New Years and the Five Finger Prayer

One of the greatest challenges that we have is the consistent follow through when making a resolution. Hey, it is the last day of 2006 and the soon to be 2007 is right around the corner. All of us think about the possible changes in our lives as we look at the new year coming.

For myself the one area that is the closest to my heart is the area of prayer. As a pastor you may figure that this would be a concern. Prayer is part of my job – right?

Well not exactly… you see, I feel prayer is one of the most important things that I need to have as part of my personal life and ministry – even if I was not a pastor. Prayer matters to me… it matters a whole lot. Prayer makes a great difference in ordinary lives and ordinary days. It turns things around and opens new possibilities to the extra-ordinary.

I need prayer. Do you? Or have you recognized the need for prayer?

Would you take a new step with me – and pray?

The following “Five Finger Prayer is a good start for our kids – little ones and big one alike.

~ Pastor Murray ~
PS- Thanks Diane

Five Finger Prayer
This is beautiful - and it is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Wrapping it up...

Just a quick note to say the wedding was wonderful!

I am pleased to introduce Mr. & Mrs. Manne and Lois Idestrom.

and the four Rourke Grandsons that we share.

~ Pastor Murray ~

Wrapping Paper and Wrapping It Up

“I cannot get inspired to buy that much wrapping paper and then store it all year.” As we exited the store my wife’s comment turned my head in the direction she was looking. A lady was carrying two very large bags out of the Mall filled to capacity with rolls of bright Christmas paper. It would not be used for gifts during the year – this definitely was Christmas stuff to be used about 360 days from now.

Our society is odd. Why would anyone be that needful for that much wrapping paper?

The answer is simple, wrapping paper is vital in our society. ‘We’ must wrap our gifts before ‘we’ give them. In our family’s case after buying the gift (which usually takes some considerable time getting just the right thing..) ‘we’ shop for just the right paper. Then after coming home ‘we’ take great care in cutting the paper and placing the gift in just the right amount paper to cover it adequately. The gift must be covered and the covering is carefully cut and folded and tucked and then drawn tightly around the gift. It also should be straight and even. The reason – I am not sure of – except that maybe there is a possible gift wrapping expert/police person that will be in attendance when the gift is unwrapped.

I am convinced that the ‘Decorative Bow People’ missed out on the idea department and that the ‘Gift Wrapping People’ were first in the line to convince society that you must wrap. Not every gift must have a decorative bow. But if you have one – use it – but it must be the right colour, size and shape. This however is not as important as the wrapping paper choice.

Who set these rules anyway? How did we become obsessed with these rules? The poor lady that walked from the Mall the other day must have been an expert in the wrapping department – or she had about 200 grandkids, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and extended relatives. I wondered to myself as she walked by us… ‘Where will she get the money and time to buy the gifts that will need to be wrapped?’

Again – Our society is odd.

Today I will be at another wedding. We know the bride deeply loves the groom… and the groom is head over heals in love with the bride. We are attending to show them our support. It is a simple fact. And like many other weddings that I have attended there is a desire to keep it simple and yet beautiful. Behind the scenes there is far more happening than what people know.
First everyone must be dressed up in their best outfit. Men must wear a suit and tie. Women must have on a pretty(interpreted dazzling) outfit – it also should be new. Children that attend will need to wear ‘good clothes’… preferably ‘new’ clothes and that these new clothes should stay clean as long as possible. At a wedding we want societal acceptable people attending – not some street urchins or the homeless.

In our case, the bride is the other grandma of our grandchildren, got that? What does that have to do with anything? Well it is simple the grandsons – all four of them must be dressed up. They will have new pants on with new shirts and ties – and all match. I admit that they are all handsome young men and dressed up they will be amazing. They will be the hit of the wedding I am sure. Add to that their cousins, my other two grandkids, will be there also – also with new outfits on and looking just simply great!

Do you know how many hours it has taken to get the right outfits for these six grandkids? Do you know how many hours it has taken to hem up the pants and pick the right colours to get it just right. Lots!

This wedding will be attended by some of the best ‘wrapped people’ in the Toronto area. And each of the best wrapped people are bringing well wrapped gifts that have taken hours to pick and prepare and wrap.

Now remember this is a wedding where the bride will be the most beautiful and the best wrapped of everyone in attendance. I have heard it rumored already that her dress is something else! I hope the poor groom is okay with his rented tuxedo. (Oddly enough it was likely rented by someone else just last weekend..).

This wedding will have about 150 guests in attendance. If each guest has taken about 5 hours to buy a gift, buy the right paper, buy a new outfit, get the suit cleaned, then carefully bath, get to the hair dresser, then with the greatest of care – dress… you are looking at 750 hours to wrap it all up. I think that 5 hours is a conservative estimate. 750 hours is almost 20 weeks of work @ 40 hours per week.

Back to Wrapping Paper and Wrapping…
We are obsessed with making it look good no matter what is on the inside. In fact with the right wrapping paper you can disguise the contents entirely. The gift may well have been bought at a ‘Dollar Store’ – but it looks great.

The same is true for funerals. We truly are an odd society. We dress up in our best to go see a person that can’t see us. People that have never had a suit on find one in the back of a closet and then tuck what they have into something that doesn’t fit. In the western society it should be dark in colour – in the eastern world it needs to be white. The oddest thing is that we dress the dude in the casket in his ‘Sunday Best’. Has anyone asked why he needs a suit on? After all how long is he going to wear it and who cares after the lid is closed?

A Startling Thought…
What is on the inside is more important than what is on the outside. When the wrapping comes off will the content be as good as it looks right now.

When the bride and groom wake up tomorrow morning – will either be shocked with the reality?
I know that the grandkids being dressed up in their sharp new outfits will be wrapped in sweaty hockey equipment hours after the wedding is over. Now – for me – the coolest thing would have the real grandkids come to the wedding dressed in clean Hockey outfits (without their skates on of course).

