Looking in All the Wrong Places.
Holding On, Conclusion
"I press on to take hold of
that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Phil 3:12 NIV)
One of my closest cousins lost consciousness one day.
Completely unaware of what was happening in the conscious realm, she experienced
something unique and delightful. She felt the full extent of God's love, a love
she never experienced before, a love she now hungers to experience again. She
felt completely and thoroughly accepted. She was His child, and He wanted her to
come home.
When she came back to consciousness, she went looking
all over the world for a man with the same qualities as the One she experienced,
but to her bitter disappointment, she has not yet found him. She isn't
interested in what she called "religious blabla", and she continues her search,
looking in all the wrong places, completely unaware that the One who loves
her so richly is much closer than she thinks.
What do we do with loved ones who desperately look in
all the wrong places? What do we do when they ignore the advice of those who
have personally discovered the love they seek?
We pray. And we don't ever give up hope. Just as our
Father never gives up hope!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save
the world through him." (John 3:16-17 NIV)
"He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish,
but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)
What if there were a treasure hidden in your field?
What would you do? Would you look in your neighbour's yard, just in case it
might have gotten over there somehow? Would you look in another town? After all,
someone may have made a mistake . . . But to find it, you not only need to be
searching for it, but you also need to be looking in the right places.
Too often we concentrate our search on "fields" where
our own interests are being cultivated. Some of us specialize in distinguishing
different kinds of soil, others at labeling different kinds of grass or grain,
but we don't realize that the true treasure is within our reach!
If only we would follow the Biblical instruction to
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door
will be opened to you." (Matt 7:7 NIV)
This principle is so true, but few ever ask, and even
fewer are really searching.
If you are lost and are genuinely interested in that
kind of unselfish love, I beg you to consider asking God directly for His help.
He is the only One who will lead you to genuine bliss.
Remember the treasure you are looking for is much
closer than you think!
Rob Chaffart
To contact us click here
The Smoky Bay.
Holding On, Part 5
"Take hold of the eternal life
to which you were called" (1 Tim 6:12 NIV)
When the first permanent settlers to Iceland initially
arrived in the area now known as Reykjavik, they must have been quite surprised.
Remember in 874, cigarettes didn't even exist until centuries later! They must
have wondered if they had reached the doors of hell. Smoke and water vapours
poured forth from the ground, the hillsides, everywhere, to the point that it
even looked like the bay was smoking. It made the surroundings surreal as well
as unique. Their name for the region? Reykjavik: Smoky Bay.
They must have been quite determined to build their
houses in a place where smoke and steamy vapours poured forth from everywhere.
It was only later that they would discover the advantages of that smoke. It came
from the many geo-thermal areas in the region, and this made many of the hot
springs ideal for bathing and washing, even in the middle of the winter! They
must have been the cleanest Europeans of their time!
Much later, someone wondered if the region was rich in
gold, and they bore a hole. What did they find? Only more smoke. What use could
they make of all that steam?
It was early in the 1920s when the Icelanders first
conducted that mysterious smoke that came up from the ground to their homes,
providing themselves with an abundant source of free heat.
It sure was a huge success, and in our day and age,
the island is primarily powered by geo-thermal energy. In fact electricity is
the cheapest commodity in this country! No worries about leaving the windows
wide open during the winter! Energy really is that inexpensive over there! If
the early settlers to Iceland had been scared away from the "smoke" of Smoky Bay
in 874, we might never have discovered geothermal energy!
The same is true with salvation. As humans, our
tendency is to try to work out our salvation. In days of old, human sacrifices
were used to appease the angry gods. Now we've discovered that the Creator is
our true God, but we still tend to try to use our own good works to obtain
salvation. Just like the Icelanders were on the wrong track when they bore holes
for gold, we are also missing the point.
And just like these early Icelanders began to enjoy
and use their abundant steam, we need to start taking advantage of the
fellowship God has granted us. We need to start discovering what He has to say
about salvation! Isn't that why Jesus came here in the first place?
