A big land.

Australia is a big land. Once you leave the fertile coastal strip, containing most of the population, the rise up and over the Great Dividing Range is spectacular. The long slow descent, through the western slopes and onto the plains, brings you into a vast inland region, stretching for thousands of kilometres.

Out there, distances are not measured in miles, but in hours or even days. Numerous small towns, many in population decline as people head for the coastal cities for employment, punctuate any westbound journey. These small towns, once thriving rural centres and inhabited by businesses servicing the small farmer, are now, in the main, shells, showcasing a bygone era. There is still the wretched pub in most of these towns, but even the railroad has been superseded by bus and air travel.

I drove through some of these towns last week, and the thing that struck me most was the disappearance of the local church. Buildings that once housed congregations that preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ are now home to cafes, museums and private residences. Australia is fast becoming a secular society, devoid of spiritual interest and moral conscience.

Would you pray with me that God will send revival to our land. Us born again believers need to consecrate ourselves to God, then seek God to save many, for His glory.

“O LORD, I have heard thy speech, [and] was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2)

Right view on the world.

As Bible believing Christians, we sometimes become crestfallen when we look at the state of the world around us.

America and the world has just witnessed the incredible media-hyped inauguration of President Obama. I browsed the official White House website and learned that among the first steps in the new administration's political agenda are opposing the constitutional ban on same-sex marriages, giving backing for the Sodomite agenda and lifting the ban on US government funded abortions worldwide.

New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, unashamed Sodomite and vocal gay rights activist, opened President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration with a prayer at the Lincoln Memorial.

America surely is heading for massive and deserved judgment at the hands of a Holy God. Australia cannot be too far behind in the waiting queue for God's judgment. We are, in general, a nation of drunkards and perverts, rushing headlong in a hedonistic quest for selfish fulfilment in life.

In fact, it is only by the incredible mercies of God that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:22: "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not."

In spite of all this, we need to look at history to get a proper view of the world. Ancient Rome was not a particularly nice place for Christians. The Egyptian, Grecian, Assyrian and Babylonian empires were not known for their acceptance of Godís people. The Roman Catholic Middle Ages were peculiar in their murderous habits towards Bible believers. Communism has never accepted the existence of a Creator God, and gives no place for His followers.

As mentioned, it is easy for us to be downcast and lose our vision. If we donít have vision, we will perish. We need to get a right perspective on life and history, and this correct view comes from Godís infallible and timely Word.

Let us remember the following facts:

GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE
Psalm 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

God is still God. Whether or not you believe the sun exists, it still heats our earth every day. Our omnipotent God reigns, always has, always will.

GOD WILL NOT DISREGARD SIN
Psalm 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

God never turns a blind eye to sin. God loves every one of us, saved or unsaved, but He cannot disregard sin. No one sins and gets away with, not you or me, not ever.

CIVIL GOVERNMENT IS ORDAINED BY GOD
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

God never prevented Nero from being emperor. He raises some up, and brings others down.

GOD'S WAYS ARE NOT ALWAYS UNDERSTOOD
Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Oftentimes I don't always understand God's dealings with planet Earth. Iím not supposed to. God always does that which is right according to his perfect purposes.

GOD'S PURPOSES WILL ALWAYS COME TO PASS
Psalm 76:10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee:

God uses whatever He needs to ensure that He gets all the glory. God will use obedient believers, ignorant heathen and even rebellious opponents to gather praise and glory to His Holy name.

GOD CARES FOR HIS OWN
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

If God looks after the billions of birds in the animal kingdom, every single one of them, how much more does He care for His own adopted children?

Let's get our vision re-aligned. Some of us will sail through 2009. Others will trudge or maybe even crawl. Remember, we're on the winning side, and that is cause for great rejoicing!
Cheer up ye saints of God, thereí\'s nothing to worry about Nothing to make you feel afraid, nothing to make you doubt Remember Jesus never fails, so why not trust him and shout! You'll be sorry you worried at all tomorrow morning!

20/20 vision.

Earlier this year in Australia we watched, with certain amusement, the Prime Minister’s “visionary” 20/20 summit held in Canberra, the nation’s capitol city.

One thousand “delegates” were hand picked. There was the usual troupe of actors, activists and (no doubt) trade union officials. I hope there were a few ordinary people invited to voice the opinions of the majority of normal common garden variety Australians.

To be honest, I didn’t pay much attention to proceedings. One fellow, member of a prominent rock band, displayed his vision for Australia by requesting that more modern rock music be played on the airwaves. Another woman stated that she wanted parliament to be made up of 50% of women by a certain date. The earth warmers and tree huggers were out in full force and yet another girl voiced her opinion that all Australians should be treated to free solar hot water. Put my vote there!

