I love...I hate

The words "love" and "hate" are very strong...yet I believe we have made them a lot weaker through overuse and sarcasm. Perhaps we don't mean to...but when we say "I love _________"

We lessen the meaning of love, and the same with hate. We should save these words for when we really mean them. One of my co-workers this past summer once mentioned to me that he never heard me say the word "hate" and thought that was pretty cool. Why? Because I had previously mad a comment to him about how people who swear take things too seriously . What do I mean? Well have you ever met someone (or are you someone) who instead of saying "ow" when hitting a thumb with a hammer they swear...it's not that big of a deal in the long run, yet they act as though it is a reason for foul language.

Seriously, tone it down a little...be a little more easy-going...don't make a mountain out of a mole-hill. Save the words for when they really matter. When is the last time you told your parents you love them? When is the last time you thought about loving your enemy? When is the last time you thought about hating yourself because you are so full of sinful desires? When is the last time you read 1 Corinthians 13 and asked yourself "do I do this?" Now is a great time...

LOVE IS

1. love is patient

2. love is kind

3. it does not envy

4. it does not boast

5. it is not proud

6. it does not dishonour others

7. it is not self-seeking

8. it keeps no record of wrongs

9. it does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth

10. it always protects

11. it always trusts

12. always hopes

13. always perseveres

14. it NEVER FAILS

A letter on abstinance

*the following letter was an assignment our P.E. teacher gave us to write to a fictional character about abstinence.... (i.e...Jacie isn't real :)

Dear Jacie                                                                                                                       March 28, 2008

               I want to write to you right now about a very important and difficult topic, it may seem awkward, but it is something I am sure you will deal with.  What I am talking about is purity and abstinence.  First, I’ll go with purity; it isn’t just keeping your virginity, but keeping your thoughts, words, and actions pure. It is difficult, because I know and have experienced the difficulty, but I am challenging you now to keep yourself pure—of all bad things. Now, Abstinence; as well, it involves not only abstaining from the act of having sex outside of marriage, but you need to abstain from immodesty, and all types of immoral behaviour-guard your mind from the temptations of sexual thoughts.

               I’m sure that you have had “boy_friends” and will have boyfriends, but you will only ever have that one true love. When you do find the right guy be careful-he may be wearing shining armour, but the reflection in the armour should be of God.  Remember, of all the crushes you may have, and think “he’s the one” they may last for only a short time, so try to treat your crushes as friends, and let the relationships grow from there. Choose carefully who you go on dates with and set rules and guidelines for your behaviour and physical contact; this will help you both to keep from getting tempted, and unsure of what behaviour is “off-limits”.  These rules don’t have to be as strict as “six-inches-apart-or else”, but you know your weaknesses and can set rules that will avoid those tempting situations.  If you do find yourself being too tempted (and I know those thoughts sneak in very easily) when you are alone on dates, try double-dating. Being in a group will help you to keep from doing things you would only do when alone. Hold your dating friends accountable, and be accountable to them. They are there to help you have healthy and Godly relationships.

               You and your boyfriend should always put God first. Doing devotions together and praying with and for each other are great ways to grow together spiritually. You can even have friendly visits, going to each-others church Sunday, and having lunch with each other’s families. This will show your commitment to God and to each other, and help you get to know the family of your special guy.

Charlie Schultz Philosophy

I got this in an e-mail from my dear friend Aleta and I thought I would share it...

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz , the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.
Just read the e-mail straight through , and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is , none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish..
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

 Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with...

Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials , the most money...or the most awards.
They simply are the ones who care the most.

An excerpt from Dr. Del Tackett's Blog

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

I have been working on a Cross Examine show that we will film in few weeks. It is a show about forgiveness…forgiveness for something that is tough to forgive. Jennifer Barrick was a lovely high-school girl, intelligent, athletic, vivacious, a beautiful voice, filled with love for God, a great family…fill in all the fairy tale blanks. She was the picture of joy and innocence.

Then a drunk driver changed it all in an instant.

