A Grandpa moment.

Just before having to leave home for the Sunday evening meeting in the church Riley (Grandson)  wanted to walk on the sand with Grandpa and so we went out together simply to do that. I was so proud with him holding my hand and telling me all about whatever was in his head. I may not have fully understood all that he said but I did mark the importance of the moment. We were buddies together on a mission. It reminded me much of yet another Kris Kristofferson song called Jodie and the kid.  In the song Kristofferson firstly speaks of his relationship with a younger bride but then with a daughter where they shared similar moments to what I was at that moment enjoying.

As we were walking and talking our way along the soft sandy part of the beach I was aware of 3 older than me ladies watching sitting on the beach watching us as we walked and Riley talked. As is the way of some older folks they were talking very loudly about us and saying how lovely it was to see Granddad with his grandson and chatting like old friends. That brought a great big smile to my heart because it reminded me of the day when Riley was brought into our little church in South Wales for me to pray for him and to dedicate his life to the Lord Jesus. At that service I promised him such moments as these as he began to grow up.

 It was a truly wonderful moment and one that I pray will be repeated many times. It is what I have promised to him before God in heaven, it is delightful and I pray that I will never become too grouchy to always treasure such opportunities, not only with Riley but with Nathaniel and Olivia also.

There was more to the day also, I had an adult moment on a bench on the promenade where along with a friend we spent precious moments talking and praying about my current situation. The beach is a fantastic place where much vital work can be done. For children they see adults as they truly are: Children in old skin! But for adults we not only see children free to enjoy life but we can also put into perspective the issues of life. For my friend John and I there was no shame to do the natural thing and bow our heads in prayer committing the decisions of future days  whilst sitting in the creation that He has given us even though the promenade was crowded. 

All in all it was a lovely day.

Christian witness.

For a little while now I have ran a parallel blog which I call "Pastor's blog." It is simply a few bible passages that I have studied and have either used the basis to preach or teach from or that I am planning for future opportunities. Mainly they are my own musings as to what the bible teaches me. They have been viewed by an amazing number of people most of whom look and leave.

Recently I have been criticized by a man who operates from some apparent bible school in Peru. It seems that he spends a lot of time with his computer seeking those with whom he can disagree. He tends to rant against orthodox Christianity and cannot discern between heresy and truth. 

He is apparently what some are claiming to be a Troll!

He claims to be evangelical and an authority on bible truth and yet he can overlook a clear command of Jesus. He clearly believes that he loves bible truth but yet ignores a vital command of Jesus.

Jesus said:

" By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35  New American Standard Bible 

I am not really bothered by what the man is saying, I do not agree but he is entitled to his opinion but it got me thinking about what Christianity has become in our world. From reading his blog he professes to be born again and proud of his Arminian theology which is OK to a point.  But he certainly misses the point of what Jesus is teaching in the quoted verse. The issue at hand is Christian witness, it is the gospel in evidence, we as Christians should be known as our love towards each other as we correct each other and not by our acrimony towards those with whom we disagree. 

Jesus told His disciples that they would be fishers of men and not as our friend is displaying "vicious old men!"

I am a firm believer that error should be dealt with but have we not learned from the past when to disagree deserved execution, even the great John Calvin was guilty of that towards the Anabaptists!!! How on earth can we expect unbelievers to see and believe in Jesus if we do not love His friends?? We ought to consider His attitude to those who did not understand fully and when we have to confront their error confront them with an open and loving heart.

Thank you Steve for attacking me, it has renewed my concern that I might deal with those in error around me in a way that brings glory to Christ and not satisfaction to my over-inflated ego.

Happiness!

One of the wonderful things about being a Christian is that even through difficult days we can see God's hand of guidance and provision beyond circumstance. I am amazed at what He is doing for us currently and all without my meddling. We praise Him for all that He is and ask that if you are a praying person please pray that we will recognize all that He is doing and where he is leading.

These truly are exciting times!