One thing is sure – the vision for Australia was varied and as I see it, unattainable. But it was a talk fest, and it did make the headlines. I’m certain that most of the attendees were very well intentioned, with the interests of Australia at heart, but the whole idea missed the mark.

“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:5)

People who are not born again Christians cannot comprehend the Light, which is Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Without Him, there is no lasting purpose in life, personally or nationally.

Many preachers have spoken on 20/20 vision. No, not the Canberra summit, not even the (very good) idea of removing eye cataracts from sufferers in the third world, but on Acts Chapter twenty, verse twenty.

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you,
and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,” (Acts 20:20)

The apostle Paul was speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus. He recounted how he discipled them publicly and privately, through teaching the Word and leading through example.

This should be our vision for Australia. We must reach people with the Gospel of Christ. How can we do this? By teaching the Word from the pulpit and in homes. We must back up this discipling ministry with a Christ like life that puts our teaching into practice.

Political grandstanding will never change any nation for the good. The only hope for Australia is a return to the Word of God, and to the God of the Word.

The Christian and gambling.

Have you ever been asked the question: "Should Christians gamble?" The answer, of course, is no, for varying reasons. Firstly, we are to be an example of the believers. A credible testimony disappears when a so-called believer buys a lotto ticket at the local newsagent. Secondly, participating in gambling may throw a stumbling block before an immature believer. Thirdly, statistics show that gambling is a waste of good money, which incidentally God owns. Lastly, there is the plain warning of Scripture.

1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
"They that will be rich!"

If only I had more. If only our church had wealthier members. If only I could make more money. If only I had a better job. If only we had a rich benefactor. If only I could win the lottery, I would tithe 25%! If only!

My mother-in-law often quotes an old saying: "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride!" The Bible teaches us to be content with what we already have!

There is not much doubt that we are living in the Laodicean age. Even poor people in Australia are fabulously wealthy compared to most of the world. We whinge, we complain, we just donít get it. Jesus is all we need. Believers have forgiveness, peace, direction, purpose, love and power. God looks after each one of us as a tender Father cares for His children. We donít need millions. We need to get closer to God.

In Revelation chapter 3, the local church at Laodicea would have fitted in so well today. Note how they viewed themselves:

"I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;"

God's view of this church? "...thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:"

Tozer comments on the materialism of the modern age: "There is no doubt that the possessive clinging to things is one of the most harmful habits in life. Because it is so natural, it is rarely recognised for the evil that it is. But its outworking is tragic. This ancient curse will not go out painlessly. The tough old miser within us will not lie down and die obedient to our command. He must be torn out, torn out of our hearts like a plant from the soil; he must be extracted in blood and agony like a tooth from the jaw. He must be expelled from our souls in violence as Christ expelled the money changers from the temple."

We deceive ourselves if we view our standing before God based on what we own, or would like to own. In fact, the Bible plainly states that the love of money is the root of ALL evil. All. The whole lot.

Money. Use it, give it, earn it, invest it wisely, but donít love it. The height of greed is the desire to be rich. Greed is not good. Let us beware lest we too are swept away with the overwhelming commercial philosophy of our age.

Doing by sitting.

A thought struck me recently. I searched through my Bible concordance, looking for the instances in which it is recorded that Jesus ran. Anywhere. Guess what? There is no recorded instance of Jesus ever running. He walked everywhere, and it seems He was never in a hurry.

Others ran to meet Him. Some ran to see the empty tomb. But Jesus never hurried. I imagine He was always measured in His ministry, deliberate in His actions and purposeful in his travels throughout Judea. There is a lesson in this for us.

So often the ministry becomes a grand prix. Whoever completes the most laps at the fastest pace wins. Our western civilization has become so fast, that anyone who dares slow down and consider their way is judged either incompetent, lazy or worse.

I often use this statement: "Frenzied activity is no gauge of spirituality."

I wonder how many times we have spent a day at full pace, only to forget about God and how He fits into things? Jesus is to be first, last and all. It takes time to know God.

How should we then live?

"Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:34)

How do we gain the knowledge of God so that we may live righteously?

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16)

There is a time and a place for work. Work is very important. Schedule is important. Productivity is important. Pastors need to be effective in the ministry. However, all of these are secondary to knowing God, through prayer and the Word. In fact, they can ONLY be accomplished by knowing God and His will.

