The
relevance of the bible.
I am a
lecturer in automotive technology. - My job is to teach students the
skills and knowledge required to service and repair cars effectively.
The first
essential for any motor vehicle technician is to follow correct procedures
and make repairs and adjustments to the specifications prescribed
by the manufacturer.
There are
various sources of this information, including:
Some sources
are more reliable than others. The only source that is absolutely
dependable is the workshop manual published by the maker of the car.
Manuals
from other publishers are usually cheaper, easier to get hold of and
more attractively laid out. However, I have yet to find one that is
100% reliable.
We are
constantly faced with the need to make decisions in everyday life.
On what information do we base those decisions? Some sources may be
easy to find and use; they may be attractive and appealing, for example:
Some of these may be legitimate
and helpful, but the only source that is absolutely wholesome is our
makers own manual - the Bible.
John Prosser.
Blessings through trials
In February last year (2001)
I discovered breast cancer. Through the "fast track" system,
I was in Russells Hall hospital on March 13th. Having a mastectomy which
was later followed by radiation treatment at New Cross. Meanwhile, my
husband had been diagnosed as suffering from acute renal failure which
accounted for his gradual but inexorable loss of energy and ability
to do things.
It sounds like disaster but
in fact it was the basis of great blessing. The vicar and congregation
at St. Michael's (as well as family and friends) undertook to pray for
us constantly and we both felt upheld and supported on the wave of prayer.
I had no fear of the operation or its aftermath and wonderfully, during
that short stay in hospital (3 days) I was give the opportunity to share
something of the love of Jesus with another patient who was very distressed.
On my return home. the love
and care of fellow Christians was very tangible and almost overwhelming.
As well as cards, gifts and messages of goodwill, delicious meals appeared
on our doorstep (members of our housegroup were fantastic) and we were
cared for in every way possible. I don't think I have ever felt so loved.
This is the Christ-love that we experience through our fellow Christians.
It is truly wonderful.
Now, a year later, I am virtually
back to normal (or as near normal as you can get at 68!) My husband
is receiving dialysis treatment twice a week at Wordsley hospital and
is slowly recovering some strength. His sense of humour is still there
in full measure. We both feel we have so much to thank God for. We are
not afraid of death; we believe that eternal life will be truly "out
of this world" but in the meantime we want to live this life, as
the Lord promised, to the full.
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