It is always frustrating when you want to be a better person, but you fail.
I tend to be very hard on myself when I don't live up to my own standards. I withdraw, pull away, and internalize my failures. If left there too long, I will spiral downwards into a state of self pity - which is never good.
Climbing out of that pit of darkness is difficult. Admitting that I am in a pit is sometimes very difficult.
I would like to think that I am strong. 'I can overcome all that is thrown at me!'
{feet solidly planted, hands on hips, shoulders thrown back, chin up, standing on top of a mountain, wind blowing back my long hair, despite raging storm all around}
...Yeah. ...Not so true...nice image though.
I think of Christ. I think of scripture: ...when I am weak, then I am strong...my Grace is sufficient...
I really don't feel like praying when I am stewing in my pit of darkness. Of course, the enemy of my soul, I am sure, is loving every moment of my agony in this state.
I think of the enemy of my soul.
I picture creatures of darkness attacking, mocking, terrorizing me from all sides.
But the picture becomes broader, I also see soldiers, angels of God battling some of these dark creatures.
All of a sudden, I am in a movie. A battle, intense and fierce. I am lying, seemingly defeated, on the ground with this war going on all around me...And I am the one they are battling for...one side seeking to destroy me, the other side defending me!
Then, the realization hits me...By lying in the mud of this movie, I am actually helping the enemy!
I need to get up! Where's my sword?! Get up! Get in the battle!
I rise up.
Declare my battle cry.
JESUS!
.
.
.
There is power in the name of Jesus. Power that I really don't understand. What I do understand is that there is power. I also understand that when I chose to believe Jesus is who He said He is, and asked forgiveness for my sins, when I asked Jesus to come into my heart and fill me with His Holy Spirit, I received this power.
I think of scripture again...
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Take every thought captive.
I am not perfect. I fail - often. I constantly need to remind myself that though I fail, God still loves me and does not write me off...and I shouldn't write myself off. Some days it is harder than others to remember who I am in Christ, but those days, my God, finds a way to draw me out, to remind me of who I am. He reminds me of how much He loves me and how His plans for me are plans to prosper me, not to harm me, to give me a hope and a future...
...Perhaps I should review my standards for myself.
Showing posts with label personal thinks.... Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal thinks.... Show all posts
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Friday, April 24, 2015
Our Journey Doesn't End Here...
Yesterday, we had a moment of silence for two colleagues that died at work this past week.
Now, I see death almost daily and yet, I am still quite emotionally impacted by the passing of others, even if I do not know them well. Even if I have assurance that a person knows the Lord Jesus, my heart still swells in mourning. This is a good thing, I suppose. It speaks to our humanity and our desire to live and see life thrive. But, we can't avoid death...and yet we try...boy, do some of us try!
As Christians, we are not to fear death. We have hope beyond the grave.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; ~John 11:25
For me, life does not end with that last breath, or that last heart beat. As someone once said, "You do not have a soul, you are a soul. You have a body." Our journey doesn't end here...
Now, I see death almost daily and yet, I am still quite emotionally impacted by the passing of others, even if I do not know them well. Even if I have assurance that a person knows the Lord Jesus, my heart still swells in mourning. This is a good thing, I suppose. It speaks to our humanity and our desire to live and see life thrive. But, we can't avoid death...and yet we try...boy, do some of us try!
As Christians, we are not to fear death. We have hope beyond the grave.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; ~John 11:25
For me, life does not end with that last breath, or that last heart beat. As someone once said, "You do not have a soul, you are a soul. You have a body." Our journey doesn't end here...
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Cancer Has Changed
At my work, I have a unique opportunity to sometimes spend a little more time with patients, especially those who are dying, let alone those who are feeling alone and scared.
Not to long ago, I had an encounter with someone who found out they had terminal cancer and was given a few weeks to live. Unfortunately, the person died in less than two weeks, leaving behind a fairly young family. The person was in their 40's, far too young.
The thing that troubles me the most is that this scenario is one I am seeing frequently these days.
A few years ago, some friends, who are funeral directors, and I were discussing how the general population was dying and my friend said to me that there was a trend of those 85+yrs dying of old age, but there was another trend of baby boomers dying of heart attacks and cancer in their 50's and 60's. The conversation went on and we agreed that the current theory that hospitals will be overrun with baby boomers was bunk and carried on with our visit. Four years later, I am sitting here thinking that this is still a fairly consistent trend, except that it is not just the baby boomers being hit with cancer. And, cancer has changed. No longer can we diagnose a cancer and predict where it came from and were it will hit next in the body. There seems to be a much more disturbing trend of cancer randomly showing up and then metastasizing in unexpected places. It hits hard and it hits fast and age and family history are no predictors.
Why do I mention this?
Two reasons:
1. I want you to embrace the fact that life is short. God has given us this time on earth to live as we choose. And we have made choices - some we don't regret and some we do regret. Some of us have chosen to learn more about Jesus and have chosen to believe He is who He says He is and some of us haven't.
2. God is with us. Our world may be crumbling all around us. War, disease, and disasters may be growing daily, but He is still with us, and He is in control.
I spend more time reflecting, more time praying for and working on relationships, and trying to mirror more of the character of Christ, among other things.
At work, every patient I encounter goes to a place of deep reflection; some find comfort in doing so, others engage in an internal battle that consumes them - they are unable to be present with those around them. The outcome of these internal battles only God knows. All I - or anyone- can do is just be with them and support them, let them battle it out and let them know that we do not judge them, just love them. And pray.
Please hear me when I say: Life is short...
Not to long ago, I had an encounter with someone who found out they had terminal cancer and was given a few weeks to live. Unfortunately, the person died in less than two weeks, leaving behind a fairly young family. The person was in their 40's, far too young.
The thing that troubles me the most is that this scenario is one I am seeing frequently these days.
A few years ago, some friends, who are funeral directors, and I were discussing how the general population was dying and my friend said to me that there was a trend of those 85+yrs dying of old age, but there was another trend of baby boomers dying of heart attacks and cancer in their 50's and 60's. The conversation went on and we agreed that the current theory that hospitals will be overrun with baby boomers was bunk and carried on with our visit. Four years later, I am sitting here thinking that this is still a fairly consistent trend, except that it is not just the baby boomers being hit with cancer. And, cancer has changed. No longer can we diagnose a cancer and predict where it came from and were it will hit next in the body. There seems to be a much more disturbing trend of cancer randomly showing up and then metastasizing in unexpected places. It hits hard and it hits fast and age and family history are no predictors.
