Remember what is really important

One of the hall marks of a true Christian is that they always try to keep things in a proper and Godly perspective rather than get carried away by trivial and worldly matters. In Matthew Ch16v26 Jesus set “life” in its proper context by posing these questions; “What does it profit a man if he should gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Salvation and getting right with God is the only thing that really matters. As Jesus further warned in Luke Ch12v15 “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

Sadly I often come across individuals who either forget these warnings or who are ignorant of them. The life they led revolves around “trivial pursuits” and they get all worked up or bogged down about things and events, which at the end of the day, are profoundly unimportant. Failure to keep things in proper perspective means that spiritual and Godly matters are ignored and the end result is that they become selfish and completely absorbed in their own little world. Their selfishness is such that they live in a kind of “bubble” and provided nothing harms their “bubble” or way of life, they don’t really care too much about what happens to others.

I have witnessed this “focused triviality” numerous times. For instance, I may have just spent hours trying to comfort someone who has recently lost a spouse, only to have the next family I visit, spend most of their time bitterly complaining to me about some trivial and petty issue they have with their neighbour or work colleague. Perhaps the neighbour has failed to cut their part of the hedge or a work colleague has been rude. The reason this is the only thing they talk about, is because it’s the only thing that impacts on their personal world. A minor event is blown out of all proportion. The Victorians called such an attitude “a storm in a tea cup”, but the Bible calls it selfishness. I come away from such people thinking that they have absolutely no awareness about the real meaning of life and what is truly important.

Recently, I came across a fascinating account of an American “wannabe socialite” who learnt this Biblical lesson in a most dramatic way. It is a story that deserves a wide audience because it delivers a powerful message, sorely needed by those who make much of trivial things, in our generation of “celebrity culture”.

An ambitious woman by the name of Sadie Smithson grew up in Johnson Falls, West Virginia. Her father kept livery stables and the family was quite poor. Sadie’s greatest ambition was to achieve respectability. She wanted to be able to mingle with the rich and famous and be seen and acknowledged as someone important. As a step in this direction she tried to join an organisation which represented all that was socially prestigious in her town called The Laurel Literary Society. Her application for admission was declined.

Not being easily put off, she then came up with an ambitious plan which she felt certain would grant her admission. Few people in her town had ever been abroad so she decided to do a tour of Europe. She would then write about her experiences and give talks and lectures. The tour took several years to save for and plan, however eventually she set off travelling with a professor and his wife. To say that things didn’t go quite as she intended is an understatement.

They happened to be touring through Belgium when the opening shots of the First World War began. As they were heading in the direction of Paris, their driver lost his way and to their shock and horror they quite literally found themselves crossing a battlefield. Right beside the car lay a badly wounded young soldier. Sadie got out and went over to him. He looked up at her with frightened eyes and pleaded for water. She went over to a nearby spring and gave him a drink. As she did so, she suddenly became aware that the entire area was covered with the dead or wounded. Those touring with her, told her to get back into the car, but as she looked around at the scene of devastation, she sensed her duty was to stay and help. After a heated argument, the car drove off without her.

All night long Sadie ran back and forth to the spring, carrying water to the injured men. She tore her skirt into bandages, she scribbled notes and messages for loved ones at home and with each wounded man she offered the simple prayer “The Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you.”

It was a night of sheer horror, of darkness and of moaning dying men. Finally dawn came and it was only then that a doctor and medics arrived. They were astounded to find a woman from West Virginia amid all the carnage of war. The doctor asked her what she was doing on a battlefield, to which she simply replied “I’ve been holding hell back all night.” He answered “I’m glad you held some of it back, for everyone else in the world was letting it loose last night.”

As she was returning to America, she told her story to a fellow passenger on the ship. She said “I’ve never been married and don’t know what it is like to have children, but that night all those men were my children, even the roughest of them and I believe I could have died for any one of them.” The fellow passenger then commented “The Laurel Literary Society will want you to belong to it now.”

Sadie looked thoughtful and then replied, “I am not going to apply to join. I’ve been face to face with war and death and God has opened my eyes to what is important in life. Little things like The Literary Society don’t matter to me anymore.” “What does matter?” asked the passenger. Sadie soberly replied “I have learnt that nothing really matters apart from being faithful to God and showing His love to others.”

Just as Sadie’s eyes were opened when she was confronted with reality, so likewise, people who make much of trivial things and who are content to dwell in their own selfish little bubble, will one day be confronted with the reality of God and His Judgement. In Proverbs Ch21v13 it warns “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the afflicted, will one day cry himself and not be heard.” And in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats it warns that those who ignore the needs of others are actually ignoring Christ Himself. (Matthew Ch25v45).

When an individual fully submits every area of their life to the will of God, they will see things as they really are and put things in proper perspective. When they acknowledge the profound importance of being faithful to God,  trivial things will be seen in their true light and other peoples afflictions will become “as their own”. Selfishness will be replaced by a love for God and along with that, an earnest desire to share His love and compassion towards others.

Many people today are so caught up with their own personal interests, they lack any sense of urgency about getting right with God. They have no awareness of impending judgement and regard spiritual matters as unimportant. In reality, spiritual matters and getting right with God is the most important thing of all. Nothing else even comes close. As it states in Ecclesiastes Ch12 v13-14 “Fear God and keep His Commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgement including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil.”