Without warning she went from a vivacious girl with an unbounded future to a nonresponsive, lifeless body at a horrible crash site. Her triage score was as low as you could get before being dead. She was in a coma for 6 weeks, suffering from very severe brain injuries. The amazing thing was that, although she couldn’t communicate, she could sing…and pray. People would be on their knees in her hospital room listening to Jennifer talk to the Lord…in a coma.

Little did I know that this story was about to hit close to home.

On January 11th, our dear friend’s daughter, Joanne, got on a treadmill at home and collapsed from a major stroke. She has been in a coma ever since. Today there was good news as she squeezed her husband’s hand. That was really special, because earlier he had said that “if I could just get a little hand squeeze from her that would send me over the moon.” He got it today. We continue to pray for her as thousands are.

But the same question lingers behind this and Jennifer’s story. Jennifer is now out of her coma, but with brain injuries that have changed her life forever. What do you do with the natural bitterness from this? It isn’t hard to imagine how hatred for a drunken man who robbed you of so much could fill your heart and mind.
The problem is that hatred and bitterness may feel good at the moment, but they extract a long-term toll. They are like a cancer that will slowly eat you alive. In many of these cases, hatred and bitterness is directed at God. All of the “WHY!!!????” questions are thrown at Him as if we have the better plan for our lives.
I’m not saying that it is easy. It isn’t.

But there are two paths here.
*One path has a wide gate. It is easy: hate, despise, dwell on the “what if’s”, become the victim, rally people to your cause, wallow in the sympathy, give up, etc. etc. etc. This one is easy because it feels so good to hate when you’ve been wronged. There is some satisfaction as if you’re “getting back” at someone by hating them.
*The other path has a narrow gate. It is hard: love, forgive, forget your story, accept reality, go forward from here, work hard to overcome the odds, etc. This one is hard because it doesn’t feel good…at least not at first. But the promise of God is firm. Jesus said that the easy path leads to destruction. All of the medical and psychological and social stats will affirm this. Hatred and bitterness will literally kill you. And make you miserable along the way. Not only make you miserable, but everyone around you.

But the narrow path, the path that isn’t easy?
That one leads to life.
Few take it, Jesus said.
Understandable.
We’ve all privately asked the questions concerning Joanne, “Why Lord? Why her? This doesn’t make any sense.” She is so talented. A wonderful writer. She has two sweet girls, Audrey & Emma. A great, loving husband, Toben. A wonderful Dad and Mom, Chuck and Kay, who have them over for Sunday dinners every week. A close-knit, loving family. It doesn’t make sense…to us.

But this is where we must set aside our feelings and return to the promises of God.
He loves us. He has plans for us. Good plans. Not plans to harm. Plans to give us a hope and a future.
The problem we usually have is that our definitions of these words are usually pretty small and temporal.
God sees the entire eternal spectrum.
I’ll go with His plan. That’s really a “no-brainer”.
But, my flesh still wants mine.

Toughest Test in College

http://www.thetruthproject.org/about/culturefocus/A000000282.cfm

for those in or preparing for college...be on guard

A speech I gave at a school assembly way back in 2009

1 Peter 5:1-11

            So here we are... a Christian high school in the year 2009. We have freedoms galore; a building which we can use to honour God by exercising learning skills and teaching concepts from a perspective of faith. Our school is a place of relationships where we can freely show our Reformed Christian faith without fear of physical or verbal persecution. It is here at Providence Reformed Collegiate where we aim to grow in faith, build strong relationships, and gain intelligence; all to the glory of God. So...How is it going so far? Is God pleased with your actions in this school?

            Fellow students, are you treating your teachers and peers with the respect and kindness they should expect from Christian students and classmates? Or, are you being disrespectful to your bus drivers, teachers, and friends. Are you doing you very best to honour God in your studies or are you simply coasting along? Do you aim to build people up in encouragement and brotherly love or tear them down by gossip, rude comments, or ignorance? Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance for you serve the Lord Christ.”

