Fellow Labourers-
Do you have a plan B and why? If you have a plan B, are you saying I am not sure of plan A? Is plan B God's permissive will and hence not the best alternative among many possibilities? Having a plan B seems to be a good idea, but is it always a wise idea? Philosophically plan B seems quite OK, but if we think about it in some cases it can be our downfall. Why? Because I know I have a plan B I may not push plan A to the limit, so plan B could become a limiting factor in my progress in life. Let us have plan B, but don't use it whimsically. The reason you have a plan A is because it comes out as the best choice among many.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The way things are
Fellow Labourers-
The way things are is what we hear from our politicians ad infinitum. Our role as Christians is not to repeat how things are, but, instaed to tell how things ought to be. Read your bible carefully and you will see that that is what the prophets and the apostles have been saying to us. The question though is are we listening? If our thoughts are consumed with our own likes and dislikes that are sometimes out of sync with the word of God it will be difficult for us to see things as they ought to be. Our philosophies are framed by what we read, what we hear, and what we see. It is therefore incumbent on us to be discriminating saints in these areas of our lives.
The way things are, are terrible. But, "Beloved now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be. But we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." Let me encourage you to begin or to continue to read eastern and Greek literature. This will give you a better appreciation for life in general, and your faith in particular. Have you ever heard this phrase - "The conquered conquer the conqueror." Well this is referring to the time when the Spartans conquered the Greeks. They immediately saw the Greek culture as superior to theirs. So instead of destroying the culture of the Greeks they assimilated the culture. I believe this is a lesson for us Apostolics.We have a culture that is distinctive, let us not destroy it. Allow others to assimilate it.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
The way things are is what we hear from our politicians ad infinitum. Our role as Christians is not to repeat how things are, but, instaed to tell how things ought to be. Read your bible carefully and you will see that that is what the prophets and the apostles have been saying to us. The question though is are we listening? If our thoughts are consumed with our own likes and dislikes that are sometimes out of sync with the word of God it will be difficult for us to see things as they ought to be. Our philosophies are framed by what we read, what we hear, and what we see. It is therefore incumbent on us to be discriminating saints in these areas of our lives.
The way things are, are terrible. But, "Beloved now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be. But we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." Let me encourage you to begin or to continue to read eastern and Greek literature. This will give you a better appreciation for life in general, and your faith in particular. Have you ever heard this phrase - "The conquered conquer the conqueror." Well this is referring to the time when the Spartans conquered the Greeks. They immediately saw the Greek culture as superior to theirs. So instead of destroying the culture of the Greeks they assimilated the culture. I believe this is a lesson for us Apostolics.We have a culture that is distinctive, let us not destroy it. Allow others to assimilate it.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
On earth
Fellow Labourers-
We have heard it over and over that "You are so heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good." But the converse of this statement also rings true. However, we sometimes use the phrase very whimsically and dismissively in order to cover up our own spiritual lack or spiritual superiority. But, let us take a very calm and calculated look at the article attached. Because, how we view the earth may very well determine how we treat it, and live in it. Perpective, perspective, perspective. Having the right perspective is an essential ingredient in our relationship with mother earth. When God made it he said it was good. Has it lost its goodness?
When the Psalmist said it is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity, he was talking about here on earth. If we can't get it together on earth, we are in big trouble. For thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That's why forgiveness is so important. He looked beyond our faults and saw our need. Forgiveness, however, must not be confused with tolerance, because if we can tolerate it we won't correct it. Forgiveness does mean that I will not condone, but I will give you another chance to make amends. Let us strive to make earth look like heaven.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
We have heard it over and over that "You are so heavenly minded, that you are no earthly good." But the converse of this statement also rings true. However, we sometimes use the phrase very whimsically and dismissively in order to cover up our own spiritual lack or spiritual superiority. But, let us take a very calm and calculated look at the article attached. Because, how we view the earth may very well determine how we treat it, and live in it. Perpective, perspective, perspective. Having the right perspective is an essential ingredient in our relationship with mother earth. When God made it he said it was good. Has it lost its goodness?
