Wednesday, December 20, 2023 – Advent Four/Christmas

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16, New Living Translation)

                Have you been naughty or nice this year? Gifts or coal? Just asking!

                I have been following Calvin (Calvin and Hobbes) in the daily comic strip this week? He always faces quite the moral dilemma before Christmas; whether to give into his naughty side or struggle to maintain the good in hopes that Santa will reward him for his efforts. Should he make a snowball and hit Suzie with it or resist the temptation? Of course, it is never about doing good just for goodness’ sake but to reap presents from Santa. Or as he puts it, “To evaluate my character, my immediate pleasure is being pitted against my future greed.” While he is figuring all this out, he has built a mountain of snowballs. “The day after Christmas is going to be epic.”

                “For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.” (Romans 7: 17 - 20 The Message Bible)

                Isn’t that the truth!

                We all wish we had made better decisions and wiser choices. If we could do some things over again, if we could have eaten our words, if we might have acted less selfishly, if we had taken more time, if we had shown more love and compassion, understanding and patience, then there might have been better outcomes. Hindsight is always twenty-twenty; if we only knew then what we know now, then we wouldn’t be in the predicament we find ourselves in.

                But here we are, sitting on a pile of snowballs, getting ready to compound our mistakes. He or she who is without sin, let them throw the first snowball.

                “It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?”  (Romans 7: 21 -24, TMB)

                But it is almost Christmas. Let’s think and therefore act on the good side. We celebrate the coming of one who puts things right even if we can’t. “The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.”  (Romans 7:25, TMB)

                We lay a lot on this babe’s shoulders: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NLT) Yet, Jesus of Bethlehem is also the word made flesh. He is the embodiment of goodness, the living example of what it means to love others unconditionally.  Our own good works, done in Jesus’ name, help make this broken world a better place for us and others.

                So, melt your snowballs into watersheds of human kindness and compassion.  May the days after Christmas indeed be epic for one and all, because we continue to let our good deeds shine for all.

                May you all have a very blessed Christmas!

Dale

                (There will be no blog next week, so have a Happy New Year, too. God willing and the creek don’t rise, back on January 3^rd.)       

 

December 12, 2023 – Advent Three

“So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2: 6 -7. New King James Version)

             We are not talking about the Holiday Inn or Best Western or Days Inn.  The “No Vacancy” sign, was hung out, so to speak, in front of some small house in Bethlehem, where it was already full because of the influx of people to be counted in the census. A quick search through the various translations we find the inn called a hostel, living quarters, lodging and the like.

 Call it what your will - no room. No room service. No chocolate on the pillow.  Bring your own towels.

There is a wonderful story about a Sunday School Christmas pageant. One little boy had a crush on the little girl who was to play Mary. He hoped to get the part of Joseph, but he ended up as the innkeeper. During the pageant, when Mary and Jospeh showed up at the inn and knocked on the door, asking for lodgings, the little innkeeper yanked Mary inside and shoved Jospeh back out of the way.

“Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.”

It was not the last time that Jesus would find himself homeless. His family became refugees in Egypt for a while. During his ministry he seemed to be always relying on the kindness of strangers and friends for food and lodgings. He was always on the move. Always restless. Always looking ahead. To be with Jesus in those days was literally to follow, to go where he went. In fact, he said once, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20, New Living Translation). The Message Bible makes me smile: “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.”

A few weeks ago, it was heartbreaking to see several Palestinian premature babies, all sharing one incubator as they were being moved to a safer location. What an awful way to begin life. The little tykes already had enough going against them. They too had no crib for a bed. No safe place to lay down their sweet heads.

Jesus identifies with those who have a rough start in their lives. He understands the plight of the homeless and the hungry. He moved among the restless, the lost, the hopeless, the forgotten, the down-hearted, the lonely, the desperate.  He made room for the least of these. He showed us an example of humanitarianism that was remarkable in its generosity, compassion and kindness, leaving no one out, not even the sinner. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36, NLT) Jesus never gave up on anyone.

                Wars, poverty, food insecurity and such leave far too many without any room in the world.  People’s prejudices, hatred, judgment slam doors in the faces of others. Our apathy and selfishness leave little room for those who are different.

                The Son of Man who had no place to lay his head has experienced the human story of homelessness, violence, hunger, pain and death. But that is exactly why we can trust that  he is truly Immanuel, God with us and God for us.

“It’s obvious, of course, that he didn’t go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.” (Hebrews 2: 17 -18, The Message Bible)

        Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
        When Thou camest to earth for me;
        But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
        For Thy holy nativity.
        O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
        There is room in my heart for Thee.

Dale

 Wednesday, December 6, 2023 – Advent Two

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14, New Living Translation)

        War! Hunh!
        What is it good for?
        Nothin'!

