tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4836578624081160182024-03-08T04:21:12.744-08:00Jim the PilgrimPilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-2570537857516541532021-11-14T19:14:00.000-08:002021-11-14T19:14:03.979-08:00Finding My Way Again.<p> Many moons ago, well in 2012 actually, I was attending St Columba's Presbyterian Church in Napier. I had joined with St Columba's after St Stephen's Pressy Church in Wickcliffe Road had closed, and after a short time at St Paul's in the city. I was an elder at St Columba's. It was a congregation that became like a family for me. While I did have my differences with it at times, it was still good for me.</p><p>While there, I worked on the production of the 'Halo' magazine with four amazing women: Dot McLeod, Sue Read, Caroline Smithers and Frances McLay. When I left to shift to Masterton, where the rent was cheaper at the time, they presented me with a book to say farewell. That book, written by Brian McLaren, is titled 'Finding Our Way Again' with the subtitle 'The return of the Ancient Practice.' I keep returning to it time and time again for comfort, guidance and to seek help and certainty with my spiritual life. It is the first book in the Ancient Practices Series edited by Phyllis Tickle. The other books in the series are: In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson, Sabbath by Dan B Allender, Fasting by Scot McKnight, The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher, The Pilgrimage by Diana Butler Bass, The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister and Tithing by Douglas LeBlanc. At this stage I have only read Brian McLaren's book.</p><p>I have said previously that I have decided to become a 'Follower of Jesus,' as apposed to calling myself a Christian. I am also well aware that there are a great number of people these days who say they prefer to adhere to the New Testament rather than the Old Testament.</p><p>In my daily devotions my 'Mantra' consists of two verses from two Psalms and a verse from Isaiah: Psalm 16:8 C.E.V. 'Lord, I will always look to you as you stand beside me and protect me from fear,' Psalm 91:2 C.E.V. 'Lord, you are my fortress, my safe place, my God, and I trust you,' and Isaiah 46:4 (b) C.E.V. 'You created me, you carry me, you will always keep me safe.'</p><p>I am likewise now guided by Jeremiah 6:16 C.E.V. The Lord said: My people, when you stood at the crossroads, I told you, "Follow the road your ancestors took, and you will find peace," As I am at the Crossroads I reckon I can find my way by returning to the ancient practices because did not Jesus say: Matthew 6:17 C.E.V. "Don't suppose that I came to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I didn't come to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning."</p><p>On past experience it has taken me about 3 - 4 years to read through the Old Testament in it's entirety, so let's see how I go. All those, so and so begat so and so, and the family trees don't excite me much. And as I am going through Genesis, at the moment, all the lies and bad things said and done often make me feel that I'm not half as bad as I actually am.</p><p>May God bless you and give you peace.</p><p><br /></p>Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-28936103738565704622021-10-20T20:04:00.000-07:002021-10-20T20:04:08.742-07:00Umm<p> Some 18 months or so ago, my wife suffered a major stroke that necessitated a thrombectomy. That is when a tube is put into the brain via an artery in the groin and up via the aorta and carotid arteries to remove the clot causing the stroke. Thankfully once the clot was removed she recovered nearly all the physical uses of her body. Her cognitive ability has retained some lapses, however, and she has lost the ability to reason, solve problems and large parts of her memory. As a result I have become her full-time care-giver. This is a task I love, and one that I believe God has given me.</p><p>As a result of the above, when things at my church became untenable for me, I left Christianity and became a follower of Jesus. That is detailed in my previous blogs. Although I miss most of the people from that congregation, the dreams I have experienced since then, along with the answers to my prayers, have shown a positiveness that indicates God is happy with me caring for my wife as my primary job at this time.</p><p>Each morning I do my own readings from the Old Testament followed by the same from the New Testament. From those readings I take verses that I post via my twitter account. Likewise any matters that I feel I need to look further into I undertake the research.</p><p>The other day I had finished the Old Testament so had returned to the start to read through it again. The last time took me about 3 years. I have a funny relationship with Genesis. My first job was as a Communications Technician with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. I worked on airborne radio and navigation equipment. During my time we changed from valves to transistors. As a result, science held a premium place in my beliefs. That made for an interesting take on Genesis but it was not one that led me to doubt the reality of Creation. As a matter of fact, as most of you will realise, a great number of Scientists are Creationists. I smile to myself as the years go by and science edges closer to creationism; although many try to avoid saying so!</p><p>So my readings covered the eating of the fruit from the tree in the Garden of Eden and also the Cain and Abel sacrifice problem. In the past I had put those matters to one side as they seemed to need deeper thought than I could give them. This time I had a bit more of a look. It appeared to me that God was being a bit petty in getting upset just because Adam and Eve now had the knowledge of what was right and what was wrong. After all, doesn't God want us to keep away from what is wrong but hold onto what is right? Well yeah, he does. Of course, though, the first thing he wants us to do is obey him. He told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit but they went ahead and ate it. They disobeyed him. The punishment? Well you can read that yourself. If they hadn't eaten the fruit we wouldn't have needed all the rules that regulate us now. Well, that's how I read it.</p><p>And Cain and Abel? Well, give God your best and do so willingly. Be happy and satisfied with what you have. Work hard, love a lot, pray a lot.</p><p>May God bless you all. </p>Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-22441215266655760692021-09-09T21:09:00.001-07:002021-09-12T16:21:33.158-07:00Saturday or Sunday?<p>So, I said that I was going to become a Follower of Jesus, rather than a Christian. So what was so different about Jesus, and Christians today? Well I suppose one of the big 'things' is that Jesus was a Jew. And, if I may digress, he was also brown skinned and not white skinned like the pictures on my Sunday school (Circa 1950's) wall, and in my bible, depicted him, when he was knocking on the door asking to be let in. (Revelations 3:20)</p><p>Actually, it was not all that many years ago when the skin colour actually occurred to me. I had never taken any notice until I read the autobiography of Malcolm X. Of course, Jesus was going to be brown skinned living where he lived. I'm not sure whether it was a positive or negative thing that it hadn't mattered to me. Positive as far as my racial point of view was concerned perhaps, but I hadn't considered that others would see it as negative for people who had coloured skin. Not only negative, but completely false as well!