Refreshed

Posted on May 17, 2013 by

Life has a way of wearing a person down. The constant and continual grind of work, struggle and challenge. Anyone can begin to feel weary and weak. Anyone can get to a point that tiredness gets the best of them.

I have felt this way recently: tired, weary and weak. It is OK to admit. It’s healthy to confess. We are human: frail, just flesh. We often need refreshing and renewal. This is where I found myself.

What is one to do at this juncture? Should a person quit and throw in the proverbial towel? I don’t think that is the best option.

I have rediscovered that God understands and cares. I have found that He is able to refresh and renew better than any vacation or rest.

“He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)

Vacations are good. A rest is refreshing. A change of routine could be like a cool glass of water. Nothing, though, is as refreshing as the Spirit of the Lord bringing strength and energy back to a weary soul and tired heart.

I can testify to the truth of what Isaiah wrote. He does strengthen and renew. I have experienced this again and I am thankful.

How about you? How have you experienced the refreshing of the Spirit?

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Street Level Faith

Posted on April 19, 2013 by

“I hope you enjoy the following post. It was a guest writing for a weekly article called ‘Street Level Faith’. The weekly articles of Rev. Randy Besta or guests can be found in The Independent of St. Marys, Ontario. Thanks to Rev. Besta for the invitation.”

street level

“Street Level Faith.”

I like that phrase.

‘Street Level Faith’ implies that faith is not just for certain situations. It implies that faith is for any and every situation of life. It indicates that faith can be applied in real life circumstances. This type of faith is faith for real people, with real needs and real challenges.

‘Street Level Faith’ implies that faith is not just for one day of the week. It ought to be effective every day. Faith affects us daily and in every way. It influences the way we interact with each other at home, at work or at play. Faith makes a difference every day.

‘Street Level Faith’ implies that faith is not just for the special few but for all. God loves each one equally and He has given equal access to His Son. Jesus came for all alike; the rich and the poor, the educated and the non-educated. ‘Whosoever will’ is the phrase He uses. Faith is available for everyone.

‘Street Level Faith’ enables real people, in real circumstances, with real challenges. Faith encourages and strengthens people to overcome real problems. I am confident some reading today could share stories of how faith in Christ has enabled them to face and overcome incredibly difficult challenges. It is important to share these stories because they encourage and inspire us.

Living Rock Church has some inspiring true stories being shared this coming Sunday (April 21st). Real people who have faced real problems with drug and alcohol addiction will be sharing true stories of hope and change. A ministry team of Teen Challenge GTA will be joining us at Little Falls Public School beginning at 10:45 AM. A light lunch will be available following the service and a children’s program will be available. A freewill offering will be collected. Everyone is welcome! I would love to see you there.

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Better Every Day

Posted on February 3, 2013 by

better-way

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor 4:16-18 (NIV)

‘Outwardly we are wasting away.’

One look in the mirror exemplifies this truth. Physical beauty fades and youthful vitality wanes.

‘Inwardly we are being renewed every day.

Inwardly we are getting better every day. Renewal of spirit and inward refreshing are experienced by those who embrace Christ-like living.

The choice is ours …

a) We can live focused on the ‘outward life’ but the Bible warns us that this only leads to despair and destruction.

b) We can live focused on the ‘inner life’. The scriptures tell us that when we do this we can live a better life every day. This is in spite of any natural decay of our outward life. The inner life can get better, fresher, newer every day.

It starts with spiritual renewal and rebirth.

John 3 recounts the incident when a religious leader named Nicodemus visited secretly with Jesus in the middle of the night. Jesus told him that to experience the kingdom of God one must be ‘born again’. He wasn’t speaking of a physical rebirth but of a spiritual rebirth. You and I can experience this new birth by acknowledging our need as sinners, and making Jesus our personal Lord and Saviour.

Sometimes when we feel life is not improving, or things aren’t getting better we get discouraged. This portion of scripture encourages us that when we are tempted to lose heart remember these three things:

1) The inner life is more important than the outer life.

2) Things that are of eternal consequence outweigh things that are temporary.

3) Natural circumstance is temporary but spiritual reality is eternal.

There are many voices that are vying for our attention. The natural, outer life continually tugs us away from the better life in Christ.

It is constant and will not cease until we step into eternity with Jesus. It is something we must deal with daily.

How does one keep themselves focussed on the more important inner life?

The best way I know is to practice ‘Everyday Faith’. The fellowship of which I am part, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, is encouraging its members to do just this by combining the following four habits. (http://www.everydayfaith.ca) Below is a brief summary:

a) Read every day.

– Hebrews 4:12 “12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double- edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

– The truth is that when we engage scripture, we engage God. Engaging God renews us internally.

b) Pray every day.

– Phil 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

– Prayer is conversation with God. Conversation with God energizes our spiritual life.

c) Give every day.

