Spiderman, Batman or is it out and out crazyman!

(Photo of an earlier demonstration held by members of Fathers4Justice)

Campaign group Fathers4Justice member, Tim Haries, 41, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, is accused of causing more than £5,000 worth of criminal damage.

While I was recently in the UK a beautiful portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was unveiled at Westminster Abbey.
The oil on canvas by Ralph Heimans is a real treasure and has been put on display for all to enjoy.

Tim Haries decided that he would spray paint this picture in order to advance the campaign of the group Fathers4Justice!

I have over the years seen a number of imaginative demonstrations by this group including scaling all kinds of high-rise buildings. I've never really explored to deep what the group is all about; I do however recall what has been shared via news reports covering their earlier campaigns. They want to see Justice for father's, particularly when husbands and wives divorce and there are children involved. A worthy campaign purpose I feel.

My question is:

"Has this senseless act, by this lone individual, helped Fathers4Justice in their mission?"

Well, they've gained some press, but at the same time they have lost a lot of people's respect and support!

I'm not sure, as I write this post whether the group Fathers4Justice sanctioned the action taken by Tim Haries. If they didn't, then I feel it would help them to have a spokesperson publicly declare it. At the same time, the leaders of this group need to make sure that all members know that such a horrible act is un-acceptable.

If Tim Haries is a father trying to regain his children, I believe that he will have hurt his cause by what he has done.
What kind of example has he set a child? Why would you want to trust a man with the welfare of a child if this kind of act is acceptable in his thinking?

As a Christian, as a man of God I am outraged by Tim Haries' actions. I would want to say to him, that fighting for those who are often unfairly treated is a noble thing; but you need to choose your fights wisely. Particularly as a father; what example are you setting the next generation?

Proverbs 3:32 says:

For the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence. (NIV)

Its Father's Day this coming weekend (16th June). Many will celebrate and remember their father's, the example they've been. I close this post with this quote by Clarence Budington Kelland, a U.S. writer:

"My father didn't tell me how to live: he lived, and let me watch him do it."

A father has the responsibility of teaching the next generation. Do it wisely!

Re-defining marriage

To those who feel the need to re-define marriage, can I ask you to give me ten minutes of your time!

Please open the bible (that's the Word of God, by the way); read the first three chapters of Genesis. Once you've read this, turn to the New Testament and read the first three chapters of Romans.

Thank you for your ten minutes; can we now get on with Kingdom of God business and the sharing of the gospel!

Thanks!

If God is speaking we should listen...

And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17 NLT)

This verse is taken from the book of Acts when Peter had returned from ministering to some Gentiles in their home. He was questioned as to whether it was right for him to go into a Gentiles home. God had earlier shown him that Peter shouldn't consider unclean what God had made clean. It's context concerns what food Peter could eat, and whether it was okay with God for him to enter a Gentiles home.

What an important truth this verse from Acts finishes with; does it apply to other situations?

Take a look at the verse again:

And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17 NLT)

I believe God has given me a gift to preach/teach and make disciples. Many have been given such gifting. However, some are questioned as to whether its right for them to use these gifts!

I'm talking about women; and I know that many will disagree with me on this, but I have to say:

If God is speaking to me through a person; teaching me, discipling me and I know it's coming to me from God - I don't care whether the vessel He uses is male or female! I want to hear from God!

I know their is much more to be said on this and many other scriptures that can be used to back up both sides of the debate. But come on, isn't the bottom line about whether God is the author - is He the one speaking?

Peter said, "who was I to stand in God’s way?"

I think we should check ourselves in case we are the ones standing in God's way!

Think first, answer second!!

Man I got myself in all kinds of trouble last year, because I didn't pause to think before saying yes or no!

¹² But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. James 5:12 (ESV)

It's so easy for me to get caught up in the moment and get carried away!

I've often said yes, or given the impression that it's going to be a yes when actually, away from the scene I've realised that I should be saying no!

The reverse is also true - I've had those quick decision moments where I've answered 'no, it doesn't work for me', when actually, later I've realised that the right response would have been a big fat YES!

I'm learning this year to think before responding; before getting carried away!

I'm learning that sometimes I need to respond to people by saying:

'Can I get back to you on that'!

May 2013 be a year where I don't put my foot right in it by not taking the time to think first!

Onion sprouts and the Word of God!

The other night I was cooking my dinner before bible study. I was having a nice spicy stir fry with onion sprouts and a side order of scripture.

Actually, what was happening is that I was cooking dinner, and while stirring the pan I was reading one of the chapters of my year through the bible plan.
Yes it's a strange way to complete my readings for the day, but at the same time it illustrates that we can grab the Word of God at anytime!

I wouldn't recommend this as your only way of studying scripture. Cooking and reading isn't the best way to focus on what God is saying, but it can still be a useful exercise!

