Owen Paul: "My Favorite Waste of Time" - Bruce Atchison

I loved this song when it came on the radio decades ago. Even the title made me laugh. It sounds a bit like an insult and yet it's a complement from a man to his lady. Check it out here.

Though I don't do much writing since I retired, my cat Delta is my favourite waste of time. She often rubs against my legs and politely meows for attention. If I'm working on something difficult and I ignore her, Delta will tap my arm with her paw. I feel I must stop and rub that cute head and brush her lovely coat.

Furry distractions are not much to worry about but spiritual ones are. As Paul warned his son in the faith in 2 Timothy 2:4 and 5 (Bible in Basic English), "A fighting man, when he is with the army, keeps himself free from the business of this life so that he may be pleasing to him who has taken him into his army. And if a man takes part in a competition he does not get the crown if he has not kept the rules."

Being focused on proclaiming the gospel, Paul couldn't always be with his siblings in Christ. We read in Ephesians 6:21 and 22 (BBE), "But so that you may have knowledge of my business, and how I am, Tychicus, the well-loved brother and tested servant in the Lord, will give you news of all things: Whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, so that you may have knowledge of our position, and that he may give comfort to your hearts."

Distractions from the gospel, and Christian living, also come from those we love. Solomon's heart was turned away from the Lord by many pagan wives, as we read in 1 Kings 11:1 and 2 (BBE). "Now a number of strange women were loved by Solomon, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: The nations of which the Lord had said to the children of Israel, 'You are not to take wives from them and they are not to take wives from you; or they will certainly make you go after their gods:' to these Solomon was united in love."

In every endeavor, we need to keep our focus on what's important. A family emergency must be attended to but not that incredible sale on Amazon.

What Makes My Heart Sing? - Bruce Atchison

 

 For me, there's nothing more important than truth. Our arch enemy knows it sets people free. Like Christ said in John 8:31 and 32 (Bible in Basic English), "Then Jesus said to the Jews who had faith in him, 'If you keep my word, then you are truly my disciples; And you will have knowledge of what is true, and that will make you free.'"

Being able to know the truth also helps us resist the Devil and cling to Christ. As Peter admonished his readers in 1 Peter 5:8 and 9, "Be serious and keep watch; the Evil One, who is against you, goes about like a lion with open mouth in search of food; Do not give way to him but be strong in your faith, in the knowledge that your brothers who are in the world undergo the same troubles."

Old Testament worshippers also felt the wonder of God's holy law. Psalm 119:165 exclaims, "Great peace have lovers of your law; they have no cause for falling."

Falling is what causes people to turn from the truth. We read in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, "Now as to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and our meeting with him, it is our desire, my brothers, That you may not be moved in mind or troubled by a spirit, or by a word, or by a letter as from us, with the suggestion that the day of the Lord is even now come; Give no belief to false words: because there will first be a falling away from the faith, and the revelation of the man of sin, the son of destruction, Who puts himself against all authority, lifting himself up over all which is named God or is given worship; so that he takes his seat in the Temple of God, putting himself forward as God."

We can depend fully on what the Holy Spirit inspired the scripture writers to write. As Jesus said in John 17:17, "Make them holy by the true word: your word is the true word."

So important is God's word that Jesus quoted it when tempted by the Devil. Matthew 4:4 records, "But he made answer and said, 'It is in the Writings, Bread is not man's only need, but every word which comes out of the mouth of God.'"

May you always remain in the truth.

Rick Derringer: "It's Raining"

This American guitarist had a few minor hits in the seventies. this album track is about a couple sheltering from a hurricane.. Check it out here.

Whenever we end up unable to leave home, like we did during the COVID-19 pandemic, we can use the Apostle Paul's idea to make the best of it. During Paul's frequent imprisonments, he used his down time to write letters. 

In Philippians 1:12-14, he noted that his jail time was in some ways advantageous. The Bible in Basic English renders it this way.

"Now it is my purpose to make clear to you, brothers, that the cause of the good news has been helped by my experiences; So that it became clear through all the Praetorium, and to all the rest, that I was a prisoner on account of Christ; And most of the brothers in the Lord, taking heart because of my chains, are all the stronger to give the word of God without fear."

