Trouble in the world and Peace in and through Christ Jesus

I read my Bible to see what men ought to do, and read my newspapers to see what men are doing - John Newton This past week was hectic and very eventful. As we prepared to fly out of Kingston to New York to join the International Community, in the continuing struggle to promote Safety on our Roads, news broke of a terrible crash in my country which claimed the lives of four persons. Three of them school children from a prominent rural high school. And one, a promising netballer, who perhaps would have gone on to represent our famous 'Sunshine Girls". The sobriquet which the national team has attracted! What a tragedy? What a confluence of events. The following day I had the privilege of meeting Zoleka Mandela, the grand-daughter of the South African, and Internationally acclaimed, world political icon, Nelson Mandela. Having lost her daughter in a car crash, shortly before the start of the last World Cup which was held in South Africa, Zoleka has now become a world renowned road safety advocate. This all happened as we attended a High level Meeting on Sustainable Transport, which is part of the process in which the UN is engaged as it attempts to set out its post 2015 Development Agenda. The pursuit of which Sustainable Development goals, the follow up to the Millennium Development Goals, and which if attained will have profound implications for the growth and development of entire world community. Although we cheered for her, in Beijing, in London, and most recently in Moscow, and as Jamaicans, felt as if we all "owned her", it was a joy and and privilege to meet face to face, the fastest woman in the world, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who is now, not only a Jamaican road safety advocate, but she also, like Zoleka, in the midst of a very tight schedule, graciously accepted an invitation to participate at this International Meeting. Finally our own Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, addressed the High Level Meeting in New York and then two days later, in delivering her speech to the UN General Assembly, she called on the all nations , inter alia, to take more seriously this issue of road safety. All of this happening at the same time when Kenya, and the entire world community were struggling to come to terms with the enormity of the of the effects of the terrorist attack in Nairobi which claimed so many lives. Also While Obama was struggling to get his Obamacare health bill passed, and at the same time reaching out to the President of Iran, trying to ease the tensions surrounding their nuclear programme. What a week indeed! THE WORD OF GOD And in the midst of this The Lord spoke about peace. Peace only in and through His Son Christ Jesus. As the pursuit of lasting peace in and between countries, safety on our roads, sustainable development in the world, will only be achieved if men begin to fear God more and more, and then translate that fear of God into regard and love for neighbor. The plan was for the message to be sent to the same group of persons in civil society to whom I have been writing about the correct faith, but time caught up with me, and it was just finished in time for tonight's mail out. THE FIRST MESSAGE This morning we are going to accompany the PM to the UN to listen to her address the General Assembly. Outside the Hotel, security is tight. Everywhere you turn there are groups of policemen and women, several police vehicles and big black vans with men around. And Obama is long gone! I gathered from a Jamaican who works at the hotel that it takes about five minutes for Obama's motorcade to pass. Later this afternoon some of us are scheduled to attend the peace concert in which the UN is involved, and which will feature Stevie Wonder and Alecia Keys. The concert is free, but the tickets are in high demand, so were fortunate to have gotten two. Finally I reflected on the fact that while I am here I have met famous people, powerful people, ordinary people. And people who are hurting, and carrying enormous burdens that just looking on one would never know. Then this morning, I was led to write about another feature of the " correct faith". That The Son sends peace to those who obey His Commands, in and through the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. And no one and no situation can take away that Peace which passeth all human understanding. It began like this: Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father there is no shadow of turning with thee...... Morning by morning new mercies I see all I have needed thy hand has provided, great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth thy own presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright or for tomorrow.." And continued with a word from the book of John: Jesus answered and said unto him, If any man loves me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my words: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s who sent me. But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. (John 14:23, 24, 26, 27 ASV) THE SECOND MESSAGE The second message was sent, it actually went off, to that same group mentioned before. And the focus of the message features another aspect of the foundation of the Christian faith - a quest for eternal life. The kind of desire which is overshadowed by the 'rat race' that so many engage in to survive here on earth or worse, by the lesson taught by the gospel appointed for this week in church -the story of the rich man who lived a life of luxury while the poor man Lazarus, waited upon the crumbs to fall from his table and had his sores licked by dogs. But when they both died the roles were reversed and it was the poor man who went to be in heaven at the side of father Abraham while the rich man suffered in hell and no one was allowed to go and warn his brothers. As there was a chasm between both worlds, and he was told that unless his brothers obeyed what the Old Testament prophets taught, not even if a " dead man was raised up and spoke to them would they listen" A clear reference to Jesus Christ who people continue to ignore. Because they have not " listened" to the The Word in the Old Testament which warns us to " Love The Lord our God with all our heart......". At their own peril ! THE MESSAGE This week I heard you discussing on Nationwide Radio, the publication of an International News Report of an interview with the Pope, and whose 'candid views' were the subject of much debate across the world. Especially in respect to his brief comments on the ' hot button ' issues. The big topics - abortions, the ordination of female priests, and the