Only then can the real discoveries be made, and we
will discover first that "You who are trying to be justified by law have been
alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace." (Gal 5:4 NIV)
If our good deeds cannot obtain us salvation, how will
we ever reach Heaven? Simple enough: "For it is by grace you have been saved,
through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by
works, so that no one can boast." (Eph 2:8-9 NIV)
The Icelanders discovered the grace bestowed on them.
Smoke and steam were beneficial to them, a life-saving commodity amidst the
harsh elements of their land. We, too, can discover grace that is way bigger
than Icelandic smoke: A grace that will knock our shoes out from under our feet,
a grace that will revitalize our whole being, a grace that comes from God, a
grace that promises Salvation, Salvation from God, not humans.
And just like the Icelanders and the myriad of
tourists who visit the island country can relax in the steamy geothermal waters,
we, too, can rest in God's grace! Why not join me and find out for yourselves?
Rob Chaffart
To contact us click here
The Lifeline.
Holding On, Part 4
"Hold fast to him and to serve
him with all your heart and all your soul." (Josh 22:5 NIV)
"Serve him and hold fast to him." (Deut 13:4 NIV)
The HCMS Skeena, a Canadian destroyer commissioned on
June 10, 1931, was a reliable warship that did its job well. It fought in the
Battle of the Atlantic, escorted 88 convoys, defended the Allied landings in
France, and hunted numerous German U-boats. It was renowned for its bravery.
But like anyone else, it also had to face heavy
storms, and the one of October 24, 1944 was the most memorable of all. The
destroyer had sought shelter in the sound between the Icelandic islands of Engey
and Videy, where it laid anchor. Unbeknownst to them, the destroyer was dragging
its anchor and it was too late to do anything when it ran aground in an inlet
close to the island of Videy.
The order was immediately given to put out the
lifeboats and abandon ship, and fifteen soldiers were already
in the
water when the intensity of the storm caused the order to be revoked. A few of
these fifteen managed to reach land at Videy, but most of them were dragged
across the fjord to Mogilsa, where they were found drenched in oil the next day.
Many of them were dead, and the few survivors were in very poor condition.
The remaining crew of 198 stayed aboard the destroyer.
They were unsure of their fate, as the storm was creating 50 foot waves (15
meters).
Icelandic Captain Einar Sigardsson was put in charge
of rescue operations. Amidst the chaos of the storm, he managed to land on
Videy. He then struggled across the island on foot to the spot nearest where the
Skeena had ran aground. A lifeline was fired across to the vessel, and Einar
stood waist-deep in the icy water as all 198 of the sailors were brought safely
ashore. Had the other fifteen sailors remained on board, they would have been
saved as well.
In this life we will face many chaotic storms, but as
long as we hold on unto our lifeline, we will remain "firm and secure". It's
when we wander away and try to save ourselves through our own efforts that we
tend to drown amidst our adversities.
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and
secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went
before us, has entered on our behalf." (Heb 6:19-20 NIV)
Will you hold on unto this lifeline as well?
Rob Chaffart
To contact us click here
The Unredeemable Travelers Cheques.
Holding On, Part 3
"Let us hold unswervingly to
the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Heb 10:23 NIV)
Travelers cheques are the best way to keep money safe
while traveling. Or at least this is what I was told. Their guarantee: If you
lose a traveller's cheque, unintentionally or coerced, you will be reimbursed.
A few years back I flew to my home country in Europe.
I had prepared well for the trip by padding my wallet with Euro travellers
cheques, and I knew I would have sufficient, safe funds for my trip.
There was only one little problem. Whether in hotels,
stores, or even at the bank, whenever I tried to use these cheques I got the
same response: "Sorry sir, we don't accept travellers cheques!"
What? My safe form of money wasn't accepted? I might
have understood if it had been radioactive, but it was simple, innocent-and
valuable-paper notes!
A bit discouraged, I kept my Euro travellers cheques
in my pocket. I had been promised they would retain their value, and once back
home I went directly to my bank. "I'd like to cash these," I said to the lady at
the window.
Her response? "Sir, I wouldn't recommend this."
"Why not?" I
wondered,
starting to panic. "They are still worth their value in Euros, right?"
