Balmy December

Spring

Transitioning

Today is an unexpected day off, so I'm taking the opportunity to post. I have a certain amount of banked days after being so busy in the winter. Long weekends are a nice way to use those banked days. Andrea and I have been enjoying our time out here at camp. It's been 2 years since we moved here and it will be a little over 2 months until we get something to call a home. There is much anticipation for this moment when we will have a house that is actually meant to be our house.

Also we have been enjoying fellowship with a different community of believers for the last several months.We now attend church in Portage, which is a 40 minute drive from our house. The travel is no big deal, but we do have to limit how much we get involved because of it. Also having a little boy that goes to sleep at 7 limits our evening activities.

So, to clarify to myself and to any other readers I will give some of the reasons as to why we changed churches. There was no one our age in the church we previously attended that we could relate to or consider of like minded. We had not been challenged to grow or been convicted since attending there.
Also we seemed to be under the umbrella of my family church, which makes things difficult. As a preacher once said, " family relationships are fading if they are not in Christ, true fellowship is found in our relation with brothers and sisters in Christ". I'm not saying that my family is not believers, but I will say that when we are together that fact is taken for granted.

Actually I won't peg that on my family, that is the case for too many christians. Sure we are christians but that is not a fact to accept and then ignore. It's not a prerequisite for friendship that is addressed and then considered trivial in comparison to day to day small talk. I do long for the day when Christ comes back and he will be the center of our attention. Yes, I do believe he is coming back like it says in Luke 21:27-28,And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”


Maybe the Church we were attending was not providing for us because our own hearts were far from trying to accept that place. Were we hyper cynical and pushing the our expectations too far, I will say no. The move was necessary,and we have been ministered to by the community we now attend. It is good to go to a place where people challenge us personally. This Christian life cannot be done solo. Meeting together to study God's word and to intercede for the sinful world around us are irreplaceable things. I'm so thankful that we have the freedom to meet in this country without fear of persecution. Although some persecution might do us good, like a refinery, burning off the impurities.

Well I'm going to close this one off, it's getting kind of rambly. I haven't written in a long while.

Prayer

Recently I found myself at a loss for words before the Lord. I wish I could say it was because I was in awe of our creator and his mercy for a sinner like me, but the cause was quite the opposite. The reason for my stagnant state was a cold heart and an indifference towards my saviour. I had lost the passion, Jesus was not my satisfaction. Instead I had allowed myself to beieve that my pattern, my well oiled regiment of getting up early and reading His word was enough. It was like a correspondent that consistently wrote me letters but I never cared to return any. To me the word seemed dead and unresponsive.

I give all credit to to the Spirit working in to bring me back to my knees before Jesus, but i will let you know where he led me on the way. Good friends of mine referred me to a Lou Sutera prayer seminar at their church. I was hungry for more knowledge and was able to make it to two of the three meetings. Through these meeting I was deeply convicted on my attitude and failure to bring things to my Savior. Since this initial motivation the joy that can only be found in the Lord is slowly returning to me. There are many other factors and influences that have helped me along but I will not go into them at this time.

Simply put: To believe is to pray
Without prayer I deny that God exists by refusing to acknowledge him. When I say that I am a christian yet do not communicate that first of all to Christ it is hypocrisy. How can I lead a household without the Lord? How can I be a missionary to children and the community if I deny Christ's work in my own heart?

⁵ You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
   who remember your ways.
But when we continued to sin against them,
   you were angry.
   How then can we be saved?
⁶ All of us have become like one who is unclean,
   and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
   and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
⁷ No one calls on your name
   or strives to lay hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us
   and have given us over to^[a] our sins. Isaiah 64:5-7


They did not call on the Lord and were given over to their sins... 


Call on Jesus, bring everything before him.

Returning

I'll admit I've been absent from posting in the last little while. It is not without good reason that I have remained in this state of silence. I try to make this blog a place where the way I can communicate the truth's of God's word, warnings of this deceptive world and perhaps a few verbal and literal pictures of the beautiful world we live in. There now that I have stated the purpose of this space it is more clearly communicated to you and as well to myself. As it is too late in the evening for me to formulate proper thoughts here are some pictures.

Lecrae-Background Ft. C-Lite Video

This is a pretty weak rebirth into blogging but at least its something. Check out the video, listen to the words let them pierce you. I may or may not resemble C-lite you can decide for yourself. Enjoy.

you can keep all that junk to yourself

Alright I wouldn't recommend you actually keep junk to yourself, I would recommend you get rid of it and please don't give it to any other poor person. If you haven't read my dear wife's blog you will find that our family is currently a resounding gong(with love). It has come to our attention, or rather we have been convicted by God on our use and view of our one precious life. I like to call it, "inhaling properly". We live on air, we expect and need to breathe in clean air or we will die. As Christians we need to make sure the air we breathe is clean and frequent enough to actually sustain. Watching an awful movie or indulging in that one television series is like putting your mouth to a tailpipe only once and a while. The negative effects of a little bit of sin is much more devastating than you would expect. Through prolonged exhaust inhalation your lungs and lips become calloused, so does the discernment and desires of your heart. Instead of recoiling and sputtering the filth becomes attractive and even delicious. The majority of the world is in this state, greenhouse gases are better named Sin.