When the Psalmist said it is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity, he was talking about here on earth. If we can't get it together on earth, we are in big trouble. For thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That's why forgiveness is so important. He looked beyond our faults and saw our need. Forgiveness, however, must not be confused with tolerance, because if we can tolerate it we won't correct it. Forgiveness does mean that I will not condone, but I will give you another chance to make amends. Let us strive to make earth look like heaven.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
The heroism of the ordinary
Fellow Labourers-
This article strikes at the very core of our being. Life can be so complex and yet so mundane. I believe we all struggle at times to decide on whether or not we are making a difference. As I near the end of the article my mind went back to over 40 years when I saw my brother drowning in an in spate river, and I stood on the bank helpless. An individual a little older than I and a much better swimmer jumped in and saved him after much struggle. That same individual who never went to high school or college became a mentor to me. He would insist that I do my school work whenever he sees me. He would be proud when he saw me by myself over the sports ground solving a math problem or reading a book. Ordinary, yet unknowingly he was a hero to many of us. Today I seek to find him when I visit Westmoreland, because he has touched many lives by doing "ordinary" things. No wonder the saying goes "God is not looking for extraordinary people, but for ordinary people to do extraordinary things."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
This article strikes at the very core of our being. Life can be so complex and yet so mundane. I believe we all struggle at times to decide on whether or not we are making a difference. As I near the end of the article my mind went back to over 40 years when I saw my brother drowning in an in spate river, and I stood on the bank helpless. An individual a little older than I and a much better swimmer jumped in and saved him after much struggle. That same individual who never went to high school or college became a mentor to me. He would insist that I do my school work whenever he sees me. He would be proud when he saw me by myself over the sports ground solving a math problem or reading a book. Ordinary, yet unknowingly he was a hero to many of us. Today I seek to find him when I visit Westmoreland, because he has touched many lives by doing "ordinary" things. No wonder the saying goes "God is not looking for extraordinary people, but for ordinary people to do extraordinary things."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
God in loving pursuit
Fellow Labourers-
As I look at the subject I try to think of God in angry pursuit. But, his love is so manifold that it is hard to see the other side of God. When I was minding my own business and going headlong into an abyss of no return he reached down in love and plucked me a branch from the burning. Just imagine someone shouting "God leave me alone", and the response coming back "I will never leave you nor forsake you. If you make your bed in hell I am there.:
God is always ahead of us preparing a way of escape.
Robert Stewart
As I look at the subject I try to think of God in angry pursuit. But, his love is so manifold that it is hard to see the other side of God. When I was minding my own business and going headlong into an abyss of no return he reached down in love and plucked me a branch from the burning. Just imagine someone shouting "God leave me alone", and the response coming back "I will never leave you nor forsake you. If you make your bed in hell I am there.:
God is always ahead of us preparing a way of escape.
Robert Stewart
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Changing the atmosphere
Fellow Labourers-
Take at look at these 8 goals to change the atmosphere. Wow!
1- No spiritual hindrances. An atmosphere of the Heavens being open.
We all have seasons when we are pressed on every side, when darkness seems to abound, and the heavens seem as brass.
2-No "business as usual" services. An atmosphere of unified Expectancy.
Come together with excitement believing for great things to happen. If you announced that Jesus was going to appear in bodily form at your next service, no doubt the atmosphere around the church would be a lot different. People would arrive early no doubt the pray rooms would be filled, lost love ones would be physically dragged through the doors.
3-An atmosphere of the supernatural. Our God is no common, ordinary God.
Come expecting, come with the right attitude. When we direct our faith toward God he will surprise you.
4-No limitations allowed to be placed on anyone. An atmosphere of anyone can receive.
o Ex. - Rahab was a prostitute yet she is listed in Hebrews chap. 11
o Paul was vicious in his persecution of the church.
o David committed murder and adultery.
o Mary Magdalene was filled with demons.
o Gideon was a coward.
We must remember there is no limit to what God can do with a life committed to Him.
5- An atmosphere of "People are important"
Jesus shed blood for all people. The Gospel is to all people not just the ones we like or choose. The church is an open door to all, not a private club. How friendly is your church? How friendly are you?
6-No defeatist spirit. God is able to deliver anyone at anytime.
We need an atmosphere that projects that victorious living is possible for everyone.
7-No hold the fort philosophy here.
We need to reach our City. There are times of visitation for every city. We are currently experiencing a visitation of the spirit throughout our entire world. Yet some will not recognize what God is doing and thus miss their time. This caused Jesus to weep over Jerusalem when they missed one of their times of visitation.
8-An atmosphere of financial blessing.
