Giving thanks, always!

Early in my catering career, I was taught the importance of adding some salt to just about everything - from porridge to potatoes; from custard to coffee (ground, of course!).  So I was amused to read of a little boy who, it was alleged, stated that "Salt is what always spoils potatoes when it is left out."  Of course, we may use the same sort of negative definition to point out that "Ingratitude is what always spoils life when it is left out."!  A truly thankful spirit enables one to praise God even when circumstances are difficult and unpleasant - a claim that is more than verified by members of the persecuted church!

The famous Scottish preacher, Alexander Whyte (1836-1921), invariably commenced his public prayers with an expression of gratitude.  One particularly cold and rainy day, when the gathered congregation wondered if he could be grateful for the weather, he began by saying: "We thank Thee, O Lord, that it is not always like this"!  An attitude of gratitude can brighten a dreary day, and shorten the longest night.  It's a positive attitude that always sees the glass half-full, and never half-empty.

Such a disposition, characterised by thankfulness comes, I would suggest, from a continuing confidence in Father God's wisdom, power, and goodness.  A person who possesses such a quality may well be poor in material terms, but is truly rich in spiritual things.  Indeed, some of the most appreciative people are those who live in poverty - and, again, I would point to those who live with levels of persecution that we, in the "western world", can barely even imagine.

Paul exhorts: "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.  And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15); while the Chronicler affirms: "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and power and the glory and majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours . . . In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.  Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name." (I Chronicles 29:11-13).

As we approach the celebration of the birth of the Saviour - the greatest Gift in all of history - may each of us, regardless of our situation or circumstances, be filled with thankfulness for all that He has done for us.  When we have an attitude of gratitude, we soon discover that we attract greater good in our lives.  Be grateful for all of the good that the Lord has granted you.  As you read this post, be grateful for the gift of sight and the opportunity you had to learn to read.  Giving thanks to God for all of the many daily blessings in your life – shelter, food, your senses, friends and family – opens your heart to all the good you have, and enables you to appreciate and share your blessings.  Sharing those blessings and being grateful for them brings you closer to God.

Dealing with disappointment

Last week, I again had the privilege of bringing a devotional word to the meeting of the CPA (Christian Police Association) at the Force Training and Recruitment Centre, Jackton, East Kilbride.   As the national news over recent weeks seems to have been dealing with one disappointment after another - in the worlds of sport, entertainment, and politics; as decisions had recently been made that disappointed many (if not all) within the CPA; as I had experienced my own disappointments; and as all of us experience disappointment from time to time; I sensed that it would be useful to consider how the disciple of Jesus deals with disappointment.

We read the familiar story of Cleopas, and his un-named companion (possibly his wife), making their way from Jerusalem to their home in Emmaus on the evening of the first Sabbath after the crucifixion of Jesus (Lk.24:13ff).  They were disappointed!  They had believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the long-awaited Messiah - but He had been crucified by the Roman authorities, at the instigation of the Jewish leadership.
Then, Jesus appeared, and walked beside them.  It was near dusk.  They didn't realise Who He was.  He asked about the cause of their dejection - and they told Him!

What did He do?  He went straight to the written Word of God and, beginning with the Torah, and the books of the prophets, He explained the references to Himself.  What a Bible Study - given by the Author!  When we are disappointed, it helps to go back to the Word - and we have the writings of the New Covenant that wasn't available to them.

They arrived at their home and, with typical Eastern hospitality, they invited this Stranger to lodge with them for the night.  He accepted their invitation and, again as would have been customary, was invited to say the prayer of blessing over the food as they sat down to supper.  It was at this point that they recognised Him - and then He vanished!  They reflected on their experience: "Didn't our hearts burn within us as we walked with Him on the road?"  Wasn't it wonderful?  Didn't we have a great experience with Him?

Immediately, they put their outdoor clothing on again, and headed back to Jerusalem to share their news with their brothers and sisters in Christ.  Fellowship - with the Lord, and with one another.  That's the second thing I would suggest, as we seek to deal with our disappointments.

The third suggestion is to look forward to the resurrection.  These two disciples were now convinced that Jesus had risen from the dead.  This realisation put everything that they had experienced into a new perspective!  If Jesus was alive, then the future was assured.  Their lives weren't over - they were just beginning!  The Christian Faith wasn't defeated - it had just experienced the greatest victory!  Today really is the first day of the rest of your life.

So, whatever happens to you; whatever disappointments may come your way:
look back to the Word;
look around to the fellowship;
look ahead to the resurrection.

