Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.  Sundays are skipped when counting the 40 days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection.  This year Lent begins on 9 March and ends on 23 April, which is the day before Easter.  At Bayside Church we finish the fast on Palm Sunday – the weekend before Easter.

In many countries, the last day before Lent (called Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Carnival, or Fasching) has become a last fling before the solemnity of Lent.  For centuries, it was customary to fast by abstaining from meat during Lent, which is why some people call the festival Carnival, which is Latin for farewell to meat.

Many churches today do not celebrate Lent.  The reason for this is that in the 16th century, many Calvinists and Anabaptists discarded all Christian holy days, on the theory that they were Roman Catholic innovations.  This we now know not to be the case.  In the late 19th century, ancient Christian documents came to light.  The Didache from the first century, the Apostolic Constitutions from the third century, and the diaries of Egeria of the fourth century all give evidence of the Christian calendar and holy days. The Didache and the Apostolic Constitutions were written in the east, which denies it ever recognized the institution of the papacy. Egeria was a Spanish nun, but her writings also describe practices in the east.  All of these documents came to light 300 years after some Protestant groups had already discarded Christian holy days.

The Anabaptists gave rise to or influenced the Amish, the Mennonites, the Baptists, and the Plymouth Brethren. The Puritans, who were Calvinists, had similar views on worship, which is why they made Christmas illegal in Massachusetts at one time.

Gradually, the holy days have returned to the churches that had lost them.  The restoration quickly began with Easter.  Christmas followed in the 19th century, and Advent and Holy Week became widespread among churches in the 20th century.  Lent is mounting a comeback in the 21st century.

I believe the season of Lent is about two things – others and ourselves.  Personally it’s a time to give up something, especially something that is holding us back or hindering the freedom Jesus has gained for us.  It might be a particular food or drink, a habit, or something that is taking up too much time.  Lent is a time to rededicate our life to Jesus Christ and to spend more time praying, as well as reading and studying God’s Word.  It’s a time to enjoy a greater intimacy with our creator.

In Philippians 2:4 the apostle Paul taught, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  I believe that is true of Lent.  It shouldn’t just be a time for us but also a time for others – to pray for family and friends and to look for ways to be generous – to perform random acts of kindness.

I encourage you to get involved in Lent this year. You’ll reap great personal benefits and be a blessing to those around you.

Some Christians may fail to donate organs because of the idea that a total body will be necessary at the resurrection.  The view is that, at the resurrection the risk exists of someone’s body missing vital organs or, worse still, organs flying out of the recipients and finding their home once again in the donor!  This concern can be quickly squashed by a proper understanding of 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 which teaches that there is a tremendous difference between the physical body at death, which may be buried, cremated and return to dust (Genesis 3:19), and the spiritual body of the resurrection.

Others may be concerned that organ donation and transplantation is interfering with the natural order.  Some people feel that organ transplantation is contrary to natural law, supporting the concept on the basis of the inevitable rejection by one’s body of a newly transplanted organ or tissue.  Developing technology, however, has decreased the risks of rejection.  In the early 17th century the practice of blood transfusions resulted in many deaths because incompatible blood was given.  Then in 1900 Karl Landsteiner discovered blood types and thus eliminated the extreme risks involved in transfusions.  Technological advances continue to eliminate the rejection of organs through closely screening donors and recipients, and then developing medications that will combat specific rejection of the transplanted organs.

It is my belief that the Bible supports medical, technological and scientific breakthroughs.  In Genesis 1:28 God commands humanity to “kabash”, or to take charge of the earth.  The Bible also gives many accounts of intervention to extend life or improve its quality.  One example is Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44).  This event extended Lazarus’s life and gave him and his family new opportunities.  The Gospel accounts record 23 times that Jesus healed or raised someone from the dead (see John 4:46-53; Matthew 8:2-4; Mark 2:3-12; Luke 18:35-43 and John 5:1-9).  Old Testament passages also offer support for prolongation of life.  Elijah prayed to God and the life of the dead child for whom he prayed was restored (1 Kings 17:19-22).  Elisha performed a similar act, as life miraculously returned to a dead child (2 Kings 4:32-35).