        War! Hunh!
        What is it good for?
        Absolutely (nothin')

 So goes the song sung by Bruce Springsteen. And although I would much prefer to write about angels, shepherds and a babe in manger, I was appalled by a comment from an Israeli general yesterday. He said that two civilian deaths for every one Hamas’ death amounted to “tolerable consequences.” Not unfortunate, not regrettable, not tragic, not lamentable but tolerable. That seems to me to say that the thousands of deaths of Palestinian women and children are acceptable, a cost-effective measure of military success, a statistic that applauds the idea that it could be a lot worse.

War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!

Now I am no expert on Middle East politics. I believe the Hamas are every bit as evil as portrayed by the media. I also believe that Israel has every right to defend itself against such evil. But those are pretty simplistic ideas in a very complex situation. Naively perhaps, I hope for a ceasefire, a negotiated permanent peace, an end to all hostilities.

But tolerable?  The deaths of women and children in this war (both sides), any war, all wars.  Nope. I draw the line here. These are not tolerable.  They are deplorable. The general got the adjective wrong. They are innocent victims, like the children Herod slaughtered, searching for the baby Jesus. They are not statistical fatalities, just a harsh tally of war’s madness. These civilians had no choice but to be caught in the crossfire of war’s violence. I highly doubt there will be any war memorials to remember them by; only their grieving families will recall their names.

It is hard to hear the refrain of angels when bombs are falling. But we must.  We must strain our ears to catch the voices of angels who dare to sing through the din of unpeaceful times. “And on earth peace, goodwill toward all!” (New King James Version)

It sounds almost ridiculous. Unlikely, if not impossible.  But it is a far better, more hopeful message than “tolerable consequences.”

It reminds us that God has promised a day when the nations will be at peace. “The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him.” (Psalm 22: 27, NLT) A family of nations – what a radical idea! “Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world.” (Psalm 67:4, NLT) There can be no real joy without real peace.

“The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4, NLT)

The angels sang for the shepherds. Perhaps, they were Palestinian hired hands. It doesn’t matter. They sang to the poor, the powerless, the weak, the least of these, the vulnerable, the meagre humanity of so-called tolerable consequences. “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)

Let there be peace and let it begin with me! Give peace a chance!

Dale

 November 29, 2023 – Advent One

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. (Galatians 4: 5 -7, (New Living Translation)

                Christmas must be starting. The Lego gingerbread house has been assembled and is on show.

                Our seven-year-old grandson, Spencer, paid us a visit on Saturday. He is a Lego wizard. He found a small set of Lego in some boxes and proceeded to put it together. It was labeled for ten-year olds plus but in a few short hours he had the thing assembled. Voila – we had a Christmas gingerbread house. It now sits on our sideboard.

                Let the Christmas season begin!

                What kick-starts your Advent/Christmas season? The first Christmas carol you hear?  The first snowfall in December? The first Christmas ads on TV? The extra flyers that show up in the mail? The Christmas cooking shows on Food network that begin in early November? The romantic Christmas movies on Hallmark? Doing the special Christmas baking? Putting up the familiar Christmas decorations? Christmas panic and urgency as December hits and you haven’t begun to shop?

                In my childhood, there was nothing better than the arrival of the Sear’s Wish Book, full of wondrous toys.

                Most of us, for good or ill, have something that says “Tis the season.”

                Some of us might groan at the thought. Some might a little skip in their step. Some might grumble and complain. Others might feel full of Christmas spirit and generosity. Some will depend on the kindness of strangers.  Some will seek peace and goodwill.

                You can’t ever stop Christmas. Although, I read this week of a human rights organization which deemed Christmas as “religious intolerance” which is kind of funny in an ironic way because that designation is, itself, its own form of religious intolerance. I doubt they caught the irrational stupidity of their statement.

                “At the right time” we are given the Christmas season. Just when we are ready to despair at what is happening in the world or what we are dealing with in our personal lives, God has some Good News. “God sent his Son, born of a woman.”  Sure, there is a lot of hoopla, celebrating, busy-ness as Advent unfolds, but the key message is just that – just when we needed it most, God gave us the Gift of his Son. Now, we have hope. “God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

                We may be world weary, full of cynicism or skepticism, disenchanted with certain factions of our lives, stressed by overwhelming circumstances, bored with our lifestyles, uninterested in the sacred or divine, apathetic about the needs of others, lost in bad habits and worse choices, overcome by the demands laid upon us, etc. etc.

                But when the right time came, maybe just in the nick of time, God throws us a lifeline. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2: 9 - 12, The Message Bible)

                When I get our Nativity set out this year, set it up under the Christmas tree, then I may sense that Christmas has begun.

As always, just at right time.

Dale

 Wednesday, November 22, 2023

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.”  (John 15: 12 =-17, New Living Translation)

                It’s quite easy to accept a friend request  - just click the accept tab - to become  a friend  on Facebook, but quite another actually to engage in the friendship.

