Opposites

As I was praying this morning, a thought came in to mind. There is only one eventuality. Eventually, this walk will be over and we'll all be where we are now going. Be that unto blessing or not.

Then the thought grew and I had a small laugh. I'm doing a "Leadership Course" right now and one of the things it teaches leaders to do is to "plan for all possible eventualities". Now I think it's funny that the infinite mind of God is focused on one eventuality, and the finite mind of man is often focused on trying to plan for all seemingly possible ones.

Just now, I was reminded of Matt 5:48 "You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Maybe I should be thinking of that one eventuality which is sure in Christ, and not all the others, which are not sure.

Finding out what's in my heart

I'm listening to the radio right now. John MacArthur is talking about trials - nice coincidence there. He just said the most amazing thing, which reminded me of a question I have had recently. I have asked friends, and God "How do I know if my heart is right?" That's a more valid question than you might think at first.

Anyway, this preacher just noted "God allows tests and trials so that we can learn what's in our heart."

I will need prayer today, so if you're reading this please ask Our Lord to shore up my faith and give me words and silence as needed that I might be a good witness in the midst of this turmoil.

Open your big mouth..

Well it looks like the enemy doesn't like my recent boldness and has decided to start an all out assult on my family and I.

I rebuke this attack in the Holy Name of Christ Jesus. In His name it will come to no avail.

Trust Beyond Understanding.

Two days ago I was walking around my house with my chubby cat Ashley in over my shoulder. We do this fairly often, she stays up until she sees something that she wants and then she's off to have her own fun. This time she saw a window sill and turned around in my arms trying to get onto it. Now this window was covered by heat-shrinkable plastic (to keep the place warm) as it's leaks. When she went to get onto the sill she hit her nose on the plastic (not sure why her whiskers didn't "detect" it first). What was really interesting is she never took her eyes off her goal, but she started moving her head in a way to avoid hitting the unseen plastic.

She felt the effects of something unseen and didn't question it, she just went with the flow. Now we are commanded to test all spirits so don't just submit to any "unseen force".. that wouldn't be cool would it?

So where have I put feet to this? Well this week God made the seemingly impossible, possible. We took possession of a 2006 Nissan X-Trail yesterday. We've wanted this vehicle for a year, and in my own strength and negotiating skills it just wasn't going to happen. After a year of not being able to come even close to the payment we needed, God did it in 15mins when after He prompted me to go to the dealership. Now right now doesn't seem like a great time to get a new car. If I were going on my own understanding it just wouldn't seem wise. However He's at the wheel of my life now and I'm going with the flow. We are just trusting Him.

Honesty and Truth

The Lord was so very good to me this weekend. Not only were negotiations on my next vehicle successful, God let me play with the worship band ARISE this Sunday. Anyone who serves at the Lord's pleasure will understand what an emotional and joyous thing this was. I thank God that He allowed me to lead others into worship.

Having spent a fair amount of time in the local 'cover band circuit' I understand there are many factors that lead up to a good or bad performance. Preparation, song selection, timeliness of the performance, the make up of the audience. There's so much that goes into it that people make whole careers out of helping performers have successful shows - and rightfully so. What happens after a good show, or a bad one, is as important as what happens before it. There will always be a next performance, even if you're sure at the time you'll never get hired again. It's important to honestly asses the results of all your prep, how the show went, exactly what went right and wrong. It's not a science, but it does need a somewhat scientific approach to picking apart how well the 'art' was carried out.

So I have to say, I didn't perform anywhere near my best this Sunday. The band as a whole failed in the prep time, but that should not have resulted in my performance being less than professional. In an E-Mail to the head of the band I explained everything in detail and offered suggestions to better the next service. I did this with the full expectation of not being able to play with the band again. People, even us Christian types don't often like to be told an other person's opinion.

I was going to post that it would all be worth it even if I wasn't allowed to play with the band again. However, to the band leader's great credit, I received a very positive E-Mail just as I was writing the above paragraph. Laurie is a rare person, someone who can put up with my personal take on things and not be offended. I say my personal take because no matter how much anyone thinks of themselves, or how experienced they are, we all only see what 'we' see.