The older I get the more I realize that what is on the inside is what counts. The more I see what a good heart is all about – the more I understand how important it is.

God is interested in what is going on inside – not the outside. When he designed us and then delivered us – we were naked. And as shocking as it is but so obvious – we are naked below the wrappings that we work so hard at preparing.

A really funny story for me is the one of the Garden of Eden at the point that Adam and Eve had finished eating the forbidden fruit. They have realized that they are naked and they make some clothes to ‘wrap up’ their nakedness and hide in the trees. God came looking for them the account in Genesis 3 tells us and asks a profound question… “Where are you?” Wrapped up and hiding they were not the people that he had created. Even God couldn’t recognize them.

Who are you? Where are you? How are you? God loves you ‘unwrapped’ – the real you that is.

Scriptures to consider..

Proverbs 15:13 NIV
13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:15 NIV
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 17:22 NIV
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

~ Pastor Murray ~

Here is a pre-wedding Christmas shot of four handsome grandsons… Left to right – Christopher, Michael, Thomas and Jonathan Rourke

A Story of a Family Tragedy and A Glimmer of Hope

The Words exchanged in anger destroyed the family. That is what I have gathered after listening to the story. Mind you I only caught small pieces as they lay about – scattered for the whole world to see. The damage is something like a car bomb in a busy market over seas.

It happened a long time ago from what I can understand. Christmas would never be the same again for the whole family. The kids haven’t spoken to each other for many years. The arguments had lots to do with money and the abuse of substances. The self-righteous of the group wanted the money for themselves and the angry hated them for it – then abused. Death happened right in the middle of the worst nightmares of anger and now – almost everyone hates each other.

Now fast forward the family into a new light.

Yesterday I was part of a step of healing. I was included in a long awaited visit that was never expected to happen. Two men and I walked into a senior gentleman’s room and were warmly welcomed. There was openness and love demonstrated in every way.

It had been over 20 years since the last personal meeting. In the previous meetings ugly scenes were all that was remembered. Harsh and horrible words were thrown out the way that mortar shells are delivered to markets in war torn countries. In the ensuing years that followed some of the worst nightmares that anyone can imagine took place for everyone.

Yesterday it was different. There was a sense of peace in the room like I have seldom experienced. There was respect and care shared with each other. It was a miracle of God. There was goodwill toward each other.

Just before we left the room I asked if I could pray. It was a short and simple prayer. All were in agreement with a hearty “amen” at the end of the prayer. God was there.

I was going to ask the question at the beginning of this short article, “Where does Hope come from?” The question still hovers in my mind though. A place of Hope and all its resources are stored somewhere by God I am sure. It must be stocked piled and then delivered when most needed. It is offered to broken hearts and crushed spirits. It is ministered to the worst enemies and the closest families.

My second question that lingers is – “Why does it take so long to deliver?” In the case that I witnessed yesterday it was well over 20 years in the process. It certainly should have happened with so many people praying so much for the families involved. But it didn’t take place until yesterday. ‘Why’ is lingering in my thoughts.

A rising sense in my heart as I approach today and the next few todays… there is Hope. These days are to be filled with God’s wonderful presence and delivered by His mighty Angels.

Another Happy Story…
Today we will leave our city to join a group of people that will meet to bless a couple as they take a huge step together. Lois and Manne are getting married on Saturday evening.

Lois has been a widow for 40 years. Manne has faced death twice as he said good bye to his first wife and then his second. Both have faced times when Hope was torn from them and shattered. But remarkably they have remained true to their God and their families. As I have come to know both stories personally I am overwhelmed with the evidence of God’s hand upon their lives.

This is a love story filled with Hope. They have entered it with their eyes wide open and hearts tuned in on Hope.

It is not the perfect story by any stretch of the imagination. Both are aware of what they face together. It is a life of Hope and new happiness that will carry them toward the end.

I bless them as they take this step of faith and faithfulness.

A BIG Pause…
Do you need Hope the way that I need Hope today? Has your Hope been dashed and trashed by life circumstances that would crush an elephant?

I have met some in the last few days that have faced this with a reality that has rocked them and everything that they have.

God is our source of Hope. God knows where it is stored and how long it takes to deliver it – and specifically who needs it.

After witnessing real life in the past few days… I know Hope is needed.

God can and will… administer Hope.

Psalm 25:2-4 (New International Version)
2 in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;

~ Pastor Murray ~

The Cheering From The Stands

It will be hard to imagine the scene I paint with these words if you don’t live in or have never visited Canada in the winter time.

The setting is taking place in the Jack Burger Hockey Arena in Port Hope, Ontario last evening. The players are about 8 years old. The cold stands are occupied by parents and grandparents of the yet to be famous hockey players on the ice. The two groups represented two communities – one from Whitby and the other from Cobourg.

This is hockey at its best. It is a snapshot of Canada and its roots.

As the players poured on to the ice a mighty cheer rose from the stands. The cheer was equal to any cheer for any major sporting team in the world. These are our boys and girls! There is no one better and no game more important than this one! This is Hockey. This is Canada!

Some of the background…
It is a week of school break over the Christmas holiday. Through out the week in different arenas across our area Hockey Tournaments are held for many different ages. Each and every arena is a hum of activity. This particular Hockey Tournament involved about eight teams from a surrounding area covering about a 60 mile radius. They have played all day and the game we are watching now is the third one for these teams.

My son-in-law and about four other men coach this dynamic team of 8 year olds. It is a big commitment for the men and boys. Practice and play fills each week before they arrive at a tournament like this.

Add one final mix to the setting families support this – usually moms and dads that sit and cheer on their players.

Back to the arena…
In the stands there is talking, coffee drinking and shivering adults. Generally the crowd is quiet… with a few minor ‘encouragements’ to referees to help them make better calls. You know the “kind that know better” than anyone else.

Now last night… for my grandson Thomas we number 11 people in the stands. This is a bit of increase over the average cheering group per player of three – maybe four.

We were not quiet. There were no signs to tell us to be quiet. This is hockey Canada style. And we are hockey people that cheer at the least little thing happening.

