Impact Your Life

Tonight at our Breakthru service, I shared a message on Jesus, focusing on who He said that He was, and who we say He is. I thought I would continue that line of thought in my post tonight, only looking at it through the letter , Paul sent to the Colossians.

Jesus is all in all. Christ and Christ alone! He can not be added to or taken from. We need nothing more and nothing less, for our salvation, for our lives. Paul clearly and boldly reminds the Colossians and us of the Supremacy of Christ “He is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation. For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have supremacy.” [1:15-18] With many outside influences and powers competing for our devotion, when we are tempted and wooed to consider a better option, the word and witness of the spirit reminds us that Jesus is the only answer, the only way, the only one who is completely adequate in and for all of life’s situations.

I remember before I was a Christian trying to find that thing that would complete me, entertaining every offer, exploring every option, for the one thing that would fill the void, for the best answer to all of life’s questions. Some options provided a few answers, but not all; some things filled the void in part or for a moment, but then ultimately left me empty. There was nothing the world could offer; there was no philosophy that fit, no religious order or rule that made me feel victorious, and it was not until I found the fullness of the Truth of Christ that I found completion. I am complete in Christ, which means as it did for the Colossians, there is nothing else I need – no more you can offer – for I am full! "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” [2:9-10]

It is integral that we know what we believe and in whom we believe. If individuals are not grounded in the truth of Christ, in the foundations of the faith it will be easy for them to be tempted and drift from the true Gospel. It is a slow fade, a subtle compromise that can lead to one’s downfall. Paul knew this and so did the heretics and religious rulers of the day. So Paul wrote this letter to encourage them and remind them of the Supremacy of Christ, to help firm up their spiritual foundations so that they could stand strong against those who were preying on their newly found faith. "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” [2:2-4] This letter again brings me back to those Christian students who are heading off to University, where they will be prey for the philosophers, heretics, and worldly rulers. Unless they have been brought up by strong pillars of the faith, with a firm foundation in Christ, and been allowed to ultimately prove and discover their faith, establishing with certainty what they believe and in whom, they will fall and fall hard, under the onslaught they experience outside their Christian bubble. They need the example; encouragement and teaching that will guide them to a saving faith in Christ for themselves. Then the support, prayer, mentoring and teaching that will help them to grow and stand firm in that faith. But I digress…

I love how Paul once again balances our faith in Christ with our response to Christ as outlined in Chapters 3 & 4. The Supremacy of Christ, our salvation through Christ, our relationship with Christ should have an everyday impact on how we live our lives. Jesus is not only the Saviour of our life; He is Lord of our way of life. Our relationship with Jesus creates in us a desire to follow His commands, a yearning to be transformed into His likeness and that is reflected in our relationship with others. Dare I suggest that the health of our relationship with God is reflected in our relationship with others?

When I had finished speaking tonight, a young gentlemen came up to me and as we were talking  he shared a great truth. The best proof we have for the validity of our faith, is for others to simply experience Jesus for themselves.  Encourage them to test the scriptures, pray, ask questions and seek God, cause if they do, they will find Him. If they test His promises they will find them to be trust worthy, if they experience Jesus for themselves, they will never turn away, they will believe in Him and live for Him, experiencing the abundant life He prepared and promised.

Reflecting on 1 Chronicles

Reading the book of 1 Chronicles, there were a number of verses that caught my attention, and demanded further reflection.

The overall theme of reaping and sowing, consequences of obedience and disobedience is evident throughout the book of Chronicles. It is however, tempered with a sense of hope found in the mercy and grace of God, which allows for repentance and the forgiveness of sins. Hope too is found in the understanding that God is in control – God will be faithful to His promises. Though kings and Israelites sin and face punishment, God’s promises, specifically those with regards to David’s kingdom remain.

There are a number of times, when a call is given to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid or discouraged – it is verse 28:20 that so eloquently sets forth the hope filled charge “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you...” Verse 21:13 implies of the mercy and grace of God when David said to Gad “Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” I love this verse, and upon further reflection, it is evident that even against the backdrop of the consequences and punishments of disobedience, there is an incredibly deep beautiful truth in the realization that the worst that God has for those who love Him is still better than the best the world can offer.

Yet another great lesson is found in Chapter 5, verse 2 “…because they cried out to Him during battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted him.” The emphasis on God answering the prayers of His people seems to rest on our submission and trust. God cannot bring victory to us if we do not include Him in the battle; secondly victory will not come if we do not Trust God enough to let Him have control of it.

Finally the one specific verse that resonated with me perhaps most of all is found in chapter 28:9 “…for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.” God is not looking for religious peons, He is searching for willing servants dedicated to loving Him with whole-hearted devotion, and He knows the difference between the facades of our actions and the sincerity of our motives. Continuing in this theme verse 29:17 says “I know my God that you test the heart, and are pleased with integrity.” Love it! 

I'LL HAVE YOU...

I gave up TV for Lent. However, the 40 days of lent, leading up to Easter do not include Sundays.  Instead on Sundays, you break from your fast in order to celebrate and feast, rejoicing in Christ's victory over death. Well my Sunday is Tuesday, because my TV feast includes a generous portion of the show LOST!

Currently in it's sixth season, I have held firm to my belief since season 1 that this show has to do with faith and is strongly tied to the Christian faith. This promo picture from ABC, (1 of 3, ads used to provide clues/hints into the final season), certainly helped to cement that belief, though I would consider their depiction of the last supper to be sacrilegious.  While the show incorporates themes of Quantum Physics, which I believe could make sense, given that God is inside and outside of time, and perhaps there are some subtle possible hints of reincarnation, I maintain that the overall themes are faith, sacrifice, grace and redemption, the same major themes that serve as the foundations of my Christian faith.

The very best episode of LOST over the last 6 seasons aired this past Tuesday.  Entitled "Dr. Linus",  this episode presented one of the strongest cases for Christian allegory, not to mention one of the most powerful and moving shows ever.   LOST is so deep, involved, and intelligently comprised of subtle hints and facts that I could not do it justice with just a brief overview.  As a result I am simply going to point out some of the obvious parallels to my faith from the last episode, keeping it brief with  just enough to whet your appetite.