                Recently, I was taken to task by someone whom I didn’t know but had accepted her request to become a friend. She was annoyed with me for not responding to her “How are you doing?” Her exact words were, “Hello it seems you don’t want to talk to me so why did you accept me in the first place.”

                Good question!

                Now, I get a lot of friend requests from both known friends and many strangers because of this blog. I don’t accept them all. Some look suspicious. Some seem inappropriate for one reason or another. Unfortunately, when I do accept one and a text comes back that asks, “How are you doing?”, most of the times, it seems that this is a trojan text – not the person it says it is from, and then it tries to sell me something i.e. It’s a scam. This happens with people I do know as well as well as strangers. I don’t know if this is AI or a robot generated, but it is all bogus. So now, anymore, I don’t usually answer “How are you doing?”

    Now, my hurt, new almost- friend began with the prohibited phrase and got ignored. Sorry!

                It is way too easy to click a button and think you have made a friend. This method is impersonal, carries no real obligation than maybe a quick chat now and then. It is generally quite artificial and superficial for the most part. Conversations are short and sweet.  I am not saying this is all bad but let’s not carried away that we are truly making hundreds of real friends through this process.

                I will be honest. I am not all that good at sustaining outside-of-family friendships. I am too much of a recluse, harboring my privacy, an introvert enjoying my own small world. It is not an especially good thing. Just ask my friends!

                Friendships are hard for me. I wish it were not so. Friendships take commitment, trust, tolerance, patience, good humour, acceptance and total understanding.  I flounder sometimes in practicing those characteristics outside of my most immediate family.

                Nevertheless, Jesus has requested my friendship and I have accepted his request. He is not my pal, my buddy, my BFF but he is my Friend, a life’ s companion, a confidant, a fellow brother along life’s way, an encourager and a close advisor.  But the same is true in this friendship as any other. This Friendship also take commitment, trust, tolerance, patience, good humour, acceptance and total understanding.  It comes with responsibilities and investment of time, energy and labour. “I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit.”

                I can’t get away with just clicking the friend request button and then ignoring him. He expects an answer from me.  He expects me to engage in a deeper conservation with him. It is not just “How are you doing?” and some glib response or ignoring it all together. It is also about listening, asking, discussing, engaging in the relationship to which I have been invited. Not always easy, sometimes painful, but always full of Love, Grace, Compassion, Mercy, Forgiveness – the deep-down traits of a good Friend.

                “What a friend we have in Jesus,
                All our sins and griefs to bear!
                What a privilege to carry
                Everything to God in prayer!
                Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
                Oh, what needless pain we bear,
                All because we do not carry
                Everything to God in prayer!”

Dale

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

He entered a house there where he didn’t think he would be found, but he couldn’t escape notice. He was barely inside when a woman who had a disturbed daughter heard where he was. She came and knelt at his feet, begging for help. The woman was Greek, Syro-Phoenician by birth. She asked him to cure her daughter. He said, “Stand in line and take your turn. The children get fed first. If there’s any left over, the dogs get it.”  She said, “Of course, Master. But don’t dogs under the table get scraps dropped by the children?”  (Mark 7: 25 -28, The Message Bible)

                 Our grand-dog, Finzi, has been staying with us for a few days, this week. Maggie brought him when she came home for a visit. He is a large, jet-black Newfoundland. But he is also a gentle giant, very loving and a joy to have around, even if he can be a bit expressive from time to time. “I am a Newfoundland, hear me woof!”

                And like any good grandparent, I spoiled him considerably while he was here. This meant I gave him crusts of my toast at breakfast, pieces of my sandwich or potato chips at lunch and strands of linguine at supper. So did Susan. Table scraps indeed. Who could resist those big eyes? It was that or get drowned in Newfoundland drool!

                The Gentile women challenged Jesus: “But don’t dogs under the table get scraps dropped by the children?”

                Have you ever noticed that it is often women in the Gospel stories who are most likely to dare to confront Jesus? Immediately, there comes to mind the Samaritan woman at the well who engages Jesus in a long debate. But there are others who defy social boundaries, brave others’ scorn or get in Jesus’ face, as they might say today. Martha gets annoyed when Jesus won’t send Mary back into the kitchen to help out with dinner and scolds Jesus. Both Mary and Martha rebuke Jesus when he didn’t arrive in timer to save their dying brother. The woman who touched his robes secretly had no business touching Jesus but she did. The woman who anointed his feet with precious perfume had no business at the dinner party as others noted but she broke the gender barrier and customs just the same. Even his mother, in telling him what to do at the wedding in Cana and although he “talks back”, he does what she says just the same.