Around the same time as Sadie’s experience, a cartoon was published in Punch which summarises this important teaching of Scripture in a simple yet profound way. During the summer, the King of the Belgium’s had refused Kaiser Wilhelm’s request to move German troops through his neutral country in order to attack France. Not to be out done, Germany simply responded to his refusal by invading his Nation. The cartoon depicts the Kaiser addressing the King of Belgium with these words; “So you see-you’ve now lost everything!” The King responds profoundly “Not my soul!”

See things as they really are

“Once upon a time” a young girl was sitting by herself in a city centre play park. She was wearing a worn pink dress and was barefoot and dirty. All the other children playing in the park ignored her and even the adults passed her by, never pausing to see if she was alright. She looked so sad and dejected and she never spoke a word.

The next day, she was there again, in exactly the same dress just watching the others play. She looked even more forlorn. But today something different was about to happen. One of the dads who had a child playing had noticed her over the past few days and wondered if she was alright. He decided that today he must to go over and speak to her. As he got closer to the girl he suddenly noticed that the back of her dress was grotesquely shaped. There was a massive hump on her back. “Ah” he thought to himself, “How sad, the other children won’t play with her because of her deformity.” The dad smiled and sat down beside her. “Hello” he said cheerfully. The girl looked up at him with beautiful clear blue eyes. “Hello” she replied.

They started to chat and then she added sadly, “You are the only one who has come to talk to me in a whole week”. They continued talking for some time and finally the man said “You remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent, yes you’re like a tiny guardian angel of the park watching over the children.” The girl nodded and smiled “Not quite” she said, “I am not the guardian angel of the park.” She then paused for a moment and opened the back of her pink dress to allow her wings to spread, “No, to be exact, I am your guardian angel, not the parks and now my mission is complete. I was sent by God to remind you that external appearances are not important in His sight. You must look beyond, to a person’s character and heart. It took you a few days but at last you have done that.”

This delightful modern day parable reminds us that we must make sure that we see people as they really are rather than regard outward appearances as being overly important. In 1st Samuel Ch 16v7 it states that “The Lord does not see as a man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” Today’s generation concentrates far too much on the external, the trivial and superficial while forgetting that the “real measure” of a person is their character and personality.

Every day I hear or read of people who are quick to talk about all their various “achievements” in life. Perhaps they have completed this or that academic course or successfully landed this or that business contract. Maybe they have had cosmetic surgery to make them look more physically attractive or just won an award. It’s truly amazing the range of things people will boast about and what they believe to be important.

Scripture teaches however, that in God’s eyes, real beauty and real “achievement” is when an individual strives and labours to develop their character or the “hidden person of their heart” (1st Peter Ch3vs4, 5) according to the example set by Jesus Christ. Romans Ch12vs9-21 provides a summary of the kind of character and personality God expects; it is a sort of template for all those who aspire to be true followers of the Lord. Real achievement is working at trying to develop these personal characteristics and is the Biblical test of being a “real man” or a “real woman”.

While it is vitally important to see people as they really are in character, it is also vitally important to see things or events for what they really are as well. This is especially true when there are spiritual ramifications to an alleged event. It warns in Scripture that because there is a very real danger of people being deceived about spiritual matters we must always check out and “test all things” in the light of God’s Word. (1st Thessalonians Ch5v21). In Hosea Ch4v6  God laments that “People destroy themselves for lack of knowledge.” A great deal of this lack of knowledge and destruction is simply caused by individuals failing to properly check out the truth of an alleged event or piece of information, thereby harming their faith. The hoax of the Da Vinci Code written by Dan Brown in 2003 is one such example. Although a work of fiction with numerous subsequent publications and studies showing it was fiction, many people have read it as though it were factual. They failed to do what Scripture warned; test all things!

In 1st Timothy Ch4v1 it predicts “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceiving spirits and the teaching of demons.” And in 2nd Timothy Ch3v13 it further predicts “Evil men will grow worse and worse, deceiving others and deceiving themselves.” Today perhaps more than ever individuals must be careful to see both people and events for what they really are in the light and teaching of God’s Word. “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness so that the man of God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2nd Timothy Ch3vs 16-17).

The Bible is our ultimate guide and final authority; and we know we can trust it, because God has placed proof that it is from Him by uniquely placing thousands of prophecies and predictions about future events within its pages. Amazingly one third of the Bible is composed of prophecy and hundreds of these predictions have already come to pass. As each prediction gets fulfilled one by one  it is a sign and witness to a new generation that Scripture can be trusted and is exactly what it claims to be; The Word of God to Mankind.

For over three hundred years a tribe in the Philippines called the “Tawbuid” had a special prophecy which was passed down from father to son. The prediction given was that some day, foreigners would come to the tribe with good news about the Owner of Creation and the way back to life. This prophecy further stated that they would be “white teachers” and that the tribe would be able to identify them, because these teachers would know their language and speak to them in their own tongue.

This amazing prediction was fulfilled when two American missionaries by the name of Russell and Barbara Reed went to work among the Tawbuid several years ago and told them of the One True Living God in their own language. To the Tawbuid the existence of this prophecy and its ultimate fulfilment was the vital sign they needed to prove that the teaching given by these Christian missionaries was authentic and true. It helped them discern truth from fiction. They were a particularly timid people and were delighted to learn of the God Who loved them and the way of salvation given to them through the Cross.

