The Opposite of Presence

Fellow Labourers-

Can you imagine we are on the verge of a new month which puts a closer to the end of another year and closer to another new year. Tomorrow (August 1) will be celebrated as Emancipation day but are we really emancipated? We must be emancipated from something to something but as children of God it seems our emancipation is only temporary. No sooner than we think we are free we long to be like those around us once again. For some of us Romans 12 is only a figment of our imagination. Can we sing 'I am Free' with the gusto and meaning of a truly liberated soul?Freedom carries a lot of responsibilties,and are we prepared for that?

Take a long and penetrative look at this paragraph taken from the attached article.

"One of my seminary professors once told me that God’s presence is not the opposite of God’s absence. At first hearing, this did not seem the least bit encouraging. And yet, maybe I had seen this notion lived out after all. For even when I am most stirred by God’s nearness—when God’s presence seems an undeniable truth—am I not also stung simultaneously by the ache of longing to be nearer or the reality of not quite yet being at home? In our best encounters with God, presence and absence remain intertwined. What might this then mean for the moments when I am feeling tormented by God’s absence?"

Pax Vobiscum, <>

Robert A. Stewart

Is Revival connected to our tithing and giving?

Is Revival Directly Connected To Our Tithing and our Giving? By David Church

I want to set out to answer that question for you today: One of the most frustrating thoughts that I deal with as a pastor is, "Where is the money going to come from."

• Lord you called me to this city for the purpose of revival.
• You have commissioned the church to go out into the highways and byways to compel people to come.
• This gospel of the kingdom must be preached in all nations for Your Name sake.
• Lord you said that we need pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists, and apostles.
• We need them for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body.
• We need land, buildings, and ministers to house this revival.

How are we going to accomplish Your will without the finances that we need? I believe that God is upset that we even have to bother ourselves with that question. Nevertheless, the question still exists: How can we have revival without the proper funds?

Robert A. Stewart

Alienation and restoration

Fellow Labourers-

This is a direct quote from today's reading.

"Alienation affects us at three different levels. We are alienated from ourselves, from others, and most significantly, we are alienated from God. That is the reality in which we exist. The restoration process involves all three dimensions, but it begins with a proper relationship with God. We cannot get along with ourselves or with others until we are properly related to God. The good news of the gospel is that full restoration is available to all who want it."

How often have we tried miserably to bring restoration to hurting people around us. Can we now see that the vertical (God) is central in any restoration. I am afraid that Pastors are fast becoming counsellors utilizing the latest theories whilst ignoring that we need to get people to realize that a right relationship with God is where it all begins. Our members are now expecting us to preach, to teach, and to 'burp'.

As we begin to understand the process of alienation let us begin where the individual is at, so we can have full restoration.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Playing favourites

Fellow Labourers-

"It was only when they compared themselves to the others that they began to feel slighted."

Examine this sentence carefully; meditate upon it; cogitate and regurgitate it. Isn't this sentence screaming at us and asking why?

One of my wishes is that the Pentecostal Gospel Temple members attain the status of Q.C. and become so satisfied with who we are that others will want to imitate us.

As a school boy DJ, the saying was common 'we may be imitated but not duplicated.' As a people we need to raise our level of self esteem that we can walk with our heads high in our own distinctiveness.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Stewards of culture

Fellow Labourers-

This is an exact quote from the text." If we simply enter into cultural engagement without spiritual discernment, we are driven here and there by every trend and twist in our culture. However, if we remove ourselves from all cultural engagement, we lose our ability to communicate and speak to the culture lacking the vocabulary of faith."

These two sentences to my mind are so critical at this juncture of our [development] that to ignore or misunderstand them is to surrender to laziness of thought. Some of us have become so heavenly-minded that we are no earthly good, and the contrast, earthly-minded so that we are no heavenly good also holds true. We need some Daniels who will study the Babylonian way but not become corrupted by it. Study it to the point that the King can't ignore you, he has to promote you, but he can't get you to bow to his way. You don't look like them, eat like them, play like them and yet they must take notice of you. Q.C.s don't follow the trend they set the trend. Let us dare to engage the culture and not succumb to it.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Chronos and Kairos

Fellow Labourers-

As I read through this article, one phrase forever haunts my mind "Surprise by Joy." This is a phrase used by C.S. Lewis as he looked at life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning, and we are surprised by joy.

