Hope Beyond the Horizon: Surviving the Auckland Isles – Part 5, The Finale

Anne Frank Quotes

I’d just like to say thank you to my wife for lending her lovely voice to the role of playing Anne Frank. You really should hear her sing. It’s truly something special. For in its innermost depths, youth is lonelier than old age. I read this saying in some book, and I’ve always remembered it. I found it to be true. Is it true then that grown-ups had a more difficult time here than we do? No, I know it isn’t. Older people have formed their opinions about everything and don’t waver before they act. It’s twice as hard for us young ones to hold our ground and maintain our opinions at a time when all ideals have been shattered and destroyed. When people are showing their worst side and do not know whether to believe in truth and right in God. Anyone who claims that the older ones have a more difficult time here certainly doesn’t realize to what extent our problems weigh down on us. Problems for which we are probably much too young, but which thrust themselves upon us continually until after a long time we think we’ve found a solution. But the solution doesn’t seem able to resist the facts, which reduce it to nagging again. That’s the difficulty in these times. Ideals, dreams, and cherished hopes rise within us only to meet the horrible truth and be shattered. It’s really a wonder that I haven’t dropped all my ideals because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can’t build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness. I hear the ever-approaching thunder which will destroy us too. I think the old sufferings are new ones, and yet if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come out all right. That this cruelty too will end and that peace and tranquility will return again. In the meantime, I must uphold my ideals, for perhaps the time will come when I shall be able to carry them out. Yours, Anna. Anne Frank was a remarkable young soul, full of curiosity, questions, and a bright intellect. Yet for all her gifts, she lacked the light of truth. She wandered like so many others, clinging to fragile hopes and misplaced ideals, blind to the unchanging realities of God’s word. Her belief in the goodness of humanity, though heartfelt, was tragically naive. The Bible makes it clear: “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). How might her life and her writings have been different if she had been rooted in the truth of Scripture? Had her parents filled her heart with the word of God instead of the fleeting philosophies of man, she might have seen clearly the sinful condition of humanity. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This truth is not a lament but a starting point. Only when we understand the depth of our sin can we begin to grasp the height of God’s grace. It’s not despairing to acknowledge our brokenness; it’s essential to appreciating redemption. Anne Frank’s story isn’t just a personal tragedy. It’s a reminder of the moral bankruptcy of a world that has turned its back on God. The reality of sin is written all over her experience. She hid in an attic for two years not because the world was good, but because the world was profoundly evil. Her optimism that people were good at heart was a fragile hope that could not stand in the face of atrocities that defy imagination. This is the reality of sin: it destroys, it corrupts, it blinds. The hope Anne sought was not to be found in humanity, but in Christ. He declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Even those who seem righteous are not exempt from sin’s pervasive nature. Bishop William Beveridge confessed this so powerfully in his poem: “I cannot pray, but I sin. I cannot hear or preach a sermon, but I sin. I cannot give an alms or receive the sacrament, but I sin. Nay, I cannot even confess my sins. For my confessions only add to them. My repentance needs to be repented of. My tears need washing, and even the washing of my tears must be washed again with the blood of my Redeemer. I am ashamed of myself to think how far short I come in every duty and how full I am of imperfections in everything I do. Lord, be merciful to me a sinner. Pardon my failings, accept my endeavors, and strengthen me by Thy grace to serve Thee better. My soul cleaves to the dust. Quicken Thou me according to Thy word. Make me to know my transgression and my sin that I may humble myself under Thy mighty hand and seek for mercy and grace to help in time of need.” Bishop William Beveridge, though tragically unaware of the truth of Scripture, was no more sinful than the rest of us. Her misplaced hope in humanity isn’t far removed from the misplaced confidence of those who believe their good deeds will earn God’s favor. Even our most righteous acts are as filthy rags apart from God’s grace. The Bible tells us, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Anne Frank quotes often reflect her yearning for goodness and hope amidst the darkness, but they also highlight her struggle to reconcile the world’s cruelty with her beliefs. For example, she wrote, “Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.” These words, often celebrated, reveal her profound search for answers. Yet they also expose the limitations of human understanding apart from God’s truth. That belief, though sincere, could not withstand the horrors she faced. How did Anne Frank die? She perished in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, a victim of typhus, starvation, and the unimaginable brutality of the Holocaust. Her young life ended in a world overwhelmed by sin—a stark reminder of the brokenness of humanity without God. Think for a moment about Bergen-Belsen, where Anne’s life came to such a heartbreaking end. This was more than a prison camp; it was a horrifying exhibition of humanity at its worst. Disease, starvation, and cruelty beyond comprehension filled every corner. When British forces liberated the camp in 1945, they found thousands of unburied bodies—a sight that testified to the depth of sin in a godless world. And yet, even in such darkness, the promise of Scripture remains true: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Anne Frank’s diary has inspired millions, but it also reveals a soul searching for hope in the wrong places. She failed to see that humanity, left to its own devices, will always descend into chaos. True hope cannot be found in the heart of man. It can only be found in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Our Lord said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We must not romanticize Anne’s story or elevate her misplaced ideals. To do so is to repeat the very error that left her vulnerable. Instead, we honor her by facing the truth. Sin is real, evil is present, but God’s grace is greater. Her story is a reminder to each of us. Have we placed our hope in fleeting ideals? Or in the eternal truth of God’s word? Have we acknowledged our sinfulness and embraced the forgiveness offered through Christ? Anne’s short life reminds us that our time here is fleeting, and there is no better moment than now to turn to the one who saves. The hope Anne longed for is found not in humanity, but in Christ alone. In Him, there is not only forgiveness for the sins of this world, but the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness will dwell forever. He has overcome the world, and through Him, we can overcome too. Let us not delay in proclaiming this truth to a world still wandering in darkness. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God.” Let us cling to that gift, share it boldly, and walk in its light for the sake of our souls and for the glory of God. Just look at the story of Corrie ten Boom, which took place during the same time and in the same place, World War II in Holland. The only difference? She was a Christian. What a remarkable story of faith and suffering. If you’d like to know more, feel free to listen to my messages or read my blog about her inspiring journey.

Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged: Matthew 7

JUDGE NOT THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED: A LESSON IN HUMILITY AND REFLECTION The phrase “Judge not that ye be not judged [https://oldtimepreaching.com/bible_chapters/matthew-7/]“ is one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus, encapsulating a powerful reminder about humility, grace, and self-reflection. Yet, in today’s fast-paced world, this teaching often feels forgotten. We live in a culture quick to critique, judge, and point fingers, often at the expense of personal accountability. This blog dives into the timeless wisdom of this scripture, exploring its relevance in modern life and how it calls us to a higher standard of love and understanding. THE MEANING OF “JUDGE NOT THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED [https://oldtimepreaching.com/bible_chapters/matthew-7/]“ At its core, the phrase encourages us to refrain from judgmental attitudes. It’s not about abandoning discernment but recognizing that we’re all flawed. Jesus underscores this in Matthew 7:3, asking: “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” This verse paints a vivid picture of hypocrisy—focusing on others’ small faults while ignoring our own glaring issues. It’s a call to self-awareness and humility, urging us to address our shortcomings before criticizing others. WHY WE LOVE TO JUDGE OTHERS Judging others often comes easily. It can make us feel superior or distract us from our struggles. Social media, for instance, is a breeding ground for this behavior. How often do we see people ranting about someone else’s flaws while presenting a curated, flawless version of themselves? The Apostle Paul captures this tendency in Romans 2:1: “For in passing judgment on another, you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” This passage is a sobering reminder that our judgments often reveal more about us than the person we’re judging. This teaching isn’t just a personal challenge; it applies to societal and leadership dynamics as well. Consider these examples: TRAFFIC LAWS AND AUTHORITY Ever seen a patrol car ignore traffic rules? When those tasked with enforcing laws fail to follow them, it’s hard not to notice the double standard. Leaders who advocate for environmental causes while flying private jets or impose taxes on ordinary citizens while living in luxury mirror the hypocrisy Jesus spoke against. We excuse our own outbursts as stress-related but label someone else’s anger as “unacceptable.” These examples highlight why Jesus’ words—“Judge not that ye be not judged”—are as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. Unlike human judgment, God’s judgment is both just and merciful. Romans 2:4 reminds us that God’s patience and kindness are meant to lead us to repentance. His delays in judgment aren’t approvals of our actions but opportunities for self-correction. “Judge not that ye be not judged” invites us to reflect on our faults and seek God’s grace. It’s a chance to move away from condemnation and toward compassion—for ourselves and others. To embody the wisdom of “Judge not that ye be not judged,” consider these steps: Regularly examine your actions and attitudes. Ask, “Am I practicing what I preach?” Treat others with the same patience and understanding you would want for yourself. Channel energy into addressing your faults instead of critiquing others. When we focus on these practices, we not only align ourselves with Jesus’ teachings but also create a more understanding and compassionate world. CONCLUSION The phrase “Judge not that ye be not judged” is more than a command; it’s a lifestyle. It challenges us to replace judgment with empathy, hypocrisy with humility, and condemnation with grace. In a world that often thrives on criticism, this teaching calls us to a higher standard—a standard rooted in love and self-awareness. So the next time you’re tempted to point out someone else’s flaws, pause. Reflect on your own journey, and remember the wisdom of Matthew 7:1: “Judge not that ye be not judged.”

