Balance fairness and need

 

Where did summer go?

The last time I wrote for this column the kids were just done school, Canada Day celebrations were upon us, the weather was warm, vacation plans were being made, the garden was growing, swimming lessons were at hand. “Summertime and the livin’ is easy…”

And here it is September. 

And part of me is looking forward to a more structured routine. We are creatures of habit and while it is good to get away and take a break we generally like some order and routine to life, crazy as it often is. 

And I am getting back to a more regular routine even though part of me is still up at the lake. It was wonderful to sit out under the stars, hear the haunting call of the loons, the sound of the water and waves sweeping into the shore. 

There in the relaxed, quiet times there is no problem finding God in my life. In nature, in my family, in the wonderful, surprising daily blessings of life God is there.  

Oh that it was as simple to find God in my life when all the craziness of life runs full speed again beginning in September. Definitely something I need to work on. 

Maybe I need to schedule in some more intentional quiet times, leave everything else behind so God has a chance to find me.  And maybe that’s the more important thing here. 

Not so much where is God in my life, but turn it around, where am I in God’s life. Oh I know that’s not good theology. It’s not all about me and should be all about God. But, I wonder…

Where am I in God’s life ? 

It seems to me that the Scriptures plainly show that God has a place for us in His life. Always has. The record of the Bible is virtually a one chorus song with God reaching out, making room, inviting us into His life, His love, His plan and His purpose. Isn’t that what Jesus was all and is all about ? 

God wants to be a part of our lives but more importantly God has a place in His life for us, for you, for me. 

And seeing it from that perspective helps me to find room in my life for God.

Where is God in my life, in your life?  Where am I, where are you in God’s life.

Something to think about.

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Always Be Ready

Well, here we are, a brand new year, 2013. We are not supposed to be here according to some wag. December 21, 2012, it was supposed to be all over. But we’ve heard these stories before, haven’t we?

I don’t know why it is that some people are so foolish as to claim to know something that even Jesus, the Son of God, said it wasn’t His to know.

In Matthew 24:36, we read Jesus’ words, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son but My Father only.”

Jesus’ words were in response to questions from His disciples as to when the end of the age would be.

The problem with all these presumptions is the danger that comes to us when nothing happens. People get to the place of ignoring anything that is said about the world coming to an end.

And that is a danger because it will come to an end some day when God, who created it all, determines that it is time.

Sinful humanity will one day be judged, Satan will be bound and God will make all things new where there will be no sin, no sickness, no dying.

That’s the promise of God.

Of course, those who have believed on His Son for the forgiveness of sin need not fear, we will be with God in His glorious kingdom.

Maybe you are thinking, “I’ve heard all of this foolishness before.”

May I encourage you to take a few moments to read 2Peter 3:1-16 and know that God knows. Back to Matthew 24, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will by no means pass away.”

I don’t know when the world as we know it will come to an end, and I don’t worry about it either. My hope is in Jesus Christ who tells me if I believe on Him that is, if I come to Him confessing my sins and trusting in Him to cleanse me from all sin, which He promises to do, that I need not worry about what happens in this life because He has gone back to His Father in Heaven to prepare a place for me and he will come again for me that I may be where He is, John 14:1-3.

That can also be true for you, for everyone. All you have to do is confess your sins, turn from your old ways of living to satisfy self and follow Jesus. I trust you will make that choice and believe in God, who knows all things.

For the past number of years, I have truly enjoyed writing this Perspectives Column as Pastor at the Morrisburg Pentecostal Tabernacle. Although, as of December 30, 2012, I have retired from full time pastoral ministry I will continue to do so, along with other members of our clergy here in South Dundas. 

I wish God’s blessing on you and your families.

Maybe we’ll see each other around, as I do have eight good reasons to be around here.

God bless each of you for your kind words over the years. You will not soon be forgotten. 

Rev. Duncan Perry,

Morrisburg

Pentecostal Tabernacle

Editor’s Note: All of us here at The Leader wish Rev. Perry all the best in his retirement years, and, yes, we look forward to seeing him out and about in the community. 

We thank Rev. Perry for his many years of penning a Perspectives column and look forward to his continued efforts. We also welcome interim Pentecostal pastor, Rev. Lorna Casselman who will be joining our Perspectives Column writers.

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