Jacob the central figure, whom most of the cast has placed their faith in, was recently killed, leaving his followers feeling hurt, confused, abandoned and even lied to.  All they had believed in and put their hopes in was now gone.  Their dreams, the purpose and plan He said they each had, seemed to die with Him.  This left them feeling deceived, disappointed, frustrated and angry with Jacob. I can't help but think this is at least in part, how the disciples might have initially felt when Jesus died on the cross.  

Like Jesus, Jacob returned, but revealing himself only to Hurley.  Jacob is guiding Hurley, giving him directions, using him to guide the others to their ultimate purpose, a purpose  they have the choice to walk in or deny.

Richard, one of Jacob's followers, who was touched by him and seemingly blessed with immortality (which he now considers a curse), was dejected after Jacob's death, and ultimately found himself at the point of losing his faith.  However ,in an important turn or events, Jack  tells Richard as they sit with a stick of dynamite burning between them, that he knows he won’t die, because Jacob’s been watching him and brought him to the island.  This is a pretty large shift in belief for Jack, who’s never been a man of FAITH, but a man of science (a doctor). I recently read a post by Chris Seay, author of the gospel according to LOST, who noted how Jack's new found "tremendous faith" restores that of the desperate Richard Alpert, adding, "if you haven't been in Richard Alpert's shoes [feeling hopeless and abandoned by God], you likely haven't been living the life of faith very long."

LOST SEASON 6 EPISODE 7 CLIP 5

The most powerful theme of the this week's episode is that of forgiveness and redemption.  Ben Linus, who killed his own daughter to protect the island and then killed Jacob, is tempted by who ever has taken over John Locke's body (evil/the devil).  Ben is invited by Locke, to take charge of the island.  A great offer since all Ben has ever wanted, is to be in a position of power. Yet the offer seems futile, considering the fact that he is shackled and digging his own grave, about to be shot, by one of Jacob's followers, Ilana, for having killed him.  Just like that,  Locke frees Ben from his shackles, and he makes a run for freedom, Ilana chasing after him.  Ben enters the jungle and grabs the rifle, which Locke told him would be leaning against the tree, and turns pointing it a Ilana.  Here was Ben's chance to kill Ilana and join John Locke, taking charge of the island, instead he broke down and explained to Ilana, why he did what he did.  Ben expressed remorse, and confessed that He was sorry that He killed Jacob out of anger, confusion and fear. He did not expect to be forgiven, because he could never forgive himself.  The dialogue that followed next left me in tears.

"Then what do you want?" said Ilana. To which Ben replied "just let me leave."  "Where will you go?" she asked. "To Locke" Ben replied. "Why?" she questioned.  Ben answered, weeping "because He's the only one that will have me".  It was Ilana's last words that set Ben free "I'll have you" at that she walked away and Ben followed her, turning his back on John Locke.  Ben now a new man, forgiven and free!

His confession and repentance, broke the hold Locke had over him and Her love and forgiveness on behalf of Jacob, snatched him out of the clutches of the enemy and restored him to community.

There are so many more Christian subtexts in this episode, let alone the series.  Far too many to address in this post.  Do I know for certain how it will all turn out - that LOST will ultimately end in supporting the foundational truth of Christianity? Nope, but no matter how it ends, the themes addressed over the last 6 seasons have at least served as great jumping off points for amazing discussions with people of various beliefs, and understandings, and have been a fabulous non-confrontational way to introduce the foundations of my faith.

If you missed last Tuesday's episode or any from season 6 you can watch them all free online here at ctv.ca LOST

With regards to the promo photo above, I think those on the right end up being redeemed while those on the left reject redemption. There are 13 people, which means fake Locke is eliminated, putting perhaps Jack in his place. That being said, there are subsequent 2nd and 3rd photos, where some of the characters have switched places. ;)

SPOILER ALERT - next week's episode is called  “Ab Aeterno” which is Latin for, “Since the beginning of time.” hmmm...Alpha and Omega - begining and the end...hmmmm....

Who Do You Look Down Upon

Obadiah is a small book in the bible with only 1 chapter of 21 verses but within those few words is a great lesson to be learned.

The enemies of the Israelites, the Edomites, were about to be removed from their lofty positions both proverbially and literally. Their pride, arrogance and vengeance, and historical feud with the Israelites, would be their demise.

Proverbs 6:17 clearly states that "God detests haughty eyes”; and the self-righteous, self-centered, and self-sufficient attitudes of the Edomites were examples of just that. Sitting high above the Israelites, in the cracks of the mountains as though they themselves were Lords, the Edomites, exalted themselves, taking delight in the Israelites failure. This displeased God, because the Edomites, as descendants of Esau were related to the Israelites and as a result should have been helping them. Instead, because they mistreated the Israelites, capturing them and turning them over to the Babylonians, they were going to be repaid for they way they treated God's people. The Edomites were going to face judgment and punishment.""There will be no survivors from the house of Esau”. The Lord has spoken.”” [1:18]

We can all heed the warning found in verse 1:12 “You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble” remembering “as you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head” [1:15]

The book of Obadiah serves as a brilliant example and reminder of how we should never place ourselves above anyone, understanding that it is God who is Lord of us all. How quickly positions can be exchanged, when the one who was atop the pinnacle is now sitting in the valley.

I Can Appreciate an Honest Doubter

I was privileged to spend time with a friend over coffee today, having great discussions about all sorts of things. We engaged in a fabulous discussion on God's word, tackling some difficult topics. I enjoy it when people have questions about God, when they question what they have heard, in attempts to understand the truth for themselves. Whenever I am trying to discern the validity of a biblical teaching I resort to prayer and Wesley's quadrilateral.  I test what I've heard against scripture first, then reason - looking at the logic, then my experience, followed by tradition.   While not perfect or the total answer in understanding God's word, it has served me well, keeping me from potential false prophets, or misguided teachings, while solidifying my faith in God's truth.  There is nothing wrong with asking questions, God is big enough to take it.  We want to get to a place where our faith is strong enough to handle it. If we have an open mind, a heart to receive the answers, and the desire to seek the truth, questions can go a long way to complimenting our personal experiences and drawing us closer to God.

I recall having read a book by Shirley Guthrie on Christian Doctrine for one of my courses.  It was a good book that held some wisdom when it comes to understanding God's word.

“Jesus Christ is the clearest revelation of who God is and what God promises and wills for faithful Christian life. Therefore all scripture is to be interpreted in light of “what Christ Jesus himself did and commanded”. A poignant principle not only for the study of theology and interpretation of scripture but also for the living out of our faith in practical terms, knowing that Jesus Christ is the example of what God wills for the life of the faithful Christian.

“Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9) “Jesus Christ is to be served and obeyed: above nation, above generally accepted ethical and religious values, above family, above economic prosperity – above everything else” Simple concept, that all our Christian creeds and confessions are rooted in and yet we as Christians struggle in living out this truth. As I say this I am at the same time considering another powerful question Guthrie presented in her book, “When we criticize and disagree with the church’s teaching at this or that point, how can we be sure that we are really doing it in obedience to Christ or scripture and not just an expression of our own biases?”. I love this question because I personally struggle with exactly this, perhaps not with regards to specific teachings of the church, but in how those teachings are lived out, within the church, the “orthopraxis” of such teachings.

His follow up question though is also another one that I have had to personally reflect on in the past “When we hold tenaciously to what the church teaches, how can we be sure that we really are doing it because we respect the truth of God and not just because we are afraid or unwilling to subject our understanding of the truth to revision and correction.?” I believe Guthrie answers this question and I am in agreement when he says that “You will learn far more from genuine open debate than from total agreement” and that “An honest doubter is closer to the truth than a superficial or dishonest believer”. I can recall a similar illustration from when I was a youth pastor. I asked my youth how many of them were Free Methodists and they subsequently all raised their hands, then I asked them why they were Free Methodists, and what it meant to them. Most if not all stated they were FM because their parents were, even unsure of what it meant to be Free Methodist, to some extent their personal faith was determined by their parent’s view and the sentiments of their church, not yet having taken the time to discern if they were holding to these teachings out of respect of an understood truth or fear of the unfamiliar.

This morning I had a meeting at the college. During our conversation, I commented on how I think it is important that believers are taught how to think, and not just what to believe, so that their faith becomes their own, through their choosing and in turn, they are equipped and enabled to defend what they believe and why they believe it.

Not Chasing Tails

Today, has been a day of rest, which is wonderful of course, but at the same time this often means I have lots of time to think, and yet am not engaged enough to fully process those thoughts.  So tonight, a post of unstructured, unedited, and not fully developed thoughts that have monopolized my mind.

When it comes to my faith, I want all there is.  I want everything God has for me, but at the same time I am not one to chase after Him as though he is just slightly out of reach. I don't mean that I do not spend time with Him, or seek Him through prayer, reading His word or worship, but I do not feel the NEED to chase  after Him.  I wondered if this was a bad thing, but I've come to realize that it isn't.  For me chasing after God would be akin to a dog chasing his tail. I have a deep deep knowing that God is always with me, He is a part of me.  Everything I do, is from that deep relationship. As I walk in obedience, I have all of Him that I need, for each and every particular situation.  I have a peace and I know that when I step out in faith I have His power.  Does He always feel tangibly present or close - no, not always, but for the most part I am okay with that.  Sure I would love it, if those warm fuzzy feelings, and pinnacle experiences were constant, but I think like any strong relationship that is just icing on the cake.  The song "Hooked on a Feeling" just popped in my head. His faithfulness has been proven and it is all I need and I in return remain faithful to Him.  I love because He first loved me.

As I was dwelling on this I thought of my own family, of how they raised me and gave me a firm foundation in so many ways.  I recalled how every single night before I went to bed I would kiss both my mom and dad and say "Good night, I love you, I will see you in the morning".  Every night for years, even if I had gotten in trouble, I would make sure to come down before falling asleep to say it.  I moved out at 17,  my parents no longer live close enough to tuck me in, or kiss me on the cheek.  They are not always there to physically pick me up when I stumble, but of course that does not mean they love me any less, or I them.  If I have learned anything through the years, it is that my parents, will always be there for me when I need them, even if they are not right beside me.  A friend of mine recently shared how she loved being able to go home on the weekends to see her family and friends, when her schedule and time allowed.  The thing she looked forward to most, was cuddling with her mom on the couch.  

When it comes to God, I look forward to the times when He feels so close, that I can almost feel his arms cuddling me.  However, God has provided me such a foundation of love, proving Himself faithful and true, that even when I can't tangibly feel Him, I know he is right there with me. There is a confidence and peace, that he will never leave me or forsake me.

Another thought on trying to get more of God, is that sometimes we can get into a habit of seeking the next best thing. Again, I want all that God has for me but I have already received the best thing, when He sent His son to die on the cross, when He sent His spirit to indwell me, when He gave me His word to guide my life. It can not get any better than that.  What about the abundant life, everyone talks about?  Here is what I believe to be true - the word of God.  I believe that as we follow the word of God with increasing obedience our lives will grow in abundance. The bible contains plain truth, it was not designed as a great mystery to be unlocked. Indeed good solid teaching is important. A Godly person, with the gift of teaching and/or preaching who has studied exegesis (the contextual purpose of the writing for the people at the time) and hermeneutics (God's application for us today) is of great assistance to an individual seeking to grow in their biblical understanding, especially early on.  However the important matters, the salvation issues, those items which deal with matters of living a Godly life are as clear to the layman as they are to the preacher. You do not need a bible code, or special revelation to understand the word of God, and I'd be weary of anyone who suggests this.  There is nothing that can be added to or taken away from God's word.  The things that matter are clear as day and they are what we need to focus on.

Most of us do not need a new revelation or a new fandangled teaching, we do not need to follow any special formula, or read the next great Christian book to live a more abundant life, we simply need too obey what we already know from God's word.  If we did that, our lives would change - the world would change. Sometimes we want to run, before we can walk, and as a result end up falling on our faces.  We need to learn to stand on the foundational truths found in God's word and walk in obedience.  It is then that we will find ourselves living a life of freedom.  When we are faithful with the little, it is then that we can be trusted with the greater things of God and we will not need to chase it down, God will give it to us.

To those who are reading this, I apologize that you have entered my mind mid thought. Perhaps in the future I will be able to define the thoughts more thoroughly and succinctly.  For now I will continue to press into God, through worship, prayer and reading His word, I will glorify Him as I strive to walk in obedience, loving Him and others, and I will take comfort in knowing that His faithfulness and promises are new every morning. "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23

Goodnight God - I love You - I will see you in the morning

GET BOTH OARS IN THE WATER

I have always been passionate about understanding the ways in which our faith should be evident in our lives, with emphasis on the word evident or evidence. How what we believe gets fleshed out in our day-to-day living. How our orthodoxy, “right belief” affects our orthopraxis, “right living”,  because to me that is the evidence of faith integrity. My understanding is that correct belief should compel correct action. Orthopraxis refers to how our actions as Christians are or are not consistent with the faith we profess. See Jesus first calls us to believe in him as the way the truth and the life – but in the same way He equally calls us to follow Him (The Sermon on the mount is evidence of this). What we do and do not do – is affected in large part by what we believe.

