The real lesson from 9/11 is that Judgment by Christ Jesus one day is the only reality

I read my Bible to see what men ought to do; and read my newspapers to see what men are doing - John Newton

 

NEWS Tomorrow, September 11th will mark the 12th anniversary of what has come to simply but very profoundly as 9/11. A day on which according to history.com "17 militants associated with the the Islamic extreme group al-Qaeda hijacked four airlines and carried out suicide attacks on the United States". And the world, which literally, as far as air travel was concerned, almost came to halt physically and perhaps emotionally, has never been the same again. So much so that many of us can recall exactly where we were and what we were doing on that fateful day. I was at a traffic light, and  about to exit our capital city of Kingston and go on my regular one hour  commute to my office in the central part of the island. The radio was still on BBC as usually I like to listen to the news in the mornings. Then came the news flash of the first plane flying into the World Trade Center. News, most unusual news to be sure,  but no hint of what was to come next. Until the second plane hit. And then the penny dropped that the US was under attack. And all hell broke loose after that! I called my wife and told her to turn on the TV and then tried to call my children who were both living  in the USA. But by then all communication  had been shut down. Confusion reigned supreme in my head as I drove to work. And fear. Gnawing fear as reports about another plane which was hijacked surfaced, and then the news broke that the Pentagon had been hit. Later we would hear details about the heroic efforts of men aboard a fourth plane which crashed before hitting its yet to be determined target. And the destruction of the WTC, the heroism of the firefighters, the madness that descended over lower Manhattan and the rescue by boats of many, many persons. For the first time at my office, doctor, staff, patients, everybody, all huddled together in prayer. For mercy, as many of us had relatives in the USA. Plus we did not know what next was about to happen as things were rapidly spinning out of control. Suddenly it did not matter what else was in the news that day. If it had happened today, all plans for a limited air attack on Syria would have paled into insignificance. All the excitement in the media, and in the society about a Cabinet Minister's   performance of an outrageous and sexually explicit dance called daggering,  on a party supporter, which was captured on camera and carried on prime time news, would never have seen by anyone else but the local persons. The squabbling associated with the leadership challenge in the Opposition party would been relegated to the fine print, rather than it being featured on the headlines. Maybe, just maybe, the raping and then stabbing repeatedly of a young girl by her dad, might have made the news, as this story is so horrific. And so we pray that she might live despite the terrible injuries to her body and even  worse, that inflicted on her mentally and emotionally. And even the fact that her attacker, was shot and killed by the police will bring her little comfort. Serena Williams hard fought victory over ' Vica' Azarenka in the just concluded Women's  US Open Tennis finals, thus earning her  3.9 million dollar paycheck, and endearing her even more to her  3.9 million followers on Twitter, would have made history, but certainly not the headlines. All of this reality came at me very forcibly this week, and in particular today, as I worshiped in church and participated in the Holy Eucharist ( Lord's Supper/Holy Communion). That all else is fluff!  As the world as we know it, is going to come to a halt one day. A screeching stop, when Christ will come again as judge of all mankind. So whether or not our favorite sports personality is victorious in Tennis, Soccer, Athletics, Golf, basketball, American Football, is interesting, exciting even, but quite irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Whether or not we enjoy all the pleasures of this world,  in conjugal bliss, or stealing love on the side outside of marriage; whether we have sampled the world's best wines, or worn  the latest fashions, or splashed on the most sensuous fragrances or owned the best cars that man can make; whether we have reached the pinnacle of our profession in law, journalism, politics, medicine, engineering, nursing; whether we have been the most successful businessman or woman, whatever, it is all of limited importance, if any, in the grand scheme of life as ordered by God. And the metaphor that came into my mind was the story of Dives and the rich man. At the end of  which story, after the poor man whose sores had been licked by the dogs at the gate of Dives, had gone to be in the bosom of Father Abraham, and Dives to hell and fire and thirst, Dives asked if he could go and warn his brothers. Then not only was he told that there was an insurmountable chasm to cross, and in any case, his brothers had the law and the prophets to warn them, the OT, and if they did not listen to them,  even if someone rose from the dead ( no doubt referring to Jesus) they would not listen to him. And so the Lord spoke a word in this kind of season during the week.                                       GOD'S WORD Both of the messages were sent to men and women in my country who occupy leadership positions and are in a place to influence the direction of the society in which I live. For good or for evil. Or just to maintain the status quo!  The first one again raises the question of what's the point in life, of ignoring God and the gift of his Son Jesus Christ, if one day, He is going to be your Judge, whether you like it or not. And whether you believe it or not. And the portents are there if you look hard and pay careful attention rather than being caught up with the latest news. As every so often the Creator of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in it, brings the world to a halt. Briefly. Very briefly. Whether allowing chaos to reign for a while through acts of war. Or acts of ' nature'. Do they still say acts of God in American mainstream media! THE FIRST MESSAGE This morning as I began my devotions, the well known hymn " Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of The Lord ", came into my mind. And in particular ," he is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat........O be swift my soul to answer him; be jubilant my feet....Our God is marching on".....Glory, glory, Alleluia! And then I thought," what's the point?". What really is the point of resisting God, for His truth is marching on inexorably. And there is nothing anyone can do about it, as Saul found out on the road to Damascus....what's the point of kicking against the pricks. I thought about writing to you my friend, but then I  recalled that this Internet  Ministry, in whatever form, is undergirded by the prayer: " Lord renew thy church, beginning with me, Lord renew the church, that the church may renew the nation(s). So why am I spending so much time trying to convince you and others of the " correct faith". With that in mind I began reading the lessons for this Sunday. And the first one is Psalm 1. And then I was was prompted to read Psalm 2 also. Which is really saying, if you read it carefully, " What's the point of " conspiring against The Lord " So this message is in clear obedience to the Spirit.  It is full time then my friend to stop being so stubborn, and disobedient, as there is never any good in resisting The Lord, as His Truth, His Word, is always marching on. Tell that to Obama. Tell that to Portia. Tell that to Andrew and Audley.  Tell that nationwide to everyone!  And maybe, just maybe, people like Ariel Castro will not waste the precious life that God has given them, and help to build up each other and not to rape and rob and abduct and kill and destroy. And then be destroyed. Forever!  But rather to enjoy  life and life more abundantly, Forever! In and through Christ the soon coming King and Judge of the world. " Kiss the Son, less he angry and ye perish"...which means, ... worship Him and Him alone....as you have no other help but Him in the final analysis...and He is always there waiting for you to return to Him. And not just you but all who hear the Word, day after day and are disobedient. And O my God, to what end! Peace LWJ Psalm 2. 