Fellow Labourers-
My wife and went to the U.W.I hospital today (26/12) to look for the sick known and unknown. As I was about to turn into the gate I had a flashback of last year and had to resist the feeling of melancholy that was about to descend upon me.I started remembering the oft visits day and night, and I suddenly felt fear. But, on entering the hospital compound I felt a bit of consolation because the car park was near empty. Even though this could be a false sense of hope my eyes communicated to my brain a message of consolation.
As we walked holding hands and sharing we could not help but notice the quietness, and emptiness of the surroundings. There was a car park with not even one vehicle. Even the spaces marked for doctors and nurses were noticeably empty. The wards we saw were also noticeably empty. There was a sense of joy all around. As we exchange pleasantries with some of the staff I felt the seasonal change in their attitudes. Oh how I wish that it should continue through the year.
Permit me to quote from John Donne's "The Bell Tolls." "No man is and Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Eurpoe is the less, as well as if promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. Neither can we call this a begging of misery or a borrowing of misery, as though we are not miserable enough of ourselves, but must fetch in more from the next house, in taking upon us the misery of our neighbours. Truly it were an excusable covetousness if we did; for affliction is a treasure, and scarce any man has enough of it. No man has the affliction enough that is not matured, and ripened by it, and made fit for God by that affliction. If a man carry treasure in bullion, or in a wedge of gold, and have none coined into current moneys, his treasure will not defray him as he travels. Tribulation is treasure in the nature of it, but it is not current money in the use of it, except we get nearer and nearer our home, heaven, by it. Another man may be sick too, and sick unto death, and this affliction may lie in his bowels, as gold in a mine, and be of no use to him; but this bell, that tells me of this affliction, digs out, and applies that gold to me: if by this consideration of another's danger, I take mine own into contemplation, and so secure myself, by making my recourse to my God, who is our only security."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Waiting for Escape
Fellow Labourers-
I ask of you, hold out a little while longer. Waiting is not one of the easiest thing in the world, yet we are forced to wait. We wait at the bus stop, we wait on the elevator, we wait in line and we wait for our salary. I even had to sit and wait in church for my missing rib. But, when I saw her I must confess, I have some lovely ribs. I don't plan to lose anymore. Now I think about it I was waiting on her to escape with her. Though the folks who came to witness our coming together were near and dear, yet I did not want to spend forever with them.
Today we sit and wait groaning to be clothe with our heavenly garment. I know life can be sweet, but in the midst of this sweet life we sensed we need an escape. The Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian brethren had this to say "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.2 Corinthians 5:1-4.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
I ask of you, hold out a little while longer. Waiting is not one of the easiest thing in the world, yet we are forced to wait. We wait at the bus stop, we wait on the elevator, we wait in line and we wait for our salary. I even had to sit and wait in church for my missing rib. But, when I saw her I must confess, I have some lovely ribs. I don't plan to lose anymore. Now I think about it I was waiting on her to escape with her. Though the folks who came to witness our coming together were near and dear, yet I did not want to spend forever with them.
Today we sit and wait groaning to be clothe with our heavenly garment. I know life can be sweet, but in the midst of this sweet life we sensed we need an escape. The Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian brethren had this to say "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.2 Corinthians 5:1-4.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Christmas Is Coming
Fellow Labourers-
Christmas is indeed coming and so is also the increased stressed. Every area of life produces stress. Whenever we try to eliminate all stress the only thing we accomplish is to become more stressed. The intelligent and positive response to stress is to control it and channel it in a constructive way. Dr. Julian Melgosa has identified three stages of stress. He says "stress does not sneak up on its victim, capturing him or her in an unpredictable surprise attack. Fortunately,the human being is endowed with the ability to detect a series of signals which indicate danger. Stress passes through three stages from the time it appears until it reaches its most acute level."
Here are the three stages he identified.
1.THE ALARM STAGE-This phase consists of a clear warning that a stress agent is present. Physical reactions are the first to appear. They warn the person that he/she needs to be on guard.
2.RESISTANCE STAGE-When stress extends beyond the initial alarm stage, the person enters into the resistance stage.
3.THE EXHAUSTION STAGE-The exhaustion stage is the final stage of stress. It is characterized by fatigue,anxiety,and depression. These three things may occur either sequentially or simultaneously.
For this Christmas find something to be cheerful about." A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (NIV). Remember as human beings we have the ability to mourn over the past, to suffer in the present, and to worry about what might happen in the distant future. The choice is ours.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Christmas is indeed coming and so is also the increased stressed. Every area of life produces stress. Whenever we try to eliminate all stress the only thing we accomplish is to become more stressed. The intelligent and positive response to stress is to control it and channel it in a constructive way. Dr. Julian Melgosa has identified three stages of stress. He says "stress does not sneak up on its victim, capturing him or her in an unpredictable surprise attack. Fortunately,the human being is endowed with the ability to detect a series of signals which indicate danger. Stress passes through three stages from the time it appears until it reaches its most acute level."
Here are the three stages he identified.
1.THE ALARM STAGE-This phase consists of a clear warning that a stress agent is present. Physical reactions are the first to appear. They warn the person that he/she needs to be on guard.
2.RESISTANCE STAGE-When stress extends beyond the initial alarm stage, the person enters into the resistance stage.
3.THE EXHAUSTION STAGE-The exhaustion stage is the final stage of stress. It is characterized by fatigue,anxiety,and depression. These three things may occur either sequentially or simultaneously.
For this Christmas find something to be cheerful about." A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (NIV). Remember as human beings we have the ability to mourn over the past, to suffer in the present, and to worry about what might happen in the distant future. The choice is ours.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Installation - Elder Robert Stewart
Christmas Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ!
One of the real joys of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to say thank you and to wish you the very best for the New Year.
We at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple are thankful to the Lord for his faithfulness. As the year 2010 approaches, changes will be effected in the leadership of this assembly. As you may be aware, I have named Elder Robert Stewart as Pastor Designate.
A twofold event has been scheduled during the month of February to observe this transition as follows:-
May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of His love at Christmas and throughout the New Year. Remember to keep us in your prayers.
With love and blessings,
Bishop Carmen L. Stewart
One of the real joys of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to say thank you and to wish you the very best for the New Year.
We at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple are thankful to the Lord for his faithfulness. As the year 2010 approaches, changes will be effected in the leadership of this assembly. As you may be aware, I have named Elder Robert Stewart as Pastor Designate.
A twofold event has been scheduled during the month of February to observe this transition as follows:-
- A dinner in honour of our co-founder and Pastor, Bishop the Hon. Dr. Carmen Lois Stewart – Saturday, February 27 at 6:00 p.m. Location to be announced.
- Installation of Elder Robert Stewart as Pastor on Sunday, February 28 at 3:00 p.m. at the Pentecostal Gospel Temple.
May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of His love at Christmas and throughout the New Year. Remember to keep us in your prayers.
With love and blessings,
Bishop Carmen L. Stewart
Life,Death,and Incarnation
Fellow Labourers-
I know not all of us are enjoying the current weather, but if you have to 'tidy' more that two days per week you would be happy for the rains. As we consider the subject I am celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary with the same girl I met in my teens 39 years ago. She is still as beautiful as the day I met her. Please pray for us as we turn another page in our lives. Take a close look at this section below and ponder what God has done for us when he sent his Son into the world. He came to die so that we might live.
"For a few inmates, however, the Angola hospice volunteer program has drastically changed this. In 1998, equipped with a variety of staff trustees and inmate volunteers, the LSP hospice opened its doors to its first terminally ill inmate. Today it is recognized as one of the best programs of its kind. Giving inmate volunteers a role in the creation of the hospice and the primary care during the dying process, inmates find themselves in the position to tangibly affect the lives of others for good. Reckoning with death as a fate that awaits all of humanity as they care for dying friends and strangers, prisoners gradually let go of hardened demeanors. One inmate notes, "I've seen guys that used to run around Angola, and want to fight and drug up, actually cry and be heartbroken over the patient." Another describes being present in the lives of the dying and how much this takes from the living. "But it puts a lot in you," he adds. Yet a third inmate describes how caring for strangers on the brink of death has put an end to his lifelong anger and helped him to confront his guilt with greater honesty."
The best way to live is to serve others.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert Stewart
I know not all of us are enjoying the current weather, but if you have to 'tidy' more that two days per week you would be happy for the rains. As we consider the subject I am celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary with the same girl I met in my teens 39 years ago. She is still as beautiful as the day I met her. Please pray for us as we turn another page in our lives. Take a close look at this section below and ponder what God has done for us when he sent his Son into the world. He came to die so that we might live.
"For a few inmates, however, the Angola hospice volunteer program has drastically changed this. In 1998, equipped with a variety of staff trustees and inmate volunteers, the LSP hospice opened its doors to its first terminally ill inmate. Today it is recognized as one of the best programs of its kind. Giving inmate volunteers a role in the creation of the hospice and the primary care during the dying process, inmates find themselves in the position to tangibly affect the lives of others for good. Reckoning with death as a fate that awaits all of humanity as they care for dying friends and strangers, prisoners gradually let go of hardened demeanors. One inmate notes, "I've seen guys that used to run around Angola, and want to fight and drug up, actually cry and be heartbroken over the patient." Another describes being present in the lives of the dying and how much this takes from the living. "But it puts a lot in you," he adds. Yet a third inmate describes how caring for strangers on the brink of death has put an end to his lifelong anger and helped him to confront his guilt with greater honesty."
The best way to live is to serve others.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert Stewart
We Wait
Fellow Labourers-
What have you been waiting for? I know waiting is not always the easiest thing to do, but as the old saying goes "Good things come to those who wait." We are not instinctively patient people, and so we come under tremendous pressure like the caterpillar in its cocoon. To be pressured is not always a bad thing since it is the pressured larva in its cocoon that comes out as the beautiful butterfly. Whilst you wait though do not be idle. Continue to plan and to dream. Do not wait without a purpose because this can lead you to frustration. Are you waiting for the resolution of an issue? Remember this is not always possible so instead seek for reconciliation. Reconciliation can happen even when resolution does not. We've learn that we can walk hand in hand when we don't see eye to eye. So, waiting can wait the wait.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
What have you been waiting for? I know waiting is not always the easiest thing to do, but as the old saying goes "Good things come to those who wait." We are not instinctively patient people, and so we come under tremendous pressure like the caterpillar in its cocoon. To be pressured is not always a bad thing since it is the pressured larva in its cocoon that comes out as the beautiful butterfly. Whilst you wait though do not be idle. Continue to plan and to dream. Do not wait without a purpose because this can lead you to frustration. Are you waiting for the resolution of an issue? Remember this is not always possible so instead seek for reconciliation. Reconciliation can happen even when resolution does not. We've learn that we can walk hand in hand when we don't see eye to eye. So, waiting can wait the wait.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Ulysses
Fellow Labourers-
Consider with me this poem from Alfred Lord Tennyson. As you are aware a poem can paint a thousand picture in your minds eye. My thousand picture may be different from yours and some may even coincide, but that does not make one superior to the other-does it? This section of the poem stirs something in me:
"Come, my friends,
'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in the old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are,
One equal-temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
From these lines I see in my mind's eye a task of preparing those who should come after me. I see the need to be an authentic leader. And, if I may borrow the words of Bill George, former Chairman and CEO, Medtronic, "We need leaders who lead with purpose, values, and integrity and who are good stewards of the legacy they inherited from their predecessors. We need leaders who build enduring organizations, motivate their employees to provide superior customer service, and create long-term value for shareholders."
Nunc aut nunquam
Robert Stewart
Consider with me this poem from Alfred Lord Tennyson. As you are aware a poem can paint a thousand picture in your minds eye. My thousand picture may be different from yours and some may even coincide, but that does not make one superior to the other-does it? This section of the poem stirs something in me:
"Come, my friends,
'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in the old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are,
One equal-temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
From these lines I see in my mind's eye a task of preparing those who should come after me. I see the need to be an authentic leader. And, if I may borrow the words of Bill George, former Chairman and CEO, Medtronic, "We need leaders who lead with purpose, values, and integrity and who are good stewards of the legacy they inherited from their predecessors. We need leaders who build enduring organizations, motivate their employees to provide superior customer service, and create long-term value for shareholders."
Nunc aut nunquam
Robert Stewart
The Welkin Rings
Fellow Labourers-
Yesterday (17 Dec. 2009) was not a day most Jamaicans will want to remember. Some were glued to their radios and some to their television sets as the Hon. Minister of Finance Audley Shaw and the Hon. Prime Minister Bruce Golding painted and weaved the economic mosaic that will be our lot for 2010 and onwards. I only heard what was said in bits and pieces because a fellow minister and I were traversing Kingston and Saint Andrew doing missionary work. So whilst some of you went to bed upset and perplexed, I went to bed feeling very fulfilled. I am just now reading what was said and know that these honourable gentlemen would love to to hear "The welkin rings."
Can you imagine if they hear and see the vault of heaven opens with all its storehouse of treasures opened to them? In light of this I recommend you read Anne Shirley's piece in today's Financial Gleaner. Eyes have they but they see not. Ears have they but they hear not. Hear is a golden opportunity for the church of God to expose the hidden Christ. Thank God there are those of us who can still hear the welkin rings. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see... And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:1,6).
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Yesterday (17 Dec. 2009) was not a day most Jamaicans will want to remember. Some were glued to their radios and some to their television sets as the Hon. Minister of Finance Audley Shaw and the Hon. Prime Minister Bruce Golding painted and weaved the economic mosaic that will be our lot for 2010 and onwards. I only heard what was said in bits and pieces because a fellow minister and I were traversing Kingston and Saint Andrew doing missionary work. So whilst some of you went to bed upset and perplexed, I went to bed feeling very fulfilled. I am just now reading what was said and know that these honourable gentlemen would love to to hear "The welkin rings."
Can you imagine if they hear and see the vault of heaven opens with all its storehouse of treasures opened to them? In light of this I recommend you read Anne Shirley's piece in today's Financial Gleaner. Eyes have they but they see not. Ears have they but they hear not. Hear is a golden opportunity for the church of God to expose the hidden Christ. Thank God there are those of us who can still hear the welkin rings. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see... And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:1,6).
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Fellow Labourers-
Indeed it is tidings of comfort and joy. 'Tis the season to be jolly. Hark the herald angels sing. It came upon a midnight clear. It's really a joy to know that our Creator became our Saviour. For Mary was it joy, fear, hope or nostalgia? There were somethings she knew ahead of time. She knew it would be a boy child (without an ultrasound). She knew it was not Joseph's child (without DNA [testing]). She knew he would be holy (without the priest). But was it for her tidings of comfort and joy? Did not the angels say fear not?
As the season draws closer and closer to its climax I say to us fear not. For unto us a child is born in the city of David. The government shall be upon his shoulders. He shall be called wonderful, counsellor, the mighty God and the Prince of peace. I say behold the King who needs no appointment because he was born a king. This is the last week-end before Christmas and I implore you to think before you spend. Do you really need that new piece of furniture? Do you really need that new dress or pants? Do you need to paint the house at this time? I know habits die hard, but think, think, and think again. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
I did a recording for Morning Dew today and here is a quote from the presentation. "In 1939 and 1940 when Hitler was preparing for aggression and England was faced with grave danger, Sir Winston Churchill was called upon to succeed, as Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain. He made a famous speech called “Blood, sweat and tears” in which he said and here I quote: “I say to the house as I said to Ministers who have joined this government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy." Our nation faces a monstrous tyranny of negative growth, with crime and violence. Now is the time for tidings of comfort and joy. Our Emmanuel still reigns.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Indeed it is tidings of comfort and joy. 'Tis the season to be jolly. Hark the herald angels sing. It came upon a midnight clear. It's really a joy to know that our Creator became our Saviour. For Mary was it joy, fear, hope or nostalgia? There were somethings she knew ahead of time. She knew it would be a boy child (without an ultrasound). She knew it was not Joseph's child (without DNA [testing]). She knew he would be holy (without the priest). But was it for her tidings of comfort and joy? Did not the angels say fear not?
