TOLERANCE IS HARD WORK

Indeed it is. I belong to a fellowship who state on our weekly bulletin that we are; a safe place for all people to worship regardless of race, creed, gender, cultural background, or sexual orientation. We pay, I believe, only superficial regard to that statement. Tolerance is somewhat absent, unfortunately, as various people, me included, push our own barrows. There is an Island congregation attached to our Church Community and their beliefs lean heavily towards the conservative. So do mine, being the Creationist that I am. Mind you, I came to the Creationist point of view via many roads that had me a radical progressive for many years. Unlike Paul, I was not confronted with a burning bush, but several unexplained matters from the Progressive point of view caused me to revise what I believed. However, getting back to where I was. While there is a conservative bent to many in the congregation, there is also a strong progressive presence. They acknowledge Jesus but have problems with God and the afterlife. Consequently, depending upon who is leading the service on any particular Sunday, the message can range over quite a wide field. Actually I like that. New points of view open up, and interesting points emerge. What I dislike is the disregard many of the opposing factions have for the others point of view. I appreciate the progressive point because I regard them at a different stage on a road that will lead us to God. Hopefully they believe the same of me. Sometimes, however, tolerance can be hard work when either they, them or us believe our road is the only road. I often use the analogy that if we set out from our home towns to go to a certain destination then we will possible all take different routes to get there. Some will fly directly, some will go by car and stop off at various points, some will do some work on the way. Some might encounter mechanical or health problems that will delay them. Eventually, those committed enough, will get to their destination. Hopefully, on their journey, they will pause to help those who are standing looking at the signposts at an intersection, or need assistance to get their car going. Hopefully they will be tolerant of others problems and ways of doing things and find that tolerance need not be hard work.

God Don't Live in No Church

In my book 'Ripples', a young boy with no religious affiliations finds 'Heaven' in a church on Christmas eve. The reality is, however, that God and Heaven are rarely found in such. That is unfortunate but true. On many occasions I have found that there are more 'Christians' outside the Church than in it. Okay, I know that Christians are sinners along with the rest of mankind and I accept that. The point is that Christians often tend to come across as more like the Pharisees of Jesus' time than the disciples of the new church.
I recall an example given me by an Uncle of mine. A dispute arose in their congregation when is was discovered that one of those charged with counting the collection money was making the given money up to a round dollar by adding extra of his own while counting it. The dispute was over the fact that the extra money had not been dedicated and/or blessed. What a performance. It split the entire congregation. Eventually the congregation left. As the door was locked for the last time the person locking it said, "We won." Who won?
The denomination I belong too do not usually baptise via total immersion. Occasionally, however, some one wants to be so baptised. One congregation were undertaking major alterations to their building so the suggestion was made that a bath be built under the font so that if, in future, immersion was required the font could be moved and the bath uncovered. Again, what an uproar. Love thy neighbour?
Both you and I could give many examples couldn't we? How sad. In this day and age, at this time, I think it behoves us to walk the walk like no other time. Our world is currently facing disasters, confrontations and evil the like of which has not been seen for a long time. Christianity is being sidelined by institutions and Governments in favour of secularism. Many of Christendom's critics point to examples similar to those mentioned above.
Don't you think it is time we Christians did better?

I AM A GOOD PERSON BUT GOING TO HELL

I mean, is this really fair? Okay, so perhaps I am not as good a person as I could be. I do the odd wrong thing. Quite a few odd things probably. But basically I am a pretty okay sort of guy. I swear occasionally but doesn't every one? I am faithful to my wife. I don't steal. I don't covet my neighbours ass, or anything else of my neighbours. I love everybody, especially after I have had a few beers. I believe in God and Jesus but I don't go for Churches because there are too many hypocrites inside them. I help old ladies across streets, help the poor and generally do good all over the place. BUT, at the end of my time I ain't going to get into heaven. Why ain't I going to get into heaven? Because I have not said the magic words, 'I believe Jesus was crucified for my sins, died, rose from the dead and is now in Heaven with God'. Why I don't say those words is because my faith is weak. It is a giant leap for me and it is taking me a long time to take that leap. On the other hand my life is full of people who consider the ten commandments as a challenge, and break as many of them as they can, as often as they can. Will they be going to heaven? Well they tell me repeatedly that they believe Jesus died for their sins, that he rose again and is now in Heaven and they believe that implicitly. They say that faith is more important that works. So there you go; me to hell, them to heaven.

