WHY BE HOLY?

I am reading through Ezekiel, which is not always easy going. In fact I've come to chapters 40 - 48 through which I will once again read very quickly. But before I leave Ezekiel, I note how God wants Israel and the nations to recognize and know that He is God. And more than that, to recognize that He is a Holy God.
"And so I will show my greatness and my holiness" (38:23); "I will make known my Holy Name --- and the nations will know that I the Lord am the Holy One in Israel." (39:7) The true God, our God, is so different from gods created by humans to replace Him.
The nations surrounding Israel didn't know much about a righteous, holy deity. Their gods and goddesses were unpredictable, sometimes bloodthirsty, encourage sexual immorality, etc.
As a believer, what motivates you - and me - to live holy, righteous, pure lives? I think there are a number of valid motivations. But surely one is this: God wants people to know that He is righteous and holy. One strong pointer to God's character is found in people who reflect, who mirror His character. So I am called to grow in the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I am called to be "perfect, complete or holy" as God is holy. I am to show people what God is like by who I am and how I live.
Something of God's love must be seen in the lives of those who follow Jesus. Added to this, in a world of dishonesty and mistrust; a world of theft and cheating; the righteousness and purity of God should be reflected in the lives of Christians. As people see in us a combination of righteous character coupled with genuine love they will be pointed to the Holy Loving God we worship. The kind of God that many people would like to know and worship with us.

THE SHEPHERDS

God commands Ezekiel to prophesy against the shepherds of Israel (kings, priests, prophets) who had failed His people so badly. These leaders are condemned for being self absorbed, caring only about their own desires and needs. They failed to do for Israel what good shepherds do for real sheep (Ezekiel 34: 1 - 4)
- strengthen the weak
- heal the sick
- bind up the injured
- bring back the ones that stray
- search of the lost sheep.
The spiritual shepherds of Israel failed to care in that way for the people under their care, the nation of Israel.
In contrast, God promises that in a future day He will send the "Good Shepherd", descended from King David. (Ezekiel 34:23, 24; John 10:1) We praise God for "that great Shepherd of the sheep" (Hebrews 13:20).
I hope you often pray for those who serve as pastors and elders, the shepherds of God's people today. They serve under the one Chief Shepherd. (I Peter 5: 1- 4) It is a privilege to lead and care for God's people. It is also an awesome responsibility.

PRAISE OF EVERY TONGUE

At 6:15 am today, Saturday already in Vietnam, I woke and switched on the live broadcast of the Olympics opening ceremony. It was the last hour of the program as I watched the Olympic flag carried in and raised. They played the Olympic song and the Olympic oaths were spoken by an athlete, an official and a coach. I saw the entry of the Olympic flame and the dramatic lighting of the huge Olympic torch.  The program ended with Paul McCartney singing the Beatles well known song “Hey Jude.” He led the hundreds of athletes and 60,000 spectators in a kind of “sing along” with many holding hands.

I enjoyed it, but I also had a kind of sad feeling as I watched this part of the ceremony. It was wonderful to see so many from over a hundred nations coming together in peace. This kind of unity and non-violent coming together (OK, there is a little a violence in some Olympic sports including boxing), if only for a few days, is a very positive thing.

But as a follower of Jesus, I couldn’t help but wish the flag that was being raised was in honour of our God and King. When the oaths were read, I wished they were oaths of loyalty to Jesus. When the massive Olympic torch was raised, I wanted it to be in honour of our Creator and Lord.

Later in the morning (after 50 minutes in the fitness room) I read a few pages in Ezekiel, chapters 25 – 32. God warns of coming destruction of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon and Egypt. All of these nations had been enemies of God’s chosen people. He prophesies that they will judged and punished.

An important phrase is repeated at least eleven times in these chapters. “Then they (you) will know that I am the Lord. This is what God wants from nations and individuals. That is what I was wanting as I watched the Olympic spectacular – that the thousands in the stadium and the estimated one billion watching around the world would know the King and be united in worship of Him.

