PORTALS OF HELL

History records that Columba led the early Christianization of the country we now know as Scotland. Coming from Ireland, he led a delegation to call on the king of the Picts who controlled most of what was then Caledonia. At the time the religion was pagan with druids all powerful.

The story is told that, facing a cold reception from king and priests, Columba strode up to locked doors and declared that they be opened to the declaration of the gospel. And it was indeed so. 'The gates of hell could not prevail against it.'

We tend to see ourselves inside the fortress and on the defensive.

ELIXIR

It is in ordering our lives to enrich the lives of others that we find the elixir of life.

'...though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor so that through His poverty you might be made rich.'

'..I am come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.'

'These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.'

IRAQ

March 2003 there were headlines blaring out the danger posed by Saddam Hussein who could mobilise his weapons of mass destruction in 45 minutes. It altered the mood of the nation and facilitated a declaration of war. Now we hear that it was included for effect and lent a 'bit of local colour'. It is now admitted that it was not a wise move.

The local colour it lent is that of the blood of our soldiers.

PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS?

The term 'career politician' is not new. This speaks of self-advancement.But should we not rather talk of professional politicians? For this is indeed what they are according to the current understanding of the term 'professional': those who pursue an occupation as their means of living.

This would bind them to professional standards as most of us have to do. This would include Lifelong Learning and Continual Professional Development with an annual appraisal by their constituency. Surely for those entrusted to lead our country this should be obligatory?

Embedded in professional standards are moral values and ethics. The citizens expect this but it does not seem to enter the reckoning of Members of Parliament. They feather their own nests until exposed.

Insight and perception head the list of abilities. On this score who of our leading politicians show evidence of professionalism? Small wonder we don't honour them, nor can we show respect.

'For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety'.

Our politicians would do well to study the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs.

GOLD

Unless men of this world observe the burning away of the dross of God's people they will not believe there is a God.

GLOBAL WARMING

This winter is regarded as the most severe in decades. Weather forecasters talk of bizarre shifts in weather patterns.

'He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision'
Psalm 2 vs 4

THE BEAUTY OF OBEDIENCE

As I watch my puppy grow and learn obedience, I enjoy her more and more. All the good things become even more delightful. This caused me to think that it must be so with God as His children joyfully learn to do His will. God is not an austere master who must be pleased but a loving Father who delights in His sons and daughters as they seek to know His will and carry it out.

As she grows in obedience I give her more freedom as I know I can trust her to respond when danger threatens. Surely this is so with us. Just as with Eve, Satan would depict God as other than He is, the spoiler of our enjoyment. When Adam and Eve took to themselves the role of judge between good and evil, they were taking on God's role, something too heavy to bear and which ruined their lives. Allowing God to be the judge is the first submission man must show. Obedience to Him, his first service, out of love and not compulsion.

'And do not be conformed to this world (with its false judgements), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God'
Romans 12