– Acts 20:35 ” Jesus said “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

– Practicing generosity with our finances, time and resources help us to focus on eternal values.

d) Share every day.

– There is something about sharing our faith that brings joy to the one who is sharing.

We are unable to stop the ‘wasting away’ of our outer life. It is happening and it will continue.

We do have the opportunity to embrace the renewal and refreshing of our inner life. We can experience the joy of getting better every day when we embrace life in Christ.

Q: What does it mean to you to have an inner life that gets better every day?

Posted in Christianity, Faith, God, growth, Improvement, Leadership, maturity, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

It Depends Whose Hands It’s In

Posted on January 17, 2013 by

I recently came across this poem. Many people desire for their lives to have meaning. Many desire for their journey to be fulfilling. Many desire for their lives to have real value. I tend to agree with this unknown author. What do you think? 
 
IT DEPENDS WHOSE HANDS IT’S IN
Image
A basketball in my hands is worth about $19
A basketball in Michael Jordan’s hands is
worth about $33 million
It depends whose hands it’s in

A baseball in my hands is worth about $6
A baseball in Mark McGuire’s hands is worth $19 million
It depends whose hands it’s in

A tennis racket is useless in my hands
A tennis racket in Pete Sampras’ hands
is a Wimbledon Championship
It depends whose hands it’s in

A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal
A rod in Moses’ hands will part the mighty sea
It depends whose hands it’s in

A sling shot in my hands is a kid’s toy
A sling shot in David’s hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it’s in

Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands
is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in God’s
hands will feed thousands It depends whose hands it’s in

Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse
Nails in Jesus Christ’s hands will produce
salvation for the entire world.
It depends whose hands it’s in

As you see now it depends whose hands it’s in.
So put your concerns, your worries, your fears,
your hopes, your dreams, your families and
your relationships in God’s hands because

It depends whose hands it’s in.

 
 
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The Greatest Gift

Posted on December 25, 2012 by

Christmas Scene Light Display
The picture above was taken in St. Marys, Ontario. It’s a wonderful reminder of the reason Christians celebrate Christmas. God gave us His best when He gave us His Son.

John 3:16
‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.’

This time of the year can be so special. His blessings of family and friends are great. However, it is the blessing of our Saviour that makes the celebration of Christmas extra special.

I hope you are able to enjoy some time with family and friends. More importantly, though, I hope you make time to express thanks and celebrate the greatest gift ever.

Let me take this time to wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas!

Posted in Christianity, Christmas, Family, God, Relationshps, Time, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

To Mo or not to Mo, that is the question.

Posted on November 24, 2012 by

You’ve probably noticed a few more guys with a little more fur on their faces this month. It isn’t because all these guys are lazy. It isn’t because there is a razor shortage. It may be laziness or lost razors for some, but for most of these newly fuzzed gentlemen they are growing for a greater cause.

Movember, (aka November) is the one hairy month of the year that men are called to put away their razors to grow a mo to show their male solidarity. Some brave souls heed the call.

It is Shakespeare who was misquoted as saying,”To Mo or not to Mo, that is the question.” I struggled with this and decided to answer with, ‘Yes, it is time to mo.’

I am even part of a team of mo growers called ‘The Holy Staches’. (Thanks to my friend Tom Crerar for that distinguished name.)

Why? Well, that is the question.

Here are a few of my key reasons:

1) Because I can …

Yes, I said it. I may not be able to cure cancer but I can grow a mo. I may not be able to solve all the world’s problems but I can grow a little hair above my lip. I admit that the thought that a little less shaving can help bring awareness to a large problem is appealing. It is a hairy world so maybe it is fitting that a little hair can help in some small way. I grow a mo because I can.

2) Because I care ….

Men’s health issues are important. It is amazing how many men die because they were too embarrassed, too busy or too ‘fill-in-blank’ to have an annual check up. Let me get right to the point … for the sake of our family and loved ones; let’s swallow our pride, pull up our courage and get an annual physical or ask for help. It may save our lives and the well-being of our families. I grow a mo because I care.

3) Because I lost …

I have lost a lot of things in my life but one of the greatest losses I have experienced was the loss of my father to cancer. He passed away over 15 years ago. It was a painful experience. He was too young and it was too early. Maybe you can identify. I decided to grow a moustache this Movember in honour of his memory. I’d like to help prevent another loss in some small way. I grow a mo because I lost.

This is just my brief list of reasons for growing a mo this year. Maybe some of the mo endowed men can identify with some of these reasons.

I’d love to read your comments on this … please drop a line about your Movember experience.

Two more quick notes:

1) Please check out the Movember web site for details;

2) Consider donating to our team, ‘The Holy Staches’. It will could make a great difference in the lives men.

