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
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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
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