Well I have to tell you when Thomas came on to the ice his 11 fans made more noise than anyone. Go Thomas Go! Go Thomas Go! Go Thomas Go! We may unnerved him a little but he looked up and waved to us from his defensive position on the left side of the ice. Then he grinned. His people were there for him.

Our cheering didn’t stop there. Every little play or every major play we erupted with a roar. This was the most important game ever to be played. By ‘we’ I mean – the group of 11 – Thomas’ group. The Thomas Cheer Team was alive.

I noticed the affect we had as the first period was progressing. Other parents were joining in to the cheer action. Together we cheered, “Go Whitby Go!” Go Whitby Go! Go Whitby Go! Go Whitby Go! It became a roar that was almost deafening.

The next great play was by a Cobourg star… then it happened… the other half of the stands began to cheer… Go Cobourg Go! Go Cobourg Go! Go Cobourg Go! Go Cobourg Go!

Then we all clapped and cheered for the teams and laughed and hollered until we were hoarse. This is Canada and this is hockey.

Later in the entrance foyer area Thomas’ group of 11 waited for their star. After he changed his clothes and came through the big doors another cheer erupted for Thomas. This is the stuff stars are made of – an audience that adores their player.

Thomas grinned from ear to ear. His Group of 11 had been there for him. We beamed – this was our man.

Real life application…
As I have pondered this game last evening( and others) I have thought of how powerful a little enthusiasm is to the people that witness it.

Thomas’ group of 11 made the stands do something. It wasn’t long before the crowd was responding along with them. And Thomas was grinning as he savoured the action of the crowd.

What would happen if every kid was surrounded by a group of 11? What would happen to the family if every time there was the smallest thing or even trivial action was cheered on?

Can you imagine the affect on all the “players” in your family? Can you imagine the affect on the community that the family lives in?

I dare to say that things would improve and even get better in the next game. And most of all little girls and boys would begin to grin from ear to ear.

A little encouragement goes a long way. The encouragers are most blest however – ordinary becomes extraordinary in a few minutes and every one joins in the cheer.

By The Way…
Whitby won. Thomas didn’t score a goal – he played his position well as the best defenseman on the ice(I think..) and stripped the puck from advancing ‘forwards’ about 90 % of the time.

Go Thomas Go!
Go Thomas Go!
Go Thomas Go!

A Proud Grandpa – you better believe it. We are the group of 11 – actually a group of 13 with dad and Thomas!

~ Pastor Murray ~

PS - Meet Thomas Glen Rourke

The Mall

There may be no scarier place than a Mall – for a man. Now up the difficulty factor the way you would a hunt for some dangerous animal in the middle of Africa – make that Mall experience, Boxing Day just after Christmas and you will see scary written all over his face.

Yesterday I was in a Belleville, Ontario Mall for almost two hours. There was pushing and shoving and struggling to get to clothes racks. The place was hot and people were trying to smile – a little.

When the mother returned to her husband and little girls from behind a rack of coats and asked, “What do you think?” – the look in his eyes registered words he had spoken about 6 years before, “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health…” His daughters just stared at mommy. I couldn’t be sure what they were thinking. They were in training for the hunting/gathering years in the future. The sales lady pushed between myself and this little family to hold up another coat for the young mom to try on. The little girls looked at each other…

My wife was at the second rack over bobbing and pulling at coats. I pushed through and asked, “What do you think? Did you find anything?” She said, “No… this one is really nice but it doesn’t fit… this one is not bad… and this one I don’t like and it does fit. What do you think?” I had just heard the same words two racks over. I grinned and smiled… and weakly said, “Whatever you think..” The coats went back on to the racks where they came from and we walked out.

I think the other fellow standing with his two daughters glanced with envy at me as I clicked my heals together.

To console my wife I squeezed her hand and said, “They lost the pattern for you after you were made.” She just looked at me. So I stuttered, “That was suppose to be a compliment.”

The electronic games store was fun. I didn’t need anymore games but “just looking” was fun. As I entered the store the smell of lots of people was everywhere. Few were smiling and all were lined up to the back of the store – 35 of them! They were all sizes and genders. I had no idea that many people played computer games. As I browsed the shelves I asked a nearby sales person what the prices were… “This kind is two for $22 and this kind is two for $39… they all have been previously played.” Hummm…Let’s see… Blood, Guts and Gore… Silly Sally… and Stupid Larry categories are now left. I don’t think either my grand kids or daughters would like the ones that were there. Move on… The gasp of fresh Mall air filled my lungs as I spilled into the rushing traffic by the games store.

Within 10 minutes we had made it to the Mall doors that spilled out into the parking lot and breathed the cool winter air – Thank you God for clean air! I realized that most of the air in the mall had been re-breathed by those faithful patrons many times over! No wonder the poor trapped sales people were slightly gray and needed out.

There is something about doing a kind of remote CPR on 5000 people that gets to me… yikes I had no idea how many germs my lungs were battling at that moment.

As we walked to the car I glanced at Future Shop – across the way… it was 3:00 PM and the people were still lined up outside 15 deep! The door kept opening and men with coloured shirts were wheeling out these humungous television sets that would need a house expansion to place them in the living room. But maybe they were buying them for the garage – who knows. Someone told me later the deal was $1000 off the original price of $3500.

As I drove home… I had many thoughts flood my head. Why would anyone need that big a television? Where would I put one if I bought one? Where would I find the time to watch enough television to make it seem reasonable to pay $2500 let alone $3500. That is the price of my old van now. What did everyone buy today? So much stuff – so much.

We bought some batteries and two games for a birthday coming up.

My wife looked at me as we drove home and said, “That was fun.” I looked back at her and said with all my heart, “I love you…” Then I saw the young dad’s face again as he looked at me walking from the store…kind of a flash by…

The drive home was a little over one and a half hours to Peterborough. I sorted through what I felt and had seen. Some scriptures came floating to the surface of my thoughts…

Luke 10:3-5
3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
5 "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.'
(NIV)

Luke 12:21-31
21 "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
(NIV)

“But God… the Lilies would look so much better on the large screen TV as I consider them… and I will take the old TV to the Salvation Army’s Good Will Store!”