As the season draws closer and closer to its climax I say to us fear not. For unto us a child is born in the city of David. The government shall be upon his shoulders. He shall be called wonderful, counsellor, the mighty God and the Prince of peace. I say behold the King who needs no appointment because he was born a king. This is the last week-end before Christmas and I implore you to think before you spend. Do you really need that new piece of furniture? Do you really need that new dress or pants? Do you need to paint the house at this time? I know habits die hard, but think, think, and think again. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
I did a recording for Morning Dew today and here is a quote from the presentation. "In 1939 and 1940 when Hitler was preparing for aggression and England was faced with grave danger, Sir Winston Churchill was called upon to succeed, as Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain. He made a famous speech called “Blood, sweat and tears” in which he said and here I quote: “I say to the house as I said to Ministers who have joined this government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy." Our nation faces a monstrous tyranny of negative growth, with crime and violence. Now is the time for tidings of comfort and joy. Our Emmanuel still reigns.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Homesick in Our Homes
Fellow Labourers-
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. ("2 Corinthians 5:1-2). This scripture should remind us that we are not our bodies. Isn't that a part of the reason why we get homesick? The real us longs for something more than we see and touch. Something more than we hear and smell. Something more than we taste. No wonder as the advent season approaches, feelings of anxiety abounds. We anticipate the birth of our Saviour, but at the same time we are anxious to go home. It's as if there is an intersection where life and death meets, and we are caught between nostalgia and déjà vu.
If you are homesick in your own home, you are not alone, because we are seeking for a city. Being homesick for that celestial city means we are pilgrims on a journey. If you do not feel homesick then you are enjoying your temporary home too much. So, let us therefore fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. ("2 Corinthians 5:1-2). This scripture should remind us that we are not our bodies. Isn't that a part of the reason why we get homesick? The real us longs for something more than we see and touch. Something more than we hear and smell. Something more than we taste. No wonder as the advent season approaches, feelings of anxiety abounds. We anticipate the birth of our Saviour, but at the same time we are anxious to go home. It's as if there is an intersection where life and death meets, and we are caught between nostalgia and déjà vu.
If you are homesick in your own home, you are not alone, because we are seeking for a city. Being homesick for that celestial city means we are pilgrims on a journey. If you do not feel homesick then you are enjoying your temporary home too much. So, let us therefore fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The One Who Came in Person
Fellow Labourers-
Those of us who are fathers or mothers can best relate to the gist of this article. Why did God have to come in person? Permit me to be personal on this subject. Our son Zachary has not been home for some time, but we have visited him and talked with him over the phone.Yet, we longed for him each passing day. This morning I needed something and it was in his room. My wife went to get it, and as she opened the door I saw Zachary's half smiling face in the bed. Do you know what that did for me? I asked his mother how she felt seeing him in the bed, to which she replied with a look of love in her eyes-I am not telling you.
Now consider the love of God for his creation. God so loved that he gave and continues to give. God's love for us is not an impersonal love. It is a love that requires Him to come in the flesh and dwell among us. It is not just for Himself that He came; He came for us to have a human experience with Him. What a God!! "The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell. Oh love of God how rich and pure, how measureless and strong. It shall forever more endure, the saints' and angels' song."
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert Stewart
Those of us who are fathers or mothers can best relate to the gist of this article. Why did God have to come in person? Permit me to be personal on this subject. Our son Zachary has not been home for some time, but we have visited him and talked with him over the phone.Yet, we longed for him each passing day. This morning I needed something and it was in his room. My wife went to get it, and as she opened the door I saw Zachary's half smiling face in the bed. Do you know what that did for me? I asked his mother how she felt seeing him in the bed, to which she replied with a look of love in her eyes-I am not telling you.
Now consider the love of God for his creation. God so loved that he gave and continues to give. God's love for us is not an impersonal love. It is a love that requires Him to come in the flesh and dwell among us. It is not just for Himself that He came; He came for us to have a human experience with Him. What a God!! "The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell. Oh love of God how rich and pure, how measureless and strong. It shall forever more endure, the saints' and angels' song."
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert Stewart
Typical or Exceptional?
Fellow Labourers-
Typical or Exceptional? brings to my mind Faith or Hope? Have you ever asked yourself what is hope and what is the difference or similarity between Faith and Hope? Well, I sometimes try to make the distinction and find myself also contrasting the two. But,what is hope? According to John Calvin, "Hope is nothing else than the expectation of those things which faith has believed to have been truly promised by God. Thus, faith believes God to be true, hope awaits the time when this truth shall be manifested; faith believes that he is our Father; hope anticipates that he will ever show himself to be a Father toward us; faith believes that eternal life has been given to us, hope anticipates that it will some time be revealed; faith is the foundation upon which hope rests, hope nourishes and sustains faith." John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion.
Faith and Hope are like inseparable Siamese twins. No wonder Hebrews reminds us that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." They are two legs of the same two legged stool. The stool cannot stand on one leg it needs both. So, we as Christians must have faith and hope operating at the same time. We can have faith and lose hope. So often times it is not that people have lost faith, it is that they have lost hope. Once we lose hope we can lose perspective and hence our confidence can be shaken. Your faith may be challenged but don't lose hope. "Who against hope believed in hope..." (Rom.4:18); "For we are saved by hope..." (Rom.8:24); "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Rom.15:4); "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15). Remember hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Typical or Exceptional? brings to my mind Faith or Hope? Have you ever asked yourself what is hope and what is the difference or similarity between Faith and Hope? Well, I sometimes try to make the distinction and find myself also contrasting the two. But,what is hope? According to John Calvin, "Hope is nothing else than the expectation of those things which faith has believed to have been truly promised by God. Thus, faith believes God to be true, hope awaits the time when this truth shall be manifested; faith believes that he is our Father; hope anticipates that he will ever show himself to be a Father toward us; faith believes that eternal life has been given to us, hope anticipates that it will some time be revealed; faith is the foundation upon which hope rests, hope nourishes and sustains faith." John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion.
Faith and Hope are like inseparable Siamese twins. No wonder Hebrews reminds us that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." They are two legs of the same two legged stool. The stool cannot stand on one leg it needs both. So, we as Christians must have faith and hope operating at the same time. We can have faith and lose hope. So often times it is not that people have lost faith, it is that they have lost hope. Once we lose hope we can lose perspective and hence our confidence can be shaken. Your faith may be challenged but don't lose hope. "Who against hope believed in hope..." (Rom.4:18); "For we are saved by hope..." (Rom.8:24); "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Rom.15:4); "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15). Remember hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Foolish Beauty
Fellow Labourers-
As I read Foolish Beauty I am reminded that there is a vast difference between bodybuilding and weight training. Usian Bolt does weight training to increase is capacity and strength with an end in mind. He wants to run faster than everybody else and to avoid injury. Bodybuilders pump weights to maximally develop every muscle in the body to show it off. What is the purpose of your faith? Having real faith like physical therapy may be painful. Somebody once observed that "The church is a place of rehabilitation, not convalescence. It is not a hospice that prepares people to die; it is a rehab center preparing people to live."
The prophet Isaiah told us that when we see Jesus there would be no beauty in him that we should desire him.Yet, paradoxically we find the beauty of living in the fact that he was wounded for our transgression, bruised for our iniquity, and the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we were healed. As we read through the parallelisms, oxymorons, and paradoxes of Scripture, we find our hope in this foolish beauty. Listen to these striking contradictions we hear daily. I don't believe in God, and God knows. I don't believe in absolutes, and I believe that absolutely. It is very hard to ignore God, there is a beauty outside and within that we can't avoid.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
As I read Foolish Beauty I am reminded that there is a vast difference between bodybuilding and weight training. Usian Bolt does weight training to increase is capacity and strength with an end in mind. He wants to run faster than everybody else and to avoid injury. Bodybuilders pump weights to maximally develop every muscle in the body to show it off. What is the purpose of your faith? Having real faith like physical therapy may be painful. Somebody once observed that "The church is a place of rehabilitation, not convalescence. It is not a hospice that prepares people to die; it is a rehab center preparing people to live."
The prophet Isaiah told us that when we see Jesus there would be no beauty in him that we should desire him.Yet, paradoxically we find the beauty of living in the fact that he was wounded for our transgression, bruised for our iniquity, and the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we were healed. As we read through the parallelisms, oxymorons, and paradoxes of Scripture, we find our hope in this foolish beauty. Listen to these striking contradictions we hear daily. I don't believe in God, and God knows. I don't believe in absolutes, and I believe that absolutely. It is very hard to ignore God, there is a beauty outside and within that we can't avoid.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
The Preparation of Repentance
Fellow Labourers-
A common excuse in vogue for all form of sins is 'We are no longer under law, but under Grace.' However, any keen bible student will know that Grace does not begin in the New Testament, but is seen throughout both testaments. When God spared Adam and Eve it was because of his grace. He delivered Lot because of his grace. So grace is not new. Please read carefully this paragraph as we come in this season of Advent.
"It is very remarkable that we face the thought that God is coming, so calmly, whereas previously peoples trembled at the day of God....We have become so accustomed to the idea of divine love and of God's coming at Christmas that we no longer feel the shiver of fear that God's coming should arouse in us. We are indifferent to the message, taking only the pleasant and agreeable out of it and forgetting the serious aspect, that the God of the world draws near to the people of our little earth and lays claim to us. The coming of God is truly not only glad tidings, but first of all frightening news for every one who has a conscience. Only when we have felt the terror of the matter, can we recognize the incomparable kindness. God comes into the very midst of evil and of death, and judges the evil in us and in the world. And by judging us, God cleanses and sanctifies us, comes to us with grace and love."
Let us be vigilant and not become complacent and loose in our thoughts and expressions. We may change but God never changes." See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
A common excuse in vogue for all form of sins is 'We are no longer under law, but under Grace.' However, any keen bible student will know that Grace does not begin in the New Testament, but is seen throughout both testaments. When God spared Adam and Eve it was because of his grace. He delivered Lot because of his grace. So grace is not new. Please read carefully this paragraph as we come in this season of Advent.
"It is very remarkable that we face the thought that God is coming, so calmly, whereas previously peoples trembled at the day of God....We have become so accustomed to the idea of divine love and of God's coming at Christmas that we no longer feel the shiver of fear that God's coming should arouse in us. We are indifferent to the message, taking only the pleasant and agreeable out of it and forgetting the serious aspect, that the God of the world draws near to the people of our little earth and lays claim to us. The coming of God is truly not only glad tidings, but first of all frightening news for every one who has a conscience. Only when we have felt the terror of the matter, can we recognize the incomparable kindness. God comes into the very midst of evil and of death, and judges the evil in us and in the world. And by judging us, God cleanses and sanctifies us, comes to us with grace and love."
Let us be vigilant and not become complacent and loose in our thoughts and expressions. We may change but God never changes." See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Breaking News
Fellow Labourers-
Take very careful note of this article because we are living in a time of great cynicism and gullibility. These two forces are fighting for an intersection to meet in our daily lives. Just listen to some of the conversations around us, and read some of the bulk mails we pass around. Read today's front page of the The Observer, Gully/Gaza truce. Which breaking news do we believe, and which breaking news do we trust? Is it the media or the messenger? Is it my preference or the context?
Let us take this paragraph from our article." But herein lies an interesting attitude. When thinking about such an incredible example of hoax and gullibility, I suspect many of us have a similar outlook: We are much less vulnerable to fallacy masquerading itself as truth in today's day and age. But could this not also be a false and dangerous assumption? The War of the Worlds broadcast might no longer fool us, but are we really so much closer to recognizing fact from fallacy?
Are we any nearer to separate fact from fiction or do we view things through our party,denomination,socio-economic and relationship filters. As we consider the breaking news remember the word of the prophet Isaiah "Whose report do you believe." Also, remember the correspondence and coherence tests for truth.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Take very careful note of this article because we are living in a time of great cynicism and gullibility. These two forces are fighting for an intersection to meet in our daily lives. Just listen to some of the conversations around us, and read some of the bulk mails we pass around. Read today's front page of the The Observer, Gully/Gaza truce. Which breaking news do we believe, and which breaking news do we trust? Is it the media or the messenger? Is it my preference or the context?
Let us take this paragraph from our article." But herein lies an interesting attitude. When thinking about such an incredible example of hoax and gullibility, I suspect many of us have a similar outlook: We are much less vulnerable to fallacy masquerading itself as truth in today's day and age. But could this not also be a false and dangerous assumption? The War of the Worlds broadcast might no longer fool us, but are we really so much closer to recognizing fact from fallacy?
Are we any nearer to separate fact from fiction or do we view things through our party,denomination,socio-economic and relationship filters. As we consider the breaking news remember the word of the prophet Isaiah "Whose report do you believe." Also, remember the correspondence and coherence tests for truth.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Contemplating Christmas
Fellow Labourers-
This is indeed a soul searching piece as we contemplate Christmas. Have you ever noticed that at this time of the year it seems as if your work load has increased and the demand on your life takes a new meaning. But, I would suggest we need not continue down these old paths. We continue down these paths to our own detriment because we fail to heed Jesus' advise not to worry about tomorrow. The Christmas season can bring on stress so beware.
Let us use this season to examine our attitude. There is a tremendous power in attitude. This power can be used negatively or positively. As we consider the New Year let us develop a new attitude towards the things that causes us to feel stress. The celebrated psychologists Lazarus and Folkman concluded that there are three distinct ways that we can relate to the agents of stress in our lives:
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
This is indeed a soul searching piece as we contemplate Christmas. Have you ever noticed that at this time of the year it seems as if your work load has increased and the demand on your life takes a new meaning. But, I would suggest we need not continue down these old paths. We continue down these paths to our own detriment because we fail to heed Jesus' advise not to worry about tomorrow. The Christmas season can bring on stress so beware.
Let us use this season to examine our attitude. There is a tremendous power in attitude. This power can be used negatively or positively. As we consider the New Year let us develop a new attitude towards the things that causes us to feel stress. The celebrated psychologists Lazarus and Folkman concluded that there are three distinct ways that we can relate to the agents of stress in our lives:
- We can see them as an irreparable damage which has already occurred
- We can see them as a danger
- We can see them as a challenge
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
O What a Mystery
Fellow Labourers-
I lift this paragraph directly from today's article. "This astounding claim should alert us to several factors of which we are often not quite aware. In John's Gospel, we consistently see the unfolding of the mystery of Incarnation. There is a unity between the Father and the Son that we cannot ignore. In chapter 10, John records Jesus proclaiming his oneness with the Father. He uses the neuter gender in the Greek language, implying oneness of substance or essence, and emphatically not oneness of Person. (If he had wanted to mean oneness of Person, he would have used the masculine gender.) This is fundamentally important but is not often heard. Simply put, Jesus says that he is of one essence with the Father, but is not the same Person."
This I believe confirms exactly what we believe that there is only one person in the Godhead. You see God is a Spirit and he took on personality in Jesus through the incarnation. In Jesus dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He did not cease to be God when he became a man. He changed his nature not who he is. He cannot cease to be God and His glory he will not share with another.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
I lift this paragraph directly from today's article. "This astounding claim should alert us to several factors of which we are often not quite aware. In John's Gospel, we consistently see the unfolding of the mystery of Incarnation. There is a unity between the Father and the Son that we cannot ignore. In chapter 10, John records Jesus proclaiming his oneness with the Father. He uses the neuter gender in the Greek language, implying oneness of substance or essence, and emphatically not oneness of Person. (If he had wanted to mean oneness of Person, he would have used the masculine gender.) This is fundamentally important but is not often heard. Simply put, Jesus says that he is of one essence with the Father, but is not the same Person."
This I believe confirms exactly what we believe that there is only one person in the Godhead. You see God is a Spirit and he took on personality in Jesus through the incarnation. In Jesus dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He did not cease to be God when he became a man. He changed his nature not who he is. He cannot cease to be God and His glory he will not share with another.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
A God Nearby
Fellow Labourers-
A God nearby sounds like a very welcome preposition, but interestingly enough not to all. A God nearby sounds like a threat to one's freedom by those who cling dearly to their autonomy. For some it sounds like an invasion of privacy. A God nearby one would think would be a joy to all. Yet we find different reactions to the thought of a God nearby. For those of us who accept our human limitations a God nearby is always very welcome. It is even truer for those of us like to pray. The Apostle James says "Draw nigh to him and he will draw nigh to you."