When Joseph was sold by his brothers as a slave, he made the best of that bad situation too. Genesis 39:5 and 6 (BBE) tells us, "And from the time when he made him overseer and gave him control of all his property, the blessing of the Lord was with the Egyptian, because of Joseph; the blessing of the Lord was on all he had, in the house and in the field. And he gave Joseph control of all his property, keeping no account of anything, but only the food which was put before him.

And when Potiphar's wife got Joseph in trouble for not having an affair with him, Genesis 40:21-23 (BBE) tells us of yet another betrayal. "And he put the chief wine-servant back in his old place; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. But the chief bread-maker was put to death by hanging, as Joseph had said. But the wine-servant did not keep Joseph in mind or give a thought to him.

Now some folks will say that this was long ago. But Jesus promised he'd be with his people always. John 14:18 (BBE) reads, "I will not let you be without a friend: I am coming to you."

One advantage we modern-day Christians have is the Internet. Through it, we can hear and see one another. It's nowhere as nice as meeting in person but it's better than the isolation experienced by biblical heroes.

Orleans: "You're Still The One" - Bruce Atchison

I'm sure many married folks can identify with this song. Couples do argue but those who want to patch up things between each other usually do well. Check out this song here.

Being single, it's my relationship with Christ that this song reminds me of. Being a new believer back in the early seventies, I found myself in a cult church. They taught me many blasphemous teachings which I swallowed uncritically.

It took many years to recover from the spiritual and emotional damage done to me. And though I gave up on Christ, he never gave up on me. Now I'm restored to the fold and he's still the one I worship.

Jesus had harsh words to those false teachers who would mislead his "little ones." Matthew 18:6 (Bible in Basic English) reads, "But whoever is a cause of trouble to one of these little ones who have faith in me, it would be better for him to have a great stone fixed to his neck, and to come to his end in the deep sea."

That is why we read this warning in James 3:1 (BBE). "Do not all be teachers, my brothers, because we teachers will be judged more hardly than others."

How I wish I had known this and had a mentor back then. Even so, I'm like one of those folks in 1 Peter 2:25 (BBE). "Because, like sheep, you had gone out of the way; but now you have come back to him who keeps watch over your souls."

How wonderful that Christ accepted me back as a son. He knew I had been lied to regarding his nature. He knew that nobody taught me about God's providence and that, as John 9:3 says, my poor eyesight was for the manifesting of his work in me.

May our Lord and Master be glorified and manifest in your lives and writing.

The Ramones, "I Want to be Sedated" - Bruce Atchison

Though The Ramones are a punk band, I can't help but want to sing the lyrics to this song. They're so catchy and silly at the same time. Check out the song here.

Holy Scripture mentions nothing about retirement but it does speak much about resting. We all need to rest from work and, thanks to Christ, we can also rest from earning righteousness. 

What a blessing Matthew 11:28-30 is for us. The Bible in Basic English renders it this way: "Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and become like me, for I am gentle and without pride, and you will have rest for your souls; For my yoke is good, and the weight I take up is not hard."

Resting from the Lord's work is also a benefit for us which Christ grants us. As Mark 6:30 and 31 (BBE) tells us, "And the twelve came together to Jesus; and they gave him an account of all the things they had done, and all they had been teaching. And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a quiet place, and take a rest for a time.' Because there were a great number coming and going, and they had no time even for food.

Like the person in the song, we can get too wound up in activities. It also makes our minds churn at night when we try to sleep.

But there are times when God uses sleeplessness for his glory. When Nebuchadnezzar couldn't sleep because two dreams troubled him, Daniel was given the answer as he slept. Daniel 2:30 (BBE) says, "As for me, this secret is not made clear to me because of any wisdom which I have more than any living man, but in order that the sense of the dream may be made clear to the king, and that you may have knowledge of the thoughts of your heart."

The next time we have a sleepless night, let's keep this in mind.