What caused my sad feeling was what Matt Redman has written and sung in “Missions Flame”:

“You should be the praise of every tongue. You should be the joy of every heart.”

We followers of Jesus must continue to go and serve; go and tell because centered in Christ Jesus we offer the Good News that brings so much more joy, peace and unity. We have so much more to live for, so much more to sing about, so much more. We must keep sharing what God offers to all. Our God deserves to be praised and worshipped by every one of His creatures.

OF SOME VALUE

Our apartment building fitness room opened shortly before Jan and I left for Canada and the USA in early June. I managed to use it six times during the two weeks before we departed. During the next six weeks, my most strenuous exercise was three games of golf and wrestling with our grandchildren on the floor and in the pool. (Try that sometime with very active 3 and 6 year olds. It is a fun way to exercise.)
We are now settled back into life in Hanoi and it feels good to be settled into a routine again. That routine so far for me has included workouts 3 or 4 times a week on the treadmill and weight machine.
"For physical exercise is of some value ---." In my case that value is to keep my heart strong and pumping and help keep my arteries clears. So I will do my best to keep up the exercise routine, though I don't think I'll ever graduate to a marathon like some of my friends.
"--- but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." I Timothy 4:8
For your physical and mental health, I hope you are getting some exercise this summer. Much more important, join me in the pursuit of godliness. With discipline, the Scriptures and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, we will become more like Jesus. 

BY EVERY WORD

I enjoy reading - fast and slow. Since returning to Vietnam I have begun to access our Canadian library costing nothing but a $9.00 library card fee. So now for free, I can download a fiction book, or a light biography and read it quickly. On the other hand I am reading a theological book on my Kindle that is fairly dense and requires a much slower pace, with some words whose definition I can only guess from context.
Then there is the reading of Scripture that I do daily. I am preparing to preach this week on II Timothy 3:14 - 17 as part of a nine week summer series. It is a familiar passage with the familiar phrase "All Scripture is inspired or God breathed". I put that with the words of Jesus when He is tempted in the desert? "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matt. 4:11
When Jesus spoke, His words were "from the mouth of God." And when Scripture was written it was God breathed - as though from the mouth of God - coming through the personality of the human writer. That is why for example Jesus says "God said" when in reality He quotes words written by Moses.
All of the above to say don't ever stop appreciating this fact: of the millions of books on planet earth - hard copies and ebooks - only one is specially God breathed. Only one book provides us the absolutely trustworthy words from God.
I know most of you reading this blog; perhaps all of you, believe this to be true. Yet how then can we allow ourselves to become too busy to spend time reading God's book? How, except for very unusual circumstances, could a serious follower of Jesus say in good conscience "I just don't have time to read these unique words very often?"
Words from God - don't let them become common place or unimportant to you. You cannot live a healthy spiritual life without large amounts of these Words filtering through your mind and soul. 

A HOLY HOTEL

This post was written to be posted last Monday. Internet problems delayed it.

On Sunday, one of our elders gave our church announcements, then prayed for our children as they were dismissed as well as for our offering before it was received.
When he began to speak he shared a family story from the previous week. His four children are between ages 3 and 9 and attend our church services in the Crowne Hotel every week. During the week the family drove by the Hotel. The children started a discussion in the car, with different opinions. The debate was this: is that a hotel or a church? Then one of them referred to the name and suggested that the Crowne in Crowne Plaza Hotel must refer to the Crowne Jesus wears.
So there you have it. Unknown to the owners of the Crowne Plaza on Sunday mornings, their hotel becomes a holy place. Jesus promised that where people gather in His Name, he is there.
Wherever you are in the habit of meeting with God's people: apartment or house; church building or rented school; bamboo hut or hotel: Jesus is there. Holy people, holy place because Jesus is present and we worship Him.

