JUNE 26-27 – You Cussed!

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” - Proverbs 22: 6

"You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. "You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.…” - Deuteronomy 11:18-19

A church minister on a trip to America was sightseeing around the town of Albany. He found a park bench, sat down to eat his sandwiches. As he ate he felt he was being watched. Turning around he came face to face with an eleven/twelve year old boy – eyes big, and face creased with curiosity. “What's your name?” he finally asked, then, “What you eatin'?” “Where you from?” - Tennessee? “Where's that?” “What're you doin' 'ere?” To the last question the minister told him he'd gone to Albany to preach. “What does it mean to preach?” he asked. It means to tell others about Jesus.” Hearing the word “Jesus,” the boy's eyes widened, and he promptly put his hand over his mouth. “;Jesus.;” he whispered. “Mister, don't you know?” “Know what?” “That's a cuss word!” It dawned on the minister that the only time the child had heard the name Jesus in his home or neighbourhood, it was used as a profanity.

If his parents hadn't taught him about the true Jesus, did he have grandparents? Children who have godly grandparents are truly blessed. Godly grandparents help develop deep roots that help children stand strong through the storms and trials life will inevitably throw at them.

Compare the Albany boy's home-life with that of Timothy's upbringing....”Now from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” - 2 Timothy 3:15

Grandparents have become increasingly important in this 21st c. society, because of the breakdown of it's moral and social fibre. That, along with single parent families struggling to be both Mum and Dad, and homes where both parents work – yes, grandparents are invaluable. But what do children think?

In the words of an eight year old, this is what a grandmother means. A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own, so she likes other people's boys and girls. Grandmas don't have anything to do except be there. If they take us for walks, they slow down past pretty leaves and caterpillars. They never say “Hurry up!”

Usually they are fat, but not too fat to tie shoes. They wear glasses, and sometimes they can take their teeth out. They can answer questions like why dogs hate cats and why God isn't married. They don't talk like visitors do which is hard to understand.

When they read to us, they don't skip words or mind if it's the same story again. Everybody should have a grandma, especially if you don't have television, because grandmas are the only grown ups who always have time.”

Yes, godly grandparents tell of the Jesus who is a child's friend – not 'Jesus,' a cuss word.

Music today is - “I Learned About Jesus in my Grandma's Rocking Chair” - the Hemphills PL

JUNE 25 – Some special day!

“When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” Luke 14:15-24

It was Granddad’s birthday. He was seventy-six. He got up early, shaved, showered, combed his hair and put on his “best” clothes so he would look nice when they came.

Usually he would take a daily walk to the local cafe where he met his cronies for morning coffee, and a chat to put the world to rights. Today, he skipped his walk. He wanted to be home when they came.

Getting his gardening tools out of the shed, he pottered around in his immaculate front garden so he would get a better view of the street when they drove up to help celebrate his birthday. Grandma bustled around the kitchen cooking a rice pudding – favourite of the family as children. By noon Grandad felt tired but decided not to take his usual nap so he could be alert when they came, and spent the rest of the afternoon sitting by the telephone so he could answer it when they called to say they were on their way.

Grandad has five married children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. One son and daughter lived within ten miles of his home. They hadn't visited him for a long time....but today was his birthday, they were sure to come - today or all days.

At supper-time he left the cake untouched so they could cut it and have desert with him. After supper he sat on the porch....waiting. At 8:30 he went to his room to prepare for bed.  Before retiring for the night, he left a note on the door which read, “Be sure to wake me up when they come.”

It was Granddad’s birthday. He was seventy-six. (Acknowledgements to Ann Landers)

Do you know someone who is waiting for you to call?

The music is a little different today – The Isaacs, “Grandpa (tell me 'bout the good old days)”

JUNE 23 – It's all in the air

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

When I read this article it brought to mind the Butterfly Effect. It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world.