Hospital Waiting Rooms Are The Great Leveller

Sit around any hospital waiting room for long enough, and who doesn't these days, and you will see that regardless of your station in this life, a pretty level playing field exists there. In general, discrimination does not exist. Okay, there are the thugs and bullies who perform, demanding rights that they do not have, but in general all those sitting patiently relate to one another. As I sat in Wellington Hospital the other day, I watched a young man, probably about 30 years of age, push a young child, whom I presumed to be his daughter, past in the wheel chair. His face was covered in tattoos. They were the type of tattoo that would have prevented him from getting any type of job other than repairing roads. I do not say that in a judgmental way, but as a statement of fact. But there he was, doing what any other father would do, and doing it with sadness etched upon that face. In any other setting he may well have been bullying his way about (perhaps I am being judgmental?) but there he was clearly upset with his daughter's condition and situation. Again, in any other setting the other people about him would have given him a wide birth, but in the Hospital he and his were accepted and accepting. He was not the only one. People talk to strangers. They reveal to each other the most intimate of secrets. I know that some will say I am wrong because those who can afford it will go to a Private Hospital but I disagree. In an emergency, or even for a 'follow-up' the 'Gentry' will often mix with the 'Serfs' and both learn from each other.
Pity most Churches don't provide such a level playing field.

Gay bulls are culled

Should I get involved in the gay marriage debate I ask myself. Probably not, but then I have always tended to go where angels fear to tread. Many current Church attendees seem to believe that gay marriage is no big thing, so should I, as a Christian, go along with that? Christians are taught that marriage is an institution blessed by God etc, etc. Paul seems to be a bit confused about the whole thing actually. Spend some time with a Bible concordance researching marriage and see what you come up with.
Personally I think we Christians have more important things to worry about, and work on, than gay couples getting married. Let us remember that we are in the end times and it is inevitable that sin will increase and Christian values will be ridiculed. Gay marriage is not to be confused with homosexuality. Homosexuality is condemned by God. Why should two men, or two women, not live together if they truly love each other, and have that love recognized as a marriage? If that couple practice same sex intercourse then that becomes another matter. As an ex farmer I can tell you that homosexual bulls were culled and sent to the meat works. I would not advocate that for humans.
In summary, I would say let gay couples marry if that is what they think they need to make their love real. (A sad thought.) Meanwhile us Christians need to get on with loving our fellow man regardless of their sexual orientation.

Impatient Waiting

My favourite bible verse is Isaiah 40:31: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. I usually use it as a call to worship on those occasions God permits me to preach from a pulpit. I have always believed it as saying to me that the Lord will do all those things for me if I but trust in him. I have recently read, however, an old sermon of John Murray's. It is contained in a book titled With Wings As Eagles, copyrighted and published in 1993 by Whitaker House. While my beliefs are agreed to by Murray, the big thing he pointed out were the words 'They that WAIT upon the Lord.' This has become my reality. I have recently shifted to Masterton in New Zealand. I did so at what I believed was the prompting of my Lord. The reason for my need to relocate was not made apparent to me but I believed fervently that it would become apparent in the Lords time. Not a patient person, I have waited for about 4 months for the reason to become apparent. As I sit writing this, and looking back over those 4 months, I can see that the need for me to be where I am is becoming apparent. I have been able to publish, as an e-book, Promises, a book of children's stories suitable for young and old. (Check it out on Smashwords, Barnes and Noble etc., or even purchase it for 0.99c USD from those stores.) Further, my other books have taken giant steps along the publishing road. I have also noticed that my involvement in my new Church is starting to be a little fruitful. However, I must still WAIT upon the Lord, something I do with impatience.

Nek Minit, Smashwords

My book Ripples has made Smashwords Premier list. I must say that I chose to publish via Smashwords as my finances are not abundant and you can publish via them for free. They provide a Style Guide for you to follow when you submit your manuscript. This, if followed, ensures that your book has minimum problems with its conversion to EPub, PDF etc. I must say a big thank you to Mark Coker at Smashwords for the Style Guide. I followed it religiously and 'nek minit' Premier status. Would I recommend that you publish via Smashwords? Most certainly. Never heard of them? Chuck their name in your search engine and find a partner who cares about independent publishing.

Published

Ripples, my book of children's stories and plays, has been published on Smashwords. I am awaiting its review to find out what, if anything, needs to be touched up to make the Premium catalogue. It is suitable for use by those in Children's Christian Ministry. The stories can be adapted to include the names of those in your Fellowship. Likewise, Parents and Grandparents would find them a great basis for sharing. I have actually found that many adults, and particularly the elderly, relate to the stories. Go on, take the chance - buy it. Now that I have taken that step, I must turn my attention to another completed adult book I have tentatively named 'Begat', and also get stuck into my Creation book which I have not added a word to for well over 6 months. Get a move on Jim.

Boy Scout Walking

Like many young New Zealanders I was a Scout. You know, the Baden Powell 'Be Prepared' type. I clearly recall learning how to walk a straight line. You line up some object, normally a tree, spire etc, fix your gaze upon it, and walk towards it ensuring that you never look to either side or down at your feet. Follow that advice and look back once you reach the object. Your footprints will be roughly in a straight line. Therein is the big secret of Christian Life. You must fix your gaze upon Christ and walk directly towards Him. Do not look to either side nor up nor down. Look else where, and you will wander from the straight and narrow. So, I've wandered off the straight and narrow. How do I get back? When I left St Columba's Church in Napier, to live in Masterton, the Communications Committee presented me with a book as a going away gift. That book shows how to get back on the straight line. It is 'Finding our way Again' by Brian McLaren and is part of The Ancient Practice Series published by Thomas Nelson. This is a book I whole-heartedly recommend. It does not matter really whether you have wandered off the path or not. It is an amazing book that will ensure you examine your current practices and help you find meaning in your spiritual life.

