At this mornings service, the speaker asked people to voluntarily stand and speak of an item that they were thankful for in 2014. Some items spoken of were witnessing opportunities, jobs, a grandchild accepting Christ, celebrating 50 years of marriage, a birth of a child after a previous miscarriage and the list went on.
As items were spoken, I wondered about those who attended who really struggled in 2014. Was it easy for those whose marriage separated to give thanks when their wounds were still raw, especially just after Christmas time, which is so much about family. Was it easy for those to be thankful when they have suffered illness? Did thankfulness overflow from those who have pleaded with God, but there pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears? How was it for these folks to listen to the items of thanks?
Sometimes we have to look a little harder for something to be thankful for, we have to dig a little deeper and we have to be thankful in spite of. Perhaps that is a true test of how thankful someone can be, when they are not getting what they want, but they can look past it and still be thankful.
While our 2014 included 2 trips to the hospital for my wife who is immune compromised, on going cancer treatment and monitoring for me, an appendix removal for my son, an on going lawsuit against us for a vehicle accident where we were not found at fault, the reality that we will not be able to go south because of health reasons, etc., it also included items of thanksgiving.
In fact many of the items I just listed also have a component of thankfulness. While my wife's condition may not be convenient or fun, it has opened doors for us to grow and minister and God has sustained her through much for which we are very grateful. My cancer has been in remission which is a happy dance type feeling. We were spared from that accident and perhaps the lawsuit process will provide witnessing opportunities. We are grateful that our sons appendix was removed before it burst and while we won't be able to go to Florida, we will have a relaxing mid winter vacation at a water park.
My point is that there are usually things to be grateful for, but its so easy sometimes to look at the mountain of life's challenges and not to see the bigger mountain behind it containing God's provision.
For those out there who have been stung by difficult experiences, I challenge you to look for God within those experiences and to see how he has provided, how he has helped you persevere and carry the burden. How you do this will likely be an encouragement to many.
Your reality may also require you to look at the much larger picture, which is God's picture and to simply trust him that the pieces will fall in a way that will work for good. There may not be an immediate item of thankfulness, but if we give the situation to God and trust him with it, there will be something to be thankful for at some point. Perhaps your situation is being used to bring someone to Christ. This too, would be a truer test of ones thankfulness and perhaps even spiritual maturity....to be able to look at things with God's perspective.
Sunday 28 December 2014
Sunday 7 December 2014
A God of deliverance, a God of provision
In our me first society it's very easy to let the things we thought we deserved and didn't get, overshadow the things we did get and didn't deserve. We easily forget that we turned our back on God in Eden when we had his newly created world to enjoy. We forget that the human race has rejected God over and over again and yet somehow we still expect that we should only get what we want when we want it.
At the end of church service today an older gentlemen in front of me asked how my week was. I responded by explaining to him that we are involved in a lawsuit filed against us for an accident we were in back in 2010, that we had not been charged, but that a party involved was suing. While the word unjust screams at me and the tendency is to focus on that and wallow in why me self pity, I was reminded by the kind gentlemen, of God's provision. Yes life has not been easy for my family, but as I reflect on our experiences, I would have to say that God has been faithful. We were spared from that accident and have been spared so many times since, so my heart should be overflowing with gratitude.
When I reflect while keeping in mind that I am deserving of hell, then God's provision become abundant and undeserving provision. I need to remind myself that while I don't always get want I want and while law suits, health issues, etc. have presented challenges, I do serve a God that is faithful and provides even in my darkest times.
I have experiences health miracles, I have seen God's hand at work in beautiful ways ensuring that we have what we need. I have experienced more than I deserve.
So when I am asked how I am, perhaps my first words should be of thankfulness rather than to wallow in my circumstances. Perhaps my words should reflect a faith and trust in a God who has always been so faithful.
Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill How Great thou Art
Celtic Woman - Amazing Grace
All i need is You " Kim Walker Jesus Culture
I Surrender - Hillsong Live
Josh Groban You Raise Me Up
At the end of church service today an older gentlemen in front of me asked how my week was. I responded by explaining to him that we are involved in a lawsuit filed against us for an accident we were in back in 2010, that we had not been charged, but that a party involved was suing. While the word unjust screams at me and the tendency is to focus on that and wallow in why me self pity, I was reminded by the kind gentlemen, of God's provision. Yes life has not been easy for my family, but as I reflect on our experiences, I would have to say that God has been faithful. We were spared from that accident and have been spared so many times since, so my heart should be overflowing with gratitude.
When I reflect while keeping in mind that I am deserving of hell, then God's provision become abundant and undeserving provision. I need to remind myself that while I don't always get want I want and while law suits, health issues, etc. have presented challenges, I do serve a God that is faithful and provides even in my darkest times.
I have experiences health miracles, I have seen God's hand at work in beautiful ways ensuring that we have what we need. I have experienced more than I deserve.
So when I am asked how I am, perhaps my first words should be of thankfulness rather than to wallow in my circumstances. Perhaps my words should reflect a faith and trust in a God who has always been so faithful.
Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill How Great thou Art
Celtic Woman - Amazing Grace
All i need is You " Kim Walker Jesus Culture
I Surrender - Hillsong Live
Josh Groban You Raise Me Up
Sunday 16 November 2014
what would Jesus do
If we are truly Gods and dead to self why do we do what we do? Its an interesting question to ponder. As I look at my own life I am reminded constantly of Gods goodness and provision. Still I find myself trying to be self sufficient, worrying through things when he already knows the outcome. It seems so silly and yet it can be so hard to let go and let God, and while so hard, it can be so freeing to give up control.
Do my every day actions reflect a life surrendered to God? Sadly they do not. There is always that tension between trusting God and thinking, well he did give me a brain, he must expect me to use it. It can be a slippery slope, because yes I think he does expect us to use our God given abilities, but when is that point where we say here it is Lord. How often do we go beyond that point and he gently reminds us that he has our best interests and his purposes in mind and that we only need to trust him.
