According to the Collins English Dictionary, “if you mend something that is broken or not working, you repair it, so that it works properly or can be used.”[1]
In Galatians 6: 1, the apostle Paul references this meaning of the word “mend. He writes “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” I’m told, the word translated from the Greek as “restore” was also used for mending a net.
While previous generations of men and women learned to mend as a domestic necessity, for most people today, mending is a distant choice. In practice, many millennials, gen Xers and even some boomers know very little now about mending and in today’s throwaway society, there isn’t much reason to mend a torn sock or pants or handbag. Socks are relatively cheap; pants are still affordably priced; and handbags, well, very few people think about mending those.
That being said, there are several benefits to mending torn things.
Mending repairs what is torn and the result of a good mend is an unnoticeable fix to what we already have.
Mending re-positions and re-orients those who take up the habit, helping them to solve problems that usually happen on our way out the door or after machine washing a load of clothes.
Mending reflects environmental stewardship. The recent rush to follow Marie Kondo and declutter our closets allows us to cast out disposable stuff like clothing from our homes to a landfill site. Mending, on the other hand, requires us to choose to fix what we have without casting out one set of disposables and buying another.
Mending, however, takes a lot of time just like God’s mending of a spiritual life also takes time, a lifetime.
Casting and Mending
In Mark chapter 1, Jesus encounters two different pairs of brothers who were fishermen. While walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, he first passes by Simon Peter and Andrew who in verse 16 were “casting a net into the sea.” As the Saviour walked further along, he sees James and John, two other brothers who were “mending their nets” (Verse 19).
Although, the four were all fishermen, they were not all occupied in the same activity of their profession. One set was casting; the other, mending. You may ask, which is more important – casting or mending? I say both are equally important.
In this blog, I’ve teased out a few important lessons about why this is so.
1. Casting is a necessity for the Christian.
In Luke Chapter 5, after Peter (with his partners James and John) reluctantly let down or cast their nets into the water, “they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break” (Verse 6).
In the first century, nets were used for fishing. If they became broken, the fishermen could not fish. Whenever a fisherman came back from fishing, he would examine his nets to ensure there were no torn or broken places. If he found any, he would mend them; to make them as good as new.
God wants to do the same with members of His household of faith. As broken vessels, God is continually examining us carefully to find our weak spots, and to restore and purify us. He wants to heal hearts, a lengthy but necessary process, if we are to attain holiness and the character of Christ.
Moreover, like fishermen who throw their nets out to fish for cod, snapper and salmon, God wants his servants to be fishers of men. If as Christians, we encounter men and women are broken spiritually, God wants us to cast our ‘gospel’ nets into the water to rescue them.
We should keep in mind, however, that nets do not become worn by lying at the bottom of a fishing boat. They must be used. They are torn when they are cast, and when they are cast productively. This suggests that the nets that James and John were mending must have been a testimony of more successful and productive fishing times.
2. Casting is a requirement for mending and vice versa.
Although a fisherman/woman may not be catching fish while s/he is mending, without a mended net one cannot venture out to catch fish. It’s the same for ministry. There are times when we may feel that things are going very well with us and other times when there is a struggle. We must allow God to mend us so we can be whole as we serve others.
Likewise, as we cast our nets, we must also realize that not everyone we witness to will accept the truth about the gospel; not all those who accept salvation will grow and bear fruit; and there will be times when we won’t grasp the biblical truths that are hidden in God’s word. When we feel wounded, God will be there to mend us so we can go on fishing.
3. We must not give up during mending time.
I’m glad, James and John were mending their nets rather than abandoning them or looking for a place to dispose of them. Mending meant they were planning to fish again and not to give up altogether. They could have looked at their competitors Simon and Andrew and could have become discouraged by the fact that they were casting, but they didn’t. They knew mending was a necessary part of net restoration and, once completed, they would fish again.
Similarly, rather than giving up, we must embrace the times of mending. Many Christians often forget past successes during times of difficulty but no matter where we are, we should always remember to look back to those times when we thought things were better. we must thank God for every past victory rather than be discouraged by the need to stop and mend others, or to be mended ourselves.
4. Whether casting or mending, we must respond to the call of Jesus.
As Simon Peter and Andrew were casting their nets, Jesus bids them “Come, follow me” and immediately, “they left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1: 17, 18). Similarly, when he interrupts James and John, the Bible says “… they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him” (verse 20). Regardless of whether they were casting or mending, Jesus called all four men because he loved them, and they followed him immediately.
