During the drive home from church last night I asked Abel, "So what do you think about the new house?" After pausing a moment he said, "I really like it - except for the roaches." I have not discovered any evidence of an infestation, but few mornings begin without me finding a roach or two lying belly up somewhere in the house. Since recently moving in I have laid down a generous amount of barrier spray around doors, windows, and skirting inside and out. Some people are fine with a bug here or there, but when I see a roach or evidence of mice I go into warfare mode. I want to unleash the strongest, industrial strength poison on the unsuspecting squatters - keeping in mind the health and safety of my family! I spare no pains to do damage on any filthy critter populations that try to move in and establish themselves in my house.
Roaches in a house are like sins in the heart. They can find their way in no matter how vigilant one may be. They may even be able to evade barrier spray laid down at suspected high traffic areas. But when one roach comes to our attention, we can either ignore it, run away from it screaming, or wage war. Bugs will not just "go away" on their own when you are supplying them shelter, food, and supply of water. The cost for neglecting to eradicate a stray roach or mouse can lead to an infestation which could cause great damage to property and health. Even when the evidence of bugs and pests is reduced, it is not time to slack off. When the battle turns in your favour, it is not time to celebrate yet. With tenacious discipline we must continue to observe the perimeter, check in cupboards, under furniture, and carefully monitor bait stations. If we will use the right baits, poisons, and make necessary repairs to holes, even an infestation can be brought under control.
After being born again through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, a Christian must wage war upon the sins that creep into his mind and heart. Self-examination is critical as we observe our thoughts, the use of our time, our actions, and attitudes. One sin allowed to remain unchecked is too many. We are called to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and refuse to allow Satan a foothold in our lives. We must wage war on sin, for those who have been freed from it should live no longer therein. Christ has imputed unto us His righteousness. After being filled with the Holy Spirit we must remain vigilant, for it does no good to sweep clean our hearts but leave the door wide open for anything to enter. I really like life on earth - except for sin. When God brings it to our knowledge through the scripture and conviction of the Spirit, let us spare no pains to kill it off. Show no compassion for sins Christ died to save us from. Sin brings death, but Christ brings light and life to all who believe.
13 December 2013
10 December 2013
The True Christmas Miracle
I was touched by an effort of generosity and goodwill by WestJet. Their video of Christmas giving has gone viral, no doubt prompting various responses. It made me profoundly happy, seeing the shocked faces of people who were happy to receive their gift requests. Check out the video below.
While I was genuinely blessed by the depiction, I realise Christmas and even apparent acts of "goodwill" are viewed these days with increasing cynicism. For everyone like me there may be a skeptic who humbugs the idea, questioning the motives of a company for giving. It's nothing more than propaganda, some might say. It's a glorified commercial. WestJet did not do this out of the goodness of their hearts because they are in the business of making money. Think of the business this stunt might net them! They probably could afford those gifts because they overcharge people with fees and bag restrictions, some might scoff. The points by the skeptics and scoffers may be true. I have no knowledge of the true motive behind the "WestJet Christmas Miracle" or how the idea came about. But this video nails one thing square on: Christmas is a time for giving and receiving. But it is a gift far greater than electronic gizmos, toys, or apparel. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given man may receive. Let every heart prepare Him room.
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given because He is God made flesh, the Saviour we need. He is the Creator, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Messiah sent by God to save people from their sins. We cannot grow out of Him. He does not need batteries, power cords, or software updates. Through Him we have access by one Spirit to the Father. The salvation and everlasting life Jesus Christ provides is beyond price, but He has given Himself to all who believe at His own expense. He is the gift we always needed but never in our wildest dreams could have expected. Jesus has been given not as a ploy to make a few bucks or improve customer loyalty. He was not sent as some Divine manipulation to trick us into allegiance or service. Jesus Christ was sent and became a sacrifice for sinners because of love, mercy, and grace from God towards man. When Jesus was born the angels shouted, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men." God has given peace to men from a heart of love.
Though the WestJet "miracle" was thoughtful, generous, and kind, there is nothing to suggest it was love that motivated their giving. Santa knew the names of the children (because he had their booking information!) but we do not know that he loved them. People all over the world give and receive gifts during the Christmas season not motivated by love at all! We can be motivated by traditions, obligations, greed, and all manner of unwholesome and unholy reasons to give or receive. The Bible teaches that Jesus demonstrated His motive of love through His death on the cross for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The cynics may grumble, the skeptics might scoff, but the truth of God's Word endures forever. For those who receive the Gospel and are born again by grace through faith in Jesus, nothing can separate us from the love of God. What a miracle, that God would humble Himself to put on human flesh to save sinners! Jesus is the greatest gift ever given, and one we should receive and celebrate always!