                Then, there is this woman, a foreigner, a gentile, an outsider, a stranger, perhaps poor, all indicating that there is very little importance or significance about her. But she needs Jesus’ help with the health of her daughter. And she won’t be put off easily. She begged. How humiliating; how needy; how humbling!

                It first appears that Jesus sends her back to the end of the line. We are reading these days how Food Banks can no longer keep up with such high demands. So, imagine if you are standing already at the back of the line at a food bank and the door slams in your face just as you get to it. This is the woman’s dilemma. Jesus affirms that his current mission is for his own people, the Jews. When that is done, he will consider her request. “Stand in line and take your turn.”

                Perhaps, it was just a test for the woman or perhaps a lesson for his disciples but it seemed somewhat unusual for Jesus to be so nationalistic.  I guess, at first glance, it would be like a Palestinian asking for help from an Israeli, these days. Not going to happen. This woman might get the dregs of Jesus’ compassion and assistance but it seemed little else.

                But the woman is persistent, like the woman in Jesus’ parable about the persistent widow and the judge (Luke 18: 2 -8) Let’s take note as to how this parable concludes: “So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?” (Luke 18: 6 -8, TMB)

                The woman with her tenacious faith moves the needle of Jesus’ love and compassion. No longer just for the chosen people but for the whole world. This needful Gentile woman expands his heart, already overflowing with Love, to engage even her with the Good News of God’s restorative Love and Mercy.

                “Jesus was impressed. ‘You’re right! On your way! Your daughter is no longer disturbed. The demonic affliction is gone.” She went home and found her daughter relaxed on the bed, the torment gone for good.’” (Mark 7: 29 – 30, TMB)

                This episode reveals how faith in Jesus breaks down old and persistent barriers and ugly labels which divide us, which are then used to deny help and assistance. It also reveals the generous magnitude of Jesus’ Mission of Kingdom building which works outside those same boxes that we have put each other in.  Finally, the story reminds us of the value of a persistent, perseverant and insistent faith which does not give into the negatives, the limitations, the restrictions that society or religion lays upon us.

                All of us, any of us, deserve more than just table scraps but the full blessings of Jesus’ banquet table.

                “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” (Matthew 5: 6, New Living Translation)

 

Dale

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4, New Living Translation)

                Allow me to introduce you to Fiona the sheep – aka the “World’s Loneliest Sheep.”

                She was recently rescued from off a cliff in Scotland where she had been stranded for the last two years. Nobody seems to know how she got down below, on that craggy cliff but you know sheep – they tend to wander off and get lost and fall into danger quite easily. There was a cave in which she must have sheltered. The news article doesn’t say what she ate, but it does mention that she was actually overweight and was covered in two years’ worth of wool growth.

                It was a very steep cliff. The authorities deemed it too dangerous to attempt a rescue. But a group off Scottish farmers decided to give it a try. They rigged some ropes up to an ATV winch and slowly and carefully lowered a couple of them down to the sheep. Apparently, Fiona was glad to see them and did not shy away. The two men wrapped Fiona up in a sling contraption and they hauled her back up the cliff. She is now recuperating on a farm.

                Such a story cannot help but evoke the Parable of the Lost Sheep which Jesus told. It seems incredible that a farmer would leave his ninety-nine sheep and go looking for one little lost sheep. I don’t know - maybe it was his prize sheep that he was going to show at the local, Nazareth County fair. But more than likely, it was simply what shepherds do; tend their flocks, even the dumb and irresponsible ones who get themselves in terrible predicaments.

                God has set the standard for shepherds: “God, the Master, says: ‘From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I’m going looking for them. As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I’m going after my sheep. I’ll rescue them from all the places they’ve been scattered to in the storms… I’ll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest. I’ll go after the lost, I’ll collect the strays, I’ll doctor the injured, I’ll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they’re not exploited.’” (Ezekiel 34: 11 -16, The Message Bible)

                I know of a pastor who dislikes the whole sheep analogy.  He seems to find it offensive to compare humans to sheep. He sees sheep as stupid, mindless, stubborn, smelly animals.  I might ask him: your point? There seems to be a little Fiona in us all, whether we like to admit or not. All too easily distracted to look where we are going. All too easily getting ourselves stuck in some unsafe circumstances. All too easily getting ourselves into trouble and needing the help of others.

                “We're poor little lambs Who have lost our way! Baa baa baa!”

                Perhaps, the parable’s shepherd got an earful from his neighbours when he returned with the lost sheep. While he was away, the other ninety-nine got out of their pen and trampled on the neighbour’s gladiolas and ate the lettuce and carrots in their gardens. That’s sheep, for you! But they were all now accounted for, all 100. Unity was restored. All were safe. The lost was found. It was time to throw a party and invite the neighbours. Let’s have a wang-dang-doodle!