1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, 3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Sent from my iPad Peace LWJ The second message carries the discussion a step further, and encourages us, to keep close to God, and remain in His presence. Even when watching Serena play. or Tiger Woods. Or whatever else occupies our mind at any point in time. And it cannot be coincidence that the Gospel today  has one of the hardest teachings of Jesus. To the effect that unless we place family  bonds and even our own interests second to the what God wills, we cannot be a disciple of the Lord. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple". Luke 14:25-27 NIV  THE SECOND MESSAGE Lord renew thy church beginning with me; Lord renew the church that the church may renew the nation - prayer the Decade of Evangelism, many years ago.    More and more in recent times, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of " abiding in the presence of The Most High". It takes the pressure off us, trying to be good Christians. As no effort on our own, no matter how hard we try,  can achieve that status. But O what possibilities exists when we are steadfast in the presence of God. This most recent experience goes like this: " A farmer went to sow his seed.....Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.......This is the meaning of the parable.....The seed that fell a among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures...and they do not mature". Luke 8:5-14 NIV Comment: The basic problem with worries, pleasures and riches is not Sin, but distraction. And anything, or anyone that makes you lose your focus on yearning, remaining, seeking only God, and  thus to stay in His presence, is going to prevent us from becoming mature Christians. Distractions must be overcome at all cost, or else disaster will take place. And my God there are so many 'distractions' around us. And within us.  No wonder Jesus said that unless we leave, mother , father, husband, wife, children behind, in terms of our absolute and complete focus on remaining in His presence, we can become His followers. It's therefore a real discipline, and a lifelong struggle,  to learn how to maintain our responsibilities to family, a gift from God, while at the same time " abiding in the shadow of the Most High" ....Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love... There must be few greater words written by a songwriter that so completely captures the lament of a child of God. O my God, why am I so prone to wander, to leave the presence of the God I love. The God who died for me! And to what end? Only trouble and misery and disaster! It's dangerous thing to get so completely caught up with Serena Williams, or Tiger Woods, or UsainBolt, or Lionel Messi or Lebron James, or a good book, or a wonderful movie, or "dancing the night away", or " Five little monkeys jumping on the bed" in true grandfather style, or  our favourite political party or whatever, and stray from the presence of God. And my God what distractions there are in the world today! IS YOUR MIND STAYED ON GOD Oswald Chambers Verse: Isaiah 26:3 Is your mind stayed on God or is it starved? Starvation of the mind, caused by neglect, is one of the chief sources of spiritual exhaustion and weakness in a servant's life. if you have never used your mind to place yourself before God, begin to do it now. There is no reason to wait for God to come to you. You must turn your thoughts and your eyes away from the face of idols and look to him and be saved ( see Isaiah 45:22). Your mind is the greatest gift God has given you and it ought to be devoted entirely to him...When you have thoughts and ideas that worthy of credit to God, learn to compare and associate them with all that happens in nature - the rising  and setting of the sun, the shinning of the moon and the stars, and the changing of the seasons. You will begin to see that your thoughts are from God as well, and your mind will no longer be at he mercy of your impulsive thinking, but will always be used in the service of God. Remember whose you are and whom you serve. Encourage yourself to remember, and your affection for God will increase tenfold. Your mind will no longer be starved, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright. Comment: Many of us often wonder when  trouble and trials and distress and even crisis,  come into our lives. Why does God allow it? Well, the meditation above provides one answer. Trials, and not so much good times, always, always, cause us to seek God in prayer. And often desperately! And constantly! Which is precisely what the Lord wishes to happen. Think about it. Darkness lasts only for a while, but joy cometh in the morning. Whether in this life or even more so in eternity! And that life with God in eternity is our ultimate goal. Trials then keep us focused. CHRIST IS OUR SANCTIFICATION George Whitfield ( 1714-1770...the church in America is indebted to this great British Evangelist.....with Jonathan Edwards inaugurated the revival movement known as the Great Awakening....1739...helped to found Princeton University   U of Penn and Dartmouth. Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:23 By sanctification I mean a total renovation of the whole man; by the righteousness of Christ, believers come legally, by sanctification they are made spiritually, alive; by the one they are entitled to, by the other they are meet for, glory. They are sanctified, therefore, throughout, in spirit, soul and body. Their understandings, which were dark before, now become light in the Lord, and their wills, before contrary to, now become one with the will of God; their affections are now set on things above; their memory is now filled with divine things; their natural consciences are now enlightened; their members, which once before were instruments of uncleanness, and of iniquity into iniquity, are now new creatures; " old things are passed away; all things are become new" ( 2 Corinthians 5: 17, KJV) in their hearts: sin has no longer dominion over them; they are freed from the power, though not from the indwelling and being, of it; they are holy both in heart and life, in all manner of conversation; they are made partakers of  a divine nature, and from Jesus Christ, they receive grace; and every grace that is in Christ, is copied and transcribed into their souls; they dwell in him, and he in them; they are led by the Spirit, and  bring forth the fruits thereof; they know that Christ is their Emmanuel, God is with and in them; they are living temples of the Holy Ghost. And therefore, being a holy habituation unto the Lord, the whole Trinity dwells  and walks in them; even here, they sit together with Christ in heavenly places, and are vitally united united to him, their head, by a living faith; their Redeemer,their Maker, is their husband; they are flesh of of his flesh, bone of his bone; they talk, they walk with him, as a man talketh and walketh with his friend; in short they one with Christ, even as Jesus Christ and the Father are one. Comment: I have never, ever,  read such a beautiful description of the reward that awaits us, in this life, if we truly keep our minds steadfast on Him who is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. Can we imagine such a life with Christ! It is not only possible, but the very reason why Christ died. To make us Holy. We pray God that he will indeed turn again and quicken us so that we may truly rejoice in Him. And remain in His presence! Forever. Peace LWJ Final Comment - This morning I woke and 'found ' the words of that glorious hymn: " O for a thousand tongues to sing my dear Redeemer's praise.... Jesus! The name that charms our fears, and bids our sorrows cease; 'tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life and health and peace Later this evening I had reason to challenge myself and my church family with the following reality. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on then all. Romans 11:33 NIV It is in this context then, and through this prism, that we care called to view  'how the world turns'. And so " kiss the Son, lest He be angry with us. Remain in His presence as otherwise we run the risk of being outside his arc of mercy, always freely available through the shed Blood of His Son, and subject to the kind  catastrophe which would make 9/11 look like child's play, and from which there is no  returning as Dives found out  perhaps on a 9/11 many years  ago. But O my God what a joy awaits those who yearn to be sanctified in and through Christ Jesus and to rest in His  bosom, and not just in the bosom of Abraham. Amen.