It is true that we can NOT achieve salvation through our good works or good behaviour as explained in Ephesians 2:1-10. Though at the same time the Bible shows that good works and good behaviour is evidence of salvation. James 2:14-24

The book of James is clearly about our behaviours. The major themes addressed by James surround genuine faith and include the connection of works to faith or stated behaviours to beliefs.  James is a book that probes the orthopraxis of believers. How does your orthodoxy “right belief” affect your orthopraxis “right living”? If the root is Christ, then what fruit is being produced as a result? James exhorts the reader “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” [1:22] else, “Faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action is dead” [2:17] Let me put this another way a pithy little quote for you “Right doctrine that does not translate into right-living is rotten”

An old boatman painted the word “faith” on one oar of his boat and “works” on the other. He was asked his reason for this. In answer, he slipped the oar with “faith” into the water and rowed. The boat, of course, made a very tight circle. Returning to the dock, the boatman then said, “Now, let’s try ‘works’ without ‘faith’ and see what happens. The oar marked “works” was put in place and the boatman began rowing with just the “works” oar. Again, the boat went into a tight circle but in the opposite direction.

When the boatman again returned to the wharf, he interpreted his experiment in these strong and convincing words, “You see, to make a passage across the lake, one needs both oars working simultaneously in order to keep the boat in a straight and narrow way. If one does not have the use of both oars, he makes no progress either across the lake nor as a Christian.

In essence we are saved by believing and our belief is evidenced by our behaviours. It is our faith acted out. It is our belief in and love of God that compels us to action and obedience to His commands and calling.

So I maintain that our Faith or beliefs should transform our lives. That there should be a falling away of the things of the world, and an ever increasing abundance of fruit of the spirit. That our beliefs, if they are truly believed will and must affect our behaviour and in turn our world. Now to those who might wish to dispute this with me, I in my limited knowledge would point them again towards the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, James, Jeremiah, even to the founding Father of Methodism – John Wesley.  In fact this is not an uncommon teaching, obviously many of Jesus teachings (most notably, the Sermon on the Mount) directly or indirectly focus on our behaviours. Believing in Him meant a change of lifestyle quite the contrary often to what His followers accustomed to.

If I truly believe something it naturally affects my behaviour.  For example I believe placing my hand on a hot stove will burn it so I don’t do it, now as this scars I've incurred indicate, I may stumble and mess up and get burned, but I try to avoid it at all costs.

If we were to discover that someone had hidden a number of cameras throughout the places we patron, our homes,  our places of work, where we work-out, places we go to eat – and that video was to serve as a stand alone documentary on what we believe based solely on our behaviours – what conclusions would the audience draw. Would there be enough evidence to convict us of our beliefs.

Yet I know all to well what Paul meant when he uttered the words, "I know not why I do the things I know I shouldn’t and yet can not do the things I know I should". My behaviour does not always align with my actions – in fact it falls short far more than I would like to admit.  As I look at why this occurs I find I am faced with 3 scenarios when it comes to the struggle of balancing my beliefs with my actions...

1. APATHY - I may believe something – but not really care, not make it a priority – instead I become complacent and/or complicit.

2. I may say I believe, because I have been told that is what I am supposed to believe but as I examine my lack of action and delve deeper, I realize I am not sure what I believe and therefore am not compelled to a response.

3. There is a sin area in my life that is blocking my behaviour from aligning with my belief.

God's grace, God's word, Prayer &; Repentance, go a long way to overcoming those 3 areas of struggle.

Is orthodoxy important? Definitely! Is orthopraxis more important? You be the judge.  "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." ~Matthew 7:21. In the end wont we be judged for our orthopraxis much more than our orthodoxy?

I'll close with a Shane Claiborne quote that sums all this up beautifully "We need converts in the best sense of the word, people who are marked by the renewing of their minds and imaginations, who no longer conform to the pattern that is destroying out world. Otherwise, we have only believers, and believers are a dime a dozen now a days. What the world needs is people who believe so much in another world they cannot help but begin enacting it now."

Privileged to Serve

We watch inspirational movies about coaches and teachers coming alongside their students and players, influencing them towards greatness, but the truth remains that God, has equipped each of us to do the same in the lives of all those He brings across our path.  It is no small thing to care for another, to give of our time, to invest in the life of another.  No effort when extended in sincerity  of heart, to the benefit of another goes unused.  We may never see the fruits of our labour this side of heaven, and that is okay, because we know that it is to God's glory and through His mercy and strength that lives are transformed.

Then there are those times, overwhelming, humbling, privileged glimpses of how He uses us to touch the life of another!  With God, our life has meaning.  Because of God, we can help others to see that their lives have meaning.  It is not in the grandiose gestures, extravagant events or even planned, plotted and prepared endeavours that we truly transform this world, and the lives of those who live within it.  It is simply in allowing our hearts to touch another's - together pulsating loudly with beats of passion that encourages each of us on to greatness, like tribal drums beckoning us to unite and go forth, conquering all that stands between us and our dreams.

God, has set my heart to pounding.  I pray my dreams will be His dreams!  I will do all He asks of me, from the seemingly small to the uncomfortably inconceivable.  I do not deserve all that God has provided me, this life, the privilege to serve, to share my life with others and theirs with mine, but I am grateful.  I am oh so thankful for the opportunities to share with others all that God has shared with me.