Spanky and Our Gang: "Like to Get To Know You" - Bruce Atchison

This popular group had a few charting hits in the late sixties. This particular one was about the tentative nature of starting a relationship with a stranger. Hear it here:

On the face of it, Philippians 3:10 (Bible in Basic English) doesn't seem to make sense. Why did Paul write, "That I may have knowledge of him, and of the power of his coming back from the dead, and a part with him in his pains, becoming like him in his death;"

Paul meant that he wanted to be as close to Christ as he could be, even in suffering persecution. His sole aim in life became to become what Jesus wanted him to be. Now that's dedication!

So how can we develop such a dedicated passion for our Lord? He gave the answer in John 14:15-17 (BBE). "If you have love for me, you will keep my laws. And I will make prayer to the Father and he will give you another Helper to be with you for ever, Even the Spirit of true knowledge. That Spirit the world is not able to take to its heart because it sees him not and has no knowledge of him: but you have knowledge of him, because he is ever with you and will be in you."

We also read in 1 John 2:4-6 (BBE) how we can know the extent of our devotion to our Master. "The man who says, 'I have knowledge of him,' and does not keep his laws, is false, and there is nothing true in him: But in every man who keeps his word, the love of God is made complete. By this we may be certain that we are in him: He who says that he is living in him, will do as he did."

In my case, the turning point came in my life back in 2002. Reading Hebrews 2:18 (BBE) showed me that Christ knows what it's like to be human. "For having been put to the test himself, he is able to give help to others when they are tested."

I felt elated when I finally comprehended that Christ understands how I felt. In my past, people gave me the impression that he, and especially the Father, were "rules is rules" types. Now I want to be as close to the one whom chose me as I can in this life. Philippians 3:10

Larry Norman: "Rock The Flock" - Bruce Atchison

This born-again rock musician proved that Christian music Needn't be sombre and lifeless. When he left the Band People in 1968, Larry Norman became an influential Christian solo artist. Check out one of his songs here:

When I was young, elders in the church kept nagging me about my love of rock music. It was of the Devil, they insisted. Some worry-warts even said I'd become possessed if I kept listening to that "satanic" music. Another complaint those churchgoers made was that the messages in rock songs would lead me astray.

Nothing of the kind happened. Neither did I get hooked on drugs as those panicky elders feared. Being truly born again, I was zealous for Christ. I often confronted students and teachers with biblical views and I even handed out tracts.

Psalm 66:2-4 (Bible in Basic English) encourages worshippers to be joyfully loud. "Make a song in honour of his name: give praise and glory to him. Say to God, 'How greatly to be feared are your works! Because of your great power your haters are forced to put themselves under your feet.' Let all the earth give you worship, and make songs to you; let them make songs to your name. (Selah.)"

Likewise, Psalm 95:2 (BBE) says, "Let us come before his face with praises; and make melody with holy songs."

The elders of my church remind me of 2 Samuel 6:16 (KJV) which reads, "And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter  looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised  him in her heart."

Music, like writing, is just a tool. It can hurt or help, depending on the person who wields it. Having God-honouring songs and books means that we believers can enjoy the style as well as the content.

The 49th Parallel: "Now That I'm a Man" - Bruce Atchison

This is a song about maturing into adulthood. Once children grow up, they gain a new perspective on everything. Listen to the song here:

I certainly have matured in my prayer life. For example, I didn't even know about daily prayer until somebody asked me if I prayed each day.

My prayers used to be filled with requests for myself. Then I began praying for my family and friends. After a few years, I started praying for persecuted Christians and folks whom I didn't know personally.

We all need to mature in the faith, particularly in prayer. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:11 (Bible in Basic English), "When I was a child, I made use of a child's language, I had a child's feelings and a child's thoughts: now that I am a man, I have put away the things of a child."

God expects us to grow, even as we expect physical children to develop. That's why Hebrews 5:12 (BBE) instructs, "And though by this time it would be right for you to be teachers, you still have need of someone to give you teaching about the first simple rules of God's revelation; you have become like babies who have need of milk, and not of solid food."

