Defending the Faith

 

This is the third volume in "The Faith" series.

It is based on, primarily, the 1st letter of the apostle John to the church at large. One of those who has endorsed it writes:

“This is a very readable book, and I would happily have it available to hand out to encourage people to understand, more deeply, their need to speak out their faith to those amongst whom they live. Brian takes his readers on a believable, and encouraging, journey through Christian fellowship, care, and growth, and encourages us to live the Christian life by sharing the Gospel with those who do not yet believe, because we seek to love them as God loves them. He brings John’s letters from the page, and helps us to live as true disciples of Jesus.”

Rev. Dominic Stockford
Minister, Christ Church, Teddington
Chairman, The Protestant Truth Society

Please remember that I do not promote my books for my own financial benefit. I receive absolutely nothing from purchases. All royalties are sent,directly,to the bank account of Release International, in support of the persecuted church. All three volumes are available in both paperback and Kindle e-book formats. Links to each of them may be found at the top of the page. 

Volume 4, "Living the Faith", based on the Letter from James, is in preparation and, it is hoped, will be available early in the new year. A fifth - and, probably, final - volume is planned. It was suggested by a dear friend, and brother in the Lord, and the "working title" is "Sharing the Faith".

If you find any of my books to be helpful, please leave a positive review. 😇

Please also remember that in March, Brian was interviewed for an online summit on the topic of “Death”.  He was able to provide a Christian perspective, and the interview may be watched here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPEfzYiPfcI&t=1s

It would be most helpful if you would watch, and leave a "Like"! As others point out, it costs nothing, but the algorithm places the clip at a "higher" level (or something like that! I am no computer expert!).

Eternal Life.

It was the headline in an advertisement on a French website: "Vivre éternellement est-il possible ?" ("Is eternal life possible?"). The advert appeared to be promoting a herbal mixture that would ensure longevity - at the right price! 

Apparently, two researchers, Sou Sato and Ichika Tanaka, conducted an in-depth investigation in search of an illustrious Chinese herbalist, Li Ching-Yuen, who lived to be 256 years old! A legend that one would have thought completely eccentric, and yet ... the researchers discovered that it was not a legend, that this herbalist really existed, that he lived very, very long and that his longevity had a secret. A secret they've updated. Who does not dream of immortality or, at least, of an almost eternal youth?

I never did manage to find out the price of this amazing product - and I don't really need to, or want to! You see, I already have eternal life. And the eternal life that I am already living is truly eternal! That is because not even my mortal death, at whatever age it occurs, will have any effect on it! 

Let's clarify one thing. "Eternal life" is not "everlasting life" - although it is 'everlasting'! However, eternity is not time. Time had a beginning, and will have an end (that is an established scientific fact!). Eternity has neither! It is not "endless time", but "timelessness". In my first book - Great Words of the Faith* - I have a chapter on the word, and concept. In it I write: "The way in which I most easily think of it is by going back in my memory (which is, of course, time-bound!) to the days when I was ‘courting’ the young girl who eventually became my wife.  As our relationship grew, and we became more serious about spending our lives with one another, we would often sit, in the evening, in the front room of her parental home, discussing our future together – where I might be called to minister (I was already at University studying for that vocation); how many children we might have; whether or not we would have a dog; and her insistence that she was not going to become this character who was “the minister’s wife”, but rather the wife of a man who happened to be a minister!  Suddenly, I would look up at the clock on the wall above the fireplace.  “Look at the time!”, I might exclaim.  “I’d better go before your dad comes in and throws me out!”  What had happened was, that for an all-too-brief interlude, time for us had effectively ceased to exist.  We had been so engrossed in ourselves, and our plans, that we had forgotten about it.  Of course, the clock on the wall had not been so distracted!  And so, when I saw the position of its hands, I was brought sharply back to the reality of my time-bound existence."

Eternal life is, to put it simply, the life of Almighty God, the only self-sufficient Eternal One. But, as God, He may give that life to whomsoever He wills. His written Word, the Bible, makes clear that He gives it to those who respond, positively, to His grace through faith in the Lord Jesus, the Christ - God the Son. It is in Him that eternal life is found. 

