Insights From My Christian Brethren

Insights From My Christian Brethren

By Bruce Cooper 

What with Covid19 restrictions of the past couple of years, and an injury that my wife sustained when she was younger, that greatly limits her mobility, we, as a couple, don’t get out that much any more. Face to face fellowship with fellow believers, obviously isn’t what it used to be. Plus there are additional complications that factor in diminished face to face exposure. And because of our senior years, the energy and ability to cope with normal day to day stresses, also isn’t what it used to be. What amazes me is how when some resources fade, others often appear, that offset that which we have lost and frequently, there is a greater appreciation realized for the many blessings that God has graciously bestowed on us over the years and especially, even more so, now.

My wife and I have been married 50+ years and we were graced with raising five children that we love with all of our hearts and our seven grandchildren are a blessing that continually brings unexpected joy. What with my previous service in the military and frequent extended periods of time when I had to go away, it wasn’t always easy. Yet through those years of adapting, we managed, and as I look back on those years, I can’t help but cherish this woman who stood by me, through thick and thin. I find it amazing how love can continue to grow, in spite of our shortfalls, in spite of our imperfections and in spite of our diminishing abilities. 

When mobility issues and the realities of aging appear, one can easily retreat into oneself, but most times, that isn’t a good way to go. We do need to see beyond ourselves and appreciate the lives and influences of others, who have and are today, walking with us in our Christian faith.

The focal point behind all of these realizations, for me, is Jesus and God’s Holy Word. One cannot receive grace and not extend it to others, nor can one be forgiven without forgiving. A number of years ago I decided to invest time and effort towards a Christian Apologetics blog and the dividends of that decision have greatly surpassed my expectations. I now have dear Christian brothers and sisters in other provinces here in Canada and many of the states within the USA, not to mention a number of other countries throughout this world. Brothers and sisters who have experienced hardships, losses and setbacks, yet they continue to move forward. All of us know that we have and do fall short, yet our focus is not on ourselves but on He who has called us. Encouragement towards one another is frequent and I have stopped counting the number of times when what they are facing makes my trials look like child’s play. I truly have been blessed by so many of you over the years and especially now, during this period of isolation that all of us are dealing with due to Covid. 

You may not realize it but a good number of you have now become part of my extended family. I share your joy and I feel your grief when you mourn. The part that gets me is you have helped me care and see beyond myself and I am so grateful for that. There are those who do far more than I do, there are those who know much more than I know and there are those who quietly and graciously, by their example, show me the way. And I am indebted to you and ultimately to our saviour, Jesus, who was sent by our Father, to show us of Himself and become the way, through the indwelling unity and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. And that realization, in and of itself, has to be the greatest gift that any of us can ever come to know.

Thank you dear Lord and thank you my brothers and sisters.

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!

Bruce Cooper became a Christian in his twenties and remembers as a new Christian he had a thousand and one questions. One of the objectives for his blog is to provide answers to many of the questions that he originally had. You’ll note that he has a “Christian Resources” page, and a “Defending Your Faith 101” page. These pages, plus others, are made available to provide the many facets of Christian Apologetics. Bruce, by definition, is just an ordinary Christian layperson and his blog is the result of his conviction, that Christians should know why they believe and what they believe. Studying the many facets of Christian Apologetics helps him build on that conviction.

Bruce served 35 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. Upon retirement from CAF he worked another 18 years in private industry as an Information Technology (IT) Network Administrator, and a Certified Google Apps Deployment Specialist. He retired at the age of 70 and now works part time with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.

Bruce, A.K.A. Papa, and his wife Peggy live in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Their five children are grown and have gifted them with 7 wonderful grandchildren.

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!

Feature Photo is used with Permission