A God nearby will always be understood by praying people. Buy why do we need to pray if God is always near by? Accorging to R.A.Torrey, "We need to pray because of what prayer accomplishes. Prayer promotes our spiritual growth as almost nothing else, indeed, as nothing else except bible study. True prayer and true bible study go hand in hand. It is through prayer that my sin is brought to light, my most hidden sin. As I kneel before God and pray," Search me,O God and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me." Psalm 139:23-24.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
A God nearby sounds like a very welcome preposition, but interestingly enough not to all. A God nearby sounds like a threat to one's freedom by those who cling dearly to their autonomy. For some it sounds like an invasion of privacy. A God nearby one would think would be a joy to all. Yet we find different reactions to the thought of a God nearby. For those of us who accept our human limitations a God nearby is always very welcome. It is even truer for those of us like to pray. The Apostle James says "Draw nigh to him and he will draw nigh to you."
A God nearby will always be understood by praying people. Buy why do we need to pray if God is always near by? Accorging to R.A.Torrey, "We need to pray because of what prayer accomplishes. Prayer promotes our spiritual growth as almost nothing else, indeed, as nothing else except bible study. True prayer and true bible study go hand in hand. It is through prayer that my sin is brought to light, my most hidden sin. As I kneel before God and pray," Search me,O God and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me." Psalm 139:23-24.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Willing the Will
Fellow Labourers-
This article reminds me of Pastor Stewart's message on Choices. Some of us make choices that seems inimical to common sense and social order, and yet we will find support for our action. They say the mind is a terrible thing to waste, but couldn't this be say of the will also. More and more I am realizing how powerful one's will can be. We can will to be sick as well as will to be well. Jesus asked the lame man, "Will thou be made whole?" In other words what do you will, wholeness or sameness. Sometimes the will needs to be coaxed and at other times it must be shocked into action. The prodigal was shocked into action when he came to himself, he said, I will.
As children of God we should not allow circumstances to dictate to us. And as I write two verses from my devotional text for today spring to mind. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. "2 Corinthians 4:17-18. In reading the article I see how distinctly different we react to situations. Isn't it customary among us to use rain as an excuse not to go outdoors? For these Northwestern Americans staying in doors when it rains is not an option. If you have been putting off something important today will to get it done. Make a list of all that needs to done in the next thirty days and will the will to get them done.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
This article reminds me of Pastor Stewart's message on Choices. Some of us make choices that seems inimical to common sense and social order, and yet we will find support for our action. They say the mind is a terrible thing to waste, but couldn't this be say of the will also. More and more I am realizing how powerful one's will can be. We can will to be sick as well as will to be well. Jesus asked the lame man, "Will thou be made whole?" In other words what do you will, wholeness or sameness. Sometimes the will needs to be coaxed and at other times it must be shocked into action. The prodigal was shocked into action when he came to himself, he said, I will.
As children of God we should not allow circumstances to dictate to us. And as I write two verses from my devotional text for today spring to mind. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. "2 Corinthians 4:17-18. In reading the article I see how distinctly different we react to situations. Isn't it customary among us to use rain as an excuse not to go outdoors? For these Northwestern Americans staying in doors when it rains is not an option. If you have been putting off something important today will to get it done. Make a list of all that needs to done in the next thirty days and will the will to get them done.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Worlds Apart
Fellow Labourers-
As I read this article I call to mind the recent message by Rev. Anglin. Those of us who were present can recall that he spoke about the discussion that lasted for over one hour on whether it should be problems or challenges. So, even today we argue if it should be toilet or rest-room, die or pass away, old or elderly, generation gap or information gap and the list goes on. We have become a culture of euphemisms and that may be a part of our problem. We try to 'soften' the event with new terminologies and in so doing we are addressing symptoms and not causes in most instances. Could this be why we seem to be worlds apart?
Since this article highlighted Augustine I would recommend we all get to know the man. It is said in some circles that between the close of the New Testament Canon and the Protestant Reformation no greater person lived in the Christian church than Augustine of Hippo. It is said that with all his brilliance this man used to live an immoral and dissolute life. But one day he heard a voice of a child saying, 'Tolle, lege' ("Take up and read, take up and read"). He opened his Bible to the thirteenth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans: "Not in rioting and drunkeness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh." When he read this, the truth of God's word flashed upon him and he accepted Christ and became a voice for the Church. We might not agree with all of his theology, we may be worlds apart, but we can be thankful that the church was saved from the Pelagian heresy by Augustine who demolished that teaching by simply expounding the Epistle to the Romans. I recommend a study of the Epistle to the Romans. This book has had significant impact on Martin Luther, John Bunyan, John Wesley, Robert and James Alexander Haldane, Merle d'Aubigne, John Chrysostom of Constantinople among others. Let us diligently go back to this Epistle and we may find that we are not that too far apart.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
As I read this article I call to mind the recent message by Rev. Anglin. Those of us who were present can recall that he spoke about the discussion that lasted for over one hour on whether it should be problems or challenges. So, even today we argue if it should be toilet or rest-room, die or pass away, old or elderly, generation gap or information gap and the list goes on. We have become a culture of euphemisms and that may be a part of our problem. We try to 'soften' the event with new terminologies and in so doing we are addressing symptoms and not causes in most instances. Could this be why we seem to be worlds apart?
Since this article highlighted Augustine I would recommend we all get to know the man. It is said in some circles that between the close of the New Testament Canon and the Protestant Reformation no greater person lived in the Christian church than Augustine of Hippo. It is said that with all his brilliance this man used to live an immoral and dissolute life. But one day he heard a voice of a child saying, 'Tolle, lege' ("Take up and read, take up and read"). He opened his Bible to the thirteenth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans: "Not in rioting and drunkeness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh." When he read this, the truth of God's word flashed upon him and he accepted Christ and became a voice for the Church. We might not agree with all of his theology, we may be worlds apart, but we can be thankful that the church was saved from the Pelagian heresy by Augustine who demolished that teaching by simply expounding the Epistle to the Romans. I recommend a study of the Epistle to the Romans. This book has had significant impact on Martin Luther, John Bunyan, John Wesley, Robert and James Alexander Haldane, Merle d'Aubigne, John Chrysostom of Constantinople among others. Let us diligently go back to this Epistle and we may find that we are not that too far apart.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Flow of Blessing
Fellow Labourers-
One of the reasons why science is so believable is because of the fact that the universe is regular and predictable. What if one day we awoke to see the sun rising in the west? This would be a special case. Well in life there are a lot of special cases for us to consider. We cannot abandon the general for the special, but every possible means should be used to understand the special case. The special case may be real or it may just be an aberration or even a mirage. This sounds a bit like I am refuting the argument of the article, but I am not. What I am doing is using science instead of philosophy to make a point. Science is one way of knowing and it cannot always be used to satisfy an argument.
When it comes to the source of our blessings this is always a constant. We cannot say it generally comes from God as if God is not the only source. It always come from God and he causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. The source never changes but the means may change. So, when we give thanks let us be specific.
Today I thank God for the saints who always pray for me. I thank him for our Pastor who is an example of faithfulness. I thank him for my wife who is always looking out for my good. I thank him for my children who has helped me to know the love and pain of a father. I thank him for you my fellow labourers through whom some of my blessings flow. But most of all thank God from whom all blessings flow.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
One of the reasons why science is so believable is because of the fact that the universe is regular and predictable. What if one day we awoke to see the sun rising in the west? This would be a special case. Well in life there are a lot of special cases for us to consider. We cannot abandon the general for the special, but every possible means should be used to understand the special case. The special case may be real or it may just be an aberration or even a mirage. This sounds a bit like I am refuting the argument of the article, but I am not. What I am doing is using science instead of philosophy to make a point. Science is one way of knowing and it cannot always be used to satisfy an argument.
When it comes to the source of our blessings this is always a constant. We cannot say it generally comes from God as if God is not the only source. It always come from God and he causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. The source never changes but the means may change. So, when we give thanks let us be specific.
Today I thank God for the saints who always pray for me. I thank him for our Pastor who is an example of faithfulness. I thank him for my wife who is always looking out for my good. I thank him for my children who has helped me to know the love and pain of a father. I thank him for you my fellow labourers through whom some of my blessings flow. But most of all thank God from whom all blessings flow.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The Indignity of Giving Thanks
Fellow Labourers-
To those of you who celebrate the US day of Thanksgiving I say happy thanksgiving. To the rest of us I say give thanks for today, since it is the day that the Lord has made. As the writer correctly points out that real thanksgiving can only come through gratitude. Isn't the absence of gratitude one of the failings of the converted and soon to be converted? Most of today's converts seem to come to God with an attitude of entitlement. I will get saved if...? And so they lay down a list of do's and don'ts if they were to get saved. I am thankful that Jesus loves me and died for me, but I will not surrender my autonomy to him.
There are some interesting articles in today's TIMES DIGEST which are extracts from THE NEW YORK TIMES. One in particular quotes an atheist who asks if God is partial against the amputees. His argument is that we Christians claim that God cures cancer, but he never seem to care about the amputees. Is this an argument about God's ability or does it smacks of ingratitude? Ungratefulness causes us not to look at our own blessings but at the blessings of others resulting in ingratitude and covetousness. Today let us count our many blessings and name them one by one and it will surprise us what the Lord has done.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
To those of you who celebrate the US day of Thanksgiving I say happy thanksgiving. To the rest of us I say give thanks for today, since it is the day that the Lord has made. As the writer correctly points out that real thanksgiving can only come through gratitude. Isn't the absence of gratitude one of the failings of the converted and soon to be converted? Most of today's converts seem to come to God with an attitude of entitlement. I will get saved if...? And so they lay down a list of do's and don'ts if they were to get saved. I am thankful that Jesus loves me and died for me, but I will not surrender my autonomy to him.
There are some interesting articles in today's TIMES DIGEST which are extracts from THE NEW YORK TIMES. One in particular quotes an atheist who asks if God is partial against the amputees. His argument is that we Christians claim that God cures cancer, but he never seem to care about the amputees. Is this an argument about God's ability or does it smacks of ingratitude? Ungratefulness causes us not to look at our own blessings but at the blessings of others resulting in ingratitude and covetousness. Today let us count our many blessings and name them one by one and it will surprise us what the Lord has done.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
A Different Night
Fellow Labourers-
The Friday night before our son was discharged from the hospital was a different night for my wife and I. As I now ponder, the words of Ovid comes to mind, "Meminerunt omnia amantes - Lovers remember everything." On that night we took the decision that it was time for our son to leave the hospital, and I had to task to convince the doctor that it was "Nunc aut nunquam - Now or never." Like David I cogitated through the night upon my bed. It was for me a night that hope springs eternal in my breast as my fear became faith in the God of promise. It was indeed a different night as the thought of having our son home after two months in an institution that was draining us physically, mentally and financially.
But, then the night after was also a different night. This was Saturday and our son walked unaided for the first time as he went to the nurses' station to tell them goodbye. I took him home but had to leave almost immediately for a wedding in Mandeville. I was very uneasy at the wedding because I wanted to be there for many reasons. I quietly left the wedding early and on reaching Mineral Heights my cell phone rang and on the other end was our son asking how far I was, and if I could get him something to eat. When I got home his mother and I had an evening of praise and thanksging with him in his own room after nearly 60 days. Today I give thanks for His mercy still endures ever faithful ever sure.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The Friday night before our son was discharged from the hospital was a different night for my wife and I. As I now ponder, the words of Ovid comes to mind, "Meminerunt omnia amantes - Lovers remember everything." On that night we took the decision that it was time for our son to leave the hospital, and I had to task to convince the doctor that it was "Nunc aut nunquam - Now or never." Like David I cogitated through the night upon my bed. It was for me a night that hope springs eternal in my breast as my fear became faith in the God of promise. It was indeed a different night as the thought of having our son home after two months in an institution that was draining us physically, mentally and financially.
But, then the night after was also a different night. This was Saturday and our son walked unaided for the first time as he went to the nurses' station to tell them goodbye. I took him home but had to leave almost immediately for a wedding in Mandeville. I was very uneasy at the wedding because I wanted to be there for many reasons. I quietly left the wedding early and on reaching Mineral Heights my cell phone rang and on the other end was our son asking how far I was, and if I could get him something to eat. When I got home his mother and I had an evening of praise and thanksging with him in his own room after nearly 60 days. Today I give thanks for His mercy still endures ever faithful ever sure.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving
Fellow Labourers-
"We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. And we offer up the sacrifice of thanksgiving---."This chorus suggests that the sacrifices were not in the house but are brought to the house. The sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving are as a result of our experiences in our daily lives. We chose to be thankful and to praise our God in spite of what we may be going through. The Bible calls us to remember because if we cannot recall we may very well not offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Today may not seem like a good day, but when I think of the goodness of Jesus and all he has done for me---.
Let us to choose to make praise and thanksgiving a part of our daily routine. To be alive, and to be up and about we ought to be thankful. It is out of this thankfulness that our greatest praise comes. Praise is comely for the upright. Praise waited for thee O God." Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honor all the day." Psalm 71:8." Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hadst caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: and I will pay thee my vows, Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. Psalm 67:11-14.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
"We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. And we offer up the sacrifice of thanksgiving---."This chorus suggests that the sacrifices were not in the house but are brought to the house. The sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving are as a result of our experiences in our daily lives. We chose to be thankful and to praise our God in spite of what we may be going through. The Bible calls us to remember because if we cannot recall we may very well not offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Today may not seem like a good day, but when I think of the goodness of Jesus and all he has done for me---.
Let us to choose to make praise and thanksgiving a part of our daily routine. To be alive, and to be up and about we ought to be thankful. It is out of this thankfulness that our greatest praise comes. Praise is comely for the upright. Praise waited for thee O God." Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honor all the day." Psalm 71:8." Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hadst caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: and I will pay thee my vows, Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. Psalm 67:11-14.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The Apologetic of Significance
Fellow Labourers-
My observations concur with the writer of this article. There is an all out search for significance. This to me in of it itself is not necessarily a bad thing, but what of our motives? Is this an attempt to say I am out of your league? I went into an upscale community recently to visit with someone whose neighbour was not quite the type he would like, but he said something interesting to me." Isn't it funny that my neighbour and I are up here coming from down there and we refer to him as them people." Sometimes our significance is in our home and where it is located, so we want to guard it as best we can. When things and place define our significance we are up for many disappointments.
Our search should be for significance in Christ. Let us listen to the apostle Paul. "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him,and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." Philippians 3:7-11.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
My observations concur with the writer of this article. There is an all out search for significance. This to me in of it itself is not necessarily a bad thing, but what of our motives? Is this an attempt to say I am out of your league? I went into an upscale community recently to visit with someone whose neighbour was not quite the type he would like, but he said something interesting to me." Isn't it funny that my neighbour and I are up here coming from down there and we refer to him as them people." Sometimes our significance is in our home and where it is located, so we want to guard it as best we can. When things and place define our significance we are up for many disappointments.
Our search should be for significance in Christ. Let us listen to the apostle Paul. "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. And be found in him not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him,and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." Philippians 3:7-11.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The Storyteller
Fellow Labourers-
What is your story? I think of the words of the song "I love to tell the story, of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story, because I know it's true; It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do." Although I have not heard this song sung for a long time I live with the reality that I know the central figure of the story. I love a good story, and the story is even made better when you have a good story teller.
When I met Jesus I met the greatest story teller ever, because with consummate ease he tells his own story without any self deception. With the use of parables he brings to life the deadest of situations. But the profoundest of all is he tells my own story without ever calling my name. And when I think of it this storyteller tells all of our story, and it is the same story.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
What is your story? I think of the words of the song "I love to tell the story, of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story, because I know it's true; It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do." Although I have not heard this song sung for a long time I live with the reality that I know the central figure of the story. I love a good story, and the story is even made better when you have a good story teller.