“What’s that God…? You are not convinced? What’s that God…? You mean that I should work at the Good Will as A VOLUNTEER? Really? You mean instead of watching TV… you want me to volunteer?.... Okay… Okay…”

~ Pastor Murray ~

(PS.. Guys... fellow man-beings...I DO NOT NORMALLY DRIVE one hour and half to shop in Malls. We took a friend of ours for a Christmas visit with his family in the area – and we were killing time. Honest guys… honest!)

Merry Christmas

Last evening my grand daughter brought a card to the table to read all the Christmas greetings for us. I think she read five different languages. It was so cool watching a young lady beam from ear to ear as she gave me a big hug. This is from a 7 year old that said last fall, "I am not very good in French! I don't remember anything from last year." She studies at a French emersion school.

There was lots of laughter. We were sitting around our son-in-law and daughter's table enjoy stories being told by everyone. Both sets of grand parents were there. It was a family Christmas time together.

I savour these moments and times now more than ever before. I realize more now than ever that they will not always be there for us - these moments are special.

Today will be the gift giving and the excitement that comes as the kids unwrap the presents that they will get. More and more memories will flood into my mind space of days when I was a child and squealed with delight as the mystery packages were opened.

Later today my wife and I will be hosting seven men that have all been in prison over the past number of years. They will be here for our Christmas lunch together. Today we are making new memories and filling empty spaces for guys that have nothing. For two of them this will be their first Christmas on the outside of prison walls after many years. All of them are not able to be with their families because of the past.

I anticipate that we will all shares stories and lots of laughter together. Again I savour these moments and times now more than ever before. I realize more now than ever that they will not always be there for us - these moments are very special.

May God bless all of you whether in a cold place or a warm one. Thank you for being part of our world wide family.

Merry Christmas.

~ Pastor Murray ~

The Whole Truth

The following article was passed on to me for this Blog. It comes from the Purpose Driven Life devotional sent out regularly.

After I received it I pondered the words for the past few days. It makes a lot of sense in my life.

The reality of what John Fischer is saying with his words comes to its fullness when the first Christmas story unfolded.

God beamed his light into the lives of shepherds that special night and embraced a world that never knew him.

God showed a bright star to the Wise Men many days and months in advance to draw them to a special place.

God drew me to that special place by the light in someone else’s life…. Maybe you know that same experience as well. Now with His help I walk with others into his presence.

As John Fischer puts it so well… “So grab someone and let’s walk into the light together, where the blood of Jesus purifies us from all of our sins.”

May the next few days of hurry settle down in your life. May it be replaced by a new Peace of God surrounding all that you do.

~ Pastor Murray ~


The Whole Truth
by John Fischer

Author Phillip Yancey tells a story of a man in his church that can’t help comparing being late for church to being late for his regular Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. When he’s late for church, he says that he has the distinct feeling from everyone around him that he’s not as responsible or he would get to church on time. When he’s late for an A.A. meeting, however, the meeting stops, everyone jumps up to hug him because they realize he almost didn’t make it, and they are so glad his need for them won out over his need for alcohol.

What’s the difference? The whole truth. The people who got to church on time may have gotten that one thing right, but they have a bunch of other things wrong with them, making them just as needy as the alcoholic. Fellowship isn’t going to mean anything if we don’t tell the whole truth about ourselves. Real fellowship means stepping into the light of God’s truth where everything is revealed, and when we bring ourselves to the light, we discover we are not alone. There’s a roomful of other believers all struggling with something too, and that sense of shared need is part of the bond that holds us together.

Yes, we’re people following Christ, but we’re all a bunch of forgiven sinners, too, who wouldn’t have a chance at life were it not for what Christ has done for us. So grab someone and let’s walk into the light together, where the blood of Jesus purifies us from all of our sins. Isn’t that the group you want to be in?

“But if we walk in the light as he [God] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 NIV)

Endurance and Encouragement

George stood in church last week and shared a powerful verse with our congregation.

First you need to know George is a layman from South Carolina. He was with his wife Joan and together they were in church with their son Richard – for the first time in over four years. They have been separated by miles and prison walls. Their son had been in prison for the past four and half years. This family has been through a lot together and apart.

God spoke to all of us through what George said. It is God’s wonderful way to say just the right thing at the right time.

George read the following scripture verses as part of his words Sunday morning.

Romans 15:4-6 (New International Version)
4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As I have been thinking about what George said, two words have come back often in these last days. I think it happens by God dropping little bits and pieces of good things into our hearts when we most need it. The two words are “endurance and encouragement”. The bits and pieces are like cinnamon added to an apple pie – just enough makes it real good tasting.

There have been times when I have been discouraged and down right to the bottom. Things around me happen and it seems worse than it really is… but it is then that God seasons “my pie”. My slice of life seems different the moment he applies the endurance and encouragement.

In order to know what endurance is all about, one needs to be stretched.

At 62 years old I look back to the days of University and the things I took part in. Imagine, I ran 6 to 7 miles each night – every night of the week – getting ready for a big race that would last a mere 25 minutes with us covering 5 miles. The running each night was slow to begin with but each night we cut more time off the run until we built endurance and speed for the big race.

Most of the problems that I face today are endurance builders for tomorrow’s big race or challenge. My faith is stretched today so that the miracles can happen tomorrow. Today is prep for my tomorrows.

It is the same in the wonderful world of “encouragement”. It is a remote world for many people. It may even seem like a Mount Everest for some… something that we will never see the top of in our life time.

In mountain climbing… encouragement is the boost of energy given with kind words offered part way up the steep rock face of shattered dreams and broken promises.