</p><p>So, not only was Jesus a Jew, he was brown skinned as well.</p><p>We'll put the skin colour to one side; not because its not important, it is, but because I am concentrating on the Jewish matter in this article.</p><p>I presume that most people who call themselves Christians reluctantly acknowledge that Jesus was a Jew but put it to one side. Being Jewish meant that his Sabbath was Friday evening to Saturday evening yet Christians celebrate Sunday as the Sabbath.</p><p>Is this a problem?</p><p>Well there have been many, many articles, discussions, books, pontifications etc. concerning this matter. I would suggest that if you want to see the matter discussed in layman terms you read: When, Where, and Why Did the Change from Sabbath to Sunday Worship Take Place in the Early Church by Robert K McIver, Avondale College of Higher Education, Cooranbong, Australia. Copyrighted 2015 Andrews University Seminary Studies, Vol. 53, No. 1, 15-35. Read it. It is on-line as a PDF.</p><p>Okay. Let me quote a piece from a Police Procedural Novel I am reading. It is written by J R Ellis and called The Body in the Dales. The Inspector is having a cuppa with his older sister who is a Priest in the Anglican Church. She says, "Don't make the mistake of equating Christianity with the Anglican church or any other denomination. They're all very largely human constructs which may have had their day, but if they disappear, God's purposes will continue."</p><p>Sounds a bit like Matthew 5:17 in some ways: Jesus says "Do not think that I have come to abolish Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."</p><p>Humans changed the early church from its Jewish origin and turned it into a Sunday Sabbath, it's not God's law and it's not following Jesus as far as I'm concerned. To me a Sunday Sabbath is, as the Police Inspector's Priest sister says, 'a human construct.' We can all see that the current 'Christian Way' has had it's day.</p><p>I pray that becoming a Follower of Jesus does not mean I become a human construct.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-85286599382055360022021-08-28T19:51:00.003-07:002021-08-28T19:51:50.379-07:00A step backward or forward?<p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, a couple or so Sundays have passed by without me going to church. I have survived. Mind you, they have been during Covid 19 Level 4 lockdown so there haven't been any services anyway.</span> </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My mind constantly takes me back to some of the things that caused me to leave the church I attended. While I would like to state openly what they were I have chosen not too. They were not illegal, as far as New Zealand's legal system is concerned, but were morally wrong. The case could be made, that the things that were done could well have been Gods way of going about things, but I doubt it. Using that reasoning is what has got Christianity into the mess that it is today.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I watched, one day, the leaders of a denomination and a congregation, inter-acting with the members of their congregation. They sat at the 'Top Table' and ate and spoke to us from there. My mind went back to the 1960's when young Christians wore bands on their wrists with the letters W.W.J.D. engraved on them. (<u>W</u>hat <u>W</u>ould <u>J</u>esus <u>D</u>o.) Can you remember those days? Would Jesus have sat separate from us? I don't think so. He would have been surrounded by us, and sharing with us; not being served separately. I'm sure Jesus' story about the Pharisees etc. sitting at the main table comes to your minds, as well as it did to mine. Snakes and vipers weren't they?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Jesus didn't operate the way Ministers and Pastors do today. Why do they believe that they are the only interpreter's of Gods word? They act as though they are privileged. They seem to forget that like us mere mortals, they are Gods servants; His hands and feet in this world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have even witnessed Ministers asking their congregation for items that those in the congregation cannot afford to buy for themselves. Humble? No! Sad? Yes!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Lord, I pray for the humility that I need to carry out your work in this world. I know I have let you down many, many times in the past, but now I trust that I have learned to look to you as you stand beside me and protect me, because you are my fortress, my safe place, my God, and I trust you. </span></p>Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-61808612447107007052021-08-15T19:44:00.000-07:002021-08-15T19:44:07.731-07:00A Lost Pilgrim<p>Once again I find myself lost in the Christian world. Surely this should not be! We're repeatedly told that the Christian community is like a family, we are all brothers or sisters. I like the idea, in some ways, but we have all experienced family times when it's not all love and kindness haven't we?</p><p>I am taking a break from the church community I have belonged to for the past 9 years. I doubt I will return. I have just deleted a long rant that I was going to publish about my reasons for leaving etc. but have decided to put 'my big boy pants on' and not go there.</p><p>Here in New Zealand, the Methodist Church of New Zealand publishes a monthly 'newspaper' named Touchstone. The August 2021 edition contained an article written by Rev. Geraldine Coats in which she states that she has decided to no longer refer to herself as a Christian minister. Instead she has decided to call herself a follower of Jesus. She advises that she was led to this decision, in part, by some of Christianity's decisions which have destroyed her vision of a God of grace and love.</p><p>After my experiences over the years, and I'm on the cusp of 76, I find myself in agreement with Geraldine. I have witnessed bullying, bribery, back-stabbing, lying and abuse. Geraldine's God of grace and love has been notably absent on many occasions. However (and there is always a but isn't there?) there are some good people attending Christian churches who believe themselves to be Christians, and possibly are followers of Jesus. I pray that their attempts to follow Jesus in their congregations are successful.</p><p>As for me? Well I continue my pilgrimage. Currently I am at peace with myself as I undertake my given task of loving my wife as she recovers from a stroke and the thrombectomy that removed a clot from her brain.</p><p>I will try and be a follower of Jesus. </p>Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-20738736290024854672018-10-21T18:49:00.000-07:002018-10-21T18:51:23.269-07:00How am I doing?How am I doing?<br />
<br />
About as well as can be expected I suppose. Looking back over my blog efforts doesn't show an individual inspired by much really.<br />