Nothing will hurt very long when you are able to do all of that!

Building Your Home

A great and wise man once called one of his workmen to him saying, "Go into the far country and build for me a house. The decisions of planning and of actual construction will be yours, but remember, I shall come to accept your work for a very special friend of mine."

The workman departed with a light heart for his field of labour. Material of all kinds was plentiful here, but the workman had a mind of his own. "Surely," he thought, "I know my business. I can use a bit of inferior material here, and cheat on my workmanship a little there, and still make the finished work look good. Only I will know that what I have built has weaknesses."

At last the work was completed and the workman reported back to the great and wise man. "Very good," he said. "Now you remember that I wanted you to use only the finest materials and craftsmanship in this house because I wanted to make present of it? My friend, you are the one I had you build it for. It is all yours."

How much like us. We come to earth as strangers. We have free will. We may build our lives as we like. But on "that Day" each of us will receive what (s)he has built for an eternal home and habitation.

Jesus said:"Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." (Matt 7:24-27; RSV).

For those of us who own the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour, Paul has this to say: "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it.  For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay , straw - each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are." (I Cor 3:10-17; RSV).

Be careful how, and what, you build!

In His Presence.

A visitor to The White House once asked President Franklin D. Roosevelt, "Why, Mr President, do you keep that frail, sickly man, Harry Hopkins, constantly at your elbow?"  Without a moment's hesitation, the President replied, "Sir, through these doors flows an incessant stream of men and women who, almost invariably, want soemthing from me.  Harry Hopkins desires only to serve me.  To do that well, he must keep close by me!"

As disciples of Jesus, we need to live in intimate fellowship with the Lord if our service is to be fully effective.  The written Word of God makes it clear that we must constantly examine ourselves (see, e.g. I Cor.11:28) - not in order that we might go "down the tube" but that, by the grace of God, we might rid ourselves of "... the sin that so easily entangles ..." (Heb.12:1).  Writing to his young "son in the faith", Timothy, the great apostle Paul reminds us that it is only as we are sanctified (made more like Jesus) by the working of God the Holy Spirit in our lives, that we will be "... instrument[s] for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." (II Tim.2:21).

Whilst certain qualifications are necessary if we are to be fruitful in the Lord's service, they do not need to include great learning, or outstanding talent and ability.  Indeed, He often chooses "... the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; ... the weak things of the world to shame the strong." (I Cor.1:27).  It is when we no longer put confidence in our own strength, but spend time in intimate fellowship with Jesus, that His power will begin to operate effectively through us.  It is by dwelling with the King, in holy fellowship, that we not only doscover His will, but also receive the strength to be obedient to it.

And a thought:  "Effective service results when I allow Jesus to live His life through me."

Conversion; Conviction!

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I paid our first - but, hopefully, not our last - visit to the Café Church in Bergerac.  This is an English-speaking Christian Fellowship that meets on a monthly basis, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with them.  The speaker, last week, was Paul, a retired officer from the Metropolitan Police who had served under Met. Commissioner David (now Sir David) MacNee.  He, in turn, was a member of St George's-Tron Church in Glasgow, where my wife and I met, and were married to one another, and he even, as Chief Constable of the then City of Glasgow Police Force, signed the photographs for our first passports!  Indeed, I stood beside his dad in the bass section of the church choir!

Paul shared a good message, but one part of it stuck out for me.  He was speaking on the call of Isaiah, as recorded in what we know as the 6th chapter of that Old Testament prophet's writings.  Paul emphasised the chorus of the seraphim: "Holy, holy, holy, is YHWH Sabaoth", and spoke of the holiness - the 'otherness' of Almighty God.  He reminded us of the conviction that came upon Isaiah - "I am a man of unclean ("filthy" in my New Living Translation) lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips."  In the light of the Holy One, Isaiah knew exactly what he was, and what he deserved.  He was a sinner, who deserved only the wrath of this pure and sinless One.

