The Intentional Encourager

The Power of Focus

2009-11-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Manny Pacquiao was a very focused man. The pride of Filipinos everywhere, Manny’s boxing success has made him a hero. I watched as he was waiting to be introduced. He continued to practice appropriate maneuvers, focused on his nearby opponent. He danced about, throwing punches, ducking blows, doing everything he could to sharpen his senses and moves for the real bout to come.

Once the boxing match started, Manny became the challenger. His opponent had lots of experience and successes in the past. But, this bout was different. Manny soon gained the upper hand and eventually defeated Miguel Cotto. Manny looked much quicker and better prepared. This became very evident by the fourth round. His promoter, Bob Arum considers Manny the best fighter that he has ever seen. Mark Kriegel of FoxSports.com says that “There’s never been a bigger little man!”

Like Manny Pacquiao, followers of Jesus need to be prepared for a battle. This is a spiritual battle involving an enemy that aims for the knockout blow! Sounding like a boxer, the Apostle Paul tells disciples of Jesus at the Greek city of Corinth:

“…I do not fight like a man beating the air.

No, I beat (discipline) my body and make it my slave so that

After I have preached to others,

I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:26b-27)

Let us examine our hearts and discern our own motives. Let us beware of carelessness and laziness. Self-control of your thought life, feelings and actions is essential to live in victory over an enemy – Satan and his forces – whom you cannot physically see. Paul’s words of warning to Jesus’ followers at Ephesus are so relevant to us today:

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against

the devil’s schemes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but …

against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)

Practice your boxing skills by regular meditation on God’s word, fervent praying, continual praise of God, and active engagement with others in communicating God’s gift of eternal life. In all of this, live by faith and seek deeper intimacy with God as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, our coming victorious King!

Flying Lessons on WestJet

2009-09-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

Read: Ephesians 2:1-10

It started out as a routine trip as the plane rolled along the runway. In the usual manner, the pilot directs the plane to V2 speed – the point at which lift-off from the runway needs to happen. As we lifted off solid ground, the lower air turbulence almost immediately began to shake the plane. I don’t remember ever experiencing turbulence like that so close to the ground. The cross-winds were strong at Edmonton airport and pummeled the plane, causing it to lurch side-ways as we climbed.

In such opposition and turbulence, the solution was to keep on climbing until we reached cruising altitude at 40,000 feet. Once we arrived on the higher level, flying became more enjoyable and our plane made consistently smooth progress all the way to our destination. This experience reminded me of the spiritual life that God calls each of us to live.

In the first century, Christian believers (in the Ephesus region of what is now Turkey) were reminded of the sinful turbulence in “lower level” living. As real followers of Jesus, they now had the power to break through lower turbulence and climb to a higher level in Christ. Speaking of lower level turbulence caused by sin, the Ephesians Christians were told:

“You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the…prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” (Ephesians 2:2, NLT)

When you encounter Satan’s strong winds, there is a choice. You can either choose to stay grounded or you can keep your eyes on Jesus and let Him lift you up to a higher level. If you listen to the desires of your body, you will be tempted to quit, to give up. But, if you are a true follower of Jesus, then remember what God has given you. He has given you a whole quality of life and the enabling grace, power to persevere through this world’s sinful cross-winds and reach cruising altitude in Christ.

Remember that “…God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so very much…For He raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with Him in the heavenly realms – all because we are one with Christ.” (Eph. 2:4a, 6, NLT)

If you have chosen to fly with Christ to a higher level, keep on living, practicing what you are – a chosen son or daughter of God. Continue to grow in your faith and relationship with God. As you do, you will experience more of the fruit living beyond the sinful lower level and demonstrate more of the results of living on the higher level in Christ. As a pilot completes his check list, so be sure to consider your check list – that is the real cost of following Jesus to this higher level of eternal life. Are you ready to go all the way?

Follow God’s flying lessons and trust Him to accomplish all the wonderful blessings that He has planned for you (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

Talk to Him!

2009-09-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

The written instructions from my wife Sandra were unmistakably clear. She was about to leave for a week of visiting with her mother. Before she left, she wrote out a list of things regarding care of our little dog, Teddy. She knows that I tend to get busy with my plans and often ignore him in the process. After listing the items such as feeding and walking him, she printed the words in BIG letters so that I could not miss this last instruction: “TALK TO HIM!”

Like people, dogs get lonely, stressed out and in need of consistently healthy affirmation. Our dog needed to know that I cared about him. An affirmed dog who receives the expressed love of his owner is a healthier dog. For a couple of days after Sandra left, Teddy ate very little food. He missed her encouraging words. Therefore, I determined to follow my instructions – especially that last part. So, I talked to him!

The Bible has much to say about the need for us to talk to one another for the purpose of encouragement and personal growth. Our physical, mental and emotional health depends on our receiving verbal spiritually encouraging words. Yet, we get so busy with our plans. Even in churches, many lonely, stressed individuals come and go without anyone talking meaningfully with them. They are starved for affirmation. Like our Teddy, it can even disrupt their appetite and performance.

I am not talking about empty shallow words without real substance. The words of which I speak are best summarized in the words of Paul, the apostle to Christians disciples in the Greek city of Philippi:

“Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy.

I never get tired of telling you this.

I am doing this for your own good.” (Philippians 3:1, NLT)

Whenever you are in a group or assembly of any kind, resist the temptation to stay talking with your friends. Break out of that routine and verbally connect with that other person. Your friends will be there. But, you may never see the other person again – even in the church. TALK TO HIM! TALK TO HER!

Even if you don’t feel like doing this, do it for the good of the other person (Philippians 3:1). Act on this and you will begin to develop the “mind” of Jesus Christ in you:

“You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus was. Though He was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by His poverty he could make you rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NLT)

So, talk to him or her. Break out of your own busy schedule and mindset. Talk affirmation to someone near you today – making them “rich” in the blessings of God.

Open Trails!

2009-08-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Read: Colossians 4:17; Galatians 6:7-10

Hiking trails are everywhere today! When I returned to my home town area, signs of trails for hiking, walking, and exploring were obvious and enticing. It takes persistence in a clear plan and much hard work to maintain a trail. Trees, bushes and plants of many kinds can quickly overtake a path and block or hinder the progress of walkers/hikers. For me, it’s a joy and great inspiration to walk a trail. It strengthens my body; renews my mind and refreshes my spirit.

Therefore, it was with great anticipation and excitement that I retraced a well- worn trail established from my growing up years. To my shock and dismay, this trail leading to a summit with great ocean views is now largely blocked by plants and thorns and, in the summer, stinging insects. Since I knew about the view on top, I pushed my way forward, and after much perspiration, body cuts and scrapes, arrival at the summit was achieved. But, returning to the base of the path and the main road proved to be more difficult than climbing up because I lost sight of any evidence of the trail in the now thick undergrowth. If only others in town would again hike the trail and blaze the path, it would have been much better for me to make progress.

Another trail in the same area had been built and maintained for a short period of time. But, sadly, the people who built it no longer maintain it –another example of a work not completed, a trail not maintained. It seems that people now prefer the popular well travelled easy road. In the Bible, there is a short but powerful verse – a reminder to each of us that God has a wonderful work assigned. The key is to complete that work.

“Tell Archippus: See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:17, NIV)

God calls us to complete the work that He has assigned to us. It may be easier to start a work but it takes our total commitment to the Lord and a willingness to persist and persevere to the very end. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Each of us is called to demonstrate the trail to Jesus by the way we live, the thoughts we think and the actions we take. By this can others see the direction to take and the decision to make in receiving eternal life and entering God’s eternal family They need to see the clear path or trail to Jesus! God has given you a work to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10). By your daily walk with God, you will open a glorious trail to Jesus for others to follow. So, complete your work and keep your ‘trail’ open!

Moose Alert

2009-08-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Bible Reading: Hebrews 3:12-13

As darkness approached, our eyes strained to detect unusual movements by the side of the highway. This was Newfoundland – the location of a recent trip taken by Sandra and myself. The scenery, people and experiences were really enjoyable. However, along with great scenery came the constant warning to always stay alert for that huge wild animal known as the moose. They are very numerous in the province, hard to see, especially at night, and can easily result in destruction to car and occupants if hit on the road at high speed. Moose can dart into the middle of the road in a second without warning. Unlike other wildlife, they are not easily spooked by a vehicle.

We were traveling along the highway one evening with my cousin and his wife. Unlike me, my cousin Terry is used to these roads and has vast experience watching for and seeing moose as he drives. I strained to find a moose which might be lurking in the woods and bushes near the road. But, I failed to see even one. Each time on the trip that we did see a moose, it was cousin Terry who saw the moose and alerted us. One moose appeared within one meter of our vehicle! Terry has sharpened his peripheral vision to detect any sign of a moose along both sides of the road. His experience now protects him from danger and enables him to avoid accidents far better than most drivers.

This recent experience with a moose reminded me of how sin can act like a moose in my life. To paraphrase God’s words to Cain, sin is crouching at my door (Genesis 4:7). In its various forms, it can easily ambush me from the side “bushes” in my life. Wrong thoughts, attitudes, desires and influences can spring up into my vision without warning. Like the warning for moose, the warning from God about various forms of sin is designed to literally save our lives. One “sin alert” for us is found in Hebrews 3: 12-13:

“Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other as long as it is called “today”, so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.” (NLT)

The above words remind me of how little prepared I have been to “see” the sin of a wrong thought or attitude crouching at me from the sidelines. I intend to sharpen my alertness to sin so that I can keep making progress on the highway of life and warn others when I detect danger about to pounce on them. Sin alertness is far more necessary and much more useful for you and me than even the advice about moose. In this way, we benefit for now and eternity; help others in the process and accomplish God’s purpose for us in this world.

Mountain Mission

2009-07-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Read: Hebrews 10:19-25

The mountain looked enticing and yet challenging as I considered climbing it with my oldest son and daughter-in-law. On our recent short trip to western Montana, we took time to explore the state capital of Helena and area. One of the best experiences for me was the experience of climbing Mount Helena at an elevation of a little less than 6,000 feet above sea level. Several routes were possible, but I followed the others up the steepest path. At first, it felt good with not much effort required. But, the higher we climbed, the more my lungs gasped for more air. At several points in route, I wanted to end the climb and return.

However, I made it all the way to the mountain top due to three essential factors – factors that are just as essential in completing the mission that God gives to each serious disciple of Jesus. First, my mind was deeply focused on the incredible view that I would experience at the top. This beautiful little city set in its spectacular mountain valley was worth seeing in its entirety – I simply could not miss this opportunity! Second, when my determination wavered, my two family members were there to encourage and inspire me to continue – with words like: “We’re almost there!” The last few yards were the most difficult especially since it felt like we could fall over the edge and the sharp drop-off. Third, the reward we experienced included a most heavenly view, surprising wildlife and a local family of climbers who welcomed us, especially for taking the most difficult path and completing the task.