HIDDEN IDOLS

In Ezekiel 14, God accuses the leaders and people of Israel of idolatry. When we think of idolatry here in Asia, we think of temples and statues made of wood or metal. They are easier to find in some countries than in others. In fact you can't avoid them in many countries because they are so numerous. I feel a mixture of sadness, pity and anger whenever I see people bowing, praying or making offerings in front of something that can never help them. Our God should receive their praise and prayers.

However idolatry is not always so obvious. In Ezekiel 14, three times the accusation from God is that these people "have set up idols in their hearts." God's stated desire, and the reason He allows Israel to go through defeat and exile is "to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols."
If you lived back then, the idolatry of many Israelites would have been obvious. They had borrowed the idols and worship practices of neighbouring people groups. They bowed down, prayed and offered sacrifices to gods made of wood, stone or metal.
But it seems that others were not so obvious in their idolatry. In fact chapter 14 begins with "the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me." They evidently wanted to be in touch with God. They were paying attention to the God's prophet. It would appear to an observer that they wanted to know and hear from God. Yet in their hearts they were idolaters.
Millions of people called Christians attend church every Sunday. A significant percentage of these people pray regularly and a smaller percentage read their Bible regularly. It appears that we want to know and hear from God.
Yet it is possible that we have set up idols in our hearts. Anything that takes precedent, takes priority over God; anything that keeps us from obeying and honouring God may become an idol. For some it may be something as evil as pornography or as obvious as a full on life pursuit of money. But other idolaters are not so easy to spot. Good things like family, possessions or career can become idols.

God knows our hearts. It is important that we know our hearts as well. "Lord keep us from idolatry."So we need to pray with the psalmist. "O Lord you have searched me and you know me. ---- Search me, O God and know my heart; --- See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:1 and 23 - 24

MISERABLE BUT HOPEFUL

In Lamentations 3, the prophet (the author is generally believed to be Jeremiah) depicts his physical, spiritual and emotional state in stark terms. For 20 long verses he describes how it feels like God has driven him away and made him walk in darkness. He feels prematurely old and weighted down as though in chains. Jeremiah writes that people have laughed at him and mocked him. He has lost his prosperity and has no peace. "And my soul is downcast with me."
Then suddenly, when least expected Jeremiah chooses to remember what He knows about God; what He believes about God; and in the midst of his misery, he is suddenly hopeful.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, 
    for his compassions never fail. 
 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. 
 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; 
    therefore I will wait for him.”
 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
    to the one who seeks him;  Lamentations 3:22 - 25

I hope that you are not going through miserable days right now. I hope you are not feeling miserable. But if you are, read slowly through Lamentations 3 - let yourself identify with the misery of Jeremiah. But don't stop at verse 20. Rather, like this ancient believer who experienced very difficult times, hope in our God who is loving, compassionate and faithful. He is good to those who trust and hope in Him.

NOT FOUND

Do you find, like I do, that it is pretty easy to remember some mistakes you've made, some sinful ways of speaking, thinking or acting. At my stage of life there is a lot I've forgotten - both good and bad. Yet some sins of thought, word or action come back occasionally to my mind - and for a moment sadden me. Unfortunately, since our sin often hurts others, there must be people out there who also remember some pain I caused by hurtful words or selfish actions.
Jeremiah spends a large part of his prophecies castigating (I don't use that word often) the people of Israel because of their sins. He tells them that God is angry, that He has been punishing them and will continue to punish them because of their sin and rebellion. Their injustice, their immorality, their idolatry has been seen and condemned by their Holy God.
Yet in mercy, God offers them forgiveness. God's grace and forgiveness are marvellous. The Bible uses a variety of pictures to describe how large and complete God's forgiveness is. I was warmed this morning as I read one picture of this today.