Let Folks Go

I quite enjoy Tyler Perry movies.  Tyler who grew up with a violently abusive father but God-fearing mother who took him to church weekly, has an amazing testimony of how God brought him through periods of poverty, hunger, and even homelessness to become one of the most distinguished playwrights, screenwriter, actors and producers of our generation. His plays and films are down home funny, which is why, I think I like them.  With wit and down to earth humour, Tyler deals with some heavy issues, which always find resolution through truth. The Madea series stars Tyler himself playing the title character, a well-intentioned but brash, sometimes inappropriate and rude, old school matriarch who underneath her rough exterior, houses a large heart and some deep wisdom. Wisdom that our generation, would do well to recover. While the topics addressed are heavy, and things at times brash and crass the Christian influence is very evident in all his movies. Madea's shallow, self-serving faith is a little misguided to say the least (adding vaudeville comic relief to the heavy story lines). Though her family is constantly pointing her toward God,  and the other main characters in the film exhibit deep, genuine faith, Madea's stubbornness seems to keep her just an arms length away from embracing God. I am hoping that one of Tyler's future Madea films will find her broken, like the many characters she helps, so that she too can experience the fullness of God's saving grace.  Though I trust her wit and sassy attitude remains.

I am including a link to a video excerpt from the recent stage play, Madea goes to jail.  I love Madea's diatribe on relationships, it holds some great wisdom. As I read over this short passage from the play once again, I realized that it could loosely apply as well, to how some people treat the church at times. In fact it reminds me a bit of the parable of the sower Jesus tells in the Gospels (Mark 4:1-10).  I thank God for the friendships that are the roots in my life, and for the people who make up the roots of our churches, and I give thanks for you by name!

(Please note in character, Madea uses the word "hell" a number of times if that is offensive to you, feel free to skip the extended video and read the summary text I have included below).

MADEA CLIP CLICK HERE

"Listen, I put everyone who comes into my life in the category of a tree...Some people are like the LEAVES on a tree - the wind blow they over here - they're unstable, it blow the other way they're over there. The seasons change, they wither and die, and they're gone. It's all right, some people, most people, in the world are like that, they are just there to take from the tree, they don't do nothing but take and provide a little shade now and then, that's all they can do. But don't get mad at people like that - that's who they are - they ain't never going to be nothing, that is why they were put this earth - to be what they are - a leaf.

Some people are like a BRANCH on that tree, you got to be careful with those branches too, cause they will fool you, they'll get there and make you think that they are a good friend and they are real strong, but the minute you step out there on them they'll break and leave you high and dry

But if you find you two or three people in your life that are like the roots at the bottom of that tree, You are blessed, cause them the kind a people that ain't going nowhere. They ain't worried about being seen, ain't nobody got to know that they know you, no ones got to know what they are doing for you, but if them roots wasn't there, that tree couldn't live. A tree can have a hundred million branches but only a few roots down at the bottom, to make sure it gets everything that it needs. I'm telling you something, when you get you some roots, hold on to em, but the rest of them, Let em go, Just let em go - Let folks go.

Ain't nobody said it was easy, but it will get easy when you learn how to love yourself.   When you get to a point in your life when you look at people and you go okay wait a minute, you or me, you will make a decision. Cause when you telling folks to do something, and I never throw nobody away, I never in my life just thrown nobody where you just say look don't bother me know more, don't talk to me, I never done that, what I do is I tell them, I say look, this thing you doing right here, that's gonna cause a problem you need to fix that, cause if we gonna be friends m we gonna be cool you need to fix that and if you don't we gonna have an issue. If you see somebody fix or they even trying to fix it, that's somebody who cares, keep them people around, that's a leaf that is trying to grow up and be something else." But if you tell somebody that what you're doing is hurting me and I need you to stop and they keep doing it, they don't care, move on let 'em go. It don't matter how much it hurt let 'em go."

Oh the Places You'll Go!

I've been overwhelmed lately by the goodness of God in my life.  I'm not sure what initiated it, but as I look back over my life, especially the time, since becoming a Christian, I'm blown away by how incredibly blessed I am.  Every area of my life, has been a gift.  I feel like a spoiled child, with my Heavenly Father, not only giving me more than I deserve but so much more than I could have ever dreamed for myself.  My life of course is not much different from anyone else's.  While I joke that "God loves everyone but I am His favourite," the truth is we are all His favourites, and He wants nothing more than to be able to bless us. In fact if we are following Him, we are being led on an incredibly beautiful journey that will see us being blessed as we bless others, all to His glory.

Of course like most people my life has had it's struggles. At times I've felt like I was drowning in struggles.  Others have heard me say, tongue in cheek, that I've had enough experiences to make up 3 lifetimes. Though I can see now, looking back, how even amidst the struggles, God was at work. While my bad choices or the poor choices of others, found me in difficult times, in the end God worked all things together for good, because I loved Him. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" ~ Romans 8:28.  Not only that, but I recognize now how many of those struggles were actually blessings in disguise, things I would have never wished for, but needed. Two sayings come to mind, a classic Garth Brooks song "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers" and "Sometimes we are forced in directions we ought to have found for ourselves." I just need to be reminded every now and again, that He is God and I am not.  ""For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." ~Isaiah 55:8

I'm a young pup, with hopefully many years ahead of me.  Sometimes I forget that, thinking that at 34, I've hit the top of the mountain and am now it's all downhill.  PFFF - Not hardly! God has assured me and I say with confidence "my best days are ahead!".  Watching the Mother Teresa movie the other night,  I realized to my delight that she did not receive her call to minister to the poor on the streets of Calcutta until she was 36 and then did not enter into that calling until she was 38.  "I know the planss I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future" ~Jeremiah 29:11.

Based on the incredible gifts and opportunities God has already afforded me, I can not even begin to imagine what He has in store for me. I need not, worry about tomorrow, because I am completely aware of God's generous hand in my life today!  God's past faithfulness in my life, is proof positive of His continued faithfulness in my future.  God has never left me or forsaken me, ever! "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~Deuteronomy 31:8. I can move forward knowing that He knows what is best for me.  If I place my trust in Him, even when I do not understand and walk in obedience, I will leave this earth having lived the best life possible.

What does the future hold in store? Long term only God knows for sure, so I am walking in faith and obedience, living out His call, in the here and now.  Currently I'm preparing to share a message and challenge that God has placed on my heart on Sunday morning April 11th.  I'm  excited because I know, it's of God and therefore has the potential to transform countless lives not to mention our community.

I also leave in June for India, having been invited to speak at a number of conferences and events. I am still in shock and awe that I have been given this opportunity.  If you are reading this and are so inclined, I ask you to join me in prayer.  Pray that God would prepare me and give me the words to speak. Pray for all those in attendance.   They are crying out for the change and transformation that comes from a real intimate love relationship with God, wanting it to start in one place and spread to every part of India, revolutionizing lives. 