The weeping may but the joy comes and because Chronos cannot be understood outside of Kairos we are constantly being surprised. We live in Chronos but we belong to Kairos and so the apostle Paul asks us to be anxious for nothing. Anxiety is always about the future whilst panic is about the now.

Let us endeavour to pray without ceasing because this is the cure for panic and anxiety. Somebody once said that tomorrow never comes because "Today is the tomorrow you thought of yesterday."

Peace!!!

Pax Vobiscum, <>

Robert A. Stewart

The good eye

Fellow Labourers-

I find this a most interesting piece especially as we strive to be like Jesus. Elder Thompson in teaching the adult Sunday school class on Sunday, July 26, 2009 made the observation that Jesus picked 12 men not for their perfection but for their potential. Do we have eyes that are always looking for the good in others?

I am driven to Homer's Iliad and in particular book III. Here is a verbatim quote "When they stood up in presence of the assembled Trojans, Menelaus was the broader shouldered, but when both were seated Odysseus had the more royal presence. After a time they delivered their message, and the speech of Menelaus ran trippingly on the tongue. He did not say much, for he was a man of few words, but he spoke very clearly and to the point, though he was the younger man of the two. Odysseus, on the other hand, when he rose to speak was at first silent and kept his eyes fixed upon the ground. There was no play nor graceful movement of his scepter; he kept it straight and stiff like a man unpracticed in oratory-one might have taken him for a mere churl or simpleton; but when he raised his voice, and the words came driving from his deep chest like winter snow before the wind, then there was none to touch him, and no man thought further of what he looked like."

Don't be too busy to notice others; you might just miss meeting tomorrow's genius.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Do you have a hero to spare?

Fellow Labourers-

With Peter of old, I ask, “To whom else can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” That is all the hero I need. Is this true for all of us or do we seek for modern day heroes? Heroes that seem invincible only to have their feet of clay exposed. Heroes that seem like the real deal until they are tried in the crucible of life. My hero is the one "who was in all points tempted like as we are, but yet without sin." The one who conquers death and the grave.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

The risk of beauty

Fellow Labourers-

There is one word in today's reading that jumps out at me and it is the word distinctive. What makes me distinctive from everybody else? I humbly submit that I see a surrender to everything around us and hence we have lost our Pentecostal apostolic distinctiveness. Isn't this a part of Israel's failure when they came out of Egypt? They wanted to be like the other nations around them and God's speckled bird became unrecognizable. The apple of his eye, his chosen bride committed whoredom only because they wanted to be a part of the crowd. There is a distinctiveness worth defending and I hope we are up to it.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Pagan temples and ancient churches

Fellow Labourers-

As you read today's article remind yourself of brother Andrew's most recent e-mail and my response. This is indeed very timely and not coincidental but revelatory. Here is a paragraph lifted from the article." Christianity wrestles with this same tension today, vacillating between engaging the culture on the one hand, and eschewing the culture on the other. We see this vacillation specifically with regards to the arts. Should Christians engage in the arts? If so, how should we engage in the arts? Should we have Christian music, art, and literature? Or should we be Christians who make music, produce art, and write literature? In other words, do we build next to the pagan temple, or do we replace the pagan temple with a church?

The government is trying to fast track a programme called The National Transformation Program whose mission is-"To mobilize, implement and energize a process of positive change and renewal for the Jamaican people, by the Jamaican people." This could very well be written by us as To mobilize, implement and energize a process of spiritual change and revival for The Pentecostal Gospel Temple church, by the Jamaican Pentecostal Gospel Temple Saints. It is time for us to walk in our Apostolic authority and stop being a little of everybody else. Let us pray, pray, pray, fast, fast, fast - I smell revival.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Images, idols and the iconoclast

Fellow Labourers-

Please take careful note of the subject line. Sometimes we become so engrossed in our own self importance that even in church we unwittingly portray ourselves as images, idols, and iconoclast. We spend so much time remembering titles and accomplishments that we give Christ second place in the very house we say is His sanctuary. I strongly recommend the reading of Malcolm Muggeridge's books and autobiographies to you. This was a brilliant man who became a Christian (Roman Catholic) when he met Mother Theresa. He was given an assignment to interview Mother Theresa and the experience changed him from an atheist to a believer. He saw the Christ we glibly speak about being lived out in Mother Theresa.

