What Would You Give Up?

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

I Corinthians 8:13

We live in a day in age where Christians want to emphasize grace.  We are saved by grace, we live by grace, we are the church in the age of grace, we need to extend grace, and so on.  However, a lot of times, grace is being confused with licence.  Of course, a person is saved by grace, but grace does not give us a reason or an excuse to sin.

I find it so interesting that in this passage in I Corinthians 8 Paul deals with something that many people would call a "grace" issue.  In fact, he deals with something that is not even wrong to do!  Eating meat.  There's nothing wrong with eating meat. What made it wrong was the fact that other Christians were offended by the action.  We don't have the problem of eating meat offered to idols in 21st century North America, but there're so many amazing principles in this passage that we can apply directly to similar situations today. 

Some Christians think as long as you don't smoke, swear, chew, or run with those who do, you're fine. We pride ourselves in the fact that we don't commit the "big" sins.  Paul dealt with a lot of BIG sins in the church in Corinth.  He dealt with fornication.  It was a sin so bad, that he said even the Gentiles (unsaved people) wouldn't have done it!  He dealt with taking fellow Christians to court.  He dealt with the carousing going on at the Lord's Supper.  Those are some pretty big deals! And then in I Corinthians 8, we get a teaching on how to deal with things that aren't sin.  How does this even warrant mention in this letter when so much horrible other stuff was going on at this church?

So, what was the big deal about eating the meat offered to idols?  Why did Paul need to correct the church in this area?  First of all, I think this shows that with God, there is no such thing as "big" sin and "little" sin.  Sin is sin in the eyes of God, and He hates all of it.  God hated the offence caused by eating the meat just as much as He hated the sacrilege going on at the Lord's table.

We already know it wasn't eating the meat that was the problem in this situation.  Paul states in verse 8 that, ...meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.  Basically, eating meat has nothing to do with making us a better or worse Christian. It was the fact that eating the meat could cause an offence or a stumbling block to another brother or sister in the Lord that was the issue.  Obviously, this issue of causing offence was something Paul took very seriously.  How do we know he took it seriously?  The opening verse I quoted states that Paul was willing never to eat meat again for the rest of his life rather than to cause someone to offend.  Wow!  Personally, I think that's pretty extreme.  Would I be willing to give up something that's not even wrong, just because a fellow Christian was offended by it?  Paul was willing to give up something as simple and basic as eating meat.  

In the culture of today that is so me-centred it makes me wonder what would we be willing to give up in order to help someone else?  Really, that's what Paul's motivation was here.  He wanted to help his brothers and sisters in the Lord.  He wanted to be a good example to them.  What non-sinful things would I be willing to give up?  It's a very sobering thought.  We should want to give up things that are sinful, but giving up something that isn't sinful almost seems ridiculous.  It wasn't ridiculous to Paul though.  In fact, to Paul, giving up eating meat was essential.  

I like eating meat... a lot.  Maybe Paul did too.  We don't know.  Maybe at some point, God is going to want us to give up something we like, so that we don't cause another brother or sister to stumble.  The question is, will we be willing to give that thing up?

   

A Charitable Spirit

The girls Sunday School class at my church has been doing a study on Charity over the last several months.  My Mom and I take turns with teaching the class.

Many people talk about love today.  Christians talk about how God is love.  How God loves us so much.  How God just wants us to love people.  We should love, because He loves us. Love, love, love.  It's all warm and fuzzy and wonderful and nice.

In comparison, I don't hear as much talk about Charity.  I wonder why that is?

It's easy to love.  It's easy to talk about love.  It's easy to feel something.  It's harder to do, and charity is ALL about doing.  Charity is really love in action.  The study we are doing is teaching us that a charitable spirit must be a part of every aspect of our lives.  That's hard, because that goes way beyond just talk and feeling!

I love how Jesus puts it in Matthew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay the tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and ye have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

What Jesus is saying here, as that the Pharisees were wrong, not because they tithed, but because they kept the easy parts of the law and neglected the things that were harder.  For me, having a charitable spirit ALL the time is much the same.  It's easy to say I love someone, but it's more difficult to let that charity extend to every part of my life.

A charitable spirit is the opposite of selfishness.  Charity always thinks of others and never thinks of self.  Charity should be present in our actions, speech, interactions with people, and manners.  We need to be charitable at home, at work, at school, and in public.  I think the easiest way to practice having a charitable spirit is always to ask the question, "Is this what I want, or is this putting others before myself?"

I thought I would make a list of some ways to show charity day to day.  I've included things that can apply to children, adults, married people, single people, and hopefully we can all find a way to be a bit more charitable this week.  Feel free to comment and leave your own suggestions.

1.  Hold the door for someone.
2.  Smile at the clerk in Wal-mart and say "thank you".
3.  Say "thank you" at the drive-thru when you order your coffee.  Bonus: give the cashier a tract :)
   *I used to work at Tim Horton's and you would be surprised at how few people actually say thank you! And no one every gave me a tract.
4.  Don't have road rage! (this is a hard one for me)
5.  Sincerely, complement your boss on his/her outfit.
6.  Let the guy buying only one item go in front of you and your FULL cart at the grocery store.
7.  Say "good morning" to someone you pass on your daily walk around the block.
8.  Bring baked goods (or if you're like me and NEVER bake, Tim-bits) to work and share.
9.  Clean up the kitchen for your mom... without being asked.
10.  Do a chore in your house that normally belongs to someone else.
11.  Leave a bigger tip at the restaurant if the server was extra helpful.  Bonus: TELL them they were a good server.  BONUS, bonus: give them a tract and invite them to church.
12.  Just smile :)
13.  Talk to the person at work or at school that is quiet and shy and doesn't seem to have too may friends.
14.  Send a nice card to someone: friend, family, missionary.  Tell them you are praying for them and then pray for them!

Why do we Do things that God Hates?

I was thinking about some things the other day, and I thought, "Why do Christians do things that God hates?"

While I was thinking about this and about some Christians I know who have done things God hates, the thought hit me.

Why do I do things that God hates?

It really saddens me when I see people who call themselves Christians blatantly and openly doing things that God hates.  After all, we are the people who claim the name of Christ, but so often we grieve Him by our sin.  That's why it is important how we live.

Whatever the reason is that other Christians sin, there's ultimately not much I can do about that.  I can pray for them, but the only person that I can truly and effectively change is myself.  I hate the fact that Christians sin.  I realize that may be a strong opinion, but I really do hate it.  I hate the fact that I sin.  I hate it, because it hurts me, it hurts other people, and ultimately it hurts the cause of Christ.

I think we ignore sin too much.  I think we make excuses for it too often.  I know I do.  Why else would I do something that displeases God?  I think we forget Who God really is.  He has done so much for us.  Why would we want to hurt Him?  I think we forget what Christ had to pay for our salvation.  He gave EVERYTHING for us.  He sacrificed EVERYTHING.

If we are going to truly live in a way that we don't do things that God hates, we are going to have to sacrifice some of our wants.  We will have to give things up that we like.  The truth is that we sometimes like our sin, but God always hates sin.  We live in a materialistic world that says to sacrifice is to hurt yourself.  Yet, God's way says sacrifice is where blessings really come from.  Sadly, too often we refuse to sacrifice a temporal desire, and we do those things that God hates to satisfy an earthly lust. Meanwhile, we have just sacrificed a heavenly reward.  Which one is better?  The temporal lust or the eternal reward?

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  I John 2:6

Sin

"Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay."

Unknown

Our Sunday school lesson this past Sunday was on sin.  One of the things that jumped out to me was the point that there is a flippant attitude towards sin these days.  I know I have been guilty of that.  Many times we just go ahead and do, say, and/or think things without ever even giving a thought to whether or not it is sinful.  It's like sin isn't even on our radar.  It's not important to us whether or not what we are doing is sinful.  That's not a good way for a Christian to behave. 

The Bible talks a lot about sin.  Sin is a monumental problem.  The world is full of sin.  Sin is a problem for Christians too.  We are new creatures in Christ (I Cor. 5:17), but the old sinful nature is still present in us.  We studied Romans 6 in Sunday school.  Paul goes in to great detail in Romans 6 and 7 about the conflict in us once we are saved.  

Another thing that I found encouraging about the Sunday school lesson was the statement that as Christians we now have the poser to say NO to sin.  Before we were saved we didn't have that power.  We may have wanted to say no, but we couldn't.  Being saved means that we have power over sin, but it's still a choice we make.  We choose to let the Holy Spirit work in us to defeat sin, or we choose not to let Him work.  This is huge.  The more I read the Bible, the more I see this teaching everywhere.  Literally, it's everywhere, especially in the New Testament.   God's Word is full of encouragement for us not to allow sin in our lives, and it gives us ways to do that.  Philippians 4:8 is a great example.  It tells us things we should be thinking about, and if we are thinking about these good things, we won't be thinking about sin.