Aside from what I already know I am called to do, I'm not going to waste time trying to figure out what my future holds, because I often do not even come close to understanding.  I am simply going to hold on to God and let Him lead me on the crazy trip called life.  While the ride might be bumpy at times and means going through some dark tunnels and even a few thorn patches it is all worth it, because God always brings us to the most glorious of places! Oh the places I've been and the places I'll go, I take comfort in knowing I don't go alone.

Heart for Others - it's a Lifestyle

Today I went down to Martha's Table to help serve supper to those in need.  I was privileged to meet a young University student who was volunteering for the first time.  In only 2 hours together this young girl, left quite an impression on me.

Through our introductions, I learned that she was enrolled in the religion program at school, which made it easy for me to respond that I was a pastor, when she asked what it was that I did.  (She thought I was a student as well - That made my day...lol)

It wasn't however, her kind remarks about my youthful looks that left an impression.  Her heart for others was so vivid.  I remember when I was in Africa, one of the workers had a shirt that said "Heart for Others - it's a lifestyle". I loved that shirt and subsequently was given one to take back with me to Canada.  My co-volunteer today, exemplified that saying.  Her heart for others was being lived out in front of my eyes.

Here she was volunteering, on her own volition, not for community service hours, or as part of her program, but simply because she wanted to help those in need. Even with a busy work and school schedule, she still took time to come and serve others.  In fact as we came to the end of our shift at 5:30pm she was preparing to run home to get her books to make her evening class.  While this was her first time volunteering at Martha's, it will not be her last, before she left she made sure to sign up to volunteer again next week!

She was a very personable young lady with a sweet demeanor and her concern for the clients was genuine.  She wanted them to be blessed. During her first shift, she expressed a desire to be able to get her workplace (a local restaurant) to come together as a team to do the cooking, cleaning and hosting of a gourmet meal for the clients. Her concern however, extended beyond just the clients.  She engaged the volunteers around her in conversation, and took the time to inquire about their lives, actively listening to all they had to share.  Half way through our shift, she casually made the statement that making personalized aprons might be a suitable gift to give each of the volunteers as a thank-you.  Here she is, on her first day, a heart full of compassion wanting not only that the clients be blessed, but the volunteers to feel loved and appreciated as well.

We carried on our conversation and talked about boys, as single girls sometimes do.  I told her about a series my girlfriends and I are doing on relationships, sharing a funny 6 minute diatribe by Perry Noble about how men should pursue - women (I feel like I should bold that statement...lol).  It was a great, light conversation that took an unexpected turn as I talked about how men primarily need to feel respected, and women primarily want to feel loved, not at the exclusion of one to the other of course.  She said, she had never thought of it like that, but that it made sense. This opened the door to more casual talks of religion, service and God.

She confessed that she was liberal in her religious beliefs.  While she held her beliefs in God and her religion, she also respected the rights that others had to their own beliefs, and felt that all religions could co-exist together.  Through our conversation it became clear to me that we may have some differences in understanding. I too agree that everyone has the right to believe what they choose.  I believe as humans we need to co-exist amicably, however, given the vast foundational differences amongst the various religions of the world, it is impossible for them each to co-exist with equal footing.   They can not all be equally valid, since their espoused truths are sometimes diametrically opposed. As a Christian, I believe that there is one God, and He in his goodness and grace, married His perfect justice with His perfect love, by sending His Son to be the Saviour of all - the complete and all encompassing sacrifice, that allows any one, the opportunity to enter into a relationship with Him. "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me".  Any religion which does not ascribe to this, contradicts the essence of my faith and therefore cannot co-exist in foundational harmony. That being said,  having just met, I was not about to enter into a theological debate with her, I am sure she gets enough of that from her atheist religion professors.  Through our thoroughly enjoyable conversation we agreed that the best way to preach is through our own lives, sharing the gospel, using words only when necessary.  Greater than our differences was that we connected on our love of God and others. I look forward to working with her and enjoying some great conversations over the steam table once again, who knows what God will reveal to each of us, or how this relationship will serve to draw us each closer to God.

As I left Martha's table I couldn't help but think, how by simply taking 2 hours out of my day, I was able to not only help others, but increase my sphere of influence. I have now made a connection with someone new, and through that connection was able to be blessed, and perhaps be a blessing.  How do we change the world? By investing in others, the dividends are priceless and unlike any other commodity - last into eternity!

Abandon your lesser visions in favor of living life the way God intended … with one eye on him, one eye on the people he loves, and a heart that beats fast for kingdom-building activity.  Live in light of the reality that the only thing you can take to heaven are the people whose lives you touch!  Throw your one and only life — all of your energies, your resources, your passion — into making a difference with people, and you will one day say, “Now that was a life well-lived!” ~ Bill Hybels/Just Walk Across the Room

EVOKE

I really appreciate the friends in my life, who know my heart and do what they can to inspire, enable and equip me to live out the passions God has placed within me.  A great friend, is someone who desires to see you fulfill the plans and purposes God has for you.  To that end, a friend posted a link on my Facebook wall to a new online initiative called "EVOKE".  I had never heard of this site, and at first glance thought it was some online 1st person game (I am not generally a fan of video games or comic books) but as I researched it more, I became increasingly intrigued. EVOKE is a ten-week crash course in changing the world. It is free to play and open to anyone, anywhere. The goal of the social network game is to help empower people all over the world, and especially young people in Africa, to come up with creative solutions to our most urgent social problems.That was enough to cause me to sign up and now I wait with anxious anticipation to be approved.

I looked up the definition of EVOKE and it means to summon into action - as Christians we are called to action. An action to love others, an action to stand up for justice, an action to care for the oppressed, and marginalized.   There are two verses that stand out to me, as I think of the word evoke; the first is my favourite verse from 1 John 3:18 - "Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth"  the second from James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Sometimes it seems we know all to well what we ought to do, but are paralyzed in not quite knowing how to go about doing it, or even how to begin.  While I do not think this is Christian based initiative (as if that should be a precursor for getting involved in something good), it appears to provide, those with a desire to  put their love in action; to serve; to meet the needs of the poor and oppressed, the opportunity to learn how to best to do so. If nothing else it is a good place to gain knowledge of the needs in our world and how we might play our part, living out the commands God has given us.