It must be the same for us. Jesus loves casters and menders equally. We live in a success-driven society and it’s natural for us to become fixated on our failures, seeing them as obstacles. But whether we are facing difficulties or experiencing victory, we must heed the call of Jesus. We must turn our attention from our nets and focus on the Saviour. He wants us to be with him; to walk with him; and to tell others about him. So, in the big picture, it doesn’t matter whether we are casting or mending as long as we are willing to say “yes’ to Jesus.
I trust that as casters we are also “on the mend.” I know I want Jesus to fix me. I hope and trust you want the same too.
[1] https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/mend
This month, 18 years on, the world will once again reflect on the September 11, 2001 bombings when Islamic terrorists used aircraft as deadly weapons to bomb the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in the United States of America. Undeniably, evil was on show for all to see but the world rallied behind the US as it mourned the loss of thousands of its citizens.
Ten years later America responded. Special Forces killed Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda leader and the alleged mastermind behind the September 11 bombings during an early morning raid on May 2, 2011 (approximately mid-afternoon on May 1 in the United States). Though debatable, many felt it was justifiable for the US government to seek vengeance for evil perpetuated against its citizens.
But what about Christians? Do we believe that we have to fight evil on its own playing field? I say ‘no’, although I realize the vigilante spirit is alive and well in the church. As a result of sin, we retaliate against those who mistreat us, at times sanctifying our anger as righteous indignation. We behave as if we are wired to repay others for what they have done to us – to ‘return to sender’ the evil that was done to us.
One of the more radical biblical teachings about this is found in Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Do we realize that by ‘doing good’, we are actually defeating evil? Yes. That’s because if we don’t follow Paul’s counsel, evil will spread. “An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.” When we do ‘good’ in the face of evil, it’s as if we are clearing a path to make redemption a possibility for someone else. Whether the person is changed or not is between them and God.
As Christians, our part is to never stop offering His goodness and kindness to our broken world. When we recognize how much the Devil wants us to play his game, we will also understand how acts of kindness and compassion throw a wrench into his most devious plans.
So how do we begin to overcome evil with good? What are some steps we could take?
First Step
I encourage everyone to think about the relevance of the Biblical teaching in Romans 12:21 in today’s world. Throughout the gospels, we are told that when Jesus saw the suffering of humanity, he was moved with compassion. While I am challenged by this, at times, I recognize that if I want to seek God’s Kingdom, then I must accept the values of His kingdom. One of these values is to overcome evil with good. Evil didn’t overcome Jesus, and if He is with us, we too will be over comers.
Next Steps
- Pray and Study the Bible
Having embraced Paul’s counsel, we need to seek guidance from God. This can be done through prayer, and Bible study. We need to get down on your knees and ask God for strength to follow His example. On the cross, He prayed for his enemies who persecuted him: “Father, for giver them for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Of our own, we can do nothing but we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength” (Philippians 4:13).
Studying God’s word is also important as it allows us to benefit from the examples of those who went before us. In the book of Esther, for instance, Mordecai’s arch enemy Haman made gallows to hang him on, but through prayer and fasting and Esther’s bravery, Haman’s plan backfired. He died on his own gallows.
King Saul also relentlessly pursued David, his successor to kill him, and although David had several opportunities to get rid of Saul, he depended to God to thwart the plans of the soon to be ousted king.
When Potiphar’s wife lied about Joseph and got him thrown into prison, he didn’t seek revenge. When His brothers’ sold him into Egyptian bondage, he didn’t leave them to starve to death but provided rations throughout the famine that raged the land. In the end he became second in command to Pharaoh and as he said, “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20, N.K.J.V).
Now contrast David’s actions against Uriah when he rendered evil for evil. After committing adultery with Bathsheba and getting her pregnant, he tried to get Uriah to sleep with Bathsheba so he could pin the pregnancy on Uriah. When that failed, he had Uriah killed on the front lines. David’s household paid dearly for this treachery. His two oldest sons died violent deaths as a result. One of his grandchildren was raped, and 10 of his concubines were raped in broad daylight in front of the entire nation. His kingdom was taken from him by his own son who later died for his own treachery. In David’s case, his own son Solomon noted that when he repaid evil with evil, evil did not depart from his house (Proverbs 17:13).