Encouragement arrives often when we most need it. In my case I have some one pop in and simply say.. “How are you doing?” then a small smile follows what they ask. At times in the blackest hole of experience a soft word or a simple question asked will boost you to new heights. It does that for me.

Now consider George’s verse shared …

First … v4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

The Bible tells a whole lot of stories – both good and bad. The Apostle Paul tells me that all the scripture that fills my Bible is offering “endurance and encouragement” – so that we can have HOPE! WOW!

Secondly… v5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

It is God that gives endurance and encouragement. No one knows me better than God. He made this 62 year old model. He has followed it closely and offered tune ups when it is needed.

The end result is more powerful than money, governments and the greatest kingdoms that have ever existed. The result is UNITY among yourselves.

Imagine the mountain climbing experience again. You cannot climb Mount Everest without a partner or two being right with you. One simple thing I have discovered about being able to make it to the top is you need UNITY in heart mind and soul… or you will not make it.

A marriage needs this. A company needs this. A family needs this and so does the church.

Finally – it all happens that we might glorify God.

Last night I attended the Handel’s Messiah with my wife. The music and singing was amazing. Such wonderful talent came together as one to produce this ageless presentation.

But even this magnificent presentation falls short of glorifying God compared to a group that experiences UNITY.

A prayer..
God grant that the one that reads this today will discover the wonder of endurance and the world of encouragement. First may they experience what they need in their lives with each battle or problem that they are going through. Then I pray that they will become coaches of endurance in others. I ask that they will be filled with encouragement and that their lives will flood over with words to ignite their friends.

God may this Christmas be so different as it fills with miracle after miracle.

In your name Jesus…I ask it…

~ Pastor Murray ~

Mount Everest 28,964 feet - 8849 metres high
Check out Google Earth

The Impossible

It seemed so unlikely to happen. It had never been possible before – as long as the people could remember. What was being proposed was in fact impossible. Yet the promise that was delivered by one of the most powerful beings of his kind was real. He said it was not only possible but it would happen. How can you argue with this kind of statement?

Put yourself in the place where an impossible situation exists and then think about how you can have a small part in solving the problem. Maybe you are living through one today. Think of how impossible it is that you alone can do anything about the circumstances that you and others are facing. Think of how impossible the feelings are at that moment. Put yourself there.

The day that the Angel Gabriel came to meet with Mary it was a setting like that. The situation and circumstances of the world that Mary was a part of were difficult to live with. The control over their country was complete and the way people were treated was terrible. Not only did the cruel Roman Empire have absolute control over their lives, the local ruling parties and powers had the final say in everything they did and carried out the wishes of their masters in Rome.

A simple reading of the Christmas story should allow you to not only catch the fine details of a wonderful story about our Savior Jesus being born but also the situations that they all faced at his birth.

There had been a census ordered from Caesar Augustus – which was closely tired to more taxes. The taxes to be taken benefited only the great power of a foreign country. The taxes would not help their country and people. The people couldn’t afford anymore but would have to pay anyway.

The local government under the Herod family was evil and corrupt. Greed had been manifest at every level. The Herod family was a Jewish clan that had been made royalty over the local people. They were the King of the Jews – however not appointed by God – but by Rome.

This Herod would kill thousands of babies trying to get to Jesus – who was the new King born in Israel.

It was in that setting that Gabriel promised Mary that she would have a son, his name would be Jesus, and that he would be a Saviour of the world. When she protested that it couldn’t happen because she was a virgin the Angel replied with these words…

Luke 1:35 - 37
35. The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37. For nothing is impossible with God."

With God… a virgin giving birth is possible. And if that is possible – nothing is then impossible when God is involved.

So who was Gabriel? He was an archangel that stood in the very presence of God and saw all that God had done. Let’s say that he was aware of everything that God had done, was doing and could ever do. His statement was so powerful… “For nothing is impossible with God.”

Change of directions…
The Christmas story is so powerful for me. I take a step back to my world and take a long hard look at my “impossible” situations. I often speak with the same God that promised Mary these wonderful things. His power has not changed one bit.

A few years ago when I was called to be the pastor of Northview church – I was overwhelmed with the task that I was given to do. I objected to the Lord and was sure that someone else would be better suited to do the task of leading a congregation like this. In fact I was sure of that fact.

As I was speaking with God on one occasion and poured out my concerns, he said some powerful words to me. The statement that he made was simple and clear… “I will take care of it.”

I have found that his promises then are real today. The promises have become even stronger in the last 8 years of my life. He has taken care of all of it. He is in charge of everything and will be long after I am gone.

Do you need a miracle today? I know that I need a few for people that I am working with.

With God – he deals with the Impossible… even in your life. Why not talk to him today?

~ Pastor Murray ~

My Meeting With Three Wise Men

One month ago the three men had never met. I spent the first half of yesterday with them. We were on a “blessing mission” together. Our goal was to bless two families. One family had lost a tree with a strong wind knocking it to the ground. The second family needed fire wood. Together we became a “blessing team”.

One month ago one man was prison for crimes he committed in the USA. Today he lives in Canada after being deported – leaving his children behind and the remainder of his family.

One month ago the second man had been released from prison and was living his new life on the outside. His dream is to never go back to that kind of world again. His thankfulness to do a little work is more that one can describe. Over and over again he thanked me for letting him come along.

The third man has lived on the outside of prison all his life. His life one month ago was very normal and I imagine that he would never have thought he would ever meet the other two. He is a local business man that had a day off and agreed to join the “blessing team” for the day.

I am the connector between everyone. I am 62 years old and cannot really handle a chain saw. I know the family with the downed tree and the ones that need the wood. Yesterday I simply introduced everyone and took part in the “blessing team”.

The Results…
The forty foot Ash Wood tree was cut into many pieces. Most of it fit into my old trailer (that was built in a jail by ex-offenders and my father the welding instructor). The rest will be picked up on a later date. The tree arrived at the place that it was needed for the winter fire wood… and will be cut up at a later date.