In the same way the prophecies of Scripture and their subsequent fulfilment provide us with all the evidence we need to see that the Bible really is the Word of God and can be trusted. Countless books have been written about Bible prophecy showing that their range and subject matter is truly phenomenal and accurate to the smallest detail. Among other things, predictions cover the rise and fall of nations and empires, the birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the restoration of the Jewish Nation in 1948, the development of weapons of mass destruction, the state of the world, the decline of true faith in God and of course events yet to be fulfilled such as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in the midst of a great world crisis. All these prophecies were written hundreds and sometimes thousands of years before their fulfilment showing that the ultimate Source behind Scripture is Almighty God Himself.

Whether it is in regard to people, events, strange happenings, so called discoveries or whatever, let us make sure that we see things as they really are by testing them in the Light of Scripture. In 2nd Timothy Ch4vs3-4 it foretells “An age will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine but according to their own desires…they will turn their ears away from the truth and believe in fables.”  Fulfilled Bible prophecy provides abundant evidence that the teaching of Scripture is true and accurate. Let us faithfully use it to “test all things” because by so doing we will see things as they really are in the sight of Almighty God.

Don't follow the crowd; follow Jesus

Jesus said “Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who follow it… because difficult is the way that leads to life.” Matthew Ch7v13, 14

Once upon a time a spider built a beautiful web in an old house. The spider kept his web clean and shiny so that flies would be attracted to it. The moment he caught a fly he would dispose of the body quickly so that other flies wouldn’t get suspicious. The story goes that one day a well educated fly came buzzing by this clean spider web. Old man spider called out, “Come in and sit. We can chat and pass the time of day.” The well educated fly looked around and then replied “No sir, I don’t see other flies in your house, and I am not going in alone!” The day drew on until by and by the fly saw, on the floor below, a large crowd of flies which appeared to be merrily dancing on a piece of brown paper. He was delighted! He was not afraid if lots of flies were doing it. Clearly there could be nothing wrong. He even recognised some of them from “fly school”. They were just as well educated as him.

As he zoomed down towards the crowd, a bee happened to pass by. The bee warned “Don’t go there lad, that brown stuff is fly paper.” The well educated fly shouted back (as flies do) “Don’t be silly nobody believes in brown fly paper any more, “that was just a myth old flies used to believe in. These flies are dancing, there is a big crowd there, and everybody’s doing it. That many flies can’t be wrong!” Failing to heed the advice of the bee, the fly died soon afterwards, glued to death on fly paper.

As humorous as this story maybe, it conveys a spiritual lesson of great importance. Just because a majority of people behave in an immoral way or just because a majority of so called educated people think that that kind of behaviour won’t bring judgement, doesn’t make it so in reality. Centuries ago, a majority of people believed that the world was flat in spite of  the Hebrew wording in Isaiah Ch 40v22 which described the world as being sphere-shaped. The fact that a majority of people believed in this error didn’t make it true. Again, in ancient times the majority of people believed that the world was held up by giant tortoises or elephants in spite of the teaching in Job Ch26v7 which described the earth as being suspended or “hanging upon nothing” in space. The fact that a majority of people ignored this didn’t make their belief correct. Indeed as some one pointed out “It is doubtful if the majority have ever been right”.

Today, more than ever, this generation says, “God is just a myth old people used to believe in” or “we are far too clever to believe in the warnings of Bible prophecy.” It disregards the teaching that there are severe consequences for disobeying the Commandments of God and a Day of Judgement to come. “Behave as you wish and live as you want” says the crowd. No wonder God warns in Proverbs Ch14v12 “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Just because many people reject belief in God and reject the Bible doesn’t make their lack of faith correct. The majority of people on the Titanic believed the ship was unsinkable. The majority was wrong.

Genuinely searching for truth and refusing to be influenced by an unbelieving crowd is something which God calls upon us all to do. In Hebrews Ch11v6 it promises “God is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Countless individuals over the centuries have found God faithful to this promise. They refused to be put off by the numerous sceptics around them, and instead sought to find the real truth about God with all their heart. To their delight they found the One “Who is the Way the Truth and the Life”. (JohnCh14v6). The following incident is a fascinating example of just what can happen when a genuine seeker of the truth ignores the crowd.

Some years ago a Madras Indian had a remarkable experience which changed his whole life. At the age of twenty he joined the Madras worshippers of the goddess Kali and was made a devotee of Madreveran. One day a year was dedicated to this demon god and it meant that on that day this young Indian would have the honour of leading the service of worship. The young man was thrilled at this honour, as were his family. If he did well in the service it would win special favours for them all from this spirit.

The great day finally arrived and the idol was moved out to stand under a big tree near the temple. The young devotee presented offerings to the idol in the right order and he chanted the right words. He could see his parents, priests and numerous people anxiously watching to see if the spirit would accept them. Looking back he wrote “I wanted to be accepted by the idol even more than my parents wanted it. I presented each gift exactly as I had been taught. I repeated the prayers with exactly the precise incantation. I bowed low, as low as I could, repeatedly before the idol. I strained every ounce of energy in intense concentration, yearning for the ecstasy the idol spirit would give, if it entered my body to possess me. Suddenly my eyes blurred, a strange wave of excitement came over my body and I felt the spirit come in.”