Asking yourself the question if something is right or wrong is good.  But, asking whether or not something is sin or righteousness brings a whole new perspective.  The opposite of sin is righteousness.  The Bible tells us that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness we will be filled. Matthew 5:6.  When I think of something being wrong, obviously I think it's bad, wicked, etc.  But, when I think of the word sin, it almost strikes a fear in me.  Sin is serious.  Sin is so serious that it cost Jesus Christ His life.  That's a reality that I don't think has set in for a lot of people who claim to be Christians.  If it was a reality to them, I think they would be trying harder not to sin.  Sin also feels so vile and dirty.  When I think of sin, I am repulsed.  I don't want to be in sin.  I want to be as far away from it as possible.

The truth is that we all sin.  We all need forgiveness in Christ.  But, even when we accept Christ as Saviour and are forgiven, we will still sin.  We shouldn't let that fact discourage us, but instead, it should strengthen our resolve and determination to take steps that will keep us from sin.  Another quote goes like this speaking of the Bible, "Sin will keep you from this Book, and this Book will keep you from sin."  This is so true.  I've found that the when I don't make time to read my Bible on a daily basis I'm more likely not to be bothered by sin.  When I am reading my Bible I am bothered by sin, and thus, more likely to deal with that sin and keep my relationship with the Lord right.

There are only two choices... sin or righteousness.  

Some Verses

And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.

And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man at his tent door.

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou has said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me know thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

Exodus 33:9-13

This passage was part of my Bible reading this morning.  One of the things that I love about the Bible is the detail.  The wording of the Scripture is so amazing sometimes.  I believe that every word we have in the Bible was meant to be there.  I also believe that God worded things certain ways very deliberately when He inspired the writers of His Word.  For instance, verse 9 says that the cloudy pillar stood by the door of the tabernacle.  I think that's so interesting.  Why would it say the cloudy pillar stood? Then it says the people saw it stand at the tabernacle door.  I just think it's fascinating that the cloudy pillar is described as standing.  I also think it's fascinating that the presence of the cloudy pillar caused all the people to worship.  I wonder why seeing the cloudy pillar caused people to worship?  I wonder if God Himself was in that cloudy pillar?

Another interesting detail I find in these verses is how it describes Moses as God's friend, and also that God spoke with Moses face to face.  How wonderful it must have been to have such an intimate familiarity with God.  Wow!  Then it says that God knew Moses by name, and that He told Moses that Moses had found grace in His sight!  Imagine standing before God and God telling you you have grace in His sight! WOW!  I know myself that I fail God in so many ways.  I know there's SO much more I could be doing to serve the Lord.  I struggle with sin and with living a consistent Christian life.  And yet, Moses wasn't perfect either, but he came to a place of spiritual victory where he found grace in God's sight.  I find it encouraging that if Moses could get there, it's possible for me to get there too.  I also find it motivating.  I WANT to find grace in God's sight.  I want to be in that right relationship with Him, serving Him, living for Him, so that He can say that of me.  

Another interesting detail is the fact that Moses came out of the tabernacle, but Joshua didn't.  Joshua stayed in the holy place.  I wonder what he did when he stayed? Maybe he was praying?  Maybe he wanted to be close to the Lord?  Maybe he just wanted to stay where God's presence was.

There's so much more in these verses, but the last thing I like is how Moses asks God to show him His way, and asks that he would know God.  A few verses after this we see God placing Moses between the cleft in the rock and covering him with His hand.  Then God passes by Moses and removes His hand so Moses can see His back.  Moses had such a deep desire to see God.  More than anything he wanted to be close to God.  He wanted to be walking in God's way.  He wanted find grace in God's sight.  He wanted to know God.  It's almost like the more time Moses spent with God, the more he wanted to be with Him.  Moses had just spent forty days and nights on Mount Sinai with God while God wrote His law.  Then he spoke with God in the cloudy pillar, but he wanted more. What an example to us of how much we should want to know God. And, I believe the same is true of us.  The more time we spend with God, the more we will want to know God and spend time with Him. Moses was consumed with finding, following, and fellowshipping with God!  

Staying Faithful

I'm so glad God is faithful!  The Bible gives us many great promises of His faithfulness.

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (I Cor 1:9).

Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it (I Thess. 5:24)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9)

Sometimes it becomes difficult to be a faithful Christian.  Discouragement is very real, and we all struggle with it.  I've seen a lot of Christians give in to the discouragement and quit.  I've given in to it at times too.  I don't think there's anything more discouraging than a discouraged Christian!  Discouragement is a disease that pulls us down and causes us to become unfaithful to our Lord.  I don't think any Christians wants to be unfaithful on purpose!  We don't set out planning to let God down, but the struggle of the Christian life is very real.

I like to be optimistic.  I like to look for the positive in things.  I learned a long time ago that dwelling on the negative only makes me unhappy, discontent, and downright miserable.  What's the point of going through life being sad all the time??  But, that doesn't change the fact that staying faithful to the Lord is still really hard!  So, here are some things that have helped me and continue to help me stay faithful.  The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:15-29 teaches us a lot about faithfulness.

1.  God commands us to be faithful.
God gave these servants the talents, and He expected them to do something with them.  When God tells us to do something it's because He knows that is what is best for us.  Following God's commands always brings peace, joy, and blessings to the Christian.  What amazing benefits of staying faithful!

2.  God rewards faithfulness (Matt 25:21-23).
I think it's pretty amazing that God actually gives us a reward for following Him!  We let Him down so often, but not only does He forgive us when we ask, He allows us to continue to serve Him, and then He reward us for the things we do for Him!  The servants were rewarded with ruling over cities.

3.  Faithfulness pleases God (Matt 25:21-23).
Not only did God reward the faithful servants in this parable, but He said to them "Well done..."  He was pleased with them that they had served Him.  I think this is one of the greatest motivations for a Christian.  Our whole lives should be about pleasing God.  There's much teaching in the Scripture on this (Gal 1:9-10, Col 3:23, I Cor 10:31).

The truth is, there's a lot to be discouraged about sometimes, but that's not what God wants for us.  He just wants us to be faithful.  We have to come to the point where we accept that it doesn't matter if we have a big church, an influential ministry, a published book, the perfect marriage, a successful career, or whatever!  God just wants us to be faithful.  I've been in big churches and small churches.  The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence, but I can tell you from experience that it's just as hard to be faithful in a big church as it is in a small one.  God's ways are so far above our ways.  We may not understand why He does certain things in our lives, but we can always understand that He just wants us to be faithful.

"Christian" Activism

Should we or shouldn't we?

Should we protest?

Should we stand up for a cause?

Should we promote a "Christian" agenda publicly and vocally?

Should we protest the rights of the unborn child?  The right to teach Creation in public schools?  Traditional marriage between one man and one woman?

Is activism a calling of a Christian?

It's easy to become involved in activism.  It's easy to become passionate about a cause, especially for Christians, because we feel strongly about these issues.  Morality is being eroded by our society, government, and media.  Someone has to stand up for these moral issues right?!

The things I've mentioned are very "hot button" topics today.  I've seen more than one facebook argument ensue over a moral, Christian opinion someone has expressed in their status.  It's not that I don't think we should be bold in sharing our stand on these types of issues, but sometimes I question the value of spending so much time "lobbying".  Are we really making a difference, or are we missing the point?

A little over a year ago I posted a sermon my Pastor preached about Christians protesting.  It's been one of the most viewed articles on my blog.  In this sermon, my pastor shared what the Bible says about protesting.  We could also call it activism.  The truth is, you don't see a whole lot of this kind of thing going on in the Bible.

Is abortion wrong? Absolutely.  Do we need Creationism taught in our public schools? Yes!  Should we stand against same-sex marriage?  I think so.

BUT...

I am convinced that no matter how many protests we rally, how many letters we write to our MPP's and MP's, or how many petitions we sign, these are only band-aids solutions for a wound that really needs reconstructive surgery.  Our problem is not abortion, same-sex marriage, and/or evolution.  The problem today is SIN.

And the solution is right in the Scriptures.
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins... For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. (Eph 2:1, 8; see also Romans 1).

Here's something I think is funny about Christians.  We get on these kicks of supporting our "causes" and "issues", and it's like we do everything we can to avoid dealing with the CAUSE of the cause or issue.  We'll attend fundraisers, prayer groups, rallies, protests, donate money, and a host of other things, but we won't pass out a gospel tract or witness to our neighbour!  What good is our presence at a protest if we can't give out a gospel tract?  A protest is never going to save a lost sinner, but preaching the gospel to them will!

Paul said that it is the GOSPEL that is the ...power of God (Rom 1:16), not attending a pro-life fundraiser.  II Corinthians 5:17 tells us that it's being in Christ that makes us a new creature.  If we want to change our world, we need people's lives to be transformed by Christ!  We don't just need a teacher who is allowed to teach Creation in high school.  It's time to start doing that reconstructive surgery on the wound and stop applying the band-aids! Attending a rally against same-sex marriage isn't going to do one thing to make our society change it's views on that subject.  You could post a facebook status every day condemning abortion, but it's not going to change a single thing!!!  What changes people is CHRIST!  What changes people is having their sins forgiven!