gay lifestyle- as far as some are concerned, and no doubt that which triggered your decision to set up the interview with prominent members of the Roman Catholic Church. All within the context of whether this new Pope is shaping up to be 'revolutionary', compared to, in your view, more conservative ones in the past! The focus on which controversial issues often ignores the central theme of the Christian life, and about which The Lord led me to write this morning. For as much as we respect the views of the leader of a significant chunk of the worldwide church of God, and those of other leaders also, ultimately we have to own the faith for ourselves. So, in that respect, 'listen' carefully to words from St. Paul, and then Jesus Himself. One, the disciple whose life was changed dramatically by an encounter with the Master. The other, the Master Himself, and the 'author and perfecter of the faith. "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. " ( Adult Baptism or Confirmation of those who were Baptized as children) 1 Timothy 6:12 ....an extended reading of one of the readings for the Anglican Church this Sunday " For this reason the Jews tried to kill him, not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus gave them this answer: I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can only do what he sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one , but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, so that all amy honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:18-24 NIV So my friend, life on earth, as ordained by The Creator God, the God of Abraham and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is all about seeking eternal life. And that life begins on earth when we believe in, and honor the Son, who the Creator God sent to rescue us. From sin and death! Unto everlasting life in Christ Jesus! So yes, try and understand what the Pope is saying, and even find some comfort in his pronouncements, but in the final analysis, it is your relationship with Christ that matters. The Pope, other leaders, and the entire church, and this forum, can only, like John the Baptist, point persons to Him, who alone can set the captives free and open the eyes of the blind. And who alone is " The Good News for the poor". Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and the Crucified, Dead, Risen and Ascended One. And who alone will judge all of us one day Cliff. You and I and all who read this note. This is the gospel truth. So as the Psalmist enjoins, " Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him". Psalm 2:12 Peace LWJ Sent from my iPad Finally I went to church this morning with one of my many " daughters" who lives in New Jersey. Not an Anglican Church, so no participation in the Holy Eucharist every Sunday as is the accustomed practice in my church, but nonetheless a wonderful experience. A service of worshiping The Lord in truth and in Spirit. Wonderful singing of up tempo new songs, and a great makeover of old ones, including " I need the But although there was no Holy Communion the preaching of the Word and the teaching about what The Word has to say about The Word, was very timely and instructive . The preacher contextualized his message in the fact of frequent attacks on the inerrant Word of God by non-believers who hope to confuse people. But quoting from the famous Hebrew passage he explained that the Word of God is living and active. So whenever anyone turns to the Word in faith they are encountering the Living God. And Paul explains in 1Timothy that " all Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching and rebuking...... Further, though fragile and imperfect men wrote the Scriptures, they were only able to do so as they were " carried along by The a Holy Spirit". This is an important point to bear in mind as we are so inundated with information from our IPads, pods, PC's, smart phones and other such devices, that if one is not careful, the Word of a God does not receive the priority which it deserves in our lives. Resulting in far too infrequent encounters with the living God. The importance of which was addressed by a the preacher when he spent some time delving into the following Word. But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 ASV) Four key points emerged during this deeper look at the word? 1. That our primary responsibility is to behold the glory of God. And to see this glory in every aspect of life and to celebrate and give thanks for God's glory ( Shakinnah) at all times 2. That unlike Moses, at that time, and even today, the Jews, and all whose minds have not been set free by a relationship with the Risen Lord, we who believe have unveiled faces. Unveiled only by Christ, the Living Word and so we can see the glory of The Lord. 3. That day by day as we delve into the Word and thus shape our relationship with Jesus, we are being transformed into the very likeness of Christ. Even in the midst of our sinfulness and brokenness if we commit to studying and obeying the Word, we shall be transformed. 4. That it is not up to us alone, but we shall become like Christ more and more only with the help of the promised Holy Spirit of God. The same one who John spoke about in the first message and through whom we are promised peace. Closing thoughts. That in the final analysis The Living God whose Word is living and active, Who became flesh ( in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God) in and through Christ Jesus, is a Sovereign God. And rules over the affairs of men even when that Word appears dimmed by the cares, trials and troubles of this world. Those who trust in and wait upon The Lord, even and perhaps, especially in the midst, of the dark times of life, shall experience the peace that " passeth all human understanding". So the family members of those who die in road crashes, those who are going through dark moments, those who cannot understand why, can take comfort in the words of the song writer that ; God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die for us. This is the only basis of the hope we have as people of faith. That Christ died, was raised from the dead and forever lives to pray for us and has given s the gift of the Holy Spirit that we may become transformed into His likeness day by day. And thus be able to help others come to a 'correct faith", and spread the good news, and be the manifestation of, God's mercy, faithfulness and love. That the ultimate goal of the people of faith is eternal life and not peace and happiness in and by itself on earth. And this life eternal begins with great power when we turn to The Lord Jesus Christ and place all our trust in Him. Amen.