An old Ken Dodd song seems to sum up my real thoughts and feelings:

Happiness, happiness, the greatest gift that I posses

I thank the Lord I’ve been blessed

With more than my share of happiness

To me this old world is a wonderful place

And I’m just about the luckiest human in the whole human race

I’ve got no silver and I’ve got no gold

Just a whole lot of happiness in my soul

Happiness, happiness, the greatest gift that I posses

I thank the Lord I’ve been blessed

With more than my share of happiness

Happiness to me is an ocean tide

Or a sunset fading on a mountain side

Or maybe a big old heaven full of stars up above

When I’m in the arms of the one I love

Happiness is a field of grain

Lifting its face to the falling rain

I can see it in the sunshine, I breathe it in the rain

Happiness everywhere

Happiness, happiness, the greatest gift that I posses

I thank the Lord I’ve been blessed

With more than my share of happiness

A wise old man told me one time

That happiness is nothing but a frame of mind

I hope when you go to measuring my success

That you don’t count my money count my happiness

Happiness, happiness, the greatest gift that I posses

I thank the Lord I’ve been blessed

With more than my share of happiness

Maybe this is a soppy and sentimental song but nevertheless it is very true!

Anger!

Disappointment

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you"

1 Peter 5:6-7

Enough said for now!

Time out!

I am told that every picture tells a story, I will therefore let you deduce what I am saying here. Perhaps this will help you to understand:

 

 

Coffee and lunch a million miles away from the stress and strain of all that has been going on. It is now towards the end of yet another holiday that relaxation begins . We have finally been able to put behind us all that has been going on and are now looking to the future.

 

Forty years of marriage reminds us that we are no longer "spring chickens" but until such a time as when God stops us we intend to carry on carrying on. 

 

 

 

 

But what of the future?

The bible principle is to live for today and not to worry about what tomorrow might bring. If God supplies all of the needs of seemingly insignificant sparrows and makes the lillies of the field to be so spectacular surely we as His people can trust him for tomorrow! I have a few days of holiday left therefore I intend to do just that!

I intend to sail on into the sunset of life and enjoy what is left!

One of these days in Los Cristianos:

Forty years have flown by as if it were almost a blink. As I consider all that has gone before it makes me wonder what will be the next few years if we are allowed to live that long. One thing is for sure there will almost certainly not be an 80^th wedding anniversary. We will both have been promoted before then. What the world will look like then holds no concern to me at all other than I would hope that the gospel has more effect in our Great British Isles than it does today.

How have we spent our celebrations is of more significance at the moment. Sunday was the actual anniversary day but that was spent largely worrying about Riley ( 2 year old grandson) who had been rushed into hospital and was in the high dependency unit being helped with his breathing. Marie and Giles were worried out of their heads and we were beside ourselves.

What could we do? Fly home? But how and when and for what purpose? Riley was in the best hands and our God is in control but that is not easy to contend with when you are worried stiff. How could we celebrate when the little one is in trouble?

The simple answer to all of this was “we could do nothing, but trust God and the medics that are His agents of healing.” We prayed and then it would be nice to be able to say everything was ok; Riley was healed miraculously and we rejoiced oh and by the way a pot of Gold fell out of the sky and we are now healthy, wealthy and are walking around with manic grins on our faces! But that is not what happened.

Riley was discharged but was soon taken in again in great distress, Marie was frightened and Giles would have been distraught. What could they do but watch as medical brilliance took over. Pam & I spent many quiet moments worrying and praying, wishing and hoping etc.

Riley has responded, he is home but there is a bed kept for him in reserve in the hospital in case of relapse and we are in Tenerife and are feeling helpless!

What should we do? Our 25^th anniversary was wiped out due to Pam being treated for cancer. We were then in no fit state for celebration and neither do we feel that way currently. Despite that we are enjoying being here, it is good to see Barb and Neil. The sun is warming the old bones and is being thoroughly therapeutic. Pam is enjoying the pool and I have read a William Dyer book “ the great day of God's wrath!”, the biography of Mother Teresa and am well into RC Sproul's “Willing to believe: the controversy over free will.” Each one in it's own way is inspiring and most helpful in difficult days. Some would say not exactly holiday reading but they are just what I need at this time. I have some Andrew Murray lined up on the old trusty Kindle and many others should it be necessary. In fact I have enough on there for us to stay where we are and celebrate our golden wedding anniversary without ever returning to Old Blighty!