I believe that the devil uses these things to distract Christians from what's really important.  The last thing Satan wants is for us to tell others about Christ, so if he can get us distracted from that he will.  What's worse is that he uses a good cause to distract us, so we don't even realize half the time what we are doing!  I never said that would shouldn't be against abortion or same-sex marriage.  I think it's good and right to be against those things, because the Bible teaches us they are wrong.  But, the Bible also teaches us that our calling is to tell others about Christ.  Mark 16:15 doesn't say "Go ye into all the world and protest abortion, and then people will see that it's wrong, and then everyone will change, and then they will get saved."!!!

God's Word is clear.  The world is lost, and it's getting worse and worse.  The world doesn't need another protest or another fundraiser.  The world needs Christ.  When we start giving people Christ, HE will change their lives.  That's what's going to stop abortion and allow Creation to be taught in our schools.  When lives are transformed by Christ, people will put away their sin and live for their Saviour.  Let's use our time, energy, and resources on what really will help our world!  It's as simple as passing out a gospel tract, inviting someone to church, or sharing a Scripture verse.  We can all do it!  God was so good to save us when we came to Him in repentance and faith.  Our one and only goal should be to share that amazing gift with everyone we meet!  I need more encouragement to do this too, so I hope that we can all work together to get the gospel to our communities.

Take MY Yoke

The motto of the Bible college I went to was "Training Servants for the Master."  I can't remember hearing a sermon preached on serving God before I went to Bible college.  It just wasn't something that was stressed in the church I grew up in.  Actually, I don't remember many sermons that were preached at that church.  Typically I was doing something like counting the pages in the hymn book, because I was bored.  The pastor I had at that time tended to try and be very "theological" with his sermons.  He also pretty much typed them out word for word and read them from the pulpit.  He was an okay speaker,  I just didn't get much out of what he said.

Anyways, when I went to Bible college there was a great emphasis on serving God and living for God.  Romans 12:1-2 were verses I heard often and we were encouraged to live those out in our day to day lives.  I had always been involved in ministry at church, even as a young person.  I loved the emphasis put on service, because I already loved serving!  It was refreshing to hear it preached from the pulpit as something all Christians should do.

God has given me some amazing opportunities to serve Him.  He's also given me some incredible abilities.  I am blessed to be able to play piano and sing.  I also love teaching, and I enjoy working with children.  After Bible college, I was asked to work on staff at a church.  I served a lot!  Obviously, it was expected that staff members be involved heavily in ministry.  However, there were times that I felt almost burdened down by ministry.  Then I would feel guilty that I was burdened and tired.  I also felt guilty for not doing more.  I felt like if I was asked to do something, I couldn't say no.  Saying no meant going against the pastor, questioning authority, and a whole bunch of other bad things.  I felt like the church put pressure on me to do more, and I certainly put pressure on myself to do more.  The guilt for not doing more was difficult to handle.  I believe there's often an extra pressure put on single people in the ministry to be even more dedicated to church work, because they don't have a family to care for.

The guilt and burden of ministry lessened greatly when I moved to the church I'm in now.  It's MUCH smaller, so there isn't the intense pressure to do more and more.   Also, I'm slowly starting to learn that "no" is an okay thing to say sometimes.  Although, I rarely say no when I'm asked to do something at church.  Maybe I've just learned how to balance my church ministry better.

This past Sunday we had Bro. Danny Whetstone from World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions as a guest preacher at my church (my Pastor is a missionary sent from the WWNTBM mission board).  He preached a sermon on Matthew 11:28-30, and I'd like to share a few things he said that really spoke to me.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

One of the points of his sermon was "An Invitation to Serve."  Jesus tells us to take HIS yoke upon us.  Many Christians are taking their own yoke upon them, and they end up serving out of compulsion, fear, or other wrong motives.  They have no joy, because they are not letting Christ fit them with HIS yoke.  Jesus' yoke is easy.  Easy speaks of well-fitting.  The Lord will give us the service (yoke) that we are fitted for.  When we allow Him to fit us with the yoke of service that He intended for us, we don't need to feel guilty about what we are NOT doing!  

Wow!  That spoke to me SO much!  Finally, I don't have to struggle with those feelings of guilt anymore.  Honestly, it hasn't been as much of a battle for me as it was a few years ago, but every once in a while the thought creeps in that I'm not doing enough for Christ.  That I need to do more.  That maybe there's an area I could be more faithful in.  I think there's a difference between guilt and conviction.  Obviously we all have areas as Christians that we could do a better job of living for the Lord in.  That's conviction and that's a good thing.  Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and God's Word and will result in good decisions.  Guilt comes from ourselves and focuses on self rather than God.  The truth is, if we just surrender and let Jesus put His yoke upon us we WILL find rest and it WILL be easy.  

I think that's a huge reason why many Christians give up.  I saw it again just this week.  Christians giving up.  They give up, because they are trying to wear the yoke of their own making, or maybe they are trying to wear a yoke that another well-meaning Christian has given them, but it just isn't what Christ has for them.  I think it takes a lot of humility to surrender to Christ and accept what He has for us.  Our pride will keep us from surrender every time.

One thing I've noticed on my Christian journey is that when God wants me to do something, I KNOW what it is.  Usually I don't like it at first, but I KNOW I should be doing it.  I've mentioned before how for a time I refused to pray for people I knew weren't saved.  The reason I did that, was because I knew if I prayed for them, I would be responsible for witnessing to them, and my pride made me fear that.  If I didn't pray then I didn't have to worry about the responsibility, but I KNEW in my heart that was SO wrong.  It's like this with most things.  We typically know what God wants us to do, we just fight it in our flesh and pride.  

Jesus said His yoke is easy and His yoke gives rest.  His yoke is guilt free.  His yoke is peace.  His yoke is perfect.  But, it all takes surrender and that takes getting ME out of the way.  Me has so much pride.  I believe many Christians are walking around defeated and discouraged and many are giving up because they simply have too much pride to surrender to what God wants for them.  But what God has for us is SO good!  I could write pages and pages of how God has been SO good to me.  Surrender was hard for me too.  It meant having to give some things up, and having to be content with some things I had that I didn't like, but in the end it brought so much peace.  Here's the thing.  You'll never know the peace, joy, and rest until you surrender.  It's a battle, but if we just let God have His way, and if we just let Jesus give us His easy yoke, we will come out on the winning side every time!  I sincerely pray that many, many more Christians will realize this and start to live it!  That would be wonderful.

Pleasing God or Pleasing Men

I think a lot of Christians struggle with this.  In fact, I know they do, because I do!  It's very easy to let our Christianity become performance based (pleasing men) rather than grace based (pleasing God).  After all in many cases it's men (and sometimes women) who are giving the guidance in our lives.  Our pastor, parents, and teachers, all teach us from the Bible.  No matter what age we are, we are, receiving teaching from someone.  That's God's plan for us.  That's why the Bible teaches the local church with a pastor.  God has gifted certain men to preach and teach, and we need to heed what they say.  However, since we have these people in our lives teaching us regularly, I think it's easy for us to forget about God.

I read once somewhere that the test of a godly pastor is whether or not he points you to Christ or simply exalts his own teaching.  I thought that was a very good test.  Ultimately, a pastor should be pointing you totally to Jesus.  Since my pastor reads my blog, I'm going to say that I'm thankful he does this :).  Although, I would say that about him whether he read my blog or not.  So many pastors today have an agenda.  It's really sad.  I can't tell you how many websites I've read where the pastors talk about their great accomplishments, education, how big their church is, how successful their ministry is, how gifted they are... blah, blah, blah... without ever a mention to Christ or any glory given to Him!  No wonder Christians become such man-followers.

It's very easy to loose the proper perspective when it comes to Christian living.  Our perspective must always be Christ, but we must also remember that it is God's will for us to obey those who have the rule over us (Heb. 13:17).  I think this is where it's easy to get turned around.  In obeying our leaders, we often become centralized on what those leaders are telling us.  So many leaders fail to point their followers to Christ, and instead point their followers to themselves.  This leads to frustration and defeat on the part of the Christian, because rather than living they way they do to please the Lord, they starting living a certain way because their pastor makes them.  It's very backwards.

I've been down this road, but let's remember that just because things get twisted around and a little backwards, that doesn't mean all the pastor is teaching is wrong!  I know some very godly pastors who do point their church members to Christ, and the church members still struggle with living to please Christ rather than pleasing men.  So, what is it that causes us to get so turned around?  Is it our lack of understanding?  Is it our lack of reading the Scriptures?  Is it just our own bad attitude or sinful flesh getting in the way?

One thing that has really helped me in this area is to ask questions.  A lot of times we are told to do or live a certain way, but we are never told why.  I remember when I went to Bible college some people there had problems with all the rules.  They felt that they were legalistic and binding with little or no grace to allow the Holy Spirit to change a person.  I agreed with them to a certain extent.  There were many rules that we were told we had to obey, and never given a reason why!  Asking why is not a bad thing, but some Christians seem to think that if you ask why you are questioning their authority and God's authority.  It's amazing how a little three letter word can be so misunderstood.  I think there is great value in asking why, and a godly pastor or teacher will try to answer the why in a compassionate and understanding way.  They won't be offended by the why or feel like their position is being threatened.