Earlier this evening, I was watching a YouTube video on the ancient Galilean town of Capernaum. It was in that town that some of those who had been following the Lord Jesus began to drift away. John records: "Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also wish to go away?' Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.'" (John 6:67-69).

"You have the words of eternal life." It is found, not in any herbal mixture, but only in the Lord Jesus. John also records that: "... God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). Note the present tense! As soon as I come to Jesus, confessing my sins, repenting of them, and accepting that His sacrificial death at Calvary is the only way by which they may be forgiven, then I receive the gift of God the Holy Spirit in my life, to guide me, and empower me - here and now!

Do you have eternal life? It's available to all who will call on His Name. If you need any personal help, please check out the "Do you need God? " website in "My favourite links" (below). Alternatively, please feel free to contact me using the e-mail address at the top of the page. I only check it a couple of times a week, but I shall get back to you as soon as I can. A third option is to speak with a disciple of Jesus whom you know. Just be sure to do something - you may not have another opportunity!

*All of my books (links above) are available as both paperback and Kindle e-books. All royalties are sent directly to Release International, in support of the persecuted church. Please purchase; leave a review; and encourage others to buy!

Home! Home at last!

Yesterday morning, we (my wife and I) left our overnight lodging in Dover, and headed for the Ferry Port. Our first stop was the French Passport Control. Our explanation of why we had been in the UK; our passports; and, most importantly, my French driving licence; had us waved through. UK Passport Control also waved us through. The young lady at the P&O Ferries' Check-in put us on to the ferry that left an hour and a half before the one for which we had booked. The ferry was almost devoid of passengers. The crossing was uneventful. All was well!

Or so we thought! We had already booked in a (budget!) hotel in Dreux for one night, in order to break up the journey. However, when we arrived, we discovered that the hotel was closed due to the restrictions that had been put in place by the French Government. We looked around, but were unable to find any alternative. Driving on to Chartres, we were stopped by the Gendarmerie! Thankfully, we had been warned about the need for a Certificate of Attestation, and so I had hand-written one! We also had retained our ferry-crossing documents, and all was accepted. Mind you, as we were about to drive off again, there was a knocking on the window. I lowered the glass, to be asked about the large, helium-filled, balloon in the back of the car! I guess it was, indeed, unusual, but when I explained that we had been enjoying a belated celebration of a special birthday anniversary for my wife, and that the balloon came from that, the two young gendarmes laughed, and waved us on! We then discovered that Chartres, too, was without any available hotels. Having wasted a lot of time in searching, we decided to drive straight home - a distance of some 560 kms (350 miles). We had purchased a couple of salads to eat in the hotel, so we stopped for a half-hour to have "dinner". Then, about midnight, we were able to park in an "Aire de repos", and sleep for about an hour and a half. We arrived home at 0530 - and went straight to bed. We awoke about 1030, but didn't arise immediately! 

So, it was really good to be home - even if we are forbidden to visit for purely social reasons. However, as I lay in bed this morning, my mind running through the journey home, I found myself thinking of a much longer journey - the journey of life. It's a journey that may be long or short. It's a journey that some don't even have the opportunity to commence. It's a journey that is filled with a multitude of different experiences - some enjoyable; others less so.

And it's a journey that, sooner or later, comes to an end! We refer to that end as "death", and it is the lot of each and every one of us. Our financial worth is not sufficient to avoid it (although a very rich person may be able to postpone it for a time!). Our position in society is not sufficient to avoid it (a dictator, monarch, or president will die just as surely as the poorest, and least socially important, person). 'Religious' people die as readily as those who are totally agnostic (I omit "atheists" because there is no such person as a true atheist - or, at least, who is not also arrogantly ignorant!). Children die as well as adults - and I have just received the very sad news that a former pupil who had recently announced that the child she was carrying had been diagnosed with Downs' Syndrome (but that, to her - and her partner's - great credit, she was determined to keep, and care for) has died in the womb. Death is no respecter of persons.

Yet, for some of us, death will come as a welcome experience! Perhaps not the actual experience of dying - that is, for some, incredibly painful - but the "end result"! That is because we believe firmly that physical death is not the end. There is, indeed, life after death! The only variable is "what kind of life will you have?"