It reminded me of the mission of God in which each of us is called to be a passionate participant. In the context of the Bible verses mentioned above, a community of Hebrew Christian believers was showing signs of straying away from their commitment to Jesus and wanting to return to the more legalistic system of laws from which they had been delivered. Their spiritual journey of ‘climbing higher’ in Christ was proving to be more challenging as they progressed in their daily walk with God. Some wanted to turn back.

The author of Hebrews encouraged them to complete the spiritual climb for God – allowing God to complete His divine mission in them.

“….Since we have confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way…, let us draw near to God…” (Hebrews 10:19, 20a, 22a)

“Drawing near to God” is a life-long climb until we reach the top (our heavenly home) with God (Psalm 84:7) and experience fully the sheer joy being like Jesus (Romans 8:29). There will always be times in this life when you feel like giving up the climb to spiritual maturity but that is when our family in the local church needs to be there to encourage and inspire us forward – reminding us to keep climbing and reminding us that we are “almost there”. This is what the author of Hebrews meant when he said: “Let is consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit if doing, but let us ENCOURAGE one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Are we ready to climb? We can reach the top for God if we do it together!

Fragrance in the Garden

2009-06-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 and Philippians 4: 14-20

From a distance, the “wild” flower bed in our back yard looks beautiful. Now, looks can be deceiving – especially if you are looking for fragrant flowers! On closer inspection, I discovered that many of the flowers planted by Sandra had no significant smell. However, hidden in the maze of colorful flowers, there are bunches of brilliant orange flowers which projected a mild, sweet-smelling fragrance.

The contrast in the garden is also found in life. There are persons who live a colorful life and project a bright – perhaps dazzling – outward image. But, such an image may conceal unattractive qualities that repel rather than attract others. Then, there are persons who have made the conscious decision to choose a life of following Christ as Savior and director of their lives. Like the orange flowers in our garden, they reveal bright colors with a difference – a sweet fragrance that attracts. In this case, the attraction is the inward beauty and fragrant of Jesus. To first century Christians, the Apostle Paul wrote:

“…for we are to God the aroma [or fragrance] of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:15)

The word for fragrance a sweet smelling aroma is especially linked with an offering that is pleasing and acceptable to God. Philippians 4:18 is a reminder that those believers who honor God by giving generously to meet genuine needs are ultimately presenting a fragrant sweet smelling offering to God. It is acceptable to God. The result can then be the attraction of others to faith in Jesus because of the sweet fragrance of Christ in our lives and actions.

What are you offering to God? What are you communicating to others around you? Does your life emit a sweet smelling fragrance that draws others to consider the Savior that you profess?

Reflect: Are you just a bright flower or do you stand out with distinction as you give out the aroma of Jesus to those who genuinely need Him today? Start by imitating the One whose life is the supreme example of a fragrant offering.

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Living like a Butterfly

2009-06-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:15-17

The butterfly is nature’s most visible illustration of rebirth.

Once drab and earthbound as a caterpillar, the butterfly

emerges from its cocoon in beautiful radiant colors, soaring

upward into the sky.

Charles Colson introduced his own spiritual rebirth with the above words. Think of it. If you looked intently on a caterpillar, you would never expect that this lowly crawler would soon be transformed to soar up to new heights and brighten our world with the amazing colors that emanate from the creative mind of God!

You may find yourself usually thinking about very ordinary earthbound things at this moment. But, the Bible says that God has a plan for you – not to struggle like a caterpillar in the striving for fulfillment in daily existence but to soar like the butterfly. God wants you to realize that when you place your complete trust in Jesus for salvation, life, and lasting peace, you receive the ability and the right to live as a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20).

In this constantly changing world, you should dare to be different. Don’t let the perception of society and popular culture keep you grounded. Fix your eyes on God and live on a higher level like the butterfly. Draw upon the amazing grace of God and keep asking God to help you see His Divine perspective on everything. God is the God of new beginnings – a creator of beauty. Spread your wings and show colors of His radiant grace to the world.

…if anyone is in (Jesus) Christ, he (or she) is a new creation

the old has gone , the new has come. All this is from God…

(2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Spread your wings and fly (live) above ordinary circumstances. Don’t focus on the economy. Enter into the intimate presence of God and rejoice in God regardless of what comes your way any day. This is exactly how a Hebrew prophet, Habakkuk responded to the economic, social and spiritual conditions of his time (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Imitate him and view your world from above, like a butterfly.

Nibbling Friends: The Fish Effect

2009-06-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

Read Proverbs 27:1-10

What would you expect if you entered a nail salon or spa? Well, customers discovered that one salon owner was willing to go to very creative lengths to increase his customer base in a challenging economic environment. The owner of L.A. Nails in Winnipeg has started offering fish treatments for the feet of is customers. Willing customers can now put their feet in a tank filled with water and about 200 minnow sized carp fish called “garra rufa”. According to Carolyn Vesely of the Winnipeg Free Press, these tiny fish “…dig in like teenagers at an all-you-can-eat buffet, gorging on the dead skin on your heels and toes, including the bits on your little ‘piggies’ and the hardened cuticles around your nails.” Once the tickling sensation subsides, the customers apparently feel better not only in their feet but in their whole body. An information sheet given to customers says that these little fish can not only clean away dead tissue on your feet but “…their powerful lips can stimulate acupuncture points and clear blocked pores to promote circulation of blood and energy.”

This story reminds me of the “friend effect.” Like the garra rufa fish, a real friend will not abandon you but will “nibble away “at unwanted ideas, attitudes and destructive habits in your life. He or she will be willing to do this until the “dead skin” in your life is recognized by you and then removed or rejected until you are clean before God. God freely works in and through those who are hungry to be healthy and pure in heart.

Proverbs 27:6 (NIV) begins with these words: “Wounds of a friend can be trusted.” Like the tiny fish, a true friend can be trusted to puncture a hole in your inflated pride or chip away at your selfish attitude. Such a friend does this in a way that will honor God and truly help you in the long term. You also need to be such a friend to others. It’s the fish effect – it will make you uncomfortable at first but prove to be so beneficial in the long term.

How can you be such a friend to someone in our church or in your neighborhood? Be sure that you are prepared to act God’s way:

Ø Be faithful – as a friend who “…sticks closer than a brother” (Prov.18:24) and “…loves at all times” (Prov.17:17).

Ø Be Honest – as a friend who encourages him or her in seeing and accepting what needs to change (Prov.27:6).

Ø Be Tactful – as a friend who is sensitive to the feelings and needs of the others, such as Jonathan who “…helped David find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16).

Ø Be Motivating – seek to challenge the other person so that they will grow in Christ “…as iron sharpens iron, so one (friend) sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17)

Are you willing to be such a friend? Do you have such a friend? It starts with you willing to first be such a friend to another. Then, God will bring such a friend for you.

Stopping Duke, Embracing God

2009-05-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Read: Psalm 1:1; Psalm 91

He is a big strongly built dog whose “home” is on a Vancouver Island aboriginal reserve. During the night, he leaves the reserve and, drawing other wild dogs with him, targets flocks of helpless sheep in the scenic Cowichan valley. Vancouver Province reporter Ethan Baron’s report was published recently in the Edmonton Journal. Farmers are furious with this massive wild American bulldog which is killing so many of their sheep.

Apparently, Duke was a more behaved dog when he was owned by a couple on the reserve. However, when the couple left their house after their marriage break-up, the approximately 50 kilogram dog was left to roam wild. A dog without any controls can be a very dangerous animal.

But, the same is true of a human being. Any person who refuses the discipline of God becomes a slave to sin (Romans 6:12). In the Bible, one definition of sin is lawlessness. That’s why Psalm 1:1 warns us to “…not walk in the counsel of the wicked”. The Bible defines the wicked as those who, like the dogs led by Duke, run wild in opposition to God and cause much destruction in the lives of others. Writing to Timothy in first century A.D., the apostle Paul warned of wild people who refuse to live under the discipline and direction of God:

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, unholy, without love, unforgiving…without self-control, brutal….lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. …..Have nothing to do with them (2 Timothy 3:2-5, NIV).

So then, how do you stop other persons who act and live like the wild dog, Duke? You do it by embracing God. God offers you the choice – live wild and lose His blessings OR intentionally choose to place yourself in His everlasting arms through full trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Start each day with this thoughtful, deliberate choice.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High (God)

Will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare of the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

He is my God and I AMTRUSTING HIM

For He will protect you from every trap…

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name”. (Psalm 91:1-3a, 14, NLT)

Reflect: There are “Dukes” all around you – some of them disguised in religious actions or pious smiles. Pray through Psalm 91 and stop uncontrolled evil by asking Christ to deeply encourage others through you. Pray through Psalm 91.

Living in Spagetti Junction

2009-04-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

Modern expressways or highways in our major cities can be very confusing and overwhelming – especially to those who may just be visiting in the area. One such series of highways exists in Atlanta, Georgia. A series of different roads are built in a spiraling fashion, one route on top of the other. Different roads then fan out like long strands of overlapping spaghetti. That is why the term “spaghetti junction” is used to describe the arrangement. The series of expressways in the Atlanta location has been called one of the “worst” – not only because it can be confusing but also due to ice and slippery conditions in the winter. A driver would have to make an instant decision as to where to go and what to do.

Even as I write these words, there are many people who are busy constructing another spaghetti junction. They are spreading the idea that there are many different ways to salvation and to peace with God. Those persons have relegated Jesus to being just an ordinary good man who is only one of many ways to God. Nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone who is struggling in their faith has to carefully navigate their way through beliefs and ideas of many religions that may look good at a distance but which ultimately result in a dead end. I was shocked to hear recently that almost half (47%) of professing evangelicals in American churches believe that Jesus is not the only way to God (reported by Pew Forum, in Christianity Today). Even some church leaders have been found to be indulging in other religions according to this same report!

Make no mistake. Jesus is the only way of salvation – the only way to heaven and to peace with God. Saturate your mind with the unchanging truth of the word of God. As we approach Easter, more of these false ideas and beliefs are forced into the open in our public realm. So, beware and stand firm on the certain truth about Jesus in the word of God, the Bible. Consider these verses:

Ø (Jesus said) “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to (God) the Father except through me.”( John 14:6)

Ø “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to (us) by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Ø “…Each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:10a-11)

Jesus is the only source of fulfillment for us:

> …Jesus declared,” I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

Jesus is our ONLY source of truth and life:

Ø “Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’”(John 6:68)

Ø “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Ø Remember – salvation and eternal life are not found in following a religion but in experiencing by faith an intimate love relationship with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Therapy for a Noisy Mind

2009-03-31T15:32:00.001-07:00

Read: Psalm 37

He looked like a normal healthy tall young man who exercises alongside me and others in the gym. When I asked him about his job, he replied that he did not have a full time job. He has a part-time job and he has disability status. One problem for him was that his mind became filled with conflicting voices. He suffered from a noisy mind.

I was reminded of this person after recently experiencing a “dry” period in my relationship with God. After following my daily pattern of Bible study, meditation and journaling, I missed hearing a specific word or insight from the Lord. As I reflected on this, God impressed on me that my mind was becoming too “noisy”. I was so busy doing work in God’s name that I failed to practice the discipline of stillness – waiting sufficiently on God to receive what He has for me at any given time.