Another question I've found very valuable in this area is "what does the Bible say?"  If we truly desire to please God and not please men, then we need to know that the things we are being taught are coming from the Scriptures.  Back to Bible College again.  I didn't question a lot of the rules when I was there.  There were a couple of reasons for that.  One was that I saw the value and common sense in a lot of them.  They may have seemed like stupid little rules, but I could see that they were put in place to help me.  The other reason was that much of the teaching I received at Bible College was directly from the Scriptures.  All our classes were Bible based.  Even the history and music classes.  I was amazed how the pastors could show us how the Bible dealt with such practical and applicable subjects.  It wasn't just a book written 2000 years ago with a bunch of stories in it.  It had real, everyday, authentic answers for problems and questions that I was facing.  When we were taught about modesty, we were shown from the Scriptures why it's important.  When we were taught about music philosophy we looked up tons of verses that applied to that subject.  Actually, I think my music philosophy class went more in depth to the Bible than some of my Bible classes!  Sure some of the dress rules may have seemed silly, or may not exactly be in the Bible the way the rule was made, but the principle was taught from Scripture.  That made the difference. Then it became about God and not about the rule.

Sadly, a lot of Christians lack asking these two questions in their personal lives and many churches lack asking them, answering them graciously, and teaching them.  I understand the battle that so many of us go through to try and live for Christ, but becoming frustrated by the commands of men.  We have to ask for the Scriptural reasons, but then there's another problem.  Many times the Scripture is given, but the hard heart of the Christians refuses to accept it.  Here's the thing.  The pastor, the teacher, the parent, and the church can't force you to accept what they give you from God's Word.  It's up to YOU!  I personally know Christians who every day living for Christ is a struggle for them.  They feel limited, restricted, and bound by grace, when the Bible says it's grace that frees us!  Mostly they feel this way because they have refused to submit to God and to their authority.  It's so simple.  Living the victorious Christian life is so easy.  Just let God do it for you!  You can cross every "t" and dot every "i" and still be frustrated, because you are doing it in your own strength and to please men.  Stop living the way you do for someone else, and start doing it for GOD!

You'll know when you start living for God because you will have peace.  It will also be easier for you to live up the standards and guidelines that godly leaders are putting into your life.  You won't be doing it for them any more, but for the Lord.  Living for God doesn't mean that suddenly you abandon all your standards and are "free" to live as you please.  That's another whole blog post!  Maybe I'll write it as a follow up to this one :).  Living for God means you're ok with some standards of conduct in your life.  It means you see the eternal value in that, and it means that you are relying on God's grace to help you keep HIS ways!

I haven't mastered this yet, and I probably never will, but I certainly am thankful that I've allowed the Holy Spirit to teach me these things.  I want to encourage other Christian young people not to get hung up in pleasing men.  It is possible to live in the way these men are teaching you, and not be frustrated and defeated.  Give it all to God, and let HIM be the important one in your life.

Living in a Fallen World

It's hard to live in a fallen world as a Christian.  Really hard!  We are constantly surrounded by sin, evil, immorality, and wickedness.  We struggle with our own temptations, yet try to honour Christ.  At least we should be trying to honour Christ!  I read an article the other day about the pro-homosexuality agenda of Starbucks.  Many businesses and companies are involved in deeply wicked and immoral things.  This puts is in an awkward position as Christians.

Although, I suppose some Christians just don't care whether or not the money they spend goes to corporations and businesses that are entrenched in immorality.  I care, but I find it difficult to make a decision on whether or not to support these businesses.  I believe every single store, business, franchise, restaurant, company, etc. is involved in some type of activity that I would disagree with.  After all, most of them are owned and operated by non-Christians.  How many other businessees besides Starbucks support gay marriage?  Probably a lot!  Do I quit buying from all these franchises?  If I quit shopping at Wal-mart because they manufacture their products in factories with under paid labour, maybe even child labour, where else do I go?  Zellers is probably no better.  Dollarama is probably worse!

These are some things I've been thinking about lately.  Ultimately, I don't think it's possible for Christians to avoid every sinful thing that exists in the world!  Even if we cut ourselves off from society and lived in isolation, we'd still have our own sinful flesh to deal with.  However, I think it's also necessary for us to establish some standards when it comes to our interactions with the world.  I know many Christians who work at jobs were they are surrounded by filthy language all day!  Should they quit their job?  Would a different job be any better?  It's unfortunate that they have to hear such things, but that's the world.  In the world we are surrounded by immoral language, fashion, music, philosophies, and attitudes.  Often these things affect us negatively.  They can wear on us spiritually.  They can tempt us with evil.  That's why Paul admonishes us in Ephesians 6 to put on the whole armour of God.  I've also found that the sinfulness of the world is a great witnessing opportunity!

I remember my first "real" summer job (babysitting doesn't count :P).  I worked at a Provincial Park and all my fellow employees were unsaved.  It didn't take them long to notice that I was different.  I hadn't heard of their tv shows, movies, or the music they listened to.  I'm sure they must have thought I lived under a rock!  Oh, and I was homeschooled and headed to Bible college that fall.  God used all of those things to give me tremendous opportunities to witness, even though I had to deal with their bad language.

That was a bit of a tangent from my original thought, but it sorta ties in.... :P.  I think there are some areas as Christians where we definitely have to say "No" and avoid at all costs.  When it comes to how I spend my money in north American society it gets sticky.  I don't have it all figured out yet.  In fact, it's not even something that crossed my mind until I read that Starbucks article.  I really am not sure how to balance living where I do, needing the things I need, and spending money at corporations that fund things I'm totally against.  That's a hard one!  I'm not sure it's even possible to avoid supporting these types of businesses.  If it were, I think I would do it!  That's only one aspect of living in a fallen world as a Christian, but it's something I've been considering, and will probably continue to consider...

Words

Words. Once you say them, you can't take them back.  Once you read them, they are difficult to forget.  Words can be erased, but the memory of those words stays.  I think about words a lot.  I think about conversations I've had with people.  What I said. What I didn't say. What I should have said. What they said.  And so on...  Does anyone else ever do that, or is it just me????

I may have mentioned this on here before, but was either my third or fourth year of college that God convicted me greatly concerning my words.  The verse He used to do that was Psalm 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. When I read that verse, I thought, that's what I need!  A watch!  Someone to guard my mouth against saying things I would regret.

Since that time, I've tried to exercise caution in the way I speak.  I don't always succeed.  Emotion often takes over, and words are spoken in haste.  The saying "Think before you speak" is not always something I've done.  Thankfully, "I'm sorry. I was wrong. Will you forgive me." are also words that are part of my vocabulary.  Not that I like saying those words either, but it's better than having the damaging words live on.

I love the verse in Colossians 4:6; Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.  Sometimes it's necessary to say difficult things, but even in that it's possible to let your speech be graceful.  Sometimes the truth hurts, but the truth can always be said with grace.  I love salt.  It makes food taste so good!  That's why I think this analogy really resonates with me.  Our words should taste like a good meal with salt on it :).  That's a lot to think about, but it certainly helps with what I say.

The internet is a scary place for words!  Somehow it seems that people will say things on the internet that they would never say to a person in real life.  Maybe it's easier to talk to a computer screen...haha!  For me, this is definitely true!  I tend to be quieter in person, but online I write stuff that sounds pretty bold and opinionated.  I do have opinions, I just don't necessarily talk about them with people the same way I write about them.  The internet is way less confrontational that way.  And on the internet, you don't have to worry about someone arguing back with you if they don't agree with you.  But, what you do have to worry about is that ANYONE can read what I've written.  THAT'S kinda scary!  The other scary thing about the internet is that it's easy to be misunderstood.  I get misunderstood a lot in person, so it's even worse online :P.  I write a lot on my blog, and I've often thought about shutting it down and deleting all of it, because someone might misunderstand me.  It's a pretty delicate balance.  I do think a lot about the stuff I write on my blog.  I re-read my posts many times over!  I have had people tell me they enjoy reading what I write and find it an encouragement, so I probably won't delete it :P.  But, misunderstandings are a risk you take when you blog!

With all that in mind, I hope you've enjoyed reading the preceding words :).  I hope they were an encouragement, and that they were graceful, and even seasoned with salt :).

All Those Christians

Wikipedia says that there are 38,000 different Christians groups!  That's a lot! So, the question is, why so many?  If Christianity started with Christ 2000 years ago, how did we end up with so many different groups in 2012?  Another question I often hear from unbelievers is, how do you know which Christians are right?  They all claim to be Christian.  They all claim to have the truth, but obviously they all can't be right.  If they were all right, then we wouldn't need 38,000 thousand different groups.  If all Christians were the same, there would just be one group.  All Christians are not the same. I often tell people I'm not like other Christians.  Unfortunately, the unbelieving world (and sometimes even the believers) would like to paint all Christians with the same brush.  They use the term Christian very broadly, even though within these 38,000 groups there are vast difference of belief.  It's hardly fair to lump us all together.