<br />
I have, however, made a huge decision. Actually making a decision is a big thing in my life. It takes a long time, a lot of procrastination, lots of 'maybes' and 'perhaps' and 'but what ifs.' Often I do see the rainbow but I'm also prone to see the dark black clouds gathering and I just know that they're going to block out that rainbow. They rarely do but then again they just might.<br />
<br />
That decision was to give up my 'Junk Mail' rounds. I had already given up one of them which left me with three. They take about one hour and thirty minutes each to walk and about the same to fold. While the income is of help, my wife and kids have prevailed and I do my last round at the end of this month.<br />
<br />
What am going to do with all that extra time I will have on my hands?<br />
<br />
Well I am in training to do what I promised myself I would do in my retirement years.<br />
<br />
I will resume my writing, and working on my jade carving and jewellery making. I will also be able to devote more time to my Church life. Since making the big decision I have put myself entirely in the Lord's hands. That decision was made at 0740 hours on Wednesday 12th September. There was no spontaneous sound of hallelujahs but there was a comfortable feel about making it, writing it down in my diary, and saying it aloud. Since that day life has not changed a lot but in myself I feel calmer. Normally I would be approaching the end of October with dread, wondering how we will survive, along with a lot of other matters.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to November. I'm looking forward to goodness knows what. At least I am looking forward.<br />
<br />
Mm, none of that is what I originally set out to blog about, but there you are. Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-19038299525216323302018-02-14T17:36:00.000-08:002018-02-14T17:42:06.680-08:00Christians and PhariseesI spend a greater part of my musing wondering about those who call themselves Christians. Mostly I do this whilst I am wandering the streets of Masterton putting advertising pamphlets into those letter boxes that don't have large 'No Junk Mail' signs on them. I undertake the deliveries to supplement my superannuation. The remuneration is pretty minimal. Also, out of that minimal payment, I am required to pay income tax and also Accident Compensation Corporation dues. I stick with the belief that at least the 4 to 5 hours of walking is doing something towards my health. I counteract that goodness with lots of chocolate.<br />
<br />
However I am getting off the subject.<br />
<br />
I belong to a congregation that is known as a joint or uniting congregation that goes back to the days when various denominations decided that the future lay in union, rather than alone, as we all worshipped the same God. As a result the local Presbyterian congregation and the local Methodist congregation combined under the the one umbrella. Time went along, as it does, and there was the inevitable 're-think' and the mother churches decided that union was not for them so they appeared to abandon those 'joint' congregations and concentrated on more lucrative congregations.<br />
<br />
What they did not abandon, of course, were the buildings. After all, those structures were worth 'a bob or two.'<br />
<br />
As a result many joint congregations were left with two masters to deal with. In many cases those masters pulled in opposite directions but always required their share of the money the congregations raised.<br />
<br />
Life went on until it didn't in many cases. The congregations became older and both the congregations and the masters lost touch with their roots and their purpose. Sunday congregations dropped to a few elderly people gathering for four hymns, two prayers and a sermon that rarely related to current events.<br />
<br />
So, in the case of the congregation I belong to, it was decided to merge with another nearby congregation. One congregation was a Union congregation and the other Presbyterian. Both congregations were made up primarily of people who had at various times been members of both congregations. Agreement was 'sort of' reached with one of the big sticking points being the buildings. The union congregation building had some local historical significance and following the Canterbury earthquake had under gone strengthening to the tune of several hundred thousand dollars raised via many means. Financially the Union congregation was in a reasonable state. The Presbyterian congregation, not so much. Following a lot of discussion and numerous meetings agreement was reached on a merger. The use of the buildings was not settled but agreement was reached that one Minister would be shared between both congregations, in the interim, and the use of the buildings be decided later.<br />
<br />
All were reasonably happy.<br />
<br />
Along comes the biggest property owner of the two buildings, the Presbyterian Church. New trustees, or something, said that the merger had not been in accordance with the 'rules' and would have to be done all over again. As a result there has been a big split between the congregants. It is primarily over the buildings and at which place services should take place etc, etc.<br />
<br />
Now I come to my point of Christians and Christianity.<br />
<br />
Surely it is irrelevant where the services take place. This holding onto buildings is, in my mind, so wrong. In one of the cases the building complex spends the best part of six days empty. In the other case the complex houses a Childcare facility and an opportunity shop. One complex is on the main street and the other is close to the local hospital. Surely the complex near the hospital could be used to house those relatives who were visiting the sick and injured. Maybe it could be used by the homeless or those in need of temporary housing.<br />
<br />
Surely that would be a Christian response. Let's face it, Christians follow the way of Jesus and all I see here is groups of those I call Pharisees. What did Jesus call them? Snakes and vipers wasn't it?<br />
How very, very sad! Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-52813267464017499632015-12-14T13:06:00.002-08:002015-12-14T13:06:42.772-08:003 Little Churches<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Once upon a time there was a town with three
churches. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">One was made of straw, one was made of sticks and one was made of
bricks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The straw church had a lot of people attending it.
It was a pretty basic building but looked nice from the outside. The people
liked it because it those in charge said that everything was good and all you
had to do was come to it on a Sunday and God would look after you. The leaders
made rules and regulations and held meetings together but pretty much left people
to their own devices. From time to time wind blew through the straw, the
building rocked but because it didn’t fall down nobody worried too much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The stick church was neither flash nor ugly. It
just was. It appeared nice and solid. The people in it worked hard for God.