I'm reminded of a story about a young lad out with his grandfather at the beach.
The grandfather sent the young lad to the waters edge with instructions to fill his leaking bucket with water so as to fill a hole they had dug together.
However, the leaking bucket meant much of the water would run out before it was brought to the dug hole. Although the bucket had a hole in it, some of the water was retained and the dug hole was eventually filled!

It's a bit like that with reading scripture, much like I was doing while cooking my delicious stir fry. Though I might not retain all that I've read, some of it does remain!

Take every opportunity to read the Word of God.

Is my faith a secret, an illusion?

"The Book of James makes it clear that faith without works is dead! There is no such thing as private faith that is not lived out through public action. That's an American myth not a Biblical truth.

If you claim to have a personal relationship with the GOD of the entire universe, and HE lives inside of you, yet nobody knows because it's a secret...It's not a secret, it's an illusion.

Our relationship Jesus must benefit the people around us, beginning with our own families".
(Kris Vallotton via Facebook)

I read this on Facebook by a pastor I follow.

Sometimes Kris says things that I don't always agree with; but I like that - I don't want to just follow blogs etc that fit in with my thinking. I want to be made to think about what I'm reading and not just blindly agree.

Anyway, I didn't post his quote to just say that!

The book of James is always going to be one of those in your face books (no pun intended!) of the bible - to have Kris post an extract from it has forced me to really think about its challenge.

Can people see my faith? Or does my relationship with God remain a secret to the world around me?

Those closest to me know that I'm a Christian, but are they aware of it because I live out my faith in word and deed? Or is it all about them simply knowing of my confession?

I'm not what you would call a natural born evangelist but I do recognise that my public Christian life maybe the only bible that some people get to view. If I'm not living the Christ stuff out, I'm not a follower of Christ, I'm simply a reader of Christ! How will that help anyone?

Kris (apostle James, God!), I'm challenged!

Quote from Kris Vallotton can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/kvministries/posts/10151225118893741

Father figures

A few weeks ago I was chatting to a new friend by the name of Bruce who is serving God and the people of South Africa through an exciting sports ministry (check out www.aishopeacademy.org/). We hooked up to discuss CVM SA (Christian Vision for Men South Africa).

Bruce shared with me something that clearly was coming from his heart; the idea of father figures. Bruce works with a lot of young, impressionable men.

Question - Who is standing as a father figure for these guys, and the many others in our communities?

When we look at our society today we can see many issues; crime, unemployment, poor living conditions etc etc. We hear these issues reported on our news programs, for some we have even experienced, first-hand the negative outcome of such issues.

Question - Should we just sit back and complain, should we sit back and wait for others to address the issues?

Clearly the answer is NO!

We can all get on board and try to do something to turn things around.

One thing I want to highlight in this post is the whole idea of father figures.

Not every young man out there, in everyday life, has a positive role model, mentor figure in their life. Even those who still have their biological father or other family members like uncles don't always have a real positive father figure in whom they can learn from and turn too. I think this is where, for many young guys, things start to fall apart!
But change, even for those who have turned to crime is possible; just ask guys like Bruce who works with young offenders.

What we need is men who can act as a father figure, mentor to the next generation. This was something that I think past generations were often pretty good at. But it's something we, in today's world have, dare I say, forgotten about. We need men who can first set good examples; this needs to be in every area of life including family, work and their social lives. From there we need men who will make time to invest in the next generation and guide them as they grow into the men of tomorrow.

I'm a Christian, so from my stand point I would say that such father figures need to know God as Lord and Saviour. From such a relationship life can be lived the right way and the positive example needed can be lived out. But actually let's not limit this idea to the Christian church. Men today, regardless of religious beliefs need to live life right, and as they do, they can in turn be the example setters for the next generation.

Okay, so maybe I tweaked your interest. What does being a father figure to the next generation entail?

Well I've already mentioned setting the right example, but if you can give more you will help more. We need guys who are able to come alongside young guys, not to judge them but to walk with them through those formative years. We need guys who will make themselves available to young men as a listening ear and as a help in times of trouble. We need men who recognise that they themselves have had positive things like morals, practical skills and so on invested into them, and they now can invest such experience into the next generation.

There is much more that can be shared and I invite you to comment on this post if I can help you or encourage you further.

If like me you see the importance of such father figures, mentors in society and you want to get on board, take a look at those young guys already known to you. Is there anyone you can befriend, (A piece of advice here; don't force things and speak to any parents involved before making your approach). Another way to offer yourself as a father figure or mentor is to talk to your local church leaders. They should be able to advice you and point you in the right direction.

I would also like to make myself available to you. If you leave me a contact email or phone number I will contact you and help to put you in touch with the right people.

Before I close this post, let me say to any young man who reads this who feels they have no such positive figure in their lives, there are guys like Bruce, like me, who care. Please speak to the right people and let them help you as you go on with your life, (the comment part of this post is for you too).

Thanks for reading.

Location:Jeffreys Bay