Why do I mention this?
Two reasons:
1. I want you to embrace the fact that life is short. God has given us this time on earth to live as we choose. And we have made choices - some we don't regret and some we do regret. Some of us have chosen to learn more about Jesus and have chosen to believe He is who He says He is and some of us haven't.
2. God is with us. Our world may be crumbling all around us. War, disease, and disasters may be growing daily, but He is still with us, and He is in control.
~~~~~
This trend has changed the way I see life.I spend more time reflecting, more time praying for and working on relationships, and trying to mirror more of the character of Christ, among other things.
At work, every patient I encounter goes to a place of deep reflection; some find comfort in doing so, others engage in an internal battle that consumes them - they are unable to be present with those around them. The outcome of these internal battles only God knows. All I - or anyone- can do is just be with them and support them, let them battle it out and let them know that we do not judge them, just love them. And pray.
Please hear me when I say: Life is short...
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.~James 4:14
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.~Psalm 90:12
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.~Revelation 21:4
Monday, June 20, 2011
Screw Good.
You know, it is easy to serve God when you are single and alone (...that is: whether you are married or not, and/or just isolated). I say this because it seems to me that people get in the way of our walk with God. I can walk with Him in a sea of people and be content and filled with the Holy Spirit, oblivious to my effect on the masses, but the moment I reach out, all hell breaks loose!
Now, the fact is we are made for relationship with Him and with others, but it does not change the fact that some people are royal speedbumps in the road of life. (author included)
How does that Word go?..."Do not give up doing good"...? Bah Humbug! Screw good. Oh wait. That wasn't very "Christian" of me...But it was very real.
Sometimes I get tired. It doesn't mean that I don't believe in God or that I have left the faith or whatever. It just means I am human. Yep. News to the world. I. Am. Human. A person who still makes mistakes, who still gets frustrated with other Christians, who gets tired of always doing the "right" thing...I have my moments. Ultimately, those times are more between me and God than me and whoever else; however, oftentimes the "whoever else's" think it is between me and them...it is actually less so than their egos can take and they/we tend to make it about them and them....I mean me...and them. (Catch the "we"...I do it too..no condemnation here folks, just the facts.)
So, where does that leave me/us ? Right where God wants us. Scruffy, dirty, beaten, and breathless before Him, ready to be washed clean...again. And for those of you who think that you would never appear before God that way...well...you are a fool. He did not come to save the righteous(...and none of us are). He came to save us from the evil that seeks to destroy us. God is persistent, gentle- yet firm, full of lovingkindness (hesed), convicting- not condemning.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
It is much easier to walk with God alone...we don't get so dirty...but then again, we also don't get the cleaning that we need. ...Think about it.
Shalom
Now, the fact is we are made for relationship with Him and with others, but it does not change the fact that some people are royal speedbumps in the road of life. (author included)
How does that Word go?..."Do not give up doing good"...? Bah Humbug! Screw good. Oh wait. That wasn't very "Christian" of me...But it was very real.
Sometimes I get tired. It doesn't mean that I don't believe in God or that I have left the faith or whatever. It just means I am human. Yep. News to the world. I. Am. Human. A person who still makes mistakes, who still gets frustrated with other Christians, who gets tired of always doing the "right" thing...I have my moments. Ultimately, those times are more between me and God than me and whoever else; however, oftentimes the "whoever else's" think it is between me and them...it is actually less so than their egos can take and they/we tend to make it about them and them....I mean me...and them. (Catch the "we"...I do it too..no condemnation here folks, just the facts.)
So, where does that leave me/us ? Right where God wants us. Scruffy, dirty, beaten, and breathless before Him, ready to be washed clean...again. And for those of you who think that you would never appear before God that way...well...you are a fool. He did not come to save the righteous(...and none of us are). He came to save us from the evil that seeks to destroy us. God is persistent, gentle- yet firm, full of lovingkindness (hesed), convicting- not condemning.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
It is much easier to walk with God alone...we don't get so dirty...but then again, we also don't get the cleaning that we need. ...Think about it.
Shalom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
No V-Formation, But Perseverance
I drive through a migration zone everyday to work. Today, coming home, the sky was once again filled with hundreds of geese returning from the sunny south. Now normally, the geese fly precisely in their famous V-formation, but not today.
Today the wind was so fierce that the V-formation was not even detectable from the ground and it looked like the birds were doing all they could do to 1) stick together in a group, and 2) stay airborne.
Their situation seemed odd to me for some reason.
As I pondered their predicament, it struck me that they were quite simply caught in a crosswind. It was nothing personal, it was just part of their travels. These birds were on a journey. They knew their ultimate destination (I assume they know or would know as soon as they came upon it), and in their journey they hit some hard times that they must navigate through. Persevere through.
...And that which keeps them moving forward is something within.
~
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.~James 1:12I’m sure about this: the One who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.~Philippians 1:6
Monday, December 20, 2010
Ultimate Love
She had big brown eyes, eyelashes that seemed to go on forever, curly brown hair, and a smile that would melt your heart. As I watched her, she smiled at me and her eyes shone bright and innocent. She had never met me before, but she reached out to me as if I were her favourite aunt. What a treasure! Her name in her native language means "gold"...aptly named, she is a treasure. My heart and mind spun in prayers for her and for her family...for them to know Jesus and receive Him as their personal Lord and Saviour. Weeks later, that same little girl still brings a smile to my heart.
I imagine God receiving each one of us that way and ideally, we reaching out to Him without fear, without hesitance, with a joy and abandonment unparalleled to any other.
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.~Luke 18:16
It is the reaching out with abandon that I admire or that I wish I would engage in with our God more often. But oftentimes I don't. I hold back. I allow fear to rule my heart and mind and I withdraw. It is difficult at times to imagine God as "Ultimate Love", in fact, it is difficult for me to imagine "Ultimate Love".
"Ultimate Love" - a love that is unconditional...always there...without ceasing. God is Love. It is oftentimes very difficult to allow that truth penetrate our minds, let alone our hearts. Wanting to impose our idea of love on God, we fall short of the reality of how great a love He is exactly.
On top of that, I have a difficult time wrapping my brain around how He loves each one of us without favourtism, the same...but differently. He meets us with His love in a way that speaks to us individually. That is incredible to me.