                Remember this next time you are feeling lost, forgotten, trying to scrape some sort of meaning out of being stuck on some moral or spiritual cliff. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” (Psalm 23: 1 -3, NLT)

                As the children’s song goes: “I just wanna be a sheep. Baa, baa, baa, baa.” But one that is tucked safely in the loving arms of Jesus.

Dale

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, New Living Translation)

                To trash or not to trash – that is the question.

                Beginning yesterday, Peterborough instituted a new system of trash collection, including green bins for organic kitchen waste.  In the summer, we received a notice informing us that our collection day was moving from Thursday to Tuesday. But when Susan checked the website last week, it appeared that we were right on the border which meant our collection remained on Thursday. I trust Susan, but I don’t necessarily trust the info the city puts out. Which day was it really?

                So, yesterday morning, I kept going out to see what my neighbours were doing. If they were putting out their garbage, then so would I. If their curbs were empty, then I would also not put my garbage out. The thought crossed my mind that if my neighbours were also checking on one another, for the same reason, we were all in trouble.

                My scientific observation had mixed results. Some neighbours had put their garbage out. Others had not. If you can’t trust your neighbours, who can you trust? Subsequent further research revealed that Thursday is the correct answer.

                When I was growing up and fussing for something I wanted, I might say to my mother, “All the other kids have one” or “All the other kids are doing it.” The rejoinder was, “If all the other kids jumped off a bridge, would you do it?” I never thought to ask what these kids were doing on a bridge in the first place or why they wanted to jump off it, but I knew that I wasn’t going to win the argument.

                We may be taught to love our neighbour but there are serious risks in copying the behaviour of some of our “neighbours.” It could lead us down the path of unrighteousness.

                “My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.” (1 John 4: 5 -6, The Message Bible)

                I am not suggesting that our actual neighbours are all wicked and evil. My next-door neighbour is a kind and caring man. But what scriptures are warning us about is the heedless and feckless buying into the culture of consumerism, self-indulgence, greed, lies, decadence, and looking out for only one self.

                “And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It’s because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn’t long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it’s all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk. Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.”  (Colossians 3: 5 11, TMB)

                If your “neighbour” is putting out that sort of garbage, don’t follow suit!

                Put very simply, “Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.” (1 John 2: 15 -        17, TMB)

                There is much in this world that we can and should appreciate and love. God’s love for this world is generous and gracious. “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.” (John 3: 16 -17, TMB)

But the things that work against God’s Love, Beauty, Grace and Goodness are those things best left to go out on the curb for the garbage - whether our neighbour does or not.

Dale

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

“Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.” (James 4: 1 3, The Message Bible)

               Some thoughts while wars wage…

                I have seen some nasty church fights in my time, especially when I was an Area Minister for the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. A lot of my time was spent refereeing, mediating, separating sides, arbitrating. Pastor versus congregants.  Congregational splits; for example, over the use of contemporary music and guitars and drums.  Deep divides between the combatants. No love. No mercy, No forgiveness. No tolerance. People acting out the worse behaviour possible. Loss of trust in each other. Criticisms flying. Accusations made. Divided churches. No good outcome.

              On one occasion, a parishioner was demanding that I do something about their pastor. I told the person that she might not like what I might do. She replied, “Good. Then, we will have some one to blame.”

   And to be totally honest, during my pastoral stints, I could cause a good church controversy as well as anyone. I was once accused of delighting in causing a big stink. I didn’t, but I also never backed away from those who disagreed with me. It made life interesting.

                It must all make Jesus weep.

                The church to which James is writing is in a self-inflicted mess. There are deep divisions between the rich and the poor. There is gossip and back-biting. Some ignore the poor and their needs.  They talk a good game in regards to their Christian faith but their actions don’t support their faith. There is a lot of pushing and shoving for privileges and prestige. There are negative judgments of each other. We could be describing the congressional GOP in the United States these days but sadly we are describing a church.

                James writes a very blunt letter, no holds barred. In our text from James 4, he hits the nail on the head. Everybody is fighting for what they want and have no consideration for what anyone else wants.  Everybody wants their own way.  Selfishness runs rampant. They will go to any ends and any means to get what they want. It’s all about themselves.  And when people are only out for themselves, there will be the inevitable quarrels, nasty disagreements, and brokenness. All will suffer.

                It is true in churches. It is true in families. It is true in politics. It is true in global affairs.

                James offers a solution: “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”  (James 4: 7 -10, New Living Translation)

                Get right with God. Put others ahead of yourself. Love one another.

                Jesus put it this way: “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12: 29 -31, NLT)

                Why is this so hard? Why do we twist and bend these core values of how-to live in unity and harmony with each other?

                “Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.” (Romans 12: 16, TMB)

                Let there be peace on earth, for heaven’s sake!

                “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3: 14, NLT)

                Amen to that!

 Dale

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:2, New Living Translation)

                 When the world ends, it would seem that we will all look very pretty with clean hair  and smell even nicer if my recent shopping trip to the drug store means anything.