As often happens - and this is no criticism of any speaker.  Indeed, I would be delighted to learn that others did the same when I am delivering a message! - my mind went off on its own; nudged in a particular direction by what was being spoken from the front.  I began to think about the difference between what often, today, seems to pass for conversion; and a genuine conviction.  It seems to me that too many claim to be converted without ever having experienced a real conviction with regard to their own sinfulness.  Is it not the case that, too often, we encourage people to repeat "the sinners' prayer" without having first made clear to them the extent of their personal sinfulness - and the fact that the holy God cannot even bear to look upon it?  In a "come to Jesus, and all will be well" situation, are we not encouraging enquirers to gloss over their sins?  In our "seeker-sensitive" services, are we not guilty of trying to make the Gospel fit the circumstances, instead of bringing people under the full light of the Gospel.?  Paul reminded us of the Hebridean Revival when people came under conviction of sin in their homes; in their workplaces; in schools; even in the street.  This, of course, is a work of God the Holy Spirit - Who alone can convict people of their sins.  However, this led to the right questions being asked, and the work of those who were already disciples of Jesus was then to explain, and disciple these new lambs of the flock.

Perhaps we in the so-called "west" need to come to a new point of repentance; acknowledging that our own efforts have not resulted in any great growth in the Kingdom of God; confessing that we have, all too often, expected Almighty God to bless the plans that we have made in our human frailty; and seek His will in our efforts to evangelise, and to be the kind of witnesses that He desires us to be.  Perhaps we need to remember that, while this Almighty God deigns to use us, He is perfectly capable of working without us!  Perhaps, when we respond as Isaiah responded, to the vision of the glory of God, we will be able to respond, with greater results, as he responded to the invitation of YHWH Sabaoth - "Whom shall we send, and who will go for us?  Here am I Lord; send me"!

Biblical Olympics

Although as I write this, I am in France, enjoying the sunshine, the peace, and the quiet; in London and other parts of the country, many will be gripped by the Olympic Games.

What many won’t realise is that the excitement of the Games (not necessarily, the Olympics) has influenced the thought and language of the New Testament!  Indeed, one may compile a veritable spiritual sports commentary!  So Paul, writing to the Corinthian church, refers to running, training, boxing, and self-discipline – and all in terms that would have been instantly recognised by the original readers as connected to the games. (I Cor.9:24-27).

Perhaps he was thinking of a contemporary Usain Bolt, when he wrote to the Roman believers: “Forgetting what lies behind, and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” (Rom.3:13b-14).

And to what end?  Not the laurel wreath (or Gold medal) of the Games, but a “crown of righteousness” from Almighty God, Himself. (see II Tim.4:7-8).  Towards what prize are we aiming?

My Barrister!

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end. The next thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what appeared to be a court house.

The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.

As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking character who snarled as he stared at me. He was definitely the most evil being I had ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my Barrister, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, that I felt I must know Him.

The door flew open and the Judge appeared, in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome Presence and, as He moved across the room, I couldn't take my eyes off of Him.

As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said,

"My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell."

He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and times in the past when I had cheated others. He told of other horrible sins that were once in my life and, the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, not even my own Barrister, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my Barrister Who sat there silently, not offering any form of defense at all. I knew I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't they at least cancel part of the harm I'd done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell.  He is guilty of all that I have said, and there is no-one who can prove otherwise."

When it was His turn, my Barrister first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendour and majesty. I realised why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Saviour.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court.

"Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned. I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wages of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished."

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Saviour, so he is Mine."

My Lord continued, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand. This man is not to be given justice, but rather grace and mercy."

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all."

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips..

"This man is free." The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed."

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?"

Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ....... Paid In Full."

It's only a story - but it does have a message. If we want Him to represent us there; we must be willing to represent Him here!   If you've never done so before, confess your sins to Him now; ask for His forgiveness; thank Him for taking your place on the cross; accept Him as Saviour and Lord.  Then live for Him - "life in all its fulness" (Jn.10:10).

This is MY life!

I am still able to recall the late Eamonn Andrews, with his big red book, informing some unsuspecting person: "This is your life".  Some of the stories were quite amazing.

Yesterday morning, I was the invited speaker at a Men's Breakfast in Calderwood Baptist Church, East Kilbride, where I had been asked to share my testimony.  I decided to entitle it "This is MY life"!  Mind you, fitting 27 years (and [quite] a few months) into about 45 mins wasn't easy.  However, I only over-ran by a couple of minutes!

It had been interesting, during the week, preparing my notes.  I haven't been asked for a word of personal testimony for many years and, of course, there is now so much more to share.  I reckon that I could have spoken for twice as long - and still have left out so very much!  (No surprise there, then!).

