An interesting commonality to the surround mediations is that of them is a focus on faith, and not simply faith as a matter of faith or even of commitment, but faith put into practice in very tangible observable ways, whether in continuing to live fully in this age or safeguarding our tongues (what we say out loud or in print) or in choosing to trust Jesus even before we see any 'results'.

Sometimes the Scriptures seem almost uncanny--and almost frightening--in their discussion of issues and problems that we still face today. In today's reading from Habakkuk, we hear of God's indictment of run-away profiteering, of abuse of persons, of despoiling the environment and of reliance upon material things rather than upon God. Just how contemporary and relevant this is! However, in this context, it is good to know that God is fully aware of all this--and all we go through--and that He is here with us to help us and to guide us. Thanks be to God.

An interesting commonality to the next few meditations is a focus on faith, and not simply faith as a matter of faith or even of commitment, but faith put into practice in very tangible observable ways, whether in continuing to live fully in this age or safeguarding our tongues (what we say out loud or in print) or in choosing to trust Jesus even before we see any 'results'.

Here we are now, partway through November, almost at the end of the church year and at the verge of Advent--which begins November 27. Advent has often been called a mini-Lent, and for good reason, as it focuses on repentance and getting prepared for the coming of Jesus Christ. Likewise, seeing as repentance, or a right frame of heart and mind, is a primary emphasis on today's Scripture reading and meditation, is perhaps a good call-up to our Advent season. I hope you enjoy it.

Just has a rather remarkable and discomforting way of calling us up short at times. Rather than simply being baptized and confirmed, rather than simply being church members and doing our part to further the work of the church, He calls us to be His disciples--that is, to learn from Him and follow Him and obey Him. And that means putting every other attachment, every other priority, to one side--and sometimes, to give them up entirely--in order to do as He says. And certainly that means being true to who we are in Him, even when all sorts of pressures and enticements would prompt us to do otherwise. Fortunately, in all this, we have His presence, and His grace, to help us.

I hope that this morning finds you safe and well and in good spirits. Our meditation for today reminds us that our loving Lord and Saviour, like the true friend that He is, never gives up on us, no matter who we are, what we do, or in what circumstances we find ourselves. To me, that is good news of the 'highest order' and one that I will forever cling to and rely upon.

Today, you will notice something rather unusual, namely two meditations, both given today's date. That is because I misread the Forward Day by Day devotional booklet for today, thinking that it was the passage from Ecclesiasticus that was chosen. Instead, it was the one from Revelation.

However, by the time I realized this error I had already spent a while meditating of that first passage. Then, afterwards, I went back to Revelation and meditating on it as well, so this time you are getting two passages 'for the price of one'. I hope you enjoy them and find them helpful and inspiring.

One other thing: yesterday in my attached note I made a mistake. When describing the stance of the Anglican Church (and others) toward the book of Ecclesiasticus, I should have said 'this book isn't counted as canonical'. Instead, I said 'is', which is incorrect.

You might find yourselves a wee bit bewildered today. The reading is from the book of Ecclesiasticus, which isn't in many of our Bibles (though it is in Roman Catholic Bibles)--rather than the familiar Ecclesiastes. This book is counted as canonical by Anglicans and many Protestant churches, that is, binding for doctrine, but is counted as useful for inspiration and manner of life. Today's passage waxed eloquent--to use a frequent phrase of mine--about why we should praise God, which isn't a bad message, not matter where it comes from. Indeed, all of us should praise Him more, and should do so, in every opportunity that presents itself.

In times past--before detracted driving became a 'thing'--I used to have a hymn book in my car, laid open on the passenger seat to a favourite hymn. I'd glance at the opening line and then sing the rest off by heart--or at least, as far as I could remember. It was a rather spontaneous and joyful time of praise. I wouldn't suggest this tactic anymore, however. Perhaps a better route is to have a music tape of familiar hymns that you can play in the car and sing along with wild abandon. Anyway, I find having familiar words an easier way to offer up praises to God rather than having to make up something on my own. That's my route.

As you read today's passage, especially its opening section, chapter 1 verses 1-4, one could easily think that Habakkuk was living in our present-day world, with all its issues and problems. His words seem so timely and so relevant, that they could so easily be our words. (Indeed, I think that they can--and should be.)

But therein there is a difference to how we often voice our complaints. So often we address them to our leaders, to governments either here or elsewhere, and expect them to fix the problem. We expect that to correct injustice and violence and see that right and goodness prevail. And certainly, they do have a part to play in this.

However, in reality, the problem is bigger than any of them. The problem lies in the human heart and no earthly person or group can correct that. None of them qualifies as a saviour. Only Jesus does.

And so, Habakkuk's remedy, His avenue of complaint, is entirely right: He goes first and foremost to the Lord, and asks, no demands, to know what God is going to do about it. And God does hear him and answer him. So, that is what we should be doing as well: yes, hold our leaders and governments accountable and dedicated to the task, but then not expecting them to perform miracles or to complete the task. That is something that only our Lord can do--and will do, 'in His own sweet time.'

Today's passage and meditation are typical of God and His word generally. How we approach them and what we take of them is entirely up to us and up to our frame of mind. When I was at seminary, I ran into profs (not from my own college thankfully) who could run circles around all of us in terms of knowledge and a grasp of the Bible, but who seemingly ingested and took to heart none of it. For all their wide and profound knowledge, their belief and their faith in Jesus Christ seemed woefully inadequate--and it showed! And so, what matters is what we do with it, that is, how we apply it, and never is this truer than with today's passage. Hope you enjoy it, and the meditation therein.

Here, today, is a message that is bound to be totally uncomfortable for almost everyone--me included. Jesus talks about those hated Him, and, by extension, those who will also hate us. And, He does so in the earlier context of the Sermon on the Mount, where He told us to love everyone, even our enemies. Yes, even those we can't get along with, disagree with and can't stand. Here I think of those who hold anyone who disagrees with their stance at Synod with unadulterated disgust, rejection and hatred. (Yes, I have seen that). Or what about those who simply cannot have a rational and even-tempered discussion over race or immigration or vaccination or conspiracy theories? Or what about people who have a well-developed sense of entitlement and who feel that everyone, the church included, owes them one? Or what about people who are malicious and abusive and don't have any bones or apologies about it? Or, as I once encountered, what about a person who was fervently anti-Christ (I think that he was a Satanist), who likewise could not even allow for an intelligent conversation over our beliefs? So, I am supposed to love even the likes of these? Yes, that's the idea. I know that God loves them anyway, but I have trouble with it. So, my prayer can only be: "Lord, help!"

I'm probably finding many of you in the same boat. Good luck.