The devotee sacrificed an animal, drank its blood and then began an ecstatic dance around the idol. He whirled and bowed repeatedly before the statue and the more he did so, the more ecstatic he became. He whirled for hours, forgetting everybody and everything, except for the strange wild abandoned feeling he had in his body. Finally, the demon spirit left him and he dropped to the ground exhausted. The people cheered heartily; good fortune was sure to come for the young man and his family.

The Indian continued in his idol worship and every year he faithfully celebrated his idol’s day with the special ceremonies. When ecstasy was high he was especially happy. He felt that he was very religious and everyone admired him for it.

As the years went on, however, this Indian began to seriously question things in his heart. “I was a notorious drunkard, a gambler, a thief, liar, deceiver and fighter. I began to wonder if such characteristics should exist in a religious person. I thought about it a lot but I’d never seen anyone else in our faith who behaved differently.”

Becoming increasingly unhappy about the way his religion permitted such behaviour, he read as many of his idol’s religious writings as he could, so as to find out why. One Sunday morning he was in the middle of reading when he suddenly heard a Voice in his head. It was loud and clear and said “You must not worship in this way, or read these books. You should give up your evil ways and live an honourable life.” It was not the voice of anyone he knew and it was so strong and authoritative that he put his book down immediately. He thought “If I shouldn’t read these books then what should I read?” Then he remembered a little book which someone had given him long ago. It was called The New Testament. He had put it to one side because he hated Christianity but had strangely felt unable to destroy it.

The Indian eventually found it and in his confusion opened to read it at the back instead of the front. His eyes first came upon the following words from Revelation Ch21; “He Who sat on the Throne said, ‘Look! I make all things new… write, for these words are true and faithful….but the cowardly, unbelieving, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idol worshippers and all liars will have their end in the lake of fire…” Then on the very last page he further read “I Jesus have sent My angel to you to testify of these things…come, let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires let him take of the water of life freely!” The Indian’s heart was so touched by these words of forgiveness that immediately he committed his whole heart to Christ. He wrote, “I was saved and changed, right then and there. I saw a new heaven and a new earth.”

The Indian had sought for the truth and found it. He had sincerely begun to question the immoral behaviour his religion allowed even though everyone else thought it perfectly acceptable. God honoured his quest.

Sometime ago I was sent a postcard depicting a shoal of fish swimming one way with a solitary fish swimming in the opposite direction. The words beneath read “Only dead fish go with the flow.” Quite so. Just because a majority of people known to you are behaving in an immoral way doesn’t make it right or just because a majority of your friends think that there is no God, doesn’t make it so. Don’t go with the flow, seek for the truth and you will find it because God has promised; “you will seek and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah Ch29v13). Don’t follow the crowd; follow Jesus!

Do not be overcome by evil

In Matthew Ch24 v12 it warns; “Because wickedness will increase on earth, the love of many will grow cold!”

Nutritionists say that regarding the physical body “you become what you eat” but at the spiritual level there is a similar truth. A person’s character is often shaped for good or evil by the things that they read or see going on around them. A Native American convert could not have put it better. He once told a missionary that every time he was faced with a choice between doing good or evil it was as though two dogs were fighting in his chest, one a white dog and the other an evil black one. When asked which dog won, he replied “which ever dog I have been feeding the most.” If a person regularly feeds their mind with horror stories, pornography and violence they needn’t be surprised if they begin to sink to that level in their thoughts and behaviour. On the other hand if an individual fills their mind with good and wholesome material they will generally find that they aspire to be good, kind and loving.

Jesus predicted that an age would come when there would be so much wickedness and immorality in the world that it would cause many people to “grow cold” in character. They would be unduly influenced by the evil things going on around them and as a result they would become bitter and selfish in their outlook on life. Their philosophy of life would be “me first,” “look after number one” or “I’m alright Jack”.

If an individual is to prevent themselves from being unduly influenced by accounts of violence and immorality it is vitally important that they regularly “feed their minds” with good and inspiring things. They need to constantly remind themselves that “good things” still do happen and that God is still very much at work in the world, (even when few seem to be listening to Him). Over the years I have collected numerous stories of Divine Intervention which make uplifting and inspiring reading. As a reminder that far from being remote and distant, God is present in the midst of our troubles, here are two stories to encourage the spirit.

The first example I have chosen happened several years ago to The Rev Dr Victor Pearce when he was a minister in the Church of England. He explained that one day he was walking along a road in Peckham, London when he sensed the Lord guide him to leave the road and go down a particular side street. “I continued down the road for about 100 yards when I then sensed the Lord telling me to stop and look across at the other side. Across from me, I saw one of the terraced houses had an old heavy panelled wooden door with a cast-iron knocker in the middle.” Feeling that he was to visit this house Dr Pearce knocked on the door. “The door was opened by a slightly built woman of average height. She looked at me, saw my dog collar and immediately burst into tears. ‘Thank God you’ve come’ she cried, ‘my husband’s in hospital dying of cancer and he said “send for a minister, I’m not ready to die”. ‘He kept on urging me and pleading but we don’t know any minister. I didn’t know what to do so I came home and prayed “Oh God please help”, and He has sent you.’”