And while it would have been nice to have been tutored by Christ in the flesh, we have his promised Holy Spirit guiding us. As Jesus promised in John 14:25 and 26 (BBE), "I have said all this to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will be your teacher in all things and will put you in mind of everything I have said to you."

This gives us an advantage over even the wisest of secular people. We read in 1 Corinthians 2:14 (BBE), "For the natural man is not able to take in the things of the Spirit of God: for they seem foolish to him, and he is not able to have knowledge of them, because such knowledge comes only through the Spirit."

So let us use this privilege to its full extent.

Larry Williams: "Slow Down" - Bruce Atchison

This fifties song, later covered by The Beatles, fits the monthly theme nicely. It's about a girl who's too eager to rush the relationship onward. I suspect she wanted to marry the guy in the song.

Check out this rock 'n' roll song here:

In our Christian walk, we're too much in a hurry to spread the good news before we know what we're talking about. Just like in the New Testament, people disobeyed the Lord's command to not publish their healing all over the place. Poor Jesus ended up unable to move around due to the crush of people wanting healing.

We read of one example in Mark 7:36. The Bible in Basic English phrases it like this, "And he gave them orders not to give news of it to anyone; but the more he made this request, so much the more they made it public."

We also read how Christ's popularity caused four men to do a novel thing for their lame companion. Mark 2:1-4 (BBE) tells the story. "And when he came into Capernaum again after some days, the news went about that he was in the house. And a great number had come together, so that there was no longer room for them, no, not even about the door: and he gave them teaching. And four men came to him with one on a bed who had no power of moving. And when they were unable to get near him because of all the people, they got the roof uncovered where he was: and when it was broken up, they let down the bed on which the man was."

Our Lord realized that most of the people came only for the healing and other miracles. So he preached a hard sermon which they found repulsive. John 6:61 and 62 (BBE) reads, "When Jesus became conscious that his disciples were protesting about what he said, he said to them, 'Does this give you trouble? What then will you say if you see the Son of man going up to where he was before?'"

Israel stumbled because they didn't understand God's righteousness. That's why Paul wrote in Romans 10:2 and 3 (BBE), "For I give witness of them that they have a strong desire for God, but not with knowledge. Because, not having knowledge of God's righteousness, and desiring to give effect to their righteousness, they have not put themselves under the righteousness of God."

We don't want to bring shame to Christ's name through our haste. That's why Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15 (BBE), "Let it be your care to get the approval of God, as a workman who has no cause for shame, giving the true word in the right way."

The Guess Who: "The Key" - Bruce Atchison

Summer reading? Who has time? I find that the only book I read with regularity is the Bible.

Holy Scripture is one wonderful place for inspiration. Canadian Group The Guess Who certainly felt inspired enough to sing about various characters in the Bible, as you can hear on this song.

In my personal life, I admire Gideon. He wasn't from any popular or mighty family and tribe. He was just a person chosen by God to liberate Israel during the time of the judges.

When the angel of the Lord came to Gideon, he felt inadequate for the task he was called to do. As Judges 6:15 (Bible in Basic English) says, "And he said to him, 'O Lord, how may I be the saviour of Israel? See, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.'"

But instead of chiding Gideon, the Angel said in verse sixteen, "Then the Lord said to him, Truly, I will be with you, and you will overcome the Midianites as if they were one man."

I relate to other misunderstood and underestimated people in Scripture too. Christians down through the ages called one Disciple "Doubting Thomas." But we read his declaration of Christ's divinity in John 20:27 and 28 (BBE). "Then he said to Thomas, 'Put out your finger, and see my hands; and put your hand here into my side: and be no longer in doubt but have belief.' And Thomas said in answer, 'My Lord and my God!'"

And having read the accounts of these faithful saints, I rejoice in the knowledge that we'll meet them in heaven. Revelation 19:9 (BBE) tells us, "And he (the angel) said to me, 'Put in the book, Happy are the guests at the bride-feast of the Lamb.' And he said to me, 'These are the true words of God.'" What a wonderful day that will be!

