Friday, November 30, 2007

A Retrospective on Life.


Here are some words that have spoken to me so far....

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Grieving

I just love how courageous Jesus is! He showed his strength at the most appropriate time!

"17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

27"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ,[b] the Son of God, who was to come into the world."

28And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." 29When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

32When 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."

33When 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."

(John 11:17-35)

J.O.Y

J - Jesus First!
O - Others Second!
Y - Yourself Last!

There are two kinds of people in the world - those who come into the room saying, "Here I am!" And those who enter a room saying, "Ah, there you are!"

- from David Jeremiah's, 12 Ways of Christmas (Turning Points Magazine and Devotional)

The Right Influence.


"A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." (Proverbs 12:26)

It is very important to know who are the ones who will act as a voice of influence in life. If we allow the wrong people to become the person who has a marked influence, we can head into a downward spiral.

I've seen many who have put the wrong people in that place. One example was a person who would identify himself with a certain group that had unreasonably strict values and exalted expectations. This person could never live up to those expectations and values and yet still allowed the group to influence his/her life. This group would see his/her disadvantage and demean his/her self-worth and confidence when he/she didn't make the mark. The person would always struggle with self-pity, low self-esteem and constant feelings of defeat. This pattern continued as so long as he/she would identify with this group. As a result he/she lived the defeated life as so long as they allowed this group to influence them.

What this person needed was to find people who would edify or build him/her. These are people who are marked by genuine love, encouragement and a raw sincerity to bring out the best in the person. They'd show a deep level of acceptance for who the person is as a child of God. They would see the goodness and greatness in the person and move him/her in that gifting. They would temper his/her areas of weaknesses by offering constructive criticism in fully communicating God's faith in their ability to overcome or strengthen those areas. If they are really discerning they will be able to spot God's power in those weaknesses and even allow him/her to see it as well.

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
(2 Corinthians 12:5)

I love to be around these kinds of people. They are the Barnabas which means Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36-37). These are the people who have not chip on their shoulder. They have no pride or need for the praise of people to inflate their egos. They are marked by wanting to build up and encourage and put others ahead and even above themselves. They are fully secure in themselves and the proof is in how they seek to give out compliments rather than receive them.

"Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet." (Acts 4:36-37)

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The Cold, Crisp Air



I was talking to my ol' pal Pr P again. I remember his timeless words about the cold crisp air in Buncouver. I must say I find the cold, crisp air here quite refreshing. It wakes me up like wasabi. It is cold... crisp... It was matched with a light sprinkle of snow here. Most people have never seen snow in their life.

Not me! I was born with 5 feet of snow outside. It brings out the Christmas season out here. It brings on new feelings and memories and experiences. I can't quite put my finger on it. It reminds me of forgiveness.

"Come now, let us reason together," 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." (Isaiah 1:18)

Monday, November 26, 2007

Pop Marters


Attention Popmarters! Jesus died for your sins!

Friday, November 23, 2007

Impressions

I was sleeping sound last night dreaming of palm tree's, rice patties and warm tropical weather. I saw a scene of a base of a mountain slope. There was this wide and deep expanse of a lake/rice patty in front of it. I was with my bro and a beautiful person I met on the way to London and it was so peaceful, joyful and beautiful. I remember staring at this palm tree and thinking how beautiful God made this tree. It was so real, clear and distinct. I was filled with peace, joy and comfort for my restless soul.

During the day I was doing my work and felt a warning or impression in my heart. I know the feeling from before when CN passed on. He was in critical condition and dieing of cancer. I remember having a deep sense that he had already gone on to be with the Lord. When I reached home, I got the news that he was gone as I suspected. I had the same impression yesterday that APA was very near as well.

My mom woke me up and told me how my ol' friend APA had passed on. It had happened last night. The beautiful dream was over. APA and I met a couple of times before he went into the hospital. He told me he believed deep inside that Jesus was his savior and died for his sins. He did admit to struggling with doubt and so on. He was reading his Bible and drawing comfort from it. I told him to read a particular Psalm. The next time I saw him he talked about the Psalm and how special it was for his wife.

Now, again I'm here and left with memories. We walked to school together, watched movies and ate pizza. We had times where we studied together. Later on in life we lost touch until I got news of his health condition.

I've been in this place before. Before CN died, he came to visit me from Manitoba. His baseball team made the finals and was coming to Abby. We spent quality time together and a few months later I got news that he was gone.