“I quickly went to the hospital…his face lit up when he saw me. ‘I’m not ready to die’ he pleaded. I told him about the thief hanging on the cross next to Jesus and how he turned to Jesus for help and forgiveness at the last minute. I explained that Jesus had said to the man ‘today you will be with Me in paradise.’ I continued ‘So you see, that man was forgiven and promised eternal life even though he turned to Jesus only at the last moment.’ I encouraged his faith further when I revealed the miraculous way in which God had sent me to him and it proved Jesus was seeking him. You should have seen the peace which came over the man’s face as he responded. At his funeral later, this story was told to those present, and many were moved to tears as they were urged not to leave things to the last minute but to enjoy salvation now.”

The second story of Divine Intervention which I have chosen occurred during the Second World War. A young Dutch woman was captured by the Japanese when they invaded Java and was imprisoned in Bandung. After a number of days she was then put into a cattle truck with other prisoners and at the end of a journey lasting 36 hours she arrived at a concentration camp. The place was horrific and she fell into a state of deep despair.

One night she had to go to the toilet. The camp latrines were no more than a plank over a deep cesspit. In the pitch dark she felt her way to the latrines but she misjudged where she was, lost her balance and fell into the cesspit. In her utter despair she decided to give up and drown. She felt her miserable life was no longer worth living.

Suddenly she clearly heard a voice in her ear, which asked her “Do you believe in God?” She sensed straight away that this was no human voice but something coming from the supernatural. She answered quietly to herself “Yes”. The voice then admonished her and warned her that she did not have the right, not to do her best, to get out of the pit. The voice added “You cannot simply drown. You should not think that death will be a solution in this way, for those things you cannot face in this world, where it is your duty to deal with them, will confront you again, and then in a situation which is much more difficult.”

She was shocked by this statement and called out “Do you call this a life? This is terrible!” In stead of a verbal response to this cry she suddenly experienced an overwhelming feeling of God’s Holiness and power. The feeling was so powerful that she lost her sense of despair. She grabbed the side of the cesspit to see if she could climb out, but it was so covered in slime she couldn’t get a grip. Then she tried to find the bottom with her feet, but there was no bottom, only more and more slime. The stench was overwhelming.

She realised that she couldn’t get out and once again she was filled with despair. In her heart she prayed “Oh Lord help me. I do want to get out but I cannot.” At the same time she was gradually sinking deeper and deeper.

Suddenly she felt what seemed to be the finger of a hand under each elbow and in her mind’s eye she saw two large angels standing behind her. She felt herself being lifted from the cesspit and then laid on the ground. When she had gathered her thoughts she started weeping and went back to the barracks where other prisoners cleaned her up.

This incident dramatically changed her life and ultimately resulted in her becoming a devout Christian. As her spiritual life developed over the years she eventually became a leader in the underground Church behind the Iron Curtain and helped numerous Christians who were being persecuted for their faith by the KGB.

God is still very much at work in this troubled world; indeed He is right in the midst of our problems. Let us constantly remind ourselves of this truth because by so doing it will help protect us from becoming cold and bitter in spirit. In Psalm 37 vs7-10 it says; “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of those who bring evil schemes to pass…for evil-doers will be cut off. Yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more.” The wicked and immoral may laugh now and seem to have their way, but let us not be unduly influenced by their behaviour, because ultimately, the Lord has promised the world to the righteous and nothing will stand in His way.

Make the Lord your strength

A certain man was driving very fast down a long straight stretch on a Texas highway one hot afternoon. No other cars were in sight, but up ahead the driver saw the form of a large bird bending over a dead rabbit lying in the middle of the road. As he got closer a huge hawk straightened up defiantly and looked directly at the car. In stead of taking flight, as these birds normally do, the giant hawk spread its wings almost blocking the road and challenged the speeding car. A loud thud was heard as the car struck it and the proud challenging bird lay dead on the road.

Later on, the man saw the small rounded form of a turtle making its journey across the road. The turtle looked up and saw the car coming. He didn't run, he didn't dodge out of the way, nor did he challenge the car. Instead the turtle stopped and pulled in all four legs and its head into its shell. Thump the turtle was dead. As he continued to drive, saddened by the death of both creatures and angry at himself for not slowing down in time, he suddenly thought how both animals were a good illustration of two different kinds of people.

There is one group of people which proudly looks at life and says I can get through everything that life throws at me - I don't need the help of God, because believe I can deal with it all myself. Thud they can't. The other group of people ignores trouble, believing that it will somehow disappear if they don't think about it. They close their eyes thinking problems will go away. Thump they didn't.

So how should we confront the problems of life? Certainly not with proud defiance; it is a foolish individual who really believes that they can cope with whatever should happen without God'
s help and sustaining power. Likewise it is equally foolish to deal with problems by ignoring them. Problems simply do not vanish by pretending they don't exist.

The Bible gives us the correct response. The right way to deal with the problems and troubles of this world is by preparing ones inner spiritual resources in advance; in other words by developing and nurturing a deep relationship with God. Doing this means that when trouble does come we have inner provisions which will help us ride out any storm.

One of the greatest needs people have today is for someone or something to trust in and rely upon. This need is getting greater all the time because we are living in an increasingly insecure world. Psychologists say that human beings have an inbuilt need for this security. They need something that will be an anchor for them in times of trouble; something that they can be sure will never disappear or fail them. The incessant cry is who or what can we trust? when all around is change, decay and trouble.