- Follow Jesus’ Example
Jesus reminded the Pharisees that Satan cannot drive out Satan (Matthew 12: 25-28). Likewise, evil cannot drive out evil. An evil response only doubles the evil. Best of all, Jesus Christ showed us that it is indeed possible to love our enemies. As his enemies beat him and spat upon him, drove nails into his hands and feet, and tore away his clothes, Jesus prayed that his father would forgive them because they did not know what they were doing. “
In the same manner, he taught that we should: “Love our enemies.” “Do good to them which hate you.” “Bless them which curse you”, and “Pray for those who despitefully use you.” This kind of love may only be attained to by those who have experienced the cleansing power of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. When a person has been cleansed from sin, s/he allows the power of the Holy Spirit of God to control their lives. Then and only then will s/he be able to truly love the bitterest enemy. While, we cannot stop people from doing evil, they cannot force us to participate with them. It takes no power, might, or wisdom to retaliate against evildoers, but returning good for evil is one of the greatest demonstrations of strength.
- Claim God’s Promises
Jesus warned us that He was sending us as sheep among wolves. As such, we should not be surprised if we are treated wrongly or unjustly. Knowing that we are in a fallen world, it would be naïve to expect that we will be treated well. That said, we shouldn’t be discouraged from doing good to others for fear that we might be treated badly in return. We must keep on doing good to others as much as we can.
Jesus also knew we were going to feel overwhelmed by the brokenness around us, which is why He reminded us that He has already overcome the world (John 16:33). Every time we confront evil with good, we are portraying a true picture of God’s character to the world. Until He returns, we must represent His kingdom and His ways on earth. Jesus fully understands what we feel, and knows how to comfort and encourage us to go on. Leave it up to God. He will fix it.
Here are a few promises to keep in mind when the going gets rough:
- “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
- “Vengeance is mine and I will repay it” (Hebrews 10:30).
- “Above all love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
- “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2: 16-18).
- Return Good with Good
When someone does ‘good’ to us and for us, we need to do ‘good’ in return. One of the best ways to be certain to follow this rule is to be very grateful for whatever good comes your way. Thank God for what He has given you and thank others for what they do for you as well. Do all that you can to repay everyone who does ‘good’ to you in kind.
A few evenings ago, my husband excitedly invited me to take a look at the moon. I am always fascinated to look up into the sky and to observe the stars and constellations, and of course, the moon. I went outside and what I saw was a lovely, bright full moon.
As I gazed up at the lighted disc, I wondered what it must have felt like to the Apollo 11 crew (Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin) to walk on the moon’s surface not knowing whether it could hold their weight.
I must confess, it gave me such joy to look at what always appears to be the outline of a face in the moon, and my one regret is that I did not take a picture of it. Going back into the house, I felt uplifted by the experience; happier and with a little more swagger in my step.
This experience has given rise to this month’s blog post.
With so much negativity and competition out there in the world why not uplift one another a bit.
Here are a few easy ways.
- Get out into nature.
Take a walk outside, especially during daylight hours. Natural light can boost our mood, and other studies show that taking walks and being in nature can reduce depression and anxiety. At night, look up into the heavens. Try to identify the planets and constellations of stars. Allow yourself to be wowed by celestial beauty, and give thanks.
- Smile broadly
What I failed to include when describing my wonder at the moon was how much it made me smile. I love to take a walk at lunch time to clear my head and to get some exercise. I can’t tell you how many people I pass who just stare. Even when I make eye contact and smile, sometimes many have a grim, gruff look. Now, I don’t expect everyone I pass on my walk to smile, but there’s nothing like a smile to say “I saw you, I acknowledge you, and I’m not going to ignore you.”
- Show kindness
Be kind to your spouse, your family members, friends and coworkers. Little things like holding a door or elevator open for someone can make a big difference to them. Give genuine attention and genuine compliments, and I emphasize the word genuine. Don’t just say something to hear yourself or to break an awkward silence. If you like someone’s shoes, handbag, or hairstyle, say so and mean it. People tend to be self-critical so remind them of their strengths, talents, and positive attributes. It will help uplift them. You never know, you may be giving them a word of encourage or appreciation at the lowest point in their day when they really need it.
- Write or Send a Note or Text Message
Whichever method you choose depends on the type of person you are interacting with and how well you know them. For some time now, I’ve made it my practice to send someone a text message or email not if I thought about them during that day. I also try to send messages to friends and loved ones on important dates such as International Women’s Day, Mother’s day, Father’s Day, birthdays, Thanksgiving , Christmas, and the like. It doesn’t have to be long and sentimental but taking the time to write a note or email, make a telephone call, or send a card can show how much we care about someone.