"In those days, at that time,”
    declares the Lord,
“search will be made for Israel’s guilt,
    but there will be none, 
and for the sins of Judah,
    but none will be found,
    for I will forgive the remnant I spare." Jeremiah 50:20

Imagine that! After such blatant rebellion, after the "in your face" rejection of God, His laws and His righteousness; after all that was so offensive to our Holy God; when a search is made, there is no evidence of the sin and rebellion of Judah and Israel! That was God's promise to Israel in the midst of the pain they were experiencing due to their sin and rebellion.
By faith in Jesus Christ, upon confession and repentance, our sins are forgiven and forgotten. They in effect  disappear. I may remember and wince. Others may remember and feel lingering pain and possibly (I hope not) lingering resentment. But when search is made for my sin and guilt - all evidence has been erased by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ! In the court of God's holy justice, no evidence, no charge, no guilt. For you, for me for all who truly trust Him: "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
Like the remnant of Israel, you and I are absolutely and totally forgiven - forever! Amazing Grace!

THE OLYMPIC STAGE

The 2012 London Olympics begins in one week. Thousands of athletes have begun to converge on the Olympic Village, a huge complex that will be turned into several thousand apartments following the Games.
Many of us would love to visit London and watch some of the competition. My wife would want to watch swimming and diving. I would enjoy those and add the track events. Most of us won't be there but hundreds of millions will watch on television.
Will you join me in praying for the thousands of Christians who will be there - perhaps especially for Christian athletes. Some are well know for their faith. We need to pray that these Christian brothers and sisters will model Christian character and behaviour under the pressure of these days. We should pray that they will be sensitive to opportunities to talk about life after the Olympics and eternal life.
We should also pray for any and all Christian witnessing that will go on in London outside of the Olympic Village. Christian witness through acts of service in Jesus name or in direct sharing of the Good News. Christian witness to tourists and to locals.
May the Olympic occasion be life changing for many - eternal life changing!

TO KNOW OR TO DO

Many times Christians say something like: "Please pray that we will know what the Lord's will is for us." Or they will go to a respected friend or pastor and ask: "What do you think God's will is for me in this situation?" If we are at all serious about following Jesus, then wanting to know the will of God in our lives is a very legitimated desire.
However there is a more fundamental question whose positive answer should not be presumed. "Am I ready and willing to do the will of God?"
 Sometimes it becomes evident that people wanting to know the will of God are really simply wanting to get God's blessing or His "OK" on what they've already decided to do. They want to do the will of God only if His will agrees with their will.
"Should I date or marry this person? Should I leave this job or take this job? Should I leave this marriage or this church?" Often someone will ask this kind of question of two, three or a dozen different people. They are really searching for Christians who will affirm what they want to do and perhaps are already determined to do. This affirmation will relieve their conscience as they do what they really want to do anyway. If their desires are not affirmed, watch! They will find some justification for going against the counsel you or others have given.
A biblical example? It is found in Jeremiah 42 and 43. Listen to these words from some Jews who are facing a significant decision. They wisely asked the prophet to find out from God; "where we should go and what we should do." They promise Jeremiah that if He tells them God's will: "Whether it is favourable or unfavourable, we will obey the Lord our God --- we will obey the Lord our God".
When Jeremiah brings them a strong, detailed, clear direction from God they reject his message. How could they do this after what they so definitely promised ten days before? They knew what was "the best decision" but of course did not want to appear to be disobeying God, so they simply said to Jeremiah "You are lying!"
Read the chapters and remember to ask yourself (and others): do I just want to know the will of God, hoping He will bless my decisions; or do I really want to do know and do the will of God no matter how uncomfortable this might be?

IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE

Sometimes God's direction for us simply does not make sense. Why should I speak to that person? Why should I give so much away? Why do you want us to move there? Why should I stay in this job? Why should I ---?
Jeremiah who regularly heard from God in ways far beyond my experience, was perplexed. God had asked him to difficult things; given him hard assignments and Jeremiah had always, even if reluctantly, obeyed his Lord.
In chapter Jeremiah offers a prayer of worship and praise for God's power and might; His creation and His love; and His miraculous acts of kindness to Israel.
It is evident in this prayer and throughout the book of Jeremiah that the prophet has a large and accurate view of God and great faith in God. But this does not keep him from being perplexed at the ways and direction of God. So the lovely prayer in chapter 32 ends with Jeremiah wondering:

"And yet, O Sovereign Lord, you have told me to buy the field—paying good money for it before these witnesses—even though the city will soon be handed over to the Babylonians.” Jeremiah 32:25

Why has God directed him to pay good money for a worthless piece of property in Israel? It is worthless because Israel is presently under attack and invasion. It is worthless because God has assured Jeremiah that Israel will be defeated and Jerusalem and the surrounding area will be devastated. And yet God tells Jeremiah to buy some real estate that will soon be occupied by Babylonians!
Read all of chapter 32 and you get the picture and the answer to Jeremiah's perplexity. So often what does not make sense in our lives or in what we observe only makes sense in God's much larger picture and His much longer time line.
So if you are perplexed today at what God is doing or how God is leading you, take heart. You are in good company with a great prophet!

IN A FEW DECADES

I read this morning the encouraging words that are commonly quoted by Christians to each other and are claimed for themselves. They are wonderful words of assurance and comfort.
 ^'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11

On the other hand, I never hear these words preceded by the verse, the sentence, the promise that occurs right before the popular quotation. Have you ever seen this on a Christian comfort card?
'This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to youand fulfill my good promiseto bring you back to this place." Jeremiah 29:10 

Here I am again asking for intelligent, thoughtful reading of Scripture. Can we claim the one verse for ourselves or others without also adding something like the following? "It may take decades for you to prosper. The people of Israel had to go through some difficult times prior to the end of the exile. And you may go through some serious, bewildering pain and suffering before you move into the great future God has for you."
Now I know that such words don't look good in a comforting email or a card sent to someone who is suffering. On the other hand, is it fair to others or ourselves to claim verse 11(ignoring verse 10) as though we are sure that next week, or next year will come up "sunshine and roses"? We are not being true to Scripture if we simply pick that verse out of context and cause someone to think that things will instantly or very soon be fine because God loves them.
On the other hand, as NT people we have God's clear promise to NT believers that in God's overall plan and purpose for our lives; in the life long working out of His will in our lives the following is absolutely true.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Yes, ultimately, though it may not be clear until our lives end, we believers are assured that God will take everything that happens to us and work it for our good and His glory. Let us be certain that it is with Romans 8 in mind, with this long term perspective of God's love and sovereignty, that we claim or share the promise of Jeremiah 29:11. Otherwise we may leave ourselves or others very confused (at the very least) if a period of difficulty and pain has no quick ending, or even lasts for decades. 

MY OWN MESSAGE

There are so many experts (most self appointed) ready to tell us what life is all about. So many experts in best selling self help books, on TV talk shows, etc. A common theme is the need to look inward, to discover "the god" within you; to listen to your inner self; to be true to who you are. It is a narcisstic approach to "religion". You should not expect to find a God who has revealed Himself. Such a God might be the centre of the universe with authority; and we all want to be our own centre of the universe. Our culture runs from any God who would give us commands or make demands!
Although the culture of Israel 2600 years ago was very different, yet people have surprisingly remained the same. I was reminded of this as I read words in Jeremiah today. Poor Jeremiah, God's lone prophet! In futility (for God warned that Israel would not listen to him) he was guided by God to call "sin, sin"; to warn of God's anger and judgement; to disagree with all of the religious experts, the prophets and priests of his day. But the Divine message coming through Jeremiah was not attractive. The Jewish people preferred to listen to prophets who pretended to have words from God. They preferred to listen to themselves, rather than God. Like so many people today, they each found "my message" much more attractive than "God's revealed message."
"But you must not mention ‘a message from the Lord’ again, because each one’s word becomes their own message. So you distort the words of the living God, theLord Almighty, our God." Jeremiah 23:36