Posted in cancer, movember, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Cooperation

Posted on September 28, 2012 by

In Acts Chapter 16 we are introduced to Lydia. She was successful, wealthy and influential. She loved God but it is her response to hearing the gospel for the first time that is revealing. Scripture says that when Paul shared the news of Christ that, ‘the Lord opened her heart…’ (verse 14) As a result, Lydia received Christ a became an influential believer in the early church.

Last week I wrote of “Our Most Valuable Asset” as being our heart because from it ‘flow the springs of life.’ To enjoy the blessings of God in our lives we must protect our hearts from evil influences and open our hearts to God’s Word and Work.

We are in a dangerous state if our hearts are closed to Him. A closed heart is unable to respond to what the Lord has to say. We become resistant to Him.

Now, if our hearts are open to Him we able to respond to what the Lord has to say. We become cooperative with Him and enjoy His blessings.

1) An open heart is like fertile soil.

Fertile soil is able to turn planted seed into valuable crops. Infertile soil is useless and seed planted in it is a wasted resource.

Jesus drew an analogy of the heart condition when he spoke of fertile soil.(Mark 4) He said that some hearts are fertile places that take the seed of God’s word and turn it into something of value. Other hearts are either too hard, stony or full of weeds that are unable to produce anything of lasting value.

The real question is whether we have a heart that is fertile or infertile. Many of us would love to say that it is good soil but truthfully some of us would have to admit the opposite. What type of soil represents your heart condition? Hardened, rock infested or filled with life-choking thorns? Is your heart open to the seed of what God has to say?

2) An open heart is like mouldable clay.

In the hands of a master potter good clay can be shaped to become useful, beautiful masterpieces. Workmanship fit for the King.

The right kind of clay in a skilled potter’s hand can be made from mud to a masterpiece.When placed on a potter’s wheel, mouldable earth can become valuable enough to sit in the palaces of royalty.

God once told Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house because He had a lesson to teach him.(Jeremiah 18) He showed him that we are like earth in the hands of the Master Potter. We are but mud in His skillful hands.

The real question is therefore: what condition is our heart in the hand of God? Are we trying to cultivate a soft, mouldable heart for the Master Potter? Is our heart hard and resistant to the shaping of the Lord? God has only good plans for us. Let’s not resist but let’s allow His work in our lives.

Cooperating with God.

Lydia’s heart was opened by God to receive the truth of the gospel Paul shared. Without His grace she would not have been receptive. Scripture does tell us that Lydia loved God and sought after Him. She cooperated and God gave her an open heart.

God is encouraging us to do the same thing: to cooperate with Him and allow Him to work on our heart. After all, He desires the best for us. He is the Great Gardner and the Master Potter. He is able to make infertile soil fertile and useless dirt mouldable.

How do we cooperate with Him?

1) Invite Him.

Simply ask God to open your heart. Life has a way of making us hard-hearted. He longs to be invited into our hearts. Jesus stands at the door of our hearts knocking. He is asking for the invitation to come in. (Revelation 3:20) Why not make that decision? Why not give the invitation? You’ll be glad you did.

2) Slow down!

We often are in too much of a hurry. As Christians we want to mature, grow up and become all that God wants us to be. We want spiritual fruit but we aren’t willing to let it grow. For example, we want patience but we don’t want to wait for.

A farmer can’t rush a good harvest … it takes time … so let God do His work.

A potter can’t rush to make a masterpiece … it takes time … so let God do His work.

Slow down … surrender to the process … listen, learn, grow … have an open heart to Him … it is your most valuable asset.

Questions to ponder:
How important to you is allowing Him to make your heart fertile and mouldable? What kind of steps can you make to cooperate with God today?

Posted in Christianity, God, growth, Leadership, Listening, maturity, pottery, Prayer, Time, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Our most valuable asset.

Posted on September 20, 2012 by


What would you say is your most valuable asset?

Your personality or sense of humor?
Your work ethic or intelligence?
Your family or friends?
Your retirement fund or home?

Though each of these may have it’s place, our greatest asset may not be what we think. The greatest asset I am referring to is the one from which our life’s energy flows. It is the asset from which life springs.

‘Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.’ (Proverbs 4:23)

This scripture tells us that our most valuable asset is our heart – not the physical heart organ but the essence of who we are. It is speaking of our centre; our spirit.

If our hearts are such an important source of life it is our most valuable asset. It is because of the life flow of our hearts we can enjoy life. Scripture tells us that this is so important that we need to make it our highest priority to protect our heart. God gives us certain instructions to do this in the verses following.

‘Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you. Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.’ (Proverbs 4:24-27)

To keep our heart there are 3 areas in which to be diligent.

1) Our conversation.

We may not be able to choose everything we hear but we can choose how we converse with people and in what conversations we decide to participate. We can choose to honor instead of slander, bless instead of gossip, encourage instead of put down. The conversations in which we participate can either protect or contaminate our hearts.

