Marching Forth!

Last night I read and took to heart the exhortation found in Jeremiah 4:3 :  " For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: "Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns ."  I started thinking about the many references in scripture to thorns.  Thorns are a consequence of Adam's transgression ( Gen. 3:18 ).  Thorns cling to clothing, fur, pierce skin, and cause pain.  Instead of providing food, thorny weeds only make more of the same.  When Jesus went to the cross bearing upon Himself the sins of the world, a crown of thorns was pressed into his scalp.  Jesus was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.  The results of sin, infamously destructive and deadly, are symbolised in the crown of thorns Jesus wore. Jesus told a story often called "The Parable of the Sower."  Matthew 13:3-9 reads, " Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he ...

Sports fans all over the world are focused on London as the 2012 Olympics have commenced.  With four years between chances to compete for mere moments to secure a gold medal, the unspeakable elation and disappointment of these athletes is also on display.  Some have waited four years for redemption after a poor performance in the previous Games, and others have waited their whole lives just to have a chance at Olympic glory.  The best athletes in the world train incredibly hard, sacrificing all else to perform at their best to win.  There are those who win, and those who do not.  I don't view anyone who makes it to the Olympics as a loser. Flipping on the TV this morning in Sydney, the big news of the day was the expected victory that didn't happen.  The buildup to the 4 X 100 men's freestyle relay has been enormous, and there was an expectation of our swimmers to win gold.  Some speculated that the world record might fall based upon their times in t...

We don't need to look to hard to find object lessons of scriptural truth all around us.  I found one right in my yard!  From the time we moved into our house about a year and a half ago, the tree in our front yard looked a bit sad.  It was absolutely infested with ants and it wasn't long before bark beetles set upon the gnarled trunk.  After a valiant battle against erosion and pests, I have concluded it has finally died. My initial hope was that it was a deciduous tree that is dormant during the winter, but when I examined the branches carefully they all appeared to be dry and dead.  Sulfur-crested Cockatoos over the course of several afternoons chewed off most of the tips of the branches when the tree was still alive, and that didn't help matters.  But the other day a small bush caught my eye across the street!  Could it be?  Yes!  It wasn't a bush but a healthy sapling seeded by this dead tree! When I saw this I considered how that t...

Even though I reside in Australia, the news of the shooting in Aurora, Colorado has recently been much on my mind.  I am heartbroken by that senseless violence and tragic loss of life.  When I viewed cnn.com today, I saw a post titled, " Where was God in Aurora ?"  As we face the difficulties in life, people tend to either run to God or run from Him.  Instead of evil in the world being proof of God's non-existence or unworthiness to be worshiped, I believe the exact opposite.  Evil in the world proves God exists because it stands in stark contrast to His righteousness.  You cannot have darkness without light.  God's love and holiness shows how worthy He is of worship.  The question posed on CNN's website is most commonly asked after a great tragedy, not after perceived blessings.  It is safe to reason the motivation to even suggest God was "missing in action" when people most needed Him is one of doubt, not of faith.  It is folly for a m...

For about 11 years of my adult life I worked as a mechanical insulator out of the Local 5 Union among several shops in the San Diego zone.  Most of that time I performed commercial work which involved materials like fiberglass pipe covering, duct wrap, tape, and rubber.  For all of these jobs a knife is necessary.  In my shoulder box I still have many different knives for specific applications.  The knives I used most often were serrated knives.  Early in my apprenticeship I learned to use a double-cut flat bastard file to grind teeth into high-carbon "Old Hickory" 6 and 8-inch knives. When I first began sharpening knives, I was taught by a journeyman how to use a stone or file to smoothly hone the blade of a knife.  But I found that it wasn't long before I would have to sharpen the knife again.  Fiberglass quickly dulls a sharp blade.  It was my brother (an apprentice at the same time as me) who showed me how to put teeth into a knife using a f...

" Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place ." 2 Corinthians 2:14 The Christian life is a triumphant life, but not the kind of triumph people might expect.  God has given us ultimate victory over sin and death.  There is still a spiritual battle to be fought in the flesh as we remain on earth.  We do not live out our days away from conflict, delighting ourselves with the spoils of the battlefield.  Christians do not receive a golden trophy like an athlete and granted perpetual victory, as if a decision we first made years ago to follow Christ has paved a smooth, easy, downhill path we meander without threat.  Our decision to follow Jesus should be confirmed daily, the joy of the LORD remaining our strength as we trust and obey Him. When you think of "triumph" or "victory," what comes to mind?  Do you think of a championship celebration, with teammates passing ...

" Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents ." Luke 15:10 All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  I have sinned and am therefore a sinner, even as a man who murders is and will always be a murderer.  Even if a man spends 30 years or longer in prison for the crime of murder, after his release the grim fact remains:  he is a murderer.  Time served alone or the paying of fines cannot expunge our permanent record. I have been forgiven and cleansed from my sins through the power of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.  All born-again Christians have received the blessing of all past and future sins atoned for by the blood of the Lamb.  We have been clothed in Christ's robe of righteousness.  When God looks upon us, He sees righteousness without flaw, choosing not to remember a single sin we have committed.  But because I still live on earth in a body of human flesh, I still sin....

With every passing day, the return of Christ grows nearer.  For thousands of years, the world waited for the Messiah who would save people from their sins.  When Jesus was born to the virgin Mary, it was the sign promised to reveal His arrival in Isaiah 7:14 :  " Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel ."  David wrote as directed by the Holy Spirit when he referred to the coming Messiah as "my Lord" (Psalm 110:1) because Jesus is a King of Kings, far greater than David:  Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.  His kingdom is from everlasting to everlasting. The Jews had been looking for the promised Messiah, but Jesus did not take the form they expected.  Instead of conquering the Romans and establishing the sovereignty of the nation Israel, He took the form of a servant.  He healed the sick, fed the hungry, cast out demons, preached repentance and righteousness...

The church is not a place but an living organism:  it is the Body of Christ of which He is the head.  Even as a body is diverse, made of many members united as a whole, so the church is comprised of different races, cultures, and people with a single point of unity:  faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour.  When I write "the church" I am not speaking of membership or attendance, but those who are born again Christians who have been bought with the blood of Jesus.  Going to a church does not make a man a Christian, but only Christians are part of Christ's Body.  Being a Christian is not a claim of perfection.  Actually, it is the exact opposite.  A Christian is someone who is acutely aware of his sin, is aware of the eternal punishment he justly deserves, and the desperate need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The church isn't perfect.  We serve a perfect God, but everyone in the church are marked with flaws.  If we we...

Tools are designed for specific purposes.  Pliers, for instance, are excellent for tying wire or holding a bolt steady.  A wrench or spanner is great for busting bolts, but useless for tying wire.  I have seen many good tools used and abused by improper use.  I have a nice 10" Crescent spanner (not as nice as it could be!) that will not open fully because of when I used it as a hammer! Christians can be compared to tools in the hands of the Master Craftsman.  God could have designed things that at the moment of conversion people would be immediately whisked away into eternity.  But God has manifold purposes for allowing us to remain upon the earth:  to share the Gospel with others, to glorify God through good works, to disciple others, to further sanctify us in preparation for future service, and to encourage, strengthen, and edify the Body of Christ.  It is important for us in the Church to have the singular focus we see demonstrated in Jesus C...

Life on earth is uncertain.  Few people who walk out their front door in the morning think they may have a heart attack, be in a fatal car accident, or be punched unprovoked in the face and never make it home.  Last night a few of us at church were discussing the recent tragic loss of an 18 year old in King's Cross.  It was reported that as he talked on his mobile phone, he was "king hit" (sucker punched) in the face.  When he fell backwards his head hit the footpath and he never regained consciousness.  It's a nightmare no one should have to experience.  Unfortunately, because of this world soaked with sin, these kind of stories seem to occur with increasing frequency.  Our prayers go up for this young man, his family, and those who knew and loved him. Due to the incident, the security of King's Cross has been much discussed in the media and government.  Steps are being taken to increase the number of cameras and late-night patrols.  There...

It is lamentable that most people find the evening news more credible than the Bible.  The stories we read in the newspaper, magazines, or rumours passed along through email on the internet are more quickly believed than spiritual truth from God!  I am amazed with some of the nonsense that is believed and passed on before it has been looked into.  An earnest Facebook message turns out to be the third cycle of an internet rumour which started in 2003!  People read the claims, assume it must be true, and perpetuate a lie.  I don't know who said it first, but it bears repeating:  truth can stand examination.  Snopes is not faultless, but the Bible is! What I find more remarkable than frail arguments against the Bible, is that many who perpetuate them don't care for them to be answered.  I doubt that in the last thousand years there have been any new assaults upon the veracity of scripture.  The arguments have hardly changed.  In the word...

Last night during family devotions we read from Mark 6:45-53 when Jesus told His disciples to go to the other side of Galilee.  When the disciples reached the middle of the sea, they faced strong winds which hindered their progress.  They rowed hard, but the wind was contrary and blew upon them.  Despite their prior experience and strong effort, they made no headway.  When they were in the middle of the sea, Jesus approached and would have overtaken them, walking on the water!  Seeing Christ walking upon the water, the men thought He must be a ghost.  But Jesus told them not to be afraid, climbed into the boat, and the wind and waves ceased.  His disciples were amazed over the power of Christ to transcend the laws of nature. Jesus told His disciples to go to the other side of Galilee, knowing they would be incapable of doing so.  The stormy, contrary winds and waves were not a surprise to Him.  Being the Creator, the forces of nature are n...