For those of us who are disciples of Jesus, the future is secure. We have the promise in His Word that, our physical deaths are not the end, but that our spirits (the real "us") will go to be with Him (II Cor.5:8). Not only that, but He has assured us that He is already preparing a place for us! (Jn.14:2). And all of this is not just for a specified time, but for eternity (read about that in my first book: "Great Words of the Faith". ALL royalties go directly to Release International in support of the persecuted church).

When that happens, although there is much to take place after it (and, of course, if the Rapture takes place during my physical lifetime, then I shall not experience physical death! Read more of this in the relevant chapter in "Great Words"!), I shall be home! It is something to which, every passing day, I look forward with great anticipation. I shall, after the return of the Lord Jesus, and His vanquishing of all evil, spend eternity in His presence on the new earth that He has ready for me!

Then shall I be able to say, with great joy, "Home! I'm home at last!" Hallelujah! Will you be there with me? Will you?! If you are unsure, please feel free to contact me using the e-mail address above. It is not my primary e-mail address, so it isn't checked every day - but as soon as I read your e-mail, I shall respond. 

Where will death lead?

As the previous post indicates, I have a deep interest in what is referred to as "the persecuted church". These are disciples of Jesus, the Christ who suffer for His Name's sake in more than fifty countries in the world, today. Someone has estimated that more Christians died for their faith in the 20th century, than in the previous nineteen centuries combined! 

Even the former UK Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, MP, who ordered a report on the subject, accepted that persecution of Christians in parts of the world is at near "genocide" levels. The review, led by the Bishop of Truro, estimated that one in three people suffer from religious persecution, and that Christians were the most persecuted religious group. Mr Hunt said he felt that "political correctness" had played a part in the issue not being confronted - something with which I would agree!

In 410 AD, the Germanic barbarians known as the Goths (yes, that's the origin of that word!! I often wonder if those who dress, and use make-up, in a particular manner, and go by that name, actually know of those from whom they take their name!) sacked the city of Rome. During the invasion, many disciples of Jesus were put to death in hideous and cruel ways - just as happens in 2019! In the midst of this terrible, and tragic, situation, the great theologian Augustine (354 - 430) wrote his classic volume The City of God. His reflections, from nearly sixteen centuries ago, are still relevant today.

Augustine wrote: "The end of life puts the longest life on a par with the shortest ... ... Death becomes evil only by the retribution which follows it. They, then, who are destined to die, need not inquire about what death they are to die, but into what place death will usher them." 

During my tears in pastoral ministry, I dealt with many who were, themselves, dealing with death - either their own, or that of a loved one. What a difference there was between those who could look beyond death to an eternity with the One Whom they had loved for, in some cases, many decades; and those to whom death was something to be feared. And, by the way, what a difference it made to the funeral service that I was so often asked to conduct!

For the true disciple of Jesus, death is not a policeman hauling us off to court, but a servant ushering us into the presence of a loving Saviour. The apostle Paul understood this. He looked at life and death from the perspective of the Lord Jesus. Since he knew where death would take him, he could make the bold declaration: "Lo! I tell you a mystery. 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. For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Cor 15:51-57).

Every disciple of Jesus - whether we die quietly in our own bed, or are crucified, burnt, hanged, beheaded, or whatever - may have that same assurance. Because of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, we who have placed our trust in Him can look at death, not as a 'full stop', but as a 'comma' - that precedes  a glorious eternity with our Lord.

Perhaps you don't like to think of death - especially not your own!  But ignoring your death won’t stop it from happening—the mortality rate is still 100%! Medical advances can often extend lives, but no mortal lives forever. In the end, doctors lose every patient they treat. Your bank balance won't help; your social status won't help; your personal accomplishments won't help. George Soros will die; your favourite sporting celebrity will die; every film star will die. Eventually you, and everyone you love, will die. Until the rapture of the saints, every life on this earth ends in death.

So it is important that you know where you are going! You may believe that death is, indeed, a full stop; that when your mortal body breathes its last, there will be nothing. You may be in for a big surprise! I am saddened when I read, on social network sites, people wishing a deceased loved one "a happy heavenly birthday"; when I hear people say, with no evidence to support the claim, that someone who has, perhaps, been in a lot of pain, "is in a better place"; when I see comments about people being reunited with loved ones who died before them. 