Pastors, Christian leaders, and many Christians in all churches sometimes have a difficult time in sleeping because their minds are racing and noisy. When I experience this problem, I like to read precious sections of God’s word such as Psalm 37. Please take time to read all of it in a prayerful, willing spirit. This Psalm especially speaks to me of God who comes alongside in a warm intimate way to those who intentionally seek to wait on Him. In this Psalm, King David expressed symptoms of a noisy mind – distracted and filled with thoughts of urgency, worry, and frustration. He was deeply disturbed by the lives and actions of sinful arrogant people.

Moved by the Holy Spirit of God, David realized the appropriate therapy for his noisy distracted mind. This therapy is intended by God for us as well:

Trust in the Lord as you seek to daily do His will (Psalm 37:3, 5-6).
Delight in the Lord. Praise Him. Rejoice – reflect on His glorious heart and nature. “Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart’s desires.” (v.4, NLT)
Be still and make time to actively wait before God. Review promises in this Psalm; keep seeking Him and His will for you at this time. Recall that He is always in control as the eternal God who cares deeply for you.

“Be still in the presence of the Lord

and wait patiently for Him to act…

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.

He delights in EVERY DETAIL of their lives.” (Psalm 37:7a, 23, NLT)

Wait and go at the same time. There is a time to wait and be still in one geographical place. But, there are other times that you need to get moving and act in obedience to God (see God’s response to Joshua in Joshua 7:10). As the old song says “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.” As you act in response to what God reveals to you, He will help your mind to arise in Him and dispel those unhealthy noises.

“Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act!

Travel steadily along His path.

He will honor you, giving you the land.” (Psalm 37:34a)

Discovering Your Orginal Purpose

2009-03-31T15:28:00.000-07:00

Read: Philippians 2:12-16

The situation is urgent. The health of the patient is very important. The doctor and his assistants are working diligently as they strain to see the necessary details of the operation under the flickering candle light. It is not easy. Surely, there has to be a better way to operate in such critical conditions. Bridges for Peace recently reported on a unique solution.

To the rescue comes “A Jewish Heart for Africa”. This non-government agency was founded by a young Jewish woman, Sivan Achor-Borowich to help provide light for African medical clinics. Raising money in the United States and using Israeli technology, her organization has assembled solar panels in Africa, using the power of the sun during the long African days. Now, solar panels light up the clinic and also provide light outside the clinic so patients can now arrive at night. The solar panels also power refrigerators to store and preserve the medicines.

This provision of physical light from Israel is a reminder of God’s intention for Jerusalem and Israel – to be a light to the nations for God.

Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

…Nations will come to your light

and kings to the brightness of your dawn. (Isaiah 60:1, 3)

In this new millennium, God has enabled His original chosen nation to develop an amazing array of inventions that will have far reaching effects on the health and needs of people all over the world. It is another reminder that God first created the Jews out of Abraham and his descendants to actually be a channel of his blessing and life giving light to the world.

But, God has also reached out in amazing grace through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to us. To those of us who have heeded His call and received Jesus as Savior, He has given the role of “light givers”! Like the physical help of light to those in Africa, so we ought to constantly provide the light of Jesus Christ to those who stumble around in spiritual darkness. They, too, need to find their way to Jesus. Many of them live next door to you and me.

Do you see how God is working around you? Are you beginning to adjust your attitude and life so that you can allow God to work through you? Even though it is God’s work to change the heart of a person, you are called to live out the light of Christ in you! This is God’s purpose for you. What a privilege! What a joy to live according to your God-given purpose!

…It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good

purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you

may be blameless and pure, children of God in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine as stars in the universe as you hold out

the word of life. (Philippians 2:13-16a)

A Dolphin Knows Best!

2009-03-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

Read Joshua 23:6-11

16 year-old Brandon Banks and the rest of the residents of the Newfoundland village of Seal Cove had gone to bed with the wailing sounds of 5 dolphins in the ice of the harbor. The village is about 4 hours drive from the town of my birth. The dolphins found themselves trapped in a restricted inlet and they were swimming around in a small open area that getting smaller and smaller as the ice closed in. The story was reported on February 19/09 in the Globe & Mail newspaper.

Dolphins are among God’s most amazing and intelligent creatures. I know that from my own experience with them in the North Atlantic. Eventually, Brandon and his friends decided that they would attempt a rescue with the use of a local small boat with an outboard motor. By this time only three dolphins remained. But, the goal was to break up enough ice so that the dolphins could swim free. Finally, two of the dolphins followed the boat and then headed to freedom in the open sea.

But, one dolphin seemed too tired or weak to join the others. Brandon jumped into the icy water (in a “red dry suit”) and tried to keep the 180 kilogram dolphin above water using his legs. What happened next is amazing! Seal cove Mayor Winston May told Canadian Press that “the dolphin just kind of attached to (Brandon) and wrapped his flippers around him, more or less like a friend or mate!” Brandon attached a rope around the dolphin and then to the boat. Once they slowly reached the point of open sea, the dolphin was released and swam away to freedom!

What an illustration of Biblical truth! Destructive influences – false “gods”, popular beliefs, twisted use of the internet and bad video games – all can close in on us like winter ice. Slowly but surely, various forms of sin can choke us off from the true freedom that is experienced only in unhindered fellowship with God. Heed the advice given to the people of Israel before the first advent of Jesus. They were encouraged to feed on the Word of God, to walk daily in God’s way and to resist the evil nations around them. Then, Joshua counseled the people and their leaders:

But you are to HOLD FAST to the Lord your God, as you have

until now. The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful

nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of

you (defeats) a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you,

just as he promised. So be careful to love the Lord your God. (23:8-11, NIV)

As the dolphin held onto Brandon with his flippers, hold fast to God so that you can “swim” daily in real freedom and joy in the “open waters” of God’s Kingdom. You can do whatever God calls you to do and draw others to faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus. Learn from the dolphin’s behavior because in this case the dolphin knew best! Hold firmly to THE ONE who can give you life now and always.

A Pacemaker From Heaven

2009-02-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

Read Psalm 23

Millions of people suffer from CRF or chronic renal failure. This disease eventually causes the kidneys to deteriorate – ultimately requiring the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. The first solution is very costly and the second is often not available for the average sufferer. What then, can be done?

Enter NEPHERA, a company in Israel that has invented a “pacemaker for the kidney”. Amazingly, Nephera has produced an “implant based on a small pump” that enables dying kidneys to continue receiving and expelling blood so that toxins can be removed from the body. According to Karen Kloosterman (www.israel21c.org), “it works by creating a negative pressure around the kidney (a vacuum effect), causing an increase in renal blood flow. This has a therapeutic effect on a diseased kidney.” After 3 years of clinical trials, the implant should be available beginning in Europe.

Praise God! He has provided His own pacemaker for our daily living! Psalm 23 is so deeply and spiritually rich; it is only possible to touch upon a tiny portion of it. The first line of Psalm 23 reminds me that “the Lord” sets the pace for my life. Everything flows from the Lord – the very first words of the Psalm. Someone has changed the first phrase to read: “The Lord is my pacesetter…”. We are often too inactive or too hyper-active. Like a disease, our extreme imbalances in life begins to restrict the spiritual blood flow in our lives causing a shorter living span or unnecessary trials that prevent our receiving the fullness of life in God (see also Psalm 16:11).

The word “shepherd” is one of the most intimate terms in all of the Psalms. The Shepherd means everything to the sheep. There is a close intimate relationship implied here. Like the sheep, you and I can live in fulfillment and at the right pace if we closely and consistently follow our shepherd who sacrificed His all for our sakes. Look carefully at the words in verses 2a, 3:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul,

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

The words – makes – leads – restores – guides – all describe the work of God to provide the right pace or balance in our lives if we will passionately and fully follow Jesus, “that great Shepherd of the Sheep” (Hebrews13:20). The word “soul” refers to all of your life.

Let your life be extended and renewed by the enabling power of “the pacemaker from Heaven”.

REFLECT: What can you do to deepen your love relationship with your Shepherd?

Built for Speed - God's Speed

2009-01-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Read: I Corinthians 11:21, Hebrews 5:11-14, John 5: 17-20

What can you do in one-tenth of a second? I understand that it takes at least two full seconds to apply your foot to the car’s brakes. In the Olympic world, two seconds feel like eternity. In a Macleans article of Jan.30/06, Jonathan Gatehouse wrote: “For a speed skater in the men’s 1000 m, 1/10 of a second is (a distance of) 149 cm. On a downhill strait-away with a 15 degree slope, it’s 3 metres. Hurtling head-first down the skeleton track at 120km/hr, it’s 3.3m. In the winter games, one tenth of a second is the margin between total failure and absolute victory.” In such sports, athletes have bodies, and equipment that are built for speed.

Now, the challenge for us is not mere speed or being too slow. It is to discover the speed that God requires of us for spiritual growth and Christ-like living. We could live in the fast lane like some of the Corinthian Christians. The Apostle Paul wrote to them:

“For I am told that some of you HURRY to eat your own meal without sharing with others. As a result, some go hungry while others get drunk.” (I Cor.11:21, NLT)

These persons were living fast with selfish hearts. They were living fast to achieve their own aims but missing the true experience of God in the process.

In contrast, some Christians are guilty of going too slow or not making any effort to grow deep into God. In Hebrews 5:12, such persons are addressed:

“You have been Christians along time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things a beginner must learn about the Scriptures.” (NLT)

Friends, as Christians, we are built for speed, but it is God’s speed. We are called to live in tune with and in partnership with God and how He is working. Jesus modeled this completely:

“My Father is always at work to this very day, and I too am working…The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can only do what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does...” (John 5:17, 19-20a, NLT)

Determine to live and act not too slow or too fast but at God’s speed. Dare to become spiritual investors (see last week’s sermon). As we seek to Experience God on a deeper level, we will know him better and understand how He is working. Then, we can each join in to partner with God in His awesome kingdom work.

Learning from a Fallen Tree

2008-12-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

READ I Corinthians 5:6-8, II Cor. 4:16-18

The contrast was startling! The outer bark of the tree made it look tough and healthy but the inside was all soft and rotten. I encountered the fallen tree as I walked along a trail on a mountain slope just above Lake Louise in Banff national Park. It had been sawed off and discarded along the side of the trail. The picture with this message was taken on that trip. After closer inspection and feeling the inside of that tree trunk, I understood that this tree had been dead for some time. The inside was so rotten that it was of no use even to use as lumber for a building project.