5: Offer To Help Someone
Check in on the vulnerable: old and young. If you know someone is sick or going through a rough time, figure out a way (big or small) to help. You could send a gift card for a meal or snack; take along a bouquet of flowers on a quick house visit; or make up package with some goodies you baked. Little gestures of kindness do wonders for a person’s self-worth, and at times, their sanity. Trust me, there’s also a bonus! You will feel incredible in return.
- Be Present in the Moment
Research shows that positive social relationships with others can help us feel better. However, many people actually feel quite lonely during social interactions. Keep this in mind and when you are in the company of your friends or loved ones, put away your phone, your computer, and your work assignment, and be there for them. Listen to them and support them without judging, and don’t offer suggestions unless they ask. In this way, you can help that person feel connected and supported.
- Invite someone to join in supporting a cause or helping someone else
This may seem counter-intuitive but when we help others, we automatically feel better ourselves. By asking a struggling friend or loved one to join you, you are giving them the opportunity to engage in an act of service that research shows will improve their happiness.
Ask someone to point out some of the positive things that are happening to them. If they are having trouble at work, with their spouse or their children, ask them if there are other things for which they are grateful. Gently guiding a friend toward the things that are going right can help broaden their perspective and give them solace.
So, go ahead. Uplift. Elevate. Inspire. Offer hope and encouragement. Someone needs it today.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a break from bad news. Bernie Madoff made off with millions of dollars of other people’s money, senseless killings are an everyday occurrence, many are losing their livelihoods and homes, and stress and tension are everywhere.
No matter how strong or powerful or confident we are, we all face tough times as we live in this world. One day we feel invincible and mighty; the next, deflated, lost and scared. If you haven’t already, you may realize that the hardest part of tough times is to hold on to hope.
I’ve been thinking a lot about hope recently and especially about how so many brilliant and successful people like Robin Williams and Kate Spade lose it and take their own lives. Why is it that amidst vicious challenges that threaten to squeeze me to a breaking point, I too haven’t given up? Simply put, it’s because I’ve been able to hold on to hope.
What is Hope?
Hope, in my opinion, is one of the most powerful and positive mindsets we can have. In everyday usage, hope is often described as a form of wishful thinking that’s differentiated from certainty. Someone says, for instance “I don’t know what’s going to happen but I hope so and so happens.”
That’s absolutely not what hope means to me. My hope, Christian hope, is trusting in a certain outcome or possibility: a confident expectation. Simply put, it says God has promised something and you can confidently place your trust in what He says because he has said it. It’s all about waiting patiently, ardently and with certainty for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Wow!
How does hope affect us?
As I look around the world today, it seems that many of the issues we buckle under in society are the result of a lack of hope. Think about it. People live for the here and now. They value earthly or material things such as power, prestige and possessions. Although they live in comfort, they lead miserable, bitter lives that lack joy and peace. They run from trials, often blaming others for their own failures. To avoid this, our hope must be secure in God.
Hope affects us on different levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Hope has been shown to boost your immune system reducing stress and anxiety so every day you wake up feeling positive. Those who lack hope often fall into rhythms of negative thinking and are full of resentment, pessimism and can even suffer from depression. Hope is also essential for creating self-worth, improving social relationships, motivating positive action, and broadening and building your mind, and looking forward to eternity.
How to build hope?
Our Christian faith is based on hope in Jesus. In fact, one of the key goals of Scripture is to develop and increase our hope. In 1834, Edward Mote summarized the Christian hope in his now famous hymn:
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand.
In addition, the Bible says: “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). This implies that hope, like faith is strengthened by the word of God. Hope comes from reading God precious and great promises and trusting in them. Additionally, “…
Additionally, “…everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4, NIV).
In verse 13 of Romans 15, the Apostle Paul reminds us that God is the source of hope and He wants your hope to greatly abound or increase. He says “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The Apostle Peter also tells us that our hope is a living hope. He says “May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! On account of his vast mercy, he has given us new birth. You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3, CEB).
The essence of what we look to in the Bible is to build our hope. So, let’s look away from the circumstances that confront us and look to Jesus and His promises and hold fast to them. Personally, there are three essential promises to which I hold, and by God’s grace, I never want to let go of them. I encourage you to do the same.