Problems abroad and problems a yard: becoming weak and weary in Christ the only answer

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 thy church beginning with me; Lord renew the church that the church may renew the nation(s) NEWS Yet again humanity and the cause for peace among men received another blow, when just yesterday, news broke about the mass killings in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The news, even as we speak, is that Islamists, reportedly killed 68 people, and are still holding other hostage. So terror continues to raise its ugly head. In Afghanistan, in Pakistan, in India, in Syria, in Egypt. And even here in Jamaica where three persons were shot dead by gunmen yesterday and a major road was cordoned off for a few hours, as security guards and police challenged and chased gunmen who had attempted rob two women coming from the bank, of thousands of dollars. Further, a much embattled junior minister, Richard Azan, who admitted to breaching governance rules, reportedly in pursuit of providing help for his constituents, while receiving no monetary reward, finally resigned. This, after the release of a damning report by the Office of The Contractor General, a discussion on BBC about the matter, a threatened walk out by the Parliamentary Opposition and much agitation by members of he local media. A group with considerable power given their ability to influence public opinion. So in the midst of these local and international challenges the Lord God of Abraham, of Jacob, and of Isaac, issued a Word of Comfort and of Challenge. The first Word is from the well known Isaiah chapter 40. One made famous by the verse which is associated with the movie " Chariots of Fire".....They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles...". And as I was led to read and reflect the words I found so much more that I was led to share it with senior members of the local media, the parliament and leading members of civil society. Finally in this respect, one verse in particular took a hold of my soul this week.....He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29. NIV THE FIRST WORD - TUESDAY The mother of a member of my staff has cancer and possibly facing death in the not too distant future. Unless The Lord works a miracle! So yesterday we were talking and her mother's faith in God came up. And in particular the great joy that Isaiah 40:31 KJV has brought to her soul over the years. " Those that wait upon The Lord ..... Then last night it became for me ' a song in the night'.....a Word that The Lord places in your dreams and thoughts as you sleep - as only He can. So this morning, I opened the Bible and went to this very familiar passage and rediscovered the many aspects of, " The correct faith", that the passage reveals, and so I thought about your own lack of understanding of the faith at best, and at worse, your continued rebellion against The Truth. Remember the movie, " For a few good men", and the famous line " you can't handle the truth. Well, God's intention is that we should all know the truth, and the truth shall set us free. So consider carefully the foundation truths that Isaiah 40 offers. 1. Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. (Isaiah 40:1 NIV).....The Word of God always, always brings comfort to His people. But is a stumbling block to the disobedient. 2.A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:1, 3-5 NIV)...it is the role of every Christian, to help others to come to a full understanding of God and His Son Christ Jesus. In the same way that John the Baptist, about whom the Word speaks, was the forerunner of the Church. 3.A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:1, 6-8 NIV)......I know your journalistic juices flow freely when the politics gets hot, and right now Audley and Andrew are providing that excitement, as did Peter and Portia, but remember even though we treasure and pray without ceasing for our leaders, that the people may be peacefully governed, The Truth is that only the Word of God endures forever. So it may be a good idea to pay more attention to The Truth, for your own good and for the health of a nation producing a man who rapes and stabs his own daughter. 4. See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:10, 11 NIV)...yet another prophetic Word about the coming of The Lamb of God ...who taketh away the sins of the world. 5. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? (Isaiah 40:12-14 NIV)...a reminder of who God is and who man is. We should all tremble and fear Him, and follow the words of the song writer and ...fear him with deepest tenderest fears, and worship him with penitential tears. So my friend let us "Be still and know..." 6. Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. (Isaiah 40:21-24 NIV)...another reminder of the greatness of The Holy One of Israel. And of the fact that they who strode across the land like a Colossus...Michael Manley, Forbes Burnham, Mutty Perkins and all other 'stars' will come to the same fate. No matter how great and powerful they once were, and perhaps thought they were. For the Sovereign God alone rules from above, and forever. 7. Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:23, 27-31 NIV)....the final Word of this profound passage of Scripture is a word of comfort to those who are weak and weary of the crime and violence in our country. Weary of the immorality, and of the misplaced values....similar to those who mourn in the Beatitudes. Weary of the corruption and the fact that over the years, our economic situation has so deteriorated and thus we have been reduced to almost penury. Weary on account of our children who have been led astray by the culture of the dance hall and the cable and the lifestyle of " the rich and the famous", and of the " young and restless" with devastating effects on our people. But thank God for Jesus, those who wait upon The Lord will one day see a new Jamaica, even as we look to a new Jerusalem. And that my friend is the Gospel Truth. Join with us then before " the mighty waters rise"..Psalm 32:6. Peace LWJ The second message was sent to senior members of the church in Jamaica including my own Anglican church, and featured a word on the importance of believing God. And acting accordingly. As it is only those who believe, will be granted any power to make a difference in this very challenging world. And a most reassuring word is sent as a reminder that jests is ever praying for those who believe in Him. What a joy! THE SECOND MESSAGE - THURSDAY Lord renew thy church beginning with me; Lord renew the church that the church may renew the nation(s). It all started when I was reminded, based on the words of a song from a service in an inner city on Sunday: [Chorus: x2] I need you You need me We're all a part of God's body Stand with me Agree with me We're all a part of God's body It is his will that every need be supplied You are important to me I need you to survive [x2] [Vamp:] I pray for you You pray for me I love you I need you to survive I won't harm you With words from my mouth I love you I need you to survive[Repeat until director's signals for next part] [Sopranos:] It is his will that every need be supplied You are important to me[All:] I need you to survive .....that Jesus prays for us. A most reassuring reality with profound theological implications: Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:25 NIV) And then this morning: “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. (Mark 16:6-8 NIV) ........... She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:10-20 NIV) Comment: Not much, as the Word is sufficient in itself. Except to point out, as I was reminded that, one of, if not the greatest challenges facing the church, is this matter of unbelief. A pervasive problem from the very beginning. And not just in the church but in the entire community: " O unbelieving and perverse generation", Jesus replied, before rebuking the evil spirit which had caused the young boy to convulse repeatedly, in the Luke version of the story. A story perhaps better known for the the prayer of the boy's father, " I believe, help thou my unbelief." Even now Jesus is interceding for us, His church, that we may not behave like those described in the Book of Hebrews. " See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful and unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God". A verse that perhaps demands more attention from us, that hitherto acknowledged. As the 'turning away from the living God" has many manifestations, which may be far more nuanced, and therefore, more dangerous, and widespread than we imagine. With profound implications for how empowered segments of the church may be to fight against the many evils in our society. And indeed in our personal lives. For the last section of the Mark passage, quoted above, ...." and these signs will accompany those who believe", cannot be an insignificant matter for the church. As it speaks about the power of, and protection for, those who believe, in order that we may bring glory to God in a very, very hostile world. And the events, happening daily, if not minutely, in our once fair isle, are clear manifestations of the kind of " demon possessed valley", in which we have been called to witness. And who is up to that challenge unless we believe, "O Jesus draw thou nearer and save our souls from sin". Peace LWJ Sent from my iPad The final Word came under very dramatic circumstances. And has a history which only one person knows about, and so I am not at liberty to discuss that aspect of the Word. But suffice it to say that the same verse which took a hold of my soul all week, provided the framework for the Word. A Word which is essential for the understanding of how God works, how He suffered and died as the Son of Man, how He made Himself weak and weary, and why the Son of man finally triumphed over death and Sin. Forever! The problem is that Christ who is "the Word made flesh in the world", and who died so that we might in Him become victorious, demands, not just expects or leaves it out to us, that we too become weak and weary. So that His grace may indeed be manifestly sufficient for us. Otherwise, we may be tempted on account of our 'resources', like Obama, to believe that we are 'exceptional' and can solve every problem. It is therefore a great moment in the life of any nation, any