When I met Jesus I met the greatest story teller ever, because with consummate ease he tells his own story without any self deception. With the use of parables he brings to life the deadest of situations. But the profoundest of all is he tells my own story without ever calling my name. And when I think of it this storyteller tells all of our story, and it is the same story.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Truth as a Person
Fellow Labourers-
Today's reading has to do with facts versus knowledge. Sometimes the two are the same, but at other times we may fail to distinguish between the two. The article brought a smile to my face because it took me back to July 1970. I saw my wife in July of 1970 even before we ever met. It was a morning that I hope to never forget, as the sun came up from the Eastern skies and shone around this lone girl on her way to work. The fact is I saw her and had some facts about her physical appearance that appealed to my eye gate. After 39 years I am still learning about her.
Those of us who were privileged to be at the memorial service on Tuesday November 17th can say some our facts have become knowledge. We knew for a fact that Jesus died to save us, but it is now knowledge that he knew us before the foundations of the world. Not only did he know us from thence, but he saved us. Knowing whose we are and who we are, are important criteria for us living a victorious life. We are in a progressive dynamic that may appear regressive to the untrained mind. But God be thanked who has given us the victory through our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
Is it a fact or knowledge to you that nothing shall be able to separate you from the love of God. Why? If you are a sheep of the good Shepherd nothing shall be able to pluck you out of his hand. This truth is to be found in the person of Jesus Christ who said "I am the good shepherd and I lay down my life for the sheep."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Today's reading has to do with facts versus knowledge. Sometimes the two are the same, but at other times we may fail to distinguish between the two. The article brought a smile to my face because it took me back to July 1970. I saw my wife in July of 1970 even before we ever met. It was a morning that I hope to never forget, as the sun came up from the Eastern skies and shone around this lone girl on her way to work. The fact is I saw her and had some facts about her physical appearance that appealed to my eye gate. After 39 years I am still learning about her.
Those of us who were privileged to be at the memorial service on Tuesday November 17th can say some our facts have become knowledge. We knew for a fact that Jesus died to save us, but it is now knowledge that he knew us before the foundations of the world. Not only did he know us from thence, but he saved us. Knowing whose we are and who we are, are important criteria for us living a victorious life. We are in a progressive dynamic that may appear regressive to the untrained mind. But God be thanked who has given us the victory through our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
Is it a fact or knowledge to you that nothing shall be able to separate you from the love of God. Why? If you are a sheep of the good Shepherd nothing shall be able to pluck you out of his hand. This truth is to be found in the person of Jesus Christ who said "I am the good shepherd and I lay down my life for the sheep."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The Apologetic of Story
Fellow Labourers-
I went to bed last night knowing that someone I know for over 30 years was lying on a hospital bed in the KPH suffering from gunshot wounds at the hands of men who do not know Christ. Men that maybe have never heard the gospel message. Then on my way to face the day I got a call from a member of the church saying her grandmother, mother and niece were held up and robbed by gunmen. What do we do when we hear these terrible news? Do we cower into retreat or do we stand up in the name of Jesus and fight for justice and peace in our nation?
In the process of reading today's article I glanced up at the ceiling in the room where I am reflecting from today. I saw an arrangement with vines and clusters of grapes hanging. From where I sat the grapes looked real, but my knowledge of where I am tells me they are not real. The situation around us is real, but from where I sit I see another side to the story. The eternal God is our refuge and strength. Therefore we will not fear, neither will we faint or fret. Let us arise children of God in our apostolic authority. Let us put on the whole armour of God. The fight is fixed. But greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
I went to bed last night knowing that someone I know for over 30 years was lying on a hospital bed in the KPH suffering from gunshot wounds at the hands of men who do not know Christ. Men that maybe have never heard the gospel message. Then on my way to face the day I got a call from a member of the church saying her grandmother, mother and niece were held up and robbed by gunmen. What do we do when we hear these terrible news? Do we cower into retreat or do we stand up in the name of Jesus and fight for justice and peace in our nation?
In the process of reading today's article I glanced up at the ceiling in the room where I am reflecting from today. I saw an arrangement with vines and clusters of grapes hanging. From where I sat the grapes looked real, but my knowledge of where I am tells me they are not real. The situation around us is real, but from where I sit I see another side to the story. The eternal God is our refuge and strength. Therefore we will not fear, neither will we faint or fret. Let us arise children of God in our apostolic authority. Let us put on the whole armour of God. The fight is fixed. But greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Grace for Mary Magdalene
Fellow Labourers-
This grace that Jesus displayed with regard to Mary Magdalene is indeed radical grace. This is grace so amazing so divine. Let's listen to a direct quote from today's article "Watching Christ, we begin to see a God who is entirely countercultural, who affirms those who are rejected and overlooked, who gives women a voice and safe place to be heard, and who calls everyone to transparency, compelling a broken world to come to him with their pain and shortfall, sickness and sin. We see a God who not only can handle our real stories—but demands them—because He Himself is real. "
There are those today who wants to call Mary's life and her association with Jesus into disrepute. Isn't it rather odd how good deeds are sometimes frown upon? I have come to realize that those who would put you down and try to dig up your past cannot help your present or your future. Armed with this fact I will cling to the grace of God. With all that is happening around us and the attendant uncertainties let me leave a verse with you "For I know the thoughts I that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
Robert A. Stewart
This grace that Jesus displayed with regard to Mary Magdalene is indeed radical grace. This is grace so amazing so divine. Let's listen to a direct quote from today's article "Watching Christ, we begin to see a God who is entirely countercultural, who affirms those who are rejected and overlooked, who gives women a voice and safe place to be heard, and who calls everyone to transparency, compelling a broken world to come to him with their pain and shortfall, sickness and sin. We see a God who not only can handle our real stories—but demands them—because He Himself is real. "
There are those today who wants to call Mary's life and her association with Jesus into disrepute. Isn't it rather odd how good deeds are sometimes frown upon? I have come to realize that those who would put you down and try to dig up your past cannot help your present or your future. Armed with this fact I will cling to the grace of God. With all that is happening around us and the attendant uncertainties let me leave a verse with you "For I know the thoughts I that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
Robert A. Stewart
Monday, November 16, 2009
Grace for Mary Magdalene
Fellow Labourers-
This grace that Jesus displayed with regard to Mary Magdalene is indeed radical grace. This is grace so amazing so divine. Let's listen to a direct quote from today's article "Watching Christ, we begin to see a God who is entirely countercultural, who affirms those who are rejected and overlooked, who gives women a voice and safe place to be heard, and who calls everyone to transparency, compelling a broken world to come to him with their pain and shortfall, sickness and sin. We see a God who not only can handle our real stories—but demands them—because He Himself is real. "
There are those today who wants to call Mary's life and her association with Jesus into disrepute. Isn't it rather odd how good deeds are sometimes frowned upon? I have come to realize that those who would put you down and try to dig up your past cannot help your present or your future. Armed with this fact I will cling to the grace of God. With all that is happening around us and the attendant uncertainties let me leave a verse with you "For I know the thoughts I that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
Robert A. Stewart
This grace that Jesus displayed with regard to Mary Magdalene is indeed radical grace. This is grace so amazing so divine. Let's listen to a direct quote from today's article "Watching Christ, we begin to see a God who is entirely countercultural, who affirms those who are rejected and overlooked, who gives women a voice and safe place to be heard, and who calls everyone to transparency, compelling a broken world to come to him with their pain and shortfall, sickness and sin. We see a God who not only can handle our real stories—but demands them—because He Himself is real. "
There are those today who wants to call Mary's life and her association with Jesus into disrepute. Isn't it rather odd how good deeds are sometimes frowned upon? I have come to realize that those who would put you down and try to dig up your past cannot help your present or your future. Armed with this fact I will cling to the grace of God. With all that is happening around us and the attendant uncertainties let me leave a verse with you "For I know the thoughts I that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
Robert A. Stewart
A Mighty Evangel
Fellow Labourers-
This is the end of another work week for most of us and did I hear TGIF. I do find though that in my personal life days hardly matters anymore. Why? This is the day that the Lord has made. Last night I was lamenting with a fellow Elder the decline of prayer in the church. This was a shared position between us and I promised by God's grace I will do something about it. E.M. Bounds in his book Powerful and Prayerful Pulpits said the following: "The power of the preacher lies in the power of prayer, in his ability to pray so as to reach God and bring great results. The power of prayer is rarely tested, its possibilities seldom understood, never exhausted. The pulpit fixed and fired with holy desires that presses these desires on God with tireless faith will be the pulpit of power. Nothing is so feeble, so insipid, so nonproductive as a little tedious praying. To pray over our sermons in the same way as we say grace at our meals does no good. Every part of the sermon should be born of the throes of prayer; its beginning and end should be vocal with the plea and song of prayer. Its delivery should be impassioned and driven by the love from the furnace of prayer. Prayer, on fire with intense desire and urged by a faith that does not fold its wings till God is reached, is the mightiest of forces. Prayer that carries heaven by storm and moves God by a restless advocacy makes the pulpit a throne and its deliverances like the decrees of destiny. The power of preaching must be backed by a Christlike life."
As we close another week may we find the time to truly worship. You see my friends worship is more that an act, it's a life style.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
This is the end of another work week for most of us and did I hear TGIF. I do find though that in my personal life days hardly matters anymore. Why? This is the day that the Lord has made. Last night I was lamenting with a fellow Elder the decline of prayer in the church. This was a shared position between us and I promised by God's grace I will do something about it. E.M. Bounds in his book Powerful and Prayerful Pulpits said the following: "The power of the preacher lies in the power of prayer, in his ability to pray so as to reach God and bring great results. The power of prayer is rarely tested, its possibilities seldom understood, never exhausted. The pulpit fixed and fired with holy desires that presses these desires on God with tireless faith will be the pulpit of power. Nothing is so feeble, so insipid, so nonproductive as a little tedious praying. To pray over our sermons in the same way as we say grace at our meals does no good. Every part of the sermon should be born of the throes of prayer; its beginning and end should be vocal with the plea and song of prayer. Its delivery should be impassioned and driven by the love from the furnace of prayer. Prayer, on fire with intense desire and urged by a faith that does not fold its wings till God is reached, is the mightiest of forces. Prayer that carries heaven by storm and moves God by a restless advocacy makes the pulpit a throne and its deliverances like the decrees of destiny. The power of preaching must be backed by a Christlike life."
As we close another week may we find the time to truly worship. You see my friends worship is more that an act, it's a life style.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Really Real
Fellow Labourers-
What is really real? If we travel the fourteen parishes of Jamaica we will find pockets of people that will describe for us a Jamaica that seems unreal to us. For some children playing in mud is fun, whilst for others it is unhygienic. As the old saying goes "one man's garbage is another man's meal." There are so many realities around us that we are not aware of, and when they are explained we sometimes find it hard to believe.
How many of us would have believed Jonah if he came and told us his story. Like the writer of today's article, I don't think Jonah was too aware of what was taking place between the ship and the land. Once back on land he was faced with a new reality, and that was the need to tell of the impending danger. He had one message to preach and it had nothing to do with his fish belly experience. Once we are jolted to reality our focus will be in the right place. A lot of Jamaicans are today living in fear whether real or imagined. Can we show them what's really real?" For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."St. John 3:16
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
What is really real? If we travel the fourteen parishes of Jamaica we will find pockets of people that will describe for us a Jamaica that seems unreal to us. For some children playing in mud is fun, whilst for others it is unhygienic. As the old saying goes "one man's garbage is another man's meal." There are so many realities around us that we are not aware of, and when they are explained we sometimes find it hard to believe.
How many of us would have believed Jonah if he came and told us his story. Like the writer of today's article, I don't think Jonah was too aware of what was taking place between the ship and the land. Once back on land he was faced with a new reality, and that was the need to tell of the impending danger. He had one message to preach and it had nothing to do with his fish belly experience. Once we are jolted to reality our focus will be in the right place. A lot of Jamaicans are today living in fear whether real or imagined. Can we show them what's really real?" For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."St. John 3:16
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Can We Abandon Violence?
Fellow Labourers-
Can we abandon violence? A very moot question don't you think? We find violence in the very places we would least expect it. In the home, in the schools, on the job, and even in the places of worship. So, can we abandon violence? I say yes conditionally, based on my devotional reading this morning.
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." St. John 13:10,12&13.
If we will not abide in Christ and heed his commandments then I am afraid we cannot abandon violence. You see violence comes in many forms. How many times have we used violent words to harm our neighbours? There are some folks that their very presence evokes violence. How about the violent look? Lord I pledge to see the evil in me and daily ask that you help me to put away the evil in me.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Can we abandon violence? A very moot question don't you think? We find violence in the very places we would least expect it. In the home, in the schools, on the job, and even in the places of worship. So, can we abandon violence? I say yes conditionally, based on my devotional reading this morning.
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." St. John 13:10,12&13.
If we will not abide in Christ and heed his commandments then I am afraid we cannot abandon violence. You see violence comes in many forms. How many times have we used violent words to harm our neighbours? There are some folks that their very presence evokes violence. How about the violent look? Lord I pledge to see the evil in me and daily ask that you help me to put away the evil in me.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Coming to Ourselves
Fellow Labourers-
Coming to ourselves is an important part of living a purposeful life. When we don't know who we are or understand the journey we are taking our life can seem empty and circular. But, how do we come to ourselves? For some of us it may be deliberate whilst for some of us it may be circumstantial. However it happens is irrelevant, what is important is that it is a genuine experience that draws us nearer to our God.
As I read today's article it becomes even clearer to me how important it is for us to know the Rock from whence we were hewned. Not only is it important for us to know the Rock, but it is also necessary for us to let those who are coming after us have a clear understanding of why we hold to this Rock. We cannot now be giving uncertain sounds which causes confusion and uncertainty to those who are still seeking to come to themselves. Today I ask myself Are there any distinctive features that makes me Apostolic? To which drumbeat am I marching? Am I seeking to be a part of the crowd or am I coming to the realization that indeed I am different? It's a great thought to know that even in the pigpen, we can come to ourselves.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Coming to ourselves is an important part of living a purposeful life. When we don't know who we are or understand the journey we are taking our life can seem empty and circular. But, how do we come to ourselves? For some of us it may be deliberate whilst for some of us it may be circumstantial. However it happens is irrelevant, what is important is that it is a genuine experience that draws us nearer to our God.
As I read today's article it becomes even clearer to me how important it is for us to know the Rock from whence we were hewned. Not only is it important for us to know the Rock, but it is also necessary for us to let those who are coming after us have a clear understanding of why we hold to this Rock. We cannot now be giving uncertain sounds which causes confusion and uncertainty to those who are still seeking to come to themselves. Today I ask myself Are there any distinctive features that makes me Apostolic? To which drumbeat am I marching? Am I seeking to be a part of the crowd or am I coming to the realization that indeed I am different? It's a great thought to know that even in the pigpen, we can come to ourselves.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Every Tear
Fellow Labourers-
I trust you all had a wonderful week-end and is now pumped up with Godly energy to face another week one day at a time. For those of you who could not wait for the week-end to come to a screeching halt I say "The heart of the King is in the hand of the Lord." I don't know which king is trying to control your life but "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Isn't it a joy to know that our tear is specific to us? When we cry God sees our individual tears and responds accordingly. He deciphers every atom and molecule in a drop of tear. No wonder the writer says "Tear is a language God understands."
I wonder if when we cry for joy the morphology of our tear differs from that of a tear for pain? Can you imagine that we are identifiable by one drop of tear. Oh the marvel of our God. The words of the prophet Jeremiah are very poignant at this point. "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come: And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters." Jeremiah 9:17&18. After we have cried down here, there will be no need to cry over in glory. Tears will never stain the street of that city. What Joy!!
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
I trust you all had a wonderful week-end and is now pumped up with Godly energy to face another week one day at a time. For those of you who could not wait for the week-end to come to a screeching halt I say "The heart of the King is in the hand of the Lord." I don't know which king is trying to control your life but "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Isn't it a joy to know that our tear is specific to us? When we cry God sees our individual tears and responds accordingly. He deciphers every atom and molecule in a drop of tear. No wonder the writer says "Tear is a language God understands."