Thanks be to God for saving us from this plight, for giving us eyes to see and ears to hear. For those who are chosen this cancer is cured and they are renewed. Stop ignoring this sin in your life come to Christ and find life in him! Examine what you're allowing into yourself, and pray for the strength to do it with God.

The Cross

There’s something you gotta see, journey with me

It’s approximately 30 A.D.

In the land of Israel- the city of Jerusalem

But on the outside there’s screams and loud cries

Through faith, this scene can be seen without eyes

The mean shout lies and seem to sound wise

As we inch through the crowd, we need to be cautious

A Roman execution, men on three crosses

But all the focus is on the one in the center

The gate closes behind you- no one can enter

The sight you behold is so odd, you’re stunned

The man hanging on the cross is God the Son

12 noon, it’s pitch-black because the sunshine’s lacking

Your minds can’t fathom this divine transaction

As slowly the sound becomes mostly drowned

You realize that you’re standing on holy ground


Bridge



So forever will I tell

In three hours, Christ suffered more than any sinner ever will in hell (4x)


Chorus


It’s where we see Your holiness- at the cross

We see that You’re controlling this- at the cross

We see how You feel about sin- at the cross

Your unfathomable love for men- at the cross

It’s where we see Your sovereignty- at the cross

We see our idolatry- at the cross

We know that there’s a judgment day- from the cross

May we never take our eyes away- from the cross


Verse 2


We’re now in the realm of the sublime and profound

With God at the helm it’s about to go down

The Father’s wrath precise will blast and slice

The priceless Master Christ as a sacrifice

Willingly, He’s under the curse

To be treated as if the Son was the worst scum of the earth

The scene is the craziest

Jesus being treated as if He is the shadiest atheist

How is it the Messiah is in the fiery pit

As if He was a wicked liar with twisted desires?

The One who’s sinless and just

Punished as if He was promiscuous and mischievous with vicious lust

The source of all godly pleasure

Tormented as if He was a foul investor or child molestor

How could He be bruised like He was a goodie two-shoes

who doesn’t think that she needs the good news?

He’s perfect in love and wisdom

But He’s suffering as if He constructed the corrupt justice system

We should mourn at the backdrop

Jesus torn like He’s on the corner with crack rock with porn on His laptop

What is this, kid? His gifts are infinite

But He’s hit with licks for religious hypocrites

He’s the Light, but being treated like

He’s the seedy type who likes to beat His wife

He’s treated like a rapist, treated like a slanderer

Treated like a racist or maybe a philanderer

Jesus being penalized like He had sin inside

Filled with inner pride while committing genocide

I could write for a billion years and still can’t name

All of the sins placed on the Lamb slain

But know this: the main thing the cross demonstrated

The glory and the holiness of God vindicated


The Cross (3 hours) by Shai LInne

Discernment

I have been reminded lately that the call to discern in today's Christianity is more pressing than ever. A lot of books are being promoted in churches that dethrone God and put man in driver seat. I'll admit that I cannot discern as well as I would like to, so I must research and trust others with what God has laid on their heart. Here is an article about the latest thing that's creeping into churches-- http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/newsletter101607.htm#LETTER.BLOCK8

This website is also good http://www.challies.com

I may or may not write more on this later, but PLEASE! Research the books and materials coming into your church and your own hands!

Make War Full Song (Typography)

If I can't see Christ I'd rather not see at all

Well, the title was going to be the entirety of this post, but I've been convinced otherwise.

I Timothy 2:5: For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

To see Christ is an odd thing to explain, it can't be properly articulated through poems or descriptive words. Everything a christian sees ought to be through christ. I know that this is not the case for most, myself included. The best way I can describe, "seeing Christ" would be like looking through a lens that allows you not only to see but to fully realize the extent of God's grace and mercy shown through his Son. Jesus took God's holy wrath upon himself so that we could live, and even better, live in eternity at peace with a holy God despite our Sin. I know I haven't posted in a while, but this pretty much sums up from then until this point. It's been a constant struggle keeping my lens clear. It's like going into a warm humid room after being outside in -24 weather while wearing glasses. The problem with that analogy is that I would be saying Jesus is flawed, which he isn't, it's my eyes that are... full of logs.

So many new things!

Hello to all readers! It's been to long and I'm feeling disconnected. I will fill everybody in. I am now married to Andrea, the most amazing woman ever! We are living in Winnipeg for now but it doesn't feel very permanent. I am currently in the process of applying for an assistant director position at Valley View Bible Camp. The emotions going into it are mixed, I feel unworthy to even be considered but yet still led to apply. I can't say much more on the subject because I don't know yet. If everyone could pray for Andrea and I, it would be great!

So I'm lazy at posting, I'll admit it. Not too much has been going on around here. Work has been slow, but picked up for this week, how long lived it will be I'm not sure.