Thankfully there is Someone Whom we can absolutely trust- a Being Who is Eternal in His Changelessness. Having a deep personal relationship with God provides the security for which humans crave. In the Eternal Being of God we can find real security and certainty; Someone Who will never let us down. Having such a relationship with God means that an individual can remain calm amidst the storm. They are secure in the knowledge that no matter what difficulties they face, God will grant them His strength, guidance and His Companionship so that they need never fear being deserted, abandoned or left unable to cope. This feeling of security and certainty is a gift God bestows on all those who seriously follow Him.

To receive this security which God alone offers, an individual must walk closely with God day by day and they must constantly work at their relationship with Him in order to make it strong and deep. They need to be diligent in their Bible reading and praying, faithful in listening to their conscience and obedient in following the Commandments and the will of God in their personal lives. There is no security without having this real relationship with God but if they do form one, then whenever they are afraid, they will be lifted to the calm of His Eternal Presence and His peace will still their troubled minds. The inner spiritual resources God provides will enable them to ride out any storm.

During the years between the First and Second World Wars, the French built an 87 mile long defensive wall called the Maginot Line. This great wall was to defend their border with Germany and three lines of defence were incorporated into it. The first was a series of small fortified barracks designed to sound the alarm. The second line was composed of reinforced bunkers to delay enemy attack. The third line of defence, was however, quite unique being in the form of deeply buried multi-storied forts. Below each of the barracks, at the deepest level were further storehouses of ammunition, food and a constant supply of fresh water from wells.

When the Germans did invade France in the Second World War, not a single one of these forts was ever overcome or taken by the German Army. The German military knew that soldiers could survive and resist almost indefinitely because they were so well prepared and had such deeply buried resources.

In a similar manner the Bible teaches that individuals must develop a deep relationship with the Lord so that they have adequate fortifications against the problems of life. The only line of defence that really works is to have deep within us a Spiritual Resource, hidden, abundant, and untouchable. God Himself is this Resource because only He can be relied upon absolutely and under all circumstances. Anything less than having Him in our lives leaves us vulnerable, weak and spiritually disabled.

If an individual is walking closely with God day by day, if He is at the centre of their hearts and lives and they are obeying Him diligently, then they need not fear the assault of life's enemies. May we, like King David be able to say Whom shall I fear, if the Lord is the Strength of my life? Of whom shall I be afraid? for in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His tabernacle Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, for He will strengthen your heart. Psalm 27vs 1, 5 and 14.

See yourself as God sees you

Franz Josef 1st of Austria was the last Emperor of the Habsburg Empire. He died in November 1916 during the First World War and his State funeral was in stark contrast to the swift burial young soldiers were given on the war front. The funeral was filled with pomp and pageantry. Eight black horses drew the hearse containing the coffin which was draped in the black and gold imperial colours. The hearse was preceded by carriages filled with wreaths. In turn these carriages were preceded by further carriages containing the highest court dignitaries of the Empire. Behind all this procession came carriages carrying members of the Royal Family and foreign officials. Mounted guards flanked the procession, all dressed in magnificent ceremonial clothing. As the cortege made its way across Vienna to St Stephen's cathedral, a band played sombre music.

After the lengthy cathedral service the cortege descended the steps of the crypt. At the bottom was a great iron door leading to the Habsburg family crypt. Behind the door was the Abbot. The Grand Master of the Court then began a ritual dialogue which had been established for centuries.

The Grand Master first cried out "Open". The Abbot correctly responded "Who asks to enter here?" The Grand Master then listed the Emperor's 37 titles; "We bear the remains of his Imperial and Apostolic Majesty, Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, Defender of the Faith, Prince of Bohemia..." and so he continued through the whole 37 titles.

When the Grand Master finished this list, to the shock of every one present the Abbot then responded "We know him not! I ask again, ‘Who goes there?'" The Grand Master was taken a back but spoke again this time using abbreviated titles. Once again the Abbot responded "We know him not! I ask yet again, ‘Who goes there?'" According to witnesses, in an act of desperation, the Grand Master got down on his knees and simply cried out "We bear the body of Franz Josef our brother, a sinner like us all." With that acknowledgement, the Abbot opened the door.

This true story is a stark reminder that no matter how "successful" people may appear in worldly terms, they are still ultimately sinners in the sight of God, needing His forgiveness. God shows personal favouritism to no man (Galatians Ch2v6) so what a person does as a career, what talent they may have, what position they may hold, what money they may make and so on, is completely irrelevant to Him. It's a person's heart that counts!  (See 1st Samuel Ch 16v7, and Hebrews Ch 4v12-13). Real "success" in God's eyes is when an individual chooses to repent of their sins and obediently tries to follow Him faithfully day by day.

Many people today boast about their various endeavours and so called achievements, with comments like; "I have a University Degree", "I have a position on The Board", "I am the Chief executive", "I know this or that important person", "I am an heir to money," "I belong to this social or racial class", "I have numerous friends", "I am very attractive" and so on. Scripture teaches however, that none of these things make God either more or less favourable towards them,  than He is towards people without such things. In His eyes worldly success is of absolutely no significance.

In stead God measures "success" in spiritual terms such as; Has an individual truly repented of their sins? Is an individual really trying to grow in their faith? Is he or she learning to resist temptation and develop in personal holiness? Are they growing in their knowledge of the Bible? Are they prayerfully sharing their faith with others? Are they becoming more aware of the meaning of the Cross, of God's hatred of sin and His deep love for sinners? Are they gaining a spirit of humility, growing in enthusiasm and learning to turn the other cheek? Are they, from their heart "behaving" as a Christian should, as outlined by St Paul in Romans Ch 12vs9-21? In this passage St Paul provides a template, demonstrating what a Christian should be like in character. How is an individual measuring up to that? It is this "hidden person (or character) of the heart" which is most precious to God and what really matters in His sight. (See 1st Peter Ch3v4).