The other reason why I believe the Bible sanctions organ donation is the repeated command to “Love your neighbour as yourself.”  One way to express this love is through modern technology that makes organ donation and transplantation possible.  The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) demonstrated the standard that everyone is a neighbour and that people should be willing to love in a way that meets the needs of their neighbour.  This includes giving first aid and the best health care possible. The Good Samaritan bandaged wounds, poured on oil and transported the injured man for help. Anointing with oil was the best medical care available in Jesus’ day and this testifies to the importance of medical care along with prayer.  Today prolonging life through the best medical technology available and with the power of prayer should be the focus of every person in a similar situation.

Organ donation gives another chance at life to those people who would otherwise die.  Jesus taught the Golden Rule, “in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12).  If I – or my wife or children – was dying and an organ transplant could save a life then I would be so grateful if a donor was available.  If I would want others to do that for me why wouldn’t I reciprocate?  Organ donation is one of the few acts for which people will remember you even after you are dead.  Any person can give a new life to at least five individuals.  Last year I registered as an organ donor.  Will you join me?

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/aodr/index.jsp

http://www.donatelife.gov.au/Discover.html

The problem is that this moral message gets in the way of the church’s real message – the gospel, which is good news.  Some Christians are so busy trying to clean up others’ lives by Christianising them that they miss their real mission – that of sharing the true gospel.  The message of the moral police actually drives a wedge between Christians and the world that God loves.
Jesus didn’t behave this way so why do some of His people?  It’s like trying to clean a fish before you’ve caught it.  Jesus hung around with all sorts of people who had been rejected by the religious crowd of his day (see Mark 2:13-17).  The religious right, who did not understand Jesus’ love and acceptance, scorned Him – and they haven’t changed!
Now I’m not saying that Christians shouldn’t have an opinion about moral issues, or have the right to express that opinion, or work for what is right in society.  We greatly respect people like William Wilberforce who worked tirelessly to abolish slavery in the British Empire – even though he was forsaken by much of society, including the church.  Today we respect Christians like Tim Costello who works on behalf of the poor and speaks out on issues like the dangers of gambling addiction.
But these men are a far cry from Christians who see themselves as the moral police called to enforce their view of the Bible’s morality on all of society.  These people build walls rather than bridges and actually keep people away from a relationship with a God who can change their life.
Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn the world – why should we?  Jesus came to reconcile people to God.  The moral police don’t reconcile, they repel.
The Christian message should be attractive not repellent. The apostle Paul wrote: “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sings against them.  And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”  There it is, the church’s message for the world – reconciliation.
Of course the moral police are not new.  They’ve been around for centuries – even in Jesus’ day.  He told them once, “you shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces.  You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to” (Matthew 23:13).
Christians are not called to live as conspirators banded together against the world that is for the time their home.  Rather, Jesus calls his people to live as salt and light “that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” – not be turned away from God by the message of the moral police!

To have only rules leads to rebellion, fear and seclusion.  To have only relationship leads to over familiarity, insecurity and out-of-control behaviour.  Let’s face it; we’ve all had experiences with people whose children have no rules – only relationship.  These people seem to be totally unaware of how obnoxious their kids really are – and why they’re rarely invited a second time!

Right from the beginning God has been interested in relationship with rules.  With the first humans he enjoyed perfect relationship, but there were also rules to be observed (see Genesis 2-3).  When the rules were broken the relationship was changed – and not for the better.

Throughout time God has sought to be in fellowship with people.  The Bible is an account of many of these relationships as well as the rules that were to be followed to make sure the relationships were protected.  The Ten Commandments, which really are still the foundation of any healthy society, are a classic example of this.  Let’s face it relationships are never at their best when things like adultery, lying, covetousness and stealing are prevalent.

About two thousand years ago God visited planet earth in human form – the person we know as Jesus.  His purpose?  To let people know he is still interested in having relationship with them.  But, just like it was in the beginning, this relationship comes with rules, one rule in fact, to love (John 13:34).  This love is to be directed towards God as well as to others: Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-40).  Love God and love others.  As the apostle Paul says, “He who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:8-10).

The beginning of a New Year is a great time to reassess our lives and to make sure that both of these ingredients – rules and relationship – are in their proper place.  Is your walk with God a legalistic one?  If so, realise afresh that his main desire for you is to be in relationship with him, to enjoy his presence and blessing in your life.