Our task today? To keep sharing God's revealed message found in the Bible with anyone who will listen. We know that "my own message" brings no lasting peace, purpose or eternal salvation. Although God's truth is often rejected and may appear to have no affect, we must place our confidence in God and His Word.
They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, ---- let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:27 - 29

THE NATIONS WILL COME

Jan and I have just arrived back in Hanoi. We enjoyed worshipping in several congregations while in North America as well as at our denominational bi-annual gathering. At each of these we were reminded of how the nations have come to North America causing amazing cultural diversity.
Whenever we fly to or from Hanoi we are reminded of the many nations and how often people from all nations are in transit. We flew through Vancouver and Tokyo yesterday and wished once again that we were fluent in many languages!
We are called to share the Good News of Jesus in all languages with all nations. God deserves the worship of all peoples. Everyone one day will worship Him but we want them to choose to do so now. We want people from all nations to enjoy our glorious God! Tragically now so many people worship gods that are not gods at all.
O Lord, my strength and my fortress,
    my refuge in time of distress,
to you the nations will come 
    from the ends of the earth and say,
“Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods, 
    worthless idols that did them no good.   Jeremiah 16:19


Christians anticipate the day when in our eternal home we will worship with all nations and all speak the same language.

BOASTING IS GOOD

God makes it very clear in Jeremiah 9:23, 24 there is boasting that we must reject. The wise person, the the strong person, the wealthy person should not boast of wisdom, strength or wealth. None of these - intellectual, physical or material things will last.
However we can boast and rejoice when we have humbled ourselves before our Great God. When by faith we link our lives to His, then we have something to boast about that is amazing and eternal. We have come to understand (a little) and know (somewhat) our Lord who shows faithful love, justice and righteousness on earth. Our God delights in these qualities.
We all, with few exceptions, wrestle with pride. Some are much more obvious than others, but it is a common root sin wearing many faces among humans. This passage provides a wonderful antidote to pride and boasting. Each of us should cultivate our relationship with God and as we experience and live out His faithful love, justice and righteousness we can rejoice (boast) about this. Of course to live in this kind of relationship with God, we must be growing in humility, centred upon Him, not ourselves. So happy humble boasting. :)

HOSPITALITY

Jan and I are just completing our 37 day visit in Canada and the USA. We have slept in 8 different beds in 7 different cities during this time. With the exception of our stay in one hotel, those beds have been provided by friends and family. Of course one definition of family is "those who take you in when no one else will help you"! We are grateful for the hospitality we enjoyed with our three children, their spouses and their three little children.
However we want to note how important has been the hospitality shown us by those related by spiritual bonds in Christ; four families who generously opened their homes to us on this trip. In the busyness of life, it is so easy for any of us to say "let someone else do it". Yet whether helping someone with a meal, a car ride, or overnight accommodation  (or as in our case storing someones belongings while they go overseas) - acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality should be (super) natural outgrowths of the Christian life.
We have been on the receiving end of much kindness during our time in these 7 different cities. We are very grateful. As we return to Vietnam, we look forward to our opportunity to serve people there with God's love and generosity.
I hope, whatever your stage of life, you are growing in the grace of giving: giving practical help, hospitality, money, acts of kindness. As Scripture asserts: it is better to give than to receive.  

OUR FATHER

When we hear the words "Our Father" we immediately think of the Lord's Prayer. In fact some of our Catholic friends refer to the prayer given by Jesus, not as the Lord's Prayer but as the "Our Father". Jesus himself was the Unique One who also referred to God as "my Father". His intimate relationship with His Father is very evident throughout the Gospels.
I find it intriguing that in Isaiah, God is called "Father" several times in two chapters. This is quite rare in the OT. It is too late at night right now for me to check to see exactly how rare. :) But it is interesting to see the context in which these occur.