First, I have the hope of eternal life. Titus 1:2 says the “hope of eternal life which God who does not lie promised before the beginning of time.” Know that only in Christianity is there such a promise of a glorious life beyond the grave.
Then, there is the hope of a glorious church. Jesus promises to purify the church “that he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing…” When we look at the church today, full of imperfect people, this hope might appear to be a stretch. However, know that God will complete the work he started in his people so that His church “should be holy and without blemish.”
But arguably, the most pivotal of all hope is the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ at His second coming. This year, on July 20, it will be 50 years since human beings set foot on the moon. In the now famous words of Neil Armstrong “it was one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Man had successfully broken out of the bounds of earth’s atmosphere.
I admit, I’ve felt jealous of Neil Armstrong but only until I pondered more deeply the blessed hope and my trip to heaven. You see, when Jesus comes, I will hear that trumpet blast which beckons the dead saints to rise. Then, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet Jesus in the air.
With my glorified body, I will glide past the moon (later for you Neil Armstrong) and the galaxies to the place Jesus has prepared for us. What a glorious blessed hope! Let us keep it alive. Let’s pass it on to the next generation. Most importantly, Let us never lose it or lose sight of it because he who promised is faithful.
While trust is something that lies at the foundation of every relationship, it’s something with which I struggle. One reason that comes to mind is not always having a clear understanding of the nature of trust. I balk at times when someone I hardly know says: “trust me’. This may have happened to you too.
What does it really mean to trust someone?
I think about trust as a choice: I am choosing to be vulnerable and open as I relate to someone else because that person is full of integrity and has proven to be consistently honest, dependable and reliable. As such, I trust in God on one level, and my husband on another.
My views about trust also point to several key elements:
- Trust is not about putting blind faith in someone or having a good ‘gut feeling’ about them. Trust is merit-based and should be earned.
- Trust is different from love and forgiveness which are freely given. I don’t have to trust someone in order to love or forgive them, but love and forgiveness are vital in order to grow and build trust, especially if trust was broken.
- Trust calls for a belief that someone has your best interests at heart; that the person to be trusted is able and willing to do what s/he says. It’s hard to trust a good-for-nothing or to depend on someone who beats around the bush.
Recently, while surfing the Internet, I came across Robert Whipple’s article titled “3 Tricky Questions About Trust”[1] in which he invites everyone to answer the three questions he posed. In this blog, I would like to consider and answer those three tantalizing questions for myself. I encourage you to do the same even as you contemplate my responses.
Here are the three questions along with my answers.
- What is the relationship between trust and vulnerability?
Trust involves vulnerability, defenselessness or exposure. When I trust another person, I am literally exposing myself to not only hurt and disappointment but also to joy, kindness, and most of all, reciprocal trust. This is a risk we must be willing to take in order to trust.
As a follower of Christ, I am called to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3: 5, NIV). This is a call to submit myself to God’s leading, to experience not only the joy that comes with obedience but to also be patient and wait on Him (his timing) to meet all my needs. This can be very challenging for fallible human beings dealing with an infallible God who knows us better than we know ourselves. To make ourselves vulnerable, susceptible and defenseless, demonstrating total confidence in Him is not natural but this what we are called to do.
What about person to person relationships with other fallible human beings? I believe vulnerability is also critical to healthy person to person relationships but I struggle with whether it is mandatory like it is for our relationship with God. You see, NOT trusting someone does not mean anything ‘bad’ and is certainly not a judgment against the other person. Not trusting someone that you don’t know well enough to decide whether to trust or not, is healthy. When I am expected or required to trust someone blindly, I consider that a red flag about the person who has this expectation of me. In fact, that person may be trying to act like God, and there is only one God.
In marriages and other close relationships, however, NOT trusting isn’t an option. We must be willing to take some risk that we will be safe and secure with our partner. We must be willing to trust if the relationship is to grow and develop over time. It takes courage and commitment to make a sacred, lifelong, marital commitment – to put your heart on the line (or money on the line if it’s a business relationship). Without this, we won’t be able to strengthen and grow our marriages.
- Can you trust someone you fear?
While the word ‘trust’ inspires confidence, dependence and reliance, the word ‘fear’ engenders terror, dread, and horror. Trust and fear, therefore, seem like opposites. That being said, my answer to the question above is ‘yes’ and ‘no’. I have been in situations where I trusted someone that I was afraid of and others when I did not trust the person I feared.