We can each try to be as honest as possible, but still not tell the 'TRUTH'.

There is a biblical concept in all of this, didn't you know I was going there? The difference between "what is right for you and I" and "TRUTH" is that truth is absolute, unchangeable and not determined by the observer.

The Word of God is Truth because it is beyond the authority of the observer (man). We can't change it. It is what it is because God said so.

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me

Such famous words from our King, they have confused so many of us for so long. Myself included. You see I was completely 'schooled' by a Messianic Jew yesterday after church. Ask yourself what Matt 27:46 means and we'll get started.

There are several common interpretations/explanations of this verse. You may fit into one of these 2; 1. Jesus was all man and all God. This was a prayer to the Father based on His humanity, it was a plea. 2. Jesus, bearing all the sins of the world on Him had to be separated from God the Father and this just shows His humanity feeling that separation for the first time.

#1 Doesn't work because Christ is portrayed as selfless in the rest of the Word, and since He is unchanging it can't be biblical for Him to change at the last moment. This also would be implying He doesn't trust the Father when the chips are down. This can not align with the rest of the Word.

#2 Is the position I formerly held, and it is just as much in error. It is often said that God can not be in the presence of a sinner or sin, and therefore since Christ was bearing our sins He had to be separated from the Father. His statement would then have been a verbal indication of this separation. This of course is un-biblical as well, because Satan was in the Father's presence in Heaven, and in the heavens. Moses was face to face with Him. Adam was with Him. Since He is Jesus, God the Son and He didn't "give up His spirit" until after saying this, as recounted in Matt 27:50 it is plain to see that God the Son was on the Cross to the end. Therefore there was no separation.

So lets look at what I now believe is the proper understanding of this passage. When we read the section in whole we can then see the context of what Christ was doing, and what was happening. A great teaching tool is to begin a section of the Bible verbally and get people to finish it. So if I say "Our Father Who art in Heaven..." You would begin to speak this. And if I say "My Lord is my Shepard..." You would begin to say this. You see where I'm going don't you? I guess I'm not that sneaky... or is it that this really is an effective tool?

Our Lord began to say "My God, My God why have You forsaken Me.." and one of those there who sought to kill Him "immediately ran" with sour wine. Imagine what would happen to His dry mouth if He were to have taken that vinegar. It would have puckered up His mouth. In effect this person immediately ran to shut Our Lord up. This is because the person knew what He was doing.

Jesus was getting those there, and us now, to remember Psalm 22. Which if you read it, and the accounts of His crucifixion you will quickly see it is a prophesy of how He was to be killed. He was indicating to those there that they were seeing prophesy fulfilled right in front of their eyes! Glory!

Our Lord was never selfish. Even on the Cross He was teaching and showing His glory! He is and always has been and ever will be, perfect.

Superbowl XL - this post has little to do with it.

As I sit here trying to watch the big game and fit some study in I can't help but watch the foolish commercials. In Canada you can see the American commercials if you watch the game on a HD channel. I had to laugh at the FedEX commercial. While the lie of Evolution is put forward, they have to insert humans into the supposed time period that dinosaurs lived in - which of course most evolutionists say didn't happen. The thing is actually well made with very good special effects and it's pretty funny... or it would be if it weren't so sad.

What REALLY sticks with me after watching it is this. The idea of just changing what "must have happened back then" to fit the current wants or ideas of whoever is trying to make a point or sell the public on an idea at the time - is the very same thing that happens in schools, labs, printing presses and so very unfortunately churches every single day! And under the guise of legitimate scientific work, or "higher education", and supposedly being "unbiased".

The problem (setting aside all the scientific problems with it) with Evolution is it's not accountable to anyone! Anyone can say anything they want in any setting because there is no requirement for Evolution to be true... it only has to be popular.

Doesn't anyone remember that it's better to be true than popular? I guess that was "just a nice story" too...