Will the real Obama please stand up? As did MLK Jnr, and as did Christ on Calvary

So the drums of war are beating again. And involving a most unlikely drummer. Barack Obama who campaigned on an anti-war,  inter alia,  platform during the run up to that famous victory which left few persons dry-eyed in Grant Park in Chicago on November 4, 2008, when Stevie Wonder's " Sign Sealed Delivered"  echoed the feelings in the hearts of millions of people across the world.

For make no mistake, Obama's victory transcended the hopes and aspiration of Americans, of African Americans in particular, and represented the dreams of conscious and peace loving people across the globe. After George Bush, et al including Karl Rove, after the doctrine of preemptive strikes, after the yet  to found weapons of mass destruction, Obama was a breath of fresh air.

So what's up then with this urgent need to wage war against this admittedly corrupt and wicked even, Syrian regime, which may have committed unspeakable atrocities against its own people? Why this seemingly indecent haste, when the end game is not well defined - punish the perpetrators without setting the captives free? Why the decision to go it alone, even with congressional support, when there is no consensus at the UN. No worldwide support! Why wage war again when Iraq is still unstable! When Afghanistan is still unstable! When the " Arab Spring" may very well be entering a " winter of discontent" with confusion, if not anarchy threatening.

Is this Obama ' revealed', the real Obama, or is there a 'hidden hand' at work tugging him like a puppet?  And to what end! Many, including myself, still believe that he is a sincere human being trying to right wrong wherever he sees it. From his own perspective!  But is he a follower or a leader?  A question which may very well  have led some to question, for example, whether he has done more for gays than for even black Americans, because of the economic power that group wields. And so as the British would say, " they punch well above their weight" - in numbers.

How would a Martin Luther King Jnr, whose epic march on Washington was celebrated last week, have dealt with the Gay marriage?  What advice would a MLK, if he were alive today, give to this young leader of the most powerful nation on earth? Would he have urged caution, or decisive action? We will never know. Perhaps there is ' something out there" about which we have no idea, which is at the bottom of all of this talk about war. Perhaps, as the lawyers say, " there are more and better particulars" to come. In the meanwhile we pray for peace.

So what did The God of  Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob, of Martin Luther King Jnr, of Barack Hussein Obama say to his people this week, a midst the drum roll?

One message came, in two parts,  from the  Book of Ecclesiasticus,from which the Old Testament reading for this Sunday was taken.  And which triggered a Tweet and a e-mail to a few selected folks in Jamaica and in the US

PART ONE My son, do not engage in too many transactions;if you attempt too much you will come to grief. Ecclesisasticus 11:10. A message for OBAMA PART TWO This one is too long to tweet. But it is just as pointed. It does not mean that civilized  people should not seek to root out manifest and egregious acts of evil wherever it manifests itself. In order to protect civilization, but one has to be careful and wise. This is the balance that the USA needs achieve. I was very struck by a comment posted on nationwidenewsnetwork  facebook page last night and read by George Davis. " Who died". and appointed the USA to be policeman of the world.?"

"The Government of the world is in the hand of The Lord;
at the right time he appoints the man to rule it.
In The Lord's hand is all human success;
it is he who confers honour on the legislator."  10:4-5

All of this triggered by a reading of the OT passage appointed in my church for this Sunday during my devotions this morning.
LWJ