We must stop making excuses for our disobedience in these areas. Stop functioning in our dysfunction. Less than 25% of people in many churches faithfully support that church with tithes and offerings on a consistent basis. Fewer than that serves the church with their time and talents!
Robert Stewart
Take at look at these 8 goals to change the atmosphere. Wow!
1- No spiritual hindrances. An atmosphere of the Heavens being open.
We all have seasons when we are pressed on every side, when darkness seems to abound, and the heavens seem as brass.
2-No "business as usual" services. An atmosphere of unified Expectancy.
Come together with excitement believing for great things to happen. If you announced that Jesus was going to appear in bodily form at your next service, no doubt the atmosphere around the church would be a lot different. People would arrive early no doubt the pray rooms would be filled, lost love ones would be physically dragged through the doors.
3-An atmosphere of the supernatural. Our God is no common, ordinary God.
Come expecting, come with the right attitude. When we direct our faith toward God he will surprise you.
4-No limitations allowed to be placed on anyone. An atmosphere of anyone can receive.
o Ex. - Rahab was a prostitute yet she is listed in Hebrews chap. 11
o Paul was vicious in his persecution of the church.
o David committed murder and adultery.
o Mary Magdalene was filled with demons.
o Gideon was a coward.
We must remember there is no limit to what God can do with a life committed to Him.
5- An atmosphere of "People are important"
Jesus shed blood for all people. The Gospel is to all people not just the ones we like or choose. The church is an open door to all, not a private club. How friendly is your church? How friendly are you?
6-No defeatist spirit. God is able to deliver anyone at anytime.
We need an atmosphere that projects that victorious living is possible for everyone.
7-No hold the fort philosophy here.
We need to reach our City. There are times of visitation for every city. We are currently experiencing a visitation of the spirit throughout our entire world. Yet some will not recognize what God is doing and thus miss their time. This caused Jesus to weep over Jerusalem when they missed one of their times of visitation.
8-An atmosphere of financial blessing.
We must stop making excuses for our disobedience in these areas. Stop functioning in our dysfunction. Less than 25% of people in many churches faithfully support that church with tithes and offerings on a consistent basis. Fewer than that serves the church with their time and talents!
Robert Stewart
The Final Word
Fellow Labourers-
Isn't it good to know that our God has the final word. That is the assurance that kept the fathers of the faith when they were being tortured. It is so important for us to know God for ourself. As I reminisce on Elder Thompson's challenge to us on Sunday I must ask the question, How will today's economy affect you? Increasing layoffs, rising food prices, a stagnant housing market, and erratic stock market all jeopardize our financial future, right? They don't have to. One of the roles of today's leaders is to help those whom we lead to survive the topsy turvy economic world in which we live. We are going to have to become proactive and not reactive. We must overcome making decisions out of fear. We have the sure word of God to direct us. We are going to have to think long term and come together as a community and fight together. Let me share something with someone today who might think your job is in jeopardy. This is taken from the book Surviving Financial Meltdown by Ron Blue and Jeremy White. It is called "8 Steps to take if your job seems in jeopardy."
• Talk with your manager about your concerns (no sense worrying unnecessarily)
• Look for ways to make yourself more valuable to your employer, perhaps by learning a skill (e.g. a computer program or language ) that will set you apart from your coworkers.
• Update your resume
• Secure references while still with your current employer.
• Network with your professional and personal contacts, asking them to pass along job leads and information about various companies and industrie,and to introduce you to other professionals who might help during a future job search-and then reciprocate whenever possible. Keep a log detailing each contact and the feedback you receive.
• Check want ads and job boards on the internet regularly for openings in your field.
• Redirect discretionary spending into your emergency fund.
• Find a prayer partner or partners.
But remember God has the Final word.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Isn't it good to know that our God has the final word. That is the assurance that kept the fathers of the faith when they were being tortured. It is so important for us to know God for ourself. As I reminisce on Elder Thompson's challenge to us on Sunday I must ask the question, How will today's economy affect you? Increasing layoffs, rising food prices, a stagnant housing market, and erratic stock market all jeopardize our financial future, right? They don't have to. One of the roles of today's leaders is to help those whom we lead to survive the topsy turvy economic world in which we live. We are going to have to become proactive and not reactive. We must overcome making decisions out of fear. We have the sure word of God to direct us. We are going to have to think long term and come together as a community and fight together. Let me share something with someone today who might think your job is in jeopardy. This is taken from the book Surviving Financial Meltdown by Ron Blue and Jeremy White. It is called "8 Steps to take if your job seems in jeopardy."
