Advertising Our Ignorance!
I am writing this from deep in the middle of Advent, a season I both love and need, because it heralds the coming of Christmas and the birth of Jesus was the best thing, ever! Of course, not everyone agrees with me! (who'd've thought!) One of the first aberrations I read about was the British humanists campaign to advertise on the sides of buses their philosophy: 'there is no God, just be good for goodness sake!' and 'there probably is no God, now stop worrying and enjoy your life'. How very sad! Many years ago I remember a conversation with a wise mentor about the outrageous claims being made by those wanting to outlaw the creation story in school curriculums. To me, a scientist (then, pre minister!), their claims seemed unfounded and almost nonsensical. I asked what was their source, he replied, 'the problem is, too many people, when they open their mouths, do nothing but advertise their ignorance!' Too often, opinionated people don't spout opinions based on fact, rather they describe life as they would like it to be! And God is often the target of their diatribes!
Now, after 30 years as a minister, I think it is still true! I read fairly widely about a lot of things, but I don't offer public opinions because I am not understanding enough. However, when it comes to the God question, I have read, prayed and studied widely, (for example: Colson and Pearcy: 'How Now Shall We Live?'; Pearcey: 'Total Truth'; Strobel 'The Case for a Creator' and McDowell 'New Evidence That Demands a Verdict'.), and I do have some convictions. The biblical worldview and life-instruction is the only one that ultimately makes total sense. The God of creation and love is the only place where unconditional love is found, giving joy and hope to those who are bold enough to accept it, and live it! The God of Christian faith did not remain a distant mysterious figure from his creation, rather he became visible and intimate with his creation through the person of his son. Jesus is "Emmanuel", 'God with us' - not God near us, or God over us, or God apart from us. Only in this way could the depth and joy of love be truly shown and known.
What seems to bother people is that when we receive God's love through a relationship with Jesus, there is a call on our lives to share the love with others! This requires that we live not just for our own selfish pleasure but for the good of others, also. My absolute conviction, borne out by my observation of life around me, is that the more we try to prove we do not need God to live, the more we prove we do!
So, I will put up my Christmas lights to show that God's love resides in my house and to invite others to find it; I will wish you a Merry and Blessed Christmas and not Happy Holidays; and I will sing Joy to the World the Lord Has Come and especially my two favorite Christmas songs 'O Holy Night' (the majesty of God's love) and 'The Drummer Boy' (the joy of sharing God's love).
My bus sign would be 'Grab a bible, read John 3:16, it's true!'
Shalom
Pastor Greg
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Ups and Downs of a Fall !!
Recently, as I was contemplating my navel about the approach of Fall (or as we call it down under:autumn); I started to think about what I liked and will miss in Fall 2008. Things like slightly cooler (it is Florida!) weather (but I love summer); the end of hurricane season (but we need more rain); the leaves put on a color festival (but then they drop!); the growth of the garden slows (but the pruning begins!); the Rays made the World Series (great job, guys!); we wind the clocks back (but it still gets dark too early!); Halloween candy is everywhere (sadly I am not a dentist! Plus I really am not fond of how ghoulish it has all become) - you get my mindset, right?
As I wandered in the garden one evening, there was no breeze at all, only a beautiful stillness - it felt like the quiet after a long hot busy summer. Which is good, because in America, when the 'Holiday Season' kicks in, the pace becomes quite frantic and doesn't slow till New Year!
Feeling tired again? Let me offer you a bible verse that came to my mind and which is sage advice for this season: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps 46:10). For me this keeps the next two months in perspective.
As soon as Halloween is done (enjoy, but be careful), America will elect a new President. There are courageous decisions to be made to move this country to a better place, I pray daily that the person God needs to lead will emerge and that the whole country will unite to work for a better situation for all 300 million of its citizens that will bring back the joy!
Moving right along, the next things to come out are the cornucopias and the turkeys ready for Thanksgiving! There will be dinners in homes and all over the community, the desire is for everyone to have a Thanksgiving feast in thanks for God's provision - and God's provision is awesome indeed! If only we would share it more equitably and more often!
Now we need the running shoes, for the day after Thanksgiving is 'very-early- morning-get-up-and-stand-in-line-to-get-great-bargains-for-Christmas-gifts-day!"
They are promising great bargains this year, but please remember the true spirit of giving is not only the gift but the meaning of giving. It's a Christmas thaanng!
Speaking of Christmas, the very best part of Fall is that we start the season of Advent, the time to prepare our hearts to celebrate again the coming of the Christ-child. Starting with the lights in the garden, and ending with Christmas Eve candlelight services - this is truly a time to 'be still and listen for God.' Which leads me to tell you that as I contemplated the excitement I know I will feel as the season begins, the words of a beautiful Christmas carol came to mind:
As I wandered in the garden one evening, there was no breeze at all, only a beautiful stillness - it felt like the quiet after a long hot busy summer. Which is good, because in America, when the 'Holiday Season' kicks in, the pace becomes quite frantic and doesn't slow till New Year!