Family

If you are related to me and you see the heading 'Family,' you are probably saying, "What's he going to go on about this time?" Well, I am going to go on about family. Probably in a bit of a long-winded way. My wife and I have shifted back to Masterton after fourteen years in Napier. They were enjoyable years, mostly. Back here we somehow feel that we have arrived home. Certainly my Christian journey while in Napier was interesting. I went through stages; Progressive Christianity, Sea of Faith and the go to Church, sit in the pew, listen to a sermon, sing a few hymns, say the Lord's prayer and then go back to the 'real' world once again stage. Somewhere along that road though I met my Lord. It was not a massive burning bush, or bright light experience, but rather a series of small 'things'; prayers becoming meaningful, peace that would regularly envelope me while reading the bible, the words 'He walks with me and He talks with me' coming into my mind. I knew they were words from a hymn, but it was one I had never never sung or seen. The tune 'given me' was also correct. Tears now pour from my eyes whenever I sing Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. Gradually I gained a compelling urge to tell people about God; to do God's will. I felt God's blessing upon my writing. Then, I discovered Creation Science Evangelism and Answers in Genesis and became a Creationist. The interesting point is that while people accepted my Christian position, they baulked at Creationism. How can you be a Christian, accept the bible as the word of God, but not believe what it says? So where does family come in? Well on Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, I went to services at the Masterton church I had attended fourteen years previously. Although I am now older, (state the obvious Jim) with an earring, moustachioed with a goatee beard, and very long hair in a pony tail, I was welcomed back with hugs and opened arms. I don't think they realise how much of a prodigal son I feel.    

Character Building

My wife and I have recently shifted from Napier to Masterton. This has been character building in a big way. First the truck leaked in the rain and caused serious damage to many items that my wife considered irreplaceable. The washing machine then decided that its life span had been achieved. Likewise the microwave decided to join the washing machine in machine heaven. All of this would have been enough to cause melt down in a weaker man. (We did not have removal insurance which would have cost the same as normal excess and besides what could happen between Napier and Masterton!) I have not melted down. Just the opposite. There is a book on my bookshelf titled bumps make you stronger, or something similar to that. (I have yet to unpack that particular box.) The damage to our items are the bumps on the road upon which I am currently travelling and they have helped me/us to see that they are only objects. We have arrived physically safe and thank the Lord for bringing us to this place and including a valuable lesson in the process.

PC and Children

There was a time when children were safe in the community. Sadly this is no longer the case. From time to time I have assisted at an after school care (Afcare) program. When a child is hurt or crying your natural instinct is too cuddle them to make it better. You do not dare do so today do you? You must be so careful or you leave yourself open to terrible allegations. Not long ago, through a stuff up, I went to a primary school to meet a school boy and escort him safely to the Afcare program about quarter of a mile away. I did not know the child and he did not know me. I only knew where I was to meet him. I waited, and waited. I asked parents and teachers. Nobody could see or remember the child. One mother asked me what I was doing. In hindsight, my comment that I was "Looking for a boy," wasn't my greatest line. The result? The boy's father had picked him up early and not notified the Afcare program. How dangerous is that! How sad that in this day and age when children are growing up, in many cases without a male presence, interaction between children of both genders has to be so carefully managed by both genders.

Brook Besor

Yesterday I spoke to residents of an aged care facility in Napier, New Zealand, in a Bible study. I spoke about David and his pursuit of the Amalekites who had decimated his resident town of Ziklag. (1 Samuel Chapter 30 Verses 1 to 25 with the emphasis on verses 23 to 25.) While there are numerous lessons to be taken from this incident, the one I concentrated upon was the need for the camp to be guarded. The residents of the home are clearly not able to physically be at the forefront of the battle but they can stay behind at the camp and guard it. The camp is Christianity. They can guard it with prayer and there is nothing the powers of darkness fear more than prayer. As David states; Those who guard the camp are as important as those who go physically into battle. (Paraphrased.)

Sitting In The Back Seat

     Most Sundays I provide a lift to Church for an aged lady. This lady, in her 80's, sits with another elderly lady - both of them in the back pew of the Church. Recently these two have 'fallen out' over some small matters. A touch of Alzheimers has not helped. It now falls to me to sit between them and maintain the peace. This is a job I am willing to undertake as it allows what has been a caring friendship between the two of them to continue, albeit in a slightly different form.
     Unfortunately the lady I provide the lift for is partially blind and hard of hearing. She also has problems staying awake during the service. As a result she spends most of the service asleep in my lap stirring only when I stand for the hymns.
     What a lovely lady she really is though, once you get to know her. Her life has been very difficult and she now finds herself in a foreign land and in a nursing home with others she has nothing in common with and a family she believes has abandoned her. Thank God that her beliefs give her a family.