The two most common and broad groups of Christians are Catholics and Protestants.  Many people would like to neatly divide all the Christian groups into one of these two categories.  However, when I went to Bible college, I learned that there are a large number of Christians who are quite opposed to being lumped into these two divisions.  I was surprised to find out that I was one of those who would neither be Catholic nor Protestant.  It's important that as Christians we know our history.  Too many Christians are guilty of following the crowd, instead of really searching out the truth.  Even Wikipedia has a chart that basically divides all these Christian groups into either Catholic or Protestant.  I can tell you that their chart is not accurate.  Those belonging to that "other" category of Christians don't really have a name for themselves. I guess we could be described as New Testament believers.  Here's why we don't label ourselves Protestants.

Protestants are those who during the reformation in the 1500's protested against the Catholic church.  Hence the name "Protest"ants.  Many tried to reform the Catholic church, and some even left it and started their own denominations (ie. Martin Luther and the Lutherans).   As a Bible believer, I would maintain that my Christian lineage was never part of the Catholic church.  Contrary to Catholic church doctrine, they are NOT the true church.  The true church are those who have followed the New Testament all throughout the centuries.  Some would say that during the Dark Ages, when the Catholic church ruled Europe, there were no true believers.  Everyone was required to be Catholic.  That's why the Reformation was such a great event, because it brought people back to the Bible and out of the Catholic system.  However, that idea contradicts Jesus words in Matthew 16:18, where He says the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.  If the true church was "lost" during the Dark Ages, then Jesus claim would be false.  If Jesus' church had to be rescued by the Reformers, then "will not prevail" is inaccurate.  Of course, we know Jesus was perfect, so the church must have, and did exist even in those Dark Ages.

I've been asked on several occasions how I know that with all the many groups of Christians I'm doing the what's right.  Here's the thing. I don't know that I'm right.  In fact, I could be very wrong.  But, I do know that God is right, and I do know that what God has said in His Word is truth.  My authority for what I believe doesn't rest in my opinion, in my church, in the opinion of my pastor, or in the teaching of any other man or woman.  My faith is in the only thing that cannot fail.  It's in the only thing that is 100% accurate and true.  My faith is in the only thing that I can really trust, and that is God!  God has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind through His written Word the Bible.  The Bible as God's very Word is the only thing I have that is trustworthy.  I cannot trust my feelings.  I cannot trust what people tell me.  I must only trust the Word of God.

The reason there are 38,000 different Christian groups in the world today is that people have stopped putting their faith in the Word of God.  Instead, they follow a church, a denomination, a popular pastor, a creed, a confession, a book, their feelings, and the list could go on.  Men and women are elevating their opinions, scholarship, and human teachings as accurate and trustworthy.  This is what has caused so much division in Christianity.  People suddenly think they know better than God.  They rationalize, use logic, and try to conform God to their ideas of what He should be, instead of changing their ideas to match what God has already told us in His Word.  Error is mixed with truth and many are led astray.

I am so thankful that I have the Word of God to read, memorize, study, and meditate on.  God has made His Word accessible to every single believer.  We don't need to be led astray by all the false teaching and error that abounds in many groups who claim to be Christian.  We must be students of the Word.  We must learn what God has taught us in His Holy book.  We must test what men and women teach us by what we read in the Scripture.  We must always be asking, "What does the Bible say?"  We can know the truth!  We must seek pastors, churches, and teachers that will teach us what the Bible says.  Not what they think it says, but what it actually says!

Jesus promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.  The truth is out there.  Somewhere in those 38,000 Christian groups there is a group that is right.  There are those who are following whole-heartedly the Word of God.  There are those who are believing, practicing, and teaching others God's truth from His Word.  If you have a Bible, then read it, study it, and obey it.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Learn from God's Word.  It's the only thing that you can trust!

What Matters to God

"When everything is said and done and we are standing before Christ at the judgement seat, I don't think it will really matter what kind of music we listened to, how we dressed, or what denomination of church we belonged to.  What Jesus will be concerned about is how we treated people, and how we loved those around us."

Someone said this to me once.  I was a little taken aback by the statement.  First, there is some truth in it.  Emphasis on the word SOME.  Second, there's absolutely no biblical basis to believe that it doesn't matter to the Lord what music we listen to, or what kind of clothes we wear, or what church we go to.  In fact, each of these things absolutely matter to God, and it's obvious the person who said this had no clue what the Bible actually teaches.  Third, this is a really dumb excuse not to read the Bible and find out if maybe these things do matter to God.

Here's the thing.  A lot of Christians want a one-dimensional, fit-nicely-in-my-box type of God, all the while claiming that they are letting God "out" of the proverbial "box".  They want God to be all about love.  Or all about peace.  Or all about blessings.  God is about each of those things, but He is not exclusive to any of them.  God is more than you or I or any theologian or preacher will ever comprehend. I totally agree with many young, up-and-coming Christians that we need to stop limiting God.  They just don't realize that they are the ones limiting God, usually by saying He's all about love, and leaving out the fact that He's also just, hates sin, and will punish those who don't receive the free gift of salvation in Christ Jesus.  

Let's get one thing straight.  God loves every single human being that ever was and ever will be born!  NO ONE is denying that!

For God so loved the world... John 3:16.

So, what's up with using God's love to excuse EVERYTHING else we do as Christians?  Isn't God concerned about more than just me loving people?  I mean, if He doesn't care about my music and my clothes, does He care about anything else that I do?  Does He care if I swear, dress sleezy, drink, smoke, party, watch dirty movies..??  Does He care that I'm sick, or that someone close to me is going through a major trial, or that my best friend just lost her job, or...??  

Do you see how statements like the one I opened with can lead to all sorts of other misconceptions about God? Once we begin to doubt God's interest in one area of our lives, that opens up doubt, anxiety, and worry about other areas of our lives.  What's important enough for God to be concerned with and what's not?  Then we spend all our time trying to figure out what matters to God and what doesn't and wondering if God really is there for us like He promised He would be.

The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7

God cares about the smallest, most insignificant details of our lives.  He cares what we wear.  In fact, He cares about it so much that He's even given us instructions in His Word on how to dress.  He cares what kind of music we listen too.  He's given many principles and guidelines in the Bible to help us to choose good, godly music.  He cares what church we go to.  I'm amazed at how many times the Bible warns against false teaching and false doctrine.  The Bible even commands us to forsake not the assembling of ourselves together.

Sadly, a lot of Christians want a God that fits their idea of what God should be, instead of changing their idea of God to what He really is!  That's how people come to actually believe statements like the one I wrote above.  They don't read their Bibles, so they don't realize that God is concerned with so much more than just how we love people.  They go to churches where this idea is popular, and they've never been taught properly from the Scriptures a clear and true concept of Who God is.  

So, the question is, what will matter to God that day when we, as Christians, stand before Him either after our death or at the Rapture?  I'm not sure that question can be answered in a simple statement.  I do know that it all starts with learning about Who God is, and that starts by studying His Word!  Everything we need is in the pages of the Scriptures, and if we really want to live pleasing to the Lord, we'll just read the Bible and obey it.  

Where Are All the Christians?

Almost six years ago, I moved back "home."  Well, it's sort of home.  Home was way out in the sticks, so I decided to live in the city and forego the 1.5 hour drive to work everyday!  That was after 1 year of driving while living at my parents.  I don't know how my Dad did it all those years!!! I have great respect for him.

Anyways, back to the topic at hand...

It was a change going from working in a church environment to working in a secular job.  A bit of culture shock.  Not that I hadn't worked with unsaved people before, it had just been a while.  Some things bothered me GREATLY at first.  I had a hard time dealing with some of the unsaved people I worked with.  Basically, I ignored a lot of them, because I either didn't know how to deal with them, was intimidated by them, or just plain didn't want to be around their "flavoured" conversations.  Ignoring them probably wasn't the best strategy to being a good Christian testimony.  Then again, I did avoid some pretty awkward situations by simply choosing not to be around them.

One thing that really surprised me about moving back here was that it seemed I never met any Christians, even though my job brought me into contact with a lot of people on a weekly basis.  I was teaching between 40-60 private music lessons a week.  That's a student, plus parents (and often stepparents), friends of students, etc.  Of course, I knew the people who went to my church and they were all Christians, but my church only has about 20 people in it.  I thought SURELY there must be more Christians than that in this town!   I met a Catholic girl who I became friends with, and a couple of my students went to United churches or something like that.  Very mainstream and liberal, and probably not born-again.   Not that I was expecting to meet tons of independent Baptists or anything, but I thought there must be some other actual born-again Christians around.  I knew there were several large evangelical churches in town. Where were they all hiding?

I did meet a couple of Christians after about two and a half years of living here.  One in particular stands out in my mind, because she was one of my students.  I taught her for a full year (maybe a bit longer) before she ever mentioned that she was a Christian.  I had suspected she might be, but I wondered at her never bringing it up?  I usually try to mention something to my students about church, or God, or something "religious" within their first couple of lessons.  I don't try to hide the fact I'm a Christian, but I don't push it down my student's throats either.  Usually something comes up quite naturally in conversation that allows me to throw in something about church.  Like "what did you do this weekend?"  I love it when they ask me that question.  It's the perfect opening :)!  Almost invariably when I say I went to church they'll ask where I go?  I answer, and that's usually the end of it, unless the student is a Christian, at which point they may mention something about church.  With this particular student it was so strange.  I'd talk about church, singing at church, playing piano, etc., and she never said anything for a year about being a Christian.  Maybe she was shy.  Maybe she was just immature, or didn't know how to bring things up.  Maybe she was afraid of talking about God.  I don't know.  After she finally told me she was a Christian we did have some really good conversations about spiritual things.

