Are ya whooped?? (Matthew 11:28-30)

Are you tired, tired of trying to do the right thing, tired of feeling guilty for not doing the right thing?

Are you like me sometimes, churning and churning instead of allowing God to work through you? God wants us to work hard for him, there are many supporting scriptures for that, but sometimes we do so and forget who is or should be steering the ship, we don't allow him control, we don't allow him to guide our steps. There is a big difference between doing our best for God and allowing him to do great things through a surrendered heart & soul.  I am really not sure that we know what that is like to experience on a consistence basis, simply because we have too much.

Do I/we beat to our own drum or to Gods, are we attuned to his gentle guiding voice.
 

Matthew 11:28-30

The Message (MSG)

^28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Hillsong United - You Are My Strength

Kari Jobe - The more I seek you

Meredith Andrews - In Your Arms

Is life cozy, comfy, should it be? (Matthew 10:37-39)

In North America we have become very comfortable with all of our conveniences. Many of us have way, way more then we had as children, which is not to say we all had it rough growing up. Many of us simply have so much more now. For example we may have had one TV as a child and now we have 2,3 or maybe 4. Some have TV's in the Kitchen, bedroom and in the rec room. The standard for everything is much higher. We consider some things necessities when they are just perks, nice to have items.
Is this wrong, well perhaps our lives of convenience have left little room for God. I know I am that way. For example watching TV seems easier then reading the bible or even a good book.

When things are going well, I feel pretty self sufficient and its a discipline to continue reading God's word, talking to him and growing as a Christian.

The below text is in respect to Jesus sending out the 12, but does it pertain just to them?

Matthew 10:37-39

The Message (MSG)

^34-37 “Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.
^38-39 “If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.

Does this only pertain to the 12 or to us also? I am thinking that it also pertains to us since the great commission says:

Matthew 28:18-20

The Message (MSG)

^18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorised and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practise of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

Get a work ethic... (Matthew 9:35-38)

Jesus set the standard in every way, he forgives us over and over again, he loves us unconditionally and he wants all of us to enjoy eternity with him. That is why he worked tirelessly to reach out to everyone, he had an awesome work ethic.

Matthew 9:35-38

New International Version (NIV)
The Workers Are Few

³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Am I a worker.....Gods says that the workers are few.....am I doing my part to spread the good news or am I as they say in hockey "riding the pines" (aka sitting on the bench for extended periods during a game). Many times I have been standing at the sidelines or riding the pines, but its never to late to start playing, to start being in the game.

3year old Tell Me A Story of Jesus

Hillsong - Mighty to Save - With Subtitles/Lyrics

Hillsong - At the Cross - With Subtitles/Lyrics


 

Jesus friend of sinners (Matthew 9:9-13)

In my daily reading I came across the below scripture;

Matthew 9:9-13

New International Version (NIV)

The Calling of Matthew

⁹ As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
¹⁰ While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. ¹¹ When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
¹² On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

So why did Jesus tend to focus on the poor, the needy, the sick and the sinners? Were the Pharisees not sinners, were they not in need of Jesus or did Jesus simply know that they were so bent on earning their own way, that he focused on people who would choose him rather than people who were so bent on religion like the Pharisees?

The tax collectors and the prostitutes were clearly looked down on in that culture. The Pharisees thought they knew it all, they thought they had it all figured out, so doesn't it make sense then that Jesus would focus on the so called lessor lights, the people who didn't have so much to lose, the people who didn't have so much to give up, the broken people who were more interested in a saviour? Why would he spend his energy on the people who thought they had it all, who thought they knew it all?

Jesus wanted and still wants people to choose him.

When a person becomes a Christian, they do so in a submissive and in a repentant state, not in an arrogant puffed out chest state. They are at the end of their rope and reach out for Jesus. So while I do believe that the Pharisees needed a saviour, their hearts were not open to receiving one and so Jesus turned to the cultural misfits, the needy and then to the Gentiles.

Isn't our culture the same today, we still have the religious, the people who are bent on earning their own way, the people that would be offended at being offered something free, the people who don't want to surrender this life for eternity.

Friend Of Sinners Story Behind the Song

Casting Crowns - Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Sidewalk Prophets You Love Me Anyway


 

Ridiculously happy....

We live in a day and an age where quick fixes exist everywhere and happiness can be purchased. So why then are mood disorders rising at such an astronomical rate? Is it because illnesses are labelled much quicker then in years gone by or is it a real problem?

The results such as the rise in suicide numbers would suggest it is a real problem?

If it is due to chemical imbalances, then why are these on the rise? Is it what we eat, all that chemically induced stuff?

Are mood disorders on the rise because we are operating at a speed we were never built to run at, like a vehicle never intended to race in NASCAR? Is it because people do not know how to care for themselves, where to turn for inner happiness?

