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Thoughts
God in School
“Life & Work”, the magazine of the Church
of Scotland carried an article about religious observance
in schools.
The Case Study attached to it, was particularly relevant
to Leith as Leith Academy was given as an example of how
schools approach the issue in today’s modern and diverse
society. This school actually started in South Leith Parish
Church,
and also, if it were not for the Church of Scotland, there
would not be an education system in this country. If the
tie is broken between the church and the school it would
probably never be re-established.
It is reported that Edinburgh City Council suggested that “the
outdated label of religious observance should be dropped
in Scottish schools which should follow the example of the
Scottish Parliament in replacing the tradition with time
for reflection”.
To join in a debate on this issue, go to the Forum at
the Presbytery of Edinburgh web site. (Life & Work Topics,
Religious Observance)
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Vision ~ the Emmaus Road
'As they talked and argued, Jesus himself came up and walked
with them.' Luke 24: 15
Yes, Lord, I've been there:
the day after the funeral,
when the whole world seems
to be painted in shades of muddy grey.
I've been there -
when the road is long,
the steps are heavy,
and the best thing that my friends can do
is to walk beside me.
I've been there:
but I see now that you were there,
walking by my side.
You were the unseen companion:
the one who rekindled
the Spirit's fire,
who opened the Scriptures once again,
and met me
in the breaking of the bread.
Open my eyes to see you today.
I remember all who walk the road of sorrow
that their hearts be warmed within them.
Amen
(From 'Pray Now 2001', included by kind permission
of the Church of Scotland's Panel on Worship)
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Fear ~ a man released
from torment
'He had often been fettered and chained up ...' Mark 5: 4
Lord God,
fear comes in many guises into our livesl
It is legion:
the fear of the unknown
which blights our vision,
the fear of pain
which narrows our world,
the fear of failure
which challenges our confidence.
When such fear comes, we are in fetters, we are in chains,
Fear comes to war-torn lands;
fear comes to homes where hunger stalks;
fear comes to the lonely, the frail, the dispossessed.
When such fear comes,
blotting out the sunlight hope of well-lived life,
come to our rescue
and help us through fears seen, and unseen,
that we might be set free
to walk and live and love unhindered,
acknowledging your power to cast out fear
through your perfect love for us all.
Amen
(From 'Pray Now 2001', included by kind permission
of the Church of Scotland's Panel on Worship)
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Smile !
A smile can drive all fears away.
A smile can cheer the darkest day.
A smile can dry the falling tear.
A smile can smooth a rugged road.
A smile can give a fresh, new start.
Oh, the things a smile can do!
Let these things be done through you.
A smile can never fail;
try it, prove it.
A smile, it must prevail.
George Baxter |
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The Race
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I once did walk with crippled stride
Limping slow with dragging gait
While others ran, with eager face
And, fleet-footed, gained the prize.
Not for me the thundering roar
Of cheering crowd as I did cross the line
For all had gone the victor to applaud
Ere I had my steep hill climbed.
Yet my slow pace had cost me dear
Did not that effort also merit praise?
As when mother joys in swaying baby step
And cares not who else be strong,
But sees the victory well won,
Cherishes child with warm and loving praise
And runs to tell the world of what is done
As if no other ever saw the like.
I would have swallowed quick that praise
Tasting it sweet as it slipped down.
But none did give me such cup to drink,
So I grew weary and did shun the crowd
Lest a pain within burst out and leave
A gaping wound for all to see.
I turned away from all who swift and true
Could run, however kind
And even from such as I, did hide away.
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But now by Time's slow passage I do change.
Some days ago I saw a man go past
Who once, as I, did labour slow
Then, like beggar, leaning on stick he stood
At rich man's gates.
But now that stick he broke and cast away
As useless, unneeded badge of pain
And he does walk his way in peace.
I clutched his coat and asked him how
He now stood tall, with easy walk?
His smile was sweet and words he spoke
Of how one day. as was his wont, begging
For some small coin from passing throng
A voice did say "Why ask for that
Which does not satisfy?
I give instead of what you truly need."
At that his wasted power returned
And shackles fell from body chained
Over long years' disuse.
My heart did disbelieving leap
To hear his words, for I dared not hope
That such could be; but there he stood.
And if he so did, then could not I also?
If I could but find that man of power.
So now I go, still awkward, slow
Yet no more with downcast eyes in busy throng.
Instead I scan each face I see
Could it be he, This one or that?
I walk not now alone, for he
Who now walks well is at my side
To spy for me the face I seek
Tomorrow I may win the race.
R.A.D. |
The Answer
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If you wake up in the morning,
And your path seems dark and drear
You feel you won’t get through the day
Without a sigh or tear,
You think your nerves are going to snap,
And everything goes wrong,
You’ve quite forgotten how to smile
Or praise the Lord in song,
JUST PAUSE FOR ONE BRIEF MOMENT...
And bow your head in prayer...
Then ask the LORD to undertake
And banish every care,
No problem is too great for HIM
There‘s nothing HE can’t do,
For Jesus specialises in understanding you.
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Remember: He lived on this earth,
And He was once a MAN!
He knows the things you CANNOT do,
He knows the things you CAN!
Then why become frustrated
And let things get you down?
It surely isn’t Christian- like
To grumble and to frown!
Perhaps it isn’t easy
To TRUST where you can’t TRACE,
Or realise just what can be
Achieved by Sovereign grace,
But if you truly love the Lord
And know His ways are best,
Just tell Him plainly how you feel
And let HIM do the rest!
George Baxter
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