My initial question was "Who is Brian Ross?", and I made the point that the answer to that depended, to a great extent, on who was being asked.  To my late parents, I was their first-born son - the eldest of six boys.  To my teachers in both Primary and Grammar Schools, I was a pupil - seldom top of the class, but always in the top half!  To my colleagues when I left school and entered the real adult world of work, I was a chef; to lecturers at the Bible Training Institute, the University of Glasgow, the Open University, Moray House College of Education, the University of Strathclyde, and the University of Liverpool (with Trinity College), I was a student; to my wife, I am a husband; to my children, a father; to my grandson, a grandfather.  To a number of Christian congregations/fellowships, I am a minister; to a couple of generations of young folk, I was a teacher.  To listeners to both Caleb Radio and Revival Radio (now Revival FM), I was a programme producer and presenter; on a couple of occasions, I was an advocate in an Industrial Tribunal.  To some 1500 personnel in Strathclyde Police, I am a chaplain; having just completed my first (!) book, I am an author; to many, I trust, I am a friend.  It's been - and continues to be - quite a life!

However, the final point that I shared was the one that I have in common with every other man and woman who has ever lived - with only one exception.  I'm a sinner!  I don't even manage to meet my own standards, let alone those of a holy and sinless God.  Even if I managed to get through one 24-hour period without committing a single sin of thought, word, or deed, I would still be a sinner.  "In sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:5) is not making comment on the act of physical sexual intercourse between a man and a woman, within the bounds of a loving marital relationship.  It is making the point that, from the instant that single sperm from my father pierced my mother's egg, and mitosis (the division of cells) commenced, I was already a sinner!  That's why I sin! 

However, I was also able to say that I am a sinner - saved by grace: the grace of a God Who loves me so much that, in the Persona (not a typo!) of the Son, He took upon Himself human flesh; lived a life in which He experienced all that I experience, and more, yet without sinning (Heb.4:15); and died on a cross, in my place!  "Bearing shame, and scoffing rude; in my place, condemned He stood.  Sealed my pardon with His blood.  Hallelujah!  What a Saviour!" (P.P.Bliss)

He has travelled with me, now, for more years than I care to admit!  During those years, I have let Him down, time and time again - but He has never let me down.  If you don't have a personal relationship with Him, I commend Him to you; and I commend all who read this to His grace.

Change

Change!  It’s all around us.  As I look in the mirror each morning, I am aware that I have changed from the fresh-faced young man I was forty years ago!  Relationships change – I have friends now whom I didn’t even know a few years ago; there are others with whom, over the years, I have lost contact.  Jobs change – and that is as true in the Force as in any other occupation.  Indeed, one of the things that I realised, early in my time as a Chaplain, is that the one consistency in the Force is - change!   I am aware of the changes in job specs, and in the number of civilian staff, certainly in my own Force, who have found it necessary to move from a position in which they were more than content, just in order to provide a greater measure of job security.  In less than a year, the current eight Scottish Forces will have changed into a single Scottish Force.

Within society, there is also change.  The recent Local Council elections saw many changes across England, Scotland, and Wales.  The Coalition Goverment want to change the composition of the Upper Chamber at Westminster, and to change the very meaning of the word "marriage" (but check my personal ministry blog at www.crazyrev.blogspot.com   Sunday 6th May).

The hymn-writer, Henry Francis Lyte, penned these well-known words in 1847 while he lay dying from tuberculosis (he died only three weeks later): “Change, and decay, in all around I see.  O Thou, Who changest not, abide with me.”  What he was saying, as one who was a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, is what followers of the Christ maintain even today – that in a world of change, He is the unchanging One; that He is, as the writer of one of the letters recorded in the New Testament part of the Christian Bible puts it, “... the same, yesterday, today, and for ever.” (Heb.13:8) 

At a time of change, I find that to be a great encouragement!

Complexity, versus Simplicity!

This week, I attended a meeting in Motherwell Civic Centre at which, among other things, the method of calculating the results of the forthcoming local Council election, using the STV (Single Transferable Vote) system, was explained!

I had not realised just how complex it is!  First of all, a "quota" must be established by calculating the number of valid votes (plus 1) and dividing that number by the number of seats available (plus 1).  Any candidate with a higher number of votes than the quota is automatically elected.  Then the fun really begins!  The "transfer value of surplus votes" is calculated by dividing the number of votes, more than the quota (plus 1) by the number of votes given to the candidate already elected as first choice.  This number is then used to calculate the additional votes given to the remaining candidates.  And so it continues until the appropriate number of candidates have been elected.  And that is the system somewhat simplified!!  It would appear that a First Class Honours degree in Mathematics is almost a prerequisite for Returning Officers!