'Take a deep breath, and hold it for a moment. Now exhale it. Where did it go? The air that you just exhaled will circle the globe in the next twelve months, during which time each of the molecules you exhaled will be breathed in by someone else only to be exhaled again. In this way we are all linked to each other, we are all connected by our breath to each other and to the One who first breathed life into us. Just as we all share our chemistry with other members of the human family, so we are all interdependent. We’re affected positively or negatively by the actions of each other.

During the self-centred days of what used to be called the ‘Me Generation’, it was common to hear people say, ‘As long as I’m not hurting anyone, it’s nobody’s business what I do.’ Unfortunately, everything we do affects other people, and there’s no such thing as a completely independent act.

The poet John Donne wrote, ‘No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of a continent, a piece of the main.’ With that in mind, read these two Scriptures: 1) ‘A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; as I have loved you’ - John 13:34. 2) ‘Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another…’ - Romans 13:8 NLT. That means you have an obligation today to show your care for others in some practical way. (UCB)

Our music today is a reggae piece by Dennis Brown - “No Man is an Island.”

June 22

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

I recently read this article which is about Pastors who are thinking of quitting their ministry, but I felt it equally applies to the disheartened who are thinking of leaving the church.

Many storms pass quickly. I can remember times when I thought the world was crashing in on me. But, in a matter of a few weeks, the storm had passed. Many of the crises of the moment will become faded memories of the past.

It's probably not you. Those critics and dissidents see you as a convenient target. They may not really be frustrated at you. But you are the most visible place to unload. It's probably another issue, and not you.

The vast majority of the congregation supports you. I know. I've seen travesties where a pastor has been forced out by vengeful staff members and misguided personnel committees. But most of the time the minority does not have that power. Remember that the majority of the church members love and support you.

Remember your call. You likely have a clear recollection of the time God called you to ministry and to this church. Remember that call. At times, it's what you need to hang in there.

Longer-term pastors see better days. Sometimes it takes years to earn the leadership trust of the congregation. One of the gifts many pastors need is the gift of perseverance.

Hurting church members often hurt others. Among those "others" are you, their pastor. Their grief and pain can unfortunately be directed at you.

It's not better in other churches. Many pastors get the green grass syndrome. They move from church to church trying to find the church without problems, critics, and challenges. That church does not exist.

The changing culture frustrates many church members. They remember the "good old days" where almost everyone went to church and change was minimal. They are frustrated and fearful, and they often see you as the problem.

God is with you. I know you grasp this truth theologically, but you may need to pause to assimilate it experientially. God called you. God loves you. He will not abandon you.

Vocational serving can be hard as the same amount of work is expected for no pay, as are the hours and sometimes lack of appreciation. But remember you are called to serve God first.

‘I will serve thee’ is a timeless classic by the Gaithers in an amazing recording sung by the Cathedral Quartet. Click on the picture to listen.

JUNE 19-20 - Cords of Love

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them” - Hosea 11:4

Our Daily Bread magazine once referred to a story told by naturalist S.L.Bastian, about a species of spider that builds it's nest, and hatches it's babies, in a tree or shrub. Any disturbance to the nest, and out rush the baby spiders. Immediately mum is at their side, alerted to danger by a unique bungee system.

Each young spider is attached to it's mother's body by a thin silky thread. Whenever the babies are threatened and they try to scurry off, each bungee line gives a sharp tug, instantly felt by mum. Within seconds she reels in each bungee line and tucks each baby spider back into the nest.

This brings to mind a story about Mary Slessor, the missionary. When she was working in Calabar (Nigeria), Her home was full of rescued babies, many sick and dying, making night care a problem. An ingenious idea came to Mary – tie a string to each baby's hammock and the other end to her hammock! It worked a treat. When a child became restless and cried, the hammock rocked and the string attached gave a gentle tug alerting Mary.

The prophet Hosea remind us that we are linked to cord with cords of love – cords that cannot be broken – these cords of His eternal love bind all of our hearts and hurts to Him, for His everlasting care and protection.