family, any individual, when the leader truly believes that he or she just cannot manage without God. That's when our crisis, will like a fever begin to break, and healing will begin to appear. And like Holy baptism, we all come to a crisis point in life. Will we accept Christ's free gift of salvation and move on to a better life. Or shall we return to the same old life of pain and misery and temporary enjoyment of the world's best pleasures which are fast fading. THE THIRD MESSAGE - SATURDAY Over the years, I have come to appreciate that when The Lord wakes me up at 4:: am, it's for a special reason. Throughout the night, my 'song in night' has been: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak". Isaiah 40:29. NIV Even the question " Why" came into my dreams! And so too the answer. " So that no one may boast before The Lord ". The Gideon story came to mind. Where the Israelites were put through a process whereby a number of fighting men were removed from Gideon's troops preparing to fight the Midianites. And he was left with a very small force. So that when they would have gained the victory, no one would boast that their own strength had caused them to be victorious Further ' instruction' was that, any religion, and any philosophy that is constructed without that basic Truth, may be interesting, but has no power. That had Richard Azan been humble and repentant, he might have had a chance. But he insisted on attempting to 'justify', that which he admitted was a breach of 'the rules of engagement'. Finally, in my 'dreams', the matter of the ' humble' Portia Simpson Miller came up. Not a powerful man! They all ' went to the wall'. Not someone from the 'old school tie'! Despite their vaunted technical knowledge and well documented oratorical skills, Jamaica has become, in part, a " demon possessed valley". Both literally and metaphorically as recent events have shown. The question then, is whether or not, humility, in and by itself, is that which lies at the heart of the Isaiah prophecy? Or is there not a deeper Truth expressed by Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the author of the Magnificat, when her soul rejoiced in the Lord, that " he hath regarded the low estate of his servant.". Thus placing God, and by extension, His Son Jesus at the center of all things. I believe that this early morning message from The Lord is calling us as a people to " take sleep and mark death", for the correct reasons. As the challenge is much more profound than coping with the fact that BBC has given the nation low marks , and an " International black eye", on this matter. As, despite our chagrin, and even embarrassment, when we lift up our eyes, " our help cometh ", not from our former colonial masters, nor our new 'bosses', the IMF, nor from the workings of our own intellect, in and by itself, or themselves, although all have a role to play. But rather our help cometh from the same God who Sam Sharpe trusted. Even in death. And history has shown how important a role he, who was weak and weary, helped to shape the kind of Jamaica of which we all were once proud. And envied by Singapore!. As I write, I recall also that " the song in the night", called my attention to the fact that, this is a matter that transcends the contributions and behavior of our political leaders. As those who would trumpet loudly, that we have " become a Banana Republic", should be equally mindful; that they who provide leadership of the "Fourth Estate" , those who lead Civil Society, and even more importantly those who are called to lead " The manifestation of the Word made flesh in the world", the Church, are called to a life of " waiting upon The Lord". Who alone gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak". So all of us should be very careful to avoid the temptation of projecting self, of believing that we have all the answers, of attempting to separate what God has joined together - personal and private behavior from public utterances. Or in more theological and Biblical language, attempting to separate, the calling correctly for , and even demanding, Justice, from Righteousness. Right living before God, in public and in private. For God is not only concerned about Richard Azan in this "demon possessed valley". This combination then, of Justice and Righteousness is one of the features of the Christian Religion. And the foundation of the faith tells us that only those who are weary of this 'sinful' life, ...a life which by what we have done and left undone promotes injustice.....of this life which causes God and nation, so much 'pain"; and those who too are weak to change their lives, and unable to approach with confidence a Holy God...because of our many, many sinful thoughts and deeds.....will cry out for Jesus. " O Jesus, draw though nearer and shield my soul from Sin", as the hymn writer puts it - in and through Holy Baptism. In Him who suffered, became weak, so that we might become strong, and in Him alone, will we as individuals and as a nation be given, " strength for the weary, and power to the weak". Then and only then will this once fair isle of ours, begin the long journey back to God and to peace. In obedience LWJ