Another aspect of a life surrendered is that we would want his vision, we would want to be part of his purposes. In every little circumstance we would want to be pleasing to him. That could mean being thankful in a time of blessing, it could mean trusting him during times of uncertainty and on an every day basis it could mean reminding our selves that in every situation we are to aspire to be Christ like. How do I know that the annoying situation placed before me is not an opportunity to show his love by forgiving, showing mercy, love or any of the other attributes of our savior. Its human nature to look at annoying circumstances as just that, but just maybe they are a great opportunity to show Christ rather than to be annoyed, frustrated and even in a mud slinging mode, "saying why did that idiot do that to me".
The saying "what would Jesus do" is really one we need to keep at the forefront of our everyday thoughts. He has a plan, he has purposes and it would seem to me that showing his love in the smallest and possibly annoying aspects of life is what he has asked us to do.
We tend to look for big ministry opportunities when he simple wants us to exude him in all aspects of our life.
I need to remind myself that instead of putting someone down for an act of stupidity, instead of being angry, jealous, etc., each and every circumstance I face is an opportunity to show his love.
Do my every day actions reflect a life surrendered to God? Sadly they do not. There is always that tension between trusting God and thinking, well he did give me a brain, he must expect me to use it. It can be a slippery slope, because yes I think he does expect us to use our God given abilities, but when is that point where we say here it is Lord. How often do we go beyond that point and he gently reminds us that he has our best interests and his purposes in mind and that we only need to trust him.
Another aspect of a life surrendered is that we would want his vision, we would want to be part of his purposes. In every little circumstance we would want to be pleasing to him. That could mean being thankful in a time of blessing, it could mean trusting him during times of uncertainty and on an every day basis it could mean reminding our selves that in every situation we are to aspire to be Christ like. How do I know that the annoying situation placed before me is not an opportunity to show his love by forgiving, showing mercy, love or any of the other attributes of our savior. Its human nature to look at annoying circumstances as just that, but just maybe they are a great opportunity to show Christ rather than to be annoyed, frustrated and even in a mud slinging mode, "saying why did that idiot do that to me".
The saying "what would Jesus do" is really one we need to keep at the forefront of our everyday thoughts. He has a plan, he has purposes and it would seem to me that showing his love in the smallest and possibly annoying aspects of life is what he has asked us to do.
We tend to look for big ministry opportunities when he simple wants us to exude him in all aspects of our life.
I need to remind myself that instead of putting someone down for an act of stupidity, instead of being angry, jealous, etc., each and every circumstance I face is an opportunity to show his love.
Sunday 2 November 2014
Elizabeth health - Oct 2014
Everything seemed to be ticking along quite well and then came Saturday Oct 25. First it was a friend texting, telling me about another friend who was experiencing sudden mental health challenges. Then it was my dear wife Elizabeth experiencing stomach pain. This is not new for her, it is something she has experienced several times a year since her gull bladder was removed in 2011.
Her pain escalated to very severe and then vomiting several times, much the same as she experienced in the spring of 2014. As we did in the spring, we arranged for an ambulance and she was admitted to what seems like her second home, Grand River Hospital. As per usual when they admit her, they run tests right away and get her hooked up to IV, all in preparation to be able to deal with the worst, another potential bacterial infection. Tests indicated a high white cell count indicating she was fighting something. An x-ray did not show anything and a CT scan showed abnormal (more fluids in pelvic area than normal). Nothing was conclusive, yet there were also to many concerning signs.
Again to be cautious, she was kept for several days and released Tuesday evening Oct 27 with the doctor simply implying, "we don't really know what's going on". If this was an isolated case, it would be easy to move on, but for us, unfortunately these hospital visits have become a fairly routine occurrence since my wife's battle with flesh eating disease in 2005 (2009, 2010 x 2, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 x2). Many of her ailments since 2005, you could say are secondary issues due to that 2 month roller coaster ride in 2005 (see http://woundedbutvictorious.blogspot.ca/p/how-does-one-deal-with-multiple-close.html.)
While we rest in the fact that our God knows best and is our provider, the frequency of these events, the speed at which bacterial diseases can advance and the limited medical answers leave us in a cloud of uncertainty and anxiety. Our kids have been a part of this journey for their whole lives and to see the impact on them is painful. While we know God has great plans for them and these experiences will be a big part of shaping them, to see the uncertainty that they have to deal with at such a tender age is heartbreaking.
Our values tell us to plug on and trust God with the many unknowns. At the same time a raging storm of frustration, anxiety, spiritual warfare and anger brews as Satan works nonstop to rip us out of Gods hand and to destroy our family. At times my head space feels tormented.
We rest in God's promises knowing that he will prevail and that in the end we will live in eternity with him, an eternity that Satan, sickness, sorrow and death will have NO part of. We soldier on because our God is there to carry us when the quick sand is up to our ears. We march on knowing that because of our sin we live in a world of heart ache, but that because of our choice to accept his free gift (John 3:16), we will have eternal life with him, free from heartache.
Aaron Keyes - Sovereign Over Us
Alan Jackson - Blessed Assurance
Her pain escalated to very severe and then vomiting several times, much the same as she experienced in the spring of 2014. As we did in the spring, we arranged for an ambulance and she was admitted to what seems like her second home, Grand River Hospital. As per usual when they admit her, they run tests right away and get her hooked up to IV, all in preparation to be able to deal with the worst, another potential bacterial infection. Tests indicated a high white cell count indicating she was fighting something. An x-ray did not show anything and a CT scan showed abnormal (more fluids in pelvic area than normal). Nothing was conclusive, yet there were also to many concerning signs.
Again to be cautious, she was kept for several days and released Tuesday evening Oct 27 with the doctor simply implying, "we don't really know what's going on". If this was an isolated case, it would be easy to move on, but for us, unfortunately these hospital visits have become a fairly routine occurrence since my wife's battle with flesh eating disease in 2005 (2009, 2010 x 2, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 x2). Many of her ailments since 2005, you could say are secondary issues due to that 2 month roller coaster ride in 2005 (see http://woundedbutvictorious.blogspot.ca/p/how-does-one-deal-with-multiple-close.html.)