Sent from my iPad One of the things that a child of God has to grapple with constantly, and more so when he or she has responsibilities as a leader, is who is ultimately in charge of the world? Who spoke it into being? Who sustains it? And who will bring it all to an end one day? The real answer to these question constitute one of the many reasons why those who do not wish to be under the sovereign rule of God, constantly add fuel to the argument that The Creation Story and Evolution are incompatible. Which as we read more and more those who have a mind to write on such matters, is not true at all. The point here is that President Obama, with his well meaning determination to " draw a line in the sand " , in respect of the use of poison gas by any nation in this civilized era, has to come to terms with the reality that America ought not to, and does not have the capacity to, be the ' policeman of the world". Does that mean that another Hitler should not be stopped in his tracks early, before irreparable damage is done to mankind? And that God will take care of the matter! What I read into this text, and others may read something else, is a strong warning for America to be careful how it extends itself in wars across the globe. As one day it may come to grief. Just like Rome. Or Greece. Of ancient times. And more importantly, " Blessed is the nation whose God is the God of Jacob". A warning that perhaps, America needs to put its own house in order, as it looks abroad to right wrongs there. And we full agree that with the old bard, William Shakespeare that " something is (very) rotten in the state of Denmark ( read America...read Miley Cyrus and her moral meltdown). Another message came from an article I read in Christianity today, on a friend's facebook page. This, coming after learning about Miley Cyrus....I had no idea she even existed before reading about her on Twitter. And the context in which the article was tweeted by some one who I follow, Eric Metaxas, was the cynical manipulation of the media by owners who wish to ' bring' people on to their website, so that they may charge more for their ads. And as the article intimated, Miley Cyrus was placed on the headlines, not for the importance of the news, but purely for profit. Interestingly this is the very point of a discussion I had with a conscious Rasta friend this week, who cited George Orwell's 1984, his follow up to the more famous " Animal Farm", as a prophetic work heralding the way the media would be used to manipulate public opinion. And which manipulation, in his opinion is at the heart of Obma's/America's ..maybe there is a difference...drums of war. Despite all of these issues of morality, going deep into the life of the American people, and no doubt the Syrians too, I read the following message and was moved to make the comment below. And which plea for forgiveness, I believe goes to the heart of the Christian faith. And to the Cross of Calvary.

I am learning more about Miley Cyrus from the link below...and about mercy and forgiveness...amazing how the Lord's leads you to " rescue the perishing". Even on facebook.

LWJ

http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2013/august/jesus-loves-miley-cyrus-vmas.html

Sent from my iPad

Jesus Loves Miley Cyrus

AUG 282013

Everyone’s shocked and offended over her VMA performance. As Christians, we can offer another response.

Laura Leonard

READ AS SINGLE PAGE

W

hat's left to say about Miley?

The former tween star's already-notorious performance at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards has everyone freaking out, about the vulgarity, about the sexism, about the racism – not to mention the problematic celebration of drug culture in her song "We Can't Stop" and the misogynistic date-rape vibe of Robin Thicke's song "Blurred Lines," which the two performed together.

Sigh.

Are we really back here again? It's been 29 VMAs since Madonna writhed in her wedding dress to "Like a Virgin," 23 VMAs since Prince wore butt-baring pants, 12 VMAs since Britney performed "I'm a Slave 4 U" wrapped in a live snake, and four VMAs since Sacha Baron Cohen dressed as a dark angel and landed crotch-first on Eminem's head.

The VMAs exist to shock, and by promising to deliver a moment "even crazier" than 2003's Britney-Madonna kiss, Miley left little doubt about her intention to use this performance to carve out her own place alongside these icons of pop.

Part of me hates even acknowledging this event by writing about it—we're giving MTV and Miley exactly what they want. But when people are talking, they're also listening, and it's important to think through what our response communicates about who we are.

As Christians, when confronted with something offensive, we often condemn it on instinct. We want to make sure everyone knows how strongly we disagree, how completely we disapprove, how far we want to distance ourselves from such behavior. (To some extent this seems like a human instinct, given how much everyone has gone on and on this week about Miley at the VMAs.)

There's absolutely a time and a place to call out sin, but if all we do is shame Miley—a 20-year-old girl who grew up extremely privileged, extremely sheltered, and extremely publicly and is now in the process of discovering her adult identity—for her behavior, and bemoan one more nail in the coffin of this world, what are we communicating about a God who loves sinners and offers hope not just from them but to them?

Jesus loves Miley. Nothing she could do could separate her from his love. Even more than she needs to know how we feel about her dance moves, or her drug use, or her sexual history, she needs to know that truth. The world needs to know that. The way we talk about other people, particularly those we condemn, communicates a lot about who we are and what we are about to other people who are "outside," even when it's not their choices we're berating in a public forum.

Finally, this week, I woke with the famous Micah passage in my head. " And what does The Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

The reality is that while the drums of war are beating in the White House, perhaps in the Congress and in the media, and elsewhere, the USA faces deep internal problems represented by Miley Cyrus and others. Problems in the way of lifestyles  which have been  exported all over the world, and perhaps even to Syria. Guns made in America, and freely available, continue to be 'exported' to my country thus wreaking havoc in the inner cities and spreading to all areas of national life. And we have not been able to convict the Americans to do everything in their power  to stop the flow of these weapons. Pornography,  and movies with gratuitous violence, made in America and Europe and elsewhere, continues to flow all over world,  leaving broken families, warped minds and  destroyed cultures in its their wake. And in the midst of this the mighty USA still takes on to itself, the 'policeman' of the world. Where then is the justice, Mr. President? Where is the mercy? And where is the humility?  No doubt what these messages from Twitter and Facebook are calling all of us, as children of Light, at a time when others  are seeking to wage war, is to heed the message from St Paul to the Corinthian Church.

" For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself us against the knowledge of god, and we take captive every thought  to make it obedient to Christ". 1 Cor. 10:3-5 NIV  Christians in America, and all over the world need to take their queue from this passage of Scripture in the fight against moral and physical and even spiritual challenges, that confront us daily. Especially as we try to discern God's perfect will in a imperfect, fallen and troubled world. Where war is never going to be the final solution to the many, many challenges humanity faces in this and in any era. As ultimately " The Government of the world is in the hands of The Lord."

Lucien-Jones: Controversy in life with Anne Shirley and Queen If...

Lucien-Jones: Controversy in life with Anne Shirley and Queen If...: I read my Bible to see what men ought to do; and read my newspapers to see what men are doing - John Newton Lord renew the thy church, begin...