While I was genuinely blessed by the depiction, I realise Christmas and even apparent acts of "goodwill" are viewed these days with increasing cynicism. For everyone like me there may be a skeptic who humbugs the idea, questioning the motives of a company for giving. It's nothing more than propaganda, some might say. It's a glorified commercial. WestJet did not do this out of the goodness of their hearts because they are in the business of making money. Think of the business this stunt might net them! They probably could afford those gifts because they overcharge people with fees and bag restrictions, some might scoff. The points by the skeptics and scoffers may be true. I have no knowledge of the true motive behind the "WestJet Christmas Miracle" or how the idea came about. But this video nails one thing square on: Christmas is a time for giving and receiving. But it is a gift far greater than electronic gizmos, toys, or apparel. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given man may receive. Let every heart prepare Him room.
Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given because He is God made flesh, the Saviour we need. He is the Creator, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Messiah sent by God to save people from their sins. We cannot grow out of Him. He does not need batteries, power cords, or software updates. Through Him we have access by one Spirit to the Father. The salvation and everlasting life Jesus Christ provides is beyond price, but He has given Himself to all who believe at His own expense. He is the gift we always needed but never in our wildest dreams could have expected. Jesus has been given not as a ploy to make a few bucks or improve customer loyalty. He was not sent as some Divine manipulation to trick us into allegiance or service. Jesus Christ was sent and became a sacrifice for sinners because of love, mercy, and grace from God towards man. When Jesus was born the angels shouted, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men." God has given peace to men from a heart of love.
Though the WestJet "miracle" was thoughtful, generous, and kind, there is nothing to suggest it was love that motivated their giving. Santa knew the names of the children (because he had their booking information!) but we do not know that he loved them. People all over the world give and receive gifts during the Christmas season not motivated by love at all! We can be motivated by traditions, obligations, greed, and all manner of unwholesome and unholy reasons to give or receive. The Bible teaches that Jesus demonstrated His motive of love through His death on the cross for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The cynics may grumble, the skeptics might scoff, but the truth of God's Word endures forever. For those who receive the Gospel and are born again by grace through faith in Jesus, nothing can separate us from the love of God. What a miracle, that God would humble Himself to put on human flesh to save sinners! Jesus is the greatest gift ever given, and one we should receive and celebrate always!
08 December 2013
The Heavenly Perspective
It is natural for our gaze to be drawn away from Christ. In the midst of the storm the wind-tossed waves look threatening and imposing. All our senses become focused on escape and self-preservation. Jesus promised His followers in this world we will face tribulation, but exhorts us to be joyful because He has overcome the world. God allows pain, trials, satanic assault, and trouble to compass Christians on all sides. We can be joyful even in the midst of difficulty because Christ has already overcome all. He is in control. I am His, and He is mine.
When Stephen was brought before the religious leaders falsely accused of blasphemy in Acts 7, his fear of God swallowed up all fear of man. Moved by the Holy Spirit, the truth he spoke infuriated the chief priests. Upon hearing his scathing rebuke they were cut to the heart. There is no doubt in my mind Stephen recognised their murderous intentions. Instead of focusing on the multitude of angry faces with murder on their breath, he looked to the LORD. Acts 7:55-56 says, "But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" They dragged him outside the city, removed their cloaks, and took up stones to slay him. Even as the stones and boulders found their mark on his body, he continued to look to God. In that moment Stephen did not pray to be spared a brutal death or seek divine vengeance upon his enemies, but on his knees pleaded with God to forgive them - even as His LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ had done from the cross.
Sacrificial love, grace, and forgiveness are the fundamental characteristics of every Christian. To walk accordingly, we must turn our eyes to Jesus Christ in simple faith. If our eyes are fixed upon the stones which have been thrown at us, if our ears are tuned to the accusations hurled in our direction, if our focus is on the angry faces of our enemies, we will lose the heavenly perspective. We can walk in the power of the Holy Spirit only when we deny ourselves, walk in obedience to our Saviour, and look unto Jesus alone. One might expect Stephen to be graced with a heavenly vision after fasting and prayer, yet he was ushered into the very presence of God through the indwelling Spirit in the midst of a fiery trial. Perhaps you tremble at the prospect of future trials you will face. If we will tremble before the LORD in adoration and worship, in the midst of the trial God will reveal Himself in greater glory still.
Let us decide to turn our eyes to Jesus and trust in Him. A true vision of God brings our issues and the fearful unknowns into our lives into proper perspective. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom!
When Stephen was brought before the religious leaders falsely accused of blasphemy in Acts 7, his fear of God swallowed up all fear of man. Moved by the Holy Spirit, the truth he spoke infuriated the chief priests. Upon hearing his scathing rebuke they were cut to the heart. There is no doubt in my mind Stephen recognised their murderous intentions. Instead of focusing on the multitude of angry faces with murder on their breath, he looked to the LORD. Acts 7:55-56 says, "But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" They dragged him outside the city, removed their cloaks, and took up stones to slay him. Even as the stones and boulders found their mark on his body, he continued to look to God. In that moment Stephen did not pray to be spared a brutal death or seek divine vengeance upon his enemies, but on his knees pleaded with God to forgive them - even as His LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ had done from the cross.