Some general depression statistics as per the below link;
Depression Statistics (25% of cancer patients experience depression)
- roughly seven of every one hundred people suffer depression after age 18 at some point in their lives.
- one in 33 children and one in eight adolescents have clinical depression. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24.
- most people diagnosed with major depression receive a diagnosis between their late twenties to mid-thirties.
- aprox. six million people are impacted by late life depression, but only 10% ever receive treatment.
- for every one man that develops depression, two women will, regardless of background or economic status.
- by year 2020, depression will be the 2nd most common health problem in the world.

 So if mood disorders are on the rise, what are we doing about it in our own lives, how are we caring for our selves, for our children in a manner that will help prevent the preventable cases of depression?
Happiness won't likely be found in a bottle of any shape or colour, in material things of any nature and it may not even be found in anti depressants. Anti depressants may be required and they may help, but should they be used as a first resort?

I have been on anti depressants, on and off, but mostly on for 5 years. The type I was on is known to be a very harsh type to introduce and to exit. While it helped deal with my anxiety in 2007 to 2010, even the physciatrist admitted that one can become immune to it and that they may no longer be the best fit for me. I went back on in 2011 when I was diagnosed with cancer, but my experience was not nearly as good. Perhaps the drug did not work well with my cancer meds, I don't know, but I do know that my second experience with the same anti depressant has been horrible.

Anti depressants gave me a relief period but they did not increase my tools, they did not add tools to my tool belt to deal with stuff, they simply relaxed me such that stuff did not bother me as much.  Is that bad, well not necessarily, but here I am now still having to deal with the same issues. So do I go on a new one now that the first one no longer works or do I try and deal with my anxiety through healthy eating, spirituality, professional council and a balanced life? Perhaps I will need a combination of the latter and anti depressants. In sport professionals are propped up to maintain their productivity, is that how society is too, do we take prescription anti depressants to keep going or do we address the root issues in our lives? Addressing the root issues may require changes we are not prepared to make, such as job changes affecting pay, etc. It may be that anti depressants address the root issue (chemical imbalance), but it may be that they just mask the pain felt by hard experience (s).

How can I become ridiculously happy? How can you be ridiculously happy?

If you are considering anti depressants, consider the risks, know what you are taking, know the side affects and I would encourage you to combine it with professional council and a balanced life.

The below link shows the long term side affects of the drug I have been on and I believe I have experienced some of these side affects;

Effexor Long-Term Side Effects

The below are more links showing the side affects for the anti depressant I have used;

Drug fact sheet

Drugs.com

Below are some additional helpful links concerning depression and anxiety

depressionhurts.ca

10 Things to Say (and 10 Not to Say) to Someone With Depression

Statistics Canada (mood disorders)

Famous Depressed People

A Great Foundation (Matthew 7:24-27)

The early parts of the book of Matthew give a lot of life direction. Mathew 7:24-27 is simply the wrap up encouraging us to build on a firm foundation.

 

For me this applies to so many aspects of my life, the foundation/example that I provide for my kids, the spiritual foundation my life and my home are built on.

 

What am I doing to build this foundation, is it built based on stable values or is it built on things that won't last?

 Is my foundation built to withstand the storms of life, my wife's past health scares, my cancer, raising young children while at the same time dealing with illness and its lasting impact, etc. or has it crumbled with the onslaught of these nasty storms? I can say without doubt that my foundation has been shaken, but I know too that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the foundation/example of my parents and grandparents.

These were people who led by example, who spent time each day in prayer and in God's word to reinforce their foundations with spiritual rebar that would withstand the many storms they faced including, the great depression, the loss of siblings, children exploring what life has to offer, my dad's alcohol abuse, my dad's cancer, his severe farm accident, my mom's life as a widow and much more.

 

So I ask myself, what am I doing to establish my foundation, to keep it in good shape? What are you doing?

 

Matthew 7:24-27

New International Version (NIV)
The Wise and Foolish Builders

²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Firm Foundation

True and False Prophets (Matthew 7:15-23)

So just who is Jesus referring to when in the below verses he refers to True and False Prophets, when he says "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven"? Is it me, you, who is it?  Is it the person I sit next to in church? Just who is Jesus referring to? Could it be possible that many believe they are Christians, that they will spend eternity with Jesus when in fact they will not? That's kinda what the verses seem to suggest isn't it.

 

Matthew 7:15-23

New International Version (NIV)
True and False Prophets

¹⁵ “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

True and False Disciples
²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

What is actually meant when it says only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven, will enter the Kingdom? I believe in eternal security, however this Scripture and others suggest that we should not be sitting back in our lazy chairs. The bible says that are works will prove our faith.

Could it be that many of us think that saying "the prayer" was enough when in actual fact our works or lack there of prove that we do not have a faith?

Narrow and wide gates (Matthew 7:13-14)

The narrow gate and the wide gate.

It seems to me that the right choices are often the hard ones, there the ones that go against the normal, the ones that resist peer pressure, temptation, but that are God pleasing. The easy choices, they can be the ones that meet the approval of most, they don't go against the grain and they are not always God pleasing.

 

Just what does the below verse suggest?