The Seven Judgments, Preach Love!

Brothers and Sisters, we are often misunderstood by unbelievers, and we seldom help them to clear the confusion. You see we are not tasked with preaching judgment but instead reconciliation. God has paid the full price for Sin, through the sacrifice of our Lord, Christ Jesus. His death in place of our death! Glory!

There are seven judgments. If you can understand them, then you can understand (more) the lengths to which our loving Father has gone to save us.

Check out this article at Christian Chronicles, and especially the portion under the heading "The Seven Judgments".

A Message For Us Today

I've just finished reading Job today. The whole recount of Job's trials is something which has led to some unexpected thoughts. As Satan was allowed to attack Job God put him through the "refiner's fire". Job had led a "good" life up to that point. He was described by men as righteous and enjoyed great favor in the world. He was sought out for advice and council. He believed himself to be righteous and wise. As you might guess Job had a lot of things right and at least one thing wrong. He understood reverent fear of the Lord is the only way to wisdom and understanding. However, he thought his own righteousness meant he should receive nothing but favor from the Lord. He believed he "had arrived" to put it in common terms.

You see much like Satan did, Job figured himself akin to God, and above others. It's my take that Job was prideful in his standing with God. When trial hit Job's life he asked (basically) what good is it to be a believer if bad things happen to you while evil men prosper? Job figured he was above these things. While He never lost track of who God was, he did loose track of who he, himself, was.

The book of Job is the recount of a fantastic argument between friends and wise men, and ends with a conversation with the Lord Himself. All of this makes Job submit himself fully to God, Amen. When the Lord speaks to Job He doesn't try to wrestle with him over how Job has lived his life, He simply asks Job to explain things to Him that Job would know if Job were truly as great as he thought he was. The Lord goes so far as to say if you are this great even I will praise you.

What I find most surprising is that God's rebuke of Job's over estimate of himself could easily be applied to most of us today who question the validity of God's recount of Creation. If you read the book of Job you likely will be amazed at the scientific revelations written in it. The very things that God asks Job to explain are the things that scientists are wrestling with today. They are the very things that so-called Christians claim to be able to figure out with their own feeble minds in ways "more correct" than what is recounted in Genesis. Oh foolish generation! Get on your knees and say to God the words of Job!! Oh how great are You, my Creator. Surely You are greater than I. Surely You are worthy of all praise and the only understanding and wisdom I have comes from You!

If you are interested at all in understanding the truth that is God can not lie and observations made to day not only dont disagree with the Word of God, but in fact point us back to His truth again and again, visit Answers In Genesis. There you will find answers to more questions than you've likely thought to ask. God enjoy the glory God is given when His people see the works of His hands in the world and then pass it on to change the lives of believers!

The Heavens Are Not Clean

In Job 15:15-16 Job's friend Eliphaz asks a great question. "Behold, God puts no trust in His holy ones [the angels]. Indeed, the heavens are not clean in His sight. How much less that which is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water?"

Eliphaz is asking the same question we often do. What is man that God is mindful of us? If the very heavens are unlean and the angles are not trustworthy how can God wish to fellowship with us?

Here are three answers.

His Grace. His Mercy. His Love.

None of them have anything to do with who we are, only who He is. He is amazing and wonderful.

Congratulations Stephen!

As I post this the Conservative party of Canada is elected/leading in 122 seats and they have been predicted to win a minority government. I was hoping for a majority, but I'm very pleased that Stephen Harper is going to win.

So if you're reading this Stephen, we were praying for you during the debates and we'll be praying for you as you lead.

He Who Overcomes, I Will Make a Pillar

Revelation 3:12 "He who overcomes (is victorious), I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God; he shall never be put out of it or go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God out of heaven, and My own new name."

I know I haven't been posting much these last couple of weeks, I will get caught up I'm sure. I've been spending a lot of time in prayer. Recently while praying the word "pillar" was given to me. So I went searching for scripture that would speak to me. And found it in The Revelation of Jesus Christ to John Chapter 3 verse 12. I encourage you to listen as much as you talk when you're praying. Let Him get a word in from time to time.