I wonder if when we cry for joy the morphology of our tear differs from that of a tear for pain? Can you imagine that we are identifiable by one drop of tear. Oh the marvel of our God. The words of the prophet Jeremiah are very poignant at this point. "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come: And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters." Jeremiah 9:17&18. After we have cried down here, there will be no need to cry over in glory. Tears will never stain the street of that city. What Joy!!
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Rearranging the Furniture
Fellow Labourers-
It should be now patently clear to us that we are in a world that's gone mad. A world where anything goes and hopelessness is setting in. This week (ending Nov.6) in the United States points to the fact that the only safe place is in the arms of Jesus. In Jacksonville a father shot his two children and then shot himself. In Texas a major opened fire on his own colleagues. In Orlando a former employee opened fire on his ex-coworkers, and the list could go on and on. This is the country that is held up before the world as the greatest democracy in the western world. And yet there seems to be an insatiable taste for blood. Why?
The world desperately needs a rearranging of the furniture. We do not need more peace keeping forces or larger police forces and armies. What we need is more justice. Justice denied anywhere is justice denied everywhere. Injustice screams at us from sunrise to sunset, and no amount of social reengineering will solve our problems. Justice can only come when Jesus is in control of the lives of men. It is time for the Church to get back to its roots. A root that teaches that "The just shall live by faith." We cannot now cower in the face of the enemy, and begin to retreat. Then forward still its Jehovah's will though the billows dash and spray. With a conquering tread we will push ahead; he'll roll the sea away.
Pax Vobiscum.
Robert A. Stewart
It should be now patently clear to us that we are in a world that's gone mad. A world where anything goes and hopelessness is setting in. This week (ending Nov.6) in the United States points to the fact that the only safe place is in the arms of Jesus. In Jacksonville a father shot his two children and then shot himself. In Texas a major opened fire on his own colleagues. In Orlando a former employee opened fire on his ex-coworkers, and the list could go on and on. This is the country that is held up before the world as the greatest democracy in the western world. And yet there seems to be an insatiable taste for blood. Why?
The world desperately needs a rearranging of the furniture. We do not need more peace keeping forces or larger police forces and armies. What we need is more justice. Justice denied anywhere is justice denied everywhere. Injustice screams at us from sunrise to sunset, and no amount of social reengineering will solve our problems. Justice can only come when Jesus is in control of the lives of men. It is time for the Church to get back to its roots. A root that teaches that "The just shall live by faith." We cannot now cower in the face of the enemy, and begin to retreat. Then forward still its Jehovah's will though the billows dash and spray. With a conquering tread we will push ahead; he'll roll the sea away.
Pax Vobiscum.
Robert A. Stewart
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Oh the Humanity
Fellow Labourers-
Oh the humanity! beckons to all of us. Remember the Apostle Paul when he cried "O wretched man that I am?" This was a cry of his humanity. A cry which echoes throughout all ages. Why? We are dust and are prone to the vicissitudes of life, hence we suffer and we groan because of our mortality. Having knowledge of our humanity should humble us enough to seek to find our real purpose in the earth.
We are reminded by the words of a song that "Known only to him are the deep hidden secret." Armed with this knowledge we should so live that each day of our lives count for something good. It was the Psalmist who asked "What is man that thou art mindful of him?" The God who made us knows our mortality but he has made a way for us to gain immortality. Jesus looked in the cup and what he saw caused him to ask if and why. How is your cup today? Question if you must, but be assured that if like Jesus you are willing to make the sacrifice, then be assured that this humanity too shall pass.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Oh the humanity! beckons to all of us. Remember the Apostle Paul when he cried "O wretched man that I am?" This was a cry of his humanity. A cry which echoes throughout all ages. Why? We are dust and are prone to the vicissitudes of life, hence we suffer and we groan because of our mortality. Having knowledge of our humanity should humble us enough to seek to find our real purpose in the earth.
We are reminded by the words of a song that "Known only to him are the deep hidden secret." Armed with this knowledge we should so live that each day of our lives count for something good. It was the Psalmist who asked "What is man that thou art mindful of him?" The God who made us knows our mortality but he has made a way for us to gain immortality. Jesus looked in the cup and what he saw caused him to ask if and why. How is your cup today? Question if you must, but be assured that if like Jesus you are willing to make the sacrifice, then be assured that this humanity too shall pass.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Expect the Unexpected
Fellow Labourers-
Today's subject for me is very fitting. Here I am on the seventh floor of The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in Jacksonville, Florida. I am here for two reasons. We are having a regional meeting, but I was specially invited to come in a day earlier to speak at a farewell function of a former senior manager who resigned after twenty years with the company. At dinner last night I was sharing table with an avid golfer from Trinidad when a group of six persons walked in. My avid golfer friend got all excited and said do you know who that is, to which the rest of us answered in the negative. He said that was one of the all time great master golfer Arnold Palmer who just inducted the late president Ike Eisenhower into the golf hall of fame next door. Because of this avid golfer we were invited to Mr. Palmer's table and he warmly shook each of our hands in turn. When I came back to my room and turned the TV on there was Mr. Palmer making his speech at the hall of fame event.
My devotional today was on leadership, and who would have thought that President Obama would be the first African American President of the USA. Yes we must expect the unexpected. Never say never. President Obama had one theme throughout his campaign "Yes we can." Joshua had one theme "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." People who make commitments like these are leaders who expect the unexpected. They are not afraid of the critics and the naysayers. Let us therefore "Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16. When the disciples went to the tomb I wonder what did they expect to see?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Today's subject for me is very fitting. Here I am on the seventh floor of The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in Jacksonville, Florida. I am here for two reasons. We are having a regional meeting, but I was specially invited to come in a day earlier to speak at a farewell function of a former senior manager who resigned after twenty years with the company. At dinner last night I was sharing table with an avid golfer from Trinidad when a group of six persons walked in. My avid golfer friend got all excited and said do you know who that is, to which the rest of us answered in the negative. He said that was one of the all time great master golfer Arnold Palmer who just inducted the late president Ike Eisenhower into the golf hall of fame next door. Because of this avid golfer we were invited to Mr. Palmer's table and he warmly shook each of our hands in turn. When I came back to my room and turned the TV on there was Mr. Palmer making his speech at the hall of fame event.
My devotional today was on leadership, and who would have thought that President Obama would be the first African American President of the USA. Yes we must expect the unexpected. Never say never. President Obama had one theme throughout his campaign "Yes we can." Joshua had one theme "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." People who make commitments like these are leaders who expect the unexpected. They are not afraid of the critics and the naysayers. Let us therefore "Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16. When the disciples went to the tomb I wonder what did they expect to see?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
My Messy House
Fellow Labourers-
There is a song we hear every now and then which goes like this - "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." The solution of the world's ills has to begin with me. I must first identify the evil in me before I can tell anyone else about the evil that's in them. And the best way to identify that evil is to use the best measuring stick - the word of God - the Bible. Isn't it time we quit hiding behind masks and deal with our monsters? Are we incapable of identifying our own monsters? Then let us ask for help.
In reading the Psalms, I have become very conscious of three words - God's Commandments, God's Statutes and God's Judgment. As the preacher pointed out on Sunday last we see God's judgment in Moses, His mercy in David and His grace in Jesus. All three are still in operation today but we tend to ignore God's judgment. Grace does not negate judgment, but substitutes for it when appropriated. Lord help me to clean up my messy house and set my own house in order.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
There is a song we hear every now and then which goes like this - "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." The solution of the world's ills has to begin with me. I must first identify the evil in me before I can tell anyone else about the evil that's in them. And the best way to identify that evil is to use the best measuring stick - the word of God - the Bible. Isn't it time we quit hiding behind masks and deal with our monsters? Are we incapable of identifying our own monsters? Then let us ask for help.
In reading the Psalms, I have become very conscious of three words - God's Commandments, God's Statutes and God's Judgment. As the preacher pointed out on Sunday last we see God's judgment in Moses, His mercy in David and His grace in Jesus. All three are still in operation today but we tend to ignore God's judgment. Grace does not negate judgment, but substitutes for it when appropriated. Lord help me to clean up my messy house and set my own house in order.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
To Unravel a Culture
Fellow Labourers-
How do we unravel a culture? Why should we unravel a culture? Do we become syncretistic in our culture? As you ponder these questions I hope you will observe that a prominent part of our neo-Christian culture goes like this," If you can't beat them you join them." We are fast jettisoning all our moral and Christian distinctiveness, not to become all things to all men, but to become all men. We have become like Joseph's coat of many colours. In other words we are distinctly visible but indistinguishable from the crowd.
Was Jesus distinct and distinguishable? Culture it would seem is not static, but there is a framework within the culture that seems to be static. I believe that one of the problems we face today is a culture without a reference point. A culture that is free floating and not impacted by any moral gravity, and hence is careening out of control. It is the 'weak' force called gravity that has kept so many things in check. Our Christian culture should be that gravitational force to keep balance, but we have crossed the fulcrum onto the other side. Come let us reason together!!
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
How do we unravel a culture? Why should we unravel a culture? Do we become syncretistic in our culture? As you ponder these questions I hope you will observe that a prominent part of our neo-Christian culture goes like this," If you can't beat them you join them." We are fast jettisoning all our moral and Christian distinctiveness, not to become all things to all men, but to become all men. We have become like Joseph's coat of many colours. In other words we are distinctly visible but indistinguishable from the crowd.
Was Jesus distinct and distinguishable? Culture it would seem is not static, but there is a framework within the culture that seems to be static. I believe that one of the problems we face today is a culture without a reference point. A culture that is free floating and not impacted by any moral gravity, and hence is careening out of control. It is the 'weak' force called gravity that has kept so many things in check. Our Christian culture should be that gravitational force to keep balance, but we have crossed the fulcrum onto the other side. Come let us reason together!!
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Friday, October 30, 2009
Where God Is
Fellow Labourers-
Remember the phrase "Actions speak louder than words"? Yes, the world is not listening to our talk; they are looking at our walk. Can they see God in me? These days I am trying to make each day that I live count for something good. I will not only sing "Each day I'll do a golden deed, by helping those who are in need", but I will endeavour by God's grace to make it a reality of my living.
Isn't it amazing how God measures what we do. The bible tells us that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over a hosts of just men who need no repentance. You see God's way of dealing with us is not statistical but anti-statistical. Sometimes we want to do the great and grandiose so much that we fail to see the need right in our own homes. Brothers and sisters we can find God anywhere. I am trying to see him in my own home, and when I set out on any journey. Little is much when God is in it.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Remember the phrase "Actions speak louder than words"? Yes, the world is not listening to our talk; they are looking at our walk. Can they see God in me? These days I am trying to make each day that I live count for something good. I will not only sing "Each day I'll do a golden deed, by helping those who are in need", but I will endeavour by God's grace to make it a reality of my living.
Isn't it amazing how God measures what we do. The bible tells us that there is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over a hosts of just men who need no repentance. You see God's way of dealing with us is not statistical but anti-statistical. Sometimes we want to do the great and grandiose so much that we fail to see the need right in our own homes. Brothers and sisters we can find God anywhere. I am trying to see him in my own home, and when I set out on any journey. Little is much when God is in it.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The Greatest of Dreams
Fellow Labourers-
Some years ago the young and ebullient Elder Albert Bailey preached a message "Don't let your dream die" with such gusto and dynamism that it is still riveted in my head. He used Joseph from the bible as his nucleus, and from there he exegeted a powerful message. It is the dreamers of this world that have always impacted the course of history the most. It is not that all of us do not dream, but it is not all of us who realize that for our dream to come to pass we cannot remain asleep. Dreamers will always be criticized and held as suspect, but don't let anyone kill your dream.
Martin Luther had advisers and critics but he did not let them control him because he had a mission that was larger than life. Those of you with a dream who feel threatened by your critics here is a bit of advice.
"If your critics control you, you're defeated." How might they control you?
Here are five ways to respond to a critic without letting them control you:
1. Respond in your time, not the critic's (Prov. 19:11)
A Christian businessman prudently applied James 1:19. At the beginning of every meeting he wrote these initials at the top of his notepad:
"QTL" (quick to listen), "STS" (slow to speak), "STA" (slow to anger). How can we apply QTL, STS, STA to fielding criticism?
2. Respond positively (Prov. 15:1)
Affirm the critic's valid concerns (usually some valid concern exists) and state positively your own concerns. It's not necessary to validate the criticism itself. Here are two responses, one mine and one from my wife:
3. Take it to the Lord (1 Peter 5:7)
Anxiety often follows quickly on heels of criticism. An effective means of "taking it to the Lord" is to ponder the promises of the Bible to the believer.
Sometimes a criticism contains a needed rebuke. We prove ourselves discerning, prudent, and wise when we learn and grow from it. "Rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still" (Proverbs 9:8-9, NIV).
Counselors, such as respected colleagues, trusted friends, a discerning spouse, godly parents, will help us know when and how to respond to criticism (Prov. 15:22). When sharing with our trusted counselors we should:
5. Take initiative in friendly interaction (Rom. 12:18)
I have a friend who knows how to take the initiative in relating warmly to everyone, especially opponents and critics. My friend invariably walks into a room with a broad smile on his face. He politely greets everyone he meets while making his way quickly to the person with whom he knows he has some difference. He engages the person in friendly conversation about family, work, and other such things. My friend achieves some important things by using this strategy:
If criticism casts us into bitterness or despair, we've been criticized and controlled. There is a better way! We can't be exempt from criticism. We can be criticized, but not controlled!
Coye Still, pastor of the University Hills Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC. Adapted from a previous article. Used by permission.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Some years ago the young and ebullient Elder Albert Bailey preached a message "Don't let your dream die" with such gusto and dynamism that it is still riveted in my head. He used Joseph from the bible as his nucleus, and from there he exegeted a powerful message. It is the dreamers of this world that have always impacted the course of history the most. It is not that all of us do not dream, but it is not all of us who realize that for our dream to come to pass we cannot remain asleep. Dreamers will always be criticized and held as suspect, but don't let anyone kill your dream.
Martin Luther had advisers and critics but he did not let them control him because he had a mission that was larger than life. Those of you with a dream who feel threatened by your critics here is a bit of advice.
"If your critics control you, you're defeated." How might they control you?
Here are five ways to respond to a critic without letting them control you:
1. Respond in your time, not the critic's (Prov. 19:11)
A Christian businessman prudently applied James 1:19. At the beginning of every meeting he wrote these initials at the top of his notepad:
"QTL" (quick to listen), "STS" (slow to speak), "STA" (slow to anger). How can we apply QTL, STS, STA to fielding criticism?
- Does the critic run your response clock? He shouldn't. It is almost always your prerogative to choose not to respond definitively in a given exchange.
- Maintain composure. You display wisdom in holding your tongue. "It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel" (Proverbs 20:3, NIV).
- You may buy yourself important time by saying, "I'd like you to clarify for me your concern, and then I want to put some thought into it."
- Don't obligate yourself to respond at a later time unless you think its imperative to do so. You may not need to respond at all.
2. Respond positively (Prov. 15:1)
Affirm the critic's valid concerns (usually some valid concern exists) and state positively your own concerns. It's not necessary to validate the criticism itself. Here are two responses, one mine and one from my wife:
- A woman once criticized me for being "too direct" in witnessing to her husband in the ICU. She said it increased his stress and made him less open to the Lord. I acknowledged her concern for her husband's well-being and suggested that we pray together for the Lord to lead both of us in our witnessing to him. I prayed for the man's salvation and for both his wife and me to be wise, courageous, and sensitive in sharing the gospel.
- When my wife heard the criticism from others of how I had handled a family departing from our church, she wisely chose to respond as follows: "Coye and I hurt with you over their leaving. In fact, Coye has been in touch with them a few times in recent weeks. It might be helpful for you to talk to him directly." My wife's response ended the exchange with the critic.
3. Take it to the Lord (1 Peter 5:7)
Anxiety often follows quickly on heels of criticism. An effective means of "taking it to the Lord" is to ponder the promises of the Bible to the believer.
- In regard to criticism, ponder particularly the promises of Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 41:10; John 16:33; and Romans 8:31-39.
- Are your critics maliciously lying about you? Make Psalm 62 your close companion, a prayer daily upon your lips.