Controversy in life with Anne Shirley and Queen Ifrica: Certainly in death with Christ

I read my Bible to see what men ought to do; and read my newspapers to see what men are doing - John Newton

Lord renew the thy church, beginning with me; Lord renew the church that the church may renew the nation(s) - a prayer for the Decade of Evangelism in the Anglican Church many years ago.

This week the big news in my country that had just about everyone talking, cussing, agonizing, calling for action, 'spinning' and seeking answers, was the letter written by former Executive Director of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO)  Anne Shirley. In what some described as a,  ' bombshell',  Ms. Shirley shared with the prestigious sports magazine Sports Illustrated and thus with the entire world, her version of the facts, that Jamaica's anti-doping campaign was sadly lacking in its ability to adequately police the sport.  And carelessly , in the view of many, argued that prior to the London Olympics, only one out of competition testing had been done on the Jamaican athletes, when it is well known that the World Anti-doping Agency, WADA, independently tested the Jamaicans, especially the elite ones. All of this of course taking place  in the context of the huge success that the Jamaican elite athletes, in, particular, had achieved in sweeping the  sprint gold medals. To the extent, that some suggested that Usain Bolt's and Shell-Ann's performances  had 'rescued' the IAAF World Championships from hum drum and mediocrity.  JADCO and various officials have since responded, arguing that though not fully  achieving " best practices" the agency was well on its way to dealing with the historic problems. And more importantly, in no way should the performances of the elite athletes be sullied either by malice, ignorance  of the facts or falsehood, as they were tested repeatedly, and found to be 'clean' by WADA. The debate continues to be a major talking point in my country.

Almost predictably, the other 'flashpoint' was the action taken  by  an overseas Jamaican gay and lesbian group, who successfully lobbied the  promoters in Canada to drop  the highly touted conscious reggae artist Queen Ifrica, from a stage show on which she was billed to perform. All of this coming from comments she is alleged to  have made  during her performance at the Grand Gala in Jamaica on Independence Day. And in the process spouting lyrics,  which apparently angered the LGBT community and triggered their action. And thus  so many, including the beleaguered artiste, are wondering what are the rights of heterosexuals?  Do they no longer  have a right to publicly  endorse the heterosexual lifestyle and make their feelings known about a lifestyle which according to Bible is unacceptable. And worse an abomination! And even if they do not go that far, where is the line to be drawn in this " human rights" issue as the gays have framed it?

So then in this midst of all of this controversy, what did the God who created heaven and earth, and all that is within it, reveal to to  His people who were listening, as Samuel did, and said, " Speak Lord for thy servant is hearing"?

First up, , what the french describe as a cri de coeur -  a cry from the heart. About my country within the context of what   might very well have " an assault" on the the good name of Jamaica, and in particular our elite athletes, even if the 'revelations' by Anne Shirley proved to be a ' wake up' call in a sense for us to better police the sports. As one has to be very careful that, in attempt to genuinely make the sport better, one does not " throw out the baby' with the proverbial bath  water.  Because, at the end of the day,  sports in general, and track and field in particular, plays a vital role, not only in terms of economics, but in the formation of psyche of our  people. And which mental and spiritual is ' under pressure' as we say in Jamaica. And so I wrote a message to political, sports and to the leadership of the press in my country.

THE FIRST  MESSAGE

Dear.......
                  I heard the interview featuring  Dr. Wright  on BTH this week. Also the interview with the de facto  Minster of Sports. And that with Professor Davidson on Nationwide. Consequently I  have been led to write  guided by the following perspective.

Over the past couple of days, I have been led to write a series of messages which ended with the final one being written this morning. And which climaxed by speaking about the restoration of the soul of a nation. This matter of the restoration of the soul of a nation is one which is engaging the minds of so many Jamaicans, even if they use other terms to describe their concerns. Right now we do not have much going for us. We used to, but unfortunately we have squandered our " cultural capital",  and heritage which was once the envy of the world, and helped to made us a distinctive and highly esteemed nation. 

It began with the corruption of the body  politic,  which is in my view, and a view shared by many,  the major reason for the alarmingly high level of crime and violence, on the one hand, and the dire economic circumstances, on the other, in our country today.  This plague on " both of our houses" ,  then segued into the corruption of the music...most aspects of dance hall music has nothing good to recommend it...in my view, unlike the conscious lyrics of the rock steady and ska  era;  which then to led  the corruption of the manners and mores of our people and the shocking and outrageous behavior featured  every so often on public media,  of our school children in particular. And  now in recent times,  the thoroughly unscriptural and  equally unholy " prosperity gospel" has served to corrupt the purity and power of  gospel, which together with the pernicious influence of the secular agenda, has led to the diminution of the role of the church in the lives of our people.  And a people without religion will (and have) cast off all restraint. All of the above attended by disastrous consequences for the social and moral life of a nation, on which it's  'soul' is built.

In the midst of this egregious wrong,  the spectacular performances, on a amazingly sustained basis, of our track and field athletes, have been the dominant aspect of our culture which has served to enhance our national reputation worldwide,  and lift the psyche of a beleaguered people. And thus help to keep our soul together. In this context then, we must, collectively do all we can to protect and enhance the viability of the sport, and thus the recent revelations by Ann Shirley on CNN and in Sports Illustrated is no small matter.