Celebrations on earth by man and his friends: Rejoicing in heaven by God and His angels

So "diplomacy on the fly", far more effectively than  a carefully negotiated settlement, has brought about, at least for the time being, a halt in the beating of drums of war by the US. This happened,  according to more than report that I read, because of an ' off the cuff response by Secretary of State John Kerry, to the question of whether or not the US would back off if Syria agreed to demolish or turn over their capacity to make chemical weapons, resulted in a Russian initiative which now has themselves and the Americans discussing how to ensure that the Syrians comply, rather than the consequences of a unilaterally taken strike by the US. And no doubt Obama is breathing a sigh of relief for the postponement of a decision which would have occasioned the breaching of an   International Law, in order to punish Syria for  violating an International code of conduct. A serious dilemma indeed! So no celebrations just yet, but the champagne is cooling.

Back home in Jamaica just over an hour ago, in an high anticipated speech, Audley Fitz-Albert Shaw announced that he will challenge the current leader, Andrew Holness, for the leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party ( now in opposition to the Portia Simpson Miller led PNP's Government. An excerpt of his speech posted on the Jamaica Observer website is as follows:

"I have heard the calls. I have listened to your appeals. I have consulted with and received the blessing and support of my family. I have prayed to God for Guidance. I have now come to the decision that I will allow my name to be entered into nomination for the post of Leader of this great 70 year -old movement, the Jamaica Labour Party that was formed by the Right Excellent Sir William Alexander Bustamante,” said Shaw.

So now the battle is well and truly joined. At the end of which, in a few short weeks, there will be one winner. One man will either retain the leadership of the second most powerful institution in Jamaica, thus triggering an all night celebration. Or another will wrest power from him, and possibly, some day, if things go his way,  finally achieve his lifelong ambition of being Prime Minister of Jamaica. Then no doubt the celebrations will continue all week.

The third issue which captured my attention this week, was the ongoing discussions about the use of a protected area for use as a major development project by a  Chinese firm. A project which would see 1.5 Billion USD being pumped into the Jamaican economy. No small matter indeed. But certainly a red flag so far to many locals, including those committed to preserving the environment, and achieving what they call ' sustainable development'. The Government will have a to  make a decision soon. What will it be? Can they satisfy both the developers, and the need to earn desperately needed foreign exchange,  and the environmentalists, at the same time?  Or will there be celebrations for one group and deep disappointment for the other.

GOD'S WORD

In the midst of these stories came a wonderful Word from the refreshing sweetness of the Gospel. That " there  will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents, than  over ninety-nine righteous persons  who do not need to repent".
A deep reflection of which triggered the following 'conversations' with a senior journalist, other senior members of the profession, Ministers of Government, and senior members of the Opposition, businessmen, members of  the intelligentsia and senior Pastors.
The first one features a command from The Lord God Almighty that the only response of those who were created from dust, and whose earthly form will go back to dust, is to fear God. And on that commands hangs all the power to avoid the use of chemical weapons, to stop all wars between....to study war no more....and to avoid the beguiling temptations of the world's best pleasures...which are at best fading, and nothing to compare with the solid joys and lasting treasures that " Zion's children know".

THE FIRST MESSAGE

'Oh dear, oh dear"!  I heard you lamenting last night after Peter Espeut et al, made the 'startling revelation', from their perspective, that the  information  being sought in TOR for the study to be carried out on  the behalf of the GOJ, by Conrad Douglas in respect of the Portland Bight protected area, was already available on various government websites. And so they wondered what's the point of paying good money for information that is freely available. The implications of which 'revelation' could,  according to what they expressed during the interview, open the door to suspicion and lead people to question the motives of the GOJ.