You have not because you ask not.

YOU HAVE NOT BECAUSE YOU ASK NOT. You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:2-3 Let’s get real. We’re pretty bad at asking for what we need. Think about it—how often do we run around trying to fix our problems on our own, only to end up frustrated, exhausted, and maybe a little hangry? James lays it out for us: “You do not have because you do not ask God.” And even when you do ask, James is like, “Yeah, but are you asking with the right motives?” Ouch. That’s like getting roasted by your favorite Bible verse. Humans are funny creatures, aren’t we? We’ve got this endless list of wants—some of them legit, like food and shelter, and some of them a little questionable, like a personal yacht or the ability to eat donuts without consequences. And what do we do? Instead of asking God, we hustle, we plot, we compare, we scroll through social media, see someone’s perfect life, and suddenly we’re spiraling. James is over here yelling, “Stop fighting and start praying.” But do we listen? Not usually. Here’s the thing: James isn’t against wanting things. He’s just calling out the way we go about it. We work ourselves into the ground, trying to control every outcome, and then wonder why we feel so empty. It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without reading the instructions. Sure, you could do it your way, but you’re probably going to end up with a wobbly table and three leftover screws. CHECKING YOUR MOTIVES IN PRAYER Now let’s talk about prayer. James doesn’t just tell us to pray—he tells us to pray right. And no, that doesn’t mean using fancy King James English or slipping in a “thee” and “thou” for extra points. It means checking your heart. Are you praying for God’s wisdom and guidance, or are you just trying to manifest a new car? God isn’t your personal Amazon Prime, ready to deliver your latest wish in two days or less. He’s looking at the why behind your prayer. This is where things get awkward, because let’s be honest—we’ve all prayed some questionable prayers. You know the ones. Like, “God, if you just let me win the lottery, I’ll totally donate… some of it… probably.” Or, “Lord, please let my boss call in sick so I can have a stress-free day.” James calls these out as praying with the wrong motives. God isn’t in the business of granting selfish wishes or helping you one-up your neighbor. Prayer isn’t about bending God’s will to match yours; it’s about aligning your heart with His. Here’s a fun question: How often do we completely skip the “asking God” step? Be honest. We’ll vent to our friends, write vague posts on Facebook like, “Ugh, today has been the worst,” and then drown our stress in a Netflix binge. Prayer feels too slow or too uncomfortable, so we try to fix everything ourselves. And when that doesn’t work, we treat God like the tech support guy you only call after smashing all the buttons didn’t solve the problem. “Well, nothing else worked—guess I’ll pray now!” No wonder James is like, “You have not because you ask not.” FOCUS ON WHAT TRULY MATTERS But James doesn’t stop there. He also warns about envy and comparison, and wow, does that hit home. We’re masters of the comparison game. We see someone’s vacation photos and suddenly feel like our whole life is boring. Or we hear about a coworker’s promotion and think, “Why not me?” James is telling us, “Stop it. You’re wasting your time.” Coveting what someone else has isn’t just bad for your soul—it’s a one-way ticket to frustration. Life isn’t about keeping up with the Joneses or one-upping your neighbor. It’s about seeking what God has planned for you. And let’s not forget about the church. Yep, James is coming for us too. How often do churches fall into the same traps? We pray for growth, but is it about saving souls or just boosting attendance so we look good? Are we trying to outdo the church down the street with bigger buildings and flashier worship bands, or are we truly seeking God’s presence? It’s easy to slip into selfish motives, even when we’re doing “holy” things. I heard from my wife just yesterday that a pastor we both listened to was talking about going back to the old ways of building a church with brick and mortar. And I was like, “What?! You’ve got to be kidding me.” Why on earth would you spend ten times more on a building when you could save a ton using the technology and materials we have in the 21st century? I mean, sure, churches from 200 years ago looked fancy, but let’s be honest—if those folks had access to what we have today, they’d drop that brick-and-mortar nonsense faster than you can say “HVAC system.” Speaking of which, can we talk about the joy of not having to cut down a tree to stay warm in winter? Those old-timey churches were cold, drafty, and about as practical as wearing a corset to a marathon. Look, it doesn’t matter if the building is made of bricks, sticks, or a prefab steel frame. What matters is the people inside, the worship, and the mission of the church. The point of a church isn’t to look like a medieval castle—it’s to serve the community, spread the gospel, and maybe, just maybe, keep the congregation from freezing in February. Let’s leave the brick-and-mortar nostalgia where it belongs: in the history books. THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT ASKING GOD Here’s the good news: God wants to bless us. He’s not up in heaven with His arms crossed, waiting for you to beg. But He’s also not going to enable selfishness. Think of Him like a wise parent. When you ask with the right heart, He’s ready to pour out blessings. But when you’re just trying to get your way, He’s not afraid to say, “Nope, try again.” God knows what’s best for you, even when you don’t. So, what’s the takeaway here? Stop hustling, stop comparing, and start asking God for what you need. But don’t just throw up a half-hearted prayer and hope for the best. Take a minute to check your motives. Are you asking for something that glorifies God, or are you just chasing your own agenda? James isn’t trying to guilt-trip us into praying more. He’s showing us that prayer is the key to a better life—a life where our desires are aligned with God’s will and where we can trust Him to provide exactly what we need. With that said, this is Tim, the Chief of the Nobodies, signing off.