How many times have we heard a sermon and thought: "That was a re-hash of another sermon I have previously heard", or, "There wasn't much preparation put into that!" I would venture to say that there was too much on the plate of that preacher. There is NEVER an excuse to say, "Sorry folks, but I didn't have time this week; it's a re-heated sermon this morning!"

We must spend much time WITH God to be of much use FOR God.

Meditation, as a discipline of the Christian life, is almost extinct. When is the last time you sat down on the front verandah, or anywhere quiet, Bible in hand, and just thought about what you had read that morning? The Psalmist spent much time doing just thinking.

To quote (approximately) one famous pastor:

"The difference between a successful and a floundering preacher is disciplined thinking."

God gave clear instructions to Joshua, heir apparent to the great Moses:

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Joshua 1:8)

More and more I am thinking about Jesus and how He lived. He never rushed. He rose early to spend time with His Father. He targeted key individuals. His recorded sermons and prayers were, for the most part, short. He said what was needed and no more. He was compassionate. He worked hard and gave of himself. He slept when He needed to. He rested when He needed to. He ate with sinners. He deprived Himself of luxury. What an incredible short life!

We could do worse than "looking unto Jesus", our Captain, our Author, our Saviour.

The overriding motivation.

I have a weakness. In fact, I have many weaknesses. Space in this publication will not permit me to list all of my weaknesses. One of these weaknesses is a great desire for self saucing chocolate pudding and custard, preferably crafted by my dear Aunty Grace. My waistline does not need this pudding, but sometimes I feel that I do!

Another weakness I have is a profound dislike of washing dishes. Maybe this more a normal human reaction than a weakness? We have an old fashioned dishwasher in our rented house – me! That is my job, and I will admit to whinging a few times over the years about washing up pots and pans after a delicious meal. (Better I wash dishes than cook!) Usually, however, I wash and dry the dishes in the Young household because I want to please my wife. She has slaved over a hot oven, prepared a delicious meal and she oftentimes deserves a break, hence my desire to please her.

Pleasing your wife is a noble objective. I often wonder, though, how often I stop and consider as to whether or not my life pleases God? When all is boiled down, the Christian life comes to this: Does my life please God? Am I making God happy at this very moment?

Whether or not I’m happy is irrelevant. Whether or not I’m successful doesn’t matter. Whether or not I am living a fulfilled, healthy and contented life is not the point. Is God pleased with me at this very moment?

God made us for one main reason – for his pleasure.

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

God made man so that he would receive all the glory, honour and power from that very creation. Only one Person ever walked this earth that completely pleased his Father; His eternal Son Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

God’s pleasure in his Son came not from basking in the success of an amazing earthly ministry. In fact, at the age of thirty three, our Lord died with only eleven notable disciples, plus a few who followed from afar; not exactly stirring figures compared to today’s churches’ predisposition with numbers.

God was pleased with His only begotten Son because he completely and minutely obeyed the Father’s will.

Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

Is it wrong to want to please others? I think not. Is it right to want to please those you love and care for? Of course it is. Should I want to please my pastor? Yes. Should I want to please my boss? Yes.

How many times during the course of a year do we consider whether or not our lives are a pleasure to God? My success, my health, my wealth, my influence, my ministry and my relationships all need to be stirred by this one idea. Pleasing God should be the overriding motivation that dominates our lives.

Why do we teach our children to obey their parents? To gain the correct viewpoint for living? Yes. To foster respect for elders? Yes. To train young people to be helpful and usable in society? Yes. However, the overriding factor in teaching our children obedience is that it pleases God.

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

I firmly believe we need to constantly evaluate our lives, our ministries, our goals and directions and our relationships, and ask, “Am I pleasing God in all of these?”

1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

Making a difference, by miracle.

Making a difference .... God has allowed one man to make a tremendous difference in the world. Despite debilitating physical problems, Andrew Watkins has been used of God to develop the “Preach The Word” website. Andrew publishes the sermons of Northern Ireland preacher David Legge. These sermons are changed into many different formats, including MP3, WAV and text. They are then made available, free of charge, to anyone who cares to download them. I asked Andrew how many downloads are made every day. His answer was only an approximation, but somewhere in the 1500-2000 vicinity. That’s about 12,000+ each and every week, over half a million each year. This number doesn’t include the thousands of CD and DVDs mailed out each calendar year. www.preachtheword.com has never asked for a cent. Every resource is provided free of charge. God has met every need of this amazing ministry. How has this been done? Andrew will tell you that it is wholly of God, to whom goes all the glory.

May we all make a difference, until He comes.