He loves the unloveable with the same love that He loves me, without preference. It is how we receive and reciprocate His love that brings joy to His heart...and that is an entirely individual response. The woman who gave her last pennies, the man who stepped out of the boat, the person who stepped back, the person who reached out...a smile, a word, a hug, a silence, a gift, an unselfish act in thought, word, or deed...It doesn't go unnoticed by Him, in fact, it is His love that enables us. Such a love baffles me as much as it brings me joy.
Learning that I could never give back as much love as God gives me is also difficult. By nature (I guess), I am a giver. I like to give...sometimes I can't, for whatever reason, and not being able to give back should spur me on to exhausting every facet of showing/living love 24/7/365...but I fail. I hold back, I withdraw...and yet, He still loves me and He stills pours His love into me. God is relentless. And I am very thankful for that.
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 36:7).
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love (Psalm 48:9).
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever (Psalm 52:8).
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and
faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:26).
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3).
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends John 15:13).
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:9).
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2).
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-5).
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:9-10).
I imagine God receiving each one of us that way and ideally, we reaching out to Him without fear, without hesitance, with a joy and abandonment unparalleled to any other.
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.~Luke 18:16
It is the reaching out with abandon that I admire or that I wish I would engage in with our God more often. But oftentimes I don't. I hold back. I allow fear to rule my heart and mind and I withdraw. It is difficult at times to imagine God as "Ultimate Love", in fact, it is difficult for me to imagine "Ultimate Love".
"Ultimate Love" - a love that is unconditional...always there...without ceasing. God is Love. It is oftentimes very difficult to allow that truth penetrate our minds, let alone our hearts. Wanting to impose our idea of love on God, we fall short of the reality of how great a love He is exactly.
On top of that, I have a difficult time wrapping my brain around how He loves each one of us without favourtism, the same...but differently. He meets us with His love in a way that speaks to us individually. That is incredible to me.
He loves the unloveable with the same love that He loves me, without preference. It is how we receive and reciprocate His love that brings joy to His heart...and that is an entirely individual response. The woman who gave her last pennies, the man who stepped out of the boat, the person who stepped back, the person who reached out...a smile, a word, a hug, a silence, a gift, an unselfish act in thought, word, or deed...It doesn't go unnoticed by Him, in fact, it is His love that enables us. Such a love baffles me as much as it brings me joy.
Learning that I could never give back as much love as God gives me is also difficult. By nature (I guess), I am a giver. I like to give...sometimes I can't, for whatever reason, and not being able to give back should spur me on to exhausting every facet of showing/living love 24/7/365...but I fail. I hold back, I withdraw...and yet, He still loves me and He stills pours His love into me. God is relentless. And I am very thankful for that.
~
Some Love(ly) Quotes to Remember and Meditate Upon
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5).How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 36:7).
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love (Psalm 48:9).
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever (Psalm 52:8).
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and
faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:26).
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3).
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends John 15:13).
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:9).
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2).
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-5).
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:9-10).
*Scriptural quotes taken in order from DougBrittonBooks
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Desires of Our Heart - A Repost Reminder
I have been trying to get to Texas for the past 6 or so years. I am not entirely sure why. I have just been drawn to that area. I have had several opportunities to go over these years, but each opportunity was lost because of various "more pressing" circumstances. (Most of which now, I cannot recall.) That being said, I finally made it to Texas earlier this month and I fell in love. I fell in love with Texas Hill Country. I did not want to leave, yet I had to return to Canada. I hope to return to Texas in the near future and continue exploring where I left off; however, I must leave that desire in the hand of God. Why do I mention this trip? Well, it has to do with the desires of our heart. I, for so long, wanted something...drawn to it...some days doubting that it would ever occur. I put it on the back burner of my mind always ready to embrace should I have the opportunity. The opportunity was presented - God did not forget me - and I went for it. The interesting thing is that I had an opportunity to go elsewhere at this time, a trip that would have been considered more admirable than my trip to Texas; however, my heart cried out loudly and I prayerfully chose to answer the cry.
The distractions that interfere with our heart's desire can be so obnoxiously pressing, and yet so charming at the same time, that the spirit of confusion can waltz right in and sway our thinking causing us to lose our focus. This time I denied the distraction.
Our hearts thirst for the Water of Life. Driven by desires that mysteriously form deep within our being, crafted by our life experience and overseen by our Creator. The desire of our heart ultimately draws us closer to God; however, we can and do get distracted and try to satisfy these desires with less-than-satiable replicas of want.
Be careful of distractions. Listen to your heart. Commune with God. Trust.
I can look back on my choice to go south and know that it was the right decision for the time. It is all about God's timing for our lives. I guess those other opportunities in the past would not have spoken to my heart the way the timing of this trip did. I will not explore the "why now and not a previous time?", I am content to know that God did not forget me, that the temptation of distraction did not cheat me, and my heart's desires can and will be answered because my God cares about me - He cares about what is best for me each season of my life.
He cares about you and the desires of your heart also, trust Him.
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Personal Collage
Oh look! A collage of my life in the past # of years!
Do you ever feel like this?
Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path between two vineyards, with walls on both sides. ~Numbers 22:24
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Truth and Perspective
How does finding out the truth change your perspective? I recently found out some disturbing information about the house I am currently residing in, not the house itself per se, but the previous owners and their activities within this house. Before I came here; however, I prayed. I prayed over the house and property as the Holy Spirit led. I claimed this house. When I found out this info, I looked at my house differently, yet I know what I know. This house is given to me by God for this season. I look at it like this: I am here for now and the legacy I leave in this house and on this property is directed to God's glory and whoever moves in here next, prayerfully, will be blessed by what I have done here - physically and spiritually.
Though I like this house, it is just a house. My heart pains for the previous owners, their season of being in this house was obviously rough for them. There is an attitude of shame when people speak of them in this place.
What I know of the original owners (the family that built this house way back in 1892), is that they were hard workers with much influence in the community, though not necessarily gratuitous financial influence. Their legacy associated with this place lives on favourably in many minds.
I only know a small part of each previous owner's story. The bits and pieces I have gleaned over the past few months are only a minute part of the truth of their existence. And, regardless of what I have learned, I am choosing to believe that this house was once a place of fellowship, love, and peace.
Isn't that, so often, how we operate? Regardless of the truth, we choose to believe what we want to be true. Goodness! That is why we have so many Christian denominations, and religions for that matter! That aside, I know that believing the truth we want to be true can cause much heartache.
From personal experience, I went through a period where I was defamed, alienated from (what I thought were) friends and family, and even my church because some people sought to take a truth and twist it into horrid lies. (Sound familiar?) What they wanted to believe negated the truth of what was. And it caused me (among others) much heartache...I am still recovering.