Hope Beyond the Horizon: Surviving the Auckland Isles – Part 5, The Finale

The diary recounts a voyage filled with relentless challenges, cultural encounters, and moments of introspection. Spanning from August to September 1865, the crew battles unrelenting weather, navigational difficulties, and encounters with wildlife, all while harboring a deep longing for home and civilization. As they face these trials, one verse encapsulates their journey: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (Psalm 28:7). From the outset, the voyage is fraught with unrelenting weather. Gales, squalls, hailstorms, and freezing temperatures batter the crew and vessel, delaying their departure. When the journey finally begins, the seas prove unforgiving, forcing the sailors to seek shelter in safe harbors like Port Adventure and Port Pegasus. The vessel, though small, earns admiration for its resilience. Despite the severe conditions, including waves crashing over the deck and leaks spreading water throughout, the ship remains steadfast. The author marvels at its ability to “ride like a seagull” amidst towering waves. The crew, drenched and exhausted, perseveres with a hope rooted in God’s promise: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Isaiah 43:2). Navigational difficulties exacerbate their struggles. Faulty compasses mislead the sailors, forcing them to rely on celestial readings when the skies clear. Storms make the voyage increasingly perilous, with rain, snow, and thunder adding to the chaos. At times, the crew is unable even to cook a meal or enjoy a cup of tea, and their physical and mental endurance is pushed to the limit. Yet, moments of hope emerge, like a rising barometer signaling calmer weather or brief lulls in the storm allowing them to regroup. These fleeting moments reflect the promise of “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). Nature plays a dual role as both a challenge and a provider. Seal hunting becomes a recurring activity, offering much-needed sustenance but also testing the crew’s resourcefulness. In one instance, a vomiting seal calf is mistakenly celebrated as a kill by a sailor, only to later reveal its true state, prompting laughter amidst the hardships. A loyal dog aids in the hunts, fearlessly engaging seals despite injuries. This interplay between survival and humor illustrates the resilience of the human spirit, while the beauty of creation serves as a reminder of God’s handiwork: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Cultural exchanges with the Maori population provide moments of insight and mutual respect. The author observes the unique harmony within Captain Cross’s family, blending European and Maori traditions. Mrs. Cross speaks only Maori, while their children fluently navigate both languages. The village magistrate’s visit showcases the depth of Maori customs, as he waits to dine until the crew finishes their meal—a mark of humility and respect. A pivotal encounter with Maori chief Toby proves invaluable when he lends the crew a reliable compass and shares knowledge about a sheltered cove near the Snares Islands. These exchanges embody the spirit of unity described in “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). The relentless challenges of the voyage prompt deep introspection from the author. He expresses longing for his family and questions the fairness of his prolonged absence. The yearning for home and the comforts of civilization is a recurring theme, with the author clinging to the hope of reunion. Despite the hardships, moments of camaraderie among the crew provide solace. Calm weather allows them to dry their clothes, share meals, and recover their spirits. These small victories, though fleeting, echo the assurance of “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). As the voyage nears its conclusion, the author reflects on the resilience required to endure such an arduous journey. His admiration for the ship and his crew grows, describing the vessel as a steadfast companion that has withstood trials with grace. Despite setbacks, their determination remains unwavering, driven by a faith that sustains them through every storm. The diary concludes on a note of cautious optimism, as the crew presses onward, buoyed by the promise of “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This diary serves as a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the human capacity to endure. Through vivid descriptions and heartfelt reflections, the author paints a compelling portrait of survival against all odds. It reminds readers of the strength found in unity, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the enduring promise of God’s presence in the storms of life: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

