“Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”  George Washington

On Thursday we will celebrate Heritage Day in South Africa. It recognises and celebrates the cultural diversity of the country. In its essence, the day embraces and celebrates the true meaning of why we call ourselves the Rainbow Nation. It is also known informally as National Braai Day.

While we celebrate this day, there is very little emphasis on the Christian heritage of our country. Since Europeans first settled in this country on the tip of Africa, missionaries of the London Missionary Society, Moravian Mission and others brought the Word to the many people. They converted many of the inhabitants to the Christian faith, ensuring that the Government passed laws and the people lived their lives based on Christian principles.

Sadly, our country has, to a great extent abandoned their adherence to Christian morality. Witness the wholesale plunder of our government’s finances by many of those in government, the lawlessness and violence in the land, the hijackings and kidnappings that take place everywhere.

We need to pray for

• Ourselves, that we, at grass roots level, ensure that we live our lives following Christ as witnesses and as an example to others, be it in the workplace, sports fields or socialising.
• Those in authority, that they may heed the Word of God as they lead the country, organisations or businesses
• For the criminals, that they may heed the word, often preached in prison ministries
• For ministers and lay people as they spread the Good News and for the ungodly, that their ears to be open to receive the Word.

“Darkness cannot be overcome with more darkness, only with light. Violence cannot be overcome with more violence, only with peace.”  Martin Luther King Jr.

On Sunday, continuing with our study, Ross dealt with the 6^th commandment: “You shall not kill.”

Last Friday was the 25^th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Centre in New York that killed 2753 people. An estimated 9000 have died subsequently because of 9/11 exposure in the cleanup operations and inhalation of smoke, gas and particles at the time. This was one event in an ongoing terrorist war. All over the world, there are terrorist attacks, violence in the cities and a general disregard of the sanctity of life.

However, whether it is a mass attack or a single murder, it is breaking the 6^th commandment.

We pray, Lord, for

• The families of the many victims of murder in our country, for the pain of losing a loved one, perhaps a child, a husband or wife
• The police and security forces as they attempt to catch the perpetrators, for their safety as they themselves come under attack
• The people in our townships, living in fear, with the gangs and their random killings
• The paramedics and doctors, going into these areas, putting their own lives at risk
• For the gangsters and murderers, for them to meet with Christ and turn from their wicked ways

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 19:14

On Sunday, Ross reminded us that inasmuch the 5^th Commandment requires us to honour our parents, Paul tells us not to exasperate our children. Expanding on that, this means treating them with dignity and respect.

While the vast majority of us do so, there are those in our society who prey on them, mistreat them, use them for slave labour. Children suffer as refugees from war, starvation through famines and other natural causes.

There are many organisations looking after the special needs of these victims. Among these are Childline, Child Welfare SA, Teddy Bear Foundation, Tears SA and Men and Women Against Child abuse. These provide counselling, therapeutic treatment, forensic services and care, all attempting to provide places of safety and wellbeing for children in our country and beyond.

Lord, we pray for:

• The innocent and vulnerable children in our society who are facing abuse, neglect, or danger. We ask that You place Your shield of protection around them. May every child know that they are deeply valued, chosen, and safe under Your wings.
• For those forced into slave labour or into a life of prostitution for their rescue and rehabilitation from the scars and traumas of their lives
• The many organisations here that assist in caring for and protecting our children
• Parents, as they care for and love their children, that they may treat them with respect and dignity as they raise them
• Those parents who, for whatever reason are unable to do so
• That You convict the hearts of those who harm children and replace hatred or indifference with Your love.

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Psalm 103:2-4

Yesterday, we were privileged to hear Rev Dr Leon Klein, minister at Athlone Methodist talking about living with the after effects of long covid. His talk, titled “Imperfect, but useful in God’s hands”, was inspiring to all who attended, and was a testimony to the grace of God in his life.

Many of us had covid and recovered, but many also went on to suffer many debilitating ongoing effects from covid. For some, they were mild, but for others, like Leon, they were incredibly severe. read more…

 “Climate change represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity today” – Pope Francis

In the last number of years, we have seen so much change in our weather patterns. The earth is heating up, we have more severe storms, droughts, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and more.

Every year it seems to get worse. Currently there are fires raging across Europe, Canada, America. There is drought in England, Europe and America. The Rhine and Danube have never been so low, they are practically unnavigable. Interestingly, this has allowed various ancient ruins to be exposed in the riverbeds.

In all this, we need to remember that storms may come, circumstances may shake us, and sometimes the way forward may seem impossible, but God remains with us and is in control. read more…

 “A woman is a very special person in God’s creation, may it be a friend, a mother, a wife, a sister or partner in Christ.” (Anon)

As we celebrate Women’s Day in South Africa, we give thanks to God for the countless women whose faith, courage, compassion, and perseverance have shaped our families, churches, and communities. We remember the women of 1956 who stood with dignity and determination against injustice, reminding us that courage rooted in conviction can change history.

The Bible honours women who trusted God and served others—women such as Ruth, Esther, Mary, and Priscilla. Their lives remind us that God’s love and calling are for all people, and that each person is created in His image with unique gifts and purpose. read more…