• Talk with your manager about your concerns (no sense worrying unnecessarily)
• Look for ways to make yourself more valuable to your employer, perhaps by learning a skill (e.g. a computer program or language ) that will set you apart from your coworkers.
• Update your resume
• Secure references while still with your current employer.
• Network with your professional and personal contacts, asking them to pass along job leads and information about various companies and industrie,and to introduce you to other professionals who might help during a future job search-and then reciprocate whenever possible. Keep a log detailing each contact and the feedback you receive.
• Check want ads and job boards on the internet regularly for openings in your field.
• Redirect discretionary spending into your emergency fund.
• Find a prayer partner or partners.
But remember God has the Final word.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS
Fellow Labourers-
Please read for information and guidance to those we lead.
Robert Stewart
GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS
IMF Approves $1.27 Billion Loan for Jamaica
IMF Survey online
February 4, 2010
• 27-month deal to help Jamaican economy
• Focus on social spending for most needy
• Policy reforms and debt exchange to break cycle of budget crises
The IMF approved a $1.27 billion loan to support Jamaica’s plan to recover from mounting government debt, weak economic growth, and the effects of the global economic crisis, the international organization announced on February 4.
The money will help Jamaica, a Caribbean country of 2.8 million people, implement its two-year plan, which includes
• Reform of the public sector to substantially reduce the large budget deficit
• A debt strategy to reduce debt servicing costs
• Reforms to the financial sector to reduce risks.
“The planned legislative and regulatory reforms will help reduce systemic risks to the financial system and strengthen the overall resilience of the economy to shocks,” said IMF Deputy Managing Director Takatoshi Kato.
With the plan in place, the IMF predicts growth rates in Jamaica to increase from -3 ½ percent in 2009 to ½ percent by late 2010, and to rise to 2 percent in 2011.
Jamaica’s economy has deteriorated in recent years, in part due to the effects of the global economic crisis. In addition, the country’s large debt burden has magnified the fallout from the global crisis by limiting the scope of government to implement policies to cushion the negative impact.
Sharp falls of 60 percent in bauxite and aluminum production and exports, and a sharp decline in the amount of funds sent by Jamaicans living abroad, have led to a contraction in the economy. At the same time, with limited financing options, the government has had to raise taxes to offset falling revenues.
Economic reforms are needed to put the public finances on sound footing, and establish the basis for sustained strong economic growth. Jamaica’s economic program demonstrates its commitment to meeting these challenges.
Focus on social spending
While certain kinds of government spending, such as wages in the public sector, will be reined in, the government plans to increase spending on better targeted social programs by 25 percent. A school feeding program, which provides breakfast and lunches to children, will benefit from this increase.
The government will also increase the amount of cash transfers to lower-income groups through the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education, known in Jamaica as the PATH.
Reforms to target the root of the problem
In order to make sure Jamaica’s recovery is sustainable in the long run, the plan also includes a number of reforms in key areas, including
• Tax policy: to improve collection and administration
• The public sector: to reduce costs and increase efficiency
• Fiscal responsibility legislation: to improve budget planning, and public financial management, and make the government more accountable
Stability in the financial sector to reduce risks
Part of the Jamaican plan includes reducing the amount of money the government is spending to pay the interest bill on its debt. Since most of Jamaica’s debt is held by financial institutions in the country, a key part of the plan helps to ensure that these institutions, should they need it, have access to cash to help shore up their liquidity. Half the money from the IMF will be made available immediately in large part to help finance a special fund for this purpose.
Other reforms in the financial sector will increase the amount of capital held by financial institutions and strengthen the supervision of the financial system by regulators. All these initiatives are designed to maintain a solid and stable banking system for Jamaicans.
Please read for information and guidance to those we lead.
Robert Stewart
GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS
IMF Approves $1.27 Billion Loan for Jamaica
IMF Survey online
February 4, 2010
• 27-month deal to help Jamaican economy
• Focus on social spending for most needy
• Policy reforms and debt exchange to break cycle of budget crises
The IMF approved a $1.27 billion loan to support Jamaica’s plan to recover from mounting government debt, weak economic growth, and the effects of the global economic crisis, the international organization announced on February 4.