Conversely though, it is vital that we don’t slip into the error of antinomianism: a sixteenth century term coined by Martin Luther to describe those who believed that the Gospel frees us from required obedience to any law.  A Christian walk without rules leads to a sloppy, feel good, experience-based faith.  If that describes you then it’s time to remind yourself of what the Lord requires, to repent and to live your life by his timeless rules.

Rules and relationship: let’s hold these timeless truths in balance like the two wings on a plane.  That’s the best way to fly straight as we head into the wonderful future God has planned for all his people.

 

I believe the Bible gives us four principles that help us discover what God’s will is for our life:
Firstly, we need to ask the question, “What does the word say?”  The word of God is the will of God.  Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  In other words, the Bible illuminates where we are right now as well as where we need to walk into the immediate future.  The Bible gives us general guidelines for decision-making so study it!  Know it!  Do it!  The Bible however is a compass not a map.  It helps us set the right direction in life, but it doesn’t always give us the specifics such as who am I to marry?  Which university should I attend?  Where should I live?  What career should I pursue?  Should I leave this job and pursue another?  Is God calling me into church or marketplace ministry?  And so on.  The next three principles help us find the answers to these and other questions.
The second principle is “What does wisdom say?”  That is, something may be permitted by God, but is this course of action wise at this particular time?  It’s like the statement the apostle Paul made in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial.  Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.”  Wisdom is the ability to put your knowledge into action in the right way.  And so, when making a decision ask yourself, “is this beneficial, is this constructive, is this wise?”
Thirdly, use your initiative!  In Genesis 2:19-20, God gave Adam the job of naming ALL the animals – no easy task.  He has created people with a brain, with intelligence, with a mind and He expects us to use it!  2 Timothy 1:7 says “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  A sound mind means common sense.  In decision-making use your initiative, do the research, find out the facts and the options, and then move forward because it’s easier to steer a moving vehicle than a stationary one!
Finally, make sure you submit every decision to the sovereignty of God.  That’s the truth we find in James 4:13-15, “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
So, ask what the word teaches and what wisdom dictates.  Use your initiative and submit every decision to God’s sovereignty.  And remember, what God opens, no one can shut; and what He shuts, no one can open (Revelation 3:7).

Tithing is the practice of giving one-tenth of one’s income or possessions to God’s work so that it can be successfully accomplished.  The word tithe simply means “tenth” (Hebrew: Ma’asar) and is first found in the Bible in Genesis 14:20 when Abram met Melchizedek king of Salem.  As well as being a king, Melchizedek was also a priest of God and he blessed Abram.  In return, Abram blessed Melchizedek by giving him a tenth of everything.

In the New Testament book of Hebrews we are once again acquainted with this king/priest and this time we find out his true identity.  Melchizedek is symbolic of Jesus the Messiah – the One who blesses us.  The One we give a tenth of everything to.

The story of Melchizedek is fascinating, especially for those who reject the responsibility of tithing with the excuse that its just part of Old Testament law that doesn’t apply to Christians today.  The story of Abram pre-dates the law by nearly 600 years.  The Book of Hebrews, of course, is in the New Testament.

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus reinforces tithing as something He requires.  In his rebuke of the religious leaders of the day he challenges them for being pernickety about tithing while neglecting the more important things like justice, mercy and faithfulness.  Jesus says, “you should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former” (that is, tithing).

There are many reasons why we tithe.  Here are a few of them:

• It is a principle of God (Numbers 18:24-28)
• It belongs to God – not you (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:8-9)
• It brings the blessing of God (Malachi 3:10-12; Luke 6:38)
• It defeats the spirit of this age – greed (Colossians 3:5)
• It demonstrates that we serve God not money (Matthew 6:24)
• We are called to fund the work of God (1 Timothy 5:17-18)
• We recognise that everything we have belongs to God (1 Cor 6:19-20)
• God gave his most precious possession for us (John 3:16)
• Obedience is proof of our love for Jesus (1 John 5:1-3; John 14:15)
• Giving is the gateway to receiving the true riches (Luke 16:10-15)
• We believe in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19-21)

Evangelist Billy Graham said this about tithing:“God’s blessing on the nine-tenths helps it to go further than the ten-tenths without his blessing!”  His words are true.  I can’t explain it to you.  All is know is that for most of my Christian life I have honored God by giving him the FIRST ten percent of ANY financial increase I have received and, as a result, I have experienced the truth of Billy Graham’s words.  There was a short season many years ago when I stopped tithing and it was one of the leanest and most difficult times I’ve ever faced.  It was like the river stopped flowing.