As I read the following passage of Scripture this morning, to which I was led as I thought and prayed about fearing God, raises the very same question. But in a different and far more profound context. Why are we lamenting the state of our nation:  why are we setting up so many commissions to study crime and violence; why are we  struggling  so much to understand why kids will not conform to school rules, and desperately trying  resurrect family life;  why are we talking so much about the need for ethics in the media, integrity in the Parliament, and ethics in various professions, and in the business class, and to  stamp out the dreaded payola in the entertainment industry; why have  we reduced ourselves to such penury that our dollar is worth less than one cent USD, and falling, when the answer to our problem can be  ' downloaded' and is freely available on so many websites, and is to be found in the most widely circulated book on all the earth. The Holy Bible in which our Creator sets out the TOR for a happy life in one of the most dramatic, and far reaching  statements of all history.

" Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it may go well with them and their children forever".  Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV.

Sadly, very sadly, God's 'chosen' people opted to disobey Him, with terrible and  predictable,  consequences. In the same way, we to whom the gospel has been preached day and night, have elected to be disobedient. With terrible and entirely predictable consequences. Which is the gravamen of the message from the Word of God I was led to write to you this morning.

Hebrews 12:14-29 NIRV

"Try your best to live in peace with everyone. Try to be holy. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. Be sure that no one misses God's grace. See to it that a bitter plant doesn't grow up. If it does, it will cause trouble. And it will pollute many people. See to it that no one commits sexual sins. See to it that no one is godless like Esau. He sold the rights to what he would receive as the oldest son. He sold them for a single meal. As you know, after that he wanted to receive his father's blessing. But he was turned away. With tears he tried to get the blessing. But he couldn't get his father to change his mind. You haven't come to a mountain that can be touched. You haven't come to a mountain that is burning with fire. You haven't come to darkness, gloom and storm. You haven't come to a blast from God's trumpet. You haven't come to a voice speaking to you. When people heard that voice long ago, they begged it not to say anything more to them. What God commanded was too much for them. He said, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be killed with stones." (Exodus 19:12,13) The sight was terrifying. Moses said, "I am trembling with fear." (Deuteronomy 9:19) But you have come to Mount Zion. You have come to the Jerusalem in heaven. It is the city of the living God. You have come to a joyful gathering of angels. There are thousands and thousands of them. You have come to the church of God's people. God's first and only Son is over all things. God's people share in what belongs to his Son. Their names are written in heaven. You have come to God. He is the judge of all people. You have come to the spirits of godly people who have been made perfect. You have come to Jesus. He is the go-between of a new covenant. You have come to the sprinkled blood. It promises better things than the blood of Abel. Be sure that you don't say no to the One who speaks. People did not escape when they said no to the One who warned them on earth. And what if we turn away from the One who warns us from heaven? How much less will we escape! At that time his voice shook the earth. But now he has promised, "Once more I will shake the earth. I will also shake the heavens." (Haggai 2:6) The words "once more" point out that what can be shaken can be taken away. I'm talking about created things. Then what can't be shaken will remain. We are receiving a kingdom that can't be shaken. So let us be thankful. Then we can worship God in a way that pleases him. We will worship him with deep respect and wonder. Our "God is like a fire that burns everything up." (Deuteronomy 4:24)"

Finally, and it cannot be by coincidence, words from a hymn which has been reverberating in my head all week.

 " Glorious things of thee are spoken,

Zion, city of our God..........

Fading is the world's best pleasure,

all its boasted pomp and show;

solid joys and lasting treasure

none but Zion's children know.

See it at YouVersion.com:

http://bible.com/110/heb.12.14.nirv

Peace.

LWJ

The second message features a Scriptural guidebook to a deep understanding of why people do not fear God, why they are so disobedient in the face of clear instructions from The Lord , why they do not listen and ultimately why the Jews were intent on killing our Lord. Which is in a sense why the Christian church is being ignored at best in this age, and in many instances overtly or very subtly being persecuted. Things really do not change as the French well know and have expressed most forcibly in this famous  observation. Plus ca change, plus ce la meme  chose...the more things change the more they remain the same. Except, as we suggest, that one is in Christ. Then and only then all things are possible for He not only claimed to be God, but is very God from very God, begotten and not made...as the Nicene  Creed observes.

 THE SECOND MESSAGE

I was about to make some comments and then recalled what happened to Moses in the desert when God told him to strike the rock. This  Word of God is self explanatory and requires no embellishment or comment, only obedience which ought to lead to repentance.