God reminded me that day that I needed to pay careful attention to the inner core of my life. Some people easily boast of their outward appearances and personal accomplishments but ignore the spiritual rot and decay within their inner core. There were people in the Corinth church of first century Greece who were guilty of this tough outer shell but having spiritual decay on the inside. They were warned to change this:

“Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that the yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the whole yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb has been sacrificed ...” (I Corinthians 5:6-7)

Instead of feeding their inner life core from the word of God and from Christ, their Redeemer, they focused on outward appearance and fleshly pleasures. In a second pastoral letter, the Apostle Paul urges them to focus instead on the unseen and the eternal rather than on superficial temporary things. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

In your spiritual life, a fallen tree and a cut-off vine means lack of spiritual fruit in your life. Trees (or branches) that are truly dead are cut off (John 15:2a). A continued lack of fruit in anyone’s life should cause them to examine whether or not they truly belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the very least, there are persons in many churches who are not in true fellowship with God due to continuing sin in their lives. Drawing nourishment from Christ, you “…will produce much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5b)

Stop & Reflect:

What kind of a “tree” are you? Do you have a healthy inner core (heart)?

What kind of fruit will you produce IN Christ? The fruit of Christ-like character (see Galatians 5:22-23) and the fruit of drawing or inspiring others to passionate discipleship living for Christ!

Removing the Mask: Living with Integrity

2008-11-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

It seemed like a great “opportunity” at the time to save some money. We had just purchased a house in January, 2005. The house inspection revealed that the furnace needed to be replaced in the near future. The inspector who confirmed this fact offered to give us a great deal – a new furnace with no GST which was 7% of total purchase price at that time.

What would we do? Considering our finances, this would be a great saving on an expensive item. I told the inspector that as a Christian, I could not agree to such a “deal”. That would be dishonest and sin in God’s sight. It would also be breaking the law of our nation. Even if I didn’t like the government taking more tax from me, I will still pay all that is required of me and honor God by doing this.

The furnace man was surprised by my response and asked: “Why are there so many religions?” I explained that religion is quite different from a relationship with God through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. On that day, I had the privilege of sharing with him the way of salvation eternal life through Jesus! He began to understand that many people wear masks – they pretend – to be persons who act nice and obey the law but who are privately sinning or committing acts of dishonesty, manipulation and deceit.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of being a person of integrity and living with integrity. One dictionary defines “integrity” as the state of being “honest, complete and undivided.” Two events in the Bible illustrate how important integrity or honesty is to God. In ancient Israel, a man named Achan seized a beautiful robe, silver and gold from Jericho and hid them in the ground underneath his tent (Joshua 7:20-21). In doing so, Achan disobeyed God and demonstrates that the sin of one person can hurt and damage a whole congregation: “But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things. Achan…took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel” (Joshua 7:10)

Until he was confronted about his sin, Achan acted as if he had done no wrong. He was dishonest before God’s people and therefore also dishonest with God – he was wearing a mask. In response God took away the lives of Achan and his family.

A second event happened in the early church after Jesus returned to heaven. A couple named Ananias and Sapphira acted dishonestly by pretending to be sacrificial givers when this was not true. They gave some money for God’s work. That was good. But, they pretended that they gave all of the money from their land sale. That was very bad. They were also wearing a mask in front of God’s people. That is the same as being dishonest with God. The apostle Peter gives God’s verdict to them: “What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” (Acts 5:4)

Let’s make sure that you and I remove our masks and live for God with integrity!

Chasing Lions

2008-10-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever regretted doing something that was not so good OR regretted not doing something that you should have done? I have thought about this, especially around a birthday or the beginning of a new calendar year! For my fellow Christians, I am sure that you really want to make your daily life count for God. Surely, you want to be a “mighty disciple” for God.

There is such a person described in the Bible who name was Benaiah. The name “Benaiah “means” “The Lord builds”. First mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:18, Benaiah became known as a lion chaser (2 Samuel 23:20-22):

“Benaiah…was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He stuck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he also struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. Such were the exploits of Benaiah… (who)…was as famous as the three mighty men.” (NIV)

Benaiah is a great example of the kind of Christ-follower that God seeks. When facing a challenge such as a lion, I may want to rush in overwhelming fear in the other direction. But, if I always run from every “risky” thing or person, I will never grow or accomplish mighty “exploits” for God. Those who dare to live like Benaiah seize opportunities, not run from them.

In an article “Chase the Lion” ( InTouch), author Mark Batterson writes:

“We all have our share of action regrets. But I’m convinced that if we don’t decide to change now, our deepest regrets at the end of our lives will be the risks that we didn’t take, the opportunities that we didn’t seize, the dreams that we didn’t pursue.”

There are many lions out there for you, for your family, and for our church to chase down, catch and conquer. If we choose to change our mind-set and to quickly seize our opportunities, we can also face, chase, and kill lions in our way for the glory of God.

The reward for Benaiah was the top position as King David’s body guard and, ultimately, commander of King Solomon’s army. Benaiah was mighty in holy living and we can be holy for God’s purposes as well. Mark Batterson notes that…

“Holiness is more than the by-product of simply subtracting something “negative” from our lives; it involves maximizing our God-given potential to live like Jesus.”

And what was Jesus, our Savior like? He chased “lions” that confronted Him. As Dorothy Sayers wrote: “…the people who crucified Jesus did not do so because He was a bore. Quite the contrary; He was too dynamic to be safe.”

Issues of eternity are involved in our decisions and actions. Therefore, let’s join the marathon for God and begin chasing lions!

Beaver Nudges

2008-10-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

It was an incredible performance!

The time was sunset with traces of reddish-orange colored cloud streaking across the sky. It was a glorious autumn evening. Concerned about a strained relationship between two people, I sat on a bench looking at the smooth placid waters of the river. I prayed, waited and stared at the waters of the river.

Suddenly there was a splash in the water! A long dark form appeared. Surely, it wasn’t an over-sized walleye – a common fish in that area. Then, a second long dark form appeared above the surface of the water. What was it, I thought? Breaking free of my previous thought pattern, I began to walk cautiously toward the edge of the river bank so that these “forms” would not be scared away. At last, the identity of these creatures became clear –they were beavers! A great Canadian symbol.

These two beavers played around in the river for a couple of minutes. Then, they would come together and nudge or touch each other. There was the pattern of a nudge and then separation and then another nudge. Why? Do beavers need regular touches or nudges of love, encouragement and affirmation?

One thing is certain. In our rhythm of rest, work and play, we all need to provide nudges of love and encouragement. All human beings have this need. Christians in the midst of a constant spiritual battle certainly need regular touches of love and affirmation — actions that say “I love you” or “I need you”. These words were written to Christians of the first century, A.D.:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God has forgiven you”. (Ephesians 4:32)

Be intentional in giving someone the “touch of love” today. Start with your marriage. Ruth Graham said that “marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” Read I Corinthians ch.13 and write each verse in your own words (a paraphrase). Then, list specific ways in which you can show the love of Christ to someone near you. Make a list of actions which you can do that says to each of your family that says “I love you”.

Then, enlarge your circle of influence to others in need.

Listen to the voice of our Lord Jesus who says: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another!” (John 13:34) Beaver nudges in Jesus’ name!

Kitchen Stress

2008-09-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

A big dinner was planned and she certainly wanted to impress. Perhaps, she intended it to be a formal occasion for her guests – especially the special guest – that would so impress them that compliments would be showered on her. It could be worth all the fuss and hard work in the kitchen. The name of the woman in this event was Martha. Her special guest was Jesus. The Bible describes the dinner event in these words:

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came

to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home.

Her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. But

Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to

Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ (Luke10:38-40, NLT)

Martha was too focused on the dinner and not enough attention to her guests, especially Jesus. Yes, dinner was needed because the guests were surely hungry. But, she worried over so many details because she made the dinner to seem more important than connecting with Jesus. She was stressing our and getting upset with her sister, Mary. She wanted Mary to help her since, in Martha’s view, her sister seemed to be sitting there doing nothing.

It reminds me of the growing troubles in our world’s financial system as I write. News overload and mounting stress over economic and financial details are distracting many of us from the most important thing of all!

Worship comes before work and relationship building precedes a program.

Jesus answers Martha:

My dear Martha, you are so upset over these details! There is really only

one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and I

won’t take it away from her. (Luke 10: 41-42, NLT)

Martha would have experienced less stress and more peace and confidence if she had first taken a little time with Jesus. It is certain that Martha should have recognized that a modest meal made with love is better than an elaborate feast made in stress and worry.

As you cook in the kitchen or follow your investments in the world , don’t panic over the details – worship Jesus first and trust completely in the Lord to make your smallest work count for God – honoring God and connecting with people in need.

Let’s not be caught up in “kitchen stress” because the signs in the world remind us that Jesus, our Savior is coming again – soon. (Luke 21:27, 34-35)

Winning Over Your Invisible Enemy

2008-08-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

On assignment in Afghanistan for the Edmonton Journal, Graham Thomson wrote a report in the August 16, 2008 edition entitled “FIGHTING AN INVISIBLE ENEMY”. It reminded me of the ultimate real enemy that seeks to destroy us and oppose the will of God for us. Yes, each person has a responsibility for the sin and evil which they commit. But, the Bible reminds us that behind all these evil words and actions of people is the unseen invisible rank of evil spirits, fallen angels who obey Satan and seek to lead us into all kinds of sin.

“For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)

“Rulers”, “authorities”, and “powers” refer to different ranks of evil beings. Therefore, I was very intrigued to read from another source about 3 ranks of enemy in the present war in Afghanistan. First there are the hard-core Taliban who are 100% dedicated to destroying our soldiers and anyone else who hinders the return of full Taliban rule. Second, there are the “civilian persons who hate foreigners, the present Afghan government, and authorities in general. They are easily recruited for specific destroying acts but are not totally supportive of the Taliban. Third, there are those from the regular population who are bribed into committing acts of violence but who easily and quickly retreat into regular civilian life and wear clothing of the common people. This last group has little or no commitment to the Taliban, However, our own soldiers and regular Afghan forces cannot always tell who they are fighting and where to find them until they suddenly commit a violent act. They are like an invisible enemy until it is sometimes too late — the damage has been done.

That is why the Bible also warns us to always be on spiritual alert and to fervently pray with the help of the Holy Spirit of God and by clothing ourselves with all of God’s “armor”. Even as I went on-line to check e-mail prior to typing this message, the invisible enemy was seeking to distract me with unsolicited advertisements. The dangers of this invisible enemy are everywhere in this world. But, through Jesus, our Savior, we can win in practice over everything that our Enemy and his evil assistants can throw at us!

I urge you to join me in closing spiritual ranks against this invisible enemy who will someday soon be banished by our God forever.

“Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18, NLT

Lifeline: The Power of Music

2008-08-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

The sound first resonated like a distant rumble. Then, it erupted into a loud roar. The whole building was collapsing around the three young boys. Everything grew very dark and still. They were alive but injured. There seemed no way for them to escape from the Chinese 2008 earthquake.

One of the boys, about nine years old, began to sing. Somehow singing became for him a cry of his soul. One Western commentator remarked how God was surely at work in this young boy. The other boys began to sing. The singing motivated his spirit and his determination to somehow escape from this forbidding prison of rock and rubble. The miracle is that the boy made his way to the surface. After receiving freedom, the boy expressed his gratitude by returning to help the other boys to get free.

Amazing! Singing from the heart to God has power to blast through all kinds of barriers.