My experience with this student taught me a valuable lesson about my witness to others.  It was easy to talk to my students about church, because most of my lessons are one-on-one.  I'm in control, no one else is listening, and it's my comfort zone.  But, what about all those people I worked with that I just ignored?  It was a lot longer, I think, before they realized I was a Christian.  Although, it did eventually come out.  But, there were other people that I met and interacted with who I never talked to about Christ.  See, I'm shy too.  Really shy.  Especially around people I don't know, and in groups.  When I'm out of my comfort zone, I don't talk much, I usually just listen for a while until I feel more at ease.  The fact that it took this student of mine a whole year to bring up anything about Christ made me determine that I would try harder in my interactions with people to let my Christianity show.  Of course, I try to look like a Christian by the way I dress and behave, but if I'm not going to talk about Christ, or if I'm going to be shy about mentioning church, God, etc. what's the point?

It's kind of ironic how we get so embarrassed to speak about the Lord.  We're so worried about what other people think.  Who cares? After all, He gave EVERYTHING He had for me!  Shouldn't we want to tell others about Him?  We should, but our flesh gets in the way.  We're spiritually weak, spiritually babies, and we care more about what the world thinks about us than about the great sacrifice our Saviour made to forgive our sins.  Think about it for a minute.  Jesus gave us everything.  He gave it ALL.  I don't think we really comprehend what that means.   In fact, I KNOW we don't really comprehend what that means. If we did, I would have met a whole lot more Christians a whole lot sooner when I first got here.  And maybe, they would have met me sooner too!

I have met other Christians here over the past few years.  Lots of them.  It just took a while for them to come around I guess :).  Some I meet and right away we know that we're both Christians.  Some it takes a little longer for it to come out, but sometimes it's hard to say whether it's them or me in that case.  I do try to make a conscious effort to let my Christianity show both by how I look, act, and speak.  People need to know that Christ is real, that He loves them, and that He died to save them.  Sometimes I wish more Christians were more vocal about the gospel.  A lot of Christians in my town will talk about church, their great worship music, retreats they go on, community dinners, prayer services, etc., but it's not often they talk about sharing the gospel with someone.  Again, this is a challenge to me, because am I any better?  Often times the answer is no, but I do try.  All I can do is try.  Sadly, I avoid a lot of the "Christian" activities that are going on in my town, because they involve things that are not biblical.  I wish it wasn't like that, but it is. I am thankful for my church that preaches the Word and encourages us to really live for Christ.  I mean REALLY live for Him.  I hope that when people see me they will see Christ.  This past Sunday my pastor said we're either leading people closer to Christ by how we live, or farther away from Him.  My prayer is that my life will be the former.

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and umblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believed.

I Thessalonians 2:9-10

It's Not About ME ~ Romans 14

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1

I read this verse this morning, and there's a lot here to chew on.  By itself, it carries a great truth that's seen all throughout Scriptures.  The Christian's life is to be focused on serving others.  We need to help people, love people, and please other people.  What's even more interesting about this verse is when it's placed in context.  When the Bible was originally written there were no chapter and verse divisions.  These were added much later to make it easier to find the passages.  The book of Romans is a letter.  When Paul wrote it Romans 15:1 was not separated from Romans 14.  It all just flowed together in one continuous thought.  

I'm amazed at how often I see/hear Romans 14 used improperly by Christians to justify all sorts of horrible behaviours.  You know, the statement "It's a 'Romans 14' issue, so you can't judge me." It's like people who use Romans 14 forget that Romans 15:1 even exists!!!  Romans 15:1 is what makes Romans 14 make sense.  You can't separate them.  Paul didn't, and we shouldn't either.  Without Romans 15:1, we miss a major point that Paul is trying to get across in Romans 14.

I heard it just the other day used to justify tattooing.  I've even heard Romans 14 twisted in a way that offensive behaviour is OK, if it's a stronger brother we're offending.  It's only the weak we need to be concerned about.  Huh???  That just made no sense to me whatsoever.  Who decides if a Christian is strong?  Who decides if they are weak?  And what about the "pleasing ourselves" part in Romans 15:1?  That pretty much does away with the strong/weak argument.  It seems to me that if my behaviour offends a Christian brother or sister, it shouldn't matter if they are strong or weak.  We are to live blameless lives that are without offence (Phil. 1:10).  

Here's the thing.  I think a lot of people turn Romans 14 into a "self" passage, but it's really an "others" passage.  It just goes to show how the selfish, me-first mentality of the world has influenced Christian culture so much.  Paul's intent in Romans 14 and 15 is not to give us an excuse to please ourselves.  It's not to give us some biblical justification for living by our own selfish desires, and yet that's what this passage is used for over and over again!  For instance, Romans 14:4 says, Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?... so Christians take this and say, "You can't judge me."  But, what is that passage really about?  It's not about how people are treating ME, it's about how I am treating OTHERS!  What about verse 7 and 8?  For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself... we are the Lord's.  Again, it's not about me.  I am not my own.  I can't live selfishly.  I belong to the Lord, and His will should rule in my life.  Verse 10, Why dost though judge thy brother? or why dost though set at nought thy brother? How often do we hear, "Romans 14 says you can't judge me."  Is that what verse 10 is saying?  No!  It's not about others judging ME.  It's about how I treat others!!  How about verse 13, ... judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.  Again, it's about how I treat other people.  I love verse 19, Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and the things wherewith one may edify another.  So often when the "Romans 14" card is played, there's nothing but strife, arguments, bickering, self-justification, and even judging (*gasp*).   Doesn't that fly in the face of EXACTLY what Paul was writing about here?  If the issue isn't bringing peace, and it isn't edifying, then Romans 14 cannot be used to say it's OK.

I believe that if we were applying Romans 14 they way Paul was encouraging the Roman Christians to apply it, we'd have much fewer debates and arguments.  Why?  Because instead of trying to justify why it's OK for a Christian to get a tattoo, we'd simply not do it realizing it could cause someone to stumble. It would cease to become an issue.  If a new Christian had a question about tattoos, we would answer it based on the serving others principle of Romans 14, because THAT'S what Romans 14 is about!  I use tattoos as an example, simply because it's something I came across recently.  The truth is, there are a many things that are "Romans 14" issues, and that could be cleared up quite easily with little arguing if we just applied Romans 14 AND Romans 15 properly in our lives.  The sad reality is that we struggle with these things because of our pride and carnality.  

Reading Romans 14 and 15 today gave me a new perspective on those passages.  It's a perspective that says, Hey, what I want doesn't matter!  My selfish desires are NOTHING!  What's truly important is following after the things which make for peace and edifying one another and not pleasing myself.  That's what this passage is teaching.  The only one I can truly be accountable for is myself, and it's up to me to make sure I don't cast a stumblingblock before my brother (Rom. 14:12-13).  As Paul said, Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend (I Cor. 8:13).  What's your "meat?"  What's my "meat?"  We could fill in that blank with many, many personal things in our lives.  If Paul was going to give up something as benign as meat because it might have offended someone, surely we can give up some things as Christians in our lives in order to strive for peace and edification of other believers.

Success

I'm amazed every day about how God continues to work in my life.  It's humbling.   A few weeks ago I gave a testimony at church about how I'm thankful God has put me where I am.  Sometimes when I say things out loud, they don't always come out the way I intend them too, and I felt my testimony may have been a bit ambiguous.  It's much easier for me to write my thoughts down.  They tend to be more cohesive that way.

Anyways, the gist of what I said was this (hopefully I can at least write it so it makes sense).  The world offers a lot of attractions.  It offers success, wealth, power, acceptance, and popularity.  When I was 17 and finishing high school, I really had no idea what options were available to me for the future, or what those options meant.  I knew I could go to university, college, or get a job, but I don't think you fully comprehend what all that means until you're older.  At least I didn't.  At that time I chose the option that interested me the most.  I wanted to go to Bible college, and I went, and I enjoyed it greatly!  I had no thoughts of getting a university degree, a masters, or a Phd.  I had no thoughts of then going on to have a successful career, making lots of money, and living in a prestigious home, wearing designer clothes.

But here's the thing.  I could have done all that, and I could have been really good at it!  I'm not trying to boast or be prideful, but the truth is, I know that I have the capability within me to be very successful by the world's definition of success.  I could have made quite a name for myself.  I'm smart enough to get the scholarships, the Phd., and the prestigious (well paying) job/career.

Many people would think I wasted my time by going to Bible college.  In fact, I've had people even tell me that.  Why on earth would you want to spend four years studying the Bible???? Who DOES that???  What a useless waste of time!  I ignore those comments.  By the world's standards, I would say I'm moderately successful; however, I don't live in a big city, I don't have the distinguished career, when people hear my name they don't know who I am, and I certainly don't make a lot of money!