God's greatest gift is for an individual to come to know Him personally and since this relationship can only be established through repentance and obedience "from the heart" (Ephesians Ch6vs5-6) this is what people should really strive for and regard as "success". In John Ch6v27, Jesus warned "Do not labour for the food that perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life." People are wasting their time striving for worldly "success" because it doesn't last and doesn't count in His eyes. In stead they should be striving hard to develop a relationship with the Lord. This is the kind of labour which will result in the indescribable blessing of coming to know God personally and will reap an everlasting reward.

Since it is the "person or character of the heart" which matters to God, any one can be close to Him no matter what their station in life may be. I know of particular people who feel they are worthless from a worldly point of view. They are the opposite of the boastful. These people lament "I am only a cleaner", "I am only a binman", "I was a failure at school", "I am poor", "I am unattractive", "I haven't accomplished much", and so on. Although the world regards them as failures, they all have one thing in common; Almighty God regards them as "successful"! He observed how they laboured and strived to find and follow Him and now He looks upon them as His beloved children and has a personal relationship with each one of them. They are now part of His adopted family and joint heirs with Christ. (See Romans Ch8vs15-17, Galatians Ch4vs5-7 and 1st John Ch 3v1).

In Mark Ch 12vs41-44 Scripture states that Jesus observed people placing money into the Temple money box. It says "Many who were rich put in much". As He was watching, a poor widow put in two small coins called "mites". These coins were worth but a fraction of a penny. Jesus called over the disciples and said to them "Truly I say to you, that this poor widow has put in more than all those others, for they gave out of their abundance, but she gave out of her poverty." The Lord sees things as they really are; He is interested in our personal faithfulness not our worldly status. It is our faithfulness that God wants because it is the state of our hearts that counts.

Scripture reassures us that "He who is faithful over a very little is counted as being faithful in much"
(Luke Ch 16v10. See also Luke Ch 19v17 and Matthew Ch 25v23). The moving story is told of a poverty stricken Chinese woman who started to follow Christ in her late sixties. Although truly converted she felt unable to be Baptised. One day the missionary sat down and had a long talk with her to find out what was holding her back. With tears streaming down her cheeks she said that Jesus had commanded His disciples to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." She then added "I am an old woman, nearly seventy years of age and almost blind. I can tell my husband about Jesus, I can tell my son and his wife, I am willing to speak to my neighbours, but beyond that I am useless. Now do you think Jesus will let me call myself His disciple if I can do so little?"

The missionary then explained that Jesus only ever asks for the best a disciple can do in their own particular circumstances. He doesn't require from anyone, more than they are able to do because it is their faithfulness of heart that counts, not their ability to work. (As St Paul stated in Ephesians Ch2vs8-9 "We have been saved through faith…not by works, lest anyone should boast.") When she understood that in God's sight it's a faithful heart which makes a good disciple and not someone's ability, she happily got Baptised.

What God wants is holiness and faithfulness of heart in our individual lives, which even the least able in life, can achieve well. Whatever our status in life we can all be "great and successful" over "little things". As Dean Farrar said "little self-denials, little honesties, little passing words of sympathy, little nameless acts of kindness, little silent victories over temptations—these are the silent threads of gold which when woven together, gleam out so brightly in the pattern of life that God approves." A faithful and holy life in God's eyes is made up of a multitude of these "small things" and we all have the ability to do these "small things" in a great way. We can all be "successful" in little tasks. Let us see things as God sees them!

"I may not sing an anthem sweet, but I can find an empty seat and listen with devoted care while someone lifts his heart in prayer; I may not play the organ grand, but I can clasp a strangers hand, and smile and say word of cheer. Who knows? It may dispel a fear and help that one upon his way, if I can just the right word say; I cannot preach a sermon great, but when the offering they take, I can be honest with my Lord and freely give of my small hoard; These things that I can do seem, oh, so small, and far too few, but if I am watchful of them all, when His dear voice to me shall call, I'll say `here I am Lord; all that I can bring, is faithfulness in many little things`" Rosilyn Sture.

Be careful to whom you listen

Some decades ago in America a train was travelling West in the depths of winter time. It was freezing cold, snowing heavily and owing to strong winds, there were blizzard conditions. On board there was a certain young woman with her baby who wanted to leave the train at one of the remote stations along the route. Owing to the remoteness of the region one of the tasks of the guardsman was to call out the names of the stations as they approached, so people would know when to disembark. The woman was a stranger to the country so on several occasions she went up to the guardsman and said "Please don't forget me; I need to get off at Redrock". Repeatedly the guardsman promised he wouldn't forget her and would certainly tell her when she was to get off.

As time went on, the train slowed to a stop as though coming into a station and a fellow traveller said to the woman, "that must be your stop now." With gratitude the woman gathered her things and hopped off the train into the storm. The train moved on again. Forty-five minutes later the guardsman came in and called out "passenger for Redrock! Your station is next"! Passengers explained to him that she had got off the last time the train had stopped. The guardsman's face changed to one of despair. "I promised her that I would let her know when to get off. We only stopped because of heavy snow on the track. She has got off to her death." Sadly his prediction was all too accurate. Rescuers found her frozen to death. Amazingly the baby was found alive, having been protected from the worst of the cold beneath his mother's coat.

