Windows On The Soul

"The longer I live, the more I realise the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude" Dr.Charles Swindoll, "Strengthening Your Grip" ----xxxXxxx---- Matt.5:3,5 "Blessed are those who have a humble and meek attitude, for the Kingdom of God is given them" Pr.16:19 "It is better to be humble and stay poor, than to be one of the ...

“Reconciliation” is very much in the news at the moment, particularly with regard to Australia’s ‘Anglo’ and aboriginal peoples. This is a subject that Christians should be seriously thinking and speaking about. Firstly, because it was often through “Christian missions” that past government policies of removing aboriginal children from their parents, was implemented. Though done with the ‘best intentions’ of wanting to provide a ‘better environment’ for the children, emotional needs of the children and parents, and differing cultural understanding of what a ‘better  environment’ is, were ignored. The wisdom required of missionaries in cross-cultural work is indeed that of Solomon. Secondly, Christians have something to say about “Reconciliation” because this is the very basis of our standing with God. Reconciliation with Him is necessary because of our sinful nature. We have said “Sorry!” (repented), but that is not enough. For some sin (like theft), restitution can ...

In reading last week, I was reminded of the difference between " accepting " Christ, and making a " decision " for Christ. " Acceptance " does not have the sense of completeness as does " decision ", which implies a cut-off point, a turn around, of burning one's bridges.  A favourite hymn states " I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back ". A man recently came to the Lord later in life. He felt convicted about a criminal act in his past and sought to confess and make amends. Though he has forgiveness from the Lord, the law of the land did not, and he is now serving a prison sentence. For him, taking up his cross to follow Jesus has had an enormous price. Please pray for him, his family and church, and remember the prison ministries and other prisoners who have come to the Lord through them and are still serving their time. ----xxxXxxx---- Lk.9:23 "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up ...

It is sad that all too often it takes a crisis for people to acknowledge the really important things of life. I spent a lovely time last week-end with my brother and sister-in-law as they renewed their marriage vows. Having acknowledged the shortness of his prognosis (he had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor), they set about prioritizing their remaining time together. This week, they received communion for the first time in perhaps 10-20 years - making peace with their saviour. Time and again, the Bible in both old and new testaments, invites the reader to 'eat and drink' with the Lord; to receive of His liberality. The true seeker will find, the true listener will hear. But be warned, true seeking is impossible without a 'broken and contrite heart'. And as Moses called the children of Israel to 'choose life' and enter the promised land, flowing with milk and honey, there were still 'giants' to conquer. ----xxxXxxx---- Isa.55:6 ...