The first man, that arrived from the US prison, needs a job. He is a professional “arborist” – meaning that he was trained to take trees down and cut wood. The second man that loves to work – simply loves using the chain saw and loves mechanical equipment. The third man and myself - we love wood – we carve.

As we completed the day’s work we all are thinking of the new possibilities that exist in this area to create a new tree cutting service. The dream came alive yesterday. With a little seed money that may arrive through our local chaplaincy ministry – a new business may begin soon. It is needed and it will prosper I am confident.

Three Wise Men worked with me yesterday. I can’t help thinking that they have a future together. God arranged our meeting and has instilled our lives with his presence.

Oh I forgot to tell you that the three wise men are all Christians and have had a life changing experience with the Lord. Each life is a miracle in itself. Each has been blessed by God.

One month ago they had never met.

In some ways they are like the Wise Men from long ago in the Christmas story. Men brought together for a special purpose to deliver a “blessing” to someone that needed it. The great joy that they brought with their gifts outshines the gifts they gave. It was God’s plan to use them for the rest of time with their special part in the story.

Have you ever thought of what happened to the Wise Men and their families after they returned home? I believe the “blessing team” they formed would continue to minister wherever possible.

The one I was with yesterday is the same. They are looking forward to the next time they can “bless” someone.

One fellow summed it up yesterday when he stated, “Pastor, if I am not working and am free the day you or anyone else needs help, don’t hesitate to call me.”

The second one jumped right in and responded, “The same goes for me! Don’t forget me!”

The third guy, under his breath, stated, “You can get me out of bed anytime too.”

What a team of wise men!

~ Pastor Murray ~

PS – the Third Wise Man – is my son-in-law… and I do get him out of bed once in a while on his days off.

When Time Flies By

What happened? Where did the week go? It was just yesterday that I was writing something for this blog… yet the dates clearly show that one whole week vanished into thin air. “Poof” is not a time word but it shows up when the changes take place.

I don’t know about you but for me time is not just loping along any more – it is in full gallop. This year has vanished into thin air. The last 365 days are gone – completely.

Yet – when I look back so much has happened. Our family has grown and changed again. Grandkids are older and a lot wiser. Their parents are a little more stretched as they progress toward being parents of teenagers. My wife and I have been witnesses to God’s wonderful grace over and over again. It has been a very interesting year with so many blessings. The blessings all arrived wrapped in God’s wonderful grace in the middle of countless challenges and struggles. It is a wonderful fabric made in 2006. It is a wonderful testament of God’s faithfulness.

Yesterday I listened to a senior man tell his life story of God’s grace and love. His name is Reg. Reg is a fellow minister. He described how in his early ministry God had led him into the ministry. He spoke of low salaries and poor times with struggles mixed into the fiber of his life. Then he shared how God led him into a specialized ministry that would provide a much better salary. Finally he related how in one situation he had befriended an older man across the street from where they lived. He helped the man every time he needed some one. When the man passed away he willed his house to Reg. He then concluded what he was saying with, “It is so wonderful the way that God has looked after us.”

We were sitting together for the second half of the Keenager’s Christmas Banquet. Beside Reg was a man that has been attending our church for a few months now. He is somewhat handicapped. After the dessert was finished and the program portion was being presented, this man leaned over to Reg and said he wanted to go home. Reg listened to him and then told him, “If you want to go home, I will take you. Sure.” Reg left with this man to drive him home in the middle of the Keenager’s program.

In Reg I have found the wonder of God’s grace again. His life is full of giving to who ever he can. Reg is kind hearted and compassionate. I heard the full story of his life and then witnessed the results. Thanks Reg.

This is the way my 2006 has passed by – witnessing the Grace of God in people’s lives.

No, not all stories are so nice. Some have included tragic endings. Some are filled with sorrow that is deep. But through it all God has blessed us over and over again.

The one thing that I do know – God has been there through it all. It is evidence that he will be there through 2007 and beyond as well. Yesterday as I sat looking at the seniors that attended the meeting together I was deeply moved. Some will be in the presence of their Lord this time next year. Time is marching on at a full gallop.

In case you are little upset with this posting, please consider that God has been with you through this past year, this past five years and even further back. This has been your year of blessings. Yet – it is nothing beside what we can expect in 2007. He has promised us that he will never leave us nor forsake us either.

I am ready for Christmas and the New Year celebration. I am ready for this week and this next month. When and as "Time Flies By" – I am ready. How about you? With God’s help we will make it.

~ Pastor Murray ~

Through It All

I've had many tears and sorrows
I've had questions for tomorrow
There've been times I didn't know right from wrong
But in every situation
God gave blessed consolation
That my trials only come to make me strong

I've been a lot of places
And I've seen so many faces
But there've been times I've felt so all alone
But in that lonely hour
In that precious, lonely hour
Jesus let me know I was His own

Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word

So I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through
Cause if I never had a problem
I wouldn't know that He could solve them
I wouldn't know what faith in His Word could do

Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
Yes, I've learned to depend upon His Word
I've learned to depend upon His Word

I don’t think there is a more destructive mode in a human being than the one that is triggered by “What if?”. It is only a small thought that is needed to trigger a whole series of terrible scenarios that can be played a replayed over so many times in an hour that we are left numb with “brain pain”.

In Time Magazine there is a small article entitled “Your Time” that deals with a host of situations that we face in life. One of these situations is Health. One person that is asked for an opinion is Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon. He said the following about uncertainty…

Quote…
One of the toughest things I do as a physician is deal with uncertainty. Doctors are often only as good as their diagnostic tests, and these tests aren’t perfect. Too often we are forced to say, “You might have cancer” – which leads to lots of fear, anxiety and lost sleep. It is often the beginning of arduous process of more tests and in some cases surgical procedures. The only way to be absolutely sure about cancer is to examine of the suspicious cells under a microscope.”
End quote…

Excellent observations. I have found the same when it comes to family problems and difficult relationships. It is so important to know all the factors before decisions are made and course of actions are taken. I only wish that in the ministry I could order a biopsy of the suspicious cells that are causing the problem. I wish that I could send the ‘patient’ for a Spiritual C.A.T. Scan. It would make it so much easier.