            Dear Teachers, are you being good examples to your students, shepherding them in God’s love? Or are you lording your authority over them, choosing favourites, and being unjust in grading? Do you enjoy your work and do it to God’s glory or do you come here out of compulsion or hopes of becoming everybody’s favourite teacher? Be reminded of God’s promise to those who do His will (in verse 4) “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

            Now to everyone gathered here this morning: Be sober and vigilant, resist the devil: he truly is like a roaring lion, and he seeks to devour you and me. Satan wants us to think that we are good enough: we are Christians, and we are way better than pagans and sinful unbelievers. In having us believe that we are perfectly fine the way we are, we are disarmed and will fall to our own ruin. Pride sets in and closes the door to our ability to witness the gospel to unbelievers, not only that...but we become numb and immune to our own selfish actions: we become proud sinful hypocrites.  Therefore be clothed in humility...it is not an accessory to carry around when we feel like it...but something to be clothed with, people can tell when someone is not fully clothed, and so it is with humility. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

            Well...all of this is too hard to do alone, but verse 7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” You don’t have to do it alone...God is always there with forgiveness, love, and hope. If you need strength—go to God; if you have sinned—go to God, because in God all things are possible. He promises that after you have suffered for a little while He will restore you, and make you strong and steadfast.

            One of the tools God uses to keep us strong is each other. “Resist Him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” says verse 9. Perhaps we may not struggle with physical persecution, but because of that we are in constant danger of being passive in our faith, we become nominal Christians. Instead we need to hold each other and ourselves accountable. Consider the following: It is a blessing when a teacher rebukes someone about to tell a coarse joke. It is very kind when a friend helps you with homework rather than letting you get late marks. It is good when somebody says “I don’t want to hear it” when somebody is about to spill a juicy story about another person. These are the people who help us in our walk, convicting us when we do wrong or are about to go astray, but doing it in a loving way...as part of the “brotherhood”.

            We can use the roles God has given us to make a positive difference in our school today. Teachers...be kind and compassionate (as always) yet also firm and willing to rebuke when necessary. Students...help each other, work hard, respect your elders, and encourage the teachers. Be accountable to each other and to God so that you will always have strength to resist the devil and overcome trials and sufferings. Be humble so that He may lift you up in due time.

  1 Peter 3:8-9

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so you may inherit blessing.” 

Dear God

Have you ever heard a child pray? I would say it is one of the most beautiful things you will ever hear...sincerity bubbles from the heart of a child, and faith emanates through their prayer requests. It is amazing how much a small child understands...as I mentioned before I teach Sunday School to 3 and 4 year old children and they ask questions about the Trinity! I remember our formar Pastor saying that God is the Perfect Father...when His children speak too softly to hear He doesn't yell or get mad...He just stoops to their level and listens. That's why we call Him "ABBA" (father)

Original Sin

There is, and has often been in times past, controversy regarding the doctrine of original sin. Some say God is unfair in punishing all of mankind for the sin of Adam and Eve. Some say it is unfair that Adam is blamed and not Eve. Still others claim that sin is not a result of the fall, but of imitation. When faced with so many controversial opinions regarding the fall it is best to go back to the Bible to find solid answers.

               When people claim that Adam is not to blame for original sin because Eve was the first to eat the fruit they utilize erroneous logic. Often times people defend Adam saying that he was only trusting Eve in taking the fruit, and perhaps he was unaware that the fruit she offered him was the forbidden fruit. These arguments fail when the Biblical account of the fall is read in Genesis three for Eve “also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it” (Genesis 3:6b). It was Adam who was given the command not to eat of the fruit, and Adam who held responsibility for his wife’s actions; he heard the whole conversation she had with the serpent yet he did not try to stop her. The blame is three-fold; the serpent, Eve, and Adam all participated yet because Adam held the responsibility he is forevermore recorded in the Bible as the ‘one man’ through which sin entered the world (Romans 5:12).

               It stands therefore, that because of the original sin committed all of mankind is now enslaved to sin. According to an article on original sin found at the answers.com website,

The Calvinistic doctrine states that Adam’s sin has resulted not only in our having a sin nature, but also in our incurring guilt before God for which we deserve punishment. Being conceived with original sin upon us (Psalm 51:5) results in our inheriting a sin nature so wicked that Jeremiah 17:9 describes the human heart as being ‘deceitful above all things and beyond cure’. Not only was Adam found guilty because he sinned, but his guilt and his punishment (death) belong to us as well (Romans 5:12, 19).