One expert has told me that the essence of the problem lies with JADCO not being able to test regularly, in and out of competition, urine and blood,  those athletes who fall in the second tier of excellence in Jamaica. As the top athletes in each category( 100 M, 100 M, 200 M, 200 W etc...in fact the top 25 in the world in each category) will and have been  tested in and out of competition  by WADA. So  Shelly-Ann and  Usain Bolt are tested regularly by WADA and done so without prior warning. The key role that JADCO plays then, if the above information is correct, and I have every reason to believe it,  is to monitor the activities of those athletes who have not yet appeared  on the "radar of WADA". In addition to  augmenting the role that WADA plays in monitoring the top tier athletes.
My suggestion then,  in respect of making JADCO more efficient is, given the amount of money that the athletes earn internationally, why don't we use the taxes which we collect from them, to augment or finance completely the financial and management needs of JADCO.  In addition to adhering to the recommendations of WADA in respect of the issue of transparency. The taxes that Bolt alone pays  could so this I would imagine. And thus allow it to function efficiently and so help to protect  the sport and ultimately the soul of a nation.
Peace
LWJ

The second message comes within the context of the Queen Ifrica  experience and what we need to learn from it. I had given it no  more thought and had not intended to write on it. But when The Lord speaks, as he clearly did, who am I to  remain silent? The reality is that this whole campaign by the LGBT community is no ordinary matter. Nor is it a new thing, as people have been intent on being disobedient to God for  centuries, with the exact same consequences. We will just have to wait and see how The Lord acts in this century. But make no mistake about it,  he will act decisively one day.  Our role then, is to be compassionate as possible, for the observation  " but for the grace of God there goest I" , is very real.


THE SECOND MESSAGE - sent to local leaders in all spheres of Jamaican life, and to  some of those who do not share my worldview on the matter

I am currently going through Mark's gospel as part of my bedtime  devotions. And tonight I came upon this:

" For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Phillip's wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, It is not  lawful for you to have your brother's wife. So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. "    Mark 6:17-19

Then I thought about current events where the church  and most Jamaicans have opposed 'unlawful acts' and how much pressure is being brought to bear on those who oppose  those unlawful acts. 

Then I thought,  and recalled that " the word of God is living and active", and therefore whenever we read it, God Himself is speaking to us. So we dare not  take that which " is sharper than any two edged sword, and penetrates even to diving soul and spirit",  lightly.

Then the passage of Scripture came into my mind, but I cannot recollect  where from, that " it is not you they are against, but God Himself. So Herodias was not simply wishing the death  of John, but was in opposition to the God of John who opposed her wrong doing.

So I went in search of the scripture, opened my other Bible and found this right before me. Amazing! 
" Unlawful Sexual Relations"....which is the caption of Leviticus 18. And no to sex with close relatives, no to sex during a woman's menstrual period, no to sex  with the neighbour, no child sacrifice, no to sex with animals, no to sex with a man as how a man may have sex with a woman. All because these things defile the land, and that is how those God was going to drive out  of the  before the children of Israel, behaved.

Finally this is how the chapter begins:

" The Lord said to Moses, Speak to the Israelites and say to them, I am The Lord your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices."    Leviticus 18:1-3.


And if The Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is within it,  told His people to refrain from certain activities, it means that they had a choice to obey or disobey.

So there was I going to my bed, when The Lord spoke. What then am I supposed to do, but be obedient and write. As it is not a good thing to be disobedient to The Living God.

I pray God we will think on these things and let those who have ears to hear listen well. And not follow the practice of Herod or Herodias, regardless of what man can  or may do in retaliation.
LWJ

The  Lord, having spoken to me at 10:38 pm,  and given me the second message, on the following morning at 7:38, I wrote the third and final message. The point in all of this controversy, is that death  provides the final answer to all issues. Whether controversial or seemingly settled!  As what happens after that terminal event, is all that matters in life. Judgement! Where the actions and thoughts and aspirations of all mankind will finally be evaluated.  Which is the essence of the sermon preached today at my church based on the Gospel reading where Jesus in responding to the existential question in Luke's Gospel, concerning how many people were going to be saved, rather than getting embroiled in the controversy a la the Jehovah's witnesses, taught the people to :
" make every effort to enter through the narrow door". And that " narrow door" or gate is nothing else but Christ Himself. As there is no other way to enter the Kingdom of God. ( Foundation Christianity). So my advice to Queen Ifrica, is to  fear less those who ban you from performing in Canada, or in the US or in Europe, and fear more Him,  who Alone  can get you into the Kingdom of God, which is eternity. And to Anne Shirley, make sure that although you stand by your numbers and your research, make sure that when the curtain call comes on life, your actions, how you have treated your fellow man or woman, how you have been faithful to the truth, will ensure that you receive the " well done good and faithful servant " from Him alone who knows the thoughts of your hearts and the motive of your soul.

THE THIRD MESSAGE and final message.

As I began my early morning devotions thanking God for another day, the thought, not of my making, came into my head, that I am no under God's wrath. The implication being that in the same way we celebrate a new day of life, we should also celebrate daily, that we are free from condemnation.
So I went to the famous passage in the Book of Romans which speaks to that issue.  And the link with last night, is that, it is not only Herodias and Herod who were  opposed to God's law. The children of Israel, God''s  " treasured possession", again and again, acted in opposition to God's  law. Which is part of the lesson imparted to us in  the Book of Judges. They did evil in the eyes of the Lord and when they cried out to God, He sent them a Judge to help. Gideon, Othneil, Deborah. But everytime The Lord helped them,  they went back to their evil ways. It was as if they could not help themselves.  And this inability to " keep God's law", which is the heritage of all born of Adam, is highlighted in the same Book of Romans, and is one of the foundations of the Christian faith.
" All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" . Romans 3:23 - the essence of the story of the first 7 chapters of the Book of Romans. Hence the message last night was not one only for those who commit the Sin of Leviticus chap 18, but rather for the whole human race, as we were all under the wrath of God until  Christ came. And so to the glorious news, the essence of the Gospel, The Good News:

" Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do,  in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God's law. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God."  Romans 8: 1-8 NIV

Comment: A couple of things, as Dionne would say. Herodias' hostility to God's law, which resulted in her asking for, and  receiving, " the head of John the Baptist", is but a metaphor, a leif motif,  for the current debate raging across the world in respect of the  children of the "Enlightenment",  and  the children of Light,  who trust in the Holy One of Israel. And all other strands of the debate, including ",  Good Bye God",  which was the recent headlines of the Daily Gleaner, flow from that central theme. So the reality is that  the Spirit of Herodias is alive and well in the 21st century. She still wants the " head of John the Baptist on a platter". That,  is for the church to go away, for God  to go away and leave her to continue her unlawful acts. This is the larger context in which many gay and lesbian people  people have been 'sucked ' into, without any understanding of the deeper issue happening around them. Not so the the gay rights advocates, as they have, in many cases the same agenda. Go away God. We want the head of John the Baptist. How dare you oppose our life style. We will boycott you. We will make you a pariah in the eyes of those who control your future!