For instance, I’ve had bosses at work that I feared because of their positional power, and at times, I was afraid of my own mother because of what she could do to me when I disobeyed. Nonetheless, I trusted them to do what was best for me –to give an honest recommendation or the proper training in the case of my bosses, and to feed, clothe and protect me in the case of my mother.
On the other hand, I’ve been in situations where a person in authority lied about and mischaracterized my actions; spoke disparagingly about me, and blamed me for things that went wrong. I couldn’t and didn’t trust at those times. I feared the person’s destructive tactics and never sought to get close to them.
I think many are also programmed into believing they have to trust immediately. It starts when a little child meets a new relative and, as the crying child latches on to the parent’s side, s/he insists that the child allow the stranger to kiss and hug them. I don’t believe this is healthy. No one should be forced to hug and kiss strangers because someone else says so. For me, I’ve learned to trust when I feel that a person is ‘trustworthy’ not because they have a degree or title or are in a position of power.
My relationship with God, however, is a different matter. The Bible tells us that “there is no fear in love. But perfect loves drives out fear…” (1 John 4:8, NIV). Fear and trust cannot exist in our relationship with God for one will dispel the other. God does not want us to be fearful of Him. He wants us to trust Him.
The key to overcoming fear is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace without fear (Daniel Chapter 3). Trusting God is how Stephen stood fearlessly before his persecutors (Acts Chapter 7). To trust God is to refuse to give in to fear; to know that He will make things right even in the dark times. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good. Once we have learned to trust God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us.
- Can you respect someone you don’t trust; and can you trust someone you don’t respect?
The word respect means to show admiration for someone, or to look up to someone. Sometimes, respect is the basis for trusting so0meone and sometimes, it isn’t. For instance, I may respect and trust my favourite Math teacher because s/he taught me throughout High School. S/he was knowledgeable and helped me to achieve my educational goals.
I may also respect people for their moral standards or achievements. I respect Queen Elizabeth for her morality and Barack Obama for his achievements but I’ve never met them and have no basis on which to trust them.
It’s also possible to respect people based on their reputation but personally not be able to trust them, at least not yet. Once my Church got a new and respected Pastor. I did not trust him immediately. I wanted to wait and see if my respect for him will lead to trust over time based on his actions over time.
I find, however, that if I lose respect for someone due to personal disappointment or due to some moral failing, then my trust in them is also eroded. I remember how disappointed I was to hear that one of my favourite Pastors had misappropriated funds from the Church treasury. I lost respect for him and with it some trust. I had the same feeling towards my friend’s husband when I learned he was charged for domestic abuse. For me, trust and respect go hand and respect is a foundation for trust.
In the end, the biggest question for me is: do I trust and respect myself? I believe the highest form of trust is self-trust. Self-respect is about knowing your worth and having the ability to adjust your life and remove people from it if they are treating you poorly. I must be willing to trust myself to make the right decisions and to respect myself, even if no one else chooses to do so. I must trust myself to know when to trust or not trust and I’ve learned not to write off my needs, my feelings and even my premonitions.
[1] https://leadergrow.com/articles/198-3-tricky-questions-about-trust
The need to build and strengthen marriages and families is more pressing than ever. With alarming divorce rates, parenting challenges and complex family dynamics, maintaining healthy relationships is difficult.
That’s why, the Halifax Seventh-day Adventist church is hosting this two-week series called Family Matters. It’s a type of family tune-up that’s meant to equip families with the right tools to face real-world issues; to grow closer to each other and to God.
Join me in Halifax, Nova Scotia from April 26 to May 11 for this exciting family life series. Checkout our Facebook page at halifaxadventist.org
Family Matters Poster
Thankfulness. Appreciation. Gratefulness. Everyone has, at times felt the need to give thanks for a person, thing, situation, or experience. Building gratitude or appreciation for the blessings or trials that happen in life is an essential part of building happiness. That’s because gratitude is both vertical – towards God (in a spiritual sense), or horizontal, towards mankind.
The Bible encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. The apostle Paul who wrote “Show yourselves thankful,” and “thanked God unceasingly” for the positive response of others toward the message he shared with them (Colossians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). So, lasting happiness comes not from merely saying ‘thank you’ occasionally but from having a grateful disposition. That, in turn, protects us from feelings of entitlement, envy, and resentment, that could alienate people from us and rob us of joy in life.
While, it seems easier to express gratitude when we are receiving blessings, it becomes more challenging if we’re going through trials or tough times. However, there are many blessings to be gained from showing appreciation in our everyday lives.