While we rest in the fact that our God knows best and is our provider, the frequency of these events, the speed at which bacterial diseases can advance and the limited medical answers leave us in a cloud of uncertainty and anxiety. Our kids have been a part of this journey for their whole lives and to see the impact on them is painful. While we know God has great plans for them and these experiences will be a big part of shaping them, to see the uncertainty that they have to deal with at such a tender age is heartbreaking.
Our values tell us to plug on and trust God with the many unknowns. At the same time a raging storm of frustration, anxiety, spiritual warfare and anger brews as Satan works nonstop to rip us out of Gods hand and to destroy our family. At times my head space feels tormented.
We rest in God's promises knowing that he will prevail and that in the end we will live in eternity with him, an eternity that Satan, sickness, sorrow and death will have NO part of. We soldier on because our God is there to carry us when the quick sand is up to our ears. We march on knowing that because of our sin we live in a world of heart ache, but that because of our choice to accept his free gift (John 3:16), we will have eternal life with him, free from heartache.
Aaron Keyes - Sovereign Over Us
Alan Jackson - Blessed Assurance
Monday 15 September 2014
Scott - health update Sept 2014
My time flies, its been almost 3 years now since my diagnosis of B cell Follicular Lymphoma. My initial 6 treatments were followed by 8 maintenance treatments over 2 years which was completed in Feb /14. I have now completed my 2nd 3 month check-up since then and all seems well.
While I look forward to more infrequent check ups that may come with time, I have much to be thankful for. While working during this timeframe in what has been a 2nd career that I ventured on in 2010, has had its challenges, I am grateful for God's provision in helping me prove myself and progress in the banking field.
I have continued on my path of emotional healing and learning to trust God in even the smallest of details. I have found that as I age and experience life, my own reserves have depleted and my need to rely on my saviour has increased. God has been showing me what dependence on him can look like in every aspect of my life journey. Relying on him is a beautiful thing and watching him work and provide is an awesome display of his power when I am willing to sit back and say, "it's yours Lord, work in this according to your will".
I am in awe of God's patience as he continues to show me what a relationship with him can look like. In a fast pasted pressure packed world, life can be overwhelming with its pressures. It can seem too much, like a deafening roar, an overwhelming wind or even a storm. In all of this my God stays strong and is my refuge for which I am eternally grateful. He is my ground zero, my point of reference where I need to abide.
Meredith Andrews - Draw Me Nearer
Hillsong - Velocity - HOW GREAT THOU ART
Meredith Andrews - In Your Arms
Westlife - You Raise Me Up
While I look forward to more infrequent check ups that may come with time, I have much to be thankful for. While working during this timeframe in what has been a 2nd career that I ventured on in 2010, has had its challenges, I am grateful for God's provision in helping me prove myself and progress in the banking field.
I have continued on my path of emotional healing and learning to trust God in even the smallest of details. I have found that as I age and experience life, my own reserves have depleted and my need to rely on my saviour has increased. God has been showing me what dependence on him can look like in every aspect of my life journey. Relying on him is a beautiful thing and watching him work and provide is an awesome display of his power when I am willing to sit back and say, "it's yours Lord, work in this according to your will".
I am in awe of God's patience as he continues to show me what a relationship with him can look like. In a fast pasted pressure packed world, life can be overwhelming with its pressures. It can seem too much, like a deafening roar, an overwhelming wind or even a storm. In all of this my God stays strong and is my refuge for which I am eternally grateful. He is my ground zero, my point of reference where I need to abide.
Meredith Andrews - Draw Me Nearer
Hillsong - Velocity - HOW GREAT THOU ART
Meredith Andrews - In Your Arms
Westlife - You Raise Me Up
Thursday 24 April 2014
who will we serve - Joshua 24
The below passage is Joshua's last speech. A phrase that struck me is choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. It seems to me that that it is a constant choice we need to make, while we are saved by grace, obedience to him and reliance on him is something we need to constantly strive for. Even one small glance away can lead to walk through the thistles instead of a stroll hand in hand with our savior.
Joshua 24:14-15
Joshua 24:14-15
New International Version (NIV)
14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Wednesday 23 April 2014
God is willing to go before us - Joshua 23
In Joshua 23 Josh is bidding farewell, his days are near an end and he is giving his last speech of encouragement and caution.
Two things struck me when reading this, the first is in verse 10 when I am reminded of God's awesome power and how he goes before us and is willing to fight for us. How often do I allow him to do this though?
The second is in verses 11 to 13 where it is made clear what traps the Israelites were to avoid, but it doesn't just apply to them does it? When I think of my life, in this day and age there are so many traps that take me away from focusing on God. Being busy is certainly one of them, but the list can go on from wealth to lust to jealously and son on.
So the question is, what am I doing to remain focused on God? Even as I write this, I feel anxious about what I have to get done today, but isn't that taking away from my focus on God, is that a subtle item that is creeping in and posing a threat or am I willing to ask God to help me with busyness, to pave the way, to help me fight my battles whatever they may be?
Joshua 23:8-13 http://www.biblegateway.com
12 “But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them, 13 then you may be sure that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you.
Two things struck me when reading this, the first is in verse 10 when I am reminded of God's awesome power and how he goes before us and is willing to fight for us. How often do I allow him to do this though?
The second is in verses 11 to 13 where it is made clear what traps the Israelites were to avoid, but it doesn't just apply to them does it? When I think of my life, in this day and age there are so many traps that take me away from focusing on God. Being busy is certainly one of them, but the list can go on from wealth to lust to jealously and son on.
So the question is, what am I doing to remain focused on God? Even as I write this, I feel anxious about what I have to get done today, but isn't that taking away from my focus on God, is that a subtle item that is creeping in and posing a threat or am I willing to ask God to help me with busyness, to pave the way, to help me fight my battles whatever they may be?
