What God Thinks of New Zealand

Do you wonder what God thinks of a nation where:

. prostitutes receive wage subsidies and tax deductions for their ‘services’

. many behave indecently with children (including parents and some priests falsely claiming to be

  His   representatives)

. very racist attitudes towards Maori are commonly held

. the nation’s leader set an ‘example’ of mothering children unwed

. children questioning their gender likely far exceeds anything ever seen

  in human history, bar a few other countries today, and our policies deliberately foster this?

. the majority of people are more passionate about rugby, or other things, than Him?

. it’s never been easier to terminate the life of a baby in the womb

. people can be imprisoned for three years under the CPP Act for just trying to help someone

  (including their own children) actually wanting and requesting assistance with being ‘straight’,

  whilst people, including school  teachers, are empowered to manipulate children in the other

  direction with little fear of sanction?

Thankfully, God’s thoughts toward us are still loving and compassionate thoughts. Thankfully, through the Bible He has shown us a better way, a way that avoids the physical, mental and spiritual harm associated with the things above, a way that would see the nation needing to invest far less in social and mental health services. Thankfully, He has still given our nation time to turn to Him and to be guided by His wise, loving and holy Word.

PASTOR'S BLOG - While the wife's away

Day 23 – Try to keep it together and keep doing what you do

Angella is scheduled to arrive tomorrow (our Sunday), so I have decided to fast forward this blog to real time (remember it was on delay due to me not wanting to ruin her surprise visit to Jamaica). One more sleep to go!

I write law publications for a living, and that’s what I have been doing from home since 1995. Whilst I am very grateful it pays my bills, producing legal resources for lawyers is not my writing passion.

My writing passion is Christian books, articles and sermons. A great opportunity I’ve had here in New Zealand is writing short articles for the Christian section of the free weekend paper SunLive. Here’s one I had published. I hope it encourages you if you are prone to making excuses for not going to church:

Excuses, Excuses

Who hasn’t made excuses before about not going to church? There are some real doozies.

Sidney Laing, who’d heard a few whilst ministering in Ireland, wrote a fun and interesting satirical piece entitled ‘Ten Reasons Why I Never Wash’ in response to various excuses. The 10 he wrote were:

I was made to wash as a child … People who wash are hypocrites … Those who wash think they are cleaner than other people … There are so many different kinds of soap, I could never decide which one was right … I used to wash, but it got boring, so I stopped … I still wash on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter … None of my friends wash … I’m still young, when I’m older and a bit dirtier I might start washing … People who make soap are only after your money.

Some further ones might include, I’m too busy to wash. I feel out of place washing. I’m too dirty to wash. I can’t agree with everything that people who make soap believe.

As far as washing goes, these are laughable excuses, but some may think they are perfectly legitimate reasons for not attending church.

Today’s sermon was REST FOR YOUR SOULS. It was about how Christ said we could ALL have rest for our souls. Is that what you need?

https://youtu.be/7dOzMfwFNrI

PASTOR'S BLOG - While the wife's away

Day 17 – Stay connected with the church and the community

A very important part of being a Christian is reaching out to others with the love of Christ in the hope they also will come to believe in Christ and experience His love and the reality of eternal life through Him.

The people I have enjoyed church with here in Tauranga have been amazing in that they have always been highly motivated about working together in community outreach. We have done over 25 sausage sizzles outside supermarkets and I have never had to do the cooking once. The community have also been very appreciative too.

Many people in New Zealand from different faith and non-faith backgrounds love to volunteer their time to help others.

I confess though, this would be something I would do much, much less if it were not for the impact Christ has had in my life and the faith I have in Him.

If you are curious why I and many others. indeed people from all sections of society, including world leaders and scientists, devote themselves wholeheartedly to Christ, perhaps you would take a look at my Faith-Lift book found under the Books/Articles heading of my church website at www.churchofgodslove.com. I could also email it to you if you prefer.

PASTOR'S BLOG

PASTOR’S BLOG

While the Wife’s Away 

Day 16 – Keep up an attitude of gratitude

Kingston-Miami-LA-Sydney-Auckland. Only 8 days and I will pick Angella up at Auckland airport after her marathon journey.

Sabbath day has come around fast again and I am reminded to have an attitude of gratitude as I experience warmth and thoughtfulness from my church friends. Christine told me she will prepare me some food for Sunday night. She’d already baked me a very tasty quiche, which I enjoyed over two nights, the weekend before.

I remember a tennis buddy of mine once, after hearing some of the wonderful things members of the Adelaide congregation had done for me joked I might be a cult leader. Not so!

I remember also though experiencing great kindness from the dearly beloved late pastor of that church, Phil Kordahi. He, as Christ said and modeled, came to serve and not to be served. One time he did a round trip of about two hours to clean a spot on my carpet. I remember also some sisters in the church giving my home a thorough clean and leaving flowers and gifts to welcome us home from Jamaica after our wedding.

An attitude of gratitude surely helps us also to be positive and joyful people.

I have truly had a good experience with the people of God.

Jesus said: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

PASTOR'S BLOG - While the wife's away

Day 15 – Think about her and try to write her something nice

You Fill My Cup

If you were a star you would shine brightly

If an embrace you’d hold me tightly

If you were the wind you’d be a cool summer breeze

If you were a ship you’d be Queen of the seas

If you were a four wheel drive you’d have true grit

If you were a shoe, you’d be my perfect fit

If you were a road you’d have no pot hole

If you were an actress, you’d have the star role

If you were a comedian you’d be funny

If a land, you’d be the land of milk and honey

If you were a random act you would be kind

If you were a cloud you’d be silver-lined

If you were a judge you would be fair

If a breath, you’d be a breath of fresh air

If you were a direction you would be up

But you’re my wife and you fill my cup.

And make my hair stand up