The Bible gives us this excellent advice: ‘Whatever things are true, lovable, well-spoken-of, virtuous, and praiseworthy, continue thinking about these things.’ (Philippians 4:8, footnote). The words “continue thinking about” point yet again to our need to have a thoughtful disposition, which is a prerequisite for a grateful spirit.
David prayed “I meditate on all your activity; I eagerly ponder over the work of your hands” (Psalm 143:5). David was not a distracted, superficial person. His thankful spirit stemmed from his regular contemplation of God’s ways, a practice he cultivated all his life (Psalm 71:5, 17).
Jesus Christ said “Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing” (Luke 6:38). Ralph Waldo Emerson echoes this when he says we should “cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”
Don’t forget, our Creator himself showed appreciation—even to created beings. Hebrews 6:10 states: “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.” Yes, our Creator considers it unrighteous, or unjust, to show a lack of gratitude.
A few years ago, I was leaving the office late. As I walked along the sidewalk next to my office building, I saw that a petite, elderly lady was struggling to walk against the force of the wind. She was about 4 feet tall and weighed about 90 pounds. Although I was in a hurry to get to my car, I stopped to ask her if she needed my help. When she graciously said “yes”, I took her arm and together we walked slowly past the tall, downtown building that had created a kind of wind tunnel that made it very difficult to walk. We continued walking for the next 400 meters or so before we bid each other goodbye. She was grateful. I was thankful.
Recently, I read a similar story about a New York taxi driver and an adventure he took with an old, frail woman. When he took the call, he knew it would be the last one for that shift. As he pulled up at the dimly lit house, he honked his horn. Getting no immediate response, he thought about racing away like the typical New York cab driver. Resisting that urge, he turned off the engine, entered the yard and went up the stairs to knock on the door.
A frail voice said” coming” and when the door slowly opened, he saw someone who looked like his grandmother. Patiently, he took her suitcase, then her arm and escorted her to the waiting car. Then she made a simple request; “Take me through the downtown one last time before my final stop, a convalescent home, where she would live out her final days.” That day, she got to revisit familiar places and he got an experience of a lifetime – great final moments with a complete stranger.
Everywhere, people are constantly on the move. We drive fast. We want food fast, and ‘fast’ food. We want ‘fast’ service and ‘fast’ resolutions to complex challenges. When we don’t get what we want fast, we become impatient. As we struggle with our own impatience, there is much we can learn by looking at the story of an impatient King in the book of 1 Samuel chapter 13.
A huge army of Philistines was going to fight against King Saul and his small band of soldiers. King Saul sent for Samuel, the priest, to come and make a sacrifice to God. Samuel sent word for King Saul to wait for about seven days. The Bible says, “Then he [Saul] waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattered from him. So, Saul said, ‘Bring a burnt offering and peace offering here to me, and he offered the burnt offering” (1 Samuel 13:8-9, NKJV).
King Saul made the mistake of losing his patience. He felt he needed the Lord’s blessing and he wanted it right then. So, he disobeyed Samuel and offered an animal sacrifice to God himself rather than wait for the priest and prophet Samuel to do that. When Samuel came that very night, and he said to King Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God….” He also went on to say that God wanted to work a big miracle in King Saul’s behalf, but his disobedience had interfered with God’s plan. The consequences were dreadful: “But now your kingdom shall not continue,” the prophet told him. Later on, the impatient king did lose his kingdom to a young shepherd boy named David.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I wonder what great moments we could have had with our friends and loved ones that we let slip away because we were not patient. How many times did we fly into a rage and say unloving words because we were not patient? Like King Saul, how many times have we spoiled God’s plans for our lives because we were not patient?
My mom died two years ago on Halloween. Since then, I’ve often wondered about how she faced death. Did she know it was near? Was she anxious about it? Or did she patiently wait for the day? Was she anxious to rest until the Lord returns?
Begs the question: “Do you sometimes get impatient for our Lord’s return?”
In the book of James, we read “… be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5: 7-8, NKJV). God also describes His people, the redeemed, with these words, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12. NKJV). Let’s all trust in God’s promises. Let’s all have faith in His Word. Let’s all pray for the spiritual gift of patience.
You are walking along the street on a bright, sunny day and it’s following you around, tracking your every step. In the darkness, it says ‘good night’ and disappears. What is it? It’s your shadow!