A reality check soon reveals that the UK is where we belong and so our holiday will come to an end but not before we have rested properly and taken in the usual sights of the amazingly beautiful island. We went to Loro Parque and to take photo's for Pam's Pastel Portraits. White tigers seem to be the next subject followed by meer cats and maybe even some otters. Mount Teide is calling me, Spain's highest peak needs to be seen at close range and so we will be going as high as is possible. The holiday will be complete when that has been accomplished and then UK we are returning (our plan, God might change that but that is His business!!)

Oh well back to the lazy life that we call holiday, Riley we love you and are looking forward to seeing you up and running!

Hope.

Another thought for the day from our friend Ron Ovitt:

LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.

Psalm 10:17 (NLT)

 


TODAY'S THOUGHT:

When are you helpless but not really helpless? When you have hope. No more than a young child is totally helpless when their parent stands nearby, so we are when God is in our life. The Psalmist assures us that the Lord hears our cries and comforts us. There may be areas in your life that leave you seemingly helpless. There appears to be no answer, no solution but remember, even when we seem helpless, we are not hopeless. Today, bring your situation to Christ. He knows your plight. He loves you with an unfailing love. He hears you and will comfort your heart. Remember, the Lord knows the hopes of the helpless.

I do not intend to do this very often but both yesterday's and today's thoughts for the day have been helpful to me and so I pass them on for any that are in difficult circumstances.

Ron if you ever discover this little blog please accept my sincere thanks for your ministry and every blessing to you.

Thought for the day.

Courtesy of Ron Ovitt inspirational e-devotions today (http://www.layministry.com):

Greetings 

 

TODAY'S VERSE:

 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." 

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

TODAY'S THOUGHT:

It is so easy to let fear grip our heart and influence our decisions. We rationalize why we can't be strong and courageous. We justify why we should be discouraged and drown our-self in self-pity. But, what is it that God commands? He commands, "Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Today you have a ch

oice. God is with you so decide to obey the Lord. Be strong and courageous in all you face.

This is so important and relevant. Thanks to Ron and to Ralph for introducing him to me. 

Followers of Jesus.

William Dyer (1632-1696) in his book: Follow the Lamb, says

“We follow Jesus Christ the Lamb of God in His Providence: Through all afflictions, all straits, all discouragements and sorrows whatever, though it be the way of death – we must forsake all to follow a crucified Christ, a condemned Christ, in bloody paths of sufferings- if He calls us to it! “Yes, though I walk through the dark valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) “For” says Paul “I am ready not to be bound only-but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” We must be willing to venture the loss of all for Him: our liberty, estates, relations and life itself! “We have forsaken all and followed You.” Matthew 19:27

This is truth that is hardly taught today but it is so helpful especially at this most difficult time. It is painful and oh so hard!

40 years is a long time.

In the bible 40 seems to be a significant number! I am not particularly or to be more precise I am not at all into biblical numerology and the conspiracy theories that surround such theologies. In saying that there are what I would term significant numbers that crop up from time to time in the bible.

40 is one of those numbers!

We remember that Moses was 40 when he left Pharaoh's palace and lived in the wilderness for 40 years before leading the children of Israel for 40 years. 

 

Why 40 year cycles?

That is a question that we could go to town answering but for the sake of this blog I would just like to say that the whole life of Moses points to the Saviour who was to come many years later. We remember that it was 40 days that He spent in the wilderness before He led His people out of captivity and into salvation. 40 years is the accepted age of a generation; and so just as Moses for a generation prepared to be a leader and then for a generation was prepared by God to be a shepherd and finally for a generation led the children of Israel to the point where they could then enter the promised land then the pattern of Jesus' ministry is the same. He came into a generation of people who are in need, He is the Great Pastor that cares for His sheep and then leads a whole generation into the Promised Heavenly Land.

But what has 40 years got to do with me?

