Above all else

Ed Silvoso came to town over the weekend (the guy who wrote "That None Should Perish"). He shared some interesting anecdotes. As Christians, we are instructed to share the good news, not necessarily good advice. What’s the difference between good news and good advice? Good advice is when a banker comes to your house to tell you that you are bankrupt, repossesses the house, then tells you where the nearest shelter is, and how to apply for CDC aid. That’s great (in the circumstances). But when the banker tells you that he has wiped out your debt, redeemed your mortgage, and put a million dollars in your account for you to spend as you see fit – THAT’S good news. So why is it that we’re so eager to dish out good advice, and so reticient when it comes to good news? Let’s examine the good news. We know there is a God. This God cares. And He cares for us. Let’s respond to these truths. What do we always say Christianity is? That’s right – a relationship between God and us. Relation...

A most elegantly written extract from T.H White's classic "The Sword in the Stone". Merlyn had finished his breakfast, and was puffing at the meerschaum pipe which made his pupil believe that he breathed fire. Now he took a very deep puff, looked at the Wart, opened his mouth to speak, changed his mind, blew out the smoke and drew in another lungful. "Sometimes," he said, "life does seem to be unfair. Do you know the story of Elijah and the Rabbi Jachanan?" "No," said the Wart. He sat down resignedly upon the most comfortable part of the floor, perceiving that he was in for something like the parable of the looking-glass. "This Rabbi," said Merlyn, "went on a journey with the prophet Elijah. They walked all day, and at nightfall they came to a humble cottage of a poor man, whose only treasure was a cow. The poor man ran out of his cottage, and his wife ran too, to welcome the strangers for the night and to offer them all the si...

Last week I questioned how we could improve our little office prayer group. This begs the question – what is the prayer group for? If you recall, the answer from my very first mail is: pray lah! Over the past 6 months, I think I’ve refined my thoughts about this. I’ve emphasized the importance of living the Christian life outside church and the cell group. Church and small groups are for recharging and equipping. They are very important, but practical Christian living is really to be found in our homes and our workplaces. Since the group is meant for recharging and equipping, this is what we should do – encourage and pray for each other when we meet. How do we do this? By sharing our lives and spurring each other to live exciting lives for Jesus AFTER THE MEETING IS OVER. I think we have been making a fair attempt at this. So why aren’t we more inspired, more active, more empowered? Well, there are two sides to the equation. First, the recipients must be willing to be changed. All of u...

There are 2 songs from my hubby and my Varsity Christian Fellowship days that touch my heart. "Trust His heart" and "Find us faithful". I had forgotten the lyrics and had to hunt the internet to obtain them. I have not been able to get a download of the songs yet. In the course of my hunting, I found the lyrics and downloaded another song, "Who am I". It reminded me that God is faithful still. Trust His Heart All things work for our good Though sometimes we can't see how they could Struggles that break our hearts in two Sometimes blind us to the truth Our Father knows what's best for us His ways are not our own So when your pathway grows dim And you just don't see HimR emember you're never alone *God is too wise to be mistaken God is too good to be unkind So when you don't understand When you don't see His plan When you can't trace His hand Trust His heart He sees the master plan And He holds the future in His hand Don't liv...

It's been a very rough month or two. With all the major upheavals of the recent past, there are so many worries and concerns and dissatisfactions, that even just a little more trouble can sometimes be enough to make me feel overwhelmed. But God is faithful - He always provides grace and strength to supply all my needs. And last Sunday's message was soberingly encouraging (is there such a thing?). Let me share. How am I really doing in the race that God has mapped out for me? When we have lots of other things to concentrate on, I think it's very tempting to say to God "God, I'm going to be faithful. I'll keep attending church (as often as I can). I'll read the Bible (now and then). I'll keep praying (when I'm in trouble). I'll be a nice person (as much as it's possible). I'm quite happy to run the race. BUT LET ME RUN AT MY OWN PACE." I just realized that the above kind of rhymes (badly). Weird. Let's step out of our comfort zone...

Just reading my own posts about the kids makes me try to remember some of the other funny things that have happened. Natalie often comes out of her room after she's put to bed. She has all sorts of funny excuses for this. Last night, she came over and complained that Daniel was tickling her. We sent her back. Ten minutes later she came back and complained that Daniel bit her butt. Unfortunately, these allegations are sometimes true. Daniel is pretty wonky when he's sleepy, especially if he's just had his computer games (he really likes Super Mario - he can't actually play but enjoys seeing us play "for him" haha). Anyway, when we're too tired to put Natalie back in the kids room, sometimes we just tell her to go back on her own. I remember once she came out of her room and complained that the room smelled of muffins. "Huh??" Anyway, we sent her back without getting out of bed ourselves. But two minutes later I thought her excuse was so bizarre, i...

In the rush of the day, I find myself pulling up suddenly when I encounter potholes. What potholes? Well, the absence of the expected. I was just reading an article the other day about stupid football quotes, like: Reporter: So Roy, do you think you'll have to finish above Manchester United to win the league this year? Roy: you have to finish above everyone to win the league Richard. or Reporter: So Gordon, in what areas do you think Middlesbrough outplayed you today? Gordon: What areas? That big green one out there... As I read the article, I instinctively reached for my handphone to call my brother and tell him to read it, and then I suddenly realised he wouldn't be there. The permanence of the loss is QUITE SHOCKING. I just got the 2006-07 Liverpool FC DVD in the mail and as I was watching a fantastic goal by Riise in the Community Shield again I half thought about calling him to crow about it. I also bought a set of old cartoons for my kids to watch (He-man and the Masters ...