As I listened, I couldn't help thinking that if the Gospel message of salvation, by the grace of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus, was as complex, then very few would be saved!  How wonderful, then, that although the Christian Gospel is capable of keeping the finest minds that mankind can produce busy in its profundity; it is also, in its essence, so simple that even a little child may understand.

How simple is it?  As simple as ABC!  I need to Admit that I am a sinner, totally incapable of keeping God's law - indeed, totally incapable of maintaining even the standards that I set for myself!  I then need to Believe that God, in Christ, has already paid the penalty for my sin.  As the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, was inspired to write: "... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with His stripes we are healed." (Isa 53:5; RSV, my emphases). 

Admit; Believe; and then I need to Confess.  I confess my sin, and my sinfulness, before Him; and I repent (i.e. turn away from it).  I also confess Him before others - telling them of the salvation that I have experienced through Him.

The results of the Council elections will, I have been assured, be expertly counted (mostly by machines!).  I'm glad about that!  But I am thrilled to to be able to sing:
"The old, old, story it is ever new; the old, old, story, praise the Lord, 'tis true;
that Jesus died for me as well as you.  I love the old, old, story"

And I don't need any academic degree at all, to understand that!

Promises!

Promises!  They’re not always easy to keep.  I suspect that each of us has been let down by someone who made a promise to us.  Perhaps we have even let down others to whom we have made a promise!

The Bible portrays a God Who always keeps His promises.  In the Old Testament (the Jewish Scriptures), we read that He promised a man named Abraham that, although old and childless, he would  be the father of a great nation.  That promise was kept – through Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel.

A young man named Solomon became king.  In a dream, God asked him to name whatever he wanted.  He asked for understanding and wisdom to rule Israel well.  God was pleased with that response (I wonder how pleased He would be with the answers that you and I might give?!).  He gave Solomon wisdom – and promised that He would give the young king all the things that he might have been expected to ask for, as well.  And God kept His promise.  The queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s wisdom, and wealth, and travelled a long distance to visit him.  Her verdict is recorded for us: “... she said to the king, "The report was true which I heard in my own land of your affairs and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me; your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report which I heard.” (I Kings 10:6-7).

Before my next post, millions of people around the world will have celebrated Easter – arguably the most important festival in the Christian calendar.  They will have remembered Good Friday (“good” because, according to the Gospel records, Jesus, the Christ, was paying the price for all of our breaking of God’s commandments) and Easter Day.

And on that very first Easter Day, some women went to the tomb to complete the task of embalming the body with spices.  To their utter astonishment, there was no body to be found!  What they did discover was an angelic being who told them: “He is not here; for He has risen, as He said.” (Matt 28:6).  “He has risen – as He promised”!  Once again, God had kept His promise.

It is my conviction that God still keeps His promises.  At Christmas, I shared some thoughts on that best-known of New Testament verses – John 3:16.  But John continues: “Whoever trusts in Him is not condemned; whoever does not trust is condemned already, because they have not trusted in the Name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18).   And I believe that God keeps both of those promises!

Easter is not just an excuse for hot-cross-buns, and chocolate eggs.  It’s the anniversary of what Christians believe was the greatest victory in all of history – when God, in Jesus, broke the devil’s claim on you and me, enabling us to be at one with Him, and to have His life within us – a heart transplant, with no fear of rejection!

Certainty - in uncertain times!

At the 2011 Annual Conference of the Christian Police Association, held in the Scottish Police Training Centre at Tulliallan, Kincardineshire, the theme was “Certainty – in uncertain times.”  I was invited to speak, on that theme, at the Saturday evening time of praise and worship.  I was delighted to accept the invitation, and based my comments on the words of the 46^th Psalm from the Jewish Scriptures – the Old Testament of the Christian Bible.

However, I might equally well have used some words that I was reading recently, from the writings of one of the Jewish prophets.  In Habakkuk 3:17-19, the prophet comes to the end of a prayer, and paints a picture of what would have been, in an agrarian society, total economic devastation: “Though the fig tree do not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,” (v.17).  But he goes on: “... yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.   God, the LORD, is my strength; He makes my feet like hinds' feet, He makes me tread upon my high places.” (vs. 18-19).  No matter how uncertain the times, Habakkuk knew where to look for his certainty!

In the current economic climate and, especially among police staff after the recent announcement concerning the likely redundancies, as we in Scotland move to a single Scottish Police Force, we all know something about uncertainty!  And, sometimes, it’s only when the situation becomes increasingly difficult and uncertain that we begin to realise, and accept, our own limitations.  That’s when we may need to reach out to a greater power than ourselves.