She nodded. "They are, but we would have to convert
them to the local currency, and then back to Euros."
"That would be fine." I said with relief.
"But you don't understand, sir. You have already paid
a conversion fee to get these Euros. To cash them in, there would be another fee
to convert them to local currency, and still another
fee to
convert them back to Euros! I don't advice that!"
I was so confused. I had travellers cheques in my hand
that were supposedly of value, but I couldn't cash them in Europe, and now I was
told I couldn't even cash them in at home without hefty losses! What was I to
do???
Then the bank clerk gave me the first good suggestion
I had heard since purchasing these travellers cheques: "Why don't you contact
the company directly?"
Hope began to re-emerge!
I surfed the web, found the company's site, and
finally found the solution to my problem. There was certain exchange bureaus in
Europe that would cash them, for a minimal fee of 4%. And that's what I did the
next time I was in Europe. I took them to a specific exchange bureau in my home
town and cashed them into Euros. But I learned a valuable lesson from all of
this. From now, whenever I travel abroad, my bank card will suffice!
I am glad that Jesus' promises are 100% guaranteed. He
is indeed faithful! If we take the time to meditate what He has done for us so
far, our list would be extensive. He has never broken His word, and He never
will! Our hope is secure in Him.
One of the promises He has given us is this: "Do not
let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's
house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there
to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the
way to the place where I am going." (John 14:1-4 NIV)
He is coming back for us. How can we help but get
excited with such a promise!
No exchange rates will be needed, nor fees. What He
offers is utterly free to us. He paid the cost for it all, and a hefty cost it
was! If He was so willing to sacrifice His own life for us and then rise up on
the third day, just as He promised, I am assured that He will come back for me.
Thank you so much Jesus!
Oh! I forgot to mention: Travellers cheques aren't
accepted in Heaven, either!
Rob Chaffart
To contact us click here
When Actions Speak Louder than Our Words: Holding On, Part 2
"Hold on to the good." (1 Thess
5:15 NIV)
"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though
they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on
the day he visits us." (1 Peter 2:12 NIV)
"You have tasted that the Lord is good." (1 Peter 2:3
NIV)
As we were wandering around , Switzerland, home of the
famous Matterhorn, a store caught the eye of my boys. There was a huge Swiss
Army knife on display in the window, one with at least 120 different gadgets.
Boys will be boys, and naturally anything "weapon-like"
fascinates them. Especially ones with 120 different gadgets!
It didn't take me long to become fascinated by these
knives as well. Especially when I found one with an optic screwdriver! It was
way too expensive for my meager wallet, but I couldn't keep my eyes off of it. A
couple of months earlier, one side of my glasses fell apart. A small screw had
found its way to freedom, freeing my coke-bottle lens at the same time! It could
only be called a miracle that the glass lens fell on my foot, saving it from
splintering all over the road. If I had had such a pocket knife at my disposal,
I could have immediately fixed my glasses!
A salesclerk soon saw me admiring the knife, and she
checked all over the story for a cheaper knife that sported this particular
gadget. Despite the fact that the store was packed with myriads of tourists, to
the point that I was beginning to feel a bit like a sardine, the clerk spend
over an hour locating what I was looking for. Never have I seen such service! I
was thoroughly impressed!
This isn't always the case, unfortunately. Too often I
go to a store, and though the salesclerks always tell me to let them know if I
need any help, when the time comes that I need their service, they are nowhere
to be found. Or, if they can be found, they direct me in a certain direction and
encourage me to find what I am looking for by myself. I have spent so many
hours, if not days, lost in stores! I have left so many stores without finding
what I was looking for!
Our words are worthless unless our actions testify
that they are true. In fact our actions speak louder than our words.
How many times haven't we listened to those who
promised us the moon, but delivered hardship instead? How many times weren't we
deceived by a charismatic personality, only to discover that we were grasping at
straws? How many of us have lost most our pensions, deceived by promises that
were too good to be passed up?
No wonder the world is tired of listening to empty
promises. Why should they believe us, if our lives don't testify that what we
are saying is, in fact, really true?
