Life Blog

We are commencing a new ministry here at St Andrews. We are calling the ministry Life Blog. Those familiar with computer terminology know what a blog is. A blog is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries consisting of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. The ability of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs
Well, St Andrews is about to embark on a ministry called Life Blog. Some of the issues that we are going to be looking at include; the battle dealing with loneliness, frustration over religion, life issues and confusion over matters of faith. We will be grappling with the questions and debating the answers. We hope that our dialogue will develop into meaningful conversation. The forum is open to all both in and outside of the church.
We are going to be meeting every Sunday evening at 6:00PM in the Church Hall which is located on the corner of Church and Court Street in Hamilton. The ministry is being led by an adherent of the congregation Mr. Stephanus Louw. Stephanus is a young CA from South Africa who is presently working at Deloitte Accounting Firm here in Hamilton. You are invited to join us in person OR send us a comment, a statement, a question by responding to this blog. We will get back to you!

A Lamp Unto My Feet - For a New Year, 2011

Light comes in all shapes and sizes. We enjoy the light that falls from a sparkling chandelier. When the power goes out we reach for our flashlight and light a candle. We put little lights in our hallways and call them night lights so we won’t stub our toes in the dark. We decorate our lawns and gardens with little solar lights. The sun sheds its beautiful light during the day and the moon reflects the light of the sun at night.

Without light we would be in the dark! Without light plants could not grow. Without light we would freeze. Without light, life as we know it would cease to be. Without light we would all die.

The Bible tells us that the first thing that God created was light! Genesis 1:3 reads, “Let there be light and there was light.” Hear also this verse from the Psalms, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path” (119:105). Standing on the steps of a New Year I would like us to think seriously about this text.

Many of us are on a path in life where we are busy dragging problems and worries:
-from one day into the next
-from one week into the next
-from one month into the next
-and yes even from one year into the next

We worry about the past and we worry about the future. We worry about our health. We worry about the health of others. We worry about our jobs. We worry about not having a job. We worry about worrying.

No matter how good a computer is it can still come crashing to a standstill if overloaded with too much data. We sometimes treat ourselves like a computer by overloading ourselves with worry. Some times people will “crash” just like their computer only we call it burnout, stress attack, breakdown or heart attack.

I want you to give some serious thought to what our text is telling us about light. A lamp, the type of which is being referred to in this text, lights only the immediate area around its base. Think about that!

Notice that the Bible did not say, “Your Word is like the blazing sun to my feet,” but “your word is a lamp to my feet.” God’s Word shows us where to walk a step at a time. God’s Word is not a spotlight that illuminates what the road is like a mile ahead but what the path is like immediately below our feet.

Can you see one small blessing to be thankful for? Then thank Him for that one small blessing.

Can you see one persistent sin that you are carrying with you into the New Year? Ask God to forgive you for that one sin.

Is there one small temptation that still keeps company with you? Ask God to help you shake that one temptation.

Walk with God one step at a time. We cannot change the past and we know not what the future may hold but we do know that with the light of his Word as our guide that He will instruct us where it is safe to place our next step. So, don’t lag in the past, don’t run blindly into the future for the lamp of God’s Word only sheds light a step at a time.

May God richly bless you as you walk into the year ahead.

Blessings

(Rev.) John Fraser

Reminders From the Past

Have you ever looked at something, heard something or experienced something that ushered in a flood of memories? While visiting family on our recent holiday I was reminded that in my brother’s attic was a box of “artifacts.” The box was full of personal mementos that were stored under my name following our mother’s passing seven years ago. Each member of the family had their box of mementos! I sorted through my box to see what I might be able to take with me on my flight home. Somehow and somewhere I found room in my suitcase to squeeze in a number of items but the rocking chair would definitely have to wait and the large picture of the Lord’s Supper became a present to my sister!

Arriving back in Bermuda I proceeded to look through my box of memories. My mother kept everything that we as children had given her (mom’s love to do that sort of thing). I remember the picture of lilies at the foot of a cross that I drew and colored for her over 50 years ago. There were the postcards I had sent her when I visited China back in 1988. I never knew she kept the postcards! What’s this? There was a picture of mom and I standing at the front of her house. I was dressed in my military uniform which meant that it was taken in the early 80’s when I was doing officer’s training while serving as a Padre with the Calgary Highlanders. The training had taken place at Camp Aldershot located in the Valley area of Nova Scotia. Alongside this picture was one of my uncle who was also in uniform having served during the second world war. Pictures can bring back a thousand memories! I reached for a picture of a big tall man standing next to a little boy. Wow, that was me and the big guy beside me was my dad! Besides the pictures there was a window reflector that said Peace on it a gift that I had given mom many years ago. I could go on but I’ll restrain myself. What did I do with these keepsakes? Did I toss them out? Did I store them in a box? No! The pictures are on my shelf in the office located in our home and on the widow is the Peace in Jerusalem reflector! The rocking chair and an old picture frame remain in my brother’s attic in Nova Scotia. I will pick them up when it is time to relocate back to Canada.