2) Our focus.

We can’t always choose what we see but we can choose what we focus on. Here we are encouraged to look with purpose straight ahead of us. When we live life with purpose we will avoid the traps and potholes of temptation.

3) Our steps.

Consider each step we take. Weigh our decisions and be careful to make the best choices possible. Stay on the path and don’t get sidetracked. Each decision leads to another and then another – be aware of the path you are on. Change course, if needed, and order your steps aright.

Guarding our hearts is vital to live a blessed, fulfilled life. If we desire to have access to an unspoiled spring of life, in good and bad times, we will need to ‘keep and guard’ our heart ‘with all vigilance and above all.’

After all, our heart is our most valuable asset.

Questions: What kind of practical steps would you suggest in guarding your heart? How can this spring of life help your life?

Posted in Christianity, Family, Leadership, Relationshps, Uncategorized | 13 Comments

Unlimited in Skill and Ability

Posted on September 8, 2012 by

skill |skil|
noun – the ability to do something well; expertise:

ability |əˈbilitē|
noun ( pl. abilities )
1 possession of the means or skill to do something:
2 talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area:

We are limited in skill and ability. God is not.

Athletic Skill and Ability.

The Olympics have wrapped up; the Paralympics are underway. In spite of controversy, I love the games. I enjoy watching these skillful and determined athletes compete on the world stage. Seeing these athletes break previously set records and accomplish things previously unseen.

Intellectual Skill and Ability.

Scientists are another group of people to whom we could ‘tip the hat’. They are the ones who have peeked into the mysteries of creation. The skill by which they unravel the mysteries of God’s creation is astounding. The focused abilities of these intelligent people have helped advance our understanding of the universe in which we live.

Engineering Skill and Ability.

The engineering feats of some are fantastic. The seven wonders of the world are a testament to the skill and ability of bygone generations. The modern engineering achievements also speak to the talents of some individuals.

Creative Skill and Ability.

I am continually inspired by the creative people around me. Writers, artists and musicians; poets, preachers and entrepreneurs. They each possess a great deal of creative skill I admire.

My Skill and ability – seems to be lacking … :-(

When I consider the talents listed above I have come to the conclusion that I do not have a great quantity of these. I do have very limited athletic ability and have never lost a bout with the couch. I am not an intellectual; though I have come to understand a few things. I am certainly not an engineer (I find Lego challenging). I have found that I do have some creative spark but not enough to light the barbecue. My skills and abilities are definitely limited.

How about you? Do you sometimes feel like you have limited skill and ability?

When I look at some of the accomplishments of talented people I am tempted to look at myself and compare. But, that is a ridiculous thing to do. The Bible tells us that this is foolish activity (2 Corinthians 10:12). Each of us have limited skill and ability. Very few will shine on the world stage and be a superstar in our field. Though we may not shine like an Olympic gold medalist we can be successful and content with the few talents we have. We can learn to be content in our limited ability (Hebrews 13:5).

All of us are limited in our skill and ability; even the superstars among us.

God, on the other hand, is unlimited in every way. He has always been and will always be.

He invites us to put our limited skill in His unlimited hands. He invites us to submit our limited ability to His unlimited plans. He is able to do above and beyond what we are able to imagine or dream.

Ephesians 2:20-21 (MKJV)
“20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen.”

Questions to ponder:

How are you going to respond to the invitation of this unlimited God? Would you be willing to submit your limited skill and ability to His unlimited plan and purpose? What does this look like in your life?

Posted in Christianity, God, Leadership, Limits, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Unlimited in Energy & Resources

Posted on August 18, 2012 by

The following pictures are ‘tiny’ displays of God’s unlimited energy and resources.

The Sun

The Atom

Niagara Falls

Now, with these examples fresh in your thinking read the following scripture.

Ephesians 2:20-21 (MKJV)
“20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen.”

God, our Father, is unlimited in energy and resources. It is no wonder that His name is Almighty. It is no wonder He is called ‘El-Shaddai’ (translated as ‘The God Who is more than enough’). He is unlimited.

We are limited in energy and resources. We often face situations and challenges for which we do not have the energy or resources. We are limited.

The good news is that this Unlimited One has made Himself available to us through Christ. We can approach this unlimited God. He is able to do much more than we can even ask or dream of asking.

So, as you face your day, let me encourage you to approach this unlimited God. Let me challenge you to approach Him with your impossible problems and your improbable dreams. He is able to work in your life and do ‘exceedingly abundantly above’ what you have imagined.

Questions to ponder:
How can this truth affect our response to tough situations that tap all of our energies and resources?
What could happen if we made prayer our first response rather than our last resort?

Posted in Christianity, God, Limits, Prayer, Uncategorized | 2 Comments