John Lennon: "Hold On" - Bruce Atchison

In this song from his debut solo album, John reassures himself, his wife, and us all to hold on. Listen to this encouraging song here:

I certainly needed to "hold on" when I was two weeks away from graduating high school. A friend convinced me not to quit math class. Because I held on and finished the course, my teacher gave me five extra points.

The Apostle Paul certainly held on to his ultimate hope, as he wrote in Philippians 3:13 and 14 (Bible in Basic English). "Brothers, it is clear to me that I have not come to that knowledge; but one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before, I go forward to the mark, even the reward of the high purpose of God in Christ Jesus."

Peter also wrote about persistence in the faith, as we read in 2 Peter 1:10 and 11 (BBE). "For this reason, my brothers, take all the more care to make your selection and approval certain; for if you do these things you will never have a fall: For so the way will be open to you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

Our persistence in righteousness, through the Holy Spirit's power, is a mighty force. As Romans 12:21 (BBE) states, "Do not let evil overcome you, but overcome evil by good."

We also see how our spiritual fortitude inevitably pays off in James 1:12 (BBE). "There is a blessing on the man who undergoes testing; because, if he has God's approval, he will be given the crown of life, which the Lord has said he will give to those who have love for him." This applies equally to faithful women.

Though I gave up on God for nine years because he didn't heal my eyes, he never gave up on me. Consequently I'm back in the fold. By his grace, I'll never leave him now that I know him properly.

The Stranglers: "Here and There" - Bruce Atchison

I'm always amazed at what I find in deleted record bins. One of my "treasures" I found was a combination magazine and LP from 1983. One band featured was The Stranglers. I braced myself for something nasty when their track started playing. To my surprise and delight, their "Here and There" song was delightful. Here's the link:

Though we mere mortals can't speak things into existence like God did, our words can harm or help. Job's friends were in the first category. Eliphaz the Temanite accused him in Job 15:6 (Bible in Basic English), saying, "It is by your mouth, even yours, that you are judged to be in the wrong, and not by me; and your lips give witness against you." But Job was blameless for the tragedies which befell him.

We also know what a dangerous part of our bodies our tongues are. With that small muscle, we can build up or destroy people. James 3:5 and 6 (BBE) reads, "Even so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it takes credit for great things. How much wood may be lighted by a very little fire! And the tongue is a fire; it is the power of evil placed in our bodies, making all the body unclean, putting the wheel of life on fire, and getting its fire from hell."

It was this destructive power of the tongue which God sought to limit in Genesis 11:6 and 7 (BBE) the Lord scattered humanity after people wanted to stay in one place. "And the Lord said, 'See, they are all one people and have all one language; and this is only the start of what they may do: and now it will not be possible to keep them from any purpose of theirs. Come, let us go down and take away the sense of their language, so that they will not be able to make themselves clear to one another."

And as God confused the languages, he gave humanity a foretaste of when we'll be able to understand one another again. Acts 2:5-8 (BBE)  tells us how foreigners in Jerusalem heard the gospel in their mother tongue. "Now there were living at Jerusalem, Jews, God-fearing men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound came to their ears, they all came together, and were greatly surprised because every man was hearing the words of the disciples in his special language. And they were full of wonder and said, 'Are not all these men Galilaeans? And how is it that every one of us is hearing their words in the language which was ours from our birth?'"

We, whom God has chosen, will be able to understand each other in heaven. No interpreters will be needed then.

Manfred Mann's Earthband: "Be Not Too Hard"

Manfred Mann became famous in the sixties for his pop songs but during the seventies, he produced some wonderful space-rock albums. They weren't widely accepted by the public but dedicated fans like me bought them.

