Marching Forth!

Following the Good Friday service yesterday, my wife Laura and I had a thought-provoking talk.  It is my practice to ask Laura what God revealed to her for personal application during the sermon.  "It was good," she said.  "But I think it would have been good to talk more specifically about what 'taking up your cross' means.  That phrase is used so often in Christian circles it has almost lost all meaning."  She was absolutely right.  The term has even been adapted into modern vernacular outside the church.  When people face irritating or frustrating circumstances they hate but must endure they say with a sigh, "I guess this is my cross to bear."  The ironic thing is, that's not how Christ approached His crucifixion.  It was no drudgery.  He approached it with fierce determination and willingness, knowing His hour had come.  For the joy that was set before Him Jesus endured the cross and ultimately rose victorious. The sacrifice o...

When the earth was young, a chemist considered the elements and compounds which comprise all living things.  "I know what I will do," said the man.  "I will bring together Sodium and Chlorine, joining them perfectly.  They will be one:  Sodium Chloride, or NaCl.  This unity of 40% Sodium and 60% Chloride will provide flavouring for food, act as a preservative, and will have a long shelf-life." The chemist was excited, as the close bonds between the chemicals were a picture of the intimacy he hoped to share someday with his bride.  "I will make a special place on my table for this salt," he said aloud.  He produced a crystal shaker and poured the salt into the valuable vessel.  "As long as you live, Sodium and Chloride, you shall remain together as one.  What God has joined together let not man separate." Sodium and Chloride were pleased to remain together even as the chemist had joined them.  Had they remained alone, Sodium would ha...

I saw a "Mythbusters" episode during which Adam and Jamie put to test the theory it is impossible for people to walk in a straight line blindfolded.  It was comical to watch Adam and Jamie try walking, swimming, and even driving with their eyes covered.  Try as they might, they never remotely were able to travel in a straight line.  It wasn't long before they literally were walking in circles.  When the blacked out glasses or goggles came off, they were amazed how far they had veered off course.  Even when they constructed a device so they might work together to walk straight, they failed.  The "myth" was confirmed:  without the use of their eyes or ears, they were absolutely lost. At the end of the program, Adam and Jamie walked through thick woods.  Without survival training, Adam was able to walk a fairly straight line.  Harnessing prior training and making use of the sun, Jamie stayed right on target.  Even with bucket on his head ...

"Saving Private Ryan" was an instant classic.  It is a moving film which follows a group of Army Rangers during World War II and their mission to bring Private Ryan safely home.  The plot follows Captain John H. Miller as he leads a team of men through dangerous territory to find Ryan.  It was not an easy task.  It ended up costing many men their lives, including Captain Miller.  As he sat dying on the bridge valiantly held by the Allied forces, his final words to Ryan were, " James...earn this.  Earn it ." Captain Miller and many others gave the ultimate sacrifice to fulfill their orders and bring James Ryan safely home.  Miller pointed to the enormous cost and sacrifice demonstrated by his fellows soldiers as the impetus for Ryan to live a life worthy of it.  At the end of the film, an elderly Ryan stood at the grave of the deceased Captain, wondering if he had done enough.  In my opinion, there is no possible way Ryan could have ever liv...

Looking for a snapshot of genuine faith?  We need look no other place but to Christ.  1 Peter 2:19-24 provides a clear view of this high calling:  " For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 "Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth"; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed ." We are not saved by our good works, but saved for them.  Ephesians 2:10 says, " For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for go...

" But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away ." Timothy 3:1-5 Paul warned Timothy of a grave danger in the church. It was not that this peril did not yet exist in Paul’s day, but would become more and more evident. The times we are facing today are as perilous as they have ever been. There is hardly anything more perilous than delusion. The Greek word for “ lovers of themselves ” is “ philautos ,” which means “ selfish, self-centred, narcissistic .” After all these sinful attributes are mentioned, the last part should grab our attention: "having a form of godliness but denyin...

After I walked my sons to the bus stop today, I kept on walking.  I took the long way home for additional exercise, and passed through a residential area of Kellyville and back to my home in Beaumont Hills.  It was a great time of reflection and drinking in the beauty of the birds, trees, and clouds. For the first time this year, I noticed an autumn bite in the morning weather.  It was also a great opportunity to speak with the LORD, casting cares upon Him.  Towards the end of the walk I happened to pass by an open garage door.  It was organised and stocked with nice things.  Funny, I thought to myself as I looked away:  I have no desire for anything in there.  In that moment I experience unnatural peace and contentment.  I thanked God I did not feel the slightest twinge of covetousness or envy when I saw expensive, great things that were not mine.  I'm so happy God has freed and kept me from sin! Jesus said in Luke 12:15 , " Take heed...