 

Matthew 7:13-14

New International Version (NIV)
The Narrow and Wide Gates

¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

To me it is suggestive of a few things, the more against the flow choice is to have a relationship with Jesus, but it also suggests that this choice or life path is narrow and perhaps challenging. A narrow road is usually harder to navigate.
 It seems to say that the wide gate will be more popular, but many times will not lead to anything profitable.

Could it be that God designed it this way, that he gave us free choice to choose the more challenging earthly path versus the one of least resistance so that our choosing him would be validated by staying the course, by navigating the narrow path. After all this windy path can be full of faith testing experiences that will substantiate our faith, our choice, our love, our relationship to Jesus.

I want to know You - Jesus Culture (with lyrics)

I Just Want You - Planetshakers

Whats on your bucket list for 2013?

Many new years have come and gone for me. I have never been big on the whole new years resolution thing, oh but I have half heartedly tried a few things like loosing weight etc, none that have really stuck though.

As I get older, my view of things in general is different. Perhaps I view things through my experiences more, perhaps I view things more as a response to what I see in society. You could say that I see a greater urgency in general, to make sure I leave my kids with a good example, to make sure I am a Christian example to those around me. Its so hard to do though.

Since I received Jesus as my Savior, I am a licensed evangelist, no excuses NONE. My serial number says Christian. What am I doing to make sure the vehicle, "ME" is exuding Gods love? What am I doing to make sure that there is not muck and filth covering my ``Christian`` serial number? Is that number stamped some where deep with in me, such that it is difficult to find or is it stamped all over my being, in how I behave, in what I do? Am I proud of it or ashamed of my relationship with Jesus? Is it obvious that I am a Christian or is my Christianity simply fire insurance so that I can go to heaven?

In this past year it is mind boggling how much death, sickness and corruption there is, both in the small world around me and in the "world". I have never had a year where there has been so much death and sickness in the small circles around me.

What happened recently in Newtown is just one example of our sin cursed world.

How am I choosing to be different, to make a difference for the sake of eternity? What will I do different in 2013, what will you do different? Will I be inward focused or will I be outward focused?

For me, 2012 is a year I would prefer to leave far, far in the past, learn from it and move on.

Whats on our Christian bucket list for 2013? Will we shout out his name from the roof top that we are his or will I hide it under a bushel.

Matthew 5:15

New International Version (NIV)

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house

This Little Light Of Mine

Jesus Culture - You Are My Passion

Jesus Culture - Rooftops

Jesus Culture - Light of Your Face

Jesus in your fingers and toes (Scott)

Jesus in your fingers and toes.....as I reflect on how the chemo has worked in my body, they say its a good sign if you can see it in the nails of your fingers and toes. That means the chemo has worked through your whole body......it has reached your fingers and toes. It shows up as a white line on your nails.

As I thought of this I could not help but think, is it that way with Jesus in my life? Is he evident in my life because of the work I do with my hands (fingers), because of the path I walk (toes). Have I allowed Jesus to work through my whole body such that he has reached even my fingers and toes? Where am I at in my Christian Journey? Am I at the acceptance stage, the growing stage? Have I never got past the acceptance stage? Is Jesus visible in my fingers and toes because of the service type things I do or have I not allowed him past my heart and mind? Have I not allowed him to get past the head knowledge stage?

Hands and Feet - Audio Adrenaline (with lyrics)

Hey you sinner!! (Matthew 7:1-6)

Sometimes we point a sin out in others that is a stumbling block in our own lives. After all, it is so much easier. 

Some people do feel though that Gods word calls them to point out others sins. My experience with this is that this is a tough one, one because sometimes people point things out that are arguably not a sin, but rather a personal position on topics such as drinking, clothing, etc. Secondly people may call someone out for something that if they were in the same position, they would do the same thing, i.e. marrying a divorced person, divorce, etc. It's also tough because often the process does not involve anything resembling love. The pointee also opens themself up to being critiqued. After all none of us are perfect.

I am not saying I have never done it, but I certainly don't see it as being a profitable practise.

Here's whats Gods word says, I mean here is what the book that people think is outdated says (I love this book, it will never lose its relevance):

 

Matthew 7:1-6

New International Version (NIV)
Judging Others

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
⁶ “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.


I believe that we also judge, many, many times through the use of gossip. We pass judgement on someone without knowing all of the facts, but whether we do or don't know all of the facts, the above scriptures suggest that it is not in our place to judge.

This is a good reminder for me as I have slipped up on this so many times, in environments at home, work and church. I have judged people by there appearance and have been so wrong.
 

No worries, be Happy (Matthew 6:25-34)

I often catch myself concerned with my future and that of my wife's and my kids. What will happen to our kids if my cancer is the end of me, if my wife has another bacterial infection. The bible is pretty blunt with what it has to say I should do with worry, but my experience is that it is way, way easier said then done. Sometimes I feel like I am walking on a very narrow balance beam and if I am not highly dependant and focused on God, I will fall off. For much of my life I have been able to depend at least somewhat on my own abilities, on my own devices, but when it seems all has been taken from you and God is your only safety net, straying from that dependence on him is like falling off a balance beem with your legs apart.......It can be very, very, painful!!