I was thinking all these things when I gave my testimony at church (and before that too), and I realized, I'm ok with that.  I'm ok with living in a small city.  I'm ok with having a normal job.  I'm ok with not living in a fancy house, and driving a fancy car.  I'm ok with the fact that I'll never be interviewed on the radio, featured in the newspaper, or attain any sort of celebrity whatsoever.  None of this really matters, even though I know I could have achieved it, and I still could achieve it if I wanted to.  What really matters is doing and being the person God wants me to be.  My Christianity trumps everything else.

I ended my testimony by expressing that I'm thankful God has put me where I am, given me the job I have (and house and car), and allowed me opportunities to serve Him.  I know I could serve Him as the head of a corporation making a six figure salary too, but that's not what He has chosen for me.  He's chosen to put me here in a small town, in a small church, living a relatively obscure life, because He knows that's where I'll be most effective in serving Him.  Although I know I have the capability to be much more, I am at complete peace with the life God has given me.  And no, Bible college was NOT a waste of time!

Getting ahead of God

I'm writing this on Sunday afternoon, but it'll post Monday morning (I love the scheduling feature on blogger :).  Today church was so good!  I was burdened about some things.  Feeling a little down.  It was a bit of a stressful week.  Nothing major, but little stuff sort of piling up.  Sometimes I think I spend too much time alone with my brain.  One of the hazards of being single and on my own I guess :P.  There's only my brain to talk to most of the time!  You know when you're thinking about something, a little problem, but you keep thinking about it, and thinking about it, and eventually this little insignificant thing has taken over a huge part of your life.  Perhaps that's why I have a blog.  It gives my thoughts a focus sometimes on what is good and useful, instead of dwelling on problems that can't be changed anyways.

So, church today was good.  I was burdened about some things, but I'm certainly feeling better after spending a day in God's house hearing God's Word preached.  Honestly, I don't know how people without the Lord make it through life!  I'd be in a pretty bad state by now if it wasn't for Him.  It's funny, because today my pastor's sermon was specifically for the children.  That fact in itself I find encouraging.  How many pastors do you know who would take a Sunday Morning sermon and make it just for the children in the congregation?  I've been going to church for a long time, and I don't think I've ever heard a pastor preach a sermon on a Sunday morning just for children.  I can remember parts of a service being geared toward children, like Sunday school, or even a children's story in the main service, but I don't ever remember a whole Sunday morning service just for children.  Although, my pastor may have meant his sermon to be for the children, but I'm pretty sure God meant it for me!

Isn't it amazing how God always knows what we need?  I think it is.  It just proves that God really does care.  He really does know His children, and He really is guiding each step of their lives.  This is what I need to rest in right now.  I need to rest in the fact that God knows the future.  I have SUCH a HARD time with this!  You'd think I'd have this one figured out by now, but I don't.  I STILL worry!  Sometimes it drives me crazy, because I KNOW I shouldn't worry, but I do.  I just want to know the future so badly.  I just want everything to work out.  Not that it isn't or hasn't worked out, but you know how it is.  Stuff comes up.  You start making plans.  Maybe it'll go this way.  Or I could do this thing.  Or perhaps this is what will happen.  Then NONE of those things happen, and instead you're left with a whole bunch of unknowns.  You can't figure anything out at all, because nothing makes sense.

Eventually, you have to go back to what you do know, which is a lot of what I did today.  I know God loves me.  I know He saved me.  I know He's holding me in His hand, and NOTHING can take me out of it.  What happens in my life is irrelevant.  It's not up to me to figure it all out.  I need to allow God to use these situations to strengthen me and sharpen me, so that He will be able to use me.  Ultimately that is all I want.  I don't want to be a big success.  I don't want to be popular.  I don't want lots of money and fame.  I don't want to be rich.  I know that last one is hard to believe, but really I don't :P.  I just want to be the person God wants me to be.

I have to admit, God certainly is knocking me down pretty quickly these days when I think I've got my life all figured out.  It used to be that I could go on for a long while in my own strength and my own plans before I'd realize that God was wanting me just to trust Him.  Not any more!  Now it's like as soon as I start going off on my own, God is bringing me back.  He's not letting me go for weeks and months and even years in my own ideas.  I guess that's part of the process.

One thing that scares me out of my mind is making a mistake.  That is part of my desire to know the future.  I think if I know what's coming or what God has planned for me, I can avoid painful situations. Sometimes I'm afraid Satan will get the upper hand in my weaknesses, and I'll make a mistake I can't undo.  That scares me out of my mind... literally!  I've seen people make decisions that completely ruined their lives and caused so much pain and heartache, and I just don't want to have to go through that.  I realize that trials are necessary to bring us closer to Christ, but I want those trials to be things that God has for me, not things I go through because of my own stupidity.

So, that's where I'm at right now... again.  Just trying every day to let God work.  Trying not to stress.  Trying not to worry.  Trying to do what I know to be God's will.  Trying not to get ahead of His plans. Trying to allow Him to have control, instead of telling Him what I want.  And... humbled by the fact that He will continue to use me for His glory.  Encouraged by His faithfulness amidst my failures.  Strengthened by His constant grace and mercy.  Blessed to know Him as my Saviour, Lord, and Father.

For this God is our [my] God for ever and ever: he will be our [my] guide even unto death.

Psalm 48:14

What the Bible DOESN'T Say

I've thought about this before.  I've thought if we Christians would just focus on doing what the Bible tell us to do, instead of running after this preacher, and that musician, and another exciting experience, we'd be a lot better off.  Better yet, if we'd just focus on what the Bible actually tells us to do, rather than finding excuses to do the things we want to do, we'd be a lot better off.  Then I read this article, and I thought EXACTLY!

It's true, many Christians spend a lot of time trying to find things they can do that aren't forbidden by the Word of God.  The Bible doesn't say I can't listen to Country Music, so it must be OK.  The Bible doesn't say "Thou shalt not wear jeans to church", so there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.  Can you imagine how big the Bible would be if God had written down every specific thing we should or should not do?  It'd be two miles thick!  It would take a lifetime to read! More than a lifetime!  We'd probably never remember all the commands!  All our time would be spent constantly checking if every little thing we did was something permitted or forbidden by the Scriptures.  Not only that, the world has changed drastically over the last two thousand years.  We would have to weed through the stuff that was written for the Christians before cell phones, tv, and cars to find what God's specific commands were for 2012!  It would be exhausting and probably impossible!  That's probably why God didn't write a book like that.

What God DID write are timeless truths.  It's amazing!  Two thousand plus years and the Bible is still as relevant today as it was when it was written.  I can still find answers to my problems.  It still convicts me.  It still strengthens me.  It still directs me.  Just like it did for those many Christians who have lived and served Christ over the past two thousand plus years.  Wow!  Only God could do that!

Why do we want to spend so much time finding excuses for behaviour not "specifically" mentioned in the Scriptures?  God never intended for that.  What He did intended was for us to read His Word and do what it actually says!  James 1:22 doesn't say "Be ye doers of what's-not-specifically-forbidden-in-the-Scriptures."  NO!  It says, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only..." We are to be doers of what's written.  Look at these verses from Psalm 119.

I have run the way of thy commandments... (v. 32).
...I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart (v. 34).
So shall I keep thy law continually forever and ever (v. 44).
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments (v. 60).

This writer was a doer of the Word!  Here's the thing.  You can't do something if you're always looking for an excuse to do something else that's not there.  Here's another thing.  You can't do something if you don't know what it is!  That's why the Word must be read.

It's still fairly close to the beginning of the New Year.  One of my goals for 2012 is going to be to try and focus more on doing what the Word says, and less on trying to find reasons why doing what I want to do is OK.  It's really not about what I want.  It should be about what God wants.  His Word has a lot of principles in it, so starting with just one or two things is probably a good idea! Here's what I'm going to work on.  Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.  I've got 3 things in that verse, and that will keep me pretty busy!  I like the first one, because it applies directly to me.  I have my own business, and I know sometimes I get lazy with it.  I coast a bit.  I waste time.  I'm going to try and be more dedicated and waste less time when I'm at work, which means NOT going on facebook or blogging :P.  Being not slothful in business can definitely extend beyond work.  It's the idea of being faithful in daily responsibilities whatever those responsibilities happen to be.  They are different for different people. Secondly is fervent in spirit.  I looked up fervent in the dictionary.  It means "having or displaying a passionate intensity."  Wow, this is convicting!  I have to say that many times I approach spiritual things with much less than a passionate intensity.  Something to work on.  Last is serving the Lord.  There's no limitations put on serving the Lord in this verse.  It doesn't say "serve the Lord on Sundays" or "serve the Lord when it's convenient."  It's just serving the Lord.  Always, all the time, everyday. That's DEFINITELY something I can work on.

Trying to find reasons to do what the Bible doesn't say is a waste of time.  Remember, we are promised rewards for what we do as Christians.  I have a feeling that those who make excuses and who spend time doing things the Bible "doesn't specifically forbid" may find they've earned a lot of wood, hay, and stubble in eternity.

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved...

I Corinthians 3:11-15

Judging Error

A while ago I did a series on judging.  You can read it here, here, here, and here.

