the forgiveness that He gained for us at Calvary; accept it, and allow God the Holy Spirit to work freely in our lives.

May each of us do so - for our own good, and for the glory of the Father.

Advance Notice!! This post leads on to the next one - so watch this space, later in the week!

Leaving Facebook

The following is the post that I published on Facebook when my 30-day ban ended. It is published here so that I have a permanent record of it!! 

Well, it looks as if I am back, and able to make use of all of the Facebook facilities!

May I, first of all, say a big "THANK YOU" to all of those who congratulated my wife and I on our Golden Wedding Anniversary. All of the good wishes were very much appreciated. I did publish a special post on my blog (https://crazyrev.blogspot.com/ 😇) which some might wish to read! You will also find, on the blog, a post explaining why I was, again, banned!

Secondly, I apologise to all who have posted about anniversaries, births, other special occasions, with no reaction/response from me. It was not personal!! :-)

The third thing that I wish to say is that I am now leaving Facebook. I suspect that, once a person has been banned, that person is "targetted" and, with a 30-day ban each time, I can't be bothered with the hassle. I am also unhappy with the "new" Facebook, and the fact that I am not permitted to continue with the "Classic" version. So, this seems to be a good time to part company.

However !!! It appears that I may do this in two stages - deactivation, and then deletion. My plan, therefore, is to "deactivate" until September 29th. This will allow me to continue to use the Messenger facility. Then, on Sept 30th, DV, I shall delete the account altogether.

Anyone who wishes to keep in touch may do so in either of two ways. You may use messenger, over the next two weeks, to provide me with an e-mail address. I shall respond to that and so provide you with my own e-mail address. Alternatively, at any time, you may access my blog and use the e-mail address proved there. It is not my primary e-mail address, so you may not receive an immediate response - but I do check it out every so often!

Once I have your own e-mail address, I shall also add you to the list of folk who receive our annual newsletter. If, having received your first one, you decide that you have no desire to receive further newsletters, just send me an e-mail with "Please cancel" in the subject line.

Okay! For two weeks, I shall endeavour to not upset the Facebook police. (No promises, of course!).