In the midst of all of this struggle between God's goodness and evil, there are conscience ridden folks  trying to work out their salvation, as deep in their hearts, deep in our hearts, we know that we continue to oppose God's law day by day. And so there is great rejoicing, and should be,  for all who read God's Word, The Greatest  Word of Tolerance in the History of mankind, ever since Romans 8 was ushered into our  consciousness, by the Atonement wrought by Christ on Calvary.

Comments: I pray God that you who  receive, analyze and disseminate news all day long, you who govern, you who teach,  you who rally the troops of civil society,  may come to appreciate, and I too, who sometimes get caught up with " news " too much, may understand what is the real News in this world. The Gospel of Christ, in whom and through we have freedom from the wrath of the God. Forever! Whether our sin be that  described in  Leviticus, Numbers, Genesis, Judges, Exodus, Psalms, Jonah, Amos, Daniel. As the young people say, " It is so done". But only in Christ Jesus.
That's why we can rejoice and sing. This is the day, this is the day that The Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it....I so wish that I could sing. Like the Fiddler on the Roof, I would climb right up there and sing. Praises to the God who loves me and all mankind so much, that of His own free will He suffered and died, so that we may not perish but have life, and life more abundantly. Now you tell me what news from Moscow or Berlin or London is better than that.
Amen. 
Sent from my iPad

Good-Bye Moscow and let us rejoice in the God who is always with us

They call him "Donkey man"!  Jevon  Francis, the 18 year old  Jamaican High School  student, who, if the IAAF at the recently concluded World Championships held in Moscow, were to give a medal for " the athlete with the biggest heart", would have won 

' hands down'. As his breathtaking, almost impossible feat in running pass big men, moving  from  to second position on the final leg of the men's 4 x 400 M relay, thus earning Jamaica an entirely unexpected  silver medal, was nothing short of spectacular.

Yes " nuff respect" to the big man, Usain  ( Legend) Bolt and to 'pocket rocket' Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, two of the greatest sprinters in the history of the sport of Athletics. And we " big up" all the athletes who performed at an very high level despite not winning a medal, and even those who suffered disappointments whilst giving of their best. But that lion- hearted performance by Jevon, assisted by his three other team mates, sums up best the character of a nation which prides itself as being " little but tallawah".

So what did the Sovereign Lord, the creator of Heaven and Earth,  who knows the hearts of all who live in  Moscow, Beijing, London, Berlin,  Half-Way-Tree, New York City and all cities, say this week in the middle of the excitement?

First up, a Word sent to a group of lawyers concerning,  more , but not necessarily better particulars. Especially at a time when  an Irish scientist is attributed,  in a headlines  carried in The daily Gleaner entitled, " Good Bye God", with the prophesy that similar to what has over taken previously religious Ireland,  Jamaicans too will soon lose their trust in and belief in God. In what has to be a delicate and tight conversation  held with a newspaper man that same( and every)  morning ( worse than twitter), whilst waiting for a break in the traffic, we both concluded that " God was going on leave to Moscow"...to see the runnings there. And had a good laugh over the headlines.  The point here is that as children of The Living God, we have to pay close attention to the Rules of Holy Living as recorded in the Colossian passage as noted below. But all of that has to have as its foundation a life of prayer and of delving deep into the Word. So although  we highlight the fact that  Shelly-Ann  in particular,  and many other Jamaican, African, Caribbean and American  stars, always give thanks to God first, and then all others, including parents and coaches after, we must be eternally vigilant as a people to 'cover them' and ourselves with prayers, as there are people with evil intent trying to 'lead us astray".


A Word from The Lord this morning  - The First Message

Many times I have been led to Rules for Holy Living contained in Colossians 3:1-17 NIV. But this morning, my education went a step further to Further  Instructions. 4:2-6. And in the context of raging debates in the society verse 6 was particularly instructive. But as verse 16 exhorts us, " Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly....", all five verses contain powerful instructions.

" Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Peace
LWJ


The second message brings into very sharp focus the fact that although we celebrate the performances of our athletes, which bring pride to a nation and joy to lovers of the sports across the entire world,  we are called to run a more important race. And that race which ought to  hold  lightly, and cheaply the things of this world,  and looks to the finish line of eternity, must be run with our  eyes fixed not on the pleasures of this world, but on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. Therein lies the danger. As sports in general and track field in particular, along with all other things that make for an enjoyable life here on earth, have the propensity to make us, " prone to wander, and prone to leave the God who we love.  The message then call  us to be eternally vigilant about " living in the secret place of the Most High", as otherwise we lose our way and our destiny and our  coveted prize - eternal life with Christ. Otherwise around every corner and beyond every street lies danger, if not disaster. The good news as recorded in the Word from Jesus,  is the power to live such a life is only a prayer away. And all we need to do is to prayer without ceasing, as God to enable us to live a life of faith and obedient each day, to a God who is very willing and able to help.  Only then will our nation, our family life, our communities and the entire world will change.