Look down from heaven and see, from your lofty throne, holy and glorious. Where are your zeal and your might?
    Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us.
 But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us
    or Israel acknowledge us; you, Lord, are our Father,
    our Redeemer from of old is your name.
 Why, Lord, do you make us wander from your ways
    and harden our hearts so we do not revere you?
Return for the sake of your servants,
    the tribes that are your inheritance. 

                                       Isaiah 63:15 - 17 (See also Is. 64:8)

Notice how the prophet is asking God who is seen as Father, why He has not been protecting his people. He wonders why the heavenly Father is not treating his people better. Evidently the prophet knows that normally God the Father would protect his children with kindness and love.
As with so many of the teachings in Isaiah, it is not far at all from Isaiah's view of God to the picture of God that Jesus draws for us. God the Father in the OT is the same God in the NT. And we rejoice that He is our Father in Heaven today.

YOU AND YOUR OPINION

Jan and I recently listened to several talks by Martin Sanders, professor at Nyack College. He combines great insight, breadth of knowledge and a zany sense of humour that makes him an excellent presenter. There are many quotable things I could share from his talks.
Here is one that I felt could be helpful to many. All of us have opinions as to how things should be done in the church. Whether it is regarding the colour of paint on walls or the kind of carpet a church buys. Whether it is the preaching, the music or the youth ministry. We all have opinions and would like things to be done according to what we, in our opinion, think best.
However Martin put it something like this: "You really matter; you are very important in the Kingdom of God. But your opinion, in the Kingdom of God does not matter at all." In the Kingdom of God, there is only one opinion that matters: of course it is God's opinion.
Yet too often, if I am not careful, I can begin to think that my opinion is of vital importance because I am always right. :) I must remember: in the Kingdom of God, my opinion doesn't matter at all. I'd better try hard to be sensitive to God's opinion. And then agree with it.

TRUTH IS HARD TO FIND

I suspect that the American Presidential Election is followed more closely than any other national election. (Except perhaps recent European elections as the European Union has been fighting to prevent an overwhelming financial crisis.)
As the run-up to the November election heats up, ads for and against Obama and Romney are proliferating. Commentaries regarding the candidates past histories and records; what have been their accomplishments and failures; where they stand on issues - significant and inconsequential are constantly flowing on TV, radio and in social media. What can you believe? Who can you believe?
I thought of this as I read the ancient prophet's description of his society, 2, 700 years ago.

"Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far off. For truth has                     stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil is plundered. The Lord saw that there was no justice,and He was offended." 

                                          Isaiah 59:14, 15  (HCSB)

Of course half truths and lies are more evident where more money is spent and where more media are present. But no country is immune from deception and injustice. In so much that we hear, read and see, "truth stumbles or truth is missing". It is a reality in whatever country is home for you. Justice so often is turned back because of wealth or power; because of connections or great lawyers; etc. Truth - well truth is too often whatever a person wants it to be.
How sad it is when you don't know who you can trust - for justice or for truth. In this kind of cultural climate, followers of Jesus should be noticed because we do not lie or deceive. We are committed to emulate the One who is the Truth and the One who will some day bring final, eternal justice for all.
And we should be careful not to believe and repeat all we hear, for we know much of it will not be true, or at least only half the truth.

JUSTICE AND COMPASSION

Jan and I are meeting this week in Winnipeg, Canada with hundreds of delegates to our bi-annual denominational gathering. The theme this year is Justice and Compassion. We will highlight all kinds of ministries in this country and around the world.
In Isaiah 58, God tells believing Israel that their prayers and their fasts do not impress Him. Certain kinds of fasting in which people make themselves feel uncomfortable and appear humble are not what He wants (vs. 5). God challenges them to an entirely different kind of fast
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice 
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke? 
⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry 
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter —
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

God cares deeply for the vulnerable, the needy, the oppressed. This theme runs through the pages of Scripture. He calls us to do what we can in a world of need. Individually and as churches we need to ask, are we doing all that He expects us to do.