Windows On The Soul

Thus goes this gem of potted philosophy advertising some already forgotten product.  First comes the dream, vision or hope of what could be - blessed are those who can see their need. Then comes the leap: what the motivational speakers might term "belief in yourself", or that "can do attitude"; what we call faith. With this attitude of faith, anything is possible: moving mountains, creating the vision. To the world, this is success, yet time and again, we hear of such self-made, successful people who are still unfulfilled. The apostle Paul, the greatest motivational writer of history, re-iterates the enduring importance of hope and faith. But greater than these is Love. Only in love does success find meaning, worth and true fulfilment of the heart's deepest desires. ----xxxXxxx---- Heb.11:1 "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen" 1 Cor.13:13 "These three things endure, hope, faith & love,...

From now on, Australians will have more reason than ever before to associate the month of April with grief and suffering. With ANZAC day, the anniversary of the Port Arthur tragedy, and overseas, Dunblaine and Okalahoma City, the fact and impact of evil in the world are very much to the fore in our minds and hearts. Yet April is usually also the month of Easter. In the crucifixion, God is telling us that evil, pain and suffering are the reality and result of a world in rebellion with God. Then in the next breath of life after death, we are shown that evil is not ultimately omnipotent, but rather impotent, for through His resurrection, Christ has over-come sin and death. ( Mt.26:28 , Jn.16:33 ) “That’s all very well on the spiritual battleground” you might say, “but what about those of us grieving or suffering here and now?” Jesus had two things to say to all of us. Firstly, that He has come to bring good news, comfort and healing to the poor, destitute, homeless, sick and...