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Written by Eli Miller
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Monday, 31 January 2011 12:06 |
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We had a great trip to India! It was a wonderful and refreshing time of reconnecting with our daughter who lives there. She has been a midwife there for over three years - loving what she does and where she lives. She appreciated that we came to see her on "her" turf, and because she did not have any deliveries while we were there, we could spend most of our time with her. We were also delighted to meet some of her friends and associates.
We were mainly in Goa, which is south of Mumbai (Bombay). It is a tourist area with visitors from many countries, especially Europe and Russia. A few highlights from there were the nice beaches, the ocean that was as warm as bath water, visiting a spice plantation, and..., can you believe it - riding an elephant! That definitely is not my favorite mode of transportation!
We also spent a few days in chaotic Mumbai. I have traveled on five continents, but I think the traffic chaos, noise, smells, and contrasts of that city win the prize. The people were warm and friendly, and there was not any time when we felt unsafe.
Mumbai’s infrastructure is already strained to the breaking point trying to cope with an estimated 25 million people. Projections are that with the present urbanization that is happening, the city’s population will double in the next 25 years! Because the city is situated on the coast, it can only grow in three directions - and up.
Two of the highlights we experienced in the city were visiting the Gateway to India and the Taj Mahal Hotel where we enjoyed high tea. This was the hotel that was taken over by terrorists a couple years ago. We were impressed with the restoration that had been done to the building. One would not have known that parts of it had been burned and shot up just a couple years ago. The staff people we spoke with were friendly and proud of the restoration.
Another highlight was taking a two-and-a-half hour walking tour of Dharavi, billed as Asia’s largest slum. (It is one of 200 slums in Mumbai.) The area covers approximately 525 acres and is home to an estimated million plus people! The people living there are very industrious and put an estimated $500 million plus into Mumbai’s economy. Here is a link to a National Geographic article on the slum. Our hearts went out to the dirty, naked children whose future will likely be more of the same.
The contrasts between the Taj Mahal Hotel and the Dharavi slum are examples of the diversity and contrasts of India. In spite of a crumbling infrastructure and unbelievable air pollution, there are also evidences of extreme wealth. Case in point: The most expense personal residence in the world is in downtown Mumbai – costing almost a billion dollars to build (Yes, that is billion, not million) and a light bill of approximately $180,000 per month! Here is a link that tells you more about it.
We returned to Goa from Mumbai on a train – eleven hours of sweat, smells, cockroaches, mice, and lots of people! We had two-sixty air-conditioning: two windows open and going 60 miles an hour! It was an experience we will never forget or plan to repeat! Needles to say, the first thing we did when we returned to our daughter’s place was head to the shower! Ahhh…, the simple joy of being clean!
We returned home more thankful for what we have, being extremely grateful for the blessing of having been born in North America, burdened for the multitudes whose future is as bleak our winter skies, and marveling that our daughter has chosen to live in a world that her siblings cannot relate to.
We are refreshed, refocused, and resolved to press forward in the Lord to do our part to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. We have once again seen that creation is straining to observe the revelation of God’s sons. May we who live in the comforts of North America not be lulled into a deeper spiritual stupor of nonchalant Christianity waiting to fly away on some glad morning.
Though we were not involved in any ministry while we were away, we “received” ministry in that the rest and change-of-pace provided some good reflection time for us. We are thankful for the prayers and support of our family and friends who encouraged us to take the trip. We have been impacted with fresh resolves.
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Written by Eli Miller
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Wednesday, 29 December 2010 12:19 |
Another year has passed and a new year dawns before us. For some people the past year brought sweet success, for others bitter failure. There were times of joy and laughter, as well as sorrow and grief. The world saw political upheavals and reversals, with painfully little peace and goodwill. Terrorists took more innocent lives than we care to count.
This is the time to reflect on the old and plan for the new. Yesterdays are gone and cannot be relived; tomorrows are elusive and uncertain. However, we can plan, hope, and dream a little that the coming year will be different from the past. We are another year older, and hopefully, a bit wiser. We will make better use of our time, and perhaps that raise will come through at work and we can save more for a rainy day. What we need to do is make some New Year’s resolutions, right?
Wrong! New Year’s resolutions usually don’t survive past January. Old routines and habit patterns continue to impose themselves upon us. The ruts of our lives get deeper and the vortex of the mundane stubbornly refuses to release us. The strongest resolve gradually yields to creeping compromise as we slide back into the modes of yesteryear.
Is genuine change possible? Or are we helplessly at the mercy of our present scheme of things?
Resoundingly, no! Change is the result of making right choices long enough. Habits can be broken – by dropping them! What determinations need to be made to effectively change the direction of our lives? How will we know the right way to go?
Listen to the word of Jeremiah, “Lord, I know that no one is the master of his own destiny; no person has control over his own life.” (Jer.10:23)
The only way for us to experience the changes we desire is to unreservedly give the control of our destiny over to Jesus Christ. No one is capable of steering through the uncharted course of life without Him. It matters not whether we are young or old, rich or poor, Christian or non-Christian: If lasting change is truly desired, it is obtainable by daily seeking His directives.