I think God's been teaching me to be content where I'm at, which translates to resting in the promise and provision that he has given. More specifically, I've been quite restless about remaining where I'm working. There were other job opportunities that seemed very attractive for the moment, but would not provide the same quality of learning.

I'm getting kind of a feeling like David got when he numbered his, except not nearly as severe.

I can't say that I have a lot of inspiration going into this post. I'm looking to buy a house which is exciting and intimidating at the same time. The real concerns I am having is moving into a sketchy area of town, but I don't expect any sympathy from some of the readers. The concern is not for me but for my future wife. It's not easy to live in a fallen world where the evil desires of man go unchecked, where sin is only atoned for by one man. Don't let the world fool you. Control is in God's hand and it always will be.

I have to say that I have been really overwhelmed by the grace of God these past weeks. We've started marriage counseling and it is so exciting to see how God has worked in Andrea's and my life throughout our relationship. Persevering through a mostly long distance relationship bears a lot of witness to God in our relationship. I had a conversation with someone who was starting a long distance relationship. I told her I'd gone 6 months without seeing Andrea, someone quickly added, "but you have God on your side". This struck me in a couple different ways. Unbelievers do watch our walks closely, they can see the new life that we live. That's why it is so important practice what you preach. One of the major things that damages our credibility is hypocrisy within Christianity. I have heard people say so many times, " she/he is a Christian and they do it why can't you". The subject doesn't matter, but the conflicting views projected on the unbeliever do.

26"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Matthew 10:26-27

Make your life transparent so that the unbelieving may see the power of God in your life, but also so that when you sin your brother or sister may see and help you up.

Walk with Authority

I have spent the last few days with the Porter family in Regina. It is always encouraging and refreshing to stay with them. This morning there was a police bust of some kind across the street. I think I counted about 12 officers in total. This lead me to some of the notions of my past.

Obviously I wasn't going to go out and chase down a gang member, but if I had to I wouldn't be afraid. It's like when I was young, I carried myself with the thought that it didn't matter if I got hurt or died, God had my back. Where did I lose my way? There are numerous times when I know I had protection of another kind.

So my challenge to you and to myself is to in faith put yourself in a situation at least out of your comfort zone. Tell someone that Jesus loves them, do a random act of kindness. If you want to be used by God you have to give him something to work with. You'll be amazed how the smallest thing is huge when God's in it.

Engaged!

Sorry for the slowness of posting this momentous occasion. I am engaged to married to Andrea Porter! The date is set at January 31st 2009.

I want to direct all the focus of this event and the glory towards God. If you haven't noticed yet that's the whole reason for this blog. It has definitely been a long distance relationship, with only about 6 of the 20 months together. I'd like to thank everybody who has supported us and I hope that we will have your continuing support.

Servants

And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7: 15-17

At first glance this text seemed overbearing to me. We're going to serve him one day in his temple? Does that seem a little bit oppressive to anyone else?

Then I thought about it a little bit more. We are slaves to something, most likely to this world and the sin in it. To serve God is not just one option among a list of things to serve. To serve God is to break away from the list of worldly options.

Now think about being in the Sanctuary of God, dwell on the comfort that can only come from being in the presence of God. Imagine how wonderful this life would be if all we had to worry about is serving God without the distractions of a job, money or school. God promises this to us in the end, when it's all said and done, all we'll need to do is serve. I love Him.

I am tired of timidity, I'm tired of caring what others see. Just imagine if you walked talked and lived with the authority of Christ! Yet we do not, for some reason we cannot. Has the old nature not been put off? Am I not a new creation in Christ Jesus? I 'm positive that I am. I cannot ever deny the saving grace of Jesus, I will never turn to unbelief. Still without passion I live! This lament does not bring resolution, but only more longing for change. So I give you this text:

50I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."[g]
55"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"[h] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

Now sit back and read that passage again. Flesh and blood have no inheritance in the Kingdom! The fingers with which I type will be rendered useless. The feet you walk on will be gone. Yet the text says we will all be changed, there's no specification between believers and unbelievers. All will be judged. All should be warned. So what are we holding back for? The death that is brought on by sin has been erased. Jesus took our sins, he forgave them! If we are in him, and he in us then our imperishable spirit is assured a place in eternity. So fear nobody but his majesty!

Now that you can see the end and what it holds, where do you stand? Do not fear the one who destroys the body but fear the one who destroys the soul. Can you walk in the authority of Christ?

Drunk

Recently I heard a sermon on this text, 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2

The speaker ended the sermon by telling me to get drunk off of the spiritual milk. Like a newborn baby craves milk, that's how we are supposed to crave the things of God. Then to get drunk off of spiritual things would to have them in excess. This became even more real to me yesterday as I was waiting for the bus. A drunk women came and sat beside me and proceeded to talk to me and I talked back. She then sat beside me on the bus and talked to me until she got off the bus. She was drunk, she was talking. If we are drunk off the spiritual milk we will be talking.

"Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks". Is your hearts desire something other than the cup that Jesus drank? Does your speech edify Christ? I'll pray that it does.