It is very difficult to dismiss things that have a story attached to them. Look around you and see everything that speaks of Christmas. Allow the lights to remind you of the brightness of the angelic chorus in the night’s sky. What about the carols don’t they speak of the excited chatter of the shepherds and wisemen who marveled at the gift before them? What about the boxes wrapped so beautifully, do they remind you of someone else’s gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh? Then, there is the manger scene and that reminds me that God still offers the gift of his Son as the Savior of the world. It’s hard to throw things away especially the precious things that speak to us and remind us of another’s love.

Fasten Your Seatbelts

Greetings, to everyone who is taking the time to read this blog. As you are aware Jill and I have been on holidays for the past few weeks. Actually, we were not only vacationing but we also attended a fantastic Leadership Conference at Ligonier Ministries in Florida. It was while we were in Florida near the end of the conference that we received word from Canada that Jill’s father was not well. We changed all travel plans and flew back to Ontario not knowing what to expect.

Jill’s dad (Bill) was in hospital and initially things did not look well. However, Bill is now at home where he enjoys some freedom of movement while under daily nursing care. We are very thankful to God for hearing our prayers for a man (age 94) whose mind is clear and whose faith is intact.

Besides the emergency flight from Florida to Ontario let me share with you about what took place on another flight. We were flying from Atlanta to Orlando where we were to attend the Leadership Conference. The flight was full as Jill and I took our seats at the back of the plane. Jill took the window seat I took the middle and a gentleman (originally from India) took the isle seat. While the plane was preparing to take off I glanced over at my friend and noticed that he was reading a book whose author was to be the lead speaker at the conference we were about to attend. When I brought this to his attention he closed the book and for the rest of the flight we enjoyed a great conversation.

He shared with me that his grandfather had converted from Hinduism to Christianity and that his father was a minister! He was a member of a Lutheran congregation in Atlanta whose men’s group were using literature from Ligonier Ministries the same source as we use here in Bermuda. The “icing on the cake” came when he told me his vocation. He was a Nuclear Scientist who was on his way to Orlando to give a lecture on the effects of radiation. When I found this out our conversation was good for the rest of the flight! He shared with me that all of his scientific studies gave credence to his faith. “Science,” he said “can only go so far until you reach the point where the only explanation is God.” Before I realized it they were announcing our landing in Orlando and I had to say good bye to my friend.

I am now back in Bermuda (Jill is still in Ontario with her parents) enjoying the weather and the awesome privilege it is to minister in the name of the Living God.

Blessings to all.

Rev. John

Vacation Time!

"Back To School" specials are being advertised everywhere we look; a clear signal that for students summer is drawing to a close. Families will soon be returning from the last long weekend to the lake, the seashore, or whatever place is extra special for them. Children are by now pretty well outfitted for school and all the supplies are lined up and waiting to go into that bright new school bag. College and Univ. students know their schedules, their lodging, and their room mates. Mom and dad are about to move into a different mode as well some (if they are being truly honest) glad of the opportunity of have a bit of peace and quietness around the house!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful summer and that you are refreshed and anxiously awaiting a whole new schedule of events that lie ahead. Churches will soon be turning on the machinery that will engage a new year of exciting activities and learning opportunities.

I share these thoughts with you because I am about to do the exact opposite!

I AM ABOUT TO GO ON VACATION!

Let me share with you a little of our vacation plans.

- On Sept. 12th Jill and I are travelling to Hamilton, Ontario where we will be helping her dad celebrate his 93 birthday.

- After the birthday party we move on to Nova Scotia. I have been invited to be the anniversary speaker at the 150th anniversary of St. Georges Presbyterian Church in River John Nova Scotia - the church where I began my ministry 34 years ago. We are both looking forward to seeing friends and family members.

- We then plan to visit our daughter and husband in San Francisco and on our way home attend a Church Leadership Conference sponsored by Ligonier Ministries in Sanford, Florida.

We consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to make these visits and look forward to a time of rest and relaxation.

May God have blessed you during your summer holidays, and will you pray for similar blessings for us?

Your Pastor & Friend
(Rev. John Fraser)

Where Has The Time Gone?

Have you ever asked yourself the above question?

I believe that most of us at one time or another has questioned the speed of time. When we were children we wondered why time passed so slowly. “Will summer ever come?” “When will it be Christmas?” In adulthood we wondered where time went! “I can’t believe that summer is over.” “Christmas has come and gone so quickly.” Time maintains a constant speed. There is the same number of hours in a day for children as there are for adults. What makes time “appear” to move slowly or with the speed of light is what we do with our time. When there is little to occupy our time watch how slowly time will pass. When our “to do list” is filled to capacity watch how quickly time will pass!