A shadow is a dark shape that’s made when something blocks light. Wikipedia defines is as “a dark area where light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object.” Take a look around and you will see any living or non-living opaque object that can block light can cast shadows – park benches and swings, trees, cars, tables, and you.
You must have a source of light in order to have a shadow, and the size of the shadow depends on the angle at which the light is falling on the object. Have you noticed how your shadow keeps changing throughout the day? Sometimes it’s long, usually in the early morning and the late afternoon; sometimes it’s short like around midday; and when the sun is overhead, there is little or none at all. As the position of sun changes throughout the day, the angle at which the sun’s rays fall on the ground also changes causing the length and position of your shadow to change also.
It’s been said that the Egyptians invented the first portable clock, the shadow clock – a complete Sundial, possibly the first of its kind – around 1500 B.C to divide their time more efficiently. Based on the concept that shadow length and position were different at different times of the day, this timepiece divided time in several chunks called the “hours”.[1]
Notice how your shadow seem to always chase after you? As the light source is moving, the direction that the light rays fall on the object also changes. This movement of light from the source makes the shadow move. This got me thinking about God and His unspeakable love for mankind.
God is the source of light that shines on us impervious, sinful human beings. As His light rays illuminate us, we are overshadowed by His love – a stubborn love that continuously chases us so that we are never alone. The closer we are to Him, the more we experience His love. As we go through life, we experience His love in different ways… just like shadows. We look forward to the time when His Son will be directly overhead, overseeing all the affairs of the universe as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Then His love and our love will fuse into one and there will be no shadow. In the meantime, let’s rejoice that we are living in the shadow of God’s love.
[1] http://kinooze.com/what-is-time/
Overview
The term “bucket list” has become very popular in today’s vernacular. It usually refers to a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime. As we approach Christmas 2018, permit me to limit its meaning to the experiences or achievements one can have during the Christmas holiday period.
When we reflect on the Christmas story, we usually focus on the main characters: Mary, Joseph, and, of course, baby Jesus. The account of the ‘virgin’ birth of Jesus Christ in Luke 2:8–20 tells us that an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. The glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds and they were frightened. But the angel said to them “Do not be afraid I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Verses 1,2, N.I.V).
The Good News
The angel said to them “Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”. To validate the news, a great company of the heavenly host suddenly appeared with the angel praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests” Verse 13, N.I.V.)
There are four things I have learned from the shepherd’s reaction to the good news they received from the angel of the Lord. Those four lessons are the four items I have decided to put on my “bucket list” this Christmas. I invite you to join me in putting them at the top of your Christmas to-do list too.
My Christmas 2018 “Bucket List”
Item One: Believe the angel’s message about our Saviour’s birth. It’s true and relevant in 2018. The angel, accompanied by a great company of the heavenly host announced in spectacular fashion that Jesus Christ, the Messiah and our Saviour had been born. The shepherds were convinced by the angel. They believed the message that God had become man, and as soon as the heavenly host left, the shepherds hurriedly started their trek to look for the baby. What are you waiting for? Let’s go too. Hurry.
Item Two: Obey the angel’s message about our Saviour’s birth.
The shepherds did exactly as they were told. They when the angel left them, they got up and went straight to Bethlehem to “see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about” (verse 15, N.I.V). While I am not in any way, shape or form asking you to travel to Bethlehem in Israel, I am asking you to go and seek for Christ in the manger… among the abused, distressed, displaced, and destitute in their mangers. Don’t let the commercial advertisements hide him or the insular love that we reserve only for our own families. Remember, the shepherds left their own flocks and went to find the baby. So, seek out the God-Man and worship Him as the Messiah, our substitute for sin.
Item Three: Tell. Share the angel’s message with someone this Christmas.
When the shepherds reached Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and the baby who was lying in the manger, “they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” This Christmas, I will tell someone that I found Jesus who was born many years ago and that they too could find him if they would hurry to “‘Bethlehem”. I will tell them what he has done for me and especially show them the love that flows through my heart from him. Join me and the angels as we testify of his birth.
Item Four: Experience the joy of knowing that everything God says is true. Worship Him.
All who heard the shepherds’ message about the birth of Jesus were amazed at what they said to them. Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
When we find Jesus, we experience holy wonder because everything he says is true… just as we have been told. Sweet. Then, all we can do is to praise and glorify God for all he has given us. I want to do just that this Christmas. I am doing that this Christmas. Want to join me? Let’s do it. Make my bucket list your reality too and receive a Christmas blessing.