I have been exploring areas where I can work in ministry and will be meeting with a pastor who ministers to prisoners. I'm not sure where that will lead, but I do know that Jesus came for the sick. And I also know that forgiving someone helps them open up to the possibility of their lives being transformed. I look at the amazing work that God has done in my life, and I can assure you that it began with forgiveness. I believe whole heartedly that God forgave me so that I could help others be forgiven as well.

All glory to Christ, Our Risen Lord! Son of God and Son of Man! Hail the King!

Living In Heaven

I've started a Leadership Course at work. It's funny to see the world define things like Ethics and Values. One thing struck me as I studied today. The course instructs you to have your "religion" be a private thing. More and more as I am grown by the Holy Spirit I'm finding it harder and harder to keep anything about my faith private. The Lord is so good!

I value His ethics well and above any other!

Thank the Lord, He is opening doors for me to serve in ministry.

Live in Heaven though you walk on this earth my Brothers and Sisters!

Who is This Guy?

I wonder who the Jews thought This Man was, or who He Was/Is going to be. I posted recently about how they missed who Jesus was because they were looking for a King as He'll be when He comes the second time. Therefore we should take this as a warning and really be honest in our searching the Word for how He'll return to us for His second coming. But, and this is showing my ignorance, I wonder who they thought the man described in Isaiah 53:1-12 would be if not Jesus.

I have been given concern for two things, the credibility of the Word (and therefore the Faith) and also for the proper interpretation of it. These are no small things. By concern I do not mean "responsibility" but I do mean that I feel concerned that there are strong attacks on both of these fronts and I feel led to be in the fight in those areas. I'd love to say I'm prepared for that fight, but I am not. Though I will be, God willing. With both of these issues in mind I'm often reminded how Jewish scribes and scholars missed our Lord's first coming (in flesh). These people know the Old Testament like the back of their hands. Deception is powerful, never doubt that.

In my life I keep coming across scripture in my study time, that I've been preached to on. Sometimes I'm finding the preacher might have completely missed the point. That is not to say that "I know best, and everyone else is just unaware". My point is two fold. I've been preached at for most of my adult life and I've never grown like I have until I personally got deep into the Word. The second part of my point is this, if you bring an agenda into the Word when you read, then you are not listening to the Teacher, God the Holy Spirit who was sent to Earth for the very purpose of teaching you & I. If you approach the Word in prayer, and seeking only to have what it says revealed to you, then you will find knowledge and wisdom abounds in it.

As it was in the days of Noah

Luke 17:26-30

"Just as it was in the days of Noah so will it be in the time of the Son of Man. People ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, right up to the day when Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. "

"So also as it was in the days of Lot. People ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built. But on the very day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all."

"That is the way it will be on the day that the Son of Man is revealed."

The first line of this quote "Just as it was in the days of Noah..." is often taken to mean the character of the people in the day of Noah is how the character of the people will be when the time of the Son of Man is upon us. While this may be true, and it surely seems to be from other scripture, I do not believe that is at all the point He is making in these statements. He is talking about how it will be "on the day that.." not in the days before. Also the warning is clearly that people will be going on about their lives as though nothing is about to happen, right up to their judgment.

It's a common feeling, and I surely feel this way at times myself, when a disaster happens or someone important to you dies that you are frustrated in how the world just keeps going. The situation God describes is similar as it deals with the population at large and a huge coming event. Most people in the world are blind to the coming judgment. Just as the day I die, I will likely get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, make a post on my blog and head of to wherever I'm going that day. Completely unaware of the incredible event that awaits me for that day.

God is making the point that most people will be blind, and so He's asking those who can see to watch. Let us all be on the look out. Unlike the day you die, the season of His return is preceded and indicated by signs and changes in the world. Many, including myself believe the season for the Rapture is upon us. The Rapture being a separate event from His second coming of course.