There's a lot of talk today in the Christian realm about being loving and not judging.  There's a lot of talk about unity, purity of heart and motive, and not condemning a brother in Christ.  It seems that the prevailing attitude is that absolute truth really can't be known.  What may be wrong for you, might be right for me.  We can't judge a brother or sister in Christ, because how do we know if they are wrong or right?  No one knows the heart.  Maybe they are sincere.  Hmmmmm.... Atheists are sincere too.  Does that mean we should accept their beliefs?  There seems to be a lack of absolutes amongst Christians.  No one wants to take a stand.  No one wants to be sure.  After all, can we ever be sure?  Being sure, being absolute, calling someone else wrong would be divisive.  Of course, we all know that's not what Christ wants.  He doesn't want division in His body.  Or does He?

Can we absolutely know what is right and wrong?  Can we absolutely make judgements about people who claim to be Christians if we see them doing wrong things?  Absolutely YES we can!  We can if those judgments come solely from the Scriptures.  The Word of God IS absolute truth.  It is not unloving to judge.  It never has been.  If it was, then Jesus was unloving, because He sure cast a lot of judgments while He was on earth!  Remember, there's a distinction between judging a person and judging an error.  Christians love people, or at least we should.  We don't condemn people, but we do condemn sin and error.  Please don't assume that because someone points out an error or a false teaching that they are unloving.  Please don't assume that they don't like you or your church or your favourite preacher.  It's not like that at all!  Most people that are sounding these warnings are doing it out of love!  Love of the truth (ie. God's Word) first of all, and then love for their brothers and sisters in Christ.  Deception is cunning, and it is harmful.  It is captivating thousands of believers and they have no idea.

There's a lot written to try and help believers weed out the false teaching.  The problem is when we read something we assign whatever tone our mind likes.  We can read with a negative, angry tone what was really written in a loving and humble tone.  So, the next time you read something negative about your favourite tv/internet preacher, or about a particular ministry or book, and you're offended by it, try reading it in a loving and humble tone and see if you're attitude changes.  Maybe the person who wrote it wasn't being judgmental at all, but was simply trying to warn you about a harmful deception.  Don't be afraid of making judgements or listening to judgements made by others.  Be sure those judgements are based on and backed up with Scripture.  If they are, then stand on them unashamedly.

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement.

John 7:24

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things...

I Corinthians 2:15a

Contentment

Christmas is a season when many people struggle with discontentment.  The stores are all telling us that we *need* the latest and greatest for Christmas gifts.  Children are upset, because their friends got bigger and/or better presents.  We feel pressured to spend and buy, many times much more than we can afford.  I did a little lesson about this at our Ladies Christmas Tea this past Saturday, and then found this old post that I had written about Contentment and decided to repost it.  


*Repost: Originally published in November 2010.


...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11


There are a lot of discontent people in the world today, and a lot of people who like to complain about anything and everything.  Complaining is the natural result of discontentment.  I don't particularly enjoy being around people who complain all the time, and yet I often find myself guilty of being the complainer.  


I really try to be content.  Paul had to learn to be content.  Now if anyone deserves the title "super-Christian" it's the apostle Paul.  But, the fact that he had to learn to be content means that he struggled with being discontent.  Some may think, well if Paul struggled with discontentment and he was super-Christian, then I may as well just give up!  I'll never be content, so what's the use trying!  I prefer to take a less negative point of view :).  I find the fact that Paul struggled with discontentment encouraging.  It shows us his humility in that he could admit his spiritual weaknesses.  It also shows us his human nature.  Paul did some great things for the Lord, but the truth is all Christians are capable of doing just as great things for the Lord.  Yes, Paul did struggle with discontentment, but the key is that he learned to be content.  He learned to simply place his life in God's hands and accept the outcome.  If Paul can learn that, then I can learn it too!  That's what's encouraging!


People are discontent about all sorts of things.  They don't like their job.  The people in the office are all losers.  They fight with their spouse.  They can't stand their mother-in-law.  Their kids never listen.  Their house is too small.  The furniture is dated.  The yard is ugly.  They don't like the city they live in.  They always complain about the weather.  If it's summer it's too hot.  If it's winter it's too cold and snowy.  The rain makes them feel yucky.  They don't like their church.  It's too big.  It's too small.  There's not enough programs for my children.  The pastor is too dogmatic.  His preaching isn't encouraging enough. He's always harping about our lives and living for God and change this and change that.  Or maybe it's the other way around and the pastor is too wishy-washy in his doctrine.  He's always changing his mind about things.  The people at church aren't friendly enough.  The music isn't very good.  The Sunday School teacher is ignoring my child.  People are discontent because life just hasn't worked out the way they planned.  They haven't met that perfect person to marry yet.  Maybe they'll never get married, and they'll end up being alone forever (horrors!).  Or they met someone and married him/her, but now it's getting hard.  They disagree more, and somehow happily ever after just isn't happening.  The career isn't going the way they planned.  They haven't been able to save the money they wanted, buy the house, buy the car, or take the vacation. DISCONTENTMENT!


Wow, reading that list sure could make a person depressed!  Living that way is depressing too.  One thing I've learned, is that life rarely works out the way I planned it to.  But here's the thing.  Do I want my life to be what I want, or do I want it to be what God wants?  The Bible says that if I'm totally surrendered to God, He's going to make my life go the direction He wants it to go.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  It doesn't say He might direct my path, or maybe if He feels like it He'll let me know which way to go.  It says he shall direct my paths.  It's guaranteed.  When I'm discontent with the way my life is going I'm saying I don't want to be part of God's will for me, and He doesn't really know what He is doing.  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD (Is. 55:8).  That verse has hit me like a ton of bricks many times!  


Why could Paul say he learned to be content?  He tells us in Philippians 4.  In verse 6 he admonishes the Philippians to be careful for nothing.  That means don't worry about things. If we're not worried then we will be content.  Instead of worrying (being careful) we are to bring our requests before God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.  Prayer carries the idea to talking to God on a personal level.  Supplication is pleading with God; begging Him for His will in our lives.  Thanksgiving carries the idea of trust.  We thank God because we know He will answer.  We're trusting Him with the outcome instead of worrying about it, and when our trust is completely in God we can't help but be content.  In verse 4 Paul says to rejoice.  If we're rejoicing and praising God for His goodness, we won't have time to be discontent.   Verse 8 tells us how we are supposed to think and what we are supposed to think about.  If our mind is occupied with these good things then there will not be room for discontentment.  Verse 13 is the key.  I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.  That is the hope and power of the Christian life.  Christ is the key.  If I'm resting in Him I won't be discontent.  I will be able to do all things.


Some things in our lives we cannot change.  We just have to accept them.  But, some things we CAN change.  If something is causing us to be discontent, and we have the power to change it, I think there is wisdom in considering a change.  Maybe we can't change something that's really bothering us, but perhaps we can find a creative solution that would help make the situation easier to handle.  For instance: maybe the people at work are offensive in their language.  We can't really make people stop using bad language, but we can always ask them politely not to swear around us.  They may stop and they may not.  If they don't stop we might have to get a bit more creative.  Maybe we could listen to sermons online while working.  Maybe we could wear ear plugs. I know that may seem a bit extreme, but BE CREATIVE!  I used to work at a provincial park in the summers when I was in college, and the language could get pretty bad. When some of the girls found out I was a Christian, they actually tried to stop swearing around me!  Maybe if the people we worked with knew we were a Christians and that we found bad language offensive they would try to stop using it.  Of course, there will be those who won't, but it's worth a try.  Many times at the park when the language would get bad I would just go to another area of the office and do my work.  I could still hear everything, but at least it wasn't right in my face.  There's ALWAYS a solution for problems like this.  God wants us to be content, and He will help us figure out what to do.  What about praying for those co-workers that swear all the time?  They need the Lord in their lives!  Maybe it's not in your power to get away from a bad situation, but God can do anything!  Philippians 4:6.  


My life has not turned out at all the way I planned it to be.  I remember being in high school and thinking about what it would be like to be an adult all grown up.  I would be married, have a family, live in a house, and maybe have some children.  Yup... that didn't happen!  Being a music teacher was the farthest thing from my mind when I was sixteen.  I only took piano lessons because I'd been doing it since I was six, so what was the point of giving up now?  I was almost finished... so I thought.  God had other plans for me and my music.  After I finished college, I never dreamed I would own my own business and my own house.  I definitely did not want to live back up north.  I figured I'd work at FaithWay for a few years, and then meet some nice independent Baptist young man and get married.  Yup... that didn't happen either.  It's kind of funny how God changes your heart and desires over time.  Now I'm back up north, and I LOVE it.  I'm not married, but that doesn't mean I've given up on that.  Maybe I'll blog about my marriage ideas someday.  Let's just say I'm not against the idea, but I'm not sitting around moaning and complaining because Mr. Right hasn't come along yet.  All in God's time.  See, my life is not my own.  I've given it to God.  It's His to guide and direct the way He sees fit.  One thing I know is that God is always going to give me the absolute best!  Whatever path my life is taking at any given moment, it is the absolute best path that God has for me.  I'm not fighting Him, and I'm not questioning His leading.  I'm just trying to be submissive and surrendered to His will, because I want the best.  I don't want to settle for anything less!


For this God is our [my] God for ever and ever: he will be our [my] guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14


Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11