Oh how I yearn for more of Jesus and less of self.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

From the fringes

Fellow Labourers-

I wondered what you conjured up in your minds when you a subject like this one-From the fringes. My first reaction was this is going to be a 'from rags to riches' story. My speculation was shattered after reading the article. How many times have we been misled by the subject line? This story tells me that the fringes is not always a bad place. Where are you today? Make where you are a sanctuary of praise and worship.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

The shroud of anonymity

Fellow Labourers-

As I read today's article I think of the many hurting people who are afraid to come forward and say help me. I think of those who will stand in the congregation and say I have an unspoken request, please pray for me. Then there are those who will smile before you but frown in your absence. Who remembers minister Phillip's message on the spirit of discernment.Oh how we need that spirit today.

Recently a young man was brought to me for counseling and baptism. The person who brought him told me he was bothered by spirits and can't sleep at nights. He immediately retorted that was not what he said. I then saw he was uncomfortable to say what he said in the presence of the two of us so I asked the person to withdraw her presence. After a few probing questions and an intent look in his eyes he confessed to having a preference for men. I then concluded that he wanted to be baptized as a cover up and so remain anonymous-if only for a while. Let us pray Lord open our eyes that we might see and our ears that we might hear what the Spirit is saying unto the church.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

A journey together

Fellow Labourers-

We are about to embark on a new leg of a journey together. The first leg of the race was well run before the baton was passed to the second leg. The second leg is not yet complete, but the runner on the third leg was alerted to reach up, for the baton will soon be passed. As we anticipate our journey together on the next leg of the race permit me to borrow from John Maxwell's 360 degree leader.

"You can greatly increase the odds of success if you support your leader, add value to the organization, and distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack by doing your work with excellence."

LEAD YOURSELF EXCEPTIONALLY WELL
If you want to lead up, you must always lead yourself first. If you can't, you have no credibility.
If I can't lead myself, others won't follow me.
If I can't lead myself, others won't respect me.
If I can't lead myself, others won't partner with me.

LIGHTEN YOUR LEADER'S LOAD
If you help lift the load, then you help your leader succeed. When the boss succeeds,the organization succeeds. Conversely, it is almost impossible for you to win if your boss fails.

BE WILLING TO DO WHAT OTHERS WON'T
Few things gain the appreciation of a top leader more quickly than an employee with a whatever-it-takes attitude. Being noticed is one of the first steps to influencing the person above you.

DO MORE THAN MANAGE-LEAD!
Managers work with processes-leaders work with people. Leadership is more than management.

I end with a quote from John Wesley.
"Reading Christians are growing Christians. When Christians cease to read, they cease to grow."

Nunc aut nunquam-Now or never.

God bless you,

Robert A. Stewart

Theodicy

Fellow Labourers-

Here is a new word for most of us-Theodicy. Leibniz the coiner of this word was a renown mathematician. He was the gentleman who gave us the integral rule for particular types of integration. He was also a Christian thinker as most mathematician were during the time of the enlightenment. Pain and suffering we know resulted from the fall of man due to sin. Until sin is removed we will have pain and suffering. Isn't it amazing that even the cosmos groans because of sin. Pain and suffering though can be redemptive. If you are in the midst of your storm today call on the Jesus within.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Listening to your marriage

Greetings brothers and sisters.

I see our beloved 'Elder' might be a wee bit under the upcoming new responsibilities so we did not get our word for today. Let us pray sincerely for him.

I saw the attached article and thought I would like to share it. Some in this company may say but 'I am not married'. You never know what God has in store. My mom always said that if it is even when she is walking with a stick, God will send someone who is walking with a stick. These are the days to 'devil proof' every aspect of our lives as the enemy is on the prowl 'seeking whom he may devour'. Let us be watchful unto prayer.