Peace.

LWJ

John 10:23-33 NIRV

"Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Porch. The Jews gathered around him. They said, "How long will you keep us waiting? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I did tell you. But you do not believe. The kinds of things I do in my Father's name speak for me. But you do not believe, because you are not my sheep. "My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one can steal them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than anyone. No one can steal them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." Again the Jews picked up stones to kill him. But Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many miracles from the Father. Which one of these are you throwing stones at me for?" "We are not throwing stones at you for any of these," replied the Jews. "We are stoning you for saying a very evil thing. You are only a man. But you claim to be God.""

See it at YouVersion.com:

http://bible.com/110/jhn.10.23.nirv

2 Corinthians 4:4-6 NIRV

"The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They can't see the light of the good news of Christ's glory. He is the likeness of God. We do not preach about ourselves. We preach about Jesus Christ. We say that he is Lord. And we serve you because of him. God said, "Let light shine out of darkness." (Genesis 1:3) He made his light shine in our hearts. It shows us the light of God's glory in the face of Christ."

See it at YouVersion.com:

http://bible.com/110/2co.4.4.nirv

Ephesians 2:1-10 NIRV

"You were living in your sins and lawless ways. But in fact you were dead. You used to live as sinners when you followed the ways of this world. You served the one who rules over the spiritual forces of evil. He is the spirit who is now at work in those who don't obey God. At one time we all lived among them. We tried to satisfy what our sinful nature wanted to do. We followed its longings and thoughts. God was angry with us and everyone else because of the kind of people we were. But God loves us deeply. He is full of mercy. So he gave us new life because of what Christ has done. He gave us life even when we were dead in sin. God's grace has saved you. God raised us up with Christ. He has seated us with him in his heavenly kingdom because we belong to Christ Jesus. He has done it to show the riches of his grace for all time to come. His grace can't be compared with anything else. He has shown it by being kind to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. God's grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn't come from anything you do. It is God's gift. It is not based on anything you have done. No one can brag about earning it. God made us. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good things. Long ago God prepared them for us to do."

See it at YouVersion.com:

http://bible.com/110/eph.2.1.nirv

The third message is the climax of this week's reflections. A rejoicing in heaven. A seeking out of the lost, the disobedient, the 'sinners' of this world. This is the kind of celebration that the world cannot begin  to understand or appreciate unless we realize how much ' a wretch ' we are. And which message constitutes the final conversation, in music form and in the form of a quotation from Bonhoeffer.

THE THIRD MESSAGE

A reading of one of two repentance Psalms, 51, led to this note which is entirely in sync with yesterday's message. Both of which are from passages of Scripture appointed in my church for tomorrow's service.

" Create in me a pure heart, O God.......then I will teach transgressors your way, and sinners will turn back to you." Psalm 51 (10).  And by now you would realize that a pure heart is only possible if one is in Christ Jesus - the only, not just the ultimate, goal of a child of God.
It is therefore the duty of all Christians to seek out the unbeliever and the skeptic, and the atheist, and the rebellious, and the disobedient. Why?

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:1, 2, 4-7 NIV).

I pray God that one day soon if not Today ( if you hear his voice do not harden your heart.....Hebrews 3:7-11), there will be great rejoicing in heaven because you and many others in this group, who have now seen the light, and therefore cry out as David did after committing adultery and murder most foul, " Have mercy  on me, O God......".   Much more rejoicing than for the winner of a "Cook Out". Or when when a baby father decides to marry his baby mother who has placed him on "life support" for failing to give her child support - beyond the music with DJM in case you missed it. That' a bit closer as there is indeed a turning around of one's life.....which is the essence of repentance.....metanoia.

Finally, from a personal point of view, it may be instructive to know that this is one of the Psalms I read and pray about every night before I place myself in the hands of The Lord for a peaceful sleep.

Peace.

LWJ

For a glimpse, only a glimpse, of the kind of celebration in heaven when a sinner repents. If you have not yet seen it.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=MtCTkLaBc9Q

 FINAL MESSAGE

Bonhoeffer wrote, "It's much easier for me to imagine a praying murderer, a praying prostitute, than a vain person praying. Nothing is so at odds with prayer as vanity."  Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

Amen

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.