It is obvious from the interface this is marketed to a younger under 30 crowd, their suggested age is 13+, though they say they expect most of the users to be of university age. From first glance, I believe this online game developed by world reknown game designer Jane McGonigal (Yes she is a woman) and produced by the World Bank Institute, has the potential to increase awareness, educate, equip and enable individuals all around the world to make a difference.  Not only that but it is an interesting, engaging and interactive forum.  It is intriguing that it says that what you will experience is not a simulation, instead you are provided real problems to tackle, things like Food security; Energy; Water security; Disaster relief; Poverty; Pandemic; Education; Global conflict and Human rights.  You  are challenged to establish innovative, creative solutions with the resources you have available. It may require you to get as many people involved as possible and take a risk, as you come up with new ideas to change a life, and  the world as you meet the practical needs of those who suffer.

Let me share a little of what I have discovered so far, the "EVOKE" challenge runs from March 3rd May 12th.  The three objectives of each weekly mission you receive are to LEARN, ACT & IMAGINE.  There are rewards, for your efforts including mentorship, travel scholarships and seed funding.

I have included the Evoke trailer below and would encourage you to check out their website, http://www.urgentevoke.com and consider taking the EVOKE challenge yourself.  I am not sure what to expect as of yet but I am interested in taking the challenge myself! 

EVOKE trailer (a new online game) from Alchemy on Vimeo.

All Up In My Grill

Today I took a break from work, and spent the day at home reading and relaxing. I listened to some great music on CBC Radio 2 and was then later reminded that Matt Anderson was playing at the Grand Theatre tonight.  Inspired, I spent the evening listening to some great contemporary blues artists, a little Keb Mo, Matt Anderson and Bonnie Raitt. I love most all music genres, indeed, I am very eclectic in my tastes, and blues is no exception. I love the stories the music tells, not to mention the incredible guitar and mouth harp stylings.  Blues always has the affect of bringing me back to simpler times of friends gathered together to jam and of course reminds me of my times in New Orleans, Louisiana and Mississippi.

All this being said, I do not have much else to share today. Except that I was going back through some old notes, and came across one I decided to post. Even though it is over 3 years old, it is still pertinent. Our spiritual walk is just that - a walk - a journey - a process of being refined into the likeness of Christ and this post touches on that process.

Recently I have been confronted by my own short-comings and personal weaknesses. I hate it when they get all confrontational and up in my grill…lol. Of course I have always known about them, but since they are not so apparent to others, I reason them away, never really thinking they were that much of an issue. We all have our little idiosyncrasies. In fact mine are a part of who I am – how would I ever change such a thing. I have come to learn, and it is a difficult lesson - that I can not do it on my own - but if I allow God too do so – He will. It won’t be easy, it will probably be painful but in this I have gained a more personal understanding of what it means to die to “self? so that more of Christ can live within me.

Have you ever been confronted by your weaknesses. Not the obvious outward ones but the inner personal ones, insecurities, worry, pride, jealousy, fear, the list goes on. Ever experienced those moments when you are all alone struggling with your “self?. It’s these weaknesses, these sins that are the hardest to overcome and it is my belief they are among the greatest hindrances to us living a joy-filled life as they rob of us opportunities to bless and be blessed.

We pray "search my heart oh God and reveal any unclean way in me" and our faithful God does indeed reveal to us, those subtle, personal weaknesses that create huge cracks in the foundation of our faith - those stumbling blocks that keep us from living a joy filled life in His will. At first it is ever so gentle - a whisper - easy enough to ignore if we choose to -then a tug on our heart, that this is just not working - our pride, insecurities, fears, jealousy or worry is keeping us from great things - yet still it is too much to deal with so we run in the opposite direction.

When confronted with your personal weaknesses do you subconsciously run the other way, reasoning away the opportunities to overcome it or do you simply ignore it – pushing it back into the deep abyss, moving on to other things.

There comes a time when we have ignored the truth for too long, when we are smacked in the face with the truth of our own cherished sin that we either have to face the challenge God places before us - A challenge to let go - to rise above - to step out in faith and deal with the hardest things we face - our inner carnal self - or ignore it and become complacent misguided in our thinking it is easier to remain as we are then go under the proverbial knife for removal of the malignancy.

If not pruned, this unripe, if not bad fruit festers within our soul, hindering healthy growth and risks holding us back from achieving all that God has planned for us. Think of it – how many times have your insecurities, worry, pride, jealousy or fear kept you from doing something for God, prevented you from stepping out, and held you back from greatness.

How sad it will be to get to heaven and have God say well done good and faithful servant – you lived a life of contentment – you did what you had to do – you served me but this is how much more I had for you, if only you had trusted me, if only you had stepped out – let go – let more of me live within you - guide you!

Often times it takes being honest with our selves and then trusting God enough to allow Him to bring us to a place where the dead branches can be pruned - it is not without its pain, or suffering, but without it - we can never truly become who are in Christ or achieve all that God has in store for us.

This To Shall Pass

In 1 Peter, the apostle has written an epistle that is as encouraging to us today as it was meant to be for the Gentile believers of his time. Living amidst hostility and facing persecution, the people needed strengthening, and this letter serves to do just that. Trials are inevitable and we ourselves as Christians are not immune, Peter made that abundantly clear when he said “Dear friends do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” [4:12-13]. In light of the inevitable suffering that we face as a result of our humanity and broken sin filled world we find wisdom in the words of Peter’s first letter.

What does Peter suggest we do in the face of inevitable suffering? We do what Christ did we endure and persevere until we are ultimately victorious and we in turn rejoice, knowing we are blessed to suffer for the name of Christ.

Peter exhorts those gentile believers facing persecution to “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." [5:8] Not only can we be assured that others are facing trials and tribulations, but we know all to well, the suffering that Christ endured for us. There is something comforting about knowing that you are not alone in your suffering, and assuring, in realizing that your suffering is not necessarily a result of your wring doing. When I begin to adopt the why me, poor me attitude, the Holy Spirit very quickly reminds me of Christ’s ordeal. It is then, that I realize a few things, first how minor my sufferings are in comparison; second, how much more undeserving and unfair it was for Christ to have to suffer; and third, who am I - to think that I would or should be void of pain and suffering when the perfect lamb of God himself, faced ridicule, contempt, torture, and death. Keeping things in perspective, and my focus on Jesus, affords me the ability to turn my mourning into dancing – and praise the God who has given me victory through Christ.