It is simple really it was the 1^st June 1974 when Pam and I made promises to each other witnessed by the state and by God. The two of us became one and we have ever since been married. I am amazed that she has put up with me and my crazy schemes and fascinations. I am also eternally grateful to her for all that she is and for what she does. She is a good mother and grandmother. She is at times a great counselor and also friend. We certainly do not always agree but we get on extremely well together.

40 years is a long time!

That is true; who would have believed that all of those years ago the GPO telephonist who married the still training spectroscopist would end up having the life that we have had! 

 

We started off life in Coventry, our first house needing complete renovation became a palace and the birthplace of Jo. Our second house was the birthplace of Elaine and Marie but it was also a place where we clearly met with God through Jesus Christ in a real and clear way. Our home became a retreat for many from within the church, in particular the young people. There were camps, holidays, evangelistic meetings and great excitements born from within those 4 walls. It was from there we moved on to South Wales where theological training was followed by 17 years of Pastoring a truly wonderful church in Ogmore-by-Sea.

It would take me 40 years to recount the blessing that the previous 40 years have afforded but many are private to us and are certainly not for public perusal.

The last year has been our most challenging time. God clearly uprooted us from South Wales and into Cornwall. Jo & Jim had previously moved here and to some it might seem that we followed them. That is a gross underestimation, they and all that know us well recognize that we do not follow others into their domain. I am a child of the 60's and therefore carry the “hippy gene!” There are great evidences recognized by our friends and supporters that this was the place to be and contrary to what some might believe it is where God still wants us and so until He moves us we will sit tight.

Our place of accommodation may be under question but our residence in Cornwall we believe is not yet over. We very soon need another place to live and a work to be involved with. We need to be able to pay our bills and that is difficult with no income.

But

God is completely in control and so we can be assured that all is safe and secure in His hands. We are nervous; even frightened for our future but we trust in the God of miracles and give Him our all!

• So what do we do?
• Where do we go?
• How will we survive?
• What if one of us should die?
• Can we afford a funeral?
• Can we afford the bills?
• Where do we fit in?
• Are we really too old to be of any use?

These are all questions that constantly rumble on and produce sleepless nights If only I did not act on principle and just kept quiet!!!! How easy it is to castigate yourself BUT I could not and would not.

I am not ashamed:

I may not have everything right and am desperately sorry for my errors and ask forgiveness of any injured party. But there are some things that are easily misinterpreted and taken out of context but I do stand by my decisions and so will face up to all consequences as I pray others will also do.

We have at last found good friends from within the church membership and are exploring ways of becoming useful within the fellowship. The Pastor is a good man and even though he is son-in-law we respect him greatly. I have been approached by some to be involved with local churches on a pastoral level and an greatly encouraged and thrilled to be part of that. It is unpaid and so the supermarket will need more than a “isn't God good” when the cashier presents the bill.

We value your prayer for the future.

So what of our future? We are certainly not ready to hang up our boots in fact if aches and pains allow it we now have more time to wear our boots and explore the delights of the South West of England which I have to say is very attractive but sorry folks Wales has the edge on beauty!!!

Pam is busying herself with her gift of artistry and is producing work even better than before. I am studying the bible for myself (and my Pastor's blog) and I am thoroughly enjoying it and learning much about or Saviour and His people. We are going to celebrate 40 years in Tenerife and for such we are grateful to Barb and Neil and Caroline and Jamie; you are all kind to the extreme. I have also done something that an unemployed old duffer should never do. I have bought a ring (not ruby!) for Pam (she already has it!) we have never before celebrated our anniversary, funds have never allowed it. Our 25^th landmark was marred by Pam's chemo and radio therapies and so we really were not up for celebrations. At that time we really did not think that 40 years was possible but barring God's intervention it is just around the corner and if we do make it we you will hear some of the celebrations across the Atlantic and into Cornwall.

Thank you all for this amazing journey, thanks for everything Pam and sorry to have put you through so many turmoils and also for current and future issues.

It is true that 40 years is a long time but it all seems to be so short, there is not 40 years left for us on this mortal coil but whatever happens we pray that we might remain faithful to each other and ultimately to Him who holds our very lives in His hands.