                Susan needed some new shampoo as part of my shopping list.  She asked for a particular brand-name. It is mind-boggling that a whole aisle is given over to hair products. Over half of that is given over to various makes of shampoos. Apparently, humankind is obsessed about their hair. There are specific shampoos for every hair style, every hair colour, every hair condition and more. Dozens and dozens. Just to wash one’s hair.

                I had to ask a floor-clerk for help to find the brand I was looking for. But then, I discovered that there were almost a dozen different scents to choose from in this brand alone. Yikes! It is a big responsibility to have to decide what one wants his wife to smell like. Au naturel (sounds dangerous). Heavenly (seemed appropriate for a minister’s wife).  Wildflower. Cherry. Tropical. Blush (what does blush smell like? I’m afraid to find out.) My favourite – sweetie.  In the end, I got her plain, old regular. I like the way my wife smells now, as is, thank you very much.

                The apostle Paul makes a few references to the sweet smell of Christianity. “Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.” (2 Corinthians 2:16, The Message Bible). Paul also says it is a scent that not everyone enjoys. And I will admit, sadly, that sometimes the Church stinks at doing what it should be doing - loving and acting in and through that Love of Christ. But I digress…

                I am not sure that I know what Love smells like, anymore than I know what “blush” smells like. But Paul suggests that it is akin to the aroma of sacrifice. Not bulls or lambs, but the sacrifices which comes from good works, which arise through our efforts of service and stewardship, through our works for peace and justice, through acts of compassion and human kindness.

                “Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin? But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love. And don’t take yourself too seriously- take God seriously.”  (Micah 6: 7 -8, TMB)

                Paul says much the same in 1 Corinthians 13, “If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.” (v. 3, TMB)

                Without Love, we just stink up the joint.

                Paul wrote about the very practical gifts that the church in Philippi sent him while he was in prison. “The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God to no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 18 -20, TMBN)

                People around us should be able to breathe in the sweet-smelling fragrance of Christ’s Love as we live in his Name. Not the bitter smells of hatred, judgment, exclusion, hypocrisy, arrogance, superiority but we should aim to give off the pleasant aroma of Love in our words, deeds, attitudes and behaviour.

                Smell you later!

 Dale

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17. New Living Translation)

                What a crazy dream, I had last night.

                No, not the recurring one where I realize that I have forgotten my sermon manuscript back at the house when I arrive at some church to preach.  And there isn’t enough time to go back and get it. So, I have to preach “off the cuff”. That’s more of a nightmare, of sorts.

                I am not prone to having religious or spiritual dreams. Like, maybe - almost never. But there I was in a crowd of people. I think it was a sporting event. We were all cheering. But all of a sudden, a message from somewhere interrupted our sporting cheers, the one simple word, “Praise!” It began to take over the mood of the crowd. Before long, everyone spontaneously grabbed their neighbour’s hand and lifted their arms together to the sky and began shouting in a unified voice, “Praise!” I had the feeling that this was happening throughout the world. Then I woke. I was left with the strong feeling that this was supposed to be topic of my blog today.

                This verse immediately came to mind as well. “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2: 9 -11, NLT)

                Old men dream dreams, indeed.

                Perhaps my subconscious was being influenced by the terrible events in Israel and Palestine. My soul is weary of conflicts, wars, violent hatred, the inhumanity, the brutality that is in the world. Enough is enough, already. Maranatha, Lord Jesus. Pease come Lord Jesus, and put an end to this stupidity and evil.

                Help us, Jesus. Put all of humanity on the same pages of peace, love, peace and unity.  Help us to create a spirit of unselfish mutuality, unbridled compassion for one another, unjudgmental respect despite whatever differences we may have between us.  Help us to unite behind your name to bring peace and good will to all of humankind. May your kingdom come!

                The stuff of dreams, I suppose.

                It is hard for the world to give in to the ways of Jesus. Jesus is right when he said that the Way is narrow.  It is narrow because we clutter the entrance to the Way with too much sinful garbage and blockages. We try to bully our way through the entry way. We elbow others out of the Way. We push and shove. We put up barriers so that others can’t get through.

                “Come back, God—how long do we have to wait? And treat your servants with kindness for a change. Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we’ll skip and dance all the day long. Make up for the bad times with some good times; we’ve seen enough evil to last a lifetime. Let your servants see what you’re best at - the ways you rule and bless your children.” (Psalm 90: 13 -15, The Message Bible)

                Old men dream dreams!

                “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain and the crooked places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is a faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)

Dale

 Wednesday, October 4, 2023

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5: 20, New Living Translation) 

               Along the line of smoky hills
               The crimson forest stands,
               And all the day the blue-jay calls
               Throughout the autumn lands.