Today's music is “Bind us Together Lord” - WMV click on the picture to listen

JUNE 18 – A True Gent

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” - 1 Peter 5-7

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” – Galatians 6:9-10

What is it that makes a man great? - makes a man a gentleman? One of the greatest castles in England is Arundel Castle, seat of the Dukes of Norfolk. This particular Duke of Norfolk, though a member of the aristocracy, was also a man of humility, who was known in the vicinity for his shabby appearance and friendliness.

One day, he happened to be at the local railway station, when a young Irish girl got off a train, carrying a very heavy bag. She was heading towards the Castle where she was to be employed as a maid. The castle was approximately a mile from the station. The Duke watched her as she approached a porter and offered him a shilling (5 pence today), to carry her bag to the castle. The porter, with a surly attitude wasn't impressed, and refused. The Duke stepped forward, picked up the bag, and together he and the girl walked the mile to the castle, talking as they went. Arriving there, he accepted her shilling and said goodbye. Can you imagine her surprise and embarrassment when, the next day, she met her employer and realised just who had carried her bag, and accepted her shilling tip! 

A true story about a great nobleman that teaches -

It's never safe to judge a man on his appearance

A great man is always a thoughtful man,

There's grace in taking as well as giving,

A truly great man doesn't flaunt his place or prestige

It's only unimportant people who think how important they are.

There's nothing in this world that is a surer sign of a small mind, than someone complaining they haven't been given “their place.” It's only little people who think how great they are. In the last analysis, to the truly great man, no act of service is humiliating – no task below his dignity.

Jesus above all men, whilst on earth, demonstrated true greatness, so -

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as you can.

(Adapted from William Barclay)

The Gaither Vocal Band brings us today's music - “You Don't Love God if You Don't Love Your Neighbour.” Click on the picture to listen.

June 17

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:

Do you believe that verse? I mean really believe without a doubting thought?

I had to think about this verse in a whole new light following a story I read a couple days ago.

Aaron Rose, a 15 year old missionary worker from Texas, was working with in Honduras when the incident happened. He decided to go and watch the sun go down from his kayak and got into difficulty. He was declared missing at sea and lost his paddle causing his boat to drift 18 miles into open sea. Rose reports that he had never felt so scared in his life after being stung by a jelly fish and witnessing waves as high as 18 feet.

Rose said he started singing "Amazing Grace."

"I've always loved that song, and I needed something to calm me down. Almost immediately, I felt a real sense of peace. I started singing other songs and hymns, and I prayed a lot, throughout the entire time," he said.

He said that if that was the end of his life, "I wanted to go out with an attitude of worship, no matter my situation."

He said he felt peace as he knew that the situation was out of his control. He had no paddle, mirror, flare or even drinking water.

"I just knew the only thing I could do was to trust God to do what was best. I was thinking of where Paul says 'for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.' I know, and I knew then, that my relationship with Christ is strong enough to keep me safe through death. At the same time, I knew I wasn't ready to be done. I told God that I wasn't yet the man I wanted to be before I stood before him, and I wanted another chance to become that man." he commented.

After being spotted by a fifth plane that passed by him he said he broke down and cried for the first time. He learned that seven others had not been so lucky.  His father summed the ordeal up when he wrote

"Thank you for all your prayers and support. Today we witnessed a miracle. Heaven and Earth cooperated for an amazing outcome. We are eternally grateful!! Our son was lost but now he's found. He was feared dead but confirmed alive! Praise the Lord."

The Bible - Believe every verse.

Our song today is ‘Amazing grace’ Click on the picture to listen.

June 16

^{‘ 19} Here is the judgment. Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light. They loved darkness because what they did was evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil deeds hates the light. They will not come into the light. They are afraid that what they do will be seen. ²¹ But anyone who lives by the truth comes into the light. They live by the truth with God’s help. They come into the light so that it will be easy to see their good deeds.’ John 3:19-21

 

Even though I am not in any way a film buff, I am familiar with the actor Christopher Lee. He is a name associated with a particular genre of film- horror movie. The journalist Aidan Radnedge reporting in the Metro, June 12 writes,

‘In His most famous films, he rose from the dead. But mortality eventually claimed horror film actor Sir Christopher Lee, who died aged 93. ... he was hailed as a ‘titan’ of British cinema who became famous as Dracula and enjoyed a career renaissance playing the evil wizard Saruman in the Lord Of The Rings.’

