A cheerful look brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones.  Proverbs 15:30

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns”.  Isaiah 52:7

There is a scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail where the gatherers of dead bodies are going through the villages and collecting those who have died of the plague.  One of the ‘dead’ is pick up and he cries out – “I’m not dead yet”.

At this time it can at times feel like that with the news that is in the media – everything is doom and gloom, the current plague – COVID-19 appears to be all consuming and all devouring.  However that is not the full story and there are many people who survive, there are many who do not get sick, there is life, the sun still rises and sets, there is actually hope if we take the time to pause and not absorb everything negative that is transmitted to us on the news.

There are actually many things to be thankful for – people are working harder at communicating, be it electronically in the main, there are people out there helping others to recover and heal.  There are people undertaking great acts of love and compassion towards others.  It takes time to dig up these stories however they are heartwarming and encouraging.

So take a moment to pause and when speaking with someone today, strive to be positive and encouraging to them, you never know how much that may lift their spirits.

Godspeed 
Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest Ministries

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:2

Romans 12 is one of my favourite passages in the Bible and I am going to look at some of the key verses in it this week.  This verse is very pertinent and current even today even though Paul wrote it some 2000 years ago, challenging trends both in the church in in society.

The Greco-Roman Society of his day was not much different to ours today.  Violent insurrections, a fixation on gladiatorial sporting events, a moral code that was well outside the traditional family construct, the very wealthy oppressing the poor and weak, acceptance of all religions being of equal worth, the list goes on.

Paul’s instructions to the believers in Christ’s Way is that we are called to be different, not to follow the latest trends and licentious  behaviours of those around them but to let God the source of all that is good and wholesome, fill and transform their minds and their behaviours.

This too is the challenge for us today, if we focus on God then we will know what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Godspeed

Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest

Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act.  Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.  Psalm37:7

If you are anything like me at times I get frustrated, frazzled and annoyed that not so good people seem to be the ones that succeed.  They are often lauded in the media and held high when they lead lives that are self centred and not for the good of others.

Psalms are a great place to go when you find yourself in that headspace as human emotions and interaction with others and God are all laid out.  At times the psalmist argues with God, other times praises Him and in this Psalm is more circumspect and there is a stillness felt.

In our noisy anxious world, I believe that God wants us to try to understand and accept His reign and majesty, to pause from our busy schedules and spend time with Him.  Jesus reflects this in the Sermon on the Mount (particularly Matthew 6:25-34), where He tells us not to worry about tomorrow but place it in God’s more than capable hands.

So if you feel frazzled by things going on – be still in the presence of the Lord and give it over to Him.

Godspeed

Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest Ministries

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts it shadow, a light has shined.  Matthew 4:16

Some years ago when posted to Townsville, I discovered that this is one of the most significant days for the people of the Torres Strait Islands.  On the 1st July 1871, 149 years ago, the Rev Samuel McFarlane led a team sponsored by the London Missionary Society which arrived on Erub on the boat Surprise.  The head tribal elder permitted them to land and serve the people through preaching and teaching about the lIght of Christ.

As a result of the work of the missionaries, the people of TI ceased to fight among each other and instead embraced peace and learning.  I must say the all the Torres Strait Islanders I have ever met, and there are many, have been delightful, intelligence and gracious people.

The Australian Prime Minister today declared that we are living in ‘dark times’ not seen since the 1930s and as a result has promised to increase Defence spending.  It is my prayer that the Light that Christ is who came into this world to shine the Light of Heaven into the darkness of sin, will shine brightly in the Pacific led by people such as the Torres Strait Islanders, bringing peace and harmony to this region.

May you be a Christ light briner to those around you.

Godspeed

Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest Ministries

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love one another with genuine affection and take delight in honouring each other.  Romans 12:9-10

I recently came across a book called “The faith of Queen Elizabeth, the poise, grace and quiet strength behind the Crown”.  In a time where people of less character dominate the media and peoples’ minds it is a refreshing read.

A comment that jumped out of the book to me was one from Her 2014 Christmas Broadcast in which she states “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace is an inspiration and an anchor in my life.  A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out His hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people,of whatever faith or none.“

I, find statements like this by one of our world leaders refreshing and it challenged me to return to Romans 12 one of my favourite chapters in the Bible and see if I am holding to the principles laid out there by Paul.