Whenever a draft appeared they would cover over the hole with whatever was at
hand. The leaders worked hard and were good people but their time ended up
being spent on stopping the drafts. In the end the building became the
important object. God was important but Sunday took care of that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The brick Church was an important church. A lot of
people attended it because it was important. The leaders made sure that
everything looked really nice and that everything ran smoothly. If problems arose,
nobody knew about them as they were dealt with behind the scenes by a few
people ‘in the know.’ This church was a proud church with proud arrogant
people. They knew God’s word, according to them, and theirs was the right way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">One day, a group of people from all three churches
met accidently. I think it was at Food for Thought or the Ten O’Clock Cookie
Company but may have been Strada or The Village Grinder. The hot choccy,
coffee, tea and scones went to their heads and they felt something like a wind
race around them. Some said that they even saw flames in the air. Others saw
and heard nothing but felt something in their hearts. They suddenly realised
that their straw church was slowly falling over, that the drafts in the stick
church were letting in a cold wind that was turning people away and that the
brick church had become drab and sad. They realised that very few people now
went to their churches. Oh, there were the old die-hards holding on to their
pet beliefs but they were getting to the stage where they were alone. Some had
tried new programs which burnt for a while but then flickered and went out.
They wondered what they could do. They had tried to work together but nothing
had come of it. They still stayed the same three little churches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Then a quiet newcomer to the group who had been
sitting at an adjacent table spoke up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">“Why do you go to your Churches?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">“Because we are Christians,” was the reply. “We
praise God and do God’s work. We make Christ Visible in the Community.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t see him,” she said and got up and left.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-36380689172014139562014-11-26T18:13:00.000-08:002014-11-26T18:13:04.435-08:00Sense of DespairPart of my Australian family have just returned to Perth. Cost prevented the entire family returning for a visit so my daughter, son-in-law, one granddaughter and one grandson arrived. Our daughter has not returned to her country of birth for fourteen years. Some of you reading this will understand how wonderful it was to have her back in New Zealand.<br />
<br />
It is not fourteen years since we have seen her, as we have been funded to Perth by her three times over the years. Having her home is something different though.<br />
<br />
On at least two occasions my daughter has been included in a dream that occurs to me from time to time relating to our children. Both dreams take place sometime after I have died, and I am watching them during their lives following my death. A great sense of loss, sorrow and almost overwhelming despair settles over me. My family are continuing with their lives, as you do, and my despair is not that they are shattered and unable to cope without me, but that I have lost them.<br />
<br />
While my daughter was here on this occasion, she was perusing the plaques attached to the inside walls of St Luke's, the church I attend. One of them was remembering the presentation of a Union Jack flag to the church by the Senior Armed Forces Padre at the time. It was the Padre who had conducted my daughter's marriage ceremony. In my dream, this last time, I could see my daughter holding a photograph of the plaque and remembering its association with this recent visit. The sense of lost and sorrow was incredible; not my daughter's sorrow, mine.<br />
<br />
Interesting.<br />
<br />
Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-51651663174379808912014-08-18T21:51:00.000-07:002014-08-18T21:51:51.990-07:00Why David?Whilst growing up I attended Sunday school. Mostly it was on a part time basis as we lived on a farm in the country and there was an inability to get to town for church and Sunday school after milking. The only real impression I had of King David of the bible was the killing of Goliath. That impression was solely that one act. I did not relate King David to the son of Jesse. (At that time I did not know who Jesse was either.)<br />
<br />
When I got a bit older, and was drifting away from Christianity, I occasionally read the bible in some forlorn hope that if I did so then God would help me pass some exams that I was required to sit. I failed. I did read about David and Bathsheba however.<br />
<br />
Many moons later I came back to Christianity and I have now read the bible through several times. Now, of course, I can put two and two together. I 'get' the messages and know that David wrote some of the psalms and that Solomon was his son.<br />
<br />
The initial thing that grabbed my attention, however, related to David's actions when he lead his 600 men in pursuit of the Amalekites after they had attacked Ziklag and carried away all the women and children. (1 Samuel 30:1-25.) David and his men chased after the Amalekites. They were weary, tired and dispirited and when they reached the brook of Besor, some of the 600 stayed there. They were too exhausted to go on. 200 of them stayed there while David and 400 went on. To cut a long story short, David caught up with the raiders, and freed his wives, his soldiers families and all the animals and goods taken by the Amalekites.<br />
<br />
When David, his men, and the freed families arrived back at Brook Besor some of the 400 who had gone on with David, objected to sharing the 'spoils' with those who had stayed at the brook, too exhausted to go on. David then said, "My brothers, you can't do this with what the Lord has given us! He kept us safe and gave us victory over the raiders. No one can agree with what you say! All must share alike: <i>whoever stays behind with the supplies gets the same share as the one who goes into battle</i>."<br />
<br />
I have shared this at several services in 'Old Folks Homes' as generally they also are too exhausted to go on. They have fought the battle but they also will reap the rewards. Actually they still do fight the good fight in many ways. They pray. Those who pray are generally at the forefront of the Spiritual war.<br />
<br />
However, to a degree, I digress.<br />
<br />
As I age, as time goes by, I find I am drawn back to King David. His life is our life. He had our failings and we can have his triumphs. He points me towards my Lord.<br />
<br />
After years of unbelievers asserting that there was no historical record of King David I smile to myself at the evidence now coming to hand proving his existence. Not that I ever doubted.<br />
<br />
New Zealanders will be interested in the fact that our soldiers were at Brook Besor during WW2.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-72547868617763385842013-09-23T19:33:00.001-07:002013-09-23T19:33:24.540-07:00Wow, Maybe Thirty Christians<div class="MsoNormal">
The building is magnificent. It is old, not fully earthquake
proof according to today's current standards, brick and mortar and has been a
worship centre for years and years. I counted the worshippers on Sunday last: thirty and that
was stretching it a tad. How does a congregation of thirty support a projected
budget with a deficit of several thousand dollars?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been in negotiations with a sister congregation, and
while they were enthusiastic, and committed that enthusiasm to paper, it has waned
a bit lately. I put a fair bit of it down to a combination of age, an
unenthusiastic faith, and primarily, I think, to a lack of vision.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The median age would have to be in the late sixties. There
is a great scarcity of children. Well there would be with that median age
wouldn't there. Grand children? Saw a couple once.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why persist? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well a few can see that unless something is done, then 150
years of Christ in the main street will disappear. Perhaps that is what needs
to happen. After all, thirty people hardly trumpet God's message.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am told that in any mainline church congregation today
about 75% of the congregation will be attending out of habit, because they
enjoy meeting friends or that is their one social outing. Belief has little to
do with attendance. Okay, there is one problem. Actually there is the whole
problem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today the mainline churches, and unfortunately it is
creeping into the Pentecostal and other movements as well, have become largely
social agencies. As such they do a great job for the Community, in which they
exist, and the Government. Need food? Go and see the local Church or the local
Foodbank run by the church. Need clothes? Need furniture? Go to the local
church Op shop. Kids need looking after before and after school while you work?