Joshua 23:8-13 http://www.biblegateway.com
New International Version (NIV)
Joshua’s Farewell to the Leaders
. 8 But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now.
9 “The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. 10 One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised. 11 So be very careful to love the Lord your God.12 “But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them, 13 then you may be sure that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you.
Monday 14 April 2014
Lord what do you want - Joshua 7-8
Have you ever wondered what God really wanted, have you every been confused with what he seems to be asking of you? The Israelites must have been by his don't take the loot, now take the loot commands.
Through God's awesome provision they conquered the great walled city of Jericho simply by walking around it and blowing trumpets. Actually the lesson is that they did what God asked and he conquered them because they were obedient even if the plan seemed foolish.
His request in return to this great conquer was that they under no conditions were to take any of the loot. Seems reasonable eh, he conquers them and this is all he asks in return. However the loot was way too tempting for some, namely Achan, who took some of the loot and paid for his disobedience with his life and that of his families.
Joshua 7:20-26 http://www.biblegateway.com
20 Achan replied, “It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: 21 When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia,[c] two hundred shekels[d] of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels,[e] I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.”
22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. 23 They took the things from the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites and spread them out before the Lord.
24 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today.”
Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.
In Joshua 8 the Israelites were preparing for battle again and this time God asks them to take the loot. Ya I bet they were thinking, OK didn't one of us try that and pay for it with his life, no way are we taking the loot.
Joshua 8:1-2,24-27 http://www.biblegateway.com
Through God's awesome provision they conquered the great walled city of Jericho simply by walking around it and blowing trumpets. Actually the lesson is that they did what God asked and he conquered them because they were obedient even if the plan seemed foolish.
His request in return to this great conquer was that they under no conditions were to take any of the loot. Seems reasonable eh, he conquers them and this is all he asks in return. However the loot was way too tempting for some, namely Achan, who took some of the loot and paid for his disobedience with his life and that of his families.
Joshua 7:20-26 http://www.biblegateway.com
New International Version (NIV)
22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. 23 They took the things from the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites and spread them out before the Lord.
24 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold bar, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The Lord will bring trouble on you today.”
Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.
In Joshua 8 the Israelites were preparing for battle again and this time God asks them to take the loot. Ya I bet they were thinking, OK didn't one of us try that and pay for it with his life, no way are we taking the loot.
Joshua 8:1-2,24-27 http://www.biblegateway.com
New International Version (NIV)
8 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. 2 You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city.”
24 When Israel had finished killing all the men of Ai in the fields and in the wilderness where they had chased them, and when every one of them had been put to the sword, all the Israelites returned to Ai and killed those who were in it. 25 Twelve thousand men and women fell that day—all the people of Ai. 26 For Joshua did not draw back the hand that held out his javelin until he had destroyed[a] all who lived in Ai. 27 But Israel did carry off for themselves the livestock and plunder of this city, as the Lord had instructed Joshua.
While the situations in our lives may be very different, how often I wonder does God give us direction promising us all the while to provide? How often do we get sidetracked by the loot on the way or by thinking his plan makes no sense and that we have a better one?
Are we determined to follow that still small voice that directs our paths, to follow it in faith?
Sunday 13 April 2014
Faith to follow through - Joshua 6
Do I have faith to follow through, do you?
Joshua 6 is the amazing story of God revealing his plan to Josh, Josh having the faith to follow through and God's amazing deliverance. What is God saying to us these days, what Jericho is he delivering or getting out of our way if only we will listen in faith and follow through in faith as Josh did. Does God's plan sound unbelievable to you as his plan to Josh must have......check this story out.
Joshua 6 http://www.biblegateway.com
6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” 7 And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.”
8 When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the Lord went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant followed them. 9 The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 10 But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11 So he had the ark of the Lord carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there.
12 Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. 13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.
15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted[a] to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.”
20 When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.
22 Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.”
George Beverly Shea - How Great Thou Art ( 1957 )
George Beverly Shea How Great Thou Art
George Beverly Shea at nearly 103 years old, "How Great Thou
Joshua 6 is the amazing story of God revealing his plan to Josh, Josh having the faith to follow through and God's amazing deliverance. What is God saying to us these days, what Jericho is he delivering or getting out of our way if only we will listen in faith and follow through in faith as Josh did. Does God's plan sound unbelievable to you as his plan to Josh must have......check this story out.
Joshua 6 http://www.biblegateway.com
New International Version (NIV)
6 Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.
2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the Lord and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” 7 And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord.”
8 When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the Lord went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant followed them. 9 The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 10 But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” 11 So he had the ark of the Lord carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there.
12 Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. 13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.
15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. 16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted[a] to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.”
20 When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.
22 Joshua said to the two men who had spied out the land, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring her out and all who belong to her, in accordance with your oath to her.”
George Beverly Shea - How Great Thou Art ( 1957 )
George Beverly Shea How Great Thou Art
George Beverly Shea at nearly 103 years old, "How Great Thou
skid marks
Skid marks!! No I am not talking about he ones you may leave in your undies. I am referring to the times we should put the brakes on in life, times when we should leave skid marks to stop and reflect. These are times when we should ask our selves questions;
- what am I doing here
- our my relationships better than they were a year ago
- have I grown as a Christian
- have I grown as a spouse, parent, worker, boss etc.
Many times things will happen in life to instigate this process, but do we ignore them and just press on or do we stop and take stock in an effort to work on self improvement.
Are we determined to be the best we can be? Are we focused on the goal?
Philippians 3:12-21 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
20-21 But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
- what am I doing here
- our my relationships better than they were a year ago
- have I grown as a Christian
- have I grown as a spouse, parent, worker, boss etc.
Many times things will happen in life to instigate this process, but do we ignore them and just press on or do we stop and take stock in an effort to work on self improvement.