It is a lifeline to God — the cry of one’s heart to God. Such singing crosses lines of culture, language, and nation. The Bible describes the dramatic picture of two men who were imprisoned for teaching others how to trust in and live for Jesus. Their enemies were furious. The authorities ordered Paul and Silas to be flogged. Beaten and bleeding, they were “thrown into prison” (Acts 16:23). Then, they were placed in a dark dungeon in the lowest part of the prison.

Faced with no light and no obvious way of escape, they could have grown bitter or cried out in self-pity and given up. But, Paul and Silas responded in the most amazing way. Like the boys in China, they began to sing with passion to God.

“…Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly there was a great earthquake and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open and the chains of every prisoner flew off!”

(Acts 16:25-26, NLT)

The result was that the official in charge of the prison saw the work of God in all this and begged to know how to receive Jesus into His heart. The whole extended household of the prison guard became Christians transformed by the power of God. The word for household (oikos) refers also to relatives and servants of the prison official. Music of praise to God in Jesus’ name can set you free from the prison of drugs, addictions or resentment. When you are truly set free, waste no time in coming alongside of others who are also calling out for real freedom. Music of your heart to God can be truly powerful – a lifeline to those who are desperate for hope. Don’t wait to be in the mood for singing. In any circumstance, make the cry of your souls a “joyful symphony” to God (Psalm 98:6).

The Dangers of a Wider Road

2008-07-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

Sandra and I were cruising south along on Highway 2 on our way to our intended destination at Pine Lake Christian camp. Suddenly, all the vehicles in front of us slammed on their brakes as 4 lanes narrowed to two at that point. What was the problem? Two police officers were wandering along the highway. At first, I could not see why the lanes would be blocked. Then, I noticed two deep black tire marks swerving across four southbound lanes, across the grassy median and then across the northbound lanes. The trail seemed to end in the ditch on the far side.

The problem seemed obvious. Someone was driving much too fast and lost control of his vehicle. There are many incidents such as this. It seems that some cannot handle good weather, good road conditions and lots of room to drive. Such persons act irresponsibly. When life is good and there are no major problems on their horizon, they go wild! Focusing on themselves, they will do anything for a good time, even when it endangers the lives of others.

Sinful human nature can be very evident in the way we drive. Like an extra wide highway, so many cannot handle the extra room, extra money, or extra energy. Instead of acting with thankfulness to God and responsibly toward others, we can waste our blessings and be a danger to ourselves and to the wider community.

Spiritual life is like this. I am reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:13:

“Small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life”. Those who seek for hope and fulfillment must beware of wider roads that can so easily distract from the true road to Jesus, the Savior and source of life. Those of us who are Christians must also be very careful to accept God’s discipline in our lives so that we do not get weaker with popular fads and entertainment around us but grow stronger in our faith and more like Jesus in our character.

“…God’s discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in His holiness. …Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then, those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.” (Hebrews 12:10b, 13, NLT)

No wonder, God allows obstacles to often narrow our paths or discipline us with trials or challenges of all kinds. If we respond in obedience to him, we can thrive as we drive and avoid the “dangers of the wider road.”

Relationships - Common-Law or Uncommon?

2008-06-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

A young man left his common-law “wife” to party with her ex-boy friend and others while he joined his friends to party all night in another location. Arriving home drunk at dawn the next day, he discovered his partner sleeping with her ex-boyfriend. In a rage, he killed that young man and created an even bigger mess in his life. This was reported recently in the news. In my own neighborhood, a common-law arrangement broke apart, leaving the man struggling to balance caring for two young children and somehow getting time to work. For now, someone else is helping him to cope.

Common-law relationships are preferred by more couples because it lets them act and live as they desire. There is no such thing as a permanent relationship that draws on a higher authority. They are their own authority. If one partner decided that they are not receiving what they want, they can just get up and leave. In one Canadian province, the majority of couples are now “common-law”. Is it any wonder that so many children and youth are causing so much trouble with drugs, house parties, crimes, violence and destructive graffiti in our city? More of them are growing up to become irresponsible adults who run red lights, rudely speed and cut off other drivers, and contribute to excessive trash littering our streets.

The solution should start with us who profess to follow Jesus. Jesus calls us to a very uncommon relationship — relating to God out of a pure heart (Matthew 5:8). Such inward purity leads to actions of goodness and kindness even to those who may hate us (Matthew 5:43-48). In all our relationships, we are called to be holy as God is holy. To be holy is to be unique, un-common – living not as a law unto ourselves but according to the supreme law, character and authority of our gracious God (2 Peter 3:11).

Relationships, including the marriage relationship, need to be un-common and reflecting the relationship of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our children and children on our street need to see that our Christian couples truly love each other and serve each other out of reverence for Christ. Our own children have drawn a great sense of confidence, peace and a desire to live responsibly from the love they see between Sandra and I. That is the work of God — an uncommon relationship.

“Each of you must (sacrificially) love his wife…and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33)

Clean Sweep

2008-06-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

It was an exciting time! My first job assignment at the factory where my uncle was president included the sweeping of the wide aisles lined with pallets of product piled high. I was a high school student in Toronto and ready to start my first job. The job was simple in nature but massive in its scope as I tried to envision all of these wide aisles as clean and empty of anything that could prevent the free flow of product and machines.

It was obvious that workers inclined to be lazy could attempt to avoid hard work and take a sort-cut by sweeping some of the dirt under shelving units or stationery machines. However, I was eager to impress my department supervisor and co-workers so that I could be accepted as one of them. I worked hard to clean – exposing and removing every speck of dirt and grime that I could find. A completed task in relatively short time led to other assignments until I was receiving and shipping, even loading steel coils and other products by fork-lift truck onto boxcars of trains and waiting trucks. But, all of this started when I determined to not cover up the mess but expose and remove it as quickly as possible!

There is no short-cut to physical or spiritual cleaning! All spiritual dirt or sin must be exposed and removed to please God. Sin comes out of our hearts (Luke 7:20-23). Just as a company operates effectively when all dirt and trash is removed, a church or an individual person will live with fruitfulness, fulfillment, and with a transformative impact on others when he or she admits, exposes, and rejects all sin. This is possible each and every day with the help of God.

If you do not deal like this with sin in your life, both you and others around you will suffer unnecessary pain, frustration, and spiritual dry-ness. Your sin or mine can hinder or prevent God’s work in our whole church. Psalm 32 describes the awful struggles experienced by King David when he had covered up his sin and tried to live as if everything were all right. Finally, he admitted his sin; confessed it to God, and rejected ALL of his sin so that He might be totally clean inside. “I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity” (Psalm 32:5a). The story of Acts 5:1-11 in the Bible describes how one couple — Ananias and Sapphira --- tried to hide their real motives so that they could impress people in the church rather than pleasing God. They were dishonest with their church family and therefore dishonest with God. That is a dangerous thing.

To avoid or remove some very serious struggles and problems in your life and to help revitalize our church, we must come completely clean before God and His people. Heed the warning of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11:30-32. The Lord Jesus reminds us that we cannot worship pleasing to God until we express forgiveness and reconcile ourselves to one another. Are you angry, upset, or envious of someone else in our church or elsewhere? If you are, I urge you to meet with the other person or with the pastor as soon as you can. Meet in an attitude of love, humility and a desire to reconcile and honor God. Then, Jesus says, you can “…come and offer your gift…” (to God) Matthew 5:23-24.

In God’s sight, that will be a clean sweep!

Beyond The Green Line

2008-05-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

In a city where danger lurks on every street and around every corner, the Green Line represents the best possible protection and security. It is the border surrounding what is assumed to be the “safest’ area in the Iraqi city of Baghdad. As the reporters, officials and key leaders are inside the Green Zone, they feel reasonably safe — if that us possible in Baghdad. But, if one dares to advance beyond the green line, he instantly loses any security that he once possessed.

Life itself is like that. Normal life for each of us is filled with temptations that threaten to kill our spiritual vitality and lure us away from God. In ancient Egypt, a “…very handsome and well-built young man” named Joseph was threatened with a temptation (Genesis 39:6-7). It was a temptation as dangerous as an insurgent’s bomb. Joseph was a Hebrew young man in a foreign culture — a rising young leader blessed and empowered by God. He wisely lived inside the Green line — that is, trusting and fearing God, allowing the Lord to both empower him and keep him in a world of distractions and superficial attractions. To live as Joseph did is to put your faith in Jesus, the Son of God. The Green Zone for you would mean that “…your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3 NLT)

When urged by the wife of the Egyptian Potiphar to commit adultery, Joseph proved that he stayed inside the protection of God’s Green Line by saying to her: “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9b NIV). That is the secret to avoiding defeat in your daily life — stay inside God’s protection for you. Those who experience joy and also victory over temptations of all kinds are those who “fear the Lord” and who “...delight in doing what He commands” (Psalm 112:1, NLT). Joseph feared God much more than he feared other people. Therefore he was most concerned about pleasing God above all. Is this your priority?

If so, living beyond the green line will be fruitful and not frustrating for you!

Dancing With Trees

2008-05-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Dancing with trees! Was this some kind of joke? Someone described the action in the woods as appearing like dancing. MSN reported this rather strange activity performed by bears in the forest. I watched video clips of a bear looking around in a wooded area, as if to see if anyone else was watching. The bear approached a tree and then suddenly stood up on his hind legs. With his back facing the tree, this enormous bear begins a series of movements as he scratched his back using the trunk of the tree. Several other bears were also caught doing the same thing. The bears’ actions were like creative dancing movements, twisting and turning, the paws and shoulders moving up and down, in and out. It was a display of nature that reminded me of the awesome creativity of God!

Sheer delight in God’s handiwork enables the faithful seeker of God to “see and hear” “…the trees of the forest singing for joy” and the “rivers clapping their hands!” (Psalm 96:12, 98:8)

Wow! I thought that if any of God’s creatures have a reason to dance, it is certainly human beings. In the very first verse of the Bible, the word for create (bara) refers to the unique and exquisite variety that God displayed in making the world and everything in it. The word indicates the delight that God experiences in actually being God and acting as Creator. The word in Genesis 1:1 also means to bring new things into being (Revelation 21:5). It was God’s intention to create human beings who live in such a way as to express the color, richness, rhythm and relationship of the Divine Community — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

As one of Jesus’ first disciples, Peter envisioned the “dance” of life being continually expressed through the spiritual gifts of obedient Christ followers (I Peter 4:10). After receiving eternal life through faith in Christ, each of us has the enabling power of God to communicate His manifold or multi-splendor grace of God to the world. Bears may dance in private but we are called to dance for the glory of God (Psalm 150:4, Ephesians 2:10)

The Power of Listening

2008-05-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

“I’m all ears!” This is a phrase that has been often used in the past to convince someone that I am really focused on listening to what they want to say. It is often said that there is a good reason God gave us two ears and only one mouth. He wants us to listen twice as much as we speak.

Let’s face it. We are often so busy with activities and face so many demands in our lives that we react rather than respond. We say many words and avoid situations where there is silence. Even in a context of worship with others, our minds drift quickly from one thing to another.