And so, as we approach the beginning of a New Year, let me challenge you to develop the habit of honoring God with the tithe.  Don’t wait until you’ve paid all your other bills.  Put God FIRST because that’s what He did for you.

If you like this blog share it on facebook or retweet it.
facebook

twitter

Before the 1931 introduction of the Coca-Cola Santa Claus, the image of Santa ranged from big to small and fat to tall. Santa even appeared as an elf and looked a bit spooky.  The modern-day Santa Claus is a combination of a number of the stories from a variety of countries.  Now, back to the question:

Christie and I made a decision many years ago that Santa would be part of our Christmas celebrations.  We made this decision for two reasons:

Firstly, Santa IS a real person – or at least WAS.  Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas, born in 270AD to a very wealthy family.  He was a committed Christian who eventually became Bishop of Myra – part of modern-day Turkey.  Due to the many miracles attributed to his ministry he was also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker!  He had a reputation for secret gift giving; in fact he eventually gave most of his family fortune away to those in need, and thus became the model for the modern-day Santa Claus. 

The second reason we include Santa in our Christmas celebrations is because children LOVE fantasy!  Ever watch a child’s eyes light up as you tell them a wonderful story?  Fantasy and role-play is vital to a child’s healthy development.  It allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, intellectual, and emotional strength. It is vital to healthy brain development as well as helping them engage and interact in the world around them. It allows children to create and explore a world they can master, and conquer their fears.

The Christian faith has been the catalyst for so much creativity over the centuries including great inventions and discoveries, music, painting and writing.  Incredible creativity that has come out the God-given imaginations of men and women created in the image of God.

Fantasy has been used over the years as a powerful tool to communicate Christian truth.  Authors like JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis expressed their Christian faith through fantasy and gave us works like Lord of the Rings and Narnia Chronicles that millions around the world are still enjoying and learning from today.

The Bible itself uses lots of imagery in an attempt to communicate spiritual truth to human beings. Since the beginning of time God has chosen to speak to people in dreams and visions, pictures, poems, songs, stories, and imagery. Jesus’ taught in parables.  God could have given us a list of things to do and not do, but rather He chose to weave truth into creative writing so that our imaginations would be stirred.

For these two reasons we have embraced Santa into our Christmas celebrations.  The children leave him and the reindeer snacks and drinks on Christmas Eve.  Santa leaves them a note and gifts – and makes a terrible mess in the process!  The kids love it – it’s a wonderful part of Christmas.  Of course our children also understand that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday.  They love the Lord and are growing in their faith.  Jesus is central to Christmas but that doesn’t mean that Santa has to be excluded.

Alarming reports however, are streaming in from all over the world that Christian believers in many countries are being tortured, imprisoned and even killed because of their faith in Jesus.

A report by Britain’s intelligence service MI6 reveals that there is an estimated 200 million Christians in 60 countries who are now facing persecution.

There were close to 100 million martyrs in the last century – that is more people martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ in the 20th century than in all the previous nineteen centuries combined. 15 million of these were Orthodox or Catholic Christians who died under the Soviet regime between 1917 and 1980, primarily in prison camps.  Some were crucified by nailing them to the door of their churches or stripped naked, doused with water and left to freeze in the winter air.

More people died in circumstances related to their faith in the last century than in all the 20th century wars combined.

According to the 2011 Open Doors’ World watch list of the worst persecuting nations, North Korea has topped the list again. More than 50,000 Christians are incarcerated in work camps in North Korea because they refuse to submit to the extreme views rigorously enforced by the country’s dictator, Kim Jong-Il.  One expert on North Korea stated: “Christians are the target of fierce government action, and once caught, are not regarded as human. Last year we had evidence that some [of those captured] were used as guinea pigs to test chemical and biological weapons.”