 

Matthew 6:25-34

New International Version (NIV)
Do Not Worry

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Bob Marley-Don't worry be happy


 

Jaguar vs adding to kingdom (Matthew 6:19-24)

If my treasure is in heaven, why do I strive so hard to build mine here? Why do I put so much effort into what I can accumulate here and so little into what I will be acknowledged for there? If I truly believe my treasure is in heaven why do my actions speak otherwise?

Is my focus on the Jaguar I can acquire here, or on adding another person to Gods kingdom? If I truly believe that those who have not accepted Jesus as their personal saviour will not go to heaven, then what am I doing about it?

Am I being a good steward of the talents, abilities and possessions given to me? Have I given them all back to him such that he can use them to further his kingdom?

Matthew 6:19-24

New International Version (NIV)
Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
²² “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,^[a] your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eyes are unhealthy,^[b] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
²⁴ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

God wants genuine (Matthew 6:5-13)

My take on the modern church is that it has become too much of an entertainment type thingy.  People want something that entertains them and feels good, "an emotional boost". How many of us truly know what it is to love God, to worship and serve him out of love as opposed to doing it to feel good or to be "obedient".

Many churches allow only polished and experienced professionals to be involved in worship, teaching, etc. I wonder though, are we missing out, something said or a song doesn't have to be perfect to be genuine, does it? What does God long to hear, genuine or perfect? Does the bible only tell of using the schooled, actually God often used the lesser lights.
Part of this is cultural, in today's world you couldn't possibly have a brain if you didn't go to school, could you? Spiritually speaking is it possible to have usable spiritual gifts unless you are schooled? Could it be possible that God could put words in a persons mouth, could he give he or she the words to say? Could it be that we are too reliant on school and not reliant enough on God, on the Holy Spirit? Could it be that we have become to reliant on our own knowledge?

I am not suggesting that there is not a place to have well practised worship leaders and teachers, but I am suggesting that there is a place for normal every day people with God given abilities. I love to hear the schooled person, but I also like to hear what the everyday dude has to say based on life experience, maybe it's because that's who I relate to.

Prayer has been on my mind for a long time now. The bible gives clear direction on how to pray and yet I watch as person after person feels the need to jot down some lengthy poetic perfectly written gem of a prayer and read it. I used to marvel at my grandfather's friends, he prayed to God in a very normal conversational type way. He was himself when he prayed.

Is this what modern day church has created, you have to be polished and perfect to be involved in teaching, worship and even prayer.

Does the bible not give clear direction on how to pray......God wants Genuine, it's us who desire Perfect, God simply wants a person to worship him out of a loving heart, we need polish and entertainment.

Matthew 6:5-13

New International Version (NIV)
Prayer

⁵ “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,^[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.^[b]’

Look at me, "I helped someone" (Mathew 6:1-4)

The world has so many needy people, hurting people, poor, sick and desperately needy people.
I know I have been blessed with what I have, I think about what I want and then I think about those in need and how selfish I am being. What would the world really look like if its wealth was shared?

Many people do help, celebrities give millions, but how many of us help out of a genuine heart that doesn't require any publicity, how many of us are content with simply helping out of a servants heart?

Gods word clearly encourages us to help the needy, but it also encourages us to do it with a certain attitude.

Matthew 6:1-4

New International Version (NIV)
Giving to the Needy

 “Be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

My wife and I have been truly blessed with close friends this year who took care of house care type tasks with out wanting anything in return, who were there for us when we were on our knees, not ready to preach at us, but willing to listen.

These people have a habit of helping people, without wanting anything in return. These people are great people who give out of a generous spirit.

Mirielle Enriquez - People Need The Lord

All the Lonely People by The Beatles.
 

Am I driving with my lights on(Matthew 5:13-16/6:1-4)

Am I a light in a dark world? Am I doing enough? These are thoughts I have. I struggle with being a good witness at work or wherever I am. At my previous job as a project manager it was even harder. I managed projects for the fast moving, low margin, highly competitive, me first automotive world. Lying was a common occurance as customers did their best to get the most out of their supplier (which was me and the company I worked for). Many of our customers worked long hours and were away from home a lot. I remember taking a customer group out for dinner, it seemed like they could hardly wait till dinner was over and they could go to the local strip club. I didn't join them, but heard lots the next day as they boasted of their behaviour.

In the midst of the demands of  a day, whether it be with customers yelling and screaming at you, which I have had happen in my past work life, or whether it be with kids arguing at home, it is downright hard to be a light.
Yet this is what we are encouraged to do in the following scripture:
Matthew 5:13-16 says

New International Version (NIV)
Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

So I ask myself, am I a light? I am saddedned to say I have participated in gossip, crude jokes and so on.....I gotta do a better job of being a light.

Sidewalk Prophets - "Live Like That"

Lord I Lift Your Name On High

To truly love one another....

When you look healthy, but you are not, not even close. When you look like you have it all going on, but you don't.....