                If you are close to my generation, it is very likely that you were taught this poem in elementary school. Probably, you had to memorize it. I know that I did. 

                Now by the brook the maple leans
                With all his glory spread,
                And all the sumachs on the hills
                Have turned their green to red. 

                The poem came to mind as we were driving to our daughter’s home on Sunday. The sun was shining and the Fall colours were gorgeous. The reds and oranges were especially vivid. And like the poem iterates, the sumac alongside of the road had turned to a deep crimson red. We took a more scenic route just to revel in the colours of a balmy Autumn afternoon.

                This time of year evokes our praise and thanksgiving. Thanksgiving weekend is upon us just at the right time. It has been a challenging summer for us, but just the same, I feel the need to let it go, for a while anyway, and find strength and hope in an attitude of thanksgiving. I may not be a farmer who has brought in a bumper crop from the fields, but I have experienced a harvest of good things from the world and mostly from the people, family and friends, who surround me.

                I could complain, I suppose; criticize, protest, fuss, whine, even despair but to what avail? And yet, sometimes, I do. Where is that going to get me?  Rather, I would be like the Psalmist: "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”  (Psalm 28:7, NLT)

                There are so many who are worse off than I am or ever will be. Yet I have seen joy and thanksgiving well up from these people. I remember a homeless man who showed up at the Christmas meal at the Mission in Ottawa. He started telling us how grateful and fortunate he was that he had a roof over his head for the night, a great meal and a pair of new socks. He abounded in thanksgiving. It was stunning! “Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God’s Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy.” (1 Timothy 4: 5, The  Message Bible)

                “Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.” (Philippians 3:1, NLT) To me, rejoicing is another way of saying ‘Be thankful.’  Thanksgiving in the face of adversity is a defiant, bold, counter-intuitive act. Such thanksgiving indicates that we have put our trust in God and we won’t be defeated; we won’t give up; we won’t give in to despair and hopelessness. It is more than just counting our blessings but a courageous  declaration of faith and  conviction.

                “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?...   No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Romans 8: 35 -37, NLT)

                And for this reality and truth, I am truly and deeply thankful.  May you be also, this Thanksgiving.

Dale

 

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

“Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” (Colossians 4: 5 -6, The Message Bible)

                Make the most of every opportunity.

                Since I retired several years ago, I sometimes wonder whether I have been making the most of every opportunity.  There seems to be a vast, out-of-proportion sitting in my big, blue recliner with my nose stuck in a computer or occasionally in a book. But for a few rare moments, i.e., when called to fill-in as a hospital chaplain or preach somewhere or maybe this blog, I can’t say that I have been contributing much to the welfare of the world around me. My well-worn, all-too-comfortable, blue recliner calls to me. Its siren call is very alluring. Sloth – thy name is Laz-y-Boy.

                Making the most of every opportunity is challenging.

                Jesus told parables about the necessity for being alert and ready for opportunities to serve. “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning…” (Luke 12:35, New Living Translation) According to these stories, it is up to each of us to be alert, prepared, ready and able to respond to the sudden and surprising appearance of the Messiah in our world. You never know when or where he might show up, “as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.” (Luke 12: 36, NLT)

                Indeed, his well-known parable about the sheep and the goats in Matthew’s Gospel helps us to understand what making the most of every opportunity is all about while alerting us to his Messianic presence.

                “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25: 34 -26, TMB)

                Jesus  Christ appears, not only just at the End of the Story, but he shows up wherever there is an opportunity to do good in this world. Jesus shows up, not in his glimmering, Sunday-go-to meeting, white-robed Jesus’ clothes, but in in his rugged, practical, everyday, work clothes, calling us to join him in his Kingdom work.

                Right now, truth be told, my service is “looking after” Susan while we live with the challenge of her cancer. She is doing quite well, all things considered, no pain, and her meds seem to have slowed down any progress.  It’s a loving joy to serve her.

                What opportunity do you have to serve the Lord? It doesn’t have to be big, glamourous, showy or life-changing. “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matthew 10:42, NLT) I fill up Susan’s glass of water every night before she goes to bed. No biggie – but it helps.

                Look, there’s Jesus now. “So, let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, TMB)

Dale

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

“As they continued down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, “Here’s water. Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the chariot to stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot.” (Acts 8: 36 -37, The Message Bible)

               On our family Messenger chat-site, our adult children have been complaining about the trials and tribulations of bath times for their own young children. It takes a lot of wheedling and coaxing. They resort to bribes like new water toys, goggles, etc. to persuade them to get in the tub. They play silly games – gas bubble games are particularly enjoyed, if you get my drift. But as I understand it, it can be a frustrating, tortuous, lengthy process for all involved before ears are clean and necks are scrubbed. All children go through this stage at one time or another.