For the disciple of Jesus, of course, that means reaching out to the same God in Whom Habakkuk trusted; the One Who is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; the One Who loves us with an everlasting love.  He is the One Who has promised never to leave us, or forsake us.  He is the God Who provides for His children – even if it isn’t always in the way in which we want, or expect!  He’s the One Who is coming again – to be revealed to all as King of kings, and Lord of lords – and at Whose Name “... every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil.2:10-11; RSV)

May all who read this post be among those who will bow in praise and adoration, at His coming.

P.S. Anyone who is interested, may hear the full Conference Address at  revcbross.blogspot.com      Happy listening!

Happy New Year!

During my tears in the teaching profession, I taught a unit on “Rites of Passage” – birth, coming of age, marriage, and death.  I would make the point that life is often likened to a voyage; that we often refer to “life’s stormy seas”; people being “stranded” and “shipwrecked”; to “finding a safe haven”.  All nautical allusions of one kind or another. 

Having spent a couple of years in the Merchant Navy, I know that a good seafarer doesn’t set sail without checking that all of the necessary equipment is on board, and in good condition.  As we set out on new stage of journey of life – a new year – it may be helpful to take stock of a very necessary item: the anchor. In the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles, Dr Luke records a storm at sea in which the sailors “... fearing that we might run on the rocks, … let out four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come.” (Acts 27:29).  I’d like to suggest four anchors that you and I will find most useful on the journey of life.

The first of these is hope. As long as we have hope, sunk deep down in our inmost being, then life cannot ever destroy us.  It may, and often will, hurt us – but it cannot break us.  As long as hope holds out, we can weather the roughest storm.   We often hear the old adage that “Where there’s life, there’s hope”.  I would argue that it is also true that where there’s hope, there’s life!

The second anchor to take with us into a New Year, is duty – a concept that is one of the foundations of the Force. Sometimes we are inclined to rebel against the circumstances that nail us to our daily duty.  Yet duty is a sheet anchor.  There is, as some of us have already learned, nothing like it to make men and women out of us. We may chafe under it; we may sigh for leisure; it may sometimes feel as if it is as much a cross as an anchor.  But we may gain much under the ruggedness and heaviness of a cross!

The third anchor that I would suggest is, not surprisingly, prayer!   It is sad, but true, that there are vast numbers of people who seldom, if ever, pray, except in an emergency.  Dial 999 for God!!  But how can God possibly be real to such people?   It’s only as we talk, and listen, and share that we get to know anyone in any real and meaningful way!

The last anchor is love. Not, of course, any kind of soppy, or sentimental display of emotion.  But that deep love that has been defined as “the minimum of emotion; and the maximum of evaluation”.  To whom should that love be directed? Well, as you would expect, I would claim that love for God should be paramount. And we should love one another.  And, surprise, surprise, we should love even those who hate us. Against such love, there is no weapon formed by man, that can have any effect.

May none of us find, when the storms of life are raging, that our anchors have grown rusty with neglect; or, worse, that we are at sea with no anchors aboard!

Yours, prayerfully, and with every good wish for 2012.

A blesséd Christmas to one and all.

Once again, it’s almost Christmas.  For some, it is a time of  unwanted pressure and anxiety: frantic last-minute shopping when a gift arrives from a relative who had been forgotten!  For others, it’s sweet sentimentality: a time for the children; Mary, and Joseph, and the infant in a manger.   For yet others, it’s no more than a mid-winter festival that brings an opportunity for an extra party, or two. 

Oddly enough, the verse from the Bible that best sums up Christmas – from a Christian perspective – is one of the best-known in the New Testament.  It’s John 3:16 – “For God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

That verse speaks to me of three simple things:

There’s a fact – “God loved the world ...”  Not just the nice people; the good people; the charming people; but the world – the unlovable and the unlovely; those who are loved by no-one else; those who never give Him a thought; those who rebel against Him, and use His name as nothing other than a profanity.  Love, according to the Christian Gospel, is the very mainspring of the Being of God.  “God is love”, writes the early apostle, John. (I Jn.4:8,16).  And part of the wonder of this is that it’s not a scientific theory to be changed in the light of fresh evidence or experimentation; it’s not a legal speculation to be argued over in a judicial court; it’s not some popular idea to be maintained only while it’s fashionable.  It’s a Biblical fact - “God so loved the world”.   And it’s the basic message behind this Christmas season.      