Uncertainty rules in most everything that we do. That is completely in the face of faith… but it is a fact that it rules in our lives far too often. The thoughts that it spawns are just plain weird.

Example…
For the last few days I have taken some more vacation time to help my son-in-law and daughter to renovate their bathroom. We came down to the placing of a new tub. The tub is bigger than the one that was there before. Simply put – it wouldn’t fit! Grrrr! Home Depot said that I could do it… and they would help. Grrr! The space was 60 inches and the new tub is 59 and ½ inches… the same as the old one – but it was wider and deeper.

After pulling and pushing and snorting and puffing… I gave up. My son-in-law looked at me in my frustrated state and suggested – “Maybe we could go into the bedroom and saw a hole in the wall and then push the tub through.” At that moment it seemed like a real good idea. It was better than taking the bricks off the outside and making a hole in the outside wall.

Uncertainty ruled at that moment. I was tired, hungry and ready to run to anywhere that didn’t have this kind of problem.

A simple thought came, “Call Tim.” So with one push of a cell phone button, added to a few hours later in the evening Pastor Tim came to the rescue. Together we did some pulling and pushing and snorting and puffing – and the new tub was in. We cut another hole in the wall board to allow more breathing room with the pulling and pushing.

When uncertainty rules – calling for help to the right source is so vital to sanity.
A call and visit to a doctor will settle some fear. A call to a friend when stuff falls apart in our family’s world is absolutely important. Simply talking to someone when doubt mounts, will be the beginning of peace coming back.

This past week I have been fire fighting with three families that are overwhelmed with what they face. Actually you can add another six families to that list – all have mounting problems. It must be the season or this juncture of life – all are in crisis in one way or another. I only wish that I could place them in a Time Machine and then whisk them by this moment to the better one up ahead.

Great TV Programs are developed over the complications that I face daily with people around me. “Doctor House” would be stunned by what we face regularly. The TV Programs “Heroes” would be so busy that their super heroes would be tired at the end of the day. But that is why so many watch these shows – they need a saviour – a person to step in and take control.

I want to make a stunning, earth shaking and absolutely life changing statement here… God is bigger than any problem and is always there. He loves you and me. He in turn fortifies what he does by placing people that are “Jesus” with skin on…as one child I know stated.

There is a simple thought that I would like to prescribe for you… Please envision me sitting with you and pulling out my prescription pad… I click my pen and write the following…

Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)
Do Not Worry
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I need this thought today – God is in charge. And – each day has enough trouble of its own.

How about you? I am praying with you… and for you.

God rules – not Uncertainty!

~ Pastor Murray ~

Chad, Darfur and Me

The eyes of the child from Chad and the Darfur area of Africa stare at me from the Magazine cover. I can’t get the image out of my mind.

The article that goes with the front cover photo appears in the December 11th MacLeans Magazine… next week’s copy. The article tells of the horror of what is happening in Chad and the neighboring Darfur area of the Sudan. It mentions names and places that are strange to me. Words like “janjaweed” mean little to me and makes my spell checker click into actions with a red underline.

A few weeks ago these words meant nothing – in fact I had never read of them. They were people of a planet somewhere else – not people near me. Why should I care?

Today the eyes of the youngster stare into my soul. The question is rising – why should I care? The answer is simple… she or he is likely dead today. In fact each day more and more are dieing or being tortured. The article stated that 250,000 are already murdered and millions more are at risk of dieing.

The part that is shouted the loudest is our Western Leaders have said or done nothing to make this stop. It is an “Islamic problem” – how does it affect us? Why should anyone here in Canada get involved? We are already involved in an unending war of in Afghanistan that we can solve. How can we do more?

If there was ever a need for peace it is now. This will be the new generation’s peace focus I am sure. We have not heard the end of this one yet.

What has that got to do with my world?
Yesterday I met with and contacted three family situations that are all experiencing hatred and violence from within. It almost overwhelmed me with the amount of anger that they have mustered against each other. Today I will speak in an Anglican Church about violence against seniors.

We don’t have to travel far to read of hear of the results of anger.

For the love of God who will stand up and state that they know something about “Love”. I challenge my Islamic friends that read this Blog to do something. I challenge my Christian friends to do something too. With all of our deeply religious roots and feigned spirituality – do we even know anything about Love? From what I have witnessed – we don’t know much.

I am not a political being… at least I don’t perceive myself as such. But something must be done to curb what we see happening.

Something was done.
The Bible tells me that in the last days people will be looking for and shouting about peace. It is at that time that Jesus will come back. Then everything will change. I know that is heavier that most are ready to hear. But I said it and it is something that will change our world that we live in.

There is hope for people in Chad, Sudan and even Canada with this one important thought. Jesus can a will make a difference now – and when he comes back.

The struggle that every real Christian has in the present world is the one that deals with what Christians did in the past years with their brand of Love. After all look at what happened in the years of the Crusades in the mid east.

You needn’t look to history of long ago – just check out what happened in our community in the last few years. Christianity has some strange people that talk about Love too. They have hurt each other all in the name of “their god”.

It isn’t hopeless.
I have to remind myself that there is a God and that he does Love us deeply – but not just us – everyone everywhere. He is doing everything to draw people to himself.

My Prayer and Challenge…

• Pray for the people of Chad and Sudan.
• Pray that there will be help to settle this nightmare soon.
• Pray that our leaders will be willing to at least speak out on behalf of the down trodden.
• Pray for your own insight to be enlightened.
• Pray that the real Love that we talk about will start around you and your family.
• Do something.
• Pray.

~ Pastor Murray ~

To help you know better about the conflict in Chad is about check out….
Chad: Poisoned Arrows vs. Machine Guns
http://coalitionfordarfur.blogspot.com/2006/11/chad-poisoned-arrows-vs-machine-guns.html

Using “Chad vs Darfur Sudan” in a Google search will get you 179,000 hits immediately.