Are we determined to be the best we can be? Are we focused on the goal?
Philippians 3:12-21 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
The Message (MSG)
Focused on the Goal
12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
15-16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
20-21 But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
Saturday 12 April 2014
Saying good bye to an aunt
Yesterday we said good bye to an aunt, a person who persevered through much in her life and certainly during her 20 plus year battle with cancer. She was a trooper to say the least and such an inspiration to many in the way she carried herself during her illness and how her faith in God only seemed to grow.
As usual my mind wonders during a service. I think about what legacy I might leave, what my service will look like and so on. An uncle shared that early on in aunt Martha's journey he shared with her the bible story of how God added 15 years to a man's life. He certainly did to Martha's as well. While I don't know if that will be the case for me, I have to do my part and leave the rest to him.
I found my self also thinking of the importance we place on things. A life is so precious and should be celebrated. A day like yesterday was truly a time to mourn but also to celebrate her life and the start of a new life for her.
I worry that in our modern world we will be reducing the funeral to a mere formality instead of a celebration and a time of mourning which I personally think is critical to the mourning process.
John 11 details The Death of Lazarus and how the family grieved and how even Jesus wept. We too should feel the freedom to grieve and weep and shouldn't reduce the process to a mere formality. A life is precious.
As usual my mind wonders during a service. I think about what legacy I might leave, what my service will look like and so on. An uncle shared that early on in aunt Martha's journey he shared with her the bible story of how God added 15 years to a man's life. He certainly did to Martha's as well. While I don't know if that will be the case for me, I have to do my part and leave the rest to him.
I found my self also thinking of the importance we place on things. A life is so precious and should be celebrated. A day like yesterday was truly a time to mourn but also to celebrate her life and the start of a new life for her.
I worry that in our modern world we will be reducing the funeral to a mere formality instead of a celebration and a time of mourning which I personally think is critical to the mourning process.
John 11 details The Death of Lazarus and how the family grieved and how even Jesus wept. We too should feel the freedom to grieve and weep and shouldn't reduce the process to a mere formality. A life is precious.
John 11:32-36 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
What importance to we place on life and how do our actions support it.
Alan Jackson - Amazing Grace
I'll See You Again Lyrics Westlife
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
What importance to we place on life and how do our actions support it.
Alan Jackson - Amazing Grace
I'll See You Again Lyrics Westlife
Tuesday 4 March 2014
The hurting person
To hurt, to feel in anguish, at your end, frustrated with life, with those around you and with everything......it is a dark and lonely place.
As I reflected on how to relate to a hurting person I was also thinking of some of the things I have learned over the years while hurting. A verse that has been a source of strength is;
Philippians 4:8 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
Other learning's;
Be aware; when struggling its common to look and hear through a lens of hurt. The receptors don't always receive the intended message properly, everything heard and seen can be scrutinised and most of it deemed hurtful when some of it really wasn't. Understand your position and how you are receiving things and don't be afraid to lay low or cling to only a few trusted people.
Forgive; There is only one pure and sure source of strength. People will let you down. This is where I have found that love and forgiveness are so intertwined. While we all try to show love and empathy, we are imperfect beings and our best intentions don't always come across as intended, this is where it is important for the hurting person to forgive.
Try not to stay stuck; When in the depths of despair it is easy to stay there, to get stuck as seems to be a tendency of mine. The wheels just keep spinning. Be intentional, be proactive and try to do something, be it exercise, read something encouraging, go with a friend for a coffee, etc. When I sit in the damp puddle of despair, I soon feel it's chilling grip and before I know it I can be stuck in the cold mud. Find a way out quickly.
Positive reminders; its been helpful for me to have encouraging verses sitting in the truck, good books laying around the house and a wife who reads me well.
Cling to those you can trust, to those who have your back and don't be surprised if they are few.
Fight and don't give up; while it can be frustrating to hear others who are on sure footing remind you that God is working through the challenge you are experiencing, it is true. Fight on with a determination as if to win a prize.
Loneliness; it may set in and it can be a very dark place, don't be afraid to feel it. People who you think should be more empathetic but are not, crowds continuing with life while you are struggling can all fuel loneliness.
Anger, depression and anxiety; don't be afraid to feel it and express it. I am a bottler and have had to find outlets. Friends, exercise and your relationship with God can all be great outlets. Don't be afraid to seek professional council either.
Manage your assets and liabilities; I have found that my greatest assets are also my greatest liabilities. For example Satan has been relentless in his efforts to use my sensitivity, great memory and perceptive ways to bring me down. I am someone who reads situations well and can see things quite clearly, but when you have a some what unclear future, this skill has to be managed well.
Freely express; This can be a double edged sword, while it is critically important to express ones feelings, it can also leave one feeling very raw and exposed. Pick your spots. At times I have been too open only to expose myself to more hurt. You may express more to a trusted person than to someone you don't know as well.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
As I reflected on how to relate to a hurting person I was also thinking of some of the things I have learned over the years while hurting. A verse that has been a source of strength is;
Philippians 4:8 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things
In the midst of your mire, when people are not responding to as you thought they should, when the grip of worry is nearing a stranglehold, when life does not seem fair, this is a verse that can lift one out of the mire. Other learning's;
Be aware; when struggling its common to look and hear through a lens of hurt. The receptors don't always receive the intended message properly, everything heard and seen can be scrutinised and most of it deemed hurtful when some of it really wasn't. Understand your position and how you are receiving things and don't be afraid to lay low or cling to only a few trusted people.
Forgive; There is only one pure and sure source of strength. People will let you down. This is where I have found that love and forgiveness are so intertwined. While we all try to show love and empathy, we are imperfect beings and our best intentions don't always come across as intended, this is where it is important for the hurting person to forgive.
Try not to stay stuck; When in the depths of despair it is easy to stay there, to get stuck as seems to be a tendency of mine. The wheels just keep spinning. Be intentional, be proactive and try to do something, be it exercise, read something encouraging, go with a friend for a coffee, etc. When I sit in the damp puddle of despair, I soon feel it's chilling grip and before I know it I can be stuck in the cold mud. Find a way out quickly.