But the love, even of Almighty God, if it were merely passive and uncommunicated, would not be sufficient.  And so, after directing our thoughts towards the fact, this well-known verse goes on to speak of an act. “God loved the world so much – that He gave His only-begotten Son…”    And here is the love of God being put into action.  God so loved, that He gave.   And He gave sacrificially – even giving Himself in the Persona (that's not a typo - check out my audio message on The Doctrine of the Trinity at www.revcbross.blogspot.com) of the only-begotten Son. 

Christmas is traditionally the time for giving.  And isn’t it wonderful to remember that, at the very first Christmas, the greatest and best Gift that could ever be, was given?  God gave His own Son; putting His love into action; giving the very best that He had; giving all that He had.

A fact; an act; and a pact.  That’s the third thing of which that well-known verse speaks.  “... that everyone who has faith in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love; God’s Gift; are not mere handouts.   Free they may be – but the Christian faith teaches that they are only so to those who are willing to enter into a living relationship with that same God through the Son; only to those who have faith in Him; who put their trust in Him; who receive Him with humble and thankful hearts.   And that’s the true heart of CHRISTmas! 

Yours, prayerfully, and with every good wish at this Christmas-time,

 

The Wind of the Spirit.

Unlike the summer (!!) that has now passed, my family and I have often enjoyed some excellent weather conditions.  There have also been holidays during which we have experienced greatly varying climatic conditions.

On one such, in Germany, we were all lying on the grass at the side of the Unterbachersee - a large loch near to the city of Dusseldorf.  Suddenly, the sky clouded over, and the strength of the wind increased sharply.  As we joined the fast-moving throng that was hurriedly departing, and made our way back to our caravan, the wind had become so fierce that the very branches were being torn from the trees!  At the same time, some brave (foolhardy?!) young men were windsurfing across the loch, and doing so at a tremendous rate of knots.

About ten days later, we were lying on the grass at an outdoor swimming-pool in Erlangen, not far from the city of Nürnberg, famous as the location of the massive Nazi rallies - and of the post-war trials of Nazi leaders such as Göring, Hess, and von Ribbentrop. The sun was blazing down on us from a clear, blue, sky and, at the same time, a gentle breeze was blowing over us, making the heat bearable.

I recall thinking about God the Holy Spirit.  Jesus' words, as recorded in John 3:8, sprung to mind: "The wind blows wherever it pleases.  You hear the sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from, or where it is going."

As with the wind at the Unterbachersee, God the Holy Spirit sometimes comes with force.  It was so on the first Pentecost of the Christian era.  "Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven ..." (Acts 2:2).  He drives us forward like those young men on their surf-boards; at times, He has to break us, even as the branches were broken off the trees.

At other times, He comes gently, and comfortingly - "Soft as the breath of even" (Harriet Auber).  Like the breeze at Erlangen, He soothes and caresses; enabling us to bear "... the burden of the work, and the heat of the day." (Mt.20:12).

However He deals with us, let us be open to His continuing moving in our lives - influencing our every thought; our every word; our every action.  Let us seek His guidance, safe in the knowledge that He loves us, and that He desires to use us to touch others with His love, and fill them with His power.

Recreation!

One of the benefits of 'official' retirement is the opportunity to have a long summer holiday!  This year, as I mentioned in last month's post, my wife and I took off to France, in our touring caravan.  What I didn't mention was that it was for a full eight weeks!  My apologies to those who immediately felt a wave of envy wash over them as they read those words - your time will come (although some may have to wait much longer for it!).

The holiday was definitely a time of rest, relaxation, and recreation, greatly enjoyed by both my wife and myself.  I trust that many of you – both warranted officers and staff - did have the opportunity to enjoy some annual leave over these past months, even if it wasn't for as long a period!

That word ‘recreation’ is an interesting one.  Maybe I’m just naturally slow, but I was well on in years before I caught on that it is actually ‘re-creation’.  Now, if I re-create something, I am making it all over again; making it like new; restoring it to its original state and condition.  And that is what real recreation should surely do for each one of us – it should leave us refreshed, restored, and ready to face the winter months that, as I look out of my study window, and at the thermometer, are now upon us.

Actually, the Christian Gospel speaks in those same terms.  There are many, even among those who would not class themselves as ‘Christians’ in even a nominal sense who, if not familiar with, will have a nodding acquaintance with, the words of John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”    Those words come at the end of a conversation that Jesus of Nazareth had with a very religious man named Nicodemus, and in which Jesus tells him that he must be “born again” or, we might say, re-created!  Neither Nicodemus' nationality, nor his religious practise, nor his good works, nor anything else, could do that for him.  It is only by submitting ourselves to Jesus - confessing our sinfulness, and accepting His sacrifice made on our behalf - that we may have this new life within us.