When Eve and Adam, listened to the deception of Satan, they exchanged truth for what they wanted to believe...and that ended in heartache for not only them, but all humanity!
How does finding out the truth change your perspective?
When those of us learn of the truth of Jesus and what He did for us, we choose to believe or we choose not to believe...It is our choice. We cannot change the Truth. It exists regardless of what we want to believe. It is how we respond to that truth that determines how we live out our life and how much heartache we experience and cause others to experience.
Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
John 5:24
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
Acts 20:30
Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.
Romans 1:25
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Though I like this house, it is just a house. My heart pains for the previous owners, their season of being in this house was obviously rough for them. There is an attitude of shame when people speak of them in this place.
What I know of the original owners (the family that built this house way back in 1892), is that they were hard workers with much influence in the community, though not necessarily gratuitous financial influence. Their legacy associated with this place lives on favourably in many minds.
I only know a small part of each previous owner's story. The bits and pieces I have gleaned over the past few months are only a minute part of the truth of their existence. And, regardless of what I have learned, I am choosing to believe that this house was once a place of fellowship, love, and peace.
Isn't that, so often, how we operate? Regardless of the truth, we choose to believe what we want to be true. Goodness! That is why we have so many Christian denominations, and religions for that matter! That aside, I know that believing the truth we want to be true can cause much heartache.
From personal experience, I went through a period where I was defamed, alienated from (what I thought were) friends and family, and even my church because some people sought to take a truth and twist it into horrid lies. (Sound familiar?) What they wanted to believe negated the truth of what was. And it caused me (among others) much heartache...I am still recovering.
When Eve and Adam, listened to the deception of Satan, they exchanged truth for what they wanted to believe...and that ended in heartache for not only them, but all humanity!
How does finding out the truth change your perspective?
When those of us learn of the truth of Jesus and what He did for us, we choose to believe or we choose not to believe...It is our choice. We cannot change the Truth. It exists regardless of what we want to believe. It is how we respond to that truth that determines how we live out our life and how much heartache we experience and cause others to experience.
Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
John 5:24
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
Acts 20:30
Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.
Romans 1:25
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wait and See?
Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.~Psalm 85:13
For things to occur, all must be in order. God works all things together...(Rom 8:28) It is so easy to forget that there is a bigger picture to consider when we are eagerly awaiting for God to fulfill His promises.
Looking from one perspective, we may think that everything is ready and in our minds wondering, "Why isn't God moving?"; however, God sees from all perspectives (thankfully) and He coordinates all things for good. This explains so much in certain circumstances...you know, those times when you look back on an event and realized that if a had not of occurred, then b wouldn't have coincided with c for d to happen (or something like that).
I think of 9/11 and all of those workers who were "late" that morning...and lived to tell about it. Also, and of course, the death of Jesus...which led to His resurrection! At the time...in the moment, we cannot possibly conceive how anything good can come of our situation and even when we think that now is the perfect time - nothing happens and we watch the moment go by all the while scratching our heads in disappointment or spouting off profanities in anger (...perhaps).
As I have mentioned previously, I do not believe in coincidence - I do believe that we have very limited perception. I also believe that God works in mysterious ways, that He allows us to make our own choices, and weaves all things together for good...even when we do not see the good...
Many people ask why bad things happen, and the quick, short answer is The Fall and Free Will...With our limited perception of things, we see tragedies and injustices abound. This earthquake that has brought Haiti to the forefront of the world's news is a prime example of this, though a certain individual figures he has all the answers to this tragedy, the rest of us mourn for these people and wonder what good can come of it.
...I guess we will just have to wait and see...
For things to occur, all must be in order. God works all things together...(Rom 8:28) It is so easy to forget that there is a bigger picture to consider when we are eagerly awaiting for God to fulfill His promises.
Looking from one perspective, we may think that everything is ready and in our minds wondering, "Why isn't God moving?"; however, God sees from all perspectives (thankfully) and He coordinates all things for good. This explains so much in certain circumstances...you know, those times when you look back on an event and realized that if a had not of occurred, then b wouldn't have coincided with c for d to happen (or something like that).
I think of 9/11 and all of those workers who were "late" that morning...and lived to tell about it. Also, and of course, the death of Jesus...which led to His resurrection! At the time...in the moment, we cannot possibly conceive how anything good can come of our situation and even when we think that now is the perfect time - nothing happens and we watch the moment go by all the while scratching our heads in disappointment or spouting off profanities in anger (...perhaps).
As I have mentioned previously, I do not believe in coincidence - I do believe that we have very limited perception. I also believe that God works in mysterious ways, that He allows us to make our own choices, and weaves all things together for good...even when we do not see the good...
Many people ask why bad things happen, and the quick, short answer is The Fall and Free Will...With our limited perception of things, we see tragedies and injustices abound. This earthquake that has brought Haiti to the forefront of the world's news is a prime example of this, though a certain individual figures he has all the answers to this tragedy, the rest of us mourn for these people and wonder what good can come of it.
...I guess we will just have to wait and see...
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Do You Always Act With Integrity?
Don't you hate it when people/businesses don't do what they say they are going to do?! This renovation project that I am immersed in currently is a real eye-opener when it comes to the integrity of those involved.
Now, I am usually cognizant of judging others (Matthew 7:1-5) and so, when I make this comment, I wonder about my own behaviour. I know there are times when I have not followed through on things and I was aware that I did not follow through...and I did feel some remorse, but not enough to do anything about it at the time.
What about you? Do you ever let your promises go unfulfilled?
Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no', right? (Matt.5:37)
It comes down to personal integrity, does it not?
That being said, what is integrity?
Integrity in the dictionary is described as:
Function: noun
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
synonyms see honesty (via Merriam-Webster)
I find it intetesting that the etymology of the word is revealed to be:
integrity:c.1450, "wholeness, perfect condition," from O.Fr. integrité, from L. integritatem (nom. integritas) "soundness, wholeness," from integer "whole" (see integer). Sense of "uncorrupted virtue" is from 1548.
The only way we can be whole is with God.
I found 22 mentions of "integrity" in the NIV through BibleGateway.com
Integrity is a commendable attribute that governs our actions. It usually endears us to others; they, knowing that we can be counted on in our dealings, whether it be personal or professional. Which brings me back to my frustration. I expect all businesses to be integral in their dealings. Remember when you could shake a person's hand to close a deal? Now, you need a stack of papers knee-high to make sure that each party involved will do as they said they would! And that creates a limit of expectation, forget about going above and beyond!