The money will help Jamaica, a Caribbean country of 2.8 million people, implement its two-year plan, which includes
• Reform of the public sector to substantially reduce the large budget deficit
• A debt strategy to reduce debt servicing costs
• Reforms to the financial sector to reduce risks.
“The planned legislative and regulatory reforms will help reduce systemic risks to the financial system and strengthen the overall resilience of the economy to shocks,” said IMF Deputy Managing Director Takatoshi Kato.
With the plan in place, the IMF predicts growth rates in Jamaica to increase from -3 ½ percent in 2009 to ½ percent by late 2010, and to rise to 2 percent in 2011.
Jamaica’s economy has deteriorated in recent years, in part due to the effects of the global economic crisis. In addition, the country’s large debt burden has magnified the fallout from the global crisis by limiting the scope of government to implement policies to cushion the negative impact.
Sharp falls of 60 percent in bauxite and aluminum production and exports, and a sharp decline in the amount of funds sent by Jamaicans living abroad, have led to a contraction in the economy. At the same time, with limited financing options, the government has had to raise taxes to offset falling revenues.
Economic reforms are needed to put the public finances on sound footing, and establish the basis for sustained strong economic growth. Jamaica’s economic program demonstrates its commitment to meeting these challenges.
Focus on social spending
While certain kinds of government spending, such as wages in the public sector, will be reined in, the government plans to increase spending on better targeted social programs by 25 percent. A school feeding program, which provides breakfast and lunches to children, will benefit from this increase.
The government will also increase the amount of cash transfers to lower-income groups through the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education, known in Jamaica as the PATH.
Reforms to target the root of the problem
In order to make sure Jamaica’s recovery is sustainable in the long run, the plan also includes a number of reforms in key areas, including
• Tax policy: to improve collection and administration
• The public sector: to reduce costs and increase efficiency
• Fiscal responsibility legislation: to improve budget planning, and public financial management, and make the government more accountable
Stability in the financial sector to reduce risks
Part of the Jamaican plan includes reducing the amount of money the government is spending to pay the interest bill on its debt. Since most of Jamaica’s debt is held by financial institutions in the country, a key part of the plan helps to ensure that these institutions, should they need it, have access to cash to help shore up their liquidity. Half the money from the IMF will be made available immediately in large part to help finance a special fund for this purpose.
Other reforms in the financial sector will increase the amount of capital held by financial institutions and strengthen the supervision of the financial system by regulators. All these initiatives are designed to maintain a solid and stable banking system for Jamaicans.
On Humanity
Fellow Labourers-
Let me pose a question to all of us. Is man essentially good with the potential for evil, or is he essentially evil with the potential for good? In answering this question I suppose we need a starting point. Some of us may start with man before the fall, some after the fall and some with Jesus' statement, "There is none good, but God." Where ever we begin I suspect we would have to define a kind of humanity that is either progressing or regressing. If we then define progress as movement in a desired direction, then regression would be movement in an undesired direction. How are we doing so far? I suspect if we examine our lives carefully we are in a state of flux. We are both progressing and regressing daily. I suppose then that our aim should be to strive for an equilibrium balance.
My above argument does not however answer my first question. But, I now come to a conclusion by deductive reasoning. Every time I would do good evil presents itself. I do evil because good is absent. To do evil comes naturally. Therefore I am essentially evil because of my sin nature. It is my knowledge of the facts that has led me to this conclusion. We live and understand our humanity based on certain facts. This is I believe one reason why most missionaries are Christians, the fact that they believe in the goodness of a loving saviour called Jesus Christ.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Let me pose a question to all of us. Is man essentially good with the potential for evil, or is he essentially evil with the potential for good? In answering this question I suppose we need a starting point. Some of us may start with man before the fall, some after the fall and some with Jesus' statement, "There is none good, but God." Where ever we begin I suspect we would have to define a kind of humanity that is either progressing or regressing. If we then define progress as movement in a desired direction, then regression would be movement in an undesired direction. How are we doing so far? I suspect if we examine our lives carefully we are in a state of flux. We are both progressing and regressing daily. I suppose then that our aim should be to strive for an equilibrium balance.