That is why so many of these posts seek to point you to Jesus. Only in Him is there victory over death, and hell, and the grave. The anonymous writer of the great letter to Hebrew disciples of Jesus wrote: "... we see Jesus, Who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death , so that by the grace of God He might taste death for every one. ... ... ... Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same nature that, through death, He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage." (Heb 2:9, 14-15).

May all who do read this post experience the salvation that is available in Jesus, and know eternal life - even now! "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have [note the present tense!] eternal life." (John 3:16).

Being an apologist.

A dear friend left, today, to travel to her home country of Poland. She has not been a disciple of Jesus for a very long time, and has asked friends to pray that she might be: "... an example with my behavior, my words and my deeds, for His glory. My deep desire and hope is that I can be and remain a great witness of what Jesus did in me and how He has changed me ..."

That, of course, should be the prayer of every disciple of Jesus, whoever they are; wherever they are; and regardless of how long they have been walking the Christian way.

So what is the best reason we can give to anyone who asks why we have accepted the Lord Jesus as our Saviour? How may we, most persuasively, bear witness to our faith? "Always be ready", urged the apostle Peter, "to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,    ..." (I Peter 3:15). The Greek word translated "answer" in that quotation, is the word "apologian" - "apology"! However, this is not a weak-kneed excuse from a quivering person who merely wants to keep out of trouble! The word refers to a convincing argument in support of the position that one holds. 

For a long time, I have found it interesting that while "evangelist" is a gift of the Lord Jesus to the church (see Eph.4:11), we are all called to be witnesses! It is not a gift - it is a direct command! (see  Acts 1:8). The only option I have is to be a good witness - or a bad one! Of course, as I witness "with my behaviour, my words and my deeds,", I am being an apologist for the Faith! Please don't think that you have to be a member of the clergy; a theologian; a Bible teacher; or whatever in order "... to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, ..." You can bear witness to the the truth and power of the Gospel message. Your own life can be the best argument in support of your faith in the Lord Jesus, the Christ, to anyone who asks why you believe what you believe. You can share how He has changed you; how He continues to guide you; how He walks with you.

One word of warning! The Greek word translated "witness" in Acts 1:8 is the word "martures" - from which we get the English language word "martyr". Yes, as our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church in some sixty countries who suffer for the Gospel in ways that I am unable to comprehend, do so, it is because of their constant witness!

Are you a good witness for Jesus? Am I? we may not be preachers, or teachers, or evangelists. We are witnesses!

The end of time!

I believe that it was no less a person than Albert Einstein who established that 'time' has a beginning and an end. Of course, students of the written Word of God, the Bible, already knew that, as the fact is clear in that Word! There have also been many who have claimed, in spite of the clear statement of the Lord Jesus to the contrary (Mk.13:32), to be able to predict the very day on which the Son will return and herald the end of time.

However, although we can not know the precise point at which time will end, we may discern the seasons - and there are many indications that we are rapidly approaching that momentous event known to Biblical theologians as "the rapture". There are a few differing views as to when, in the overall scheme of things, that event will take place. The Bible speaks of a time of tribulation for the human race. I am among those who believe that the rapture will occur immediately before that seven-year period.

One of the clear signs of the times is the increase in the persecution of disciples of Jesus. Those of us who live in what is often called "the West" are often blissfully unaware of the severe difficulties faced by our brothers and sisters in the Lord, in more than fifty countries in the modern world. However, even the secular world is beginning to realise something of the extent of the persecution that these dear people face. Indeed, a recent report ordered by British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, stated that the persecution of Christians in parts of the world is at near “genocide” levels!

Having been interested in, and supportive of, the persecuted church for decades, I am aware of some of the current increase in persecution in, e.g., China, India, Sri Lanka, and the Central African Republic. I know that North Korea remains the most dangerous country in the world in which to be identified as a disciple of Jesus. I know that Muslim extremists will target Jesus' followers as much as they will Jews. This is seen, particularly, in Nigeria where two Islamic groups - Boko Haram and militant Fulani tribesmen are responsible for the slaughter of more believers than in any other country - more than 75% (if I recall correctly) of all of those murdered, are in Nigeria! Of course, there are fates worse than death!