- Do you fear forced resignation? Remember that "To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue" (Proverbs 16:1, NIV).
- Critics are not in control of your tenure."The Lord knows those who are his" (2 Timothy 2:19, NIV). If dismissal does take place, how does God intend to glorify Himself through you?
Sometimes a criticism contains a needed rebuke. We prove ourselves discerning, prudent, and wise when we learn and grow from it. "Rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still" (Proverbs 9:8-9, NIV).
Counselors, such as respected colleagues, trusted friends, a discerning spouse, godly parents, will help us know when and how to respond to criticism (Prov. 15:22). When sharing with our trusted counselors we should:
- Describe the situation and ask what else they need to know to understand it
- Ask what we should learn from the criticism
- Ask what action we should take, if any, in responding to the criticism
5. Take initiative in friendly interaction (Rom. 12:18)
I have a friend who knows how to take the initiative in relating warmly to everyone, especially opponents and critics. My friend invariably walks into a room with a broad smile on his face. He politely greets everyone he meets while making his way quickly to the person with whom he knows he has some difference. He engages the person in friendly conversation about family, work, and other such things. My friend achieves some important things by using this strategy:
- He puts the potentially uncomfortable conversations first so that he can move on with ease
- He protects himself from any charge of avoidance of a critic
- He shows himself free from spite or bitterness over previous interaction
- He communicates that his desire is for friendly personal relations regardless of the differences.
If criticism casts us into bitterness or despair, we've been criticized and controlled. There is a better way! We can't be exempt from criticism. We can be criticized, but not controlled!
Coye Still, pastor of the University Hills Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC. Adapted from a previous article. Used by permission.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Distracting Ourselves to Death
Fellow Labourers-
Our subject today is so real that we need to stop and take stock of ourselves. On Saturday on our way from a funeral in Portland, I saw a gentleman at Constant Spring Road whom I have met casually before. Can you imagine how I felt when I saw him in Monday's Gleaner being reported as killed in his own home?
Some of us have refused to watch or listen to the news anymore, but we cannot escape from reality forever. Sooner or later reality catches up with us. Our own mortality causes us to either fear or hope. We can either be in a state of hopelessness or hopefulness. Knowing this should alert us to be more purpose driven in our daily living.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Our subject today is so real that we need to stop and take stock of ourselves. On Saturday on our way from a funeral in Portland, I saw a gentleman at Constant Spring Road whom I have met casually before. Can you imagine how I felt when I saw him in Monday's Gleaner being reported as killed in his own home?
Some of us have refused to watch or listen to the news anymore, but we cannot escape from reality forever. Sooner or later reality catches up with us. Our own mortality causes us to either fear or hope. We can either be in a state of hopelessness or hopefulness. Knowing this should alert us to be more purpose driven in our daily living.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
My Brother's shoes
Fellow Labourers-
This is for me a challenging article in many respects. There is an oft repeated phrase going the rounds- 'Let us bring closure to the matter.' What does this mean to you? The story of the crucifixion as recorded in St. John's gospel chapter 19 is very gripping to say the least. John told us that Jesus' blood relatives were present yet he asked one of his closest disciples to take care of his mother instead of one of them. Have you ever asked why? It is also interesting to note that Jesus never said "it is finished" until after they gave him vinegar to drink. But, the verses before that told us that Jesus knew all things were accomplished.
We are people of purpose and so we must indeed bring closure to a number of issues we face and will face in life. How do we bring closure? A reading of history especially as it is told by those present is very helpful for those of us who want to live above the superficial. There are many personal tales of Jews who survived the holocaust, and we should seek to read them. Read them not in isolation but as an adjunct to the Bible. It is so easy for us to pass judgment and come to conclusions. So easy for us to see the mote in each other's eyes, but never easy it seems to put on my brother's shoes.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
This is for me a challenging article in many respects. There is an oft repeated phrase going the rounds- 'Let us bring closure to the matter.' What does this mean to you? The story of the crucifixion as recorded in St. John's gospel chapter 19 is very gripping to say the least. John told us that Jesus' blood relatives were present yet he asked one of his closest disciples to take care of his mother instead of one of them. Have you ever asked why? It is also interesting to note that Jesus never said "it is finished" until after they gave him vinegar to drink. But, the verses before that told us that Jesus knew all things were accomplished.
We are people of purpose and so we must indeed bring closure to a number of issues we face and will face in life. How do we bring closure? A reading of history especially as it is told by those present is very helpful for those of us who want to live above the superficial. There are many personal tales of Jews who survived the holocaust, and we should seek to read them. Read them not in isolation but as an adjunct to the Bible. It is so easy for us to pass judgment and come to conclusions. So easy for us to see the mote in each other's eyes, but never easy it seems to put on my brother's shoes.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The world speaks!
Fellow Labourers-
The world indeed speaks, but how do we listen? Do we listen to distinguish the tree from the forest or to see the forest as the tree? Do we listen with romantic ears or scientific ears? How we listen can determine how we interpret the world.
Does our world change daily by the happenings around us or is our world as constant as the rising and setting of the sun?
There is no one right way of interpreting the world, but if our interpretation does not lead us to the creator of the world then to me it is obviuos that we have missed the mark. It is not that all roads lead to God, but the one road that leads us to him is filled with sign posts along the way. We must not second guess the sign posts; we must stop long enough to get the understanding from the One who placed them there in the first place.
"When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shall thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment."Job 38:9-14
Listen the world speaks!!
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
The world indeed speaks, but how do we listen? Do we listen to distinguish the tree from the forest or to see the forest as the tree? Do we listen with romantic ears or scientific ears? How we listen can determine how we interpret the world.
Does our world change daily by the happenings around us or is our world as constant as the rising and setting of the sun?
There is no one right way of interpreting the world, but if our interpretation does not lead us to the creator of the world then to me it is obviuos that we have missed the mark. It is not that all roads lead to God, but the one road that leads us to him is filled with sign posts along the way. We must not second guess the sign posts; we must stop long enough to get the understanding from the One who placed them there in the first place.
"When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shall thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment."Job 38:9-14
Listen the world speaks!!
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Friday, October 23, 2009
The new atheism
Fellow Labourers-
If you want to see the truth of today's article, just follow some of the discussions going on in our local newspapers. Our church has to be proactive and prepare our people for the onslaught of this neo-atheism. Sometimes it is subtle, and at other times it is vulgarly displayed as new truth.
Reality is being distorted by the use of modern technology and we must beware. Our people have been for a long time living by sentiments, but sentiments are like shifting sand. Like the renaissance that erupted in Europe and caused a great tension resulting in a new atheism, unbridled globalization is having a somewhat similar effect. Unlike the renaissance that spent a long time in Italy before it spread, globalization is like instant coffee. But remember the apostle Paul's admonition 'Do not be deceived by the philosophy and vain deceit of men.'
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
If you want to see the truth of today's article, just follow some of the discussions going on in our local newspapers. Our church has to be proactive and prepare our people for the onslaught of this neo-atheism. Sometimes it is subtle, and at other times it is vulgarly displayed as new truth.
Reality is being distorted by the use of modern technology and we must beware. Our people have been for a long time living by sentiments, but sentiments are like shifting sand. Like the renaissance that erupted in Europe and caused a great tension resulting in a new atheism, unbridled globalization is having a somewhat similar effect. Unlike the renaissance that spent a long time in Italy before it spread, globalization is like instant coffee. But remember the apostle Paul's admonition 'Do not be deceived by the philosophy and vain deceit of men.'
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Of light and illumination
Fellow Labourers-
In the book Megatrends 2000, authors Naisbitt and Aburdene outlined trends they anticipated would be transformational for the future. Among their calculations was the New Age movement, which in 1990 was quickly gaining momentum. They wrote: "In turbulent times, in times of great change, people head for the two extremes: fundamentalism and personal, spiritual experience... With no membership lists or even a coherent philosophy or dogma, it is difficult to define or measure the unorganized New Age movement. But in every major U.S. and European city, thousands who seek insight and personal growth cluster around a metaphysical bookstore, a spiritual teacher, or an education center."(1) This is all the more an accurate picture for today.
While New Age seekers may not share a cohesive focus or an organizational center, there are certainly consistent and underlying tenets of thought among them. The movement is syncretistic, in that it incorporates any number of spiritual and religious ideologies at one time, but it is consistently monistic and pantheistic. New Age seekers are informed by the belief that all of reality is essentially one. Thus, everything is divine, including themselves; for if all is one, and there are no distinctions, then all is God. Or, in the words of Shirley Maclaine in Dancing in the Light, "I am God, because all energy is plugged in to the same source.... We are individualized reflections of the God source. God is us and we are God."(2)
Seven hundred years earlier, medieval Christian mystic Julian of Norwich spoke in what some may consider a similar tone: "[O]ur substance is our Father, God almighty... [O]ur substance is whole in each person of the Trinity, who is one God."(3) Early Christian mystics are known for their fervent seeking and spiritual awareness of the oneness of life. Thus, there are certainly similar melodies to be found within the songs of Christian mysticism and the growing chorus of New Age spirituality. But so there are marked differences among them.
Within its historical context, mysticism, like many other Christian movements, was an expression of faith in response to faithless times. In this regard, New Age seekers are not entirely different. Some New Age seeking is, I think, a legitimate reaction to the comfortable and shallow religious life we find within our society. But as New Age seekers long for the depth and freedom to believe in everything, the result is contrary to what they seek. Their theology and spirituality are entirely segregated. The quest for illumination is a quest that can begin and end anywhere; thus, they find neither depth nor freedom. On the contrary, Julian of Norwich and other early Christian mystics sought an authentic experience of faith as a result of an already dynamic understanding of that faith. Their theology in and of itself is what led them to spirituality.
For the Christian today, illumination still begins with Light itself, God unobscured, though incomprehensible, revealed through the glory of the Son. Starting with light and standing upon truth, the Christian begins his journey as a seeker knowing there is one who hears his prayers. There is a source for all illumination, and He is light of the world.
New Age seekers would perhaps be helped to know there is a great tradition of seeking within Christianity, a tradition that began with the recognition that we could not fix what is wrong, and a tradition that continues because there is one who can. The human heart is ever-seeking, showing the longing of a soul to be known. In the words of Julian of Norwich, "We shall never cease wanting and longing until we possess Him in fullness and joy... The more clearly the soul sees the Blessed Face by grace and love, the more it longs to see it in its fullness."(4) For the Christian seeker, communion with God is far more than self-discovery or personal freedom; it is theology that has become doxology, which in turn becomes life.
Jill Carattini is managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.
(1) J. Naisbitt and P. Aburdene, Megatrends 2000: Ten New Directions Transforming Our Lives (New York: William Morrow & Company, 1990), 11.
(2) Shirley Maclaine, Dancing in the Light (New York: Bantam Doubleday, 1991), 339.
(3) Julian of Norwich, Showings, ed. and trans. by James Walsh in "The Classics of Western Spirituality" (New York: Paulish Press, 1978), 129.
(4) Ibid.
These are some of the situations we are faced with as a church. There are a lot of seekers who have not yet settled in their search. If we can not get the minds of our young people we are going to lose them. They are seeing and they are hearing and we have the responsibility to help them to distinguish the sheep from the goats. Are we ready for this challenge?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
In the book Megatrends 2000, authors Naisbitt and Aburdene outlined trends they anticipated would be transformational for the future. Among their calculations was the New Age movement, which in 1990 was quickly gaining momentum. They wrote: "In turbulent times, in times of great change, people head for the two extremes: fundamentalism and personal, spiritual experience... With no membership lists or even a coherent philosophy or dogma, it is difficult to define or measure the unorganized New Age movement. But in every major U.S. and European city, thousands who seek insight and personal growth cluster around a metaphysical bookstore, a spiritual teacher, or an education center."(1) This is all the more an accurate picture for today.
While New Age seekers may not share a cohesive focus or an organizational center, there are certainly consistent and underlying tenets of thought among them. The movement is syncretistic, in that it incorporates any number of spiritual and religious ideologies at one time, but it is consistently monistic and pantheistic. New Age seekers are informed by the belief that all of reality is essentially one. Thus, everything is divine, including themselves; for if all is one, and there are no distinctions, then all is God. Or, in the words of Shirley Maclaine in Dancing in the Light, "I am God, because all energy is plugged in to the same source.... We are individualized reflections of the God source. God is us and we are God."(2)
Seven hundred years earlier, medieval Christian mystic Julian of Norwich spoke in what some may consider a similar tone: "[O]ur substance is our Father, God almighty... [O]ur substance is whole in each person of the Trinity, who is one God."(3) Early Christian mystics are known for their fervent seeking and spiritual awareness of the oneness of life. Thus, there are certainly similar melodies to be found within the songs of Christian mysticism and the growing chorus of New Age spirituality. But so there are marked differences among them.
Within its historical context, mysticism, like many other Christian movements, was an expression of faith in response to faithless times. In this regard, New Age seekers are not entirely different. Some New Age seeking is, I think, a legitimate reaction to the comfortable and shallow religious life we find within our society. But as New Age seekers long for the depth and freedom to believe in everything, the result is contrary to what they seek. Their theology and spirituality are entirely segregated. The quest for illumination is a quest that can begin and end anywhere; thus, they find neither depth nor freedom. On the contrary, Julian of Norwich and other early Christian mystics sought an authentic experience of faith as a result of an already dynamic understanding of that faith. Their theology in and of itself is what led them to spirituality.
For the Christian today, illumination still begins with Light itself, God unobscured, though incomprehensible, revealed through the glory of the Son. Starting with light and standing upon truth, the Christian begins his journey as a seeker knowing there is one who hears his prayers. There is a source for all illumination, and He is light of the world.
New Age seekers would perhaps be helped to know there is a great tradition of seeking within Christianity, a tradition that began with the recognition that we could not fix what is wrong, and a tradition that continues because there is one who can. The human heart is ever-seeking, showing the longing of a soul to be known. In the words of Julian of Norwich, "We shall never cease wanting and longing until we possess Him in fullness and joy... The more clearly the soul sees the Blessed Face by grace and love, the more it longs to see it in its fullness."(4) For the Christian seeker, communion with God is far more than self-discovery or personal freedom; it is theology that has become doxology, which in turn becomes life.
Jill Carattini is managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.
(1) J. Naisbitt and P. Aburdene, Megatrends 2000: Ten New Directions Transforming Our Lives (New York: William Morrow & Company, 1990), 11.
(2) Shirley Maclaine, Dancing in the Light (New York: Bantam Doubleday, 1991), 339.
(3) Julian of Norwich, Showings, ed. and trans. by James Walsh in "The Classics of Western Spirituality" (New York: Paulish Press, 1978), 129.
(4) Ibid.
These are some of the situations we are faced with as a church. There are a lot of seekers who have not yet settled in their search. If we can not get the minds of our young people we are going to lose them. They are seeing and they are hearing and we have the responsibility to help them to distinguish the sheep from the goats. Are we ready for this challenge?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Of Ephods and Ensnarements
Fellow Labourers-
Today's reading is a poignant reminder to all of us that we are still people with feet of clay. We have got to be careful not to sentimentalize the word of God. We cannot have a full understanding of the scriptures apart from the Old Testament. Have you noticed that the apostle Paul uses the phrase "According to the Scriptures" quite often? The only Scripture he could have been referring to was the Old Testament. It is therefore important that our interpretation of the New Testament does not contradict the teaching of the Old Testament.
When we read the Old Testament we will see that its teaching is expiation - the punishment of sin. D.Martyn Lloyd Jones made an interesting observation about the Old Testament. He says "If you apply the teaching of the Old Testament, you can never have a 'subjective' evangelism, by which I mean that the business of evangelism is not just to solve people's problems; psychology does that, the cults do that, many things do that. The thing that separates the gospel from every other teaching is that it is primarily a proclamation of God and our relationship to God. Not our particular problems, but the same problem that has come to all of us, that we are condemned sinners before a Holy God and a holy law. That is evangelism. It must, therefore, always put repentance first. Now the Old Testament constantly reminds us of that and you cannot get away from it."
