It has been said ”Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.“ Some social scientists at a Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley are currently researching that subject. They have conclude that the phrase “Drunk with power” is an accurate description. Psychologist Cameron Anderson, who has studied power dynamics says, “It explains why powerful people sometimes act rather like gorillas.” There is nothing new about the lust for power and its devastating results. Nations are guilty of it when they seek to expand their borders. Individuals cause havoc and heartache when they grab for power. How different is our God. Isaiah wrote of those who seek cleansing and strength to live successful lives. “God gives power to the weak and to those who have no might he increases strength.”
Category Archives: Just a minute
Sept 7 – Mudslide Warnings Ignored
Days before the massive torrent of mud and debris tore through the southeastern British Columbia community of Johnson’s Landing, there was record rainfall and rapidly melting snow had sent blasts of water and rock down the mountain. Creeks were running chocolate-brown and then came a prolonged rumble and the devastating mud slide. A resident, Roland Procter, a retired doctor said, “In retrospect, there was definitely a forewarning.” Tragically some people ignored the warnings and lives were lost. There are also many warnings given to us regarding the need to make our peace with God. John wrote in the New Testament, “He who believes on the Son has everlasting life, but he who does not believe on the Son shall not see life” and the Psalmist wrote, “Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”
Sept 5 – No Passport or Ticket
An 11 year old boy who did not have a passport, ticket, or boarding pass, got all the way from England to Italy on his own. He passed through security checks before boarding a plane. But his trick was discovered and he was sent back home on the return flight. Some folks think that they too, can circumvent the rules regarding the journey from earth to heaven. They think, there are many ways to heaven, and that all religions lead to that ultimate goal. But unlike that boy who succeeded, perhaps because he was young, you and i will not get to heaven without the proper passport. The bible also says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death.” And Jesus, the son of God plainly said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father, except through me.”
Sept 3 – Bad seaweed
There is a bad seaweed on PEI, a nasty alien known as elodea, not native to PEI. It is killing fish and choking out a fresh water pond. It is believed that years ago, someone dumped the contents of an aquarium into the pond, which has created a scummy mess. A provincial environment official said “it really takes over a freshwater pond.” In a similar manner, sometimes noxious weeds can clog up our lives too. Although many don’t like to admit it, the bible says there is a noxious weed in every one of us from birth, and it produces very serious results. It takes over our lives, and blocks our way to heaven. But Jesus Christ is the answer. He said, “Ye must be born again” referring to spiritual re-birth. That happens when we invite Christ into our lives for forgiveness and cleansing.
August 31 – A very smart dog!
George is a dopey two year old Bassett hound from West Yorkshire, UK. But George became tangled in a phone cord at home and wound up with it wrapped around his neck. Somehow George managed to dial 999, the British equivalent of 911. The emergency operator heard gasping on the other end and alerted the authorities, who entered the house. They saw the dog choking, and ripped the cord from the phone to save him. A neighbor said, “Incredibly you could see his paw print on the phone to ring 999. He literally saved his own life.” Only a dog, but it had sense enough to call for help. Strange isn’t it that many people, though in desperate need of God in their lives are in denial, and never reach out for help. God, in the Bible, urges “Call to me and I will answer, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.” He is there!
August 29 – Valuable baseball card found in attic
Karl Kissner of Defiance, Ohio picked up a cardboard box which had been in his grandfather’s attic for years. In the box he found hundreds of baseball cards bundled with twine. Some of the names were familiar: hall of famer’s Ty Cobb, Cy Young and Honus Wagner. The cards are from an extremely rare series, issued around 1910. There are about 700 cards. In all experts believe they will sell for two or three million dollars. This family had a regular treasure trove in the attic of their home and did not know it. But an even greater treasure, often not evident to people, is the truth that God offers us a home in heaven. Jesus warned of laying up earthly treasures that don’t last. And he urged that we lay up a treasure worth more than money. He said, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” That treasure is ours when we receive Jesus by faith.
August 27 – Wedding Ring Found in Garden
Colleen Christensen of Saskatoon made an unusual discovery while working in her garden. Wrapped around the roots of some lilies, she discovered a wedding ring engraved with the letters J & J 8/19/62. Although she is conducting an exhaustive search, she has not yet found the owner. It’s always a happy day when you find something you have lost isn’t it? But more serious than losing a valued object is when you lose such things as peace and hope for the future. While some things can be restored, only God can restore our souls. Remember David’s words in the famous 23rd Psalm, “He restores my soul.” He is indeed, “A friend who sticks closer than a brother”, and He can restore peace and hope to our lives. All we need do is enter into a personal relationship with Him by faith, and sincerely ask for restoration. Have you done that?
August 24 – Justin Bieber’s Advice
Justin Bieber, the famous young singer recently sang on the steps of the Avon theatre in Stratford Ontario where he was born, like he did before he was famous. He also paid tribute to his early days on Twitter, saying, “Always remember where you came from.” Good advice we should all heed. There is no point in trying to hide our past, or declaring we are something we are not. We are who we are. We don’t fool anyone, least of all God, who knows us best of all. In the 139th Psalm, David spoke truth for us all, writing, “Lord you have searched me and known me. You know my thoughts and are acquainted with all my ways, you covered me in my mother’s womb.” Justin Bieber’s advice was good. “Remember where you came from.” God made us all, he knows all about us and it is to him we must give account one day. Are you ready for that inevitable meeting?
August 22 – Conquered by Mt. Everest
Shrya Shah Klorfine, a 33 year old woman from Toronto, reached the summit of Mt. Everest, but sadly she died while descending. Great mountains are pitiless. A British naturalist made the comment, “We may be visitors on these mountains, but not conquerors.” In our lives, we too face mountains that seem unconquerable, sometimes feeling there is nowhere to turn and no way to solve our huge problems. Perhaps David the psalmist felt like that when he was inspired to write, “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.” Then later, having been delivered by God, he issued the invitation, “O taste and see that the Lord is good.” Are you facing your own mountains today? If so, then I urge you to turn to the Lord Jesus for help. He said, “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
August 20 – Nothing to Live For
Robert Webster and Martin Chisholm have been awarded the chief’s award – the city of Calgary’s highest level of recognition – for assisting a young man who was trying to commit suicide. He said that no one cared for him and he had nothing to live for. But Webster and Chisholm convinced him that his life was worth living, and led him to safety. This is a sad story which, except for these two caring men, would have ended tragically. The young man had lost all hope. In our troubled world, more and more people are finding themselves in a similar situation. If that is where you are today, please listen to the words of David in the 61st Psalm. Describing his circumstances he wrote, “Hear my cry, O God… when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” That higher power, that rock, is Jesus. You can reach out to him today. He cares.