Feeling tired again? Let me offer you a bible verse that came to my mind and which is sage advice for this season: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps 46:10). For me this keeps the next two months in perspective.
As soon as Halloween is done (enjoy, but be careful), America will elect a new President. There are courageous decisions to be made to move this country to a better place, I pray daily that the person God needs to lead will emerge and that the whole country will unite to work for a better situation for all 300 million of its citizens that will bring back the joy!
Moving right along, the next things to come out are the cornucopias and the turkeys ready for Thanksgiving! There will be dinners in homes and all over the community, the desire is for everyone to have a Thanksgiving feast in thanks for God's provision - and God's provision is awesome indeed! If only we would share it more equitably and more often!
Now we need the running shoes, for the day after Thanksgiving is 'very-early- morning-get-up-and-stand-in-line-to-get-great-bargains-for-Christmas-gifts-day!"
They are promising great bargains this year, but please remember the true spirit of giving is not only the gift but the meaning of giving. It's a Christmas thaanng!
Speaking of Christmas, the very best part of Fall is that we start the season of Advent, the time to prepare our hearts to celebrate again the coming of the Christ-child. Starting with the lights in the garden, and ending with Christmas Eve candlelight services - this is truly a time to 'be still and listen for God.' Which leads me to tell you that as I contemplated the excitement I know I will feel as the season begins, the words of a beautiful Christmas carol came to mind:
"It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold
Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heaven's all gracious King.
The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing."
Personally, I can't wait; and I hope you are the same.
Shalom
Pastor Greg
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Choose Well to do Well
Catchy phrase! In a world where we are bombarded by 'catchy phrases', let me throw this one into the pot. The goal of course is to draw your attention to whatever is being promoted, sold or written about. They are prevalent in political campaigns; advertising for products, TV shows and movies; lifestyle choices and much more. My catch phrase is all about priorities, choosing them carefully and wisely and then sticking to them.
There is of course much heated debate and discussion at the moment about the priorities of government in America - what should be addressed most urgently and by whom. I regularly pray for wisdom, courage and the empowering of God's spirit for all leaders in this country.
Recently I attended a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) ministers retreat where 300 ministers fervently prayed and sought God's guidance in setting priorities that will help the church to become a more effective ministry presence in our communities. Even more recently I attended the Centennial Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida, in Orlando. The emphasis was again setting priorities that will guide and inspire the church to more powerful mission and witness in Florida. Both events had moments of inspiration and moments of struggle for these are urgent and difficult times and to be a witnessing church is high priority.
However (ah yes, the big 'however'!) setting our priorities is but the first half of the adventure! The true adventure and inspiration is in our efforts to maintain them! Evidence the huge lack of success of most New Years resolutions! Or those who continually complain that there are 'just not enough hours in the day!' Well, I did some in depth research on this and found that there ars still 168 hours in every week, plenty of time to get done what we need to do; provided our priorities are well chosen and our commitment to them is also a priority! It has been said by many that a good way to discover the priorities by which you are living is to study closely your diary and your checkbook. How and where do you spend your money and your time?
This is for me a daunting task, balancing preacher, husband, father and friend (not to mention a Brisbane Lions fan!) What I want to say is that I whole heartedly and faithfully agree with Joshua who stated as his #1 priority in life: "As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord!" And do you know, when I do this, life is good!
Shalom
Pastor Greg
There is of course much heated debate and discussion at the moment about the priorities of government in America - what should be addressed most urgently and by whom. I regularly pray for wisdom, courage and the empowering of God's spirit for all leaders in this country.
Recently I attended a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) ministers retreat where 300 ministers fervently prayed and sought God's guidance in setting priorities that will help the church to become a more effective ministry presence in our communities. Even more recently I attended the Centennial Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida, in Orlando. The emphasis was again setting priorities that will guide and inspire the church to more powerful mission and witness in Florida. Both events had moments of inspiration and moments of struggle for these are urgent and difficult times and to be a witnessing church is high priority.
However (ah yes, the big 'however'!) setting our priorities is but the first half of the adventure! The true adventure and inspiration is in our efforts to maintain them! Evidence the huge lack of success of most New Years resolutions! Or those who continually complain that there are 'just not enough hours in the day!' Well, I did some in depth research on this and found that there ars still 168 hours in every week, plenty of time to get done what we need to do; provided our priorities are well chosen and our commitment to them is also a priority! It has been said by many that a good way to discover the priorities by which you are living is to study closely your diary and your checkbook. How and where do you spend your money and your time?
This is for me a daunting task, balancing preacher, husband, father and friend (not to mention a Brisbane Lions fan!) What I want to say is that I whole heartedly and faithfully agree with Joshua who stated as his #1 priority in life: "As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord!" And do you know, when I do this, life is good!