The Old ship Captain Musgrave’s Forgotten Adventure, Part 3

Welcome back to Old Time Preaching with your neighbor Tim, the Chief of the Nobodies! If you haven’t listened to Parts 1 and 2, stop right here and go check them out—I’ll wait. No, really. Go on. I’m not going anywhere. Survival Movies: Captain Musgrave’s Forgotten Adventure Part 2 [https://oldtimepreaching.com/survival-movies-captain-musgraves-forgotten-adventure-part-2/] Survival Movies: Captain Musgrave’s True Account [https://oldtimepreaching.com/survival-movies-cant-beat-musgrave-story/] Alright, welcome back! Let’s get to the next chapter of Captain Thomas Musgrave’s wild adventure. By this point, the Grafton was officially a “fancy pile of sticks,” or as we like to call it in the business, a derelict vessel. But let’s give the man credit: Musgrave didn’t sit around complaining about it. Nope. “If God gives you lemons—or in this case, a wrecked schooner—you make a hut!” And that’s exactly what he did. With timbers, nails, and every scrap of the Grafton they could find, Musgrave and his crew built a little cabin that could have been called Epigwaitt—because calling it “Shack of Doom” probably wouldn’t have lifted morale. This little four-walled refuge came complete with a stone fireplace for cooking, heating, and a church sermon every Sunday from Musgrave himself. It wasn’t exactly the Ritz, but when you’re stranded on a freezing rock in the middle of nowhere, you’ll take what you can get. Life on the island wasn’t easy. The men hunted seals for food and clothing, and maybe Musgrave said a prayer on every hunt, something like, “Dear Lord, please let that seal stop running so fast.” And while Musgrave kept everyone busy with tasks, he knew the real challenge wasn’t just the hunger or cold—it was keeping their spirits from sinking faster than their ship had. So, like a good Christian leader, he made sure there was always hope on the menu. Musgrave was no ordinary captain—he was the kind of guy who could turn a wrecked ship and a desolate island into a survival story. He kept everyone on task: one man built tools, another stoked the fire, and someone else probably handled the “Keep the hut from blowing away” department. Every day was a reminder that even in the worst situations, God can still work miracles. Of course, the crew had one big goal in mind: escape. And for that, they needed a boat. Now, building a boat from scraps isn’t exactly in Job Descriptions for Castaways, but Musgrave’s crew had something better: faith, determination, and a lot of spare time. They salvaged planks, nails, and even parts of the rigging from the Grafton to craft a seaworthy vessel. So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, it’s this: God doesn’t leave us without tools, even when the odds are stacked against us. Whether it’s turning a derelict ship into a hut, hunting seals on board the island, or dreaming of freedom on an ocean they couldn’t see, Musgrave and his crew kept the faith—and they kept going. This isn’t just a story of survival—it’s a celebration of faith, resilience, and the unstoppable grace of God at work in the human spirit. Oh, and if you’re the type who prefers reading over listening, we’ve got you covered with a PDF of Captain Musgrave’s incredible journey. [https://oldtimepreaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Castaway-on-the-Auckland-Isles-A-Narrative-of-the-Wreck-of-the-Grafton.pdf] Or, if you like the smell of fresh-printed pages, grab the book on Amazon. [https://amzn.to/4gSaDjs]