Saturday, March 31, 2007

Psalm 90

BOOK IV : Psalms 90-106
A prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3 You turn men back to dust,
saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."

4 For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.

5 You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
they are like the new grass of the morning-

6 though in the morning it springs up new,
by evening it is dry and withered.

7 We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.

8 You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.

10 The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span [a] is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

11 Who knows the power of your anger?
For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.

12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13 Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.

16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.

17 May the favor [b] of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Monday, March 26, 2007

Leap of Faith

Well, the family is gone, and now it's just me alone again for 3 more months, ho hum. No! it's not that boring, I have God by my side. Fellow Christians, when was the last time you have taken a leap of faith? My wonderful girlfriend Andrea, unknowingly supported my idea for this post. I'm sure she'll say something on her blog, and if not ask her about it. When I came to Dawson Creek I had so many doubts, so many fears, I had no idea why I should come here. The only sensible thought I had in my head was that learning to cook would help me to serve God better. Now as I near the end of my schooling I must search God's infinite wisdom for some more answers. But I thank him always for placing me here. It has grown my faith so much, it has brought Andrea and I closer together, but most importantly it has given me a chance to preach lost souls the grace of God. Don't be like the wealthy man who could not let go of his possessions. May nothing distract you from the course God has shown you for your life. Let go, let God.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Family today!

Today was officially my first day back in the dining room, which means I made fancy food, which is why i'm here. My parents and david arrive today, i am currently waiting for them. On the spiritual side, I have discovered(through reading Soul Feast by Marjorie j. Thompson, thanks Sister in law) that there is a whole different dimension to reading the bible. It is a style created by the benedictine monks. I cannot remember the latin word for it but I will tell you so you may benefit from it aswell. It starts with lectio or reading, first read the text over, do it slowly let it sink in. Next is meditatio visualize as you read so that it sticks in your mind. Then, oratio speak, sing or pray as the text moves you. Lastly, relax, meditate on what you've read, apply it to your life, extract new truths from God's word. Remember to not rush this process, set aside time daily to read the bible. Always give God the best of your time, not when you wake up tired and groggy, or when your eyes keep closing.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Integrity

Alright I've had it! I am tired of christian men tip toeing around the topic of sex. As a man I know that men are made with certain urges for the opposite sex. I will not go into this topic deeply because females do read this blog on occasion. As christian men we are called to uphold our bodies, to treat them as they were the temple of God. Too often I've talked to christian brothers and found that in all aspects of their life they can successfully strive for christian standards, except when it comes to purity. And that is exactly what is holding back your relationship with God. You cannot fully commit yourself to God when, inside you are filled with guilt, self loathing and depression. "13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 Jesus went through all the temptations we did, it is possible to maintain sexual integrity. By daily committing your desires,thoughts, and actions to God. Also it is helpful to have a trusted friend to talk to and hold you accountable, because we can't trust ourselves. Do not expect an overnight turn from bad habits, it takes fervent discipline. I know in the back of your mind you want to give into these sins, that is because the world is filled with sex, so instead replace TV, Internet, and unholy talk with God. Marinate yourself in the bible, in prayer and in christian literature. Also protect your computer http://www.xxxchurch.com/. Be all that God wants you to be.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Little Blue Church

Through the glass doors, the familiar odour stimulates the nostrils, greeted warmly by smiling faces with outstretched arms. Into the sanctuary, breath drawn, I let the presence of God and fellow believers saturate and quiet my wandering spirit. Traditional melodies emanate from the piano, harmonies evolve from inked out hymnals. A brother takes the stand, truths of the gospel are revealed through the various interpretations of God's perfect message. From every ones week come forth new trials, praises and dilemmas. The requests given and received by the Father are made known. The informal formalities finished, rich aromas of coffee waft, the fellowship begins, some speak of observations from the service, others small talk, and some listen. The congregation leaves, educated through the Church, reassured through praise, and confident through such a great cloud of witnesses. Little Blue Church

http://northgatembchurch.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 16, 2007

Take it away now

The importance of fasting is something that is relevant to all believers, but is not practiced often enough. The book study on "Soul Feast" that Annemarie has been leading has tweaked some thinking for me. This past week we have been assigned to read the chapter on fasting. Fasting is not just something your parents do, it should be an integral part of our walk with God. Fasting is when one resists something that is an indulgence, such as too much food, TV, spending money, or gossip. When we don't allow our indulgences to control us then that is one less thing to come between yourself and God. While you are fasting your mind and body will long for the forbidden thing, at that time you are reminded of God and the reason you are fasting. Let God fill your desires, we do not live on bread alone, hunger should not master us. If you do not fast regularily, try it for a day this week. Be reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for you.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

I'm back

Hello everybody, I am back!
I apologize if my last post was a little bleak, it wasn't really that bad. I made some new friends from Terrace and from Nanimo,BC. The mountains were especially ominous to this prairie boy, the northern lights shone boldly and the coffee was delicious. I will try to post some pictures but I'm not promising anything. Anyways, I want to encourage all the believers out there. Recently I have been evaluating how I carry myself as A Christian. Does my demeanor emulate Christ, do people notice an unearthly essence in me? While in Whitehorse I was told that I stood out, that there was something was different about me- well that was all God- because I felt that I was struggling. If you are feeling that you aren't being all that you can be for God, that's when God is using you the most, because when you have no hope in yourself your pride is gone. Pride of life is the downfall of man. Be poured out wine and stale bread for Christ.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

It's Hard out here for a Cook

Hello from the north! I am in whitehorse. It is cold but now slightly less cold. The scenery is fantastic. I am now beginning to realize the filth of the world. For anyone who has not worked in a kitchen, it is not a pretty place for a christian. It was said that cooks are either gay or alcoholic, and that is hardly an exageration. But Jesus loves everybody. It's not to say that I am not making some good friends, but maintaining a christ like attitude and demeanor is not easy when engulfed in filth. So please pray for me. Tomorrow we are going on a day trip to alaska. I cannot wait to get back to a closer place to home.