Shalom
Pastor Greg
Thursday, August 28, 2008
What To Do After Beijing?
Now that the closing ceremony is over, the red is slowly disappearing from our eyes as we catch up on all that lost sleep! Of course the question is.... what do we watch when the Olympic games are done??
The obvious first response is 'the political race', what with conventions and all. Without getting into this arena, all I will say is 'don't just watch, get involved, make a difference!'
Also now, school is back in, new adventures are beginning for millions of our young people. Listen to the warnings and watch out for the kids! But not just when you are driving; we have some serious work to do in relating to our kids and we need to give them a much better grounding in life as they grow, educationally, socially and emotionally. And when you get a chance, listen to the kids, they need you to. They have great things to say and they can teach us and keep us young.
Of course, the new TV viewing season is almost upon us; lots of our favs returning plus many new programs. There is a lot of great entertainment and learning to be enjoyed on TV, but please, be a little discerning about what you watch and what you let your kids watch. TV can be as great or as awful as you allow it to be. By the way, don't forget that reading is also a glorious adventure and very relaxing. (oh boy, oh boy, #14 is coming!)
What else to watch? Well, the weather reports for one. Be careful, be safe, be in prayer for those having a rough time of it around the country. And help where you can. For two, watch your garden grow; you can discover so much of God's love by observing his beautiful creation. And do what you can to preserve and keep it green. For three, if you are lucky, watch the Aussie rules football final if it's available, round the end of September.
Well, that's my potpourri of what to watch for a while, and remember the Winter Olympics are only 2 years away.
Shalom
Pastor Greg
The obvious first response is 'the political race', what with conventions and all. Without getting into this arena, all I will say is 'don't just watch, get involved, make a difference!'
Also now, school is back in, new adventures are beginning for millions of our young people. Listen to the warnings and watch out for the kids! But not just when you are driving; we have some serious work to do in relating to our kids and we need to give them a much better grounding in life as they grow, educationally, socially and emotionally. And when you get a chance, listen to the kids, they need you to. They have great things to say and they can teach us and keep us young.
Of course, the new TV viewing season is almost upon us; lots of our favs returning plus many new programs. There is a lot of great entertainment and learning to be enjoyed on TV, but please, be a little discerning about what you watch and what you let your kids watch. TV can be as great or as awful as you allow it to be. By the way, don't forget that reading is also a glorious adventure and very relaxing. (oh boy, oh boy, #14 is coming!)
What else to watch? Well, the weather reports for one. Be careful, be safe, be in prayer for those having a rough time of it around the country. And help where you can. For two, watch your garden grow; you can discover so much of God's love by observing his beautiful creation. And do what you can to preserve and keep it green. For three, if you are lucky, watch the Aussie rules football final if it's available, round the end of September.
Well, that's my potpourri of what to watch for a while, and remember the Winter Olympics are only 2 years away.
Shalom
Pastor Greg
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
A Little Perspective Needed!
Numbers are fun, informative and beguiling; but they can blur our vision sometimes! You have probably heard about the value of time:
To realize the value of one year, ask a student who failed a grade.
To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who gave birth prematurely.
To realize the value of one week, ask the editor of a weekly newsletter.
To realize the value of one hour, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who just missed a train.
To realize the value of one second, ask a person who just avoided an accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond, ask a person who won an Olympic silver medal.
As politicians and financiers talk more casually about one billion dollars, think about this:
A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive on earth.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the stone age.
A billion days ago, no one walked on the earth on two feet.
But a billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate the government is spending.
There are more than 300 billionaires in the US alone!
The basic wage was recently raised to $6.35 an hour - at that rate it would take a person more than 18,000 years to earn one billion dollars!
Which brings me to the subject of the inequitable distribution of wealth, the love of money being the root of all evil, you can't serve God and money.......
Kind of makes you go hmmm!
Shalom
Pastor Greg
To realize the value of one year, ask a student who failed a grade.
To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who gave birth prematurely.
To realize the value of one week, ask the editor of a weekly newsletter.
To realize the value of one hour, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who just missed a train.
To realize the value of one second, ask a person who just avoided an accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond, ask a person who won an Olympic silver medal.
As politicians and financiers talk more casually about one billion dollars, think about this:
A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive on earth.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the stone age.
A billion days ago, no one walked on the earth on two feet.
But a billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate the government is spending.
There are more than 300 billionaires in the US alone!
The basic wage was recently raised to $6.35 an hour - at that rate it would take a person more than 18,000 years to earn one billion dollars!
Which brings me to the subject of the inequitable distribution of wealth, the love of money being the root of all evil, you can't serve God and money.......
Kind of makes you go hmmm!
Shalom
Pastor Greg
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