God warns the leaders and people of Malachi’s day to listen: “Listen to me and take it to heart. Honor my name says the Lord God Almighty…” (Malachi 2:2a, NLT) But, it takes time to enlarge our listening capacity. The more we listen, the more blessed and encouraged we will be – drawing awesome spiritual resources from God’s deep well of salvation and joy that we can use to truly encourage those in need.

In I Samuel chapter 3, the young boy Samuel had to learn to listen to the voice of God. It was absolutely essential for living a life of purpose and mission. Samuel became one of God’s greatest leaders as a prophet because he learned to expand his ability to listen to God. On the fourth time that the Lord called, Samuel replied: “Yes, your servant is listening.” (I Samuel 3:10a,NLT) Are you listening?

Space Mountain Shakedown

2008-04-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Space mountain! I love hiking in the mountains! While joining the extra long line-up at Space Mountain ride in Disneyland, I thought that this ride would be fun a “piece of cake”. We had flown to San Diego and then traveled up to Orange County in 2005 so that I could speak on marriage at the wedding of Sandra’s sister, Jana. During this trip, we had a day to spend at Disneyland.

So, I joined our son, David and his wife Krysten on this popular ride, Space Mountain. Until now it had been a lot of fun. But, I was in for a jolt! Not long into the ride, I knew that I was in trouble. I prefer rides out in the open where I can see everything but this ride was in almost total darkness. Scattered dim lights simulated the stars in space. But, this ride had me shaking up and down, twisting and turning, stomach churning movements —that seemed like it was going on forever. The longer we shook down, the more my stomach contents rose up until….suddenly, there appeared a flash of light and then one final plunge down to the end of the ride and brilliant sunshine!

A camera snapped a photo of me – bulging eyes wide open – mouth wide open - and a frazzled expression that made it look as if I had just plunged from the heights without a parachute! My “loving” family laughed at me!

The experience reminds me of a group of people - male and female - who endured a shaky “ride” through a tunnel of darkness far greater than Space Mountain. The Bible describes it in Luke 23:44-45:

By this time it was noon and darkness fell across the whole land until

three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And, suddenly the thick

veil hanging in the temple was torn apart.

Imagine the turmoil they felt as the darkness engulfed the whole land where they stood watching Jesus die on the cross. But then came that glorious flash of light! The light of victory and triumph! The announcement of the angel beside the EMPTY tomb. “He isn’t here. He has risen from the dead!” (Luke 24:6 NLT)

Later, on the way to the village of Emmaus, two of them emerged completely from the darkness of despair into the light of life and freedom “…suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him” (Luke 14:31a, NLT). Take time to SEE Jesus in all His glory and live today in the light of His triumph over sin and death. Hallelujah, He is risen!

The Treadmill Triple

2008-04-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

This insight emerged from my experience with God on March 4 at the Alliance New Worker’s Retreat. Psalm 73:23-26 so impacted and refreshed me that I decided to put these words on a 3x5 card for memorization. On my first day back home, I returned to my gym exercise routine.

On my way to the cardio part of my work-out, I heard three voices call out “Stu”. They were all persons with whom I have been building a relationship. Immediately, I walked over to the treadmill section of the gym and jumped on a treadmill machine next to Jim. Jim is not a Christian. Noticing that I was carrying my card with Bible verses on it, he asked me, “Stewart, what have you got there?”

I replied: “These are Bible verses that I am memorizing.”

He pressed further. “What does it say?”

So, I read to him these words (praying that God would use them to reach his heart):

…I am always with you;

You uphold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

And afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in Heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

But God is the strength of my heart

And my portion forever! ((Psalm 73:23-26,NIV)

The conversation that followed gave me another opportunity to talk with Jim of what it meant to establish a faith relationship with God. It reminded me of three results that I can achieve just by running or walking on the treadmill—the treadmill triple!

It starts with the opportunity for me to gain better physical health and maintain a certain level of physical conditioning. Secondly, the treadmill run gave me the opportunity to memorize some of God’s word and strengthen my spiritual health. Thirdly, that recent experience gave me a tremendous opportunity to continue my witness to Jim and help increase his understanding of God when he was open to this “knock “of God on his heart.

So, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, be alert to opportunities God has for you as well. Look for these three ways to accomplish the “treadmill triple”!

The Friendship Store

2008-02-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Wal-Mart recently announced that their store in our neighborhood would be now open 24 hours a day. Their intention is to be available to their loyal customers whenever a need arises. Wow! 24 hour shopping!

Do I need this? I don’t think so. But, what I do need is the availability of a friend at any time, at all times, for 24 hours. Let’s call it “the friendship store.” It’s really our church family which God intends to be His listening ear, His seeing eye, His caring heart and His helping hands.

The Bible says that “a friend is loyal at all times, and a brother is born to help in time of need (Proverbs 17:17, NLT). The first place where you and I should be able to search for a true friend is in our church – the Church of Christ. Are you a true friend, willing to be there for someone in genuine need? “There are (false friends) who destroy each other but a real friend sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24, NLT).

You may find it difficult to get close to someone in your church. Such a person may not be acting as a friend to you. The answer to this is for you to draw closer to God and to ask Him to give you a heart of love for someone who seems unlovable to you. It starts with you and it starts with me – breaking down “walls” and restoring relationships for 24 hour service.

Richard Exley was correct:

A true friend is one who hears and understands when you share your

deepest feelings. He supports you when you are struggling. He corrects

you gently and with love when you err, and he forgives you when you

fail. A true friend prods you to personal growth, stretches you to full

potential. And, most amazing of all, he celebrates your successes as if

they were his very own.

God calls you and I to become such a friend – always. Your church family is intended by God to become a 24 hour “friendship store”. Are you ready to join?

Pastor Stewart

The Value of One Life

2008-01-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

“So, everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, (mature) in their relationship to Christ. I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.” (Colossians1:28-29 NLT)

A recent phone call from a former Afghanistan citizen prompted me to remember the great effort it took to get him really established in his Christian faith. My friend Hyatt Sahar had one of his extended family members in the government before the Soviet Union invaded his country in the 1980’s. Hyatt himself escaped to Canada and then experienced the greatest experience of his life – he invited Jesus into his heart. Along with a couple of my friends, I then became deeply involved in the journey of Hyatt to become a true disciple of Christ.

The moment Hyatt became a Christian, the battle for his faith became an intense spiritual marathon for all of us as it seemed often that Hyatt would eventually return to his former life. His own relatives turned against him and he felt threatened. Just when we thought that he had succeeded in his battle, he would explode from within –the flesh versus the Spirit seemed to rage unabated at times. Did I feel like quitting on Hyatt? Yes! But, my friends and I realized the crucial importance in encouraging a new Christian to grow in his relationship with the Lord Jesus. There were long nights, unexpected struggles, unplanned trips, continuous prayer, and wrenching struggles such as described by Paul in Colossians 1: 28-29 above.

When Hyatt called to tell me that he had seen me on the television program, “It’s a New Day”, he rejoiced as he remembered with me the faithfulness of God in his life. Hyatt has survived many battles as he adjusted to a new culture, a new faith, and new friends. Now an older man with children grown up and on their own, Hyatt is a vivid example to me why all the effort and prayer in the world are worth it to see one new Christian develop and grow into a deeper stronger disciple of Jesus. Will you consider who may be a new or young Christian in your area or in our church? Are you willing to pay the price this Christmas to see that person grow in his or her personal relationship with Jesus –a relationship that will help that person stand strong against the spiritual, social, and satanic attacks that are bound to come. In God’s sight, this is a greater Christmas gift that can never be wrapped except in the wrapping of your life in obedience to Him.

Steady in a Rocking Boat

2008-01-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30)

What a contrast! I was one of several kids in a small row boat beside the hulking Canadian navel ship in the harbor of my home town. A giant forest fire threatened to burn the whole town . In response , the Canadian government sent the navy ship to be on stand- by in case our whole town needed evacuation. We had rowed out to the ship anchored in the harbor just for some fun. A couple of navy guys decided to jump on our boat and then proceeded to rock the boat. It frightened and freaked me out. I knew the deep cold waters and what lurked down there. The boat was fun until someone rocked and threatened to over turn it. I was afraid of sinking!

Several years ago, I was the passenger in a plane flying over Toronto and our oldest son, David was the pilot. I was really enjoying the trip until David said: “Dad, would you like to fly the plane?” As he said it, the plane banked sharply to the left . It really scared me until the plane leveled off and I could take the rudder. What was my problem in both situations? Like the disciple Peter, I was guilty of looking at my circumstances instead of looking at Jesus.

Peter walked on the water while he looked at Jesus . “But when he saw the wind”…, he began to sink. The reality in life for each of us is that IF WE WOULD FOCUS OUR HEARTS ON THE LORD JESUS, we can keep our balance in a rocking boat or experience true inner peace on a shaky plane. In daily life, we will face many turbulent experiences . The question is: will we hold fast to God in the midst of the waves?

God's Fire in Me

2008-01-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

The air was cold and wet. The lower slopes leading to the mountains were rugged and large enough in scale to be intimidating. Nature itself overwhelmed! God’s creation was breathtaking as I hiked with three others along the path to the caves and hot springs on the slopes of Sulfur Mountain in Banff National Park.

When we arrived at the caves and approached the hot springs bubbling up from deep in the earth, the smell of sulfur suddenly became strong enough to block the smell of anything else. Now, I know why they call it Sulfur Mountain! I poked my finger into a bubbling stream. Despite the cold air, the emerging spring water was warm enough for a hot bath – but I was not about to try that! Columns of steam rose continuously into the air.

The hot springs of Banff remind me of the Word and the presence of God within me. In my recent quiet time with God, I mediated on the words of Jeremiah 20. It is easy to identify with Jeremiah when he feels so weary, worn, and beaten that he wishes that he had not been born (Jeremiah 20:14). Jeremiah, the prophet of God, felt like not speaking any more for God. But Jeremiah says, If I tried to quit on God, I could not do it because…

“…His word is in my heart like a fire,

a fire shut up in my bones.

I’m weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:9)

I challenge you to examine your own heart. Are you taking any time to memorize verses from God’s word. Are YOU taking time to feed on God’s word. Do you take sufficient time with the Lord, expressing your love for Him. If you have trusted in Jesus as your Savior, then God has called you to witness of Him and represent Him to our community and world just as Jeremiah was called. When you are growing as a Christian, a true disciple of Christ, His word and presence in you will feel like a fire within. Then, you will be energized and motivated to make our Savior known. In Jeremiah’s words, you and I will be able to say with confidence…”the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior (Jeremiah 20:12a).

Like the hot springs of Banff, let God’s fire within you burn hot even when the winds of unbelievers around you blow cold. Be mighty and be hot for God, confirming God’s fire within you! In this way, you will not let the surrounding cold unbelief take away your fire. Instead, God’s fire in you will ignite God’s fire in them –bringing others to a relationship with Jesus, the beginning of developing healthy followers for God. This is God’s call for us and for FFAC.