After reading through the verses that mention integrity in the Bible, I am further convicted to make a point of acting with integrity in my dealings, even when I don't feel like it. I would rather be known for having a stubborn integrity than being labelled undependable, dishonest, and/or corrupt. Harsh words perhaps, but that is the reality of not exercising integrity.
So, heeding these words:
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
~ Proverbs 10:9
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
~Proverbs 11:3
And following the example of Christ,
They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? (Mark 12:13-17)
I lay before God my desire to act with integrity in all of my dealings, with His help and to His glory.
Now, I am usually cognizant of judging others (Matthew 7:1-5) and so, when I make this comment, I wonder about my own behaviour. I know there are times when I have not followed through on things and I was aware that I did not follow through...and I did feel some remorse, but not enough to do anything about it at the time.
What about you? Do you ever let your promises go unfulfilled?
Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no', right? (Matt.5:37)
It comes down to personal integrity, does it not?
That being said, what is integrity?
Integrity in the dictionary is described as:
Function: noun
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness
synonyms see honesty (via Merriam-Webster)
I find it intetesting that the etymology of the word is revealed to be:
integrity:c.1450, "wholeness, perfect condition," from O.Fr. integrité, from L. integritatem (nom. integritas) "soundness, wholeness," from integer "whole" (see integer). Sense of "uncorrupted virtue" is from 1548.
The only way we can be whole is with God.
I found 22 mentions of "integrity" in the NIV through BibleGateway.com
Integrity is a commendable attribute that governs our actions. It usually endears us to others; they, knowing that we can be counted on in our dealings, whether it be personal or professional. Which brings me back to my frustration. I expect all businesses to be integral in their dealings. Remember when you could shake a person's hand to close a deal? Now, you need a stack of papers knee-high to make sure that each party involved will do as they said they would! And that creates a limit of expectation, forget about going above and beyond!
After reading through the verses that mention integrity in the Bible, I am further convicted to make a point of acting with integrity in my dealings, even when I don't feel like it. I would rather be known for having a stubborn integrity than being labelled undependable, dishonest, and/or corrupt. Harsh words perhaps, but that is the reality of not exercising integrity.
So, heeding these words:
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
~ Proverbs 10:9
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
~Proverbs 11:3
And following the example of Christ,
They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? (Mark 12:13-17)
I lay before God my desire to act with integrity in all of my dealings, with His help and to His glory.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Loneliness
I have never felt so lonely as I feel right now. In transition, completely out of place, and facing many unknowns. Right now, I am trying to stay focused upon my relationship with Jesus. He is my husband, my protector, my confidant, my friend. He is the one who comforts me as I face so many questions about my present and my future.
The older I get, the more I desire to be comforted. Not just by a "lover", but by friends, position, financially....Ironically, I am spiritually comforted more than I ever have been in my life. I look forward to eternal life after death with Jesus Christ - my Saviour and my King. Saying that though, I do not sense that my purpose here on earth in this lifetime has yet been fulfilled.
I take on a positive attitude and attempt to function moment to moment, laying aside my concerns and yet, deep within, there is an invasive sadness that is as heavy and thick as my name might suggest. Living shrouded by "mystery" is wearing thin. The desire to know and be known stirs. Though, I suppose, that "mystery" is an integral part of what makes me me. It is what I know and I function from it.
I wonder about Jesus and how he, though infinitely more loved and infinitely more hated, coped. Right now, I imagine all the "Good Bible-reading Christians" are thinking the seemingly obvious - Jesus retreated into prayer and all his concerns were soothed by his supernatural connection with God the Father.
Ha! ...Yes and no.
We know Jesus would have sought and received comfort in this fashion just as any of us would, but he would also have grappled with loneliness and uncertainty as we do; otherwise, how could he understand what we go through?...what I am going through??
The lonely outcast portion of Jesus' time on earth does give me comfort. Not because he suffered, but because he suffered thus he understands. He knows what every person on earth who is steeped in alienation, loneliness, and uncertainty feels like and he knows how to provide comfort to us in this season of our lives...And he also guides us through and out of this season into a richer existence (if none other than knowing him more intimately, which is the greatest of rewards).
So, I hold on to my hope in Him. I do not deny the feelings and concerns that ebb and flow within me each day, but I do not allow them to drown me. Living moment to moment, I look for Him and commune with Him - holding nothing back knowing God will provide.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. ~Matt. 7: 7-8
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Describe Jesus...Part 2
Describe Jesus in one word.
Thank you for the responses!
It is an odd thing, isn't it...describing Jesus in one word. If I asked you to describe your partner or your parent in one word, would it be easier or more difficult? I mean, we know the "right" answer to describing Jesus...something positive...something glorious, right?! Are we brave enough to analyze our relationship with Jesus with the same scrutiny as we would describe our partner or our parent?
That aside, do we have a relationship with Jesus?
For quite some time now, I have been paying attention to different churches locally and abroad. I have been listening to their message, watching...
The thing that has struck me the most in many circles, is that we are not being taught about having a relationship with Jesus so much as having a relationship with the church institution and with each other. Now, this is not entirely a bad thing, but it does leave one left to engage in a lonely search to discover who we base our faith, our life/lifestyle, morals, and ethical existence upon. We are Christians...Christ-followers...Jesus Christ. But who exactly is He?!
Who is Jesus? I mean, who was Jesus when He was on the earth in human form?
To determine that, we need to go to the Bible and read...not just read, but investigate context. I think that many of us read the Bible looking for the do's and don'ts, the promises, the hope, and we when we look at the story, we only skim the surface.
To know who Jesus was/is, we need to understand the context of the story and of the words written. Basically, we need to dig deeper and learn about the history and culture. Sounds like work? Don't sweat it! Remember, we claim we have a relationship with Jesus, shouldn't we want to know Him better...wouldn't you learn all you can about your partner...why would you not do the same (and more) for your God? It does take time, as with any relationship, but it is worth it! God wants us to know Him, He desires a deep, loving relationship with us, not a superficial "I'm God and your not - so suck it up and do as I say" existence.
My challenge for you today is to pick one of the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and begin to read and investigate the text. Pick the scripture apart, imagine yourself there as part of the story, question things that just don't make sense to you and find out who Jesus really is!
This is not a challenge that you should partake alone. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you and do speak to others about what you are learning and what you question...and let me know what you find.