The past summer I lost another friend. She was my childhood buddy's mom. She would treat me like a son as well. She died as well....

Than there was CRM. She gave me great comfort when I was grieving over CN. I didn't want to go to the funeral and just wanted to bury all my grief. She didn't let me and told me to go. I did and finally received closure over the death. A year later, I'd meet her again and was going through a whole new season of trials. Probably the most intense one's of my life. She again comforted me in her supernatural way that only comes from God's grace.

Later I found out that she passed away as well.

What did all these people have in common? Well, it goes beyond how much of a blessing they are to me! They all died of CANCER! I HATE CANCER! However, now they are in a place where nothing and no one will ever be able to harm them again.

"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Music


... It is interesting to note that whenever the evil spirit came upon Saul, David (the heir apparent to Israel's throne) would play his harp and the evil spirit would depart (1 Samuel 16:23). How pathetically unaware we are of the biblical prominence of music in the spiritual realm! When Elisha was about to inquire of God, he said, " 'Now bring me a minstrel.' And it came about, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him" (2 Kings 3:15). During the reign of David, over 4000 musicians were assigned to sing in the temple night and day (1 Chronicles 9:33; 23:5). It is the mark of Spirit-filled Christians to sing and make melody to their hearts to the Lord and speak to each other in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:18-20)

- Neil T Anderson, "The Bondage Breaker"

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Unstoppable!

"Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city."

(Acts 14:19-20a)


Who can beat Paul! He was a zealous and unstoppable man of God. Have you heard what he did after he was stoned and dragged out of the city. He got right back up on his feet and went straight back to the point of threat. He didn't shrink back or complain or whallow in self pity licking his wounds. No. Not Paul! He took on a different approach! He went back up on his feet and kept on with the calling!


Most people would shrink back and run and flee so to speak. Paul wasn't one of them. His mission for Jesus meant more to him than his life! He didn't stop in his tracks. He kept on going! He is unstoppable.

But you know what? Many people will think that is great for Paul but what about me! I've seen the stain glass images of him and know about his legacy and accomplishments. I can't measure up to a man of God like him.

Oh our culture of shallow comparisons. Who knows, maybe no one can measure up to Paul but that may not be the point. Paul's serves as an example or an inspiration of what we all can attain to. We may look at our lives and see all the things stopping us from measuring up to what we can attain to. We may even use them as excuses. But what was Paul's reaction to opposition?

"We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." (2 Corinthians 8:3-10)

The opposition is his life was never used as an excuse. No! It only fueled his zeal! It made him resolute, focused and even more determined. It sharpened his conviction, strengthened his burden to do something about his cause and made him strong, firm and steadfast.

We can all learn from him. We can all react in the same way! And if we do, nothing can stop us! Absolutely nothing!

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

(1 Peter 5:10)

Friday, November 16, 2007

Some Good Friends.


A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
(Proverbs 17:17)

Here are some of my good buddies. Our friendship spans over a decade! I was just looking at my facebook freinds list and I'm at 84 friends. I never imagined ever meeting that many people in my life. I still remember the years I was alone with no one in my life... Years used to go by and I'd go to school and come back with no interaction with anyone. No conversations or relationships with anyone. I had no one I could call a friend or who was there for me. But God decided to change all that and bring some wonderful people in my life! You are looking at just a couple of them. There are many more...

I've met others who were like me who have no one. They know lots of people but those people are never there for them in the worst of times. These people are just users and not friends. It can be lonesome. I've meet millionaires who have whatever wealth and achievement can give but have no one to trust. Even the world famous feel secluded. I'm glad to say that I'm not one of them anymore! Not to brag but I never felt richer when I have the right people in my life! God bless them! Thanks again Jesus!

"...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b)

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
(Proverbs 18:24)

The Gossipers!

"The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts." (Proverbs 26:22)



Gossip! Gossip! Gossip! There is just so much of it out there. I could never understand the ones who spread it. Why are they so quick to trust just anyone with information that is no ones business. They just go on and on and on and on and than tell you not to tell anyone. Oh, and who can forget their other lines like, "Don't tell anyone you heard it from me!" That is an interesting line. Essentially they are saying to go ahead and spread the word out but don't trace it back to me or quote me! When will they ever learn?