When we try to live withot the law we can become victims "Of Ephods and Ensnarements." Grace did not void the law; rather it illuminates the law to prevent us from butting our toes in the dark. You see we cannot have justification without sanctification.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Today's reading is a poignant reminder to all of us that we are still people with feet of clay. We have got to be careful not to sentimentalize the word of God. We cannot have a full understanding of the scriptures apart from the Old Testament. Have you noticed that the apostle Paul uses the phrase "According to the Scriptures" quite often? The only Scripture he could have been referring to was the Old Testament. It is therefore important that our interpretation of the New Testament does not contradict the teaching of the Old Testament.
When we read the Old Testament we will see that its teaching is expiation - the punishment of sin. D.Martyn Lloyd Jones made an interesting observation about the Old Testament. He says "If you apply the teaching of the Old Testament, you can never have a 'subjective' evangelism, by which I mean that the business of evangelism is not just to solve people's problems; psychology does that, the cults do that, many things do that. The thing that separates the gospel from every other teaching is that it is primarily a proclamation of God and our relationship to God. Not our particular problems, but the same problem that has come to all of us, that we are condemned sinners before a Holy God and a holy law. That is evangelism. It must, therefore, always put repentance first. Now the Old Testament constantly reminds us of that and you cannot get away from it."
When we try to live withot the law we can become victims "Of Ephods and Ensnarements." Grace did not void the law; rather it illuminates the law to prevent us from butting our toes in the dark. You see we cannot have justification without sanctification.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Windows, Roads and New Rooms
Fellow Labourers-
Congratulations to you our unsung heroes who continue to be light in a dark world. Continue to strive to enter into that perfect light. I recommend to you an article in today's Observer by Jean Lowrie-Chin titled 'Always right to do right.' Here is a paragraph from the article "The 70-year-old evergreen Father Ho Lung was lauded by JPS public affairs director Tony Ray who admitted that like many of us, he would not be able to do the kind of work nurturing the destitute and dying, that the priest and his brothers do. There are many heroic church leaders, people like Bishop Herro Blair, Bishop Carmen Stewart, and Dr. Henley Morgan who work with the poorest of the poor and have empowered thousands of Jamaicans."
This article should force us to ask "Am I fulfilling my purpose in the Earth or am I just merely existing?" In his book called 'Something beautiful for God - Mother Theresa speaks' Mother Theresa gave the following response to a question posed to her by the author. "In our work we have many people whom we call Co-Workers, and I want them to give their hands to serve the people and their hearts to love the people. For, unless they come in very close contact with them, it is very difficult for them to know who the poor are."
So I ask us "Are we giving our hands in service and our hearts in loving? Do we really know who the poor are from up close?"
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Congratulations to you our unsung heroes who continue to be light in a dark world. Continue to strive to enter into that perfect light. I recommend to you an article in today's Observer by Jean Lowrie-Chin titled 'Always right to do right.' Here is a paragraph from the article "The 70-year-old evergreen Father Ho Lung was lauded by JPS public affairs director Tony Ray who admitted that like many of us, he would not be able to do the kind of work nurturing the destitute and dying, that the priest and his brothers do. There are many heroic church leaders, people like Bishop Herro Blair, Bishop Carmen Stewart, and Dr. Henley Morgan who work with the poorest of the poor and have empowered thousands of Jamaicans."
This article should force us to ask "Am I fulfilling my purpose in the Earth or am I just merely existing?" In his book called 'Something beautiful for God - Mother Theresa speaks' Mother Theresa gave the following response to a question posed to her by the author. "In our work we have many people whom we call Co-Workers, and I want them to give their hands to serve the people and their hearts to love the people. For, unless they come in very close contact with them, it is very difficult for them to know who the poor are."
So I ask us "Are we giving our hands in service and our hearts in loving? Do we really know who the poor are from up close?"
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
The House of God
Fellow Labourers-
Those of us who follow the letters and comments in our Daily Gleaner will notice how religion has become a very hot topic. The arguments are coming from every corner of the many sided man. These arguments are not coincidental, but prefigures the mighty revival that the earth is awaiting. It was not until after Nebuchadnezzar was lifted up in pride that he came to know who God is.
Some of the arguments put forward as being intellectual amounts to nothing more than a moral problem.Yes, even in the papers we can see the signs of the times. It is now time for the house of God to be rebuilt and exposed. As Pastor John Mark Bartlett pointed out in his convention message "Take the Limits off God," if man want to make man from the dust of the earth, he must first make his own dust. Let us become more aware of what is happening around us and we won't be caught off guard. Jacob did not know immediately that he was in the house of God because he did not grasp the moment. As they say in Latin "Carpe Diem" seize the day, let us seize the moment for we are in the house of God.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Those of us who follow the letters and comments in our Daily Gleaner will notice how religion has become a very hot topic. The arguments are coming from every corner of the many sided man. These arguments are not coincidental, but prefigures the mighty revival that the earth is awaiting. It was not until after Nebuchadnezzar was lifted up in pride that he came to know who God is.
Some of the arguments put forward as being intellectual amounts to nothing more than a moral problem.Yes, even in the papers we can see the signs of the times. It is now time for the house of God to be rebuilt and exposed. As Pastor John Mark Bartlett pointed out in his convention message "Take the Limits off God," if man want to make man from the dust of the earth, he must first make his own dust. Let us become more aware of what is happening around us and we won't be caught off guard. Jacob did not know immediately that he was in the house of God because he did not grasp the moment. As they say in Latin "Carpe Diem" seize the day, let us seize the moment for we are in the house of God.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Ultimate Diet
Fellow Labourers-
I read today's article with fear and trembling because of what I see and know. There is a form of spiritual laziness that has spawn Christendom over the past decade or two that should make us all very concern for the church and indeed the Kingdom of God. Have you ever noticed the look on some of our faces whenever we are ask to think? It seems nothing pains some people more than having to think. We have become so accustomed to hype that a lot of our churches are filled with spiritually anaemic saints.
Remember Jesus' command to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. It is still very relevant today. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. coins the phrase "A tough mind and a tender heart" based on Jesus' statement and he inferred that soft mindedness is a dangerous thing. Charlatans and dictators often capitalizes on soft mindedness. It was Adolf Hitler who said, "I use emotion for the many and reserve reason for the few. In Mein Kampf he even said that "By means of shrewd lies, unremittingly repeated, it is possible to make people believe that heaven is hell."
We need to watch not only our natural diet but also our spiritual diet. My wish is for leaders and followers who finds the ultimate diet to sustain us in this challenging world.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
I read today's article with fear and trembling because of what I see and know. There is a form of spiritual laziness that has spawn Christendom over the past decade or two that should make us all very concern for the church and indeed the Kingdom of God. Have you ever noticed the look on some of our faces whenever we are ask to think? It seems nothing pains some people more than having to think. We have become so accustomed to hype that a lot of our churches are filled with spiritually anaemic saints.
Remember Jesus' command to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. It is still very relevant today. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. coins the phrase "A tough mind and a tender heart" based on Jesus' statement and he inferred that soft mindedness is a dangerous thing. Charlatans and dictators often capitalizes on soft mindedness. It was Adolf Hitler who said, "I use emotion for the many and reserve reason for the few. In Mein Kampf he even said that "By means of shrewd lies, unremittingly repeated, it is possible to make people believe that heaven is hell."
We need to watch not only our natural diet but also our spiritual diet. My wish is for leaders and followers who finds the ultimate diet to sustain us in this challenging world.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Many staged miracles
Fellow Labourers-
Have you ever asked the question, Why is God taking so long? If you did, did you wait for an answer? If we think about it from the fall of man God has been trying to show man that we can't do without him, but it seems we are unable to grasp this. So to my mind, God does things in stages so that we may see our need of him even clearer. Sadly though some of us refuse to learn from the past.
What stage are you at in your miracle of life?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Have you ever asked the question, Why is God taking so long? If you did, did you wait for an answer? If we think about it from the fall of man God has been trying to show man that we can't do without him, but it seems we are unable to grasp this. So to my mind, God does things in stages so that we may see our need of him even clearer. Sadly though some of us refuse to learn from the past.
What stage are you at in your miracle of life?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Bringing the Past to Bear on the Present
Fellow Labourers-
As Christians remembering our past is so important to us living out our faith. At the end of the message on Sunday as I was going to change I was introduced to a young man who was under great conviction. He said the impact of the message on him sounded just like when he is firing his AK47. He did not want to go back to that life but he was afraid. One of our faithful brothers was passing at the same time and he held on to him and said "I remember when you were one of us, you were a 'shotta' just like me and look what God has done for you. I need help. The Don is in prison and they expect me to keep the peace. There is a youth I see on the choir that I was going to kill, but somebody told me he was a member at this church and I let him go, and now me come see him fe true. Please pray for me."
Going back into our past may just stimulate us to go for those we have left behind. It might make us restless until we fulfill our purpose. The present demands that we bring our past to bear on it. The harvest truly is ripe but the labourers are few. We still have the illegal drug users and pushers, we still have the prostitutes, we still have the homeless and destitute, we still have the widows and the father-less. Yes we still have the unsaved.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
As Christians remembering our past is so important to us living out our faith. At the end of the message on Sunday as I was going to change I was introduced to a young man who was under great conviction. He said the impact of the message on him sounded just like when he is firing his AK47. He did not want to go back to that life but he was afraid. One of our faithful brothers was passing at the same time and he held on to him and said "I remember when you were one of us, you were a 'shotta' just like me and look what God has done for you. I need help. The Don is in prison and they expect me to keep the peace. There is a youth I see on the choir that I was going to kill, but somebody told me he was a member at this church and I let him go, and now me come see him fe true. Please pray for me."
Going back into our past may just stimulate us to go for those we have left behind. It might make us restless until we fulfill our purpose. The present demands that we bring our past to bear on it. The harvest truly is ripe but the labourers are few. We still have the illegal drug users and pushers, we still have the prostitutes, we still have the homeless and destitute, we still have the widows and the father-less. Yes we still have the unsaved.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Building Hills
Fellow Labourers-
Why build hills? Is it because we like to climb? So yes, if we like to climb we must either take the hills available or build our own. How do I make the decision on whether to build or not, and if I have to build what are my choices for material? This is where praying and thinking comes in and these are two things some of us would like to avoid.
I believe though that it is time to build a hill called the kingdom. There is something I learnt which I have not yet confirmed that in the gospels the word church only appears twice and it's in the book of Matthew, but the word kingdom appears 54 times in that same Gospel. Who is going to confirm this for me? As we try to build hills and distinguish among them let us also build the church and the kingdom and distinguish between them. One encloses us whilst the other frees us, but we have the choice to be enclosed in a greater circle.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Why build hills? Is it because we like to climb? So yes, if we like to climb we must either take the hills available or build our own. How do I make the decision on whether to build or not, and if I have to build what are my choices for material? This is where praying and thinking comes in and these are two things some of us would like to avoid.
I believe though that it is time to build a hill called the kingdom. There is something I learnt which I have not yet confirmed that in the gospels the word church only appears twice and it's in the book of Matthew, but the word kingdom appears 54 times in that same Gospel. Who is going to confirm this for me? As we try to build hills and distinguish among them let us also build the church and the kingdom and distinguish between them. One encloses us whilst the other frees us, but we have the choice to be enclosed in a greater circle.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
People With a Past
Fellow Labourers-
Some of us would like so much even to forget the happenings of this week (week ending Oct. 9) that history and the reading of history or things we would rather not hear about. Jacob Burckhardt (1818-1897) was regarded as one of the greatest historians of the nineteenth century. I recommend his book "The Greeks and Greek civilization" edited by Oswyn Murray. This book helps one to understand that we may divide the study of history into State, Religion, and Culture. When we do this we may very well develop a taste for one over the other. His preference though was cultural history because he finds it more factual and less restrictive. Here is what he says about culture "Culture is the sum of all that has spontaneously arisen for the advancement of material life and as an expression of spiritual and moral life - all social intercourse, technologies, arts, literatures, and sciences. It is the realm of the variable, free, not necessarily universal, of all that cannot lay claim to compulsive authority."
We have become so abused by the overuse of the word tradition that we are afraid to look back less we be labeled a tradionalist.This abuse has caused some of us to live so much in the present that there is no context to our existence. The Jews were told to constantly remind their children of the past in order that they may find relevance in the present. We too as a church need to remind our congregants of our local as well as biblical history. During our communion and feet washing service two young men told me that this was the first time they were experiencing this act, and they have never heard of it before. These are more than two-year-old members, and high school graduates. When I directed one of them to St. John 11,and we read together, he exclaimed, "I never know this was in the bible." Wow!! We are people with a past and a rich one to boot.
Robert A. Stewart
Some of us would like so much even to forget the happenings of this week (week ending Oct. 9) that history and the reading of history or things we would rather not hear about. Jacob Burckhardt (1818-1897) was regarded as one of the greatest historians of the nineteenth century. I recommend his book "The Greeks and Greek civilization" edited by Oswyn Murray. This book helps one to understand that we may divide the study of history into State, Religion, and Culture. When we do this we may very well develop a taste for one over the other. His preference though was cultural history because he finds it more factual and less restrictive. Here is what he says about culture "Culture is the sum of all that has spontaneously arisen for the advancement of material life and as an expression of spiritual and moral life - all social intercourse, technologies, arts, literatures, and sciences. It is the realm of the variable, free, not necessarily universal, of all that cannot lay claim to compulsive authority."
We have become so abused by the overuse of the word tradition that we are afraid to look back less we be labeled a tradionalist.This abuse has caused some of us to live so much in the present that there is no context to our existence. The Jews were told to constantly remind their children of the past in order that they may find relevance in the present. We too as a church need to remind our congregants of our local as well as biblical history. During our communion and feet washing service two young men told me that this was the first time they were experiencing this act, and they have never heard of it before. These are more than two-year-old members, and high school graduates. When I directed one of them to St. John 11,and we read together, he exclaimed, "I never know this was in the bible." Wow!! We are people with a past and a rich one to boot.
Robert A. Stewart
The God of the Old Testament
Fellow Labourers-
Our subject today confronts all of us who live in this unfriendly world. It would seem that most of us would rather forget the God of the Old Testament in preference for the God of the New Testament. The argument we use to justify this is that the God of the New Testament is a God of grace. But, may I remind you that grace began in the garden of Eden. Throughout the Old Testament God's grace is evident.
We are not a people that like consequences. But I believe that a careful reading of the Old Testament is about the consequences of disobedience. The judgment/punishment was quick. Today it seems delayed but the consequences are still evident. The wages of sin is death in both Testaments.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Our subject today confronts all of us who live in this unfriendly world. It would seem that most of us would rather forget the God of the Old Testament in preference for the God of the New Testament. The argument we use to justify this is that the God of the New Testament is a God of grace. But, may I remind you that grace began in the garden of Eden. Throughout the Old Testament God's grace is evident.
We are not a people that like consequences. But I believe that a careful reading of the Old Testament is about the consequences of disobedience. The judgment/punishment was quick. Today it seems delayed but the consequences are still evident. The wages of sin is death in both Testaments.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Both Lion and Lamb
Fellow Labourers-
"Both Lion and Lamb" is an interesting subject. In each of us lies the ability to do good and to do evil, and sometimes we do a little of each. Oops! Sorry I can only speak for myself. Before our conversion some of us were morally good, and we maintain this moral goodness. The question though is am I still morally good but not changed? Do I now possess the mind of Christ?
Is the hamster safe? Is the cobra just waiting for that fatal day? You know as I ask these questions I am reflecting on the church. Sometimes we behave with each other with a question mark in our heads. Can the leopard change his spots? Is it possible to erase from our minds past hurt? Thank God for the strength to love which enables one to forgive. The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian brethren exhorted them to be grounded in love. Which love? The love of Christ. A love that surpasses all human understanding. Never easy if we try by our own effort, but very possible if we let go and let God.
I know that in me, that is in my flesh lies no good thing, but I thank God for Jesus Christ who helps me to remain stable even though there is a war going on inside me. Yes, both flesh and spirit.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
"Both Lion and Lamb" is an interesting subject. In each of us lies the ability to do good and to do evil, and sometimes we do a little of each. Oops! Sorry I can only speak for myself. Before our conversion some of us were morally good, and we maintain this moral goodness. The question though is am I still morally good but not changed? Do I now possess the mind of Christ?