The local Government funded after-school and pre-school care centres are
probably run by a Church.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yeah, Churches are great places to hang out, and there is
the problem. There is nothing wrong with what the churches are doing as far as
helping their neighbours is concerned. They are being 'Good Samaritans.' They love
their neighbours. They are doing all the things Christians should do: but they
are not doing it for God. They provide for the needy, but the accolades or
acknowledgement goes to those doing the work, or the churches hosting the
service. It should be going to God. It should be done for God's glory, not for
the church's glory. It should also be done free. Being paid to do God's work
rankles with me. Being a Minister or Pastor today is a career, not a calling.
Tax returns are altered. Tax avoidance is practiced. Ministers are paid by
Funeral Directors and by those getting married for conducting the relevant services.
A majority of the Ministers I have known, accept that payment as a tax free
payment and put it straight into their pockets as a 'perk.' I am not advocating
that those preaching God's word should rely on gifts, I accept that these days a
salary or similar is correct. It's the way that Church administration now
consists of numerous management layers, all of whom have their nose in the
Church trough that irks me. They are not doing that for the Glory of God. They
are doing for the glory of their own pockets and lifestyles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, enough of my soapbox rant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What to do about the thirty people grouped each Sunday in
the lovely old heritage rated church building. $500,000 plus to bring it up to
safety standards. Knock it down would be the best idea. Great, let's do that.
Wait though. Before it can be knocked down there is the Council requirement
for an engineers report. Only $10,000. We can handle that: with help. The
Council will probably say the significance of the building is such that it
cannot be demolished. They will also say it cannot be used. What happens? We
put up a fence round it and walk away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sounds good to me. That will also let us 'do our own thing'
in a more suitable building. But what about the fact that God will disappear
from the town's main street? I don't think he is there now. There is just a
building catering for probably 10 to 15 of God's people in a largely secular
community.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can God stay on the Main Street do you think? My answer?
Yes, but only with prayer and giving God his due. </div>
Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-21440190456907318292013-07-11T19:34:00.002-07:002013-07-11T19:34:57.660-07:00Christianity is for Sale<div class="MsoNormal">
My wife and I live on the New Zealand Superannuation. It is
enough for us to survive on, and have the occasional cup of hot chocolate at a
cafe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From time to time, I have attended Church Home Groups, or
Small groups, for bible study, or study to advance my theological knowledge
etc. Without fail the studies have used a booklet, often called a study guide,
written by some one with personal, or deduced knowledge, relating to the subject.
Because of copyright restrictions, the study guides and personal study books
cannot be photocopied, so each participant must purchase a booklet. Okay, so an
average cost seems to be $8 - $10 each. Average small groups vary from six to twenty
people. The publisher gets $60 to $200 per group.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Likewise, if you wish to catch up on what your favourite
Pastor is writing, then you could be paying anything up to $50 per book. Have
you checked out the price of a bible lately?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can actually remember saying to my wife, prior to
publishing anything, that I would write Christian literature because there was
a captive market and I could make a fortune. Well that didn't go too well. I
could not afford to pay an editor, cover person or spend time searching for a
publisher or agent. I went for Smashwords because at the time they were the
only people who could take my MS Word document and turn it into an EBook free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I published Ripples, a book of stories with a Christian and
moral theme for children, and Pastors, and a novel: The Begat Legacy. Some
copies of Ripples were purchased, mainly, I suspect, by family, although they
deny it. At $0.99c, I thought the price was reasonable. The Begat Legacy, an 800,000-word
novel, aimed at the secular market, I priced at $2.99c. A few copies sold but
not many. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got to thinking! Checking out Smashwords and Amazon free
EBooks, I found that there are not many Christian Books available. There are a large
number of pornographic and general available however. During 'Read an EBook week',
I priced Ripples free and The Begat Legacy for $1.99. There were downloads of a
couple of copies of Ripples but none for 'Begat'.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I then made both available free. There have been many
downloads since then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what do I make of all this? From now on, I will make all
my Christian EBooks available free. I do not class 'Begat' in that category as
it is targeted at people who would not pick up an overtly Christian book. It is R18 and designed to open some minds to the fact that there is such a thing as
Christianity. If only one person picks up a bible to check what I have written,
I will be satisfied with it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The big question left is; Why do Christian writers,
particularly of study guides, apologetics and doctrine, put their books
financially out of the reach of so many? They publish to a captive market, a
market eager to purchase books that they can be assured are suitable for their
tastes and beliefs. If we are to reach and teach, then should we not be
publishing free? Did not Paul work for a living while he served?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mm, interesting!</div>
Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-68824659410575100462013-04-21T15:26:00.001-07:002013-04-21T15:26:37.358-07:00Would you die for a metaphor? The above sentence is the headline the editor placed above my letter to his publication. That publication is 'Touchstone,' a newspaper published by the Methodist Publishing Company in New Zealand, although it points out that the opinions included in it do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Methodist Church of New Zealand.<br />
One of the regular contributors is Ian Harris who contributes to the column headed 'Honest to God.' In his March 2013 column he wrote concerning some widely held views concerning the Gospels and their versions of the death and resurrection of Jesus.<br />
In reply I submitted the following opinion which was published in the April edition of Touchstone under the heading of 'Would you die for a metaphor.' I reprint that opinion:<br />