The article clearly shows by using the Bible that Adam’s sin is passed on to all mankind, the Belgic Confession makes a similar inference “We believe that through the disobedience of Adam original sin is extended to all mankind; which is a corruption of the whole nature and a hereditary disease, wherewith even infants in their mother’s womb are infected…”.

               The statement above defends the doctrine of original sin and refutes the idea that sin is a result of imitation. All of mankind is affected by original sin, but inherently and not through imitation. No one needs to teach a child to have a temper tantrum or to be disobedient; a child does not need to see a sin committed so he can imitate it. If imitation was the case who did Eve see sin? Adam saw Eve, in fact as seen before he was with her, and thus also tempted. No, even a child in his mother’s womb is condemned. Sin is deeply engrained in every human heart and cannot be avoided, yet God provides the blessing of enmity between the seed of the serpent and the seed of woman in Genesis 3:15 out of His great love. It is because of this enmity that Jesus came, died for our sins, and gives life to those who repent, and believe. Sadly, though all are affected by sin not all will be saved; everyone dies but not everyone lives.

               Original sin affects all of mankind, and even taints the way through which the Bible is interpreted. Wrong thinking results not from unclear passages of scripture, but by man wanting to shift the blame of sin onto someone else and make God look as though He is unfair. As seen above, the truth is found not through speculation but the Word of God.

Bill C-389 unneccessary

Canadians must be aware of issues present in Canada; what bills are being read in Parliament. One such bill, a private members bill presented by Mr. Bill Siksay has recently passed the third reading in the House of Commons and waits reading by the Senate. The Bill C-389 seeks to change the Canadian Human Rights Act as well as the Criminal Code. Currently the Human Rights Act states

"All individuals should have an opportunity equal with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have and to have their needs accommodated, consistent with their duties and obligations as members of society, without being hindered in or prevented from doing so by discriminatory practices based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted" (Section 2).

The above words are great, including all people groups whether majority or minority except those, of course, supporting criminal activity. MP Siksay wishes to amend the Act by adding the words “gender expression” and “gender identity” seeking to include transgendered individuals in the Canadian Human Rights Act, allowing freedom to go wherever they feel their gender belongs. This means, and has been discussed in Parliament, that individuals who are not transgendered may freely visit washrooms or change-rooms designated for individuals of the opposite sex. Issues arise when not just so-called ‘gender neutral’ individuals but perverted pedophiles make of this opportunity to satisfy their desires. What of these individuals, who with this bill will also be protected by the Criminal Code; will criminal activity also be protected? One would hope not; so far Canada is not quite at this stage as seen in the case of Colonel Russell Williams who has invaded 82 homes to fulfil his pedophile tendencies. People were outraged at the discovery that a someone could commit such horrific crimes, which started off with fantasy and ended in murder, yet now a bill that would make it easier for perverts to have access to change-rooms and washrooms is being slipped through the government and succeeding! The issue being addressed does not give more freedoms and protection to gender-confused individuals but rather strips away the right to privacy of Canadian citizens. Gender issues are already covered in the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code which address sex and sexual orientation. As mentioned byMrs. Sylvie Boucher (Parlaimentary Secretary for Status of Women) during the second reading

"First, I would like to point out that the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has already studied a number of complaints filed by transsexuals, and it found that these complaints were justified based on the ground of sex...We should therefore think about whether adding “gender identity” and “gender expression” to the Canadian Human Rights Act is really necessary."

She raises a pivotal point; the issue expressed is already covered. It is unnecessary and dangerous. What will you do to stop it?