My above argument does not however answer my first question. But, I now come to a conclusion by deductive reasoning. Every time I would do good evil presents itself. I do evil because good is absent. To do evil comes naturally. Therefore I am essentially evil because of my sin nature. It is my knowledge of the facts that has led me to this conclusion. We live and understand our humanity based on certain facts. This is I believe one reason why most missionaries are Christians, the fact that they believe in the goodness of a loving saviour called Jesus Christ.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Thursday, February 4, 2010
But as for Me
Fellow Labourers-
During our communion service last night there were a number of testimonies that sounded just like our subject "But as for me." These were coming from the hearts of the individuals, and did not sound like their assurances was contingent on anything else but faith in the efficacious blood of Jesus Christ. They had an objective posture as against a subjective posture. Objectivity gives one a more positive outlook, and hope for a desired outcome. It is because of subjective reasoning why we find ourselves in a mess in the world and in the church. It was Satan introduce subjectivity that Adam and Eve fell. We must reach that point when we say enough is enough, "But as for me."
One of C.S. Lewis' classical is called The seeing eye, and he has a chapter in it called The poison of subjectivism. Here is a quote from the chapter. "One cause of misery and vice is always present with us in the greed and pride of men, but in certain periods in history this is greatly increased by the temporary prevalence of some false philosophy. Correct thinking will not make good men of bad ones; but a purely theoretical error may remove ordinary checks to evil and deprive good intentions of their natural support. An error of this sort is abroad at present. I am not referring to the powerful philosophies of the Totalitarian states, but to something that goes deeper and spreads wider and which, indeed, has given these power philosophies their golden opportunity. I am referring to Subjectivism."
Sad to say this odious poison has crept in among us unaware, and we call it progress and enlightenment. But, have we really progressed?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
During our communion service last night there were a number of testimonies that sounded just like our subject "But as for me." These were coming from the hearts of the individuals, and did not sound like their assurances was contingent on anything else but faith in the efficacious blood of Jesus Christ. They had an objective posture as against a subjective posture. Objectivity gives one a more positive outlook, and hope for a desired outcome. It is because of subjective reasoning why we find ourselves in a mess in the world and in the church. It was Satan introduce subjectivity that Adam and Eve fell. We must reach that point when we say enough is enough, "But as for me."
One of C.S. Lewis' classical is called The seeing eye, and he has a chapter in it called The poison of subjectivism. Here is a quote from the chapter. "One cause of misery and vice is always present with us in the greed and pride of men, but in certain periods in history this is greatly increased by the temporary prevalence of some false philosophy. Correct thinking will not make good men of bad ones; but a purely theoretical error may remove ordinary checks to evil and deprive good intentions of their natural support. An error of this sort is abroad at present. I am not referring to the powerful philosophies of the Totalitarian states, but to something that goes deeper and spreads wider and which, indeed, has given these power philosophies their golden opportunity. I am referring to Subjectivism."
Sad to say this odious poison has crept in among us unaware, and we call it progress and enlightenment. But, have we really progressed?
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Seeing Them
Fellow Labourers-
A simple but thought provoking subject - "Seeing Them." Whenever Jesus saw them he was moved to do something. On seeing some he went up into a mountain. On seeing some he had compassion on them. On seeing others he whipped them out of the temple. Each situation demanded an appropriate response. Are we seeing them or are we too busy or just plain don't care? Today I was driving through Ocho Rios and I was filled with hope. I saw the students from the Ocho Rios High school just as school dismissed. I saw over 300 of them, and they were all well dressed and very orderly. I did not see one student that let me feel as if all hope is gone. I drove slowly looking at them with a smile on my face.
I believe if we see them and take some action things can change for the better. If we each became accountable then it would make a vast difference. Let us "see them" and take the appropriate action. Jamaica is depending on us, and God expects it.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
A simple but thought provoking subject - "Seeing Them." Whenever Jesus saw them he was moved to do something. On seeing some he went up into a mountain. On seeing some he had compassion on them. On seeing others he whipped them out of the temple. Each situation demanded an appropriate response. Are we seeing them or are we too busy or just plain don't care? Today I was driving through Ocho Rios and I was filled with hope. I saw the students from the Ocho Rios High school just as school dismissed. I saw over 300 of them, and they were all well dressed and very orderly. I did not see one student that let me feel as if all hope is gone. I drove slowly looking at them with a smile on my face.