May you seek and find, learn and grow, and experience Perfect Love...and share...all to the Glory of God.
Thank you for the responses!
It is an odd thing, isn't it...describing Jesus in one word. If I asked you to describe your partner or your parent in one word, would it be easier or more difficult? I mean, we know the "right" answer to describing Jesus...something positive...something glorious, right?! Are we brave enough to analyze our relationship with Jesus with the same scrutiny as we would describe our partner or our parent?
That aside, do we have a relationship with Jesus?
For quite some time now, I have been paying attention to different churches locally and abroad. I have been listening to their message, watching...
The thing that has struck me the most in many circles, is that we are not being taught about having a relationship with Jesus so much as having a relationship with the church institution and with each other. Now, this is not entirely a bad thing, but it does leave one left to engage in a lonely search to discover who we base our faith, our life/lifestyle, morals, and ethical existence upon. We are Christians...Christ-followers...Jesus Christ. But who exactly is He?!
Who is Jesus? I mean, who was Jesus when He was on the earth in human form?
To determine that, we need to go to the Bible and read...not just read, but investigate context. I think that many of us read the Bible looking for the do's and don'ts, the promises, the hope, and we when we look at the story, we only skim the surface.
To know who Jesus was/is, we need to understand the context of the story and of the words written. Basically, we need to dig deeper and learn about the history and culture. Sounds like work? Don't sweat it! Remember, we claim we have a relationship with Jesus, shouldn't we want to know Him better...wouldn't you learn all you can about your partner...why would you not do the same (and more) for your God? It does take time, as with any relationship, but it is worth it! God wants us to know Him, He desires a deep, loving relationship with us, not a superficial "I'm God and your not - so suck it up and do as I say" existence.
My challenge for you today is to pick one of the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and begin to read and investigate the text. Pick the scripture apart, imagine yourself there as part of the story, question things that just don't make sense to you and find out who Jesus really is!
This is not a challenge that you should partake alone. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you and do speak to others about what you are learning and what you question...and let me know what you find.
May you seek and find, learn and grow, and experience Perfect Love...and share...all to the Glory of God.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
God Is Faithful
This morning my King led me to 1 Corinthians (1-9) and this is what it says:
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
'Enriched' is defined in Merriam-Webster's dictionary as:
: to make rich or richer esp. by the addition or increase of some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient: as a: to add beauty to : adorn b: to enhance the taste of c: to make (a soil) more fertile d: to improve the nutritive value of (a food) by adding nutrients (as vitamins or amino acids) and especially by restoring part of the nutrients lost in processing e: to process so as to add or increase the proportion of a desirable ingredient
And we have been "enriched in every way"! That's encouraging! And this is an enriching beyond the natural, it spans into the spiritual, that area that was a mystery, but because of Jesus Christ, we are able to speak of this mystery and know Him. It is because of God's calling us to Him and us answering His call that He works in us, granting us all that we need, giftings included, to stand for Him, to Glorify His name, to honour Him to the end...to the end...of our lives on this earth or until His return.
Though many of us believe we are living in the last days, the skeptic and the unprepared say that every generation has been claiming to be in the "last days". In WWI, in WWII, the turn of the century, 9-11...the end of the world has come. Some gathered in groups in preparation for Jesus' Glorious return...and when He didn't show up, some committed suicide, others lost faith, others were humbled into a deeper walk with Him. But we know, regardless, that every day is one day closer to His coming again and that He will keep us strong to the end - today, tomorrow, whenever...God is faithful.
Remember: God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ, is faithful.
Hold on to this truth this day and always and be encouraged by it...He is faithful.
Repost-I have received many searches for God Is Faithful as of late, so I thought I would share it again. Smiles and blessings to each of you!~mp:)
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
~
The bold and the italics are mine. These words are what stood out to me.~
The words "together with all those everywhere" - the community of believers all over this globe, my brothers and sisters in Christ! We have been "enriched" - isn't that a great word?!'Enriched' is defined in Merriam-Webster's dictionary as:
: to make rich or richer esp. by the addition or increase of some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient
And we have been "enriched in every way"! That's encouraging! And this is an enriching beyond the natural, it spans into the spiritual, that area that was a mystery, but because of Jesus Christ, we are able to speak of this mystery and know Him. It is because of God's calling us to Him and us answering His call that He works in us, granting us all that we need, giftings included, to stand for Him, to Glorify His name, to honour Him to the end...to the end...of our lives on this earth or until His return.
Though many of us believe we are living in the last days, the skeptic and the unprepared say that every generation has been claiming to be in the "last days". In WWI, in WWII, the turn of the century, 9-11...the end of the world has come. Some gathered in groups in preparation for Jesus' Glorious return...and when He didn't show up, some committed suicide, others lost faith, others were humbled into a deeper walk with Him. But we know, regardless, that every day is one day closer to His coming again and that He will keep us strong to the end - today, tomorrow, whenever...God is faithful.
Remember: God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ, is faithful.
Hold on to this truth this day and always and be encouraged by it...He is faithful.
Repost-I have received many searches for God Is Faithful as of late, so I thought I would share it again. Smiles and blessings to each of you!~mp:)
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Beauty of Humanity
The beauty of humanity is the reality that we live. We live out of self-indulgence and yet the One who has the power to return us to less than dust will forgive us, returning us to a right relationship with Him. This is beautiful because we are being restored to all that we were meant to be. For without the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the self-indulgence would lead us to death without there being any hope. Now, even the most vile of us can receive forgiveness and be restored to eternal life with God. Some might consider that unfair; however, what people tend to forget is that a sin is a sin, from lying to murder, it is all a blight of hideousness in the eyes of God. Everyone falls short of the Glory of God - everyone! The mercy afforded us by God's grace saves our sorry souls from a fate of despair that no words can justifiably describe. It is hell. The beauty of humanity is the reality that we live...because Jesus Christ died for us.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
You..A Hero
The camp (Olympia) my kids go to focuses on The Hero's Journey. It incorporates the attitude of a hero into every aspect of the camp experience, building up every camper, drawing out the best in each of them, and encouraging them to take it to the next level.
This focus is a wonderful example of true leadership and teamwork. It is what, I think, Christians should be focused on also. Building up, drawing out, encouraging beyond. Can you imagine all your brothers and sisters in Christ doing these things? What would that look like in your community?
Jesus calls us to follow Him. He is constantly building us up - which usually means tearing down the negative in order to build up a lasting presence. And drawing us out...He calls us out to be the men and women of God we were meant to be, shedding old habits and realizing who we are in Him. Jesus also challenges us to take it to the next "level." It is challenging -taking us out of our comfort zone into true Life. But, He will not leave us incomplete.