1 Samuel 16:7

New International Version (NIV)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Its been my experience this year, actually my whole life, to look something I am not. Doctors have often marvelled at my low heart rate saying, your heart beats slowly, "like your an athlete". Hahahahahah, that's funny I think to myself, if they only knew how nonathletic I am. People going back to my youth would see me and exclaim how athletic I appear. People, even recently have commented on how together I am and appear. People including doctors comment on how I don't look like a chemo patient.

My wife gets this too, she is seen as miss proper. Well miss proper she is not, I can assure you of that!! She is real though.

To many, we are what we appear on the surface, people who struggle with their weight are seen as fat, people who seem to have it all going on are seen as such. A beautiful person is known for their beauty even though they likely long for people to respect and love them for who they are. Former NHLer Wade Belak was seen as having it all (see link, a powerful story and reminder). LANDSBERG: HIS DEPRESSION AND HIS FRIEND, WADE BELAK.

I know what it is like to be seen as someone who has it going on, but I also know I am the only one besides God who knows how I really feel, who knows how change in my life has impacted me in so many ways. I know what's behind the smile and the jokes.

The point is do we take the time to look beyond what we see and truly invest in those around us? Do we know each others heart?

Stuff happens all the time that surprises us, couples separate and we all exclaim "who knew there were issues", people like Wade commit suicide and we say "I had no idea they were struggling". People do something completely out of the norm and we say "that's not like them".

Do we know those around us for who they are? Better yet do I/you take the time to invest in those around us, to do whats important, to truly "Love one Another"? Are we so stuck in our superficial lifestyle that suggests we have it all if we have material things, that we don't take the time to do what's important, to truly "Love one Another"? Are we so busy that we only have time to shoot off a brief text, not that it's all bad, but it likely is if that's all we are ever prepared to do? Are we so busy that we don't take time to listen? We have all done it, tried to show care in various ways, but what most people crave is a listening ear. Are we prepared to invest, do we take the time to chat with our kids, with our loved ones, with those around us and to listen? I have been truly blessed when I invest, when I take the time to invest. My kids surprise me at their mature views when I take time to chat with them. They have been such a blessing to me. My marriage is nourished when I take the time to invest in it, when I take the time to walk and talk or both with my special girl.

 We leap for joy at fun opportunities, at opportunities that typically lead to short term fulfilment, perhaps it is a night out, a sporting event, etc., but do I/we have enough of a servants heart to listen to another heart, to do what's really important? Do I just let those opportunities go?

Those close to Wade have to live with the knowledge of what they did or didn't do. What will I do, what will you do to invest in what's most important, "relationships"? If you don't have love you don't have nuttin (my daughters wording)

Love Song - Third Day (New)

"Don't Have Love" - Christian singer Holly Starr


 

Change, it can SUCK, it can really SUCK!

Change is a funny thing, it's one of those things we can look forward to with great anticipation or it can be one we can dread. It can give and it can rob.

Change can be something planned or something that comes upon us as a pleasant suprise. It can also be painful and come upon us like a wave so high, that it feels like it will engulf us and overcome us. The latter may feel like a change we don't know how we will ever be able to accept and overcome.
Change can come in the form of blessings, but change can also come in the form of hardship. It's probably good that we get a steady diet of both, but sometimes it feels like we could do without the hard type of change, the unwanted type. Earlier this year I found change hard in my life, actually I still do. Change for me has felt like wave after wave of unwanted change, with what has felt like a few small waves in between where I could catch my breath. I remember going on a missions trip to Peurto Rico when I was 17 and in our spare time we would body surf in the ocean. It was a blast. The waves were gigantic and it was a relief when smaller ones came along, a chance to get our breath! Such is change. At one point this year it was explained to me what change can be like, I felt like screaming back, I KNOW WHAT CHANGE IS, I HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SUBJECT. LOTS!!! GRRRRR

The thing about change is, we are encouraged to give thanks in all things, this means for the good and the bad.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

New International Version (NIV)

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

But if you are like me, you may ask, but how Lord, how can I be thankful, how will I get through this? When will we see and understand what you were and are trying to do in our lives?

Romans 8:28 says

New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

In the thick of change and hardship is where our faith is tested, but oh it does not make it any easier, change can still be excruitatingly painful. Sometimes accepting change and getting through it is where we have to "Let Go and Let God". It's easier said than done, believe me I know.

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

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.


" All i need is You " Kim Walker Jesus Culture

Indescribable - Chris Tomlin (with lyrics)
 

Am I sharing Gods blessings...what about love.....

2 great links that don't need anything added to them...