Flying Lessons

2008-01-09T08:17:00.001-08:00

“Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened…The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them and because they had seen the child…” (Luke 2:16-20, NLT)

In a mighty effort, the geese flap their wings and fly in a “V” formation while honking at the same time. Scientists have learned that as each one flaps their wings, they create an uplifting draft for the next bird. That enables each bird to fly with the flock and ensures that no bird is left behind. Apparently, by flying in a V formation, the geese increase their flying range by over 70 % than if each goose was flying by itself. Flying this way reduces drag and increases a smoother flight through the air. When the lead bird get weary, it drops back into the back and another bird takes it place facing the headwinds.

Imagine how each of us can take turns facing headwinds for one another this Christmas season. It is God’s intention that we “fly” together, encourage one another, and together communicate the glorious news of our savior’s birth – Immanuel, God with us! That is exactly how the shepherds responded after they had met Jesus, the Savior (Luke 2:17-20)

The word for “told” in Luke 2:17 is the Greek word from which we get our word for phone or telephone. The word is clear: If you and I are true followers of Jesus our Savior, our response is to imitate the shepherds, spread the word together as a church family. Like all healthy churches, we need to fly in “V” formation.

In flying, attitude is vital. When I was flying with my son, David, the attitude of the plane was adjusted for take-off. In a plane, “attitude” is the angle of the plane’s nose in relation to the horizon. If the attitude is set too high, the plane would stall and crash. If it is set too low, the plane would never gain altitude. For FFAC to “fly” successfully for God, its people like you and I need to adjust our attitude – not too high (pride) or too low (greed).

Instead, let’s set our sights on the level of the Savior and tell those you meet: God has come to us – He has given us His Son, Jesus to be our Savior. (Colossians 3:1)

Flying Lessons

2008-01-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

Instead, let’s set our sights on the level of the Savior and tell those you meet: God has come to us – He has given us His Son, Jesus to be our Savior. (Colossians 3:1)

Pumping Up the Mattress

2007-11-18T14:37:00.001-08:00

Have you ever tried to pump up a deflated, limp mattress? Having done a lot of camping with my family, I have had to do this many times. It takes a strong effort and the will to persevere even when some air escapes as you are pumping it into the mattress. Putting air into the mattress gives strength and firmness to it so that you can sleep comfortably on it.

The idea of putting STRENGTH INTO the mattress is like one important part of biblical ENCOURAGEMENT. One crucial meaning of encouragement is to “STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART.” Many of us experience times of weakness OR lack of courage to face someone or something. It is then that God uses His word and usually someone else to put strength into your heart – to inflate you or empower you with the courage to live, succeed, and to instill strength into another person for the good of the church and for the glory of God.

In 1 Samuel 23:16, the Bible says that “…Jonathan traveled to Horesh to help David find STRENGTH in God.” David felt very low as King Saul, who sought to kill him, continuously pursued him. David felt weary, weak, and losing some of his will to live. But Jonathan risked his own life, paying the price to encourage or put strength into David’s heart at a most crucial time. It was God who worked in a powerful way through Jonathan and it God who want to work in the same way IN and THROUGH you to encourage another – TO PUT “AIR” INTO THE HEART OF A PERSON.

Be a “Jonathan” to someone near you today!

Discovering Lasting Peace

2007-11-18T14:35:00.001-08:00

Discovering Peace is like searching for the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Many people never find it. To change metaphors, Peace – real peace – is like a promising mirage that looks so good but dissipates into nothing as we get closer. One popular means of searching for personal peace and satisfaction is to grab the latest gadget. Usually, it claims to be the greatest tool for better, clearer communication and entertainment. Now, the iphone is about to compete with the ipod, blackberry, and the cell phone. I see people plugged into an ipod or cell phone while they shop with 2 kids in the cart or while working out at the gym plus rushing through a magazine at the same time. Yet, they seem as lonely, stressed or worried as ever. As I said in my last “ENCOURAGER”, worry is distracting, devouring (eats at you from within), and doubting (ultimately, doubting God’s ability or desire to help you).

What, then, is the answer to unrelenting stress and worry?

The answer is PEACE. Jesus promised that the peace that He offers is not popular easy come-easy go peace of the world but a real life changing peace that come from God (my paraphrase, John 14:27) The peace of Jesus can replace your every fear. One dictionary defines peace as “tranquility of mind, mental calmness, and absence of war.” But, the Bible defines peace in two important ways. Peace is actually harmony in relationship with God. This peace WITH God then empowers you to relate in peace and harmony with others. This comes from a transformation of your heart when you trust by faith in Jesus who gave His life for you on a cross. (Romans 5:1)

If you will invite Jesus, who is peace, into your heart, He’ll transform your heart and –if you let Him, He’ll become the new director (Lord) of your life (Ephesians 2:14). Instead of trying to find peace and fulfillment on your own, invite God to be your peace. The Bible also defines peace as Shalom—a Hebrew word meaning completeness or wholeness. It is the opposite of feeling torn in all directions. In the midst of trying, turbulent circumstances, God will cause peace, wholeness, and joy to well up within you when your mind is FIXED on Him(Isaiah 26:3) This is the peace OF God which you’ll experience after you have chosen peace WITH God .

Now that you know about the Peace WITH God and the peace OF God, you can defeat worry and stress in your life by these 5 steps:

• CHOOSE NOT TO WORRY. Ask God to help you in EVERY circumstance.
But, ask God in complete trust and faith with gratitude. Let God resolve the problem HIS way, not yours. (Philippians 4:6-7)

• PUT GOD FIRST IN ALL YOU DO. Jesus said that God will meet ALL your real needs IF you let God have first place in your life and seek to please Him in everything (Matthew 6:21,32).

• PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. In Philippians 4:6-7, God calls us to live in a continuous attitude of prayer. Invite God into your job, your marriage, your family and your leisure activity. Then, see the incredible difference when you invite Jesus into your life wherever you go. George McCauslin experienced an awesome breakthrough over his anxiety and stress. He realized that he was trying to run his own life with the world on his shoulders. Finally, one day, George wrote a prayer in writing and said: “Dear God, I hereby resign as general manager of the universe, love George.” He laughed: “God accepted my resignation. Identify your specific worries. List them on paper and give them over to God and let Him work for you (I Peter 5:7). He cares for you more than you know.

• PRACTISE A GRATITUDE ATTITUDE (I Thessalonians 5:18) A grateful mind is much lighter and refreshing than the (heavy load) negative, complaining mind! Let Jesus be your peace!

(Invite your friends and your pastor/church leaders to read this, too and the entire web site!) Contact me at revstewart@hotmail.com

Expression or Explosion

2007-11-18T14:34:00.001-08:00

Have you ever left a can full of pop in extreme heat for too long? If you have, you know the outcome. An explosion of its contents probably scattered over a wide area!

Since we recently observed “Fathers Day”, it is appropriate to remember the words of Paul in the first century A.D. when he, under the inspiration of God, cautioned and encouraged Dads:

“… do not exasperate (Provoke) your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, NIV). The word “exasperate” essentially means: ‘DON’T AROUSE THE MIND OR EMOTIONS TO AN EXTREME’. It is like pressure building up in a pop can or like pressing a substance between two solid ends. The greater the pressure without an outlet, the more likely a big explosion! Addressing conflict between fathers and their sons and daughters, Paul calls dads not to push their children over the edge or to an extreme. Sometimes, we can say something or do something that adds to the pressure inside our children because we have not been sensitive to their emotions and struggles. What then, is the solution?

Trust God to help you to raise spiritually healthy children --rooted or firmly planted in Jesus. Ephesians 6:4 says …”Bring them up in the TRAINING and INSTRUCTION of the Lord”. “Training” comes from a word meaning “discipline” or correction. This is a boundary, a fence, or a channel in which your children can grow. It is the opposite of letting your children do as they want. That would teach many children to be wild, selfish, and irresponsible. “Instruction” comes from a word meaning “to put in the mind”. The full meaning is to put or teach God’s word to your children. Fill their minds with the truth of God when they are young. When you model, practice, and teach God’s word to your children, His word will act as a boundary, a healthy boundary to protect your children from the wild extremes so obvious in the streets, televisions, and internet of our communities.

Whenever you are guilty of provoking your child “over the edge”, remind yourself of Paul’s word’s in Ephesians 6:4. Then ask God to help you create an encouraging atmosphere in your family so that your children will choose expression over explosion!

Winning The War: Replacing Impatience with Patience

2007-11-18T14:33:00.001-08:00

KNOWING OUR ENEMY: Impatience robs us of Joy. It prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God’s joy and from growing intimately with Jesus. In common with worry and anger, Impatience grabs control over us when we lose our focus on Christ and look only at ourselves and circumstances. Impatience steals joy from our church when it prevents us from encouraging and deeply caring for one another To quote Dallas Willard:

“ Many well meaning (persons)…cannot succeed in being kind because they are too rushed to get things done. Haste has worry, fear, and anger as close associates; it is a deadly enemy of kindness, and hence of love.”

DISCOVERING OUR DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD: The only way to win over impatience is to cultivate the two side of PATIENCE . Like a sharp double-edged sword, Patience will prove to be our all powerful weapon which can help us win over the damaging effects of our rushed and impatient life styles.

SIDE 1: Makrathumia –the ACTIVE edge of the patience “sword” It means to be [LARGE] in self-restraint or control.

It is used of God….”THE Lord is PATIENT with you, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9)
It is used of people…” Be patient…until the coming of the Lord” (James 5:7)

SIDE 2: Hupomeno— the PASSIVE edge of the patience “sword’

It means to [abide under] or a willingness to bear [hardship or criticism] for Christ.
“all men will hate you because of me but he who stands firm (patiently endures) to the end will be saved. (Matt. 10:22)
“Be PATIENT in affliction (Rom.12:12) /”love always PERSEVERES (I Cor 13:7)
“ A patient (person) has great [understanding] … Prov. 14:29

C. DETERMINING THE STEPS TO REPLACING IMPATIENCE WITH PATIENCE

[YIELD MYSELF] DAILY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18)

---more literally, be full of what the Holy Spirit produces—spiritual fruit such as PATIENCE or long-suffering. (Galatians 5:22)

* WAIT ON [GOD’S TIMING] (I Samuel 13:13)
Refusal to wait is to act foolishly—the word Foolish means to lack [moral and spiritual sense]

* REFLECT ON GOD’S NATURE ( James 5:7)
-“The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (Ja 5:7)
- Focus on God’s character (Psalm 103:8-13) increases my [faith and patience]

REMEMBER [THE RESULTS] OF MY PATIENCE ( James 5:7, 11)
“See how the farmer waits… /”you have heard of Job’s perseverance and what the Lord finally brought about (James 5:7b, 11b)

--REWARDS of the farmer’s patience—[great harvest]
--REWARDS of Job’s patience---- [life of blessings]

FAN THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL AND KEEP THE [EMBERS OF PATIENCE] ALIVE (Romans 15: 5-6, 13)

“…I pray that God ,who gives you hope, will keep you (joyful) and full of peace as you believe in Him.” (Romans 15:13a, NLT )
keep reviewing God’s word (Romans 15:4)

DEVELOP THE DISCIPLINE OF [STILLNESS] (Psalm 37:7)

--“Be STILL and wait patiently for the Lord”

BUILD [STRUCTURAL FORMS ] FOR PATIENCE AND ALLOW GOD TO

FILL THEM.
--develop habits that will assist you in becoming more patient

Winning over Worry

2007-11-18T14:30:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas season has arrived. What is your response to this statement? My guess is that you feel hurried, stressed out, and weary because you are probably thinking of the “demands” of Christmas. Is that what Christmas is all about? No, it has nothing to do with the REAL Christmas.