This journey of transformation is so personal, yet it is also communal and universal. We cannot avoid it because we were made for relationship...relationship with God, our Maker, and relationship with each other.
The heart-set of a hero, according to Olympia, includes these attributes:
This focus is a wonderful example of true leadership and teamwork. It is what, I think, Christians should be focused on also. Building up, drawing out, encouraging beyond. Can you imagine all your brothers and sisters in Christ doing these things? What would that look like in your community?
Jesus calls us to follow Him. He is constantly building us up - which usually means tearing down the negative in order to build up a lasting presence. And drawing us out...He calls us out to be the men and women of God we were meant to be, shedding old habits and realizing who we are in Him. Jesus also challenges us to take it to the next "level." It is challenging -taking us out of our comfort zone into true Life. But, He will not leave us incomplete.
This journey of transformation is so personal, yet it is also communal and universal. We cannot avoid it because we were made for relationship...relationship with God, our Maker, and relationship with each other.
The heart-set of a hero, according to Olympia, includes these attributes:
- self-awareness
- physically relaxed
- focused
- self-confident
- persistent
- self-motivated
- self-disciplined
- courageous
- caring
- forgiving
- team player
- supportive
- co-operative
- empathetic listener
- non-judgemental
- compassionate
- community centered
- responsible
- dependable
- patient
- tolerant
- respectful
- honest
- self-actualizing
And I would add - Christ focused - because though this list is great, without Jesus, it is incomplete.
A hero. You. Building up, drawing out, encouraging beyond. Walking with Christ through this grand love story of life...and you...you take your place in this story with all the attributes of a true hero and more, with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
Well, are you up to it? I know you can do it...because with Christ...all things are possible!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Your Deepest, Darkest Secrets...
Last week, I was with a client for coffee. We were having a great time discussing this, that, and the other thing. But two things happened when he spoke with me. First, he interrupted our stream of conversation to apologize for something that he felt convicted to address. This was not a problem by any means. It was a little surprising perhaps because I didn't give the offense much thought, but it did weigh on his heart and I forgave him all the same. The other thing that emerged was his deep concern that I would not like him, that I would reject him because of his past. You see, right now, some of the people I work with are part of the disenfranchised population; those may include men coming out of the penal system, drug addicts, those with mental health problems...you know, those who the church is suppose to reach out to, but instead (and unfortunately), the church runs screaming the other way, or rather, tiptoes as quietly as possible back to the comfort and "security" of their pew so as not to alert the disenfranchised that they had even seen them.*
I work mainly with men. And some of the crimes these men have committed are more than many people would care to deal with, understandably so. The crime this man had committed had completely destroyed his known world, leaving him all alone, except for the transition network of support in place to help him and keep him accountable while reintegrating into society. This man was absolutely broken to think that I would reject him because of his past. It is a heavy burden that he carries with him. My heart broke for him.
Perhaps you can relate. How many times have you engaged in a relationship where you were elated to know a person - you have fun together or you have a deep respect for the person, but the deeper into the relationship you go, the more guarded you become. Perhaps you begin to distance yourself from that person because you are afraid that if they find out about some dark deed of your past and they will reject you because of it. You would rather sabotage the relationship yourself than expose your past, potentially leaving you vulnerable and rejected...or so you assume. Ironically, it is your past that has been a part of shaping the person who you are today. We all make mistakes, wrong choices, and act foolishly, but as a part of growing and maturing, we learn from our errors. This is not to say that the hurt caused as of a consequence of these errors is to be overlooked. It is the fact that we all do this at some point in our relationships...hide the past, tuck that life and person away never to be found by anybody on this planet...
Your deepest, darkest secrets hidden away forever...
God was there though. He was watching you while you engaged in whatever act you engaged in. He didn't close His eyes and turn His head, He didn't walk the other way in disgust, He may have tried to get your attention and prevent you from continuing, but you didn't listen, perhaps you didn't want to listen...He was there though. He watched your every move, He heard your heart, He knew your thoughts...He was there.
Yet, God still calls out to you with love.
Yes, He was there, but He still wants to have a relationship with you. He longs for you to turn to Him, not sabotage the relationship by making excuses and turning away from Him. He wants you to come to Him just as you are and together with Him, you can be forgiven, healed, and set free from your past. It is between you and Him.
And though getting to know God usually involves Him sending people into your life to help you...such as Pastors, neighbours, friends, counsellors, strangers...(God does work in mysterious ways at times.) He will not give up in pursuing you. He is relentless in drawing you closer to Him, to know Him, to know forgiveness, to know freedom, to know love...His unconditional love.
And we, as the Body of Christ, are called to reach out to the disenfranchised, along with everybody else, with the Love of Jesus. We are not called to judge, He is the judge, we are called to love. I take this seriously. The wrongs that we commit will be judged by God, make no mistake. Yet, when I come across another whose heart is broken and repentant for the sins of their past, who am I to continue to treat them with contempt and condemnation? My personal mission in life is to walk with God, to encourage others, and to glorify God...and the only way I can do that is to do as Jesus did. What about you?
*I fully recognize that there are some churches that do reach out without apology, unfortunately there are some that don't...pray that they would reach out with the Love and Truth of Christ Jesus.
Repost
I work mainly with men. And some of the crimes these men have committed are more than many people would care to deal with, understandably so. The crime this man had committed had completely destroyed his known world, leaving him all alone, except for the transition network of support in place to help him and keep him accountable while reintegrating into society. This man was absolutely broken to think that I would reject him because of his past. It is a heavy burden that he carries with him. My heart broke for him.
Perhaps you can relate. How many times have you engaged in a relationship where you were elated to know a person - you have fun together or you have a deep respect for the person, but the deeper into the relationship you go, the more guarded you become. Perhaps you begin to distance yourself from that person because you are afraid that if they find out about some dark deed of your past and they will reject you because of it. You would rather sabotage the relationship yourself than expose your past, potentially leaving you vulnerable and rejected...or so you assume. Ironically, it is your past that has been a part of shaping the person who you are today. We all make mistakes, wrong choices, and act foolishly, but as a part of growing and maturing, we learn from our errors. This is not to say that the hurt caused as of a consequence of these errors is to be overlooked. It is the fact that we all do this at some point in our relationships...hide the past, tuck that life and person away never to be found by anybody on this planet...