Other persecuting countries include: Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Maldives, Yemen, Iraq, Uzbekistan and Laos. Muslim nations are the biggest persecutors of those of other faiths.

So, what should our response be to these things?

Firstly, we should be grateful that we live in a nation such as Australia that grants us freedom to express our faith.

Secondly, we need to be prepared.  We do enjoy great freedom in Australia right now, but that might not always be the case.  Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also …” (John 15:20).

Thirdly, be encouraged. Maybe you’re experiencing a level of persecution right now.  The Bible tells us that nothing – not even persecution – can separate us from the love of Christ” (Romans 8:35).

Fourthly, be compassionate. Sympathy looks and turns away, compassion comes to help and stay. Proverbs 31:8 encourages us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”  In the United States, after fierce lobbying by some churches and other groups, American legislators agreed to levy punishments ranging from diplomatic protests to economic sanctions against countries that persistently persecute Christians and other religious minorities.  We can make a difference by speaking up.

Finally, be prayerful. Last Sunday more than 300,000 churches in 100 countries took part in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Add the persecuted church to your prayer list. Pray specifically that God would be glorified; the great commission would be completed, that the Holy Spirit would purify and comfort his church.

If you would like to find out more on how you can assist persecuted Christians around the world check out these websites and books:

Open Doors: http://www.opendoors.org.au

Christian Solidarity Worldwide: http://www.csw.org.uk/home.htm

World Christian Resources:
http://www.missionresources.com/persecuted.html

Welcome to Australia
http://www.welcometoaustralia.org.au/

Faith that endures: by Ronald Boyd-MacMillan

In the Lion’s Den: by Nina Shea

The persecuted church prayer devotional: by Beverly Pegues

If you like this blog share it on facebook or retweet it.
facebook

twitter

Santa lives at the North Pole …
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa comes but once a year …
JESUS is an ever-present help.

You have to wait in line to see Santa …
JESUS is as close as a prayer.

Santa lets you sit on his lap …
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?”…
JESUS knew your name before you were born!

Santa says, "You better not cry" …
JESUS says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Santa's little helpers make toys …
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but …
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree …
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree!

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May this Christmas be a happy and holy time for you and yours.

At Bayside Church we have people from America, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Cook Islands, Egypt, England, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Niue Islands, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Samoa, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vietnam, Wales and Zimbabwe.  And there may be others that we’re not aware of at this stage.

The amazing thing about this is that some of these people groups are traditional enemies.  Think about the enmity that exists between India and Pakistan; between Protestant and Catholic Irish; between Jews and Palestinians; between white, black and colored South Africans; and between Greeks and Macedonians.

For centuries people have divided over racial differences.  Hatred is passed from one generation to the next, often with younger generations having no clue as to why enmity exists.  They just know that they are to hate.

In the same way people conflict over religious differences with one religion often persecuting members of another.  Others clash because of economic inequality where the rich oppress the poor; or gender differences where men dominate women; or social divisions where the free enslave others for their own greedy profit.

The wonderful thing about true Christianity is that all these divisions – and the ongoing torment that goes with them – disappear because of Jesus.  That’s why the apostle Paul wrote words like this:

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26-28)

At Bayside Church we have people from India and Pakistan enjoying each other’s company; people from Catholic and Protestant Irish background hanging out together; Jews and Palestinians getting along; and white, colored and black South Africans loving one another.  And that’s the way it should be!  It’s a little taste of heaven on earth as revealed in the final pages of the Bible speaking of Jesus, “… you were slain,and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.  You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,and they will reign on the earth,” (Rev 5:9-10).

It all starts when we love our neighbour as ourselves!

