Just a Thought

July 22, 2009 at 5:57 pm (Just a Thought)

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                               The late Rev. A. Linford

TO THE END OF TIME

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Chest be with you all. Amen” – Revelation 22: 21 

The last ‘Amen’ of the Bible is not the end of God. The narration ceases but the reality proceeds. God is greater than any book; though He fills the Bible to running over, yet the untold tale of Deity is yet to be unfolded. Will eternity itself suffice to expound the vastness of the Infinite Lord?

When time has ceased to be, the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God will continue to fascinate and feast His wondering saints. “How unseasonable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” – Romans11: 33.

We may use the term amend in two ways – first in affirmation, “I believe it to be true”, of statements made. Secondly, In acclamation – “It shall be so!” in vibrant faith of petitions offered.

Our Lord is called “The Amen” – Revelation 3:14 in that He is the last word in God’s purposes, there is nothing beyond Him or outside of Him. He also is the dependable One whose fidelity to His own word can be absolutely trusted. He is the key to all the promises of God, which in Him are “yea and Amen”. Trust Him! He is worth it. He’ll never let you down.

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Messages from Rick Warren

July 22, 2009 at 5:51 pm (Messages of the Moment)

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                                   Rev. E. Anderson

BEING WISE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

by Rick Warren 

In our Devotionals series, Pastor Rick Warren discusses the Bible passages that inspire him the most. Today’s Devotional is based on this passage

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness” – James 3:17-18 NLT.

Every person you know is unique. Each one is a complex blend of background, temperament, and giftedness. Yet, these differences are often the root of relational conflict. Uniqueness poses all kinds of communication problems—so often we simply don’t understand each other! We may use the same words but with very different meaning.

We’re wise when we recognize and value the differences in people. Our uniqueness requires that we use wisdom in order to relate to others in customized ways, rather than relating to everyone with the same, rigid style, as if everyone will think and respond the same way.

The Bible tells us the characteristics of genuine wisdom: “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness” – James 3:17-18 LB.

From these verses we learn six ways to be wise when we relate to others. If I am biblically wise…

1. I will not compromise my integrity (wisdom is pure). I’ll be honest with you. I’ll keep my promises and commitments to you.

2. I will not antagonize your anger (wisdom is peace-loving). I’ll work at maintaining harmony. I won’t push your hot buttons.

3. I will not minimize your feelings (wisdom is courteous). I may not feel as you do, but I won’t ignore or ridicule how you feel.

4. I will not criticize your suggestions (wisdom allows discussion). I can disagree with you without being disagreeable.

5. I will not emphasize your mistakes (wisdom is full of mercy). Instead of rubbing it in, I’ll rub it out.

6. I will not disguise my motivations (wisdom is wholehearted and sincere). I’ll be authentic with you. I won’t con or manipulate you.

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Dave’s Snippets

July 22, 2009 at 5:45 pm (Dave's Snippets)

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                                      Dr. David Allen

AN UNUSUAL FIRST PERFORMANCE

Classical music aficionados are well aware that most quartets consist of the string quartet of two violins, cello and viola.  But, one the strangest of quartets ever composed was Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time. The composer was a prison-of-war in Stalag 8A, in Silesia. During his incarceration he found inspiration from the Book of Revelation: in the depths of despair he held on to the hope that, in time, Adolf Hitler would be defeated and, ultimately, also that “the kingdoms of this world would  become  the kingdoms of God and his  Christ.”

In the freezing snows of the Silesian winter, the composer assembled the only musicians he could find: there was a pianist, a violinist, a clarinettist and, finally, a cellist. It was an unusual combination of instruments; but with those slender resources the music conjured and evoked the splendid colours and apocalyptic drama of that mysterious Book.  After the very intense performance, the prisoners were deeply moved many of them to tears. The quartet is one of the greatest masterpieces of modern chamber music, not premiered in a salon but in a draughty, leaking hut!

The Book of Revelation was written, around 96, during the reign of Emperor Domitian, when John was a prisoner in the lonely rocky island of Patmos. Down the centuries, and despite its often bizarre imagery and complex symbolism, the book has prompted a number of different interpretations. Some believe that it largely deals with the condition of the churches in Asia Minor; others have seen the book as the unfolding of the long history of the Church and the world, from the post-Apostolic period until the end of time. This view has been very popular  in the last century; and we have all have seen pull-out charts, like a concertina, in which we can, if we so wish, find out what there is on offer in the dessert menu at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!

My sympathies are mainly with Messiaen: the magnificent book, in dramatic scenes, portrays the final victory of God at the end of time; and its chief agent is, of course, Jesus. The Quartet’s meditative movements  give praise and honour  to Him, the one who is both Eternal  and  Immortal  –  He who was always  at the side of the Father  from eternity  and, though he died for our sins, now lives forever! Alelluia! 

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