God Bless,

Little Sis Naomi

Costly garments

Fellow Laborers-

Some of us may be quite familiar with the story in this article. The king's nakedness was obvious but his foolish pride would not let him accept his nakedness. No wonder the Bible says "pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." The first step to our journey of success and blessings is an acceptance of who we are and where we are on the continuum. Instropection only works when we are real with ourselves, and hence some of us remain on a roller coaster all our lives. Today we are warm and tomorrow we are cold.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

The manner of a man's walk

Fellow Labourers-

For those of you who are saying why didn't he stay at camp, too bad, I am home. Following closely on the heel of Elder Bailey's message to us a few Sunday's ago here is another reminder of love and compassion. This story is so compelling because in it we can find the good, the bad and the ugly. This is a story that compels us to choose a character. Who is your hero/protagonist in this story? Would you call the 'stay-at-home' son a villain/antagonist?

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Ah the good old days

Fellow Labourers-

Have you ever asked why do we always harp back to the past? We cannot remain in the past because the universe is always unfolding. The apostle Paul reminds us to forget those things which are behind-but what things? Would you agree with me If I say that it is the past and the future that informs the present? When we need purpose and perspective we look to the past. When we need hope and meaning we look to the future. Is it any wonder then why we seem so restless at times. The reality of living in three dimensions all at once can be devastating. It is those of us who try to live one day at a time that tend to cope the best. Let us try to live in the present as much as possible.

Pax Vobiscum <>
Robert A. Stewart

Home and Homesick

Fellow Labourers-

Are we sick of home or are we getting home sick? Are we awaiting a flight or are we just picnicking? Are you equipped to pass the security check point or do you have to stay on the waving gallery? The nature of things as they are can have a devastating impact on us which may be negative or positive. It is time I believe for some serious introspection.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Compassion in decline

Fellow labourers-

Look closely at today's subject and see where you stand. Are we declining in our compassion because of economic considerations? Are we declining in our compassion because we have unfulfilled dreams? Are we declining in our compassion because we have become spiritually cold? Remember God's compassion fail not-they are new every morning. Therefore we can use our compassion level as a test of our spirituality.

Robert Stewart

One and only

Fellow Labourers-

There is a line of a song that comes to mind as I thought on this subject-'Only one life t'will soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last.'

Where are your thoughts at this moment? Are you satisfied with who you are or do you wish you were someone else. We are our thoughts so let us make them joyful by focusing on the fountain of Joy even Jesus Christ our Lord.

Pax Vobiscum <>

Robert A. Stewart

Fingerprints of truth

Fellow Labourers-

As I read this article I had a flash back to my jury duty of last year. I was on a jury panel of 13 during the trial of three police officers for murder. In addressing us at the start of the trial the judge said these words "Madam foreman and members of the jury you are here to judge the facts of this case and I am here to judge based on the law. If there is anything regarding the law you do not understand then please ask me."

I can recall a number of recesses because the prosecution and the defense could not agree on certain procedures. We were asked to recess to the jury room because these were legal matters which were of no interest to us.

The facts which we would have would be purely evidential since we were not at the scene. We all heard the same evidences but could not agree on a verdict. Why? As you consider why it may become clear to you why we all need the Spirit of Truth. Don't ever assume that the Truth is obvious. Bringing people to truth can take a long and tortuous path. But, continue to fight the good fight of faith.

Pax Vobiscum, <>
Robert A. Stewart

Accountability

Fellow Labourers-

My wife invited me to watch Oparah Winfery's programme today where she was interviewing a minister who fell from Grace. She replayed a part of one of his sermon in which he was emphasizing having no secrets because God will reveal them. Shortly after that message a man he was dating blew the whistle on him because he refused to give him $200.00.

Let me share something with you that is posted at the very front of my personal Leadership Manual.

A LEADER'S ACCOUNTABILITY

1. Have I been with a member of the opposite sex in the past week that could be viewed as compromising?
2. Have all my financial dealings been filled with integrity?
3. Have I viewed or read any sexually explicit material that would be inappropriate?
4. Have I achieved the goals I set in my Bible study and prayer?
5. Have I spent quantity and quality time with and given priority to my family?
6. Have I fulfilled the mandates of my calling (my vocation)?
7. Do I have relationships in which I have given my spouse, brother or sister in Christ permission to hold me accountable?
8. Did I lie when I answered these questions?

MATURE LEADERS HAVE A HEART AFTER GOD, A HEART TOWARD SERVING MEN AND A HEART OF INTEGRITY WITHIN THEMSELVES.

Robert A. Stewart