Here is a man, an actor, who spent made a career out of playing characters associated with the ‘dark’ side. You can imagine my surprise when. I found out that he was a devout Catholic. In many interviews, which are out there in print or video on the Internet, Lee describes himself as having a sincere faith although he never spoke of it in any depths.

Is my life - is YOUR life any different in the manner that we act one way like our life was a play, when we believe something totally different?  I find it difficult to reconcile the fact that although clearly a paid actor Lee spent his whole life acting one way whilst believing in private another. The extremes of how we live our lives may not be this dramatic but it should give you food for thought.

 

The Winans sing ‘Bring back the days of yea and nay’. Click on the picture to listen.

JUNE 12-13 -

“I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them” - Isaiah 42:16

Alec and Russ had a lot in common even though they lived in different countries and never met – Alec in America and Russ in England. Both were musicians, and both had a wonderful, witty sense of humour – blessings and gifts that brought them through many difficult years. Another thing in common....Alec and Russ were both congenitally blind and had attended facilities and schools for the visually impaired from a very early age. As children they showed an incredible natural ability to play the piano and produce the most beautiful music. When Alec and Russ played, the audience was strangely quiet as they listened to masters at work.

Alec and Russ retained a remarkable skill. They asked their audience to name three notes – any three notes chosen at random, then from those three notes they wove melodies, moving from a march, to a ballad, to a sacred hymn, to a waltz. Beethoven or Wagner may have used those notes in the same way. I never met Alec, just read a snippett of his life story, told by Harleigh M. Rosenberger – enough to identify the likeness with Rus. But I did have the privilege of knowing Rus over a six month period – hum the first notes of a song unknown to him, and he would immediately pick up the note and play the song in full – all the more remarkable because Rus had been premature at birth, and started his life in an incubator where he was over-oxygenated. As a result he was blind, and had the additional handicap of a severe learning disability.

Life gives to each of us certain notes to play, and at times it may feel discordant. Life handed Alec and Russ the challenge of blindness, yet they were able to rise above their handicaps and become fine musicians. It takes a real artist to use the notes we are given and turn them into a melody of such beauty that others are speechless. But it can be done. Not alone though, but by the grace and power of Almighty God – plus a great determination on our part.

“I have within me some known or unknown talent that I have never been aware of,,,,I hold in my mind the image of myself succeeding....and make that image become fact.”

Today's music is “Lord you Keep on Blessing Me” - Primitive Quartet. Click on the picture to listen.

JUNE 11 – God's garden

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.   As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.   Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.   But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.   Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.   Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.   Whoever has ears, let them hear” - Matthew 13: 3-9

Everywhere you look at the moment, gardens are beginning to burst with colour. Shrubs, borders, and vege' patches in neighbour's gardens are competing for the best display. But, have you noticed how gardening has changed? At one time it was unheard of to mix flowers and vegetables in the border arrangement. Now, they happily rub leaves with each other, leaving us rubbing our eyes and wondering, 'Is that an Alium, or is it an onion?' 'Is that an over-sized rock plant, or an ornamental cabbage?' I was thinking about this when I came across the following by an unknown author -

In growing a healthy, fruit-bearing church, try this plan....

Plant three rows of squash -

Squash gossip

Squash criticism

Squash indifference

Plant seven rows of peas -

Prayer

Promptness

Perseverance

Politeness

Preparedness

Purity

Patience

Plant seven heads of lettuce -

Let us be unselfish and loyal

Let us be faithful to duty

Let us search the Scriptures

Let us not be weary in well-doing

Let us be obedient in all things

Let us be truthful

No garden is complete without turnips -

Turn up for church

Turn up for prayer meetings and Bible Study

Turn up with a smile, even when things are difficult

Turn up with determination to do your best in God's service.

“After planting, may you grow in grace in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)” And may you reap rich results.

Our music choice today is “Sow Mercy” - Gaither's Vocal Band