Teacups and Teapots

A Girl's Message To All Christians

Christmas 2012....do you have room

Christmas, over 40 have come and gone for me. My memories of Christmas include:
- being given non speaking parts in Christmas plays
- my sister stomping all over a new Canadian tire truck I was given (oops, I might add that it was after I pulled the eye lashes out of her doll)
- spending Christmas in the hospital in 1992 and 2010
- the excitement we had as kids,  the excitement I now see in my kids
- the decorating I partake in with great glee, NOT
- the food.....remembering dad by enjoying all the fine foods he enjoyed (he loved unique stuff)
- the family and friends
- and oh ya celebrating Jesus birth

Oh ya the real reason, I almost forgot. Each year it seems that we have to look a little harder to see the real reason, to see where it is. Oh the celebrations at church are still there, but I mean within society in general. I don't see the real reason that much outside of church type activities.

I wonder how sad this makes God, to have sent his only son, who would later die so that He could spend eternity with us.......and yet how much is this baby really part of our celebrations?

There wasn't even room for him to be born...........do we have room for him now, in our homes, in our hearts, as our saviour.......have a listen to this song.

Do You Have Room? (New Christmas Song by Shawna Edwards)

Perfect Love (Mary's Song) with lyrics

The River - Meredith Andrews

Spin class....

Spin class is a class where you bike on a stationary bike. Round and round you make the pedals go in an effort to get in shape.

Sometimes I feel like my mind is in spin class, round and round it goes, except unlike the real spin class there is no real positive outcome.

Professionals have provided me with tools to stop the madness, but what is easier, to lay around and sulk or make the effort to stop the spin process. Its a process that can start with one small thing and for those of us with a weak phsychi, before we know it we are in full blown spin class.

Yes it sounds silly, but controlling the mind, especially as I get older, is a challenging process. The older I get the more there is to think about, the hard parts of life become more common as we get older. One simple and small choice can lead me in a positive direction and one small poor choice can lead to a more accelerated spin class.

Philippians 4:8 ESV    
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Why does it always seem easier to make poor choices than it does to make wise choices?

Sidewalk Prophets - You Love Me Anyway

Brandon Heath Your Love - Fisher of Men

stuck in 3rd gear...

<sup>Does it seem sometimes like your vehicle is stuck in 3rd gear and that you just cannot get it into 4rth or 5th? Does it feel sometimes like you are doing all the right things, going to church, praying, etc, but you just dont feel fullfilled. Its a place I have been many times, for me its that stage where I wonder where God is, what am I doing wrong, why am I not feeling full filled.
I felt that way for a number of years leading up to 2012 and have certainly had my moments this year and even now. I had been an elder, was a reasonably good person, but just didnt feel fullfilled.
Its during that time where I think its important to stay the course and keep a senstive ear to Gods leading. Its hard though, but I believe that is where our faith is increased.
I just finished reading a portion of Philip Yancey's book "disapointed with God"
http://www.philipyancey.com/disappointment-with-god. He refers to stories like that of:
- Abraham when he he was promised a son, but it was not fulfilled till years later
- Joseph who seemed to do many things well but spent years imprisoned
God increased their faith during the lean times, even when in Abraham's case he tried to find his own solution of creating a nation, by having a child through his maid servant.

God tests our faith and dedication to him during the times where he seems absent. He is there during these times.</sup>

Newtown..............

This week, our schools are trying to deal with the aftermath of the NewTown tragedy. I happened to be home sick on Monday and watched an inappropriate amount of US talk shows. Many of them had professional councillors, etc., on. I don't recall one suggesting that parents should detail this to their kids. Even the note from school suggested that teachers would not discuss this unless kids had questions. We didn't tell our kids anything about it, but yesterday they both came home with details that they said were from a teacher. Our son in particular has a significant fear of bad things, death, natural disaster, robbery.....all this from his mommy having been near death so many times. Why why why do parents or teachers see anything good from sharing an horrific event with their children. What possible good can come from it? Can kids not be allowed to live in their innocence? Do we have to ruin that for them too? They will have more than enough of their life to deal with the horse poop that we as adults encounter.

I understand that in many cases, these poor kids have heard or seen something and bring it up at school, leaving the poor teachers to parent the kids and explain what happened.

I get it that some kids have to be told, perhaps because they saw something, heard something or even know someone involved.

But really, do we have to go out of our way to share with them the horrors of this world? I think not!

What is loss? What is hope?

Loss can be experienced in so many ways. It can be loss of things hoped for, loss of friendship, loss due to death, loss of a job, loss of dignity, respect or reputation.

In many senses we don't control loss, but we sure do experience it. My experience has been that loss is an awfully hard thing to manage. It can accumulate. It can be very personal. It can be hard for others to understand. Just when I think I have loss managed, it nips at my heals.

Hope can be experienced in so many ways and yet why is it that when I try to list what I hope for or what my joys are, my losses are far more prominent in my mind?

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

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.

Aaron Shust - My Hope Is In You With Lyrics

How He Loves (song by Kim Walker)

Aaron Shust Take Over

 

Why did they give me the finger......