Positive reminders; its been helpful for me to have encouraging verses sitting in the truck, good books laying around the house and a wife who reads me well.
Cling to those you can trust, to those who have your back and don't be surprised if they are few.
Fight and don't give up; while it can be frustrating to hear others who are on sure footing remind you that God is working through the challenge you are experiencing, it is true. Fight on with a determination as if to win a prize.
Loneliness; it may set in and it can be a very dark place, don't be afraid to feel it. People who you think should be more empathetic but are not, crowds continuing with life while you are struggling can all fuel loneliness.
Anger, depression and anxiety; don't be afraid to feel it and express it. I am a bottler and have had to find outlets. Friends, exercise and your relationship with God can all be great outlets. Don't be afraid to seek professional council either.
Manage your assets and liabilities; I have found that my greatest assets are also my greatest liabilities. For example Satan has been relentless in his efforts to use my sensitivity, great memory and perceptive ways to bring me down. I am someone who reads situations well and can see things quite clearly, but when you have a some what unclear future, this skill has to be managed well.
Freely express; This can be a double edged sword, while it is critically important to express ones feelings, it can also leave one feeling very raw and exposed. Pick your spots. At times I have been too open only to expose myself to more hurt. You may express more to a trusted person than to someone you don't know as well.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Sunday 2 March 2014
Relating to a hurting person
Relating to a hurting person…….it’s no easy task. Following
are some learning’s/observations;
Communicating;
Don’t be silent, especially if you know the person reasonably well or come in contact with them frequently. Saying that you didn’t know what to say, so you said nothing is not being fair to the hurting person.
Be a listener, James 1:19 says “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak……..”
“KISS”, no I don’t mean kiss them, I am referring to the saying “keep it simple stupid”. We live in an age where information is at our finger tips and we sometimes feel that we have the answers to the universes problems, but we don’t. Many times the most meaningful thing you can say is I am praying for you, I don’t understand all you are going through, but I will pray for you. Many times the most hurtful thing one can do is to go into a long rant about how the hurting person should feel or what they should do. If you are not an expert, than don’t try to come across as one.
Be very gentle with corrective advice. Remember that the hurting person is hearing and seeing thru lens of hurt and what they receive may not be what you intended. This again reinforces the principle of KISS.
Avoid sayings like “you may be paying for the sins of your ancestors” or “I don’t know what God is trying to teach you but you better figure it out or else”. True or not they do not serve an encouraging purpose.
A person’s trial is very real and unique to them, even if it may seem simple to you. Remember they may be on a different part of the journey than you are. Try to avoid filler sayings or sayings that may minimize a person’s situation like “well everyone has their stuff to deal with”. While true, to use biblical examples, not everyone has had the experiences of Job, Ruth, Rahab, David, Jesus ……………. Just like you are uniquely made with your own personality and set of circumstances, so is everyone else. We are complex beings.
While the hurt the person is feeling may seem silly to you, it is very real to them and you don’t know how God is using it to grow them, so walk with them and encourage them.
God wants to work in all things for good and you don’t know how he will use this to further a person’s growth. He is the author and finisher and knows what is required to further ones spiritual growth. He allowed Peter to deny him, only for Peter to become one of the greatest servants of Christ.
We generally understand what we can see, a broken bone for example may be easier for us to see, relate to and understand how it may impact a person, a broken heart and scarred emotions are a whole other realm, one that we need to be very sensitive to and try to empathize with. Just like a repeatedly sprained ankle can impact a person, a repeatedly wounded heart and emotions can impact a person too.
Carefully consider how you would respond to the hurting person’s situation if you had the experiences God allowed them to have and the personality that God gave them.
Run The Amazing Race by David S Payne
Mud and the Masterpiece by John Burke
Your Were Made for More by Jim Cymbala
Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley
Finding Peace by Charles Stanley
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
Don’t sing songs to a heavy heart – How to relate to those who are suffering by Kennneth C Haugk, PHD
Inside Out by Larry Crabb
Disappointment with God by Phillip Yancey
Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel
The Hockey News if you need something lighter JJ
Communicating;
Don’t be silent, especially if you know the person reasonably well or come in contact with them frequently. Saying that you didn’t know what to say, so you said nothing is not being fair to the hurting person.
Be a listener, James 1:19 says “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak……..”
“KISS”, no I don’t mean kiss them, I am referring to the saying “keep it simple stupid”. We live in an age where information is at our finger tips and we sometimes feel that we have the answers to the universes problems, but we don’t. Many times the most meaningful thing you can say is I am praying for you, I don’t understand all you are going through, but I will pray for you. Many times the most hurtful thing one can do is to go into a long rant about how the hurting person should feel or what they should do. If you are not an expert, than don’t try to come across as one.
Be very gentle with corrective advice. Remember that the hurting person is hearing and seeing thru lens of hurt and what they receive may not be what you intended. This again reinforces the principle of KISS.
Avoid sayings like “you may be paying for the sins of your ancestors” or “I don’t know what God is trying to teach you but you better figure it out or else”. True or not they do not serve an encouraging purpose.
A person’s trial is very real and unique to them, even if it may seem simple to you. Remember they may be on a different part of the journey than you are. Try to avoid filler sayings or sayings that may minimize a person’s situation like “well everyone has their stuff to deal with”. While true, to use biblical examples, not everyone has had the experiences of Job, Ruth, Rahab, David, Jesus ……………. Just like you are uniquely made with your own personality and set of circumstances, so is everyone else. We are complex beings.
While the hurt the person is feeling may seem silly to you, it is very real to them and you don’t know how God is using it to grow them, so walk with them and encourage them.
God wants to work in all things for good and you don’t know how he will use this to further a person’s growth. He is the author and finisher and knows what is required to further ones spiritual growth. He allowed Peter to deny him, only for Peter to become one of the greatest servants of Christ.