THE SECOND MESSAGE  - SENT TO MY CHILDREN AND OTHERS THIS WEEK

Led to read and reflect on the third verse of the hymn at the end of this message. An exercise which brings into sharp focus the exhortation of Brother Lawrence in an excerpt from his classic book, " The Practice of the Presence of God. O Lord help as we are so prone to wander. And wandering Christians will be not be able to discern and to do God's will. The pursuit of which
( God's will) ought ot be our only focus. So let us resolve to practice the presence of God; in the morning on awakening, at work, in the evening at home, and at bed time. And we will soon see the results.

All began when I reflected on:

" A man with leprosy came to him (Jesus) and begged him on his knees. if you are willing you can make me clean.
"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man, I am willing he said. Be clean. Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured". mark 1;40-41 NIV.

Jesus is always willing. Let us ask Him to keep us close to Him all day, and soon we will grow to be like Him, in every way. And in every situation we will  be the Will of God. At home with family. At work with colleagues. In Church. Outside of Church. On line. Off line.  In season and out of season. Wherever and whenever!

BROTHER LAWRENCE

Verse: Proverbs 8: 30

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with GOD. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise; but let us do it from a principle of love, and because GOD would have us.

Were I a preacher, I should, above all other things, preach the practice of the presence of  GOD; and, were I a director, I should advise all the world to do it, so necessary do I think it, and so easy too.

Ah! knew we but the want we have of the grace and assistance of GOD, we should never lose sight of Him, no, not for a moment. Believe me; make immediately a holy and firm resolution never more willfully to forget Him, and to spend the rest of your days in His sacred presence, deprived for the love of Him, if He thinks fit, of all consolations.

Set heartily about this work, and if you do it as you ought, be assured that you will soon find the effects of it.”

Excerpt From: of the Resurrection Lawrence. “The Practice of the Presence of God the Best Rule of a Holy Life.” iBooks. 
This material may be protected by copyright.

Check out this book on the iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=508675065

Come now fount of every blessing.....

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Peace
LWJ


Sent from my iPad

Finally, The Lord led me to  to a Word which calls for a life of rejoicing, as He Himself has become " our salvation". Not Shelly -Ann, not Ambassador Usain St. Leo Bolt, not the IMF, not our Leaders whether local or in Obama
land, but the Living God Himself. So as children of " Light" who dare not place that ' flaming torch' under the bed, we are called to rejoice, every day,  in season and out of season, track meet or not track meet,  Soccer time in England or in Spain  or Brazil, or when all is quiet, we shall rejoice,  because
this is indeed the day that The Lord hath made. And we will rejoice as " The Lord is risen indeed.". And all our sins are forgiven, death has lost its sting, and we can live a Holy Life in and through the Resurrected Christ.  So this is a time of rejoicing, not for us alone but for the entire world. A world where the storms of life are battering young people, old people, entire nations, and Jesus can and will say, " Be still ". And the waves will die down completely, as they did over  two  thousand of years ago, and a group of frightened disciples heard the rebuke, " Do you still have no faith"!    I  pray God, that as He rescues us from the storms of life, during and after,  our faith in Him may grow and help us to rescue a  nation and a a world so  battered by social , moral and economic problems that it is desperately crying out for help.  But few are listening, as Bob Marley's song is becoming very prophetic. " You think you in heaven but you living in hell". We who have been so empowered and anointed, to rescue the perishing, care for the sick and the defenseless and help the poor and needy, regardless of their status,  must urgently show the same kind of courage and lion-heartedness thatJevon did, all to the glory of God.


THE THIRD MESSAGE - SENT TO MY PRAYER PARTNERS AND OTHERS

I woke this morning and was praising The Lord for a quiet and peaceful night. One of many in recent times. And  as I started my devotions praising The Lord , " he has become my salvation ", came into my mind. So I searched for it although I had read the same  phrase  in Isaiah recently, but in my heart I knew this one came from a Psalm. Then I found it....Psalm 118

".......I was pushed back and about to  fall,
but The Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.

Shouts of joy and victory
resound the tents of the righteous:
The Lord's right hand has done mighty things!
The Lord's right hand is lifted up high;
the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!

I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what The Lord has done.
The Lord has chastened me severely
but he has not given me over to death.

Open for me  the doors of righteousness,
I will enter and give thanks to The Lord .
This is the gate of The Lord
through which the righteous may enter.
I will give thanks for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected
has become the capstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that The Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

O Lord, save us,
O Lord, grant us success.
Blessed is he who comes in the name
of The Lord.

From the house of The Lord, we bless you
The Lord is God,
and he  has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in he festal procession,
up to the horns of the altar.

Psalm 118:13-27 NIV

And as I read the last verse, I remembered " MIss Ivy", who I used to take to church, and who has now gone to glory, and the joy with which we would declare after Easter service, or anytime it came into  her mind, " ...up to the courts of heaven with speed".
So I searched for the hymn and found this.

The Lord is risen indeed!
Now is his work performed:
now is the mighty captive freed,
and death's strong castle stormed.

The Lord is risen indeed!
Then hell has lost his prey:
with him is risen the ransomed seed
to reign in endless day.

The Lord is risen indeed!
He lives, to die no more;
hr lives, the sinner's cause to plead,
whose curse and shame he bore.

The Lord is risen indeed!
Ascending angels hear!
Up to the courts of heaven with speed
the joyful tidings bear.

Then take your golden lyres,
and strike each cheerful chord;
join, all ye bright celestial choirs,
to sing to our risen Lord.

I am therefore being obedient and,  " proclaiming what The Lord has done",  to you who have journeyed with me. And will continue to do so, as I journey with you. There is clearly a message for me, but also as the Word continued, a message for all the faithful in Christ who trust in the 'capstone' and  who have suffered or have had their message rejected. God is at work, and His Word will not return to Him void but will surely achieve the purpose for which it has been sent, even though sometimes we cannot see the result.
So we continue to praise God, and seek to do His will and thereby, become His will. His good and perfect will.
Peace.
LWJ