I believe if we see them and take some action things can change for the better. If we each became accountable then it would make a vast difference. Let us "see them" and take the appropriate action. Jamaica is depending on us, and God expects it.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Leave of Absence
Fellow Labourers-
Most of us can commiserate with this article in one way or the other. There has been times when God seems so far away. And I don't believe that in those moments "absence makes the heart grow fonder." Instead we are faced with a moment of dread. A moment that seems imponderable.Yet, it is in those same moments that we can find the greatest assurance. When he seems so far away that we are forced to seek him earnestly, then there comes a calm assurance "Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find him."
For us as human beings it would seem that the sensory preceptor that we use to perceive God determines how near or how far he is from us. If we rely on our emotions he may seem to be absent more often than not. If we rely on our experiences for some people he may never ever be present. I don't know how you perceive him, but like Job I will shout "I know that my redeemer lives."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Most of us can commiserate with this article in one way or the other. There has been times when God seems so far away. And I don't believe that in those moments "absence makes the heart grow fonder." Instead we are faced with a moment of dread. A moment that seems imponderable.Yet, it is in those same moments that we can find the greatest assurance. When he seems so far away that we are forced to seek him earnestly, then there comes a calm assurance "Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find him."
For us as human beings it would seem that the sensory preceptor that we use to perceive God determines how near or how far he is from us. If we rely on our emotions he may seem to be absent more often than not. If we rely on our experiences for some people he may never ever be present. I don't know how you perceive him, but like Job I will shout "I know that my redeemer lives."
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Holy Groans
Fellow Labourers-
As I read the attached article I became a bit fearful. Our stop lights across Jamaica are showing up the underbelly of our society. We are spawning a society of underemployed and unemployed youths that are surfacing like wreckage from a sunken ship. Seeing them make me angry and dejected. I am angry because of the attitude of some of them, and because I can't find an answer to my question, Why? Dejected, because it seems we are hopeless.
Today I saw a set at Three Miles and I was saddened. I drove along Marcus Garvey Drive thinking what can I do. I went to church to pray and after prayer Sister Paulette accompanied me to The MontaMil Golden age home. When we got there I saw 21 volunteers from the SDC in their colours landscaping, painting and assisting with pedicures. Obviously I joined in and did my little bit. Now I have found a part of my answer. We will have to stir up a spirit of volunteerism among our people. We must go beyond the walls in a practical way. Let us all do our part-you in your small corner, and I in mine.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
As I read the attached article I became a bit fearful. Our stop lights across Jamaica are showing up the underbelly of our society. We are spawning a society of underemployed and unemployed youths that are surfacing like wreckage from a sunken ship. Seeing them make me angry and dejected. I am angry because of the attitude of some of them, and because I can't find an answer to my question, Why? Dejected, because it seems we are hopeless.
Today I saw a set at Three Miles and I was saddened. I drove along Marcus Garvey Drive thinking what can I do. I went to church to pray and after prayer Sister Paulette accompanied me to The MontaMil Golden age home. When we got there I saw 21 volunteers from the SDC in their colours landscaping, painting and assisting with pedicures. Obviously I joined in and did my little bit. Now I have found a part of my answer. We will have to stir up a spirit of volunteerism among our people. We must go beyond the walls in a practical way. Let us all do our part-you in your small corner, and I in mine.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
In Office
Fellow Labourers-
In Office reminds me of the Jamaica football team. They can hardly be beaten at "The Office". How many times have you called to get someone and you are told, He/She has just stepped out, try later? I can just sense the frustration because you want an answer now, not later. Well, today, I have good news for you, our high priest has never left office since the day of his appointment. He is always making intercession for us. He can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
Nobody voted him in, and nobody can vote him out. Satan tried to stop him but death couldn't handle him. The grave could not hold him. I feel like jumping and shout Hallelujah for such a Priest. He is easily identified in any crowd because he is covered with blood. See from his head, his hands, his feet. Oh what a saviour. Please call him today, He is in Office.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
In Office reminds me of the Jamaica football team. They can hardly be beaten at "The Office". How many times have you called to get someone and you are told, He/She has just stepped out, try later? I can just sense the frustration because you want an answer now, not later. Well, today, I have good news for you, our high priest has never left office since the day of his appointment. He is always making intercession for us. He can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
Nobody voted him in, and nobody can vote him out. Satan tried to stop him but death couldn't handle him. The grave could not hold him. I feel like jumping and shout Hallelujah for such a Priest. He is easily identified in any crowd because he is covered with blood. See from his head, his hands, his feet. Oh what a saviour. Please call him today, He is in Office.
Pax Vobiscum
Robert Stewart
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)