Sacrificial love, grace, and forgiveness are the fundamental characteristics of every Christian. To walk accordingly, we must turn our eyes to Jesus Christ in simple faith. If our eyes are fixed upon the stones which have been thrown at us, if our ears are tuned to the accusations hurled in our direction, if our focus is on the angry faces of our enemies, we will lose the heavenly perspective. We can walk in the power of the Holy Spirit only when we deny ourselves, walk in obedience to our Saviour, and look unto Jesus alone. One might expect Stephen to be graced with a heavenly vision after fasting and prayer, yet he was ushered into the very presence of God through the indwelling Spirit in the midst of a fiery trial. Perhaps you tremble at the prospect of future trials you will face. If we will tremble before the LORD in adoration and worship, in the midst of the trial God will reveal Himself in greater glory still.
Let us decide to turn our eyes to Jesus and trust in Him. A true vision of God brings our issues and the fearful unknowns into our lives into proper perspective. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom!
06 December 2013
Honest Mistake?
Are you serious, I inwardly groaned. How many times in baking have I put in tablespoons instead of teaspoons? I suppose that's not as bad as cups for tablespoons, but it pretty much sabotages whatever is being baked. This morning I was making crepes for the family and only after piling 4 tablespoons of sugar on 2 cups of white flour did I realised my error. At that moment I faced a decision bakers and chefs from the beginning of time have been forced to answer: do I try to salvage the dish or just chuck it all and start over? Many times I have been able to salvage the dish by carefully removing the extra bi-carb or cream of tartar. But not this time. I dumped the lot into the bin and started over.
When we make mistakes, that is the right course of action. If we make a mistake and hope nobody notices, our salvage attempts often produce a poor result. It is far better to admit our mistakes freely, apologise genuinely, and humbly start over. This humbling process begins with us confessing our sin before God. We like to term mistakes like the aforementioned as "honest mistakes," meaning there was no malice in our hearts beforehand. In actuality it would be better to call such an error a careless mistake. Had I double checked the amounts and measured carefully, the mistake could have easily been avoided. Whether or not I had evil intentions when I poured the ingredients didn't change the fact I had loaded the bowl with almost four times more sugar than what the recipe called for! If my family can notice slight differences in texture and taste from one batch of pancakes or crepes from the last, won't God notice when I try to hide my flaws by my secret salvage attempts?
Repentance is a beautiful gift from God. It allows sinners like me to have a fresh start. God put in His law provisions for imperfection. Through sacrifice, atonement could be made for the sins of people. God knows we will make mistakes. Jesus loves sinners, and proved it by dying on the cross for the sins of His enemies. It was liberating to throw away the contaminated flour and start over. I didn't have to worry about the taste being off or the ingredients sticking to the pan. I didn't have to go through the process of spending an hour cooking the crepes only to discover they were inedible. All the worry, preoccupation, and irritation of making a stupid mistake was over because I started over fresh! When we have made a mistake, let us be quick to admit it and start over with a new beginning offered us by God's grace. What joy and peace is ours when we quit trying to salvage our mistakes and begin afresh!
When we make mistakes, that is the right course of action. If we make a mistake and hope nobody notices, our salvage attempts often produce a poor result. It is far better to admit our mistakes freely, apologise genuinely, and humbly start over. This humbling process begins with us confessing our sin before God. We like to term mistakes like the aforementioned as "honest mistakes," meaning there was no malice in our hearts beforehand. In actuality it would be better to call such an error a careless mistake. Had I double checked the amounts and measured carefully, the mistake could have easily been avoided. Whether or not I had evil intentions when I poured the ingredients didn't change the fact I had loaded the bowl with almost four times more sugar than what the recipe called for! If my family can notice slight differences in texture and taste from one batch of pancakes or crepes from the last, won't God notice when I try to hide my flaws by my secret salvage attempts?
Repentance is a beautiful gift from God. It allows sinners like me to have a fresh start. God put in His law provisions for imperfection. Through sacrifice, atonement could be made for the sins of people. God knows we will make mistakes. Jesus loves sinners, and proved it by dying on the cross for the sins of His enemies. It was liberating to throw away the contaminated flour and start over. I didn't have to worry about the taste being off or the ingredients sticking to the pan. I didn't have to go through the process of spending an hour cooking the crepes only to discover they were inedible. All the worry, preoccupation, and irritation of making a stupid mistake was over because I started over fresh! When we have made a mistake, let us be quick to admit it and start over with a new beginning offered us by God's grace. What joy and peace is ours when we quit trying to salvage our mistakes and begin afresh!
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