Be careful to whom you listen! This true story reminds us of the vital importance of listening to correct information and instructions. Sometimes listening to the right person with the right knowledge is quite literally a matter of life and death. But this story also teaches us  an important spiritual lesson that has profound implications.

Every one of us is on the "journey of life". As we travel along, we need to make certain that we are listening to the right "person" and the correct information; otherwise we won't know what we are doing, where we are going, what decisions we are to make, or indeed how to prepare for our journey's end.


Many people today are in a state of confusion regarding a whole range of moral, religious and personal issues. For example, some are  confused regarding what to believe about God and which religion to follow. Others are confused about what should be considered as morally right and what should be seen as immoral. Still more are confused about what is happening to the world and uncertain about how to deal with their own personal problems such as who to marry, where to live, what job to take, and so on.

Often in this confusion people look to their fellow travellers thinking that they might know the answer but they too are just as confused and uncertain. One traveller might say "It's the next station" another might say with equal affirmation that the station has already been passed or indeed that there is no station at all! Fellow travellers don't really know the answers to the questions of life. The only One Who knows the answers is "The Guardsman" Himself. If that poor woman had trusted the guardsman rather than a fellow passenger she would have lived. In stead she put her faith in a well meaning passenger who obviously didn't know what he was talking about; and it cost her, her life.

So likewise, during the course of our lifetime, many fellow travellers will express their views on moral issues, belief systems and personal problems. For instance, some will say "there is nothing sinful about some particular kind of conduct or behaviour", others will say "believe in this religion" yet others may say "take this job, marry that man" etc. Some might  suggest trying clairvoyance, trying New Age rituals, trying crystals, trying this, trying that, for ever clutching at straws in their own personal confusion.

 No matter what others may say, let us soberly remember that there is only One Individual we should listen to and that is "The Guardsman" Himself; Jesus Christ. Our life depends on it. He alone knows the truth. He alone has the answers to our questions and so it is His instructions and commands we should follow. We should listen to Him alone; no one else. As Jesus said "I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life."(John Ch14v6).

One of the main  reasons why God has provided the human race with Holy Scripture is so that everyone can read exactly what He Himself is stating rather than be misled by what fellow travellers say. The Bible is the Word of God, so if we want to know what "The Guardsman" is saying or commanding on any particular issue, it is there for us to read. We ignore His written Word and listen to others, at our peril!

In 2nd Timothy Ch3v16 it states "All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness." We need to trust and obey what the Lord Himself says about an issue rather than others, lest we be spiritually deceived. (See 1st Corinthians Ch6vs 9-11; Galatians Ch5vs 19-21; Ch6vs7-8; 2nd Timothy Ch3v13; Colossians Ch2v8; 1st John Ch3vs7-8).

In Proverbs Ch3 vs5-6 God gives a reassuring promise about guidance. It states "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and rely not on your own understanding. In all your ways obey Him and then He will guide and direct your path." What this means is that if we faithfully listen to and obey His commands in Scripture then we can be sure that we will indeed be guided to "get off at the right station," or make the right decision. We can be sure that we will indeed be shown what path we are to follow, what we really are to believe and what decisions we should make concerning "this or that or the other".

Throughout the journey of life we have to make many serious decisions. Friends and relatives will offer all sorts of contradictory advice but provided we listen to and obey the Lord, He will guide us concerning what is right and proper. Provided we remain faithful to Him, then He most certainly will show us the way we should go and the decisions we should make. Scripture promises that we will receive His guidance, so long as we follow and obey Him totally and completely.

Late in the 19th Century an acrobat arranged to walk a wire across Niagara Falls with another man on his shoulders. Many weeks of training went into preparing for this event. As the final moment for this event drew near, the rope walker cautioned his young colleague with the following words. "We are about to risk our lives, but we will get across safely if you do exactly as I say. I am the one walking the wire, the whole responsibility for that part is mine. I can do it safely. For your part you have nothing to do but match my movements completely. If I sway to the left, let yourself sway with me. If I sway to the right, do the same. Under no circumstances try to do your own thing. You must match your movements to mine so as to ensure harmony because without perfect unison we are both lost. There is only one thing for you to do;-sway with me."

All went well until they drew near the opposite side when the unexpected happened. The long vibration of the wire suddenly formed into separate waves, and each of these formed two more and so on. Soon the shortened wave like movements became so violent that the man could scarcely keep his feet where he placed them. It was a perilous moment, but the feat was accomplished and it was front page news across the country the next day.

After this, the young man who had played the secondary role upon the acrobat's shoulders settled down to private life and got married. In time he became an active leader in the church. He often commented, "I learned more about my relationship with God on that wire than in all of my life. I learned that the only safe way to get through trouble is to keep on fully obeying God. If I stop obeying, even for a moment or just a little then all is lost."

Provided we carefully listen to and fully obey the Lord, He will in turn guide us concerning the decisions we have to make in life. If we do as He says and as He guides, then we will get safely to the other side and disembark at the right station, if however, we disobey, then we will fall into the waters of deception and drown in the depths of despair.