Listen to one of those tunes here:

One sin I slip into at times is being angry at sinners. They can't help being the way they are because of what Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:1 and 2 (Bible in Basic English) about why we're saved. "And to you did he give life, when you were dead through your wrongdoing and sins, In which you were living in the past, after the ways of this present world, doing the pleasure of the lord of the power of the air, the spirit who is now working in those who go against the purpose of God;"

Now some folks might say that we have the light of our consciences to guide us. Romans 2:14 and 15 )BBE) does say, "For when the Gentiles without the law have a natural desire to do the things in the law, they are a law to themselves; Because the work of the law is seen in their hearts, their sense of right and wrong giving witness to it, while their minds are at one time judging them and at another giving them approval;"

But Paul also wrote in 1 Timothy 4:1 and 2 (BBE) that people can desensitize their moral and spiritual cumpas'. "But the Spirit says clearly that in later times some will be turned away from the faith, giving their minds to spirits of deceit, and the teachings of evil spirits, Through the false ways of men whose words are untrue, whose hearts are burned as with a heated iron;"

Paul also answers the question of why bother preaching to spiritually-dead people in Romans 10:14 (BBE). "But how will they give worship to him in whom they have no faith? and how will they have faith in him of whom they have not had news? and how will they have news without a preacher?"

If Christ's return hasn't happened by Saturday, I hope to post about never surrendering when trials strike.

Rabbits and Relationships - Bruce Atchison

I'm sure we all agree that the real meaning of Easter has been buried under chocolate bunnies and marsh mellow chicks. Even so, I've learned much from having rabbits living in my home. Instead of keeping them in lonely backyard hutches, they lived with me and received as much care and attention as I could pay each one.

Bunnies are timid creatures but they enjoy the company of those whom they trust. That's why winning the friendship of a rabbit is precious. Just as wounded souls need to learn to trust Christians again, so rabbits need to learn that they're safe with us.

Tenderness is one requirement of us all in Christ. As 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (Bible in Basic English) admonishes, "For it is not right for the Lord's servant to make trouble, but he is to be gentle to all, ready in teaching, putting up with wrong, Gently guiding those who go against the teaching; if by chance God may give them a change of heart and true knowledge, And so they may get themselves free from the net of the Evil One, being made the prisoners of the Lord's servant, for the purpose of God."

Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits misunderstand chastisement. To them they think they're being attacked.

When we correct wayward believers, we must consider 1 Thessalonians 2:7   and 8 (BBE). It shows how we need to be easy on each other. "But we were gentle among you, like a woman caring for her little ones: Even so, being full of loving desire for you, we took delight in giving you not only God's good news, but even our lives, because you were dear to us."

I also learned over the years to relate to bunnies on their terms rather than forcing myself on them. For example, I would lie on the floor rather than grabbing them and putting them on my lap. Every rabbit I had came to trust me and to associate that posture with being petted. Some bunnies even hopped over to me when I began to lie down.

Paul likewise learned to relate to different groups, as he wrote in 1 Thessalonians 9:22 (BBE). "To the feeble, I was as one who is feeble, so that they might have salvation: I have been all things to all men, so that some at least might have salvation."

What a wonder it is that Christ also became one of us. He could have come as a consuming fire but he became the Lamb of God for our transgressions. When he comes again, he'll be the judge who will punish wickedness and dispense blessings to his children.

My Idea of a Joyful Noise - Bruce Atchison

I'll admit it up front. I'm not a good musician. Even so, I had fun dabbling in electronic and experimental music. 

I must have done something right because program hosts in Moscow, Warsaw, Trondheim, and Paris figured my music was good enough to air. Even the CBC played one of my compositions and paid me a hefty royalty cheque.

Though my keyboard skills aren't up to professional standard, I worked diligently on each piece. I layered each instrument's sound on my multi-track machine in the way I felt worked best.

I also made chrome cassette copies of my music from the mix VHS tape. I could have skimped on the quality by using regular cassettes but I wanted the clearest sound possible. When I bought a new computer with a CD-R burner, I made my own disks for sale and to send to radio stations.

The Apostle Paul certainly understood the value of making use of our talents. Romans 12:6-8 (Bible in Basic English) does encourage us to use our talents. "And having different qualities by reason of the grace given to us, such as the quality of a prophet, let it be made use of in relation to the measure of our faith; Or the position of a Deacon of the church, let a man give himself to it; or he who has the power of teaching, let him make use of it; He who has the power of comforting, let him do so; he who gives, let him give freely; he who has the power of ruling, let him do it with a serious mind; he who has mercy on others, let it be with joy."