I take issue with a few of the things stated as authoritative by your correspondent Ian Harris in his column, Honest to God, in your March issue.<br />
Ian states that the gospels are filled with lessons and hope but not necessarily facts. I must confess to admiring Mr Harris. Over the years I have come across his columns and believe he comments as he does to stir up his readers to open their minds, I admire that.<br />
In the column I refer to, he comments negatively upon matters written 40 or 50 years after an event. Surely, there would still be people alive who had witnessed that event. There would also be those who had heard, first hand, from such witnesses. They would have to be a more authoritative voice than someone living 2000 years after the event.<br />
Likewise, up to 100 years after the event, one would think that the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders would have produced witnesses to refute what the Apostles and early Christians were saying.<br />
After all, here were groups of people claiming that they knew the Messiah and those groups were 'eating' into their faith. One would presume that given the chance, the Jewish authorities would have jumped quite decisively upon provable lies, but evidence of such is absent.<br />
Numerous critics of the physical resurrection, point to inconsistencies within the gospels when it comes to who saw who and what and when on Easter morning. As a former police detective, I and every lawyer I ever came across can tell you that if there are five witnesses to a single event then there will be five different versions.<br />
If you want to examine this matter in any detail I would suggest you read Lee Strobel's book The Case for Christ.<br />
I further believe that many of those people viewed Jesus as more than just 'a man among men.' After all, the early believers willingly died for their beliefs. If they were defending something that they knew to be a lie, do you think they would have died for it?<br />
As a Christian, if you believe that the resurrection was not physical, are you willing to die for it?<br />
<br />
Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-60065708681010764402013-01-16T19:21:00.000-08:002013-01-16T19:21:19.960-08:00Weeds I have just returned from a month in Perth, Australia, to visit my daughter, her husband and my five grand kids. All that amounts to a huge backlog of 'stuff' that I can 'blog' about. Another day perhaps.<br />
Today I have been reintroduced to weeds. Not 'weed', that one that sends you into a haze or something, but the common old garden variety. The ones that grow out of little cracks in the concrete or where anything joins anything. The ones I have met today were introduced to me by a lady at my church. I had barely arrived back in Masterton from Perth when the telephone rang. The said lady, in a very nice way, said my attendance was required (would be appreciated) at the Church buildings the following day as there was work to be done. It would be beneficial, I was informed, if I brought a spade with me.<br />
I duly attended. Weeds had made their homes in a variety of places about the building and had to be removed. I had not really noticed them to be honest. I attend at the church and associated buildings regularly but my attention is always focused on what I am there to do or upon whom I am speaking with. I had never noticed the weeds. It turns out that previously, the weeds had been dealt to by a person who was no longer able to undertake the task. Nobody had replaced him. (How sad is that?) Not only that, it took another person to point the weeds out to me.<br />
The story of my life I reckon. Possibly yours too. How many weeds are growing in your life that you are not seeing? Perhaps you also need someone to point them out to you.<br />
<br />Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-90145938477658371642012-10-26T15:54:00.002-07:002012-10-26T15:54:52.242-07:00TOLERANCE IS HARD WORKIndeed it is. I belong to a fellowship who state on our weekly bulletin that we are; a safe place for all people to worship regardless of race, creed, gender, cultural background, or sexual orientation. We pay, I believe, only superficial regard to that statement. Tolerance is somewhat absent, unfortunately, as various people, me included, push our own barrows. There is an Island congregation attached to our Church Community and their beliefs lean heavily towards the conservative. So do mine, being the Creationist that I am. Mind you, I came to the Creationist point of view via many roads that had me a radical progressive for many years. Unlike Paul, I was not confronted with a burning bush, but several unexplained matters from the Progressive point of view caused me to revise what I believed. However, getting back to where I was. While there is a conservative bent to many in the congregation, there is also a strong progressive presence. They acknowledge Jesus but have problems with God and the afterlife. Consequently, depending upon who is leading the service on any particular Sunday, the message can range over quite a wide field. Actually I like that. New points of view open up, and interesting points emerge. What I dislike is the disregard many of the opposing factions have for the others point of view. I appreciate the progressive point because I regard them at a different stage on a road that will lead us to God. Hopefully they believe the same of me. Sometimes, however, tolerance can be hard work when either they, them or us believe our road is the only road. I often use the analogy that if we set out from our home towns to go to a certain destination then we will possible all take different routes to get there. Some will fly directly, some will go by car and stop off at various points, some will do some work on the way. Some might encounter mechanical or health problems that will delay them. Eventually, those committed enough, will get to their destination. Hopefully, on their journey, they will pause to help those who are standing looking at the signposts at an intersection, or need assistance to get their car going. Hopefully they will be tolerant of others problems and ways of doing things and find that tolerance need not be hard work.Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-83689901984070176682012-09-17T22:05:00.002-07:002012-09-17T22:05:44.550-07:00God Don't Live in No ChurchIn my book 'Ripples', a young boy with no religious affiliations finds 'Heaven' in a church on Christmas eve. The reality is, however, that God and Heaven are rarely found in such. That is unfortunate but true. On many occasions I have found that there are more 'Christians' outside the Church than in it. Okay, I know that Christians are sinners along with the rest of mankind and I accept that. The point is that Christians often tend to come across as more like the Pharisees of Jesus' time than the disciples of the new church.<br />
I recall an example given me by an Uncle of mine. A dispute arose in their congregation when is was discovered that one of those charged with counting the collection money was making the given money up to a round dollar by adding extra of his own while counting it. The dispute was over the fact that the extra money had not been dedicated and/or blessed. What a performance. It split the entire congregation. Eventually the congregation left. As the door was locked for the last time the person locking it said, "We won." Who won?<br />