If you like this blog share it on facebook or retweet it.
facebook

twitter

 

For many it’s a problem they’re aware of, but it’s so big – and they can’t do much – so they do nothing.  And so poverty is largely ignored.  We see the pictures on TV, but it’s so far away and such a big problem that we turn away and go back to what we were doing.
Others try and justify their inaction by asking questions like: How do we know these people are really poor?  Isn’t it largely their own fault?  If I give money how do I know it’s going to get to the people who really need it anyway?  So the ostrich sticks its head back in the sand and pretends the problem isn’t really that big and hopefully it’ll just go away.  But it won’t – not without our help!
Some Christians do little or nothing to help the poor because they have a poverty mindset.  I’ve met so many of these people over the years.  They talk so much about helping the poor, but they have such an issue with money that they’re not able to help much because they don’t have much.  They think that being poor is in some way being spiritual.
Of course if you push that thinking to its logical conclusion then the poorer you are the more spiritual you are, so you might as well sell everything you have and live under a tree.  Then you’d be really spiritual!  If poverty is spiritual why would you help the poor?  If you help them you’re actually making them less spiritual.
The Bible teaches that poverty is a curse.  Over 2,200 times in Scripture, God tells His people to help relieve poverty, but why would He do that if poverty were spiritual?  And, you only relieve poverty if you have something to give – i.e. wealth.
Two words sum up a right response to world poverty:  appreciation and generosity.  Rather than being judgmental of what we (and others) have we need to be full of appreciation to God and have a thankful heart.  I am so grateful that I live in Australia with all its blessing, prosperity and opportunity.  I am also grateful that I have something that I can give to those who have little or nothing.  I love to be generous and helping the poor and needy.
Sir Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”  In a prosperous country like Australia we have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate than us.  It is not God’s will for people to suffer as much as they do.  He expects those of us who have to help those who have not.  And it doesn’t take a lot – it just takes everyone doing what they can.
It’s easy to say; “The problems too big;” or “Not everyone’s going to help.” But it’s got to start somewhere.  All God is asking us to do is to do what we can do.
In Luke 16 Lazarus was “longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.”  That is what many in poor nations desire to do.  The rich man’s crime was that he didn’t even give Lazarus the food scraps.  Let us not be guilty of the same crime – let’s do our part in responding to poverty.

 

The old adage says laughter is the best medicine, but how much does laughter actually affect one’s wellbeing?

I read with interest recently when the Herald Sun reported the visit of “humour therapists” to nursing home residents with dementia.

“Four hundred residents from 36 nursing homes took part in the SMILE study led by University of NSW researchers who wanted to see if humour had an effect on people with dementia in terms of their mood, agitation levels, behaviour and social engagement.The researchers worked with ‘humour therapist’ Jean-Paul Bell, who co-founded the Humour Foundation and works as a ‘clown doctor’ cheering up patients in children’s hospitals.”

Lead researcher Dr Lee-Fay Low said residents who received humour therapy showed a 20 per cent reduction in agitated behaviour such as aggression, wandering, screaming and repetitive behaviour. Other patients who had not spoken for some time started to utter a few words and eventually exchanged conversation.

The results of the humour therapy show that laughter really could be the best medicine when it comes to treating older people with dementia.

It doesn’t stop there. If you google “Laughter is the best medicine”, you’ll come up with over 5 million results many of which (and no I haven’t read them all) show the positive impact of real laughter on our health and well being. We all know from firsthand experience how much better we feel after a good belly laugh.

What we know to be scientifically true today the Bible spoke of 3,000 years ago when King Solomon wrote, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

This principle was recorded powerfully in the 1984 book and movie, “Anatomy of an illness” – the famous story recounting Norman Cousins’ partnership with his doctors in overcoming a crippling and supposedly irreversible degenerative spinal disease. When he was in pain he would watch Marx Brothers comedy movies. He says, “I made the joyous discovery that ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anaesthetic effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep. When the pain-killing effect of the laughter wore off, we would switch on the motion picture projector again and not infrequently, it would lead to another pain-free interval.”

Medical science has proven that those with a happy attitude to life:

  • Think more clearly
  • Work more effectively
  • Enjoy their leisure time
  • Get on better with others
  • Are generally healthier
  • Have an enhanced memory, and
  • Their sense organs perform to their maximum efficiency.

Joy releases endorphins into the blood stream. These “natural drugs” are more powerful than morphine. They give a natural high, reduce pain, relieve tension and aid in the healing process.

It’s been estimated that at least two-thirds of those who visit doctors do so because of stress-related symptoms. In fact stress and other psychosomatic problems (worry, fear, depression etc) are at the root of about 90% of all sickness.

With this in mind it is a timely reminder that laughter truly is the best medicine.

Why not plan a good belly-laugh session today.