This past June marked 34 years that I have been in ministry. This August marks our first full year here in Bermuda. Where have the years gone? Reflecting on this I have asked myself a number of questions? Have I spent my time wisely? Am I at present where God wants me to be? If I could change anything what would it be? What has been the most stressful part of my ministry? What are my plans for the time ahead? Allow me to share with you (briefly) my answers.

Have I spent my time wisely?
The answer is probably no (not all the time)! I would love to have spent more time in disciplined studies. We are never too old to learn.

Am I at present where God wants me to be?
Because I believe in “the Call” to ministry I have absolutely no doubt about my vocation in life. God called me to be a minister; to preach, to heal (relationships) and to baptize. At this time in my ministry God opened the doors for my call to Bermuda and I have answered the Call.

If I could change anything what would it be?
It’s a selfish desire but I would like to have been one who in his ministry harvests more than he plants and waters. Why? Harvesting is what most of your parishioners expect of you. A congregation likes to see a full church, an active youth ministry and a balanced budget.

What has been the most stressful part of my ministry?
Two things! Not being able to do all that I would have liked and secondly not always being able to please people. It looks like God has called me to be a planter rather than a harvester!

What are my plans for the time ahead?
I will continue to plant wherever God calls me. Someday I would like to take further studies providing there is enough time!

Blessings,
Your Pastor & Friend
John Fraser

Overlooked and/or Ignored

Have you ever noticed those “notices” on the back of your hotel room door? No, not the ones that tell you the cost of your room (we all know those prices are not what we paid). I'm talking about the little map that lists all the room numbers on your floor, and just so you know exactly where you are someone kindly put a little red dot on the room you have just booked into. Know what I mean? Have you ever taken the time to read the instructions under the map? Like most people we probably overlook or ignore the map and its instructions. I know it has something to do with fires; this is where you are, this is your nearest fire escape, don't open the door if it's hot and of course use the stairs and not the elevator in case of a fire. They are on the back of every hotel room door and we have grown so accustomed to them that we ignore them. Not a good idea!

Let me share with you what happened to us on our recent summer holiday. We booked into a hotel in Reno, Nevada. This was our last stop before arriving at our daughter Diana and husband Jeremy's home the following day. We were excited, we were tired and we were hungry but first we wanted to admire the view of Reno from our room on the 20th floor. In every city you hear sirens screaming on the streets and Reno was no exception. We looked out from our window to the streets below and wondered where the fire was as fire trucks and police cars rushed by on the streets far below. We could see a faint trace of smoke somewhere in the distance and thought to ourselves “some poor soul is in trouble.” We turned our attention from the window to survey our exceptionally comfortable room. Jill was the first to post the alarm, “look at the smoke.” I went to the window and could not see past the heavy black smoke that filled the air directly outside our room! The phones still worked so I called the front desk. “Hi, this is the Fraser's in room 2018 and I notice all this black smoke outside my window.” The words from the front desk of “don't panic” was cause for concern but the next comment even more so; “we're not certain if it is our hotel or not!” Jill, Natalie and I decided that we wouldn't wait to find out. Remembering not to use the elevators and knowing the direction of the stairwell we made our escape. Going down 20 flights of stairs is not as difficult as climbing 20 flights of stairs but when the smell of smoke is heavy and with each floor you reach more people are filling the stairwell it's not fun either! Finally, we reached street level and when we pushed the fire exit door we were greeted with blackened embers! NO, it wasn't our hotel it was the one directly across the street!

Those notices on the back of hotel room doors are there for a purpose read them the next time you check in and make note of the nearest exit.

I share this account with you not just as a highlight of our trip but I share it with you because I feel that some of us overlook and/or ignore the warning instructions that we find throughout the Bible. There is a Bible in every home but some of us have grown so accustomed to it that we no longer take it seriously. This doesn't apply to me. This will never happen. This is not realistic. This is out of date. God is not like that. Some are inclined to ignore the warning instructions like you ignored the map on the back of the door of the last motel you checked into. Not a good idea! Here are some of the warning instructions found within the pages of Holy Scripture.

• You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3 (Deuteronomy 5:7, Judges 6:10, Hosea 13:4)
• Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and you turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; Deuteronomy 11:16 (28:14, Joshua 23:7, Jeremiah 25:6)
• Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. Deuteronomy 8:19
• If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a foreign god; Would not God search this out? For he knows the secrets of the heart. Psalms 44:20,21
• And Jesus answered and said unto them, beware that no one leads you astray. Matthew 24:4

My ministry in your midst is to post the warning signs that you might come to enjoy the blessings that God has in store for you. The greeting in Matthew 25:21 is yours provided you have heeded the warnings.

“His Lord said unto him. Well done, you good and faithful servant: you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord (Matthew 25:21).”

Don't wait for someone to shout fire to begin looking for the exit.

Your Pastor & Friend
John Fraser