The denomination I belong too do not usually baptise via total immersion. Occasionally, however, some one wants to be so baptised. One congregation were undertaking major alterations to their building so the suggestion was made that a bath be built under the font so that if, in future, immersion was required the font could be moved and the bath uncovered. Again, what an uproar. Love thy neighbour?<br />
Both you and I could give many examples couldn't we? How sad. In this day and age, at this time, I think it behoves us to walk the walk like no other time. Our world is currently facing disasters, confrontations and evil the like of which has not been seen for a long time. Christianity is being sidelined by institutions and Governments in favour of secularism. Many of Christendom's critics point to examples similar to those mentioned above.<br />
Don't you think it is time we Christians did better?Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-27577646311214019172012-08-26T21:58:00.001-07:002012-08-26T22:02:18.648-07:00I AM A GOOD PERSON BUT GOING TO HELL I mean, is this really fair? Okay, so perhaps I am not as good a person as I could be. I do the odd wrong thing. Quite a few odd things probably. But basically I am a pretty okay sort of guy. I swear occasionally but doesn't every one? I am faithful to my wife. I don't steal. I don't covet my neighbours ass, or anything else of my neighbours. I love everybody, especially after I have had a few beers. I believe in God and Jesus but I don't go for Churches because there are too many hypocrites inside them. I help old ladies across streets, help the poor and generally do good all over the place. BUT, at the end of my time I ain't going to get into heaven. Why ain't I going to get into heaven? Because I have not said the magic words, 'I believe Jesus was crucified for my sins, died, rose from the dead and is now in Heaven with God'. Why I don't say those words is because my faith is weak. It is a giant leap for me and it is taking me a long time to take that leap. On the other hand my life is full of people who consider the ten commandments as a challenge, and break as many of them as they can, as often as they can. Will they be going to heaven? Well they tell me repeatedly that they believe Jesus died for their sins, that he rose again and is now in Heaven and they believe that implicitly. They say that faith is more important that works. So there you go; me to hell, them to heaven.Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-19927782149654746482012-08-12T19:39:00.000-07:002012-08-12T19:39:20.086-07:00Hospital Waiting Rooms Are The Great LevellerSit around any hospital waiting room for long enough, and who doesn't these days, and you will see that regardless of your station in this life, a pretty level playing field exists there. In general, discrimination does not exist. Okay, there are the thugs and bullies who perform, demanding rights that they do not have, but in general all those sitting patiently relate to one another. As I sat in Wellington Hospital the other day, I watched a young man, probably about 30 years of age, push a young child, whom I presumed to be his daughter, past in the wheel chair. His face was covered in tattoos. They were the type of tattoo that would have prevented him from getting any type of job other than repairing roads. I do not say that in a judgmental way, but as a statement of fact. But there he was, doing what any other father would do, and doing it with sadness etched upon that face. In any other setting he may well have been bullying his way about (perhaps I am being judgmental?) but there he was clearly upset with his daughter's condition and situation. Again, in any other setting the other people about him would have given him a wide birth, but in the Hospital he and his were accepted and accepting. He was not the only one. People talk to strangers. They reveal to each other the most intimate of secrets. I know that some will say I am wrong because those who can afford it will go to a Private Hospital but I disagree. In an emergency, or even for a 'follow-up' the 'Gentry' will often mix with the 'Serfs' and both learn from each other.<br />
Pity most Churches don't provide such a level playing field.Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-14939412403251016182012-07-26T19:48:00.000-07:002012-07-26T19:48:37.184-07:00Gay bulls are culledShould I get involved in the gay marriage debate I ask myself. Probably not, but then I have always tended to go where angels fear to tread. Many current Church attendees seem to believe that gay marriage is no big thing, so should I, as a Christian, go along with that? Christians are taught that marriage is an institution blessed by God etc, etc. Paul seems to be a bit confused about the whole thing actually. Spend some time with a Bible concordance researching marriage and see what you come up with.<br />
Personally I think we Christians have more important things to worry about, and work on, than gay couples getting married. Let us remember that we are in the end times and it is <span style="background-color: white;">inevitable that sin will increase and Christian values will be ridiculed. Gay marriage is not to be confused with homosexuality. Homosexuality is condemned by God. Why should two men, or two women, not live together if they truly love each other, and have that love recognized as a marriage? If that couple practice same sex intercourse then that becomes another matter. As an ex farmer I can tell you that homosexual bulls were culled and sent to the meat works. I would not advocate that for humans.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">In summary, I would say let gay couples marry if that is what they think they need to make their love real. (A sad thought.) Meanwhile us Christians need to get on with loving our fellow man regardless of their sexual orientation.</span><br />