For many, Christmas is about gifts. If I were to ask you about the best gift that you would desire, what would it be? My guess is that such a gift could not be wrapped in brightly colored paper. The gift that you desire is JOY. If that is true for you, then I have Great news for you! The central fact of Christmas is that God loves you so much that He sent his Son, Jesus, into this world to offer you everlasting joy. Jesus was born into this world at exactly the right time so that through faith in Him, you might experience Joy that triumphs over all circumstances. (Luke 2:10-11)

However, there are robbers lurking around you that threaten to rob you of this great gift called JOY. One of these robbers is called “Worry”. Are you a worry-wart? Do you worry all the time or some of the time? Bishop Taylor Smith once wrote a poem with these words:

“The worried cow would have lived till now
If she had saved her breath;
But she feared her hay wouldn’t last all day,
And she mooed herself to death.”

The above words illustrate the difference between genuine concern leading to proper action and worry over a possible future event about which we have no control. Worry is a robber that arises out of our sinful fallen human nature and can cause heart problems, ulcers, pre-mature aging, illness, and even a shorter life. Jesus was warning about the dangers of worry when He said: “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not!” (Matthew 6:27 NLT) Instead, Jesus encourages you to let Him guide you daily and to trust Him for EVERY need that you have. (Matt6:33)

To defeat Worry, you need to identify it. In this way, you can turn that worry quickly over to God BEFORE it can control and cripple you . Look for 3 marks of identification:

1) WORRY IS DISTRACTION. In Matthew 6:25, the word Jesus uses for worry means ---to be drawn in different directions at once. Does that describe the way you feel so often at Christmas time? You are distracted from worshipping God. You are distracted from serving others and meeting their needs. You need to focus you life by first focusing your mind on God. God will give you the experience of spiritual, mental, and emotional peace IF your mind (thoughts) are focused or fixed on Him (Isaiah 26:3,NLT)
2) WORRY IS DEVOURING. Our English word “worry’ comes from an old anglo-saxon word “WOLF” which means to devour. If you worry, it devours you or eats at you from within. If you feel that churning in the pit of your stomach, remember that if God provides for little birds (they don’t worry), you can be sure that He will provide for you. (Matthew 6:26) Talk to Jesus about whatever bothers you, then live by faith and TRUST Him.
3) WORRY IS DOUBTING: When you doubt, you are not believing that God will (or is able to) supply your needs and that of others. God does not expect you to sit around and do nothing. Even the birds look for food. But, as you work and act in faithful dependence on Him daily, your needs will be supplied (Matthew 6:33)
This Christmas, receive God’s gift of joy through faith in Jesus. Fix your mind on Jesus and He will give you peace---peace of God, the basis of JOY! Next month, I will share some awesome truth about personal peace. For now, trust God to enable you to experience His JOY and win over worry.

(Invite your friends and your pastor/church leaders to read this, too and the entire web site!) Contact me at revstewart@hotmail.com

Turn Pain into Gain

2007-11-18T14:27:00.001-08:00

For many people , Life is a pain . Believe it or not, that can be a very good thing. Before I explain that statement, let’s note some kinds of pain and how people deal with it. You may have physical, mental, emotional, or psychological pain /hurt in your life. Your pain may ebb and flow like tides on a beach. Someone wrote to me saying: “Pastor Brown: I am a member of the sandwich generation. Sometimes, it feels like a submarine sandwich—so full of stuff that I feel like I am sinking—straight to the bottom……I am overwhelmed in my life.” Can you identify with this person? How are you responding to pain in your life?

In response, Many people try to kill the pain or cover it up. Some will fill up on legal drugs and medicines. Others will try illegal drugs and go the escape route. Excessive drinking, partying, sports, and all kinds of entertainment are used by others. Pervasive use of a wide variety of communication devices permit an epidemic of pornography use in one attempt that some use to cover or ignore pain of all kinds. The result is greater damage to the user and his /her negative influence on others. In an interview quoted in The GLOBE AND MAIL newspaper, May22, 2004, Hugh Hefner admitted that his Playboy entertainment empire evolved from the pain of “rejection and repression”…in his childhood.

But, what can you do in response to your “pain”? Let me encourage you so that you can encourage others. Pain or trial provides us with a great opportunity. In the Bible, God addresses early disciples of Jesus: “Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything!” (James 1:2-4,NLT) Joy is a rock solid trust and dependence on God as you depend on Him for all things so that He might make you more Christ-like in your character. As you experience pain, release it continually back to God so that He can turn your pain into gain! Prior to becoming king of Israel, David wrote: “In my [pain] I cried out to my God(Psalm 18:6)”. When you focus on God instead of the pain, it becomes an opportunity for you to grow into a spiritual champion for God. Joseph was a man who grew and accomplished enormous things through much pain because He focused on God .He also deeply believed that God was constantly at work accomplishing a greater work not only in him but in a whole nation.(Genesis 50:20)

Clarence suffered the pain of a heart attack. He could have been angry with God or become depressed. But, Clarence survived that attack by the mercy of God. In response, He determined to give others a “second chance. He took leave from his work, raised a great deal of money in various Newfoundland communities so that two orphanages, schools, and a home for married students in a Bible college could be built in Zambia, Africa. The school was called the “Newfoundland Agape School”. Of course, “Agape” refers to God’s supreme love for us as expressed the death and resurrection of Jesus. Clarence’s pain was turned into enormous gain for hundreds of poor people and students . What can God do with your pain? If you release your pain by faith over to the Lord Jesus Christ, He can use you to comfort, encourage, and minister to others in ways beyond your imagination! (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) What an awesome prospect!

The Cookie Principle

2007-11-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

A five year old girl named Lori begins to explain life to her new born brother , Alex. In an article entitled, “The Cookie principle”, Psychologist Robert Currie presents the picture of a young girl who sees her mom and dad as grown-ups who don’t know what they want and can’t make decisions. She sees her mom as someone who doesn’t know what to make for dinner nor what to wear in the morning. Lori sees her dad as a grown –up who sits in his chair with “his ‘mote control and changes channels all the time. He doesn’t know what he wants. Little Lori says:

“Daddy listened to a tape . The man on the tape said people who are ‘cessful figure out what they want and go after it. In that case, I’m going to be real ‘cessful ‘cause I REALLY WANT a cookie.”

In this story, Currie defines the “Cookie Principle” as this: you are most likely to get your cookie if you really want it. The stronger your desire and the sharper your focus, the more likely you’ll achieve success.

Israel’s greatest king, David, applied the truth of the cookie principle in how he lived life. The Bible tells us that even though David’s sins were obvious, so was his passion for wanting, seeking and loving God. His passion was deep and his focus was sharp— He thirsted after God (Psalm 42:1). He wrote: “ONE thing I ask of the Lord , THIS is what I seek…(Psalm 27:4a). How deep is your desire for God? How much do you want intimacy with God? If you thirst, hunger and seek after God, you will not only “find” Him but discover awesome delights of walking in oneness with him. That is why David could speak of the “overflowing cup” in his life (Psalm 23:5) Directed by the Holy Spirit of God, a man named Paul wrote: “Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead , I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3;13-14).

Do you know what you want? Focus your desire on deepening your relationship with God and desire nothing less than God’s purpose and God’s best for you. What is God’s best for you? It is: to influence others and encourage them into a faith relationship with Jesus. God’s cookie principle – taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8)

Healthy Relationships

2007-11-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

Jesus, by His teaching and example, revealed a threefold plan for transforming sincere inquirers into His authentic followers and passionate church members. Life is all about relationships. Healthy ones are required to live life with passion and conviction. Jesus illustrated the necessity for healthy relationships in the church by telling a story recorded in Matthew 18:21-35. It began with the disciple Peter, perhaps thinking that he was really compassionate, asking: “Lord, how often should I forgive my brother – seven times?” This was considerably more than the traditional teaching of the rabbis to forgive three times. Jesus must have shocked Peter by replying: “No, not seven times but seventy times seven.” In other words, “Peter, you keep on forgiving!” Why? Because god your heavenly Father keeps on forgiving you. Jesus reinforces this truth by telling about a man hopelessly in debt. In our currency today, it would be millions of dollars. Knowing and admitting his desperate need, the man seeks the mercy of his master, promising to repay the debt. Knowing that the man can never repay, the master was moved with compassion (27). This is the same word found in Matthew 9:36 where Jesus says the people are like sheep without a shepherd. Forgiveness is a central theme here – central to our relationship with Christ and with one another. Forgiveness in this Mathew passage has three shades of meaning:

1. Forgiveness means to cancel the debt of another and then pay the cost yourself. This is what the master did and, of course, what god the Father has done for us in Christ his Son.

2. Forgiveness can mean to lift up and carry away. If we are abiding in Jesus, He will enable us to lift one another’s burdens and carry them away.

3. Forgiveness can also refer to release from bondage. Many Christians are living in various forms of bondage – to resentment, jealousy, lust, alcohol, fears and insecurities. Open your life to receive the full forgiveness of god. Fully released and forgiven Christians like you will radically change your church to attract newcomers who will become passionate participants touching the world! All three meanings ought to be lived out of our lives in relation to others. In this story, the indebted man did not allow God’s forgiveness to transform his own life. Therefore, he had no forgiveness to offer others. He could not welcome and embrace others as true friends. John and Mary Smith (not their real names, although this is a true story.) lost their only son when he was killed by a drunk driver. They became angry and bitter toward the drunk driver. John and Mary were professing believers in Jesus and members of a local church. Yet, they pursued Ken at every court appearance. Ken was sentenced to prison but was released after a short time. After he was released, John and Mary realized that their bitterness toward Ken and their lack of forgiveness was not helping Ken and was destroying them. After restoring their relationship with God, they decided to forgive the man who killed their only son. First, they invited him to their church. Then, they began inviting him to meals at their home. Eventually, Ken became a regular in their home. This act of love and forgiveness transformed Ken until he himself made a commitment to God and regularly worshipped with them. It takes such costly forgiveness to restore and cultivate healthy relationships in your family, in your church and, ultimately, in your community. You must see the other person as God sees him. You need to experience the heart of God for the person whom you find difficult to love.

The above is an excerpt from Stewart's new book, Feeling at Home in God's Family, pp. 7-9. If you wish the book, ask your local bookstore to order it in.