And as Proverbs 11:27 (BBE) says, "He who, with all his heart, goes after what is good is searching for grace; but he who is looking for trouble will get it.

Now some might say that my music was a vain waste of time. Even so, I knew that God used my compositions to bring disparate non Christians into my life. And as Isaiah 55:2 (BBE) says, so I modeled good Christian conduct in the hope it brought folks to salvation. "Why do you give your money for what is not bread, and the fruit of your work for what will not give you pleasure? Give ear to me, so that your food may be good, and you may have the best in full measure."

Even today, my music videos are on YouTube for all to see and hear.

Siblings in Trouble by Bruce Atchison

 One attitude that grieves me in North American Christians is the lack of care for anybody whom we don't have face-to-face contact. Just because we don't know them doesn't mean we shouldn't be concerned with their welfare.

I love Hebrews 13:3. The Bible in Basic English reads, "Keep in mind those who are in chains, as if you were chained with them, and those who are in trouble, as being yourselves in the body." 

It's far too easy to become so involved in one's own problems. I liken it to how a toddler views the world compared to an adult. Children know only their surroundings. They can't relate to the larger world around themselves. Therefore, a broken toy is a huge concern.

In this interconnected age, there's no excuse for not knowing how our siblings in Christ are doing in the rest of the world. Organizations such as The Voice of the Martyrs sends out e-mail alerts and a monthly magazine highlighting the sufferings of believers in the rest of the world.

This  reticence to care about, and advocate for, Christians in peril isn't new. It happened to Paul, as he related in 2 Timothy 1:16 and 17. "May the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus because he frequently gave me help, and had no feeling of shame because I was in chains; But when he was in Rome, he went in search of me everywhere, and came to me."

We shouldn't be ashamed or uninterested in those folks who don't look like us or don't live in the same places we do. And with the ability to send funds to accredited aid organizations which also preach the gospel, we can offer help without leaving home.

We have this remote-giving precedent in the scriptures. Paul took up a collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem, as we read in 1 Corinthians 16:3 and 4 "And when I come, I will send the men of your selection with letters to take the money you have got together to Jerusalem. And if it is possible for me to go there, they will go with me."

With the help of accountable agencies and secure money transfers, we can give Christ's workers the finances they need to spread compassion and the gospel around the world.

When Work Will Become Play - Bruce Atchison

For those who don't know me, I've lived on a disability pension since 1995. In July of that year, I went to a work counselor to find out which line of employment I was suited for. After showing the man my tear sheets from amateur electronic music fan magazines, he recommended I become a freelance writer.

What takes the fun out of writing for me is having to be under threat of scrutiny by Canada Pension Plan. According to their regulations, I had to find employment in the kind of work I previously did for the federal government. After two years, I was supposed to find any sort of employment.

Doing what's needed is nowhere as enjoyable as doing what one loves. That's why I sympathize with one epistle writer in particular. Jude 1:3 (Bible in Basic English) shows his dilemma. "My loved ones, while my thoughts were full of a letter which I was going to send you about our common salvation, it was necessary for me to send you one requesting you with all my heart to go on fighting strongly for the faith which has been given to the saints once and for ever."

There's absolutely nothing wrong with contending for the faith. Poor Jude would rather have rejoiced in the great privilege of salvation but the Holy Spirit reassigned his writing work to defend the truth.

Furthermore, Paul wanted to be with the Lord but he knew the churches needed him more. Philippians 1:23 and 24 (BBE) says, "I am in a hard position between the two, having a desire to go away and be with Christ, which is very much better: Still, to go on in the flesh is more necessary because of you."

Furthermore, Jesus let out a cry of triumph in John 19:30 (BBE). "So when Jesus had taken the wine he said, 'All is done.' And with his head bent he gave up his spirit."

I know I'll feel so happy when I retire next year. Canada Pension Plan won't be on my back bumper anymore. I earned my pension and, God willing, my retirement pension will await me. And if I feel inspired to write, I will do so without fear that I'll be tossed off my hard-earned pension.