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MY BIBLE BLOG
OCTOBER 2006
I was impressed by a practical sermon this month entitled
“Loving and Serving”.
The preacher told how the Lord Jesus washed his
disciples’ feet in the upper room, shortly before his betrayal and
crucifixion. His central text was: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher,
have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John
13:14). The Lord performed a slave’s duty!
I looked for opportunities to follow the Master’s example of service. I
found two outlets immeditately. First, in my hospital visitation and,
secondly, in doing some painting in the grounds of a Christian
residential home. I have found a third outlet.
Since suffering a prolapsed spinal disc in 1989 I have felt for those
with spinal problems. ASPIRE is an organisation that seeks to help
people with spinal cord injuries. At the moment it is promoting a
sponsorship programme. It is asking people to SWIM THE CHANNEL! That
is, 22 miles in a local swimming pool!
At 71 years-of-age I am going to do this. I will undertake to swim 1078
lengths in my local 33m pool before 3rd December.
{NOTE: This was successfully completed;
sponsorship money was raised and sent to ASPIRE}
NOVEMBER 2006
My thoughts centre on gambling this month.
I need to explain
why. During one of my hospital visits I met a man with a severe
addiction problem. The habit was so strong that he tried to end his own
life. Although he had a good wife and family (with two healthy
children) he tried to commit suicide - and that’s why he ended up in
the casualty ward. His addiction? Gambling.
We talked about the trouble at length. We agreed that society promotes
gambling while, at the same time, condemning it! The government is
aware of the problem yet organises a national lottery - and even
considers a mega casino in the heart of London. TV programs, such as
“Who wants to be a Millionaire?” and “Deal or no Deal?” encourages
gambling and congratulates those who win great sums of money. The
latter show handed out £4.6m this year! Gambling encourages greed and
selfishness. As far as I know no TV prizewinner has donated their
cheques to a charity or world need.
Gambling is addictive. We need to warn young people about its danger -
and offer the Saviour’s promise to those who are enslaved: “If the Son
sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
DECEMBER 2006
“Saddam Hussein is hanged”.
This headline news announced the
end of the tyrant of Bagdad. He was executed for his crimes against
humanity. His record of attrocities, including mass murder, execution
camps and involvement in neighbouring wars, are well documented.
Cruelty and injustice has been recognised and condemned.
Cruelty? Four men were arrested this month for the part they played in
the genocide of Rwandan Tutsis in 1994. About 200,000 people - men,
women and children - were slaughtered! According to our local press the
accused Rwandan, who has been hiding in Bedford, was involved in some
50,000 deaths. He rounded Tutsis up by directing them to a so-called
safe area!
Sadly, acts of hatred and cruelty are still taking place - man’s
inhumanity to man is still bad news. What’s the answer? It’s in our
Christmas text from Isaiah:
“To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will
be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his
government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's
throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice
and righteousness from that time on and for ever” (9:6-7).
God bless you
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