We are called by Christ like the Queen, to develop a life and attitude of love and respect to all, repudiating all that is wrong or evil.

Godspeed

Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest Ministries

The work of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and assurance  forever.  Isaiah 32:17

Have you ever noticed when driving if you are doing the speed limit and obeying the road rules if you see a Police vehicle you feel at peace knowing that they are there to protect us from those who desire to do wrong, however if you are speeding you quickly check your speed, possibly brake to slow down, your heart rate goes up and you have a guilty feeling.

Isaiah is telling the people of Israel nearly 3000 years ago that if they follow God’s way and not their own, a sense of peace will reign.  Isaiah is primarily prophesying of a time when Christ’s reign of true justice and righteousness will bring in a time of true peace.   

Even today, Isaiah speaks into our time where anxiety is rife, reminding us that when we are doing God’s will and following His way then we will be at peace in our soul and spirit, we will have a quiet confidence that things will be okay regardless of the storm that may rage around us as God is there to protect us.  

May your day be one of quiet confidence and peace of mind.

Godspeed

Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest Ministries

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.  Proverbs 14:15

At a time of turmoil, fake news, real news, facts, fantasy and fiction it is good to pause and reflect on what we are hearing and how we should react.  I find that by referring to the one stable thing in the world – namely the Word of God that we can get some perspective. 

In Proverbs 14:29 King Solomon goes on to state – a patient man has great understanding, but a quick tempered man displays folly.  We have seen that played out on the streets of cities around the world with quick tempered people causing chaos and death.  From law enforcers who step over the mark to demonstrators who rush off to destroy something before finding out what the facts really are.

Solomon goes on to say in verse 33 and 34 – Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.  Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. 

The challenge for us is to ensure that we are wise, prudent, discerning,and righteous shunning sin, shame and disgrace.

Godspeed 

Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest Ministries

Three things will last forever – faith, hope and love – and the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13

During the Second World War the Island of Malta was protected for a period of time by a number of Gloster Gladiator aircraft. There were six of these aircraft defending the island however most of the time only 2 or 3 were available and the others used for spare parts.  They were soon joined by other more advanced aircraft however for a period of six weeks these aircraft and their pilots flew out to protect the Island.  These aircraft have been immortalised in history as Faith Hope and Charity.

This is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible and in the current times it is one that we need to spend time meditating on.  In these times of plague, pestilence, the murder of Christians in Nigeria, the oppression of the locals in West Papua, the riots in parts of the world and so many other problems and chaos it is worth pausing and reflecting on what is good.

We need to renew our faith in God and that He has in the end things under control, we need to continue to hold onto that hope that we have thanks to Christ’s sacrifice and we need to remember to love sacrificially and continue to undertake works of charity.

This way we can show those who wish to tear down and destroy what it really is to live in community and harmony.

Take time to meditate on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 

Godspeed

Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest Ministries

Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted “Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!” Barabbas was in prison for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government and for murder. Luke 23:18-19

It is interesting to note that 2000 years ago Pilate released a murderer and criminal due to the baying of the crowd and their riotous nature.  We are seeing a similar thing played out across the world today with riots breaking out  for a false cause and political leaders bowing to the noisy clamouring crowds.

A quick search of the internet reveals that George Floyd who has been held up as a martyr was actually a violent criminal with numerous times in jail including violent armed robbery on a pregnant (black) woman.  Tis does not condone the actions of the particular police officer who killed him but helps to provide perspective.  George Floyd came to police notice on that day because he had tried to purchase goods with a counterfeit bank note and was high on drugs.  It is also interesting to note that in 2019 there were 9 unarmed ‘blacks’ killed by police and 19 unarmed ‘whites’ in the USA.

Regardless of all this we should look at Christ’s example – He did not whip up His disciples into a counter riot, He did not call in the legions of angels – He quietly got on with the job of saving our souls.  He focussed on bringing peace and TRUE justice to this world not the false justice that the militant crowds yell about while assaulting those striving to maintain law and order.

Before we rush off to join the latest fad movement – pause, gather the facts, and ask this vital question – What Would Jesus Do?  The answer is found by delving deeply into the Bible where we find the only source of Truth, Justice and Peace – Jesus Christ.

Godspeed
Rev Steve Neuhaus
Eagles Rest Ministries