Then there are the people who have to hear this garbage. There are all sorts of things that go through the listeners head. For some, there is the question asked of, "HMmmm I wonder what this person says about me behind my back?" or how about, "Yeah! I'll know now that there is no way I can trust this person!" It reminds me of Proverbs 20:19, "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much."


Sometimes I wonder how gossipers would feel when they are the victims of gossip? How would they respond? Throw more dirt at their adversaries? I wonder how they felt if they got a dose of their own medicine? I wonder how they would react if they personally felt all the pain they have inflicted on others? HMMmmmm

I just want to close with some chilling words from Jesus.

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
(Matthew 12:34b-37)




Thursday, November 15, 2007

My Favorite Preacher Lines!



"Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job's daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers."
(Job 42:15)

I just heard a funny sermon today! It was quite humorous! The preacher said he is often asked, by women of God, if it is okay to wear make-up. The preacher said, "If the house needs paint? PAINT IT!"

Don't worry, he put it in the context of being godly first!

"Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion."
(Proverbs 11:22)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

C-Note!

"John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey."

(Matthew 3:4)

Poor John. I bet he would be wishing he was me in moments like this. I'll tell you why. You wouldn't believe who pulled up at the office the other day. It was C-Note and you wouldn't believe how she had blessed me once again? I was starving with my tummy GROWLING and she came down with some amaaaazing food! She gave me hash browns! Pancakes! Scrabbled eggs and bacon to top it all off! I was in cloud 9! On top of it all it was all fresh. Can you say FRESH! MMM MMM Good! Thanks again C-Note. You should meet her. She can sing, cook and raise 3 kids! What a resume (CV)!

Okay so I love to eat. I'm getting a little over weight and you know life is really hard if you complain about having a full stomach. It ain't easy is it! Living in a spacious home, driving a descent car, having great work with clothes on my back and living alongside some great friends with Jesus to make the adventure more thrilling... This is the life! It's got it's ups and downs and all arounds but sometimes He just wants to tickle us, spoil us and even treat us! I'm all for it! Now living life for all its worth is thrilling when you know your future is secure with Jesus. Sometimes he likes to love us in the little things. But boy do they make a BIG difference.

Thanks again master for giving me a life and thanks for willing to shed the blood on the cross for me! Thanks again!

"Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people." (Matthew 15:36)

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Youth Leader Blues!


Ever get the blues? Sometimes I do. And it goes something like this...

I've been involved in youth ministry for a number of years now. It is challenging, satisfying, and even exhilarating at times. But sometime I get the blues over it. One thing that I've learned over in the church ministry is that we have this very shallow measure of fruitfulness. It is called #'s. It is shallow measure when you look at Jesus' life. Sometimes there were great numbers and other times there was no one around him. Check out John 6 if you'd care to look.

I've learned that I can shoot big numbers when fun events are planned well ahead of time and the youth get a chance to tell all their friends and they come along and we all have a blast. But than some leaders have a wonderful team of overseers and they aren't to impressed by numbers... most of the time.

It stinks when you have people over see you who only see the half empty cup. It can be discouraging and quite disheartening at times... I'm glad that I'm not in that zone but most youth leaders are! The critics come out and say all the wrong things at the flesh's right time. They'll say that it isn't 'spiritual' enough? How have they grown doctrinally? Where is the growth in their prayer life? How about a burden for missions?

All these are valid concerns and I ask these questions all the time. So back to the drawing board to plan out something that will bear some spiritual fruit that is somewhat quantifiable and tangible. Than a new drawing takes place with worshipful music and wonderful teaching and who can ever forget the altar call and sharing time. It is planned, rehearsed and prayed over and implemented to come back to the critics again. The numbers have dwindled this time and the critics start picking at the lack of big #'s they weren't impressed with in the first place.

What can we learn in all this? People are fickle! No matter what's done, It can't please them all. And it is to this conclusion that I used to get the blues. But than I remembered Saul who was planning to please the people over pleasing God. It landed him in some BIG trouble. It was a tough break. To refresh you memory read 1Samuel 13-15. Than we realize another profound truth that brought allot of comfort and freedom! We've got nothing to loose now. Really we don't! What is the worse they can do to us? Criticize us?

So back to the drawing board yet again and to start on a new move. The challenge this time is to balance the fun stuff youth like with the growing in spiritual disciplines (which is the stuff I really like!) I wonder what it will look like? How can it be done? What form or shape will it take? What colors should we use? And how about the textures? There is still more out there to be discovered. Are you ready?

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)