Your deepest, darkest secrets hidden away forever...
God was there though. He was watching you while you engaged in whatever act you engaged in. He didn't close His eyes and turn His head, He didn't walk the other way in disgust, He may have tried to get your attention and prevent you from continuing, but you didn't listen, perhaps you didn't want to listen...He was there though. He watched your every move, He heard your heart, He knew your thoughts...He was there.
Yet, God still calls out to you with love.
Yes, He was there, but He still wants to have a relationship with you. He longs for you to turn to Him, not sabotage the relationship by making excuses and turning away from Him. He wants you to come to Him just as you are and together with Him, you can be forgiven, healed, and set free from your past. It is between you and Him.
And though getting to know God usually involves Him sending people into your life to help you...such as Pastors, neighbours, friends, counsellors, strangers...(God does work in mysterious ways at times.) He will not give up in pursuing you. He is relentless in drawing you closer to Him, to know Him, to know forgiveness, to know freedom, to know love...His unconditional love.
And we, as the Body of Christ, are called to reach out to the disenfranchised, along with everybody else, with the Love of Jesus. We are not called to judge, He is the judge, we are called to love. I take this seriously. The wrongs that we commit will be judged by God, make no mistake. Yet, when I come across another whose heart is broken and repentant for the sins of their past, who am I to continue to treat them with contempt and condemnation? My personal mission in life is to walk with God, to encourage others, and to glorify God...and the only way I can do that is to do as Jesus did. What about you?
*I fully recognize that there are some churches that do reach out without apology, unfortunately there are some that don't...pray that they would reach out with the Love and Truth of Christ Jesus.
Repost
Friday, July 24, 2009
Awesome Thunder
At 1:23 a.m. the storm began. The lightening was brilliant white, the thunder violently loud. I lost my breath just before one lightening bolt struck nearby. My whole body jumped involuntarily away from the source as if I were repelled magnetically.
In between the the noise of the thunder, I found myself praying fervently to Jesus. I was reminded of how powerless and small I am in comparison to the power that God could unleash in this world. I thought of the scripture that speaks of how the throne of God is surrounded in clouds, lightening and thunder...
Last night was a very humbling experience. It was good for me. So often I take for granted that God is my friend, my Saviour, that I tend to forget that He is also my King - Warrior-King, Lord of all, Creator, and Judge. He is the ultimate authority. There is an "essence" of God that is strong, fierce, dangerous, and awesome to behold.
...Last night, I was reminded of this.
1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. 6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
~Revelation 4
Sunday, July 19, 2009
the wind ~ with a twist
I am watching the wind outside my window confidently greet the trees, firmly grasping their limbs in a "hand shake" of universal proportions and I think to myself, as I sit sheltered within my abode, that each house I see outside is like a cell in the body, the organism of earth the body, the wind - oxygen.
Not a new thought, just reacquainting myself with the theory of gaia...with a twist...
The source of life in this world (and beyond), the only source of life, is God - without Him, nothing lives. Not us, not our earth. But God is not solely in creation that we should be obliged to worship creation as some do. For if that were true, we would be obliged to worship one another. This is not the case.In Him, we live and move and have our being. God is not just "in" - He stretches far beyond what our imaginations can conceive...we cannot box him into our little bubble of existence and understanding. We are finite, He is infinite.
~
the wind. it moves gently caressing the world with its touch, when provoked it lashes out the power of destruction. Shall we fear it? Shall we worship it? Shall we chase it? No. in wisdom we learn from it and we give thanks to God for creating it.
Breathe...breathe deep.
Monday, June 8, 2009
I Should be More in Awe
God's splendor was like that of the sunrise...
I cannot help but think that I should be more in awe of God. I look around at His handiwork and I am amazed! I recently watched a documentary that showed the internal workings of a cell in motion, it looked like a well organized city of existence! Building up, taking down, each element with its purpose, none without a purpose. It struck me as amazing! And then, I look around me at the world we live in, knowing each person has worth, each person has a purpose, that we are meant for things more wonderful than what the majority of us are accomplishing.
I struggle with my sense of worth - cherished by God. I struggle with my place in this life - where do I fit? Decisions of the past have damaged me so that decisions of the present cannot be made - I am rendered paralyzed out of fear for making another "bad" move. I know I am meant for things more wonderful than I can imagine, but until these things manifest themselves, I doubt. I allow fear to micromanage me, leaving me paralyzed.
Yet, I know that perfect love casts out all fear. That turning my eyes upon Jesus will lead me out of the darkness of this battle into the splendor of His presence, into the fullness of the life I was created for. And I will be in awe of Him. Ironically, that which I am "meant" for requires me not to doubt, but to trust, to have faith, to hope, to move. The paralysis that is stealing my life from me must be overcome. The only way I can see overcoming this is in collaboration with God. Devoting myself to seeking Him out wholeheartedly.
I should be more in awe of God. He can do infinitely more that I can ask or imagine!
My prayer for today is that I would be more in awe of You, Jesus, my God, my Saviour, my Friend, my Counsellor, my King.
I cannot help but think that I should be more in awe of God. I look around at His handiwork and I am amazed! I recently watched a documentary that showed the internal workings of a cell in motion, it looked like a well organized city of existence! Building up, taking down, each element with its purpose, none without a purpose. It struck me as amazing! And then, I look around me at the world we live in, knowing each person has worth, each person has a purpose, that we are meant for things more wonderful than what the majority of us are accomplishing.
I struggle with my sense of worth - cherished by God. I struggle with my place in this life - where do I fit? Decisions of the past have damaged me so that decisions of the present cannot be made - I am rendered paralyzed out of fear for making another "bad" move. I know I am meant for things more wonderful than I can imagine, but until these things manifest themselves, I doubt. I allow fear to micromanage me, leaving me paralyzed.
Yet, I know that perfect love casts out all fear. That turning my eyes upon Jesus will lead me out of the darkness of this battle into the splendor of His presence, into the fullness of the life I was created for. And I will be in awe of Him. Ironically, that which I am "meant" for requires me not to doubt, but to trust, to have faith, to hope, to move. The paralysis that is stealing my life from me must be overcome. The only way I can see overcoming this is in collaboration with God. Devoting myself to seeking Him out wholeheartedly.
I should be more in awe of God. He can do infinitely more that I can ask or imagine!
My prayer for today is that I would be more in awe of You, Jesus, my God, my Saviour, my Friend, my Counsellor, my King.
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They Did Not Realize
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. ~John 21:4