That's the basic message of the Gospel - that all who wish may have such a life; one that is so different it’s like being born all over again.  Now, that, I would suggest, is real re-creation!

Follow Me!

Earlier this year, I purchased a Sat-Nav before heading off to France, with my wife, for our annual touring holiday in our wee caravan.  Previously, I had depended on my wife, with a road map on her lap - my "wife-Nav"!  Having now used both, I have decided that they make a great combination.  As is so often the case, they are complementary, rather than mutually exclusive!

Of course, at the end of the day, all of the Sat-Nav systems (and even wife-nav!), directions, and maps, don't match up to the truly personal touch. It was many years ago, when our children were still coming on holiday with us.  We were in the Belgian city of Brussels, looking for the address of a Christian evangelistic organisation with whose workers we had arranged to spend the night.  In those pre-Euro days, we only had one Belgian coin left over from a previous holiday.  I used it to telephone – but the person who answered didn’t speak any English, and my French was still little better than schoolboy level!

It was now dark; we were in a strange city; the children were tired; my wife was concerned (as was I – but I tried not to show it!); we now had no local currency at all; and everyone from whom I tried to get directions spoke only French, or maybe it was Flemish.  Then, as we drove down a particular residential road, I noticed a younger man about to get into the car in his driveway.  I stopped our car, and went over to him and, in my halting French asked if he could direct us, in English please, to the address that I had written down.  He replied with just two words in the English language: “Follow me!”  Within less than twenty minutes, we were at the correct address.  We had found someone who knew the way, and who could guide us, safely, to our destination.

Everyone, I suspect, wants to follow someone who already knows the way.  That knowledge provides the follower with assurance that, whatever pitfalls or diversions are met, the destination will, indeed, be safely reached.  The early disciples of Jesus of Nazareth were first known as followers of “the Way” – they believed that, in Him, they had found One Who knew what He was doing, and where He was going.  So they followed Him, as millions continue to do today – many of them suffering greatly, but certain that His “Follow Me!” is an invitation that is worth accepting.

Have you heard His voice, and accepted that invitation?

Welcome!

For some two years, I have been involved as a Force Chaplain within 'Q' Division and, more recently, 'N' Division.  I am also an associate member of the Christian Police Association (CPA), and seek to play an active part in the Strathclyde Branch.
 

I have a considerable breadth of life experience, having commenced my working life as a chef; spent a number of years in parish ministry; and, until my ‘retirement’, teaching – latterly in Lesmahagow High School.  In between times, I have managed to fit in some radio broadcasting, legal work, and even politics!  A brief bio is on my main 'ministry blog' at www.crazyrev.blogspot.com  while some additional information may be found at my “AllExperts” (!!) page – link provided on my ministry blog.   Married to Joyce – a former ‘P’ (now ‘N’) Division FSO – I am a father, and grandfather; and the son of a former officer in the R.U.C.

All very well, you may say, but what does a Force Chaplain actually do?   Well, I am not an alternative to H.R., O.T., or the Mediation Service, but am complimentary to them.  There may be an occasion on which one, or other, of these support services would suggest a referral to me and, equally, it may be that I would suggest a referral to one of them!

Nor am I acting as an evangelist.  However, I am unashamedly, and unapologetically, a disciple of Jesus and, while not preaching at anyone, will always approach a situation from a specifically Christian perspective. 

I see myself as an integral part of the Support Services, and I am available to all – of any rank, or of none – within my Divisions, to provide any necessary pastoral support.  That support is available to those who subscribe to any belief-system, or to none, and every situation would be treated with sensitivity.  I do not have set hours and, outwith family holidays, am available at any time, and for any reason – even just to get something “off your chest”!

The one thing that I do, that may seem strange to some, is to pray for all of my oficers on a daily basis.  I pray for their physical safety, and also that there will be a continuing decrease in criminal activity within the Divisions, and a corresponding increase in detection and conviction rates.  If, at any time, anyone wises me to pray about a personal situation, then they are welcome to contact me, and I will be happy to do so.  At all times, and in every situation, confidentiality is absolutely assured. My services may never be used, but my availability is assured.

With prayerful good wishes.

              








C.Brian Ross (Rev)