One of my learning's this year has been the realisation of how harshly I can judge people.
2012 was a year where people often remarked at how good I looked in spite of the fact I was going through treatment. For sure that was something to be thankful for. However the disparity or gap between how I looked on the outside and felt inside was huge and I mean huge.
What this has shown me is that if that gap resides in me, how many others have a similar challenge? How many others out there look like they have it together, but on the inside they are rotting? How many times have I responded to someone harshly with total disregard for what they have been or are going through?
We are all products, products of how we were raised, what we have been through and so on. Is it fair for me to judge someone for an outburst without realizing that the outburst probably has a root cause? Perhaps that person was abused, not loved, has suffered loss.....we don't know if we don't take the time to care, to show concern, empathy and love. At the least we could show compassion and whisper a prayer instead of saying something like "did you wake up on the wrong side of bed or what".

I am not suggesting that we should stop everyone on the highway who gives us the finger and say hey dude, I know there is something behind your anger, what's the root cause? I am suggesting though that in our close circles there is room for understanding, acceptance, love and compassion and for these tools to be used......in my case I need to use them more than I do.
Mark 12:31

New International Version (NIV)

³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”

We Fall Down - Chris Tomlin

Westlife - You Raise Me Up

Luckiest unlucky people........(Scott and Eliz)

A few weeks ago we bumped into a doctor who had been very involved in the care of my wife in 2005 and 2009.  He encouraged us to stop by the ICU and see the new facility. We did that today. Unfortunately he was not in, but the same cast of characters who took care of my girl in 2005 and 2009 were there. It was a great reunion of sorts and quite unbelievable that they were all on for the same shift. God used these people in a great way as he preformed miracle after miracle on Elizabeth.

As we chatted, one of the nurses who happens to know friends of ours is quite familiar with our stories including Elizabeth's health woes, our bad accident in 2010 and my cancer. She called us the luckiest unlucky people she knows......while it's been easy to look at the downside of things and how these things have impacted all aspects of our lives, the later part of 2012 has been about having a better perspective. It's been about trying to see the good in things as opposed to drowning in the bad. It's been about trying to remember to rejoice in what God has allowed and carried us through as opposed to sinking in the quick sand of despair. It's been about increasing our faith. It's been about our overall well being and taking the required steps to improve it.
 

Today I also had my check-up before having chemo tomorrow. Since my specialist was off sick, I had another fill in specialist today. This would be the 3rd specialist that has seen me. Their message is consistent in that the results of the therapy could not be better. I am thankful also that my blood work tested normal today and that all my vitals appear healthy.

So we will do the chemo thing tomorrow. As 2012 closes we are thankful for some painful learning's, and pray that God will use them to grow us into the people he wants us to be. We only have to look into the mirror to know that his work is far from done. We are also thankful for our health, that Elizabeth has been stable for almost 2 years and that our kids have not had to see me sick during my treatments. That is truly something to rejoice in.....I remember all to well what it was like to watch dad suffer with cancer. We prayed a lot that our kids would be spared that at this point.
We will welcome 2013 and hope that it is a year of rest, but knowing full well that God will provide for us no matter what he has in store for us.

Elizabeth and I continue to look to him, praying that we would be good stewards of what he has given us and thankful for his never ending grace, mercy and patience.

I Surrender - Hillsong Live

Who Am I - Casting Crowns

Open the Eyes of My Heart

 

How did I get here?

How did this become my new normal? How did I get here? I didn't ask for this?

Have you ever asked yourself these questions?

Have you ever felt like you we're all of a sudden thrust into an experience that you know is real, yet it seems so dream like too? In some cases it may seem like a nightmare.

I will go for another chemo treatment this week and even though it has been a year now since my diagnosis, it still does not seem real. It still sometimes feels like the fog will lift and all will be normal. It is real though, when I go to the cancer clinic and see young and old with their varying types of cancer, some like me are not visibly ill and others are very sick, then the realness sets in. My heart aches for those experiencing health woes and even more for those who have not put their faith in Christ.

None of us know our future, none of us know what's in store, none of us can control uncertainty so we strive to live in the present making the most out of today. It's no easy task!

We strive to leave what we can't control in the hands of the one who has control.

It's the only way. Gods got our back!

Hebrews 13:5b

New International Version (NIV)

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Psalm 112:8

New International Version (NIV)

Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

 

jesus culture you love never falls

 

Carrie Underwood - I'll Stand By You

 

Building 429 - Fearless

 

Building 429 - You Carried Me

what will be said...

When we think of our legacy, what do we hope it will be? Do we want people to say he or she was a good employee, mother, father, person and friend.

What do we want people to say about us? What do we want our legacy to be?

I hope mine is something like this:

He was a great employee, husband, father, person, freind. He was sensitive, sincere, genuine, funny when appropriate and serious when required. He was dedicated in all aspects of life. He could be counted on. He was a servant who strove to be his best, to know what he believed. He loved his family, but most of all he loved his saviour. He was a man of principle, he stood for what he believed in.

Pretty loft goals eh? How on earth can any person achieve their goals. I belive that it is only through the grace and power of God that we can achieve our goals. When we are at our least, he is at his greatest.

So what am I doing today, to leave a lasting legacy that is God honouring, what are you doing?

Philippians 2 details how we should live

why why why r such sensless crimes taking place..