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.” (Psa.37:5) Join with me in allowing Jesus Christ to make 2011 the best year of our lives! We might not see much peace in the world, but we can know peace within. Taxes may rise and the economy collapse, but we will be sustained. Our jobs might be terminated, the garden have no harvest and the family dog die, but our faith in Him can remain unshaken because we know that He is in control!
Make the right choices long enough, and change will be the lasting result.
May you have clear direction and lasting changes throughout the year ahead!
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Written by Eli Miller
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Friday, 17 December 2010 17:35 |
The wise men had been traveling for quite some time when they finally arrived at Jerusalem. It had taken them several months to cover the long journey from the east. They were now anxious to find the newborn King they were seeking. Thinking they would find Him among royalty, they began asking for Him around the palace area of Herod the king. Their question, “Where is He,” brought quite a stir to the whole city.
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and we have come to worship Him.”
“When Herod the king has heard these things, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.” (Mat.2:1-3)
After checking the sacred writings, it was discovered that Jesus should be born in Bethlehem, some five miles south of Jerusalem. Upon hearing this, the wise men eagerly continued their journey, eager to find the answer to their question, “Where is He?”
Searching for the answer to this question had brought these men on a journey of many perilous miles. Personal cost was not considered. Knowing that loved ones and associates did not have the same quest was unimportant. Time was not a factor. Even when the religious and political leaders in Jerusalem did not see it necessary to go the five miles to Bethlehem to find Him, they were not discouraged. They must find Him!
The star they had followed from the east once more began to lead them. They continued toward Bethlehem with exceeding great joy, being brought to the very house where the young child was. When these wise men found Him, they fell down and worshiped Him and presented their gifts. The long journey had not been in vain! They had found their King!
Let’s examine the inquiry, “Where is He?” a bit further. This is the first recorded question in the New Testament. It was asked by seeking wise man in their pursuit to find Jesus Christ. We can see the significance of this question by looking at the first question God asked man in the Old Testament, “Where are you?” (Gen.3:9)
In this text God is seeking man who has fallen into sin. Adam was afraid of God and tried to hide himself from Him. Today, mankind is still engaging in the futile attempt to hide from God. Many empty pursuits are tried in an effort to drown out God’s persistent call, “Where are you?”
There is no better time than the beginning of the new year to join with the wise men of old in your personal search of Him. You too, can put Christ back into your life in a more meaningful way, as well as finding your own answer to the essential question, “Where is He?”
“Wise men” still seek Him. Are you counted among them?
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Written by Eli Miller
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Sunday, 12 December 2010 19:16 |
Light is everywhere. Most of us take it for granted. We are very accustomed to the various forms of illumination that are encountered daily. We know that the light from the sun is essential for all forms of life. Artificial light in our homes and business places has made routines easier. Technology is making continuous progress in the use of light for communications, medical treatments, surgery, etc. During the holiday season the artistic beauty of colored lights add “spice” to winter nights.
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines the noun “light” as “that which makes it possible to see.” It is further defined as, “illumination, often of a specified kind,” also, “spiritual enlightenment or inspiration.” It is the latter part of Webster’s definition that I want to address.
In a conversation with the religious leaders of His day, Jesus made a very provocative statement when He said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” The Pharisees immediately challenged that declaration.
Replying to their disbelief, Jesus gives the reason for His statement. “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true; for I know where I came from, and where I am going;” (John 8: 12,14)
In these clear, concise words of Jesus, we have insight into the basic three-fold question that perplexes all of mankind. The question being, “Who am I? Where did I come from?” and, “Where am I going?” Until that complex question can be satisfactorily answered, the pathway of life is darkness.
Attempting to go through life in that kind of darkness, not being able to see ahead or behind has resulted in much time and energy being spent in futile pursuits. These pursuits have led many to try to find their natural roots, sometimes going backward through many generations. Others have attempted to gain meaning, by tenaciously holding to ethnic cultures, thereby establishing some degree of identity. Still others have endeavored to drown out the elusive answer with alcohol, drugs, and other intoxicants. All avenues lead to further despair and deeper darkness.
To all this Jesus answers, “I am the Light of the World.”
It is only as one lives in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ, that the pathway of life really becomes illuminated. Only then the true Light gives present orientation, as well as unmistakable direction. Origin is clearly defined. The question of “Who am I?” is settled. “What is life all about?” is no longer a haunting controversy. Disciples of Jesus not only gained light for their own lives, but also become avenues of His light to others.
Unfortunately the light of many believers today has become obscure. Jesus told those who would follow Him, “You are the light of the world.” “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:14,16) All too many people who claim the name, “Christian” are caught up in intellectual dogmas and insignificant issues that snuff out any effective light they might have been. They become blind leaders of the blind, going through titillating schemes of self-assertion. Ever striving to be popular, positive, and prosperous have brought only disorientation.
To all who are groping through the maze of meaningless form, Jesus answers, “I am the light of the world.”
During this holiday season, let all of us take stock of ourselves. Have we ever come to the Light that gives life meaning? If we have, is that Light still burning brightly?
“Awake sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Eph. 5:14)
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