We generally understand what we can see, a broken bone for example may be easier for us to see, relate to and understand how it may impact a person, a broken heart and scarred emotions are a whole other realm, one that we need to be very sensitive to and try to empathize with. Just like a repeatedly sprained ankle can impact a person, a repeatedly wounded heart and emotions can impact a person too.
Carefully consider how you would respond to the hurting person’s situation if you had the experiences God allowed them to have and the personality that God gave them.
Allow a person to
mourn. Our North American culture in my opinion is not very good at
mourning and we often reduce mourning to the loss of a loved one, but it is not
only that. For example the loss of something be it a loved one, job, health,
etc, can lead to a whole domino effect of loss. Often time’s loss impacts many
or all facets of a person’s life for a period of time.
Follow through,
if you say you want to take a person for coffee, etc, then follow through on
it.
Be very careful in
how you use scripture, while verses are very encouraging, we sometime use
them carelessly when it comes to hurting people as if they are instantaneous
cure all’s. The bible is full of excellent direction for all aspects of life.
It seems though that while we understand we come short in so many ways, when it
comes to verses regarding worry or God’s grace is sufficient, we suddenly
forget that it is a journey to realize on these things as well. Just like a
person continually falls short by not controlling their anger, gossip, etc., we
should also remember the same with worry, fear, emotions, etc. We fall short,
and should strive for perfection, but is it fair to expect people to fully control
their worries and fears and not other aspects of their lives?
Many of us give out
of our wealth, but few of us give of ourselves. Are we willing to sacrifice
something to be there for someone? Galatians 6:2 says “Carry each other’s
burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” New International
Version (NIV).
Use technology to
drop a note, encourage a person, track important dates, i.e. the anniversary of
a loss so that you can follow-up.
Seek the Spirits
leading, dealing with hurting people is no easy thing.
What would Jesus
do?
Many hurting people can likely relate to the
below (paraphrased) from the book “Seeing through the Fog” – Ed Dobson
As I stood there looking out the window, I
noticed a bird sitting atop a bush near the house, its head constantly moving.
It looked this way and that way. Then after a short period of time, it flew
away. As I stood there watching it, I began thinking. I wish I was a bird and
not a man. I wish I could fly away like that bird. I would fly away from
all my troubles and disease. Then I remembered the words of the Psalmist.
Psalm 55:4-8 New
International Version (NIV)
4 My heart is in anguish within
me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. 5 Fear and
trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. 6 I
said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 7 I
would flee far away and stay in the desert; 8 I would hurry to
my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.”
It hasn’t been
possible for me to completely stop worrying about tomorrow, but verses such as Hebrews
13:5-6 help me focus, “Never will I
leave you; never will I forsake you.”6 So
we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will
not be afraid. What
can mere mortals do to me?”
Other good books are;
Hitting the
Wall by David S PayneRun The Amazing Race by David S Payne
Mud and the Masterpiece by John Burke
Your Were Made for More by Jim Cymbala
Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley
Finding Peace by Charles Stanley
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
Don’t sing songs to a heavy heart – How to relate to those who are suffering by Kennneth C Haugk, PHD
Inside Out by Larry Crabb
Disappointment with God by Phillip Yancey
Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel
The Hockey News if you need something lighter JJ
Thursday 27 February 2014
Scott health update Feb 2014
Hey chemo, ya you ya big putz.
I am not sure how to say good bye to you. Part of me wants to say good riddens, take a hike, never come back, but then I am reminded that God creates all things or at the very least allows all things to be created.
I am grateful that he used you to work in my body, to keep this cancer at bay, but I am not so sure that I will miss our frequent confrontations over the past 2 plus years. While I am grateful for the result I will not miss wrestling with you (the big bear that is chemo). I gratefully say goodbye.
My saviour,
I thank you for your provision; that my kids have not had to see me really physically sick (something we prayed about if it be your will), for the friends and family that you have surrounded me with, for the lessons you have exposed me to during this process, for your encouraging word, your spirit, your love and patience as I have stumbled, sometimes badly....that you indeed are all I need if I would only be more faithful to remember that. Lord, I love you.
My wife and kids,
Thanks so much for your love and patience over the past 2 plus years. You have stood by me as my body and spirit endured the ups and downs of the chemo and cancer process.
My friends and family,
Thanks for your timely words of encouragement and prayers along the way. Thanks too for your love and patience.
Where do we go from here
I will continue to be monitored closely by the Grand River Hospital Cancer Clinic, at first every 3 months as I have been for the past few years and then in longer intervals if all goes well. I would appreciate your prayers for an extended remission if that fits within God's will and purpose to fullfill his goals.
Some favourite songs of mine, click on links;
Josh Groban - You Raise Me Up
Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill How Great thou Art
Kari Jobe - The more I seek you
Some favourite verses of mine;
New International Version (NIV), http://www.biblegateway.com
Philippians 4:8
I am not sure how to say good bye to you. Part of me wants to say good riddens, take a hike, never come back, but then I am reminded that God creates all things or at the very least allows all things to be created.
I am grateful that he used you to work in my body, to keep this cancer at bay, but I am not so sure that I will miss our frequent confrontations over the past 2 plus years. While I am grateful for the result I will not miss wrestling with you (the big bear that is chemo). I gratefully say goodbye.
My saviour,
I thank you for your provision; that my kids have not had to see me really physically sick (something we prayed about if it be your will), for the friends and family that you have surrounded me with, for the lessons you have exposed me to during this process, for your encouraging word, your spirit, your love and patience as I have stumbled, sometimes badly....that you indeed are all I need if I would only be more faithful to remember that. Lord, I love you.
My wife and kids,
Thanks so much for your love and patience over the past 2 plus years. You have stood by me as my body and spirit endured the ups and downs of the chemo and cancer process.
My friends and family,
Thanks for your timely words of encouragement and prayers along the way. Thanks too for your love and patience.