The article in MacLeans Magazine this week(Dec 4th, 2006) declares with its title, “You Go Girl That’ll be $300” says it all. It is an expose on “Life Coaching”. People actually pay other people to tell them what to do – in order to help develop their lives.

Can you imagine being so busy that you need someone to help tell you what to do? Can you imagine being so insecure that you need someone to encourage you in every step you take? Now can you imagine paying someone $300 per hour to do that job for you?

The world is not just a little bit crazy… do you think??

In the magazine article the author tells of Wayne Caskey, 69 years old, that has started a second career as a Life Coach. He has 18 clients and he charges each of them between $250 and $300 per hour.

A Life Coach is also called a “personal change manager”. They deal with anything from your diet on up to when you sleep and who you talk to. They are in your face all the time. Oddly enough it appears that they become your conscience.

Who would have ever thought that you needed to hire a “conscience”?

It is so popular across North America that there are 10,800 that belong to the “International Coach Federation”. This ICF grows at about 200 coaches per month joining the group. That is something when they require that a Coach to have 125 hours of training and log 750 hours of coaching experience before being certified. To become a Master Coach they must log in 2500 hours of coaching hours.

Now if you have a personal Life Coach – go for it. You must be able to afford it. If you don’t – you likely can’t afford it.

Can I ask you a question that is even larger – don you have a friend? Or yet even larger – do you have a group of friends? They are the same in my mind.

While sitting with a group of men that I meet with each week for breakfast we see it happen all the time. One will tell of what he is doing and the others will comment. When one seems down that day the others pick up on it and encourage him. I have received that often when I need the help.

The odd thing is that the church has been doing this for many years naturally… at least it should be.

Sometimes it is not always there though. The other day I heard of a situation where the older person had passed away. When the children tried to find six people to be the pawl bearers – they stopped at four. Their parent had so turned off and turned away so many people that could be friends – there was NO ONE that was available to carry the casket.

Maybe the person needed a Life Coach.

When you read much of Paul’s writings in the New Testament he appears very much like a Life Coach for all the congregations that he writes to. In fact if you think of this important factor – the things he wrote were all designed for that the people that read them and if they lived by what was suggested they would be successful. Most importantly God would bless them.

A walk with Moses through the early Old Testament will show God as the ultimate Life Coach. Talk about a Master Life Coach and the number of hours that He logged in with these people over 40 years – day and night. Try that one on at $300 per hour per person. Staggers your mind doesn’t it?

In my case God gave me one of the best Life Coaches that anyone has ever met. She says the pay stinks. I say it costs me my whole salary every year and has been happening this way for 39 years and 3 months now. Her name is Alida. We married September 9, 1967.

My secondary and back up Life Coaches are a great group of men. They are there for me when I need them and when I don’t need them. They are called friends.

I am going to make sure I keep them all. When I get my final promotion… I need someone I can count on. Hey.. as I moved toward that special day I will need a lot of help along the way.

~ Pastor Murray ~

Taming Time

It seems like this year vanished in a puff of smoke. It disappeared before it appeared. It was swallowed in a series of impossible happenings that didn’t happen. At least that is the way that I perceive it to have happened. “2006 – the Vanishing Year” seems the best way to describe what happened to me. How about you?

With only a few days left in this vanishing year I am looking for some way to enter 2007 slowly and savor the days “s-l-o-w-l-y”.

While reading the other day I came across some very good words from one of my favorite writers and teachers. His name is John Maxwell. This time he was writing about “Taming Time” (the title of this entry today).

Here is what John Maxwell shares about time.
Quote..
“Time is precious. Ask the coach whose team is behind in the final seconds of a game. Ask the air traffic controller in charge of scheduling takeoffs and landings at a major airport. Ask the news reporter who has just received a breaking story from the AP wire. Ask the cancer patient who has recently learned they have only two months left to live.”

“Time management is an oxymoron. Time is beyond our control, and the clock keeps ticking regardless of how we lead our lives. Priority management is the answer to maximizing the time we have. Our days are identical suitcases—all the same size—but some can pack more into them than others. No one has a magical ability to make time, but if our lives have direction, we can make the most of the moments we have been given.”

“Time is more valuable than money, because time is irreplaceable. “You don’t really pay for things with money,” says author Charles Spezzano in What to Do between Birth and Death. “You pay for them with time.” We exchange our time for dollars when we go to work and then trade our dollars for everything we purchase and accumulate. In essence, all we possess can be traced back to an investment of time. Time stewardship is perhaps a leader’s greatest responsibility. In the words of Peter Drucker, “Nothing else distinguishes effective executives as much as their tender loving care of time.” – end quote….

His quote of Charles Spezzano caught my attention and has had hold on it for a few days now… “You don’t really pay for things with money. You pay for them with time.”

The idea that I have given an employer all of my time in exchange for dollars – which I then use to “buy stuff” comes home more at Christmas time and the end of the year. It was said the other day that the average citizen of Canada will buy $1200 dollars worth of gifts for people this year. That is every citizen of our country will spend that much on someone(s).

That being said you can see that at $6.00 an hour – the person will need to work 200 hours – 5 weeks to pay for the stuff. Now if you making $10.00/hour it is only 120 hours – 3 weeks.

An average working person takes about 3 weeks holidays per year. In order to pay for Christmas they need to give up their holidays and keep working to pay for it all.

This is about Taming Time not spending Christmas dollars but this illustration drives home the thought even further.

John Maxwell suggests the following key points… People who use time correctly are…
1. Purposeful
2. Committed to Values
3. Attuned to Strengths
4. Choosers of Happiness
5. Equippers

My Christmas gift this year to my wife is to act on these ideas. My gift to my kids will be to show these qualities in a better way. I hope more than anything that my grandkids will see that grandpa is real in these areas and then catch a little of what he has.

How about you? What are you doing with your time?

~ Pastor Murray ~

PS – For the whole article from John Maxwell click here…