Journal: A peaceful end

Life is fragile at times and today I am reminded of this in the funeral visits done and the death of a friend . . . and when we are gone, what is there that remains?

memories, loved one, our children, friends, monuments to our abilities, lives changed? We take nothing from the world but we leave so much behind as a testimony to our having been here. And beyond? The words, "Death where is your sting: Grave where is your victory?" loom large.

The sting of death is obvious and the victory is found in the Christ - but the immediate pain, confusion, hopelessness are the stumbling block along the road that leads us to the cross.

So many challenges today:

How do we as ministers make sense of the stuff people experience for the people experiencing it?

How do we proclaim the love of the Christ in real and tangible ways?

How are we to live as salt and light to the world?

News that one of ours has had her motorised wheelchair stolen - a cynical and callous act leaving an old woman housebound and a victim  - adds to the challenges as some would love to leave those who took the thing wheelchair bound and the fallout is everywhere around us. But is this justice or revenge? What punishment fits the crime and, should they find those behind the theft, what punishment will they receive?

Justice and revenge, settling scores, acting the right way - more challenges for the community and for those who seek to guide and shape the public responses to be what they should be.

Lord - in your mercy - hear our prayers - and meet our needs.

Thank goodness for Micah 6





This place of reflection is here initially for me to dialogue internally and gain insight and perspective. It first appeared as an extension of this blog for some of those looking at creating their own journal as part of the their journey to discerning vocation. The Morning prayer is there also for that same purpose: to create the discipline of prayer. Dialogue, insights and experience of others concerning this entry is always welcome - all grist to the mill.

When wanting to be 'me' is compelling

Am I the only person out there who struggles with the old nature? Do you hear the words of a parent or other influential person, even though they might no longer be with us, cheer you on to even scores and 'get them before they get you'?

So often I tell young men and women that, even when they have decided they don't want to be theists there are two sound principles by which living, if they are accepted and embraced, is made wholesome and just.

The first of these is to be found in Matt 7.12//Lk 6.31: 'Do to others as you would have them do to you'.

The second of these is concerned with the way we judge others and again we turn to Matt 7.1//Lk6.37 where we find what becomes:

'Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged... Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.'

It is so easy to retreat back into the old nature when feeling threatened. So simple to justify yourself with the, 'Well they started it!' approach to judging behaviour. The reality is that when the going gets tough the weak get judging and lashing out and demanding and ...

Well I'm sure you know what I mean.

So here's a tip from a Bloke by the name of Paul from Romans 12.2:

'Don't copy the way the world lives but let God change you into someone new person by changing the way you think. If you do this then you will find you know the way God has planned for you to be and you'll find it is pleasing, fulfilling, good and perfect. So what are you waiting for?'

Well?