There are, of course, many other such signs, so it is a wise person who will ensure that they are ready for the event itself! How may one do that? Simply by being "born again" (John 3:3). That, in turn, involves the ABC of admitting that you are a sinner in the sight of Almighty God; believing that the death of Jesus, the Son, is sufficient to atone for your sins; and confessing to others that you are now committed to following Him.

That is the shortened version! May I recommend two of the links below - "Do you need God?"; and "New Christian UK"? Of course, you may also contact me using the e-mail address at the top. I would also recommend the first two of my own books (remember, I receive no financial benefit at all. All royalties go directly to Release International - supporting the persecuted church). Of course, the third book is worth reading - but start with the first two!

Blessings, and shalom.

The end of a season?!

It would have been good to have reached a nice round number like 1500! However, at what will be post #1433, I have decided to bring my blogging season to a close. :-(

The reason for this is the falling number of people who are accessing the blog. It may not always have appeared to be the case, but I have put a fair bit of effort into most of the posts that I have published (occasionally, one just couldn't wait to be typed up!). However, it may be better if I just publish the occasional 'blog-like' status on my Facebook page. Possibly, there will be more people who will access it, and read it - and even act upon it!

There are, indeed, seasons in our lives. I know, because I have been through a number of them in my own experience. It may be, simply, that my blogging season has ended and, if that is the case, then it would be somewhat pointless to continue. 

My Facebook status comments may be viewed by all (I think!), so those who have been faithful in their support ought not to lose out. It may even be that, at some point in the future, I will be led to post on my blog again. Meanwhile, the blog should remain available and, using the "Search Engine" at the top left-hand corner, you may be able to find a post (or more than one!) on any topic in which you have a special interest.

There is much that is wrong with our world. today. We may react to that with total despair! That would certainly be understandable. However, there is an alternative reaction. It is the reaction of those who are convinced that there is One Who is in control; One Who knows the beginning from the end; One Who is working out His own divine purposes, day by day. Those of us who claim to belong to Him, the Almighty Creator of all that exists, may know His security in every situation and circumstance.

I have just completed reading, and studying, the little letter from Jude - one of the half-brothers of the Lord Jesus - in my personal devotions. Written to believers who were facing situations that most of us cannot comprehend (but those in what we refer to as "the persecuted church" comprehend only too well!), he encouraged them with these words from the beginning, and the end, of his brief letter:

"To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you." (Jude 1-2).

"Now to Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you without blemish before the presence of His glory with rejoicing, to the only God, our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and for ever." (Jude 24-25).

I commend Him to you - and you to Him. 

On a starry night.

Just over a week ago, I watched a video-clip from the town of Nazareth, with a count-down to midnight on Dec.24th, and a massive display of fireworks. I don't know how many people were gathered together to celebrate, but it looked as if there were many thousands.

Now, apart from the fact that Jesus was not born on December 25th - type "When was Jesus really born" in the search engine box at the top-left, to read the post on the topic from last year! - there are other significant differences between that scene from modern Nazareth, and the event that took place, more than 2,000 years ago, in Bethlehem.

First of all, Bethlehem was not packed with thousands of onlookers! Oh, it is true that the town was overcrowded because of the census that had been declared. That, we are informed, was why there was no proper accommodation for the man Joseph and his young, heavily pregnant wife, Mary. However, those who were there were so because of the Imperial Decree. They certainly were not awaiting fireworks and a load of razzmatazz!

Not that the skies were silent over Bethlehem! Those shepherds, watching their flocks on the hills above the town, could vouch for that! That is the second difference. No fireworks, but an angelic messenger, quickly accompanied by "... a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!'" (Luke 2:13-14). Oh, and please don't be misled by popular Christmas cards, or nativity plays! These were no little cherubs, in white gowns, and with golden curls above rosy cheeks! The words "the heavenly host" refer to the armies of heaven! These were mighty warriors - quite possibly bearing weapons! - who were glorifying the Creator of all that exists.