The only way we can continually do good is when we set
aside our own desires and agendas, and start loving like Jesus does. He loves us
eternally, with a sacrificial love that is willing to take the bullet for those
in despair; one that puts the interests of others far above His own; one that
compels us to live the same way. "For Christ's love compels us, because we are
convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all,
that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died
for them and was raised again." (Cor 5:14-15 NIV)
Are we doers of the Word or are we just uttering empty
words?
"Let me help you. What exactly are you looking for?"
"The service is outstanding here! I will most
certainly be back!"
Rob Chaffart
To contact us click here
Holding On to Nothingness.
Holding On, Part 1
"Turn my eyes away from
worthless things; preserve my life according to your word." (Ps 119:37 NIV)
Fort William Henry. It looked so strong, so
unbreakable, so meant to protect the Permaquid region and survive for eternity.
But then that's also what they thought when they built
the former fort, Fort Charles, and it had been destroyed by a joint coalition
between the French and the Indians, just a few years earlier …
But this new fort was different. It had taken two
thirds of the budget of the colony of Massachusetts to build. It would most
certainly last!
However when attacked four years later by the same
culprits, it was discovered that this seemingly strong fort had an Achilles'
heel. The mortar used to build the strong stone walls was of poor quality (Even
in those days they took shortcuts!) And it could not withstand the bomb attacks.
It also didn't help that the garrisons' water supply lay outside the fort. A
mere oversight, perhaps, but between the two, it cost them their fort. Once
again the English had to abandon Permaquid.
One thing about the British, they don't get
discouraged easily! In 1729 they built yet another fort to protect the Permaquid
area. They called it Fort Frederick, and this one lasted until 1769, when the
fort was deemed useless, due to the construction of Fort Pownall further east of
Permaquid, and to the fall of Quebec. Abandoned, Fort Frederick fell into
disarray, and was eventually torn down in 1775 by the local inhabitants. Their
reason? Being on the eve of the commencement of the Revolutionary War in the
United States, they wanted to discourage the British from ever occupying it
again!
We would never have discovered these ruins if we
hadn't taken a little detour. It was mentioned nowhere in the tourist guides or
on the Internet. What seemed so important to the past wasn't deemed really
worthwhile after all!
As I was pondering this, I had to ask myself: How much
time do we waste on "worthless" pursuits? Should our to-do lists really be our
priority in life? Do we even remember what we accomplished two days ago? We rush
back and forth at dizzying speeds, but what do we have left to commemorate it
all when the rush is over and we try to survive our retirement years on meager
provisions?
And what about our worship? Is it exempt from
worthless priorities?
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does
not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is
worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from
being polluted by the world." (James 1:26-27 NIV)
Just attending church won't cut it. Just giving our
tithes and offerings won't get us to the mark. Self-centered religion is
worthless when the needs of God's children are being ignored. How many of the
things we hold so dearly are not everlasting! "Woe to you, teachers of the law
and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices - mint, dill and
cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law - justice,
mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting
the former." (Matt 23:23 NIV)
Is our service at work worthwhile to others? If we are
just working for the money, it won't be: "Whatever you do, work at it with all
your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…"( Col 3:23 NIV)
What about love? Do we love our spouses the way Jesus
tells us to? Do we put his or her needs first? And what about our kids? Do we
even try to understand them?
It all comes down to this: "And whatever you do,
whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God the Father through him." (Col 3:17 NIV)
The same is true with our worship towards God. If it
is self-seeking, it's worthless. If it is a means to reach heaven, we've missed
the mark.
So many of the things we do, think or admire are truly
worthless! So many of these things won't make it to eternity! What are we truly
holding on to? Is there anything in the bunch that is worthy of eternity? Which
will be lasting? Which will evaporate to nothingness?
One thing is certain, love is the foundation to
eternity. This one is truly worthy of our full attention! "A new command I give
you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By
this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
(John 13:34-35 NIV)
Even the beautiful sand castles I used to build with
my children have disappeared into nothingness, but the time spent with my kids
while engaged in this activity will linger in my memories forever!
Rob Chaffart
To contact us click here