                Philip, a leader in the church, feels led by the Spirit to travel on a wilderness road where he encounters an important court official of the court of the queen of Ethiopia. The man is sitting in his chariot, trying to make some sense out of the scripture he is reading. He had been in Jerusalem and now was returning home. He appears to have been a proselyte to Judaism. Philip invites himself into the chariot to help the eunuch understand what he was reading.   “The eunuch said, ‘Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?’ Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.” (8: 35, TMB)

                Then, when the eunuch spied a stream, he stopped his chariot and asked, “Why can’t I be baptized?”  There was absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t and couldn’t. “They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot.”

                Consider the eunuch’s question. Apply it to yourself perhaps. Why can’t I be baptized?  I am not meaning just the meaningful and expressive act of being baptized by water, but I am also meaning what is preventing you from a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ? Are you fighting it? Resisting it? Perhaps, you think it pointless or unnecessary.  Perhaps, you have been already baptized, ritually, in some way, but now the “water” seems a little cold and murky. It takes a lot for you to feel  clean and spotless.  So, one way or another, we make excuses for our lack of baptismal spirit, for resisting the Love of Christ in our lives.  We have all sorts of excuses, complaints, issues, struggles with the whole idea of plunging into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

                One part of this story that is sometimes overlooked is the fact that the Ethiopian was a eunuch. Some might argue that “people like him” should not be allowed in the fold. He wasn’t “normal” enough.  But the Good News, here, is the Love of Christ is all-inclusive. There are no exceptions.  And once an individual makes the decision to engage Jesus, intentionally and decisively, there are no restrictions or limitations on whom the Church recognizes as a brother or sister in Christ.

                Baptism is a symbolic expression of the life we gain in relationship with Jesus Christ. The rite itself is not grace but points to God’s Grace through Christ. “By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise.” (Galatians 3:26 -27, TMB)

                So, get wet! There is nothing preventing you from making that decision or living out that decision for Christ. Plunge into this relationship with mind, body and soul. Use water if you prefer as part of your proclamation and declaration. But let nothing get in the way between you and Jesus.

                “The waters of baptism do that for you, not by washing away dirt from your skin but by presenting you through Jesus’ resurrection before God with a clear conscience. Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He’s standing right alongside God, and what he says goes.” (1 Peter 3: 21-22, TMB)

                Splish, splash!

 Dale

               

               

 Wednesday, September 13, 2023

“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good. Here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; but he turns his back on those who do evil things.”  (1 Peter 3:8, The Message Bible)

                I really miss having a dog around the house. There is always something life-affirming about a cold nose and furry belly and those big eyes. Now is not the time for another dog in our lives, but life is always better with a dog.  (If you’re a cat person, well, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt but I’m sure it’s the same.)

                One of my favourite daily comic strips is Pearls Before Swine. One of last week’s strips connects with my thoughts about dogs. The ever-optimistic, idealistic Pig is asked what his set of beliefs were. Pig responds: “Don’t judge. Don’t brag. And greet everyone you know like it’s the first time you’ve seen them in ten years.” When asked where did he learn all that, he responds, “My dog.” Then he adds, “If she founds a church, I’ll join it.”

                Amusing, for sure. But the unconditional love from a dog is a lesson for us, especially if we follow Jesus Christ. He did found a community of believers who were and are commanded to love one another as he has loved us.

                I am baffled that this community of believers which we call Church cannot get this right, not just some of the time, but all of the time. Our standard of conduct, the New Testament in particular, overflows with the sort of counsel we read in our text from 1 Peter. Our faithful heroes be they Jesus, Paul, Peter, John exhort and insist on love-based behaviour, words and attitudes. “That goes for all of you, no exceptions.”

                Yet, sadly, some Christians limit their love, narrow  their love, prevent others from accessing their love.  They barely define who are lovable. Some Christians are hostile toward people who are different.  But there should be no room in our lives for anything but the standard of Jesus’ Love, affirmation, inclusion and blessing toward those whom we encounter. Even enemies merit this Love.

                And again, it bears repeating from Peter.  “That goes for all of you, no exceptions.”

                We don’t get to choose whom we love. “Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.”

                Just this week, a truck driver cut me off and I stopped just in time. I was not, shall we say, very charitable toward him as I honked and then rolled down my window to give him a piece of my mind. Afterwards, the thought dawned on me what if I, someday, met this man coming into church, and he recognized me, what would he think of my behaviour and words?

                No exceptions! Loving everyone is not easy; takes effort; takes discipline; takes mindfulness; takes practice. Which is probably why there is so much in the Bible which addresses the need for making such an intentional effort. Otherwise, we might forget, or try to rationalize our behaviour, or become lazy and ineffectual or worse, hypocritical. Even our pets have to be trained for their best behaviour. So too, we Christians seem to need constant reinforcement of the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (Luke 6:31, New Living Translation)

                No exceptions! Ever!

Dale