<br />Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-39516127427182206062012-07-14T19:50:00.001-07:002012-07-14T19:50:58.387-07:00Impatient WaitingMy favourite bible verse is Isaiah 40:31: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. I usually use it as a call to worship on those occasions God permits me to preach from a pulpit. I have always believed it as saying to me that the Lord will do all those things for me if I but trust in him. I have recently read, however, an old sermon of John Murray's. It is contained in a book titled With Wings As Eagles, copyrighted and published in 1993 by Whitaker House. While my beliefs are agreed to by Murray, the big thing he pointed out were the words 'They that WAIT upon the Lord.' This has become my reality. I have recently shifted to Masterton in New Zealand. I did so at what I believed was the prompting of my Lord. The reason for my need to relocate was not made apparent to me but I believed fervently that it would become apparent in the Lords time. Not a patient person, I have waited for about 4 months for the reason to become apparent. As I sit writing this, and looking back over those 4 months, I can see that the need for me to be where I am is becoming apparent. I have been able to publish, as an e-book, Promises, a book of children's stories suitable for young and old. (Check it out on Smashwords, Barnes and Noble etc., or even purchase it for 0.99c USD from those stores.) Further, my other books have taken giant steps along the publishing road. I have also noticed that my involvement in my new Church is starting to be a little fruitful. However, I must still WAIT upon the Lord, something I do with impatience.Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-15495785154715169482012-06-07T18:48:00.000-07:002012-06-07T18:48:38.418-07:00Nek Minit, SmashwordsMy book Ripples has made Smashwords Premier list. I must say that I chose to publish via Smashwords as my finances are not abundant and you can publish via them for free. They provide a Style Guide for you to follow when you submit your manuscript. This, if followed, ensures that your book has minimum problems with its conversion to EPub, PDF etc. I must say a big thank you to Mark Coker at Smashwords for the Style Guide. I followed it religiously and 'nek minit' Premier status. Would I recommend that you publish via Smashwords? Most certainly. Never heard of them? Chuck their name in your search engine and find a partner who cares about independent publishing.Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-618756506531149562012-05-26T19:53:00.001-07:002012-05-26T19:53:30.582-07:00PublishedRipples, my book of children's stories and plays, has been published on Smashwords. I am awaiting its review to find out what, if anything, needs to be touched up to make the Premium catalogue. It is suitable for use by those in Children's Christian Ministry. The stories can be adapted to include the names of those in your Fellowship. Likewise, Parents and Grandparents would find them a great basis for sharing. I have actually found that many adults, and particularly the elderly, relate to the stories. Go on, take the chance - buy it. Now that I have taken that step, I must turn my attention to another completed adult book I have tentatively named 'Begat', and also get stuck into my Creation book which I have not added a word to for well over 6 months. Get a move on Jim.Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-61333637083326842882012-05-19T19:57:00.001-07:002012-05-19T19:57:20.183-07:00Boy Scout WalkingLike many young New Zealanders I was a Scout. You know, the Baden Powell 'Be Prepared' type. I clearly recall learning how to walk a straight line. You line up some object, normally a tree, spire etc, fix your gaze upon it, and walk towards it ensuring that you never look to either side or down at your feet. Follow that advice and look back once you reach the object. Your footprints will be roughly in a straight line. Therein is the big secret of Christian Life. You must fix your gaze upon Christ and walk directly towards Him. Do not look to either side nor up nor down. Look else where, and you will wander from the straight and narrow. So, I've wandered off the straight and narrow. How do I get back? When I left St Columba's Church in Napier, to live in Masterton, the Communications Committee presented me with a book as a going away gift. That book shows how to get back on the straight line. It is 'Finding our way Again' by Brian McLaren and is part of The Ancient Practice Series published by Thomas Nelson. This is a book I whole-heartedly recommend. It does not matter really whether you have wandered off the path or not. It is an amazing book that will ensure you examine your current practices and help you find meaning in your spiritual life.<br />
<br />
<br />Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-86741943946985112562012-04-05T21:31:00.000-07:002012-04-05T21:31:43.463-07:00FamilyIf you are related to me and you see the heading 'Family,' you are probably saying, "What's he going to go on about this time?" Well, I am going to go on about family. Probably in a bit of a long-winded way. My wife and I have shifted back to Masterton after fourteen years in Napier. They were enjoyable years, mostly. Back here we somehow feel that we have arrived home. Certainly my Christian journey while in Napier was interesting. I went through stages; Progressive Christianity, Sea of Faith and the go to Church, sit in the pew, listen to a sermon, sing a few hymns, say the Lord's prayer and then go back to the 'real' world once again stage. Somewhere along that road though I met my Lord. It was not a massive burning bush, or bright light experience, but rather a series of small 'things'; prayers becoming meaningful, peace that would regularly envelope me while reading the bible, the words 'He walks with me and He talks with me' coming into my mind. I knew they were words from a hymn, but it was one I had never never sung or seen. The tune 'given me' was also correct. Tears now pour from my eyes whenever I sing Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. Gradually I gained a compelling urge to tell people about God; to do God's will. I felt God's blessing upon my writing. Then, I discovered Creation Science Evangelism and Answers in Genesis and became a Creationist. The interesting point is that while people accepted my Christian position, they baulked at Creationism. How can you be a Christian, accept the bible as the word of God, but not believe what it says? So where does family come in? Well on Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, I went to services at the Masterton church I had attended fourteen years previously. Although I am now older, (state the obvious Jim) with an earring, moustachioed with a goatee beard, and very long hair in a pony tail, I was welcomed back with hugs and opened arms. I don't think they realise how much of a prodigal son I feel. Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-483657862408116018.post-19233325637682451832012-03-28T23:33:00.000-07:002012-03-28T23:33:22.159-07:00Character BuildingMy wife and I have recently shifted from Napier to Masterton. This has been character building in a big way. First the truck leaked in the rain and caused serious damage to many items that my wife considered irreplaceable. The washing machine then decided that its life span had been achieved. Likewise the microwave decided to join the washing machine in machine heaven. All of this would have been enough to cause melt down in a weaker man. (We did not have removal insurance which would have cost the same as normal excess and besides what could happen between Napier and Masterton!) I have not melted down. Just the opposite. There is a book on my bookshelf titled bumps make you stronger, or something similar to that. (I have yet to unpack that particular box.) The damage to our items are the bumps on the road upon which I am currently travelling and they have helped me/us to see that they are only objects. We have arrived physically safe and thank the Lord for bringing us to this place and including a valuable lesson in the process.Pilgrim Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16472047251438071512noreply@blogger.com2