Maranatha

2012... Y2K... 1999... 1994... 1941... 1844... times that people said the world would end...but it's still spinning around at 1,038 miles per hour. Yes as a Bible believing Christian I do believe that the world as we now know it will come to an end when Christ returns, but no body knows when. So be ready anytime...don't start a paranoid phenomena movie series or book about how horrible it will be...prepare by spreading the gospel, telling people about their sin, how Christ dies so we could be saved, and how we should live thankful lives. Not to scare people into believing, as many are with the current 2012 idea but to teach them to embrace the gospel, for it is the truth, God's word! This is not to say that I do not look forward to the Coming of Christ, We all should, but my intent is to make people aware of the fact that we cannot know when Christ will return so we should always be ready. Being ready doesn't mean we can (as Jay Sean and Nicki Minaj put it) "Party like, like it's the end of the world, we gonna party like, like it's 2012, you know that it doesn't matter as long as we like eachother.."  It does matter...in preparation we should humble ourselves, act genuine, and pray that Jesus will return soon. "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58) Work now, and your labour will not be in vain. Party now (in a bad way), and your vanity will come to haunt you. Now let this be our prayer "If anyone does not love the LORD, let that person be cursed! Come O LORD!" (1 Corinthians 16:22) Maranatha!!!

What I do Know

"I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future"
No, I do not know what will happen in the future, or everything God has planned for me, but that is part of the excitement of life. It is not just a boring itinerary where we check off what we have done, but it is planned out by God; He upholds us in His providence. He will not let anything happen to us that He has not planned...not a hair will fall from our heads without His knowing it. It doesn't matter how old or young you are, or where you live, or how much money you have; YOU are in God's plan, and He cares for you. Take comfort in this fact!

 "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Hide it in Your Heart

I teach Sunday school class to the three and four year old children at my church...and it is always a fun time. These kids are so small, yet because they have been baptized and raised with the Word they know so much. They always make me smile! Last time I taught I was asked to make sure that all the children knew their memory work...upon hearing them say the verse I would write their name on a heart with the verse on it and slip it into a giant heart on a bulliten board. You should have seen their beaming faces as I said their names and slipped in the hearts. The verse on the bulletin board said from Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" The children understood; they were a bit upset that they could not take the hearts home...but I told them they could take the verses home in their own heart...they liked that. They smiled, knowing that in their heart they now hold a great treasure...the fact is simple... "Jesus is the Son of God" with that in mind we should also hide God's word in our own hearts, and in the hearts of children...telling the next generation and not forgetting about out Creator. THANK YOU God for the ability to recall your Word in times of trouble, and remember it in times of prosperity!

Beautiful Feet

What are your feet like? Do you have smooth heels or old-looking dry heels? Are your toes long or short? Are you happy with your feet or do you feel embarrased about them? Do you like running barefoot or do you keep your feet covered at all costs? Where am I going with this? Great question...my final question will be more to the point...What do you do with your feet? Our feet are the the tools we use to walk, in essence to bring things...but we need to be deliberate about what we bring. Jesus' final job for believers is to spread the gospel...make disciples of all nations...that's a lot of walking! But hold onto this promise that Gd says in Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful on the mountains
   are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
   who bring good tidings,
   who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
   “Your God reigns!”

Use your beautiful feet...the cheapest pedicure is to spread the gospel; honestly you will have beautiful feet! How else will people hear the word and believe? Paul asks the same thing in Romans 10:14-15

" How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Be Careful Little eyes...

Remember that old children's song "Be carful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see...for the Father up above is looking down in love, oh be careful little eyes what you see." For years that song haunted me...it is so convicting! God is omnipresent---He sees all; He is always there. When you are scared, happy, sad, alone, wherever you go He sees you. If you've ever heard the story of Jonah you know you can't hide from God...in fact to Him you probably look funny...like the child who covers his face hoping you don't see him. But you do, and so does God. Is this a reason for fear or a reason to rejoice...it is both. Fear and tremble because you are in the presence of the Holy Awesome God of All...but rejoice because He loves you and wants you to be His own. When you sin God sees, even if no one else knows He does...but He wants you to come to Him confess and He will forgive. When you feel alone, when your friends seem to have left you; God is there. Remember these words from Psalm 139...
                                                          
                                                    
 ⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
   Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
   if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
   if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
   your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
   and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
   the night will shine like the day,
   for darkness is as light to you.
 ¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.

So rejoice in the omnipresence of God for He looks on you with Love...you are never alone!