What is happening to our world? Why is crime, sickness, greed, death, robbery, killing everywhere? Why does it seem like every day there is something bad on the news?

Sin is a terrible and destructive desease and it acts in subtle ways and in very horrific ways like 911 or the recent and horrific shootings in the US.

Satan is having quite a heyday, peace will only be found in Christ.

The world won't address it's issues with bandage solutions when the root issue is sin and the only defence is through a God many of us reject.

Mourning a sudden and tragic loss....

On Friday night a young girl in our community passed away due to a tragic car accident. She was only 17.
As I think back over my lifetime I can think of several people in our church and local community who have been robbed of life, who have passed far, far too young.

Its extremely tragic. My experience has been that the community will wrap its arms around this family and they will experience God's love through many people.

What happens though in the months and years after......it's tough, tough going to pick up the pieces. It's lonely, frustrating and painful. There are books on mourning and dealing with loss and there are people to assist, but by and large we all have to journey these things on our own. We are uniquely made and so we experience these things uniquely as well. No one person other than our maker can understand how we experience something such as death.

We trudge on learning as we go.

Still I cant help but think that we could do much better at supporting people through such things as the loss of a loved one. It is final, it is tragic and nothing compares to it. A life is not replaceable. I can't help but think that because life is so special, so cherished that we should mourn a loss accordingly. This is life after all, what do we have without it? Each life is so precious.

So as we all experience people in our lives who have lost someone, what are we doing to show our support and love? How are we bearing each others burdens, not only in the days after, but in the years after? When the most precious thing there is, is taken (life), what is our response? Does life as we know it just go on? Or are people what are most important to us, and as such, do we show compassion accordingly?

Galatians 6:2

New International Version (NIV)

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

 

Below links are to Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapmans recount of how his family dealt with his daughters passing:

 

Steven Curtis Chapman on Larry King

(Part 2) Steven Curtis Chapman on Larry King

(Part 3) Steven Curtis Chapman on Larry King

(Part 4) Steven Curtis Chapman on Larry King

 

Tribute to Maria Chapman

Grace does not give us a license to knowingly sin...

Grace does not give us a license to knowingly sin. Grace is simply what is provided to us because God knows we will sin.
Grace is what gives us a 2nd chance, like it did Adam and Eve when they blew it, like when Noah was spared, like when we were provided with the greatest sacrifice of all. This sacrifice was for our sins, because we could not keep the law, God by grace made a way through the provision of his son as a sacrifice for our sins. Grace is a gift, not to be abused. God gives us opportunity after opportunity to choose him, that is Grace, but if we continue to choose our own way like Judas, God may let us have our own way.
King David committed terrible sins, by choice he allowed himself to be in a position to be tempted while all other men were away fighting. By God's grace he was spared, but he paid a terrible price. Sin always comes with a price. Grace simply offers a 2nd chance, it does not wash away the consequence of sin.
Many feel that grace came into play in the new Testament, however it is all over the Old testament. Some believe that God did not punish sin in the New testament and that Grace was always offered, however the story of Ananias and Sapphira disproves that theory. It suggests that there can be a steep price for sin.

Read Acts 5:1-11
Acts 5:1-11 NIV

Ananias and Sapphira: A Lesson in Grace

In my life I know without doubt that I pay a price for disobeying God, for not listening to that still small voice. One poor choice after another leads me further from God and all of a sudden I may find myself in a position where God allows something into my life to jolt me back to him. That is my experience.

Book Review: The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

is grace just a Christians credit card??

Is grace just a Christians credit card? Is our salvation just life insurance? If God predestined us, what's the point?

What's the point in being obedient, in trying to live an all out surrendered life for the one who gave his all for me?

Predestined, chosen:
Ephesians 1:4-11 Predestination

Who is salvation for:
God wants all people to be saved:
1 Timothy 2:4-6
Romans 1:16

Based on the above verses, it would seem that salvation is for all who choose it, we are all chosen, but will we choose Jesus in return? Its our freedom of choice.

Should we keep on sinning?
Romans 6:1-3 (The Message)

Romans 6:1-3 would suggest that we should choose not to continue in sin, in the sin we are saved from. Rather we should desire to be pure and holy as Christ was and as we read in Philippians 2:1-5.
Psalm 119:1 reads:

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. New International Version (NIV)

 

What is grace?;

Grace was extended to people from the beginning of time, when Adam and Eve sinned, with Noah and the ark, with Joseph and his brothers and on and on the story's go of mans rejection of God's initial plan and God's provision of a second plan. "Grace"!! Grace and mercy were all part of the provision of salvation that we as Christians have experienced Ephesians 2:8. Grace is what sees us through the valley's in life 2 Corinthians 12:9.

 

So is grace just to be used as a Christians credit card? The above verses would suggest that it is not, that we should strive to be blameless.

 

James 2:14-26 Faith and deeds

 

Your Love Never Fails -Chris Quilala / Jesus Culture

 

Building 429 - You Carried Me (w/ Web Text) (Video)

Came to my Rescue - Hillsong United