Where do we go from here
I will continue to be monitored closely by the Grand River Hospital Cancer Clinic, at first every 3 months as I have been for the past few years and then in longer intervals if all goes well. I would appreciate your prayers for an extended remission if that fits within God's will and purpose to fullfill his goals.
Some favourite songs of mine, click on links;
Josh Groban - You Raise Me Up
Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill How Great thou Art
Kari Jobe - The more I seek you
Some favourite verses of mine;
New International Version (NIV), http://www.biblegateway.com
Philippians 4:8
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things
John 14:14
14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Hebrews 12:1-2
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God1 Corinthians 9:24
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God1 Corinthians 9:24
The Need for Self-Discipline
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Monday 10 February 2014
God's auto pilot is safe
I was reading a book lately that made a great point of how we humans tend to grip the steering wheel a little tighter when we are not sure of what lay ahead, when we see an obstacle in the road, a narrowing road or a tight curve.
When we come across challenging circumstances in life, God asks us to take our hands right off the steering wheel and to trust him. Can you imagine doing this while driving? Here is the thing though, the auto pilot we have in God is safe and secure and completely trust worthy. He not only asks us to take our hands off the wheel, he wants us to take our eyes off of the road and to look at him too. Wow, how can this be, its so unnatural, it goes against all of our human tendencies.
When we do this though, we experience the peace that passes all understanding. We experience God in all of his glorious wonder and awesomeness.
When is the last time I took my hands off the wheel, my eyes off the road and depended on him (figuratively speaking).
I have hit a few curves in the road, each time it seems that the same lessons present themselves, which are to trust him more and to grow in my faith. Each time I learn more of his goodness.
Walk With Me (feat. Kim Walker-Smith)
Casting Crowns - I Surrender All (All To Jesus)
When we come across challenging circumstances in life, God asks us to take our hands right off the steering wheel and to trust him. Can you imagine doing this while driving? Here is the thing though, the auto pilot we have in God is safe and secure and completely trust worthy. He not only asks us to take our hands off the wheel, he wants us to take our eyes off of the road and to look at him too. Wow, how can this be, its so unnatural, it goes against all of our human tendencies.
When we do this though, we experience the peace that passes all understanding. We experience God in all of his glorious wonder and awesomeness.
When is the last time I took my hands off the wheel, my eyes off the road and depended on him (figuratively speaking).
I have hit a few curves in the road, each time it seems that the same lessons present themselves, which are to trust him more and to grow in my faith. Each time I learn more of his goodness.
Walk With Me (feat. Kim Walker-Smith)
Casting Crowns - I Surrender All (All To Jesus)
Proverbs 3:5-6
New International Version (NIV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.[a]
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.[a]
Saturday 8 February 2014
white as snow (Isaiah 1:18 )
When we think of sin, we think of a something dark, unclean or ugly. Isaiah 1:18 (New International Version (NIV) says;
18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
White as snow....the beautiful and abundant snow we have had this winter is so clean looking until the debris, salt, etc. gets at it, which in a way is like our hearts. They can be washed as white and clean as snow and then when we let sin come in, it can give that dirty snow look.
Its so important in our earthly relationships to keep short accountants, so it is with our relationship with God.
Sunday 2 February 2014
Who's got your heart (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)
As a parent how often have you given your children instruction and guidance knowing full well the pitfalls that may occur if they don't adhere.
In the following passage God gives more specific direction to the Israelites who are about to enter the promised land. Like a parent he knows his children's tendencies, that they will want a leader, a King like other countries, that women and riches will consume their focus. Like we do as parents he see's the pitfalls and tries to give them specific instruction that if they adhere to, they will prosper.
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
In the following passage God gives more specific direction to the Israelites who are about to enter the promised land. Like a parent he knows his children's tendencies, that they will want a leader, a King like other countries, that women and riches will consume their focus. Like we do as parents he see's the pitfalls and tries to give them specific instruction that if they adhere to, they will prosper.
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
New International Version (NIV)
The King
14 When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” 15 be sure to appoint over you a king the Lord your God chooses. He must be from among your fellow Israelites. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not an Israelite. 16 The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the Lord has told you, “You are not to go back that way again.” 17 He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.
18 When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. 19 It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees 20 and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.
Later books will reveal that Kings such as King Solomon did not head this warning. He had many, many wives and a huge amount of wealth and they took over his heart.
What am I allowing to take my focus away from God, from what is right?
18 When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. 19 It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees 20 and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.
Later books will reveal that Kings such as King Solomon did not head this warning. He had many, many wives and a huge amount of wealth and they took over his heart.
What am I allowing to take my focus away from God, from what is right?
Wednesday 22 January 2014
as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you (Deuteronomy 8)
There is so much that can be taken out of the following chapter.
Don't forget the one who delivered you, don't forget his provision, don't forget the lessons learnt during his disciplining, contrary to many beliefs God does discipline us and don't forget to honour him by your practises. What applied during the days of this story and the Israelites is very applicable today.
Its so easy when the going gets good to forget our deliverer and his provision. We can learn much from this story. Its a good reminder.
The Israelites were given many warnings and yet in the end they failed to head them. We not only have there example but may others and we are not fairing so well in being obedient either. Good thing we have a patient forgiving God.
Deuteronomy 8 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
19 If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.
Don't forget the one who delivered you, don't forget his provision, don't forget the lessons learnt during his disciplining, contrary to many beliefs God does discipline us and don't forget to honour him by your practises. What applied during the days of this story and the Israelites is very applicable today.
Its so easy when the going gets good to forget our deliverer and his provision. We can learn much from this story. Its a good reminder.
The Israelites were given many warnings and yet in the end they failed to head them. We not only have there example but may others and we are not fairing so well in being obedient either. Good thing we have a patient forgiving God.
Deuteronomy 8 (http://www.biblegateway.com)
New International Version (NIV)
Do Not Forget the Lord
8 Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. 2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. 5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.
6 Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. 7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
19 If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.
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