I am encouraged as I am sure Peter’s readers were with his next passage that reads “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” What a great encouragement to know that this too will pass, that suffering is not eternal and that in fact the suffering itself will produce greater strength and faith. No matter what the circumstances we have reason to hope, because as we suffer with Christ so will we be glorified with Him in heaven.

I found that verses 6-7 of chapter 1, reminded me a lot of the situation Shadrach, Meshack and Abendego found themselves in. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by the fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed." 3 men, whose faith was being tested, by the fire literally, and when they persevered Christ was revealed and God was given all the glory, honour and praise as they walked out of the fire, unharmed. As I read this verse I am reminded that we too will walk out of the fiery trials unharmed, if we keep our faith in Christ.

Free at Last - Thank God Almighty

As I was reading Galatians once again, an illustration came to mind that helped me to further understand the Old Law and Ten Commandments in relation to the New Covenant received through Christ’s death and resurrection. Admittedly it is not very academic or theologically deep but it serves as a simplistic picture of a profound truth.

As I saw it, the Old Covenant (law) was like a playpen, "Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.  ~3:23.  We were placed in it for our own safety, so that given our inability to walk sturdily [in righteousness], we would be protected and reminded of our inability to walk on our own. "So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith." ~3:24. The play pen (law) could not save us from death.  Indeed the 10 Commandments, reveals to us, our inability to ever be good enough. If we had to earn our way into heaven by following the commandments we would all fail. The law however protects us until Jesus comes and remind us of our need for Him and then like a baby with arms lifted high , we realize we need the support of our Father to learn how to walk. In order to free us from the playpen and bring life to its captives so that all [Jew and gentile alike] would be included and could experience freedom, God sent His son Christ, to bear the sins of the world, be crucified and resurrected, ascending to the right hand of God, so that who so ever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Through that belief in Christ we are justified by faith and receive the Holy Spirit, which enables us to walk, and sets us free from our playpens (law) as we mature and grow into the likeness of Christ and experience the freedom of new life resulting in Eternal life in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

So I guess the words of Martin Luther King Jr. could serve well as a subtitle to Galatians “Free at last, Free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last.” Which makes me question, why, as is the case in Galatians, would any one who experienced bondage and was set free, ever want to return to slavery. It seems to me it would be like asking someone who was set free after being sold into slavery, if they would consider taking that heavy yoke upon them again.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians serves as a shield of defence against the attacks to the true Gospel and protection for the Gentiles and a weapon against those that seek to rob them of their freedom in Christ. Paul is like a one man army, strengthened by the Holy Spirit leading an attack on legalism, and salvation through works.

In a day and age, of religious tolerance and innumerable “gospels” the warning Paul offers to the Galatians remains relevant, even for those who may appear to be firm in the faith, especially as we consider Revelation's warnings of end times and false prophets. “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ” ~1:6-7

I am thankful that even here in the book of Galatians, Paul balances the freedom we have through Christ with responsibility. “You my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love." ~5:13 Putting the emphasis back on our freedom to serve God and others.

I take confidence in knowing that what God did through Christ for me is enough – nothing more is needed, His grace is sufficient – that is true freedom and having lived as a slave, I will never turn back.

There are two verses that remains with me from Galatians “If I were still trying to please me, I would not be a servant of Christ” ~1:10 and “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”  ~5:6

All Work & No Pray?

In the interest of transparency, let me share with you one of my struggles.  It's not an overt struggle, unless you know me really well, you wouldn't recognize it. In fact, even those who are close to me, may not know it. Until recently I am not sure I could have even defined it, that was until I read "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson.  There was a quote near the end of the book that resonated with my spirit. "If you work like it depends on you and pray like it depends on God, there is no telling what God can do in you and through you."

This is my struggle. I am, more times than I like to admit - out of balance.  I work like it depends on me more than I pray like it depends on God.  This is not a conscious decision but one that looking back now, is clearly evident by my actions.  Don't misunderstand me, I pray - of course I pray, I am in a constant conversation with God.   I am an independent, capable, A-type personality.  Which, all pride aside, means I can pretty much push my way through any obstacle and pull myself up by my bootstraps in order to get things done.  As a result, I do not always go to God first.  I process things, use discernment, and study His word , but when it comes to relying on God's strength, I often choose to do it alone.  Again not consciously of course, but simply by not intentionally inviting Him to take the lead. In the end if all goes well or even exceptionally well, I always thank God, knowing that it is because of His working through me that I ever experience true success.  I wonder now though, how much better things would go, how much more power would be available, if I focused first and most on praying like it depends on God rather than ensuring I work like it depends on myself.  It is hard for me to admit, given my control issues, but the truth is, I can only do so much.  I am thinking that finding a better balance that falls on the side of prayer will ease at least a little of the stress and worry I put on myself.  If I do my best and leave the rest to God, than I should have no reason to worry as the results are in God's hands.  If I am focused on who I'm doing the work for, striving with all my heart to simply please God, rather than to achieve a desired result, then that would eliminate any dissatisfaction based on results. 

I've come to realize that my areas of growth specific to this unbalance are in trust and control.  I love verses 12-14 found in Chapter 14 of the book of John "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."  It says anyone who has faith [or trust] in God will do what He has been doing. Not he who works the hardest, but anyone who places their trust in Christ.  God will do whatever we ask in His name, so that it brings Him glory.  When we take control over everything and focus our efforts on what we can do, we run the risk of taking the credit, when everything we do should be to God's glory.  Indeed God often uses the weak things of the world, not necessarily the accomplished, to do His work, so that there is no mistaking that the Glory is His.  

As I reflect, I recall those moments where I, in desperation, fear or surrender, prayed earnestly to God to take over, and in those situations the sermons, events, plans and purposes were far beyond anything I could have ever imagined.  Contrary to those times, when I thought I had it all together and could manage it on my own and was thus less fervent in prayer, the end results were only, just fine.

Prayer establishes what we trust in, our work or God Himself.  This does not mean that I should be apathetic in my work, indeed a holy discontent can arise within me, when I see people paralyzed in prayer, not acting within the capabilities and calling God has given them.  I will continue to work very hard at what God has called me to do, but I will be more concious to not to trust in my work or efforts, because it will never be good enough without God.  I will place my trust in and give control over to God, and watch as He does great things in and through me.