Is the hamster safe? Is the cobra just waiting for that fatal day? You know as I ask these questions I am reflecting on the church. Sometimes we behave with each other with a question mark in our heads. Can the leopard change his spots? Is it possible to erase from our minds past hurt? Thank God for the strength to love which enables one to forgive. The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian brethren exhorted them to be grounded in love. Which love? The love of Christ. A love that surpasses all human understanding. Never easy if we try by our own effort, but very possible if we let go and let God.
I know that in me, that is in my flesh lies no good thing, but I thank God for Jesus Christ who helps me to remain stable even though there is a war going on inside me. Yes, both flesh and spirit.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Limping Transformation
Fellow Labourers-
This is indeed a message that can touch the core of our being if we are honest with ourselves. As I go through the article I kept looking at the man in the mirror. I have not lost focus on the world but I am always cognizant of the evil within. As I ponder on the subject my thought is Lord give me grace. It was then that I was led to a favourite book of mine," Strength to Love" by Martin Luther King,Jr.
Let me quote from a chapter of the book called "A knock at midnight."
"Many men continue to knock on the door of the church at midnight, even after the church has so bitterly disappointed them, because they know the bread of life is there. The church today is challenged to proclaim God's son, Jesus Christ to the hope of men in all of their complex personal and social problems. Many will continue to come in quest of answers to life's problems. Many young people who knock on the door are perplexed by the uncertainties of life, confused by daily disappointments, and disillusioned by the ambiguities of history. Some who come have been taken from their schools and careers and cast in the role of soldiers. We must provide them with the fresh bread of hope and imbue them with the conviction that God has the power to bring good out of evil. Some who come are tortured by a nagging guilt resulting from their wandering in the midnight of ethical relativism and their surrender to the doctrine of self-expression. We must lead them to Christ who will offer them the fresh bread of forgiveness. Some who knock are tormented by the fear of death as they move toward the evening of life. We must provide them with the bread of faith in immortality, so that they may realize that this earthly life is merely an embryonic prelude to a new awakening.
Midnight is a confusing hour when it is difficult to be faithful. The most inspiring word that the church may speak is that no midnight long remains. The weary traveler by midnight who asks for bread is really seeking the dawn."
On Sunday one of our most senior citizens came to church in the pouring rain. I went to assist him from the taxi and he remarked to me he could not see. On examination I noted that his spectacles were covered with moisture because the change in temperature he experienced as he alighted from the air-conditioned vehicle. I ran to the men's room and put the spectacle under the dryer and brought it back to him. You should have seen the smile on his face. But then he said something that struck me, "Elder Stewart I don't feel like I can go on much longer." He said this because of the difficulty he had in walking and the pain in his legs. How can we help to make his midnight more comfortable?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
This is indeed a message that can touch the core of our being if we are honest with ourselves. As I go through the article I kept looking at the man in the mirror. I have not lost focus on the world but I am always cognizant of the evil within. As I ponder on the subject my thought is Lord give me grace. It was then that I was led to a favourite book of mine," Strength to Love" by Martin Luther King,Jr.
Let me quote from a chapter of the book called "A knock at midnight."
"Many men continue to knock on the door of the church at midnight, even after the church has so bitterly disappointed them, because they know the bread of life is there. The church today is challenged to proclaim God's son, Jesus Christ to the hope of men in all of their complex personal and social problems. Many will continue to come in quest of answers to life's problems. Many young people who knock on the door are perplexed by the uncertainties of life, confused by daily disappointments, and disillusioned by the ambiguities of history. Some who come have been taken from their schools and careers and cast in the role of soldiers. We must provide them with the fresh bread of hope and imbue them with the conviction that God has the power to bring good out of evil. Some who come are tortured by a nagging guilt resulting from their wandering in the midnight of ethical relativism and their surrender to the doctrine of self-expression. We must lead them to Christ who will offer them the fresh bread of forgiveness. Some who knock are tormented by the fear of death as they move toward the evening of life. We must provide them with the bread of faith in immortality, so that they may realize that this earthly life is merely an embryonic prelude to a new awakening.
Midnight is a confusing hour when it is difficult to be faithful. The most inspiring word that the church may speak is that no midnight long remains. The weary traveler by midnight who asks for bread is really seeking the dawn."
On Sunday one of our most senior citizens came to church in the pouring rain. I went to assist him from the taxi and he remarked to me he could not see. On examination I noted that his spectacles were covered with moisture because the change in temperature he experienced as he alighted from the air-conditioned vehicle. I ran to the men's room and put the spectacle under the dryer and brought it back to him. You should have seen the smile on his face. But then he said something that struck me, "Elder Stewart I don't feel like I can go on much longer." He said this because of the difficulty he had in walking and the pain in his legs. How can we help to make his midnight more comfortable?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Gauges and Designs
Fellow labourers-
Today's article bring to mind the scripture "In the days of the judges every man did what was right in his own eyes." Does this not suggest that there is a right way? I believe it is the Proverbs which says that "there is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end there of are the ways of death." If there is ever a time in our history that we are testing the limits of our gauges it is now.
There is a reason and an excuse for all we do. There is even justification based on reason and facts. So I ask what guides us? I had a rough time making a decision last week. There was something I could do which I could make legitimate not at the time of execution but later. But, in my mind I was restless until I kept asking what would Jesus do? Do you know that in that split second the answer came and I felt such a joy and peace within.
I know we all are driven to take risks, but please ask what would Jesus do? The answer may not be what you expect, but it will set the burdened conscience free.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Today's article bring to mind the scripture "In the days of the judges every man did what was right in his own eyes." Does this not suggest that there is a right way? I believe it is the Proverbs which says that "there is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end there of are the ways of death." If there is ever a time in our history that we are testing the limits of our gauges it is now.
There is a reason and an excuse for all we do. There is even justification based on reason and facts. So I ask what guides us? I had a rough time making a decision last week. There was something I could do which I could make legitimate not at the time of execution but later. But, in my mind I was restless until I kept asking what would Jesus do? Do you know that in that split second the answer came and I felt such a joy and peace within.
I know we all are driven to take risks, but please ask what would Jesus do? The answer may not be what you expect, but it will set the burdened conscience free.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
On Tears
Fellow Labourers-
Isn't it amazing that joy or pain can bring tears, but we have the ability to separate the one from the other. Having read this article I am willing to conclude that when this little girl cries it will always be for joy not pain. This would not be a problem for the parents if they both were in a similar position, but they no doubt have experienced the pain of joy and the pain of hurt. I think about it and I can well remember the feeling I get when I rocked a crying child to sleep. Can you for a moment imagine that mother saying "darling you are bleeding, does it hurt?" To which she would reply "Mummy, what is hurt?"
This brings me to salvation. As children of God we sometimes assume that everybody understands our lingo. So, we walk up to an unsaved and ask, Are you saved? The retort is What do you mean am I saved? To which we look startled. It is only those of us who have experienced being saved really understand what it means to be saved. That is why it is so important that those looking on us see that there is a difference between their life and our life. Our modalities must make others see that there is a difference between saved and unsaved.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Isn't it amazing that joy or pain can bring tears, but we have the ability to separate the one from the other. Having read this article I am willing to conclude that when this little girl cries it will always be for joy not pain. This would not be a problem for the parents if they both were in a similar position, but they no doubt have experienced the pain of joy and the pain of hurt. I think about it and I can well remember the feeling I get when I rocked a crying child to sleep. Can you for a moment imagine that mother saying "darling you are bleeding, does it hurt?" To which she would reply "Mummy, what is hurt?"
This brings me to salvation. As children of God we sometimes assume that everybody understands our lingo. So, we walk up to an unsaved and ask, Are you saved? The retort is What do you mean am I saved? To which we look startled. It is only those of us who have experienced being saved really understand what it means to be saved. That is why it is so important that those looking on us see that there is a difference between their life and our life. Our modalities must make others see that there is a difference between saved and unsaved.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert A. Stewart
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Pain of Forgiveness
Fellow Labourers-
This subject is crucial and is worth a lot of thought. Before I move on though I guess some of us have heard people saying their heart is hurting because of love. I don't know if this is metaphorical or real, but I do know that love hurts. Forgiveness is not the easiest thing in the world and yet God so loved us that he forgave us and proved it by giving his only begotten son for our sins.
If you have ever forgiven anyone and it does not hurt then you may want to ask yourself, "Was my forgiveness genuine or surface?" To forgive is not some children game we play, but an emotion that involves almost every fibre of our being. Yet if we do not forgive we will not be forgiven. This does not mean though that we throw away our senses. Jesus knew Judas would betray him, he did not shun him, but he also did not share everything with him. Let us endeavour to live by the Book so leave your gift at the altar and go and make it right.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
This subject is crucial and is worth a lot of thought. Before I move on though I guess some of us have heard people saying their heart is hurting because of love. I don't know if this is metaphorical or real, but I do know that love hurts. Forgiveness is not the easiest thing in the world and yet God so loved us that he forgave us and proved it by giving his only begotten son for our sins.
If you have ever forgiven anyone and it does not hurt then you may want to ask yourself, "Was my forgiveness genuine or surface?" To forgive is not some children game we play, but an emotion that involves almost every fibre of our being. Yet if we do not forgive we will not be forgiven. This does not mean though that we throw away our senses. Jesus knew Judas would betray him, he did not shun him, but he also did not share everything with him. Let us endeavour to live by the Book so leave your gift at the altar and go and make it right.
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
When the Stakes Are Highest
Fellow Labourers-
As I read today's article, I did so with pain and joy. Pain because it brought back some painful memories of suffering observed, and joy because in it I discovered that God is not a God of coincidence, but a God of purpose and destiny.
Earlier this year I visited with my son Zachary and we had wreckered his car to a Pepboys store for service. Besides the Pepboys store was a Christian book store and they had books on sale, so I went wild. One of the books I purchased was by Warren W. Wiersbe, 'Be Decisive' - which is a study of the life of Jeremiah the prophet. In it he recall how the men of Anathoth were ready to slaughter Jeremiah like the sacrificial Lamb and Jeremiah wanted God to destroy the wicked, but God's focus was not on the wicked but on his servant Jeremiah. Mr. Wiersbe observed that Jeremiah like most of us when we are suffering asked "How can I get out of this?" instead of "What can I get out of this?" He went on to say that God's servants do not live by explanations but they live by promises. I love it when he said "Understanding explanations may satisfy our curiosity and make us smarter people, but laying hold of God's promises will build our character and make us better servants."
I have learnt that the life of godly service isn't easy and even more so now. It seems the life of service becomes harder not easier, but then the life of service gets better as we grow more and mature. Please Lord I want you to keep me secure, not to pamper me.
As I said earlier the title of the book is "BE DECISIVE", so let me end with a quote from Aneurin Bevin a British political leader," We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over."
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
As I read today's article, I did so with pain and joy. Pain because it brought back some painful memories of suffering observed, and joy because in it I discovered that God is not a God of coincidence, but a God of purpose and destiny.
Earlier this year I visited with my son Zachary and we had wreckered his car to a Pepboys store for service. Besides the Pepboys store was a Christian book store and they had books on sale, so I went wild. One of the books I purchased was by Warren W. Wiersbe, 'Be Decisive' - which is a study of the life of Jeremiah the prophet. In it he recall how the men of Anathoth were ready to slaughter Jeremiah like the sacrificial Lamb and Jeremiah wanted God to destroy the wicked, but God's focus was not on the wicked but on his servant Jeremiah. Mr. Wiersbe observed that Jeremiah like most of us when we are suffering asked "How can I get out of this?" instead of "What can I get out of this?" He went on to say that God's servants do not live by explanations but they live by promises. I love it when he said "Understanding explanations may satisfy our curiosity and make us smarter people, but laying hold of God's promises will build our character and make us better servants."
I have learnt that the life of godly service isn't easy and even more so now. It seems the life of service becomes harder not easier, but then the life of service gets better as we grow more and mature. Please Lord I want you to keep me secure, not to pamper me.
As I said earlier the title of the book is "BE DECISIVE", so let me end with a quote from Aneurin Bevin a British political leader," We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over."
Pax Vobiscum,
Robert A. Stewart
Enabling and empowering
Fellow labourers:
The following was sent to me only a few hours ago and like hot bread let me share it with you.
We live in a world of disadvantages Robert. We live in a world that often holds the upper hand to our dreams, our desires, and ultimately to our destinies.
Oftentimes men allow their entire minds to be set at doubt and discouragement because of the seeming disadvantages their life seems to bring.
Homer who wrote the Odyssey and John Milton who wrote Paradise Lost were blind.
Beethoven was deaf when he composed some of the world's greatest symphonies.
Every church body has disadvantages. The building is old. The congregation is discouraged. The finances are short. Every church member has disadvantages. Their time is limited. Their walk with God is not what it should be. Their family does not support their decision to attend the church.
These disadvantages serve only to spur us on to greater victories if we refuse to be discouraged by them.
The greatest Christians are often those who did not grow up under the pews. Their disadvantaged childhoods did not involve weekly church attendance. Theirs were abusive homes where alcohol and neglect were the rule.
However, they did not let their situation decide their outcome. In fact, it usually energizes their resolve to change not only their own life, but also many of those around them.
T.D. Jakes once preached, "Our greatest choir directors are not sitting in church pews tonight. They are sitting on barstools." When you release the creative power of God's Spirit in someone's life through prayer and faith, anything is possible.
If there is one thing that this world is not short of it is disadvantage. It's everywhere. But turning that disadvantage into advantage, now that's the challenge.
Enabling and empowering people. That's what this is all about. Jesus realized it when he told a fisherman that he would make him a fisher of men. It's still the same today. Our job is to enable people. If we get caught up or if we allow them to get caught up focusing on their disadvantages, the Church will never grow beyond our disfunctionalities. If, however we can empower them with the hope of overcoming their situations and circumstances, we can then have true revival.
Cause someone you minister to find their place in the Kingdom. Let them know that the disadvantages of their life can become advantages for the Kingdom of God. I hope you have a wonderful service Sunday,
by Rev. James Smith
Robert A. Stewart
The following was sent to me only a few hours ago and like hot bread let me share it with you.
We live in a world of disadvantages Robert. We live in a world that often holds the upper hand to our dreams, our desires, and ultimately to our destinies.
Oftentimes men allow their entire minds to be set at doubt and discouragement because of the seeming disadvantages their life seems to bring.
Homer who wrote the Odyssey and John Milton who wrote Paradise Lost were blind.
Beethoven was deaf when he composed some of the world's greatest symphonies.
Every church body has disadvantages. The building is old. The congregation is discouraged. The finances are short. Every church member has disadvantages. Their time is limited. Their walk with God is not what it should be. Their family does not support their decision to attend the church.
These disadvantages serve only to spur us on to greater victories if we refuse to be discouraged by them.
The greatest Christians are often those who did not grow up under the pews. Their disadvantaged childhoods did not involve weekly church attendance. Theirs were abusive homes where alcohol and neglect were the rule.
However, they did not let their situation decide their outcome. In fact, it usually energizes their resolve to change not only their own life, but also many of those around them.
T.D. Jakes once preached, "Our greatest choir directors are not sitting in church pews tonight. They are sitting on barstools." When you release the creative power of God's Spirit in someone's life through prayer and faith, anything is possible.
If there is one thing that this world is not short of it is disadvantage. It's everywhere. But turning that disadvantage into advantage, now that's the challenge.
Enabling and empowering people. That's what this is all about. Jesus realized it when he told a fisherman that he would make him a fisher of men. It's still the same today. Our job is to enable people. If we get caught up or if we allow them to get caught up focusing on their disadvantages, the Church will never grow beyond our disfunctionalities. If, however we can empower them with the hope of overcoming their situations and circumstances, we can then have true revival.
Cause someone you minister to find their place in the Kingdom. Let them know that the disadvantages of their life can become advantages for the Kingdom of God. I hope you have a wonderful service Sunday,
by Rev. James Smith
Robert A. Stewart
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