What do you associate with the power of Jesus Christ?  Perhaps His resurrection or the miracles He performed come to mind.  The wisdom of Jesus in teaching, when He cast out demons with a word, and His supernatural ability to know the hearts of men are all demonstrations of His power.  When a paralytic was brought to Jesus, He said "Son, your sins are forgiven you."  The scribes who sat by criticised Him in their hearts saying, "Who does this blasphemer think he is?  Only God can forgive sins."  Knowing their hearts, Jesus asked the men:  "What is easier - to say 'Your sins are forgiven? or to say to the paralytic 'Rise, take up your bed and walk?'  So you know I have the power to forgive sins (and am God in the flesh), rise, take up your bed and walk!"  Immediately the man stood to his feet and walked, much to the amazement of all the witnesses.  Anyone can say "Your sins are forgiven" because there is no physical means to discern wh...

Honey is an interesting subject.  A natural food, bees gather nectar from flowers and make sweet honey encased in a wax honeycomb.  Someday I would love to take up beekeeping as a hobby!  If packaged properly in the right conditions, pure honey has an incredibly long shelf life.  Proverbs 24:13-14 reads, " My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off ."  Honey is good, and it is good for you.  It is a natural source of energy and some even have dubbed it "The Perfect Food."  Whether it is perfect or not I do not know, but one point on which all people agree is that good honey is sweet! God promised to bring His people out of the land of bondage in Egypt and into the Promised Land, a land "flowing with milk and honey."  It was a land of fatness an...

Although we all suffer from various ailments and infirmities, our service unto the LORD need not be hindered.  The work that God has called us to is a spiritual one, and the apparent weaknesses of the vessel is a boon rather than a disqualification!  Sometimes we think if we were stronger, healthier, or without discomfort we would be much more valuable for the kingdom of God.  You may take that up with Him if you like, but I believe God has us right where He wants us! In his book Lectures to My Students in pages 156-157, C.H. Spurgeon wrote from a similar perspective: These infirmities may be no detriment to a man's career of special usefulness; they may even have been imposed upon him by divine wisdom as necessary qualifications for his peculiar course of service.  Some plants owe their medicinal qualities to the marsh in which they grow; others to the shades in which alone they flourish.  There are precious fruits put forth by the moon as well as by the s...

" The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway ." Proverbs 15:19 A couple nights ago a segment aired on Channel 9 called the "Dole Bludger Challenge."  According to an article written in 2010, an alarming number of Australians are "on the dole," basically receiving a welfare check or unemployment benefits.  A "bludger" is someone who can physically work but is simply too lazy to do so.  While there are people who have genuine needs and are the victims of redundancy or downsizing, there seem to be many who would rather be a bludger than work for their living.  This "bludger" tendency can be seen throughout all cultures and people of the world. King Solomon compares the way of a lazy man to a hedge of thorns.  He has an excuse to avoid doing anything, seeing potential harm and difficulty in every movement.  A lazy man will not get out of bed because it is too cold.  He gives up buying...

It's been awhile since I have provided a family update, so I figure now is a great time!  Life seems to charge forward at an incredible pace, and I am amazed we are already in July!  At times I step back and simply appreciate the almost bizarre life we are living:  a family from Southern California transplanted in Sydney, Australia.  Only a few years ago I thought a "pitch" was a throw, "State of Origin" was perhaps a place I never heard of, and a bonnet was something women wore on their heads to protect them from sun.  Little did I know that God would open a door for ministry and relocate us to the other side of the world.  I have been having the time of my life. The family is doing well.  I still walk the boys to the bus stop in the mornings for school (about 1.8 kilometers) and they walk themselves home.  It seems like Zed and Abel have both been growing out of their shoes, blazers, and pants practically as fast as we replace them!  They...

" For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them ."   Proverbs 1:32 Prosperity in this world is seen as good, not evil.  But to a man that does not fear God, prosperity is the means to bring him to ultimate destruction.  The Bible says it is the fool who says in his heart, "There is no God." ( Ps. 14:1; Ps. 53:1 )  Fools despise the wisdom and instruction from God, claiming the Bible is no more than rot, rubbish, and fodder for feeble minds.  Proverbs 15:16 reads, " Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith ."  Riches and prosperity are not evil in themselves, but in the hands of the foolish it brings certain destruction.  That is why Jesus says it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich man to inherit eternal life.  Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. What a sobering thought, that prospe...