Today, of course is, for so many, just the final shopping day for the last-minute Christmas gift. I was in a shop (just browsing!!) earlier today. There was, of course, music playing. I heard what I have to say was the most excruciating rendition of "O come, all ye faithful" that I have ever had the misfortune to hear! Even the shop assistant from whom I sought some advice agreed! However, I wondered just how many of those in the shop were even the least bit interested in adoring the One Who came into this sinful world in order to die for the salvation of all who will come to Him, in repentance (sadly so seldom mentioned, today, in even good evangelical fellowships - yet of the utmost importance!) and faith, and accept that He has already done for them, what they can never do for themselves.

You see, Christmas, wonderful although it is, is only the beginning of a greater story. Because that Infant Who was laid in a manger became the Christ Who hung on a cross. It was there that He paid the penalty that you and I deserved to pay. He paid a debt He did not owe, because we owe a debt we cannot pay.

In the midst of all of the fun and festivity that so many of us will enjoy, may I ask for two things?  May I ask that you give some thought to all of those who are spending their first Christmas-time without a particular loved one; those who are alone; those who are part of that vast number that we refer to, collectively, as "the persecuted church", and who are unable to celebrate as we do? May I also ask you to give thought to the One Whose birth we celebrate. It's become something of a cliché, but He really is "the Reason for the season"!

May I also wish you - if you are reading this in time! - a very happy Christmas, during which you come to appreciate a little more, what Almighty God, in His great love, has done for us, in Jesus.

Blessings, and shalom.

An attitude of gratitude.

It was in one of our 'local' supermarkets, this afternoon. My wife and I were attending to some shopping requirements. As we passed a trolley that had a small child in it, he dropped the model car with which he was playing. I stooped down to pick it up and gave it to him. His (I presume) mother, turned around from the shelving and instructed him; "Dit merci au monsieur."("Say thank you to the gentleman."). "Merci, monsieur.", the child immediately said, and I responded appropriately.

As we walked on, I spoke to my wife, saying how good it was that a child was being taught to say "Thank you". I know that it is not as common in the UK as it was when I was being raised. I then found myself thinking: How often do we say "Thank you" to Father God, for all of His love, and grace, and mercy, and provision, and protection? Indeed, I suspect that those who are named "the persecuted church" are more thankful, in spite of the suffering that they endure, than are many of us who live in the greater freedom of the "western" countries.

Last week, we were back in the UK to attend the funeral service for a very dear friend of forty years, who had died of triple cancer. I can still recall (and will probably never forget!) her words when she informed us, a year ago, of her diagnosis. She informed us that she was in a "win, win" situation. "Either the cancers will be destroyed, and I will have more time to spend with (her husband) and the family; or it won't, and I will see Jesus sooner. Either way, I can be thankful."

John MacArthur is a well-known pastor and theologian from the USA. He has stated that “A thankful heart is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. It stands in stark contrast to pride, selfishness, and worry.” The late Dr Billy Graham pointed out that “A spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian whose heart is attuned to the Lord.” I recall the late Rev. George B.Duncan - for many years my minister, spiritual mentor, and personal friend - tell of a Scripture Union Camp that he had led on the Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland. It was a boys' camp and, one evening, on the slopes of Goat Fell (the high point of the island), they were all seated around a camp-fire. He suggested that every boy pray, but do no more than thank the Lord. He informed us that it was a very moving experience to hear these young lads, one by one, say simply but sincerely, "Thank You, Lord", or "Thank You, Jesus."  

The letters of the apostle Paul have much to say about thanksgiving. However, it was to the disciples of Jesus in Philippi that he gave what is arguably the most important teaching on the subject: "Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God." (4:6). We do not give thanks only when all appears to be well, but even when it is anything but! (That, by the way, is the attitude of our persecuted brothers and sisters).

So, do you have an attitude of gratitude? We have so much for which to give thanks. If a small child can do so because a stranger picked up a wee car and returned it to him, surely we, who have received so much from the hand of Father God, can do likewise! Someone has said that “To be grateful is to recognise the love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything.” Thank You, Lord; Thank You, Jesus.