Tonight I went to the Salvation Army church in Cambridge to watch this movie call Facing the Giants. It was a totally awesome movie. It was a Christian movie.
Here is what it says on its website.
From the award-winning producers of FLYWHEEL comes a new, action-packed, family-friendly drama about a high school football coach who draws up a new game plan for his team … and himself.
In his six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never had a winning season. Even the hope of a new season is squelched when the best player on his Shiloh Eagles decides to transfer schools. After losing their first three games of the season, the coach discovers a group of fathers are plotting to have him fired. Combined with pressures at home, Coach Taylor has lost hope in his battle against fear and failure.
However, an unexpected challenge helps him find a purpose bigger than just victories. Daring to trust God to do the impossible, Coach Taylor and the Eagles discover how faith plays out on the field … and off.
With God, all things are possible …
Let this be our devotions for today lets pray to strengthen or widen our territoy by putting all our trust and faith in him. And like the football team from this movie we will see that With God, all things are are possible.
God Bless
It is my reccomendation that everyone see this movie it sure touches your hearts.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Friday, May 4, 2007
God’s grace sets you free
Todays Devotional is from the Purpose Driven Life
God’s grace sets you free
By Jon Walker
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God ....” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
Grace. If you carry away only one thing from these devotionals, my prayer is that it will be a mind-transforming, behavior-altering understanding of God’s infinite, indestructible, and immovable grace.
Not just a quick, yet correct sound-bite explanation – like the “unmerited favor of God” – but the deep, ancient meaning of grace that stretches across the depth and breadth and width and height of God’s character.
This is on my mind because these devotionals present some high standards for Christian discipleship. My hope is to press us both – myself as well as you – toward an honest assessment of our faith, a deeper commitment to our beliefs, and most importantly a sacrificial, wholly-abandoned love for our Lord.
The standard is high; in fact, it’s impossibly high. That’s why we need God’s grace. I can’t, but God can. “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:4-5 NIV)
Although I strive for these standards in my own life, I often fail, but that doesn’t mean I should lower the standard or hide behind denial of failure, or that I should settle for a mediocre, warmed-over faith walk. It means I look to the things above, striving to become the man God wants me to be, and getting out of the way so the Holy Spirit can do the work of transformation in my life. Whether I succeed or fail, I fall upon the grace of God. I remain immersed in his grace, knowing I cannot be holy, but the spirit of God within me and the blood of Jesus Christ allow me to connect with a holy God.
If we don’t understand God’s grace, we stand in danger of growing weary in our walk with God, descending into a quiet resignation that the abundant life is just a notion that describes our “Sweet By and By” future in heaven.
Or, when we fail to embrace God’s grace, we’re in danger of slipping into legalism, believing we can somehow reach God’s holy standard through our own efforts. In effect, we’re saying we can achieve godliness without God’s power! We behave as if we become one of God’s children by the things we do or the things we don’t do and not from the extraordinary Grace of God. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NIV)
As if.
We become like the foolish Galatians, who began their Christian walk with the Spirit, but then they began to behave as if godly goals could be reached by human effort. (Galatians 3:1-5 NIV)
The Apostle Paul, who struggled with legalism himself, taught the Galatians that the law was only put in charge to lead us to the grace of Christ. (Galatians 3:23-25) The Spirit of the living God transforms us by writing the law into our hearts rather than on simple stone tablets. (2 Corinthians 3:3) The godly standard is set within, where it cannot be lost, or diminished, or forgotten, instead of on tablets of stone that can be broken, or misplaced, or simply ignored.
So, you and I – my sister, my brother – we share in an inheritance from God, and that inheritance comes from grace. In fact, that inheritance is God’s grace. We are his workmanship, not creations of our own hand. (Ephesians 2:7-10)
So what?
· God’s grace sets you free to fail – When Martin Luther was fighting the false belief that we could work our way into God’s grace, he wrote, "Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world." He was not teaching that it’s okay to sin; rather that all sins are covered by the grace of God – so we can stop living timidly, afraid to make mistakes. We can live boldly.
· God forbid we abuse his grace – God doesn’t give us grace so we will continue to sin; rather, he gives us grace so we are free, here and now, to not sin. He gives us grace so we can live in relationship with him, no longer fearing separation because of our sin. “So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we've left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there?” (Romans 6:1-7 MSG)
· Grace makes way for good works – “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:6-10 NIV)
God’s grace sets you free
By Jon Walker
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God ....” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
Grace. If you carry away only one thing from these devotionals, my prayer is that it will be a mind-transforming, behavior-altering understanding of God’s infinite, indestructible, and immovable grace.
Not just a quick, yet correct sound-bite explanation – like the “unmerited favor of God” – but the deep, ancient meaning of grace that stretches across the depth and breadth and width and height of God’s character.
This is on my mind because these devotionals present some high standards for Christian discipleship. My hope is to press us both – myself as well as you – toward an honest assessment of our faith, a deeper commitment to our beliefs, and most importantly a sacrificial, wholly-abandoned love for our Lord.
The standard is high; in fact, it’s impossibly high. That’s why we need God’s grace. I can’t, but God can. “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:4-5 NIV)
Although I strive for these standards in my own life, I often fail, but that doesn’t mean I should lower the standard or hide behind denial of failure, or that I should settle for a mediocre, warmed-over faith walk. It means I look to the things above, striving to become the man God wants me to be, and getting out of the way so the Holy Spirit can do the work of transformation in my life. Whether I succeed or fail, I fall upon the grace of God. I remain immersed in his grace, knowing I cannot be holy, but the spirit of God within me and the blood of Jesus Christ allow me to connect with a holy God.
If we don’t understand God’s grace, we stand in danger of growing weary in our walk with God, descending into a quiet resignation that the abundant life is just a notion that describes our “Sweet By and By” future in heaven.
Or, when we fail to embrace God’s grace, we’re in danger of slipping into legalism, believing we can somehow reach God’s holy standard through our own efforts. In effect, we’re saying we can achieve godliness without God’s power! We behave as if we become one of God’s children by the things we do or the things we don’t do and not from the extraordinary Grace of God. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NIV)
As if.
We become like the foolish Galatians, who began their Christian walk with the Spirit, but then they began to behave as if godly goals could be reached by human effort. (Galatians 3:1-5 NIV)
The Apostle Paul, who struggled with legalism himself, taught the Galatians that the law was only put in charge to lead us to the grace of Christ. (Galatians 3:23-25) The Spirit of the living God transforms us by writing the law into our hearts rather than on simple stone tablets. (2 Corinthians 3:3) The godly standard is set within, where it cannot be lost, or diminished, or forgotten, instead of on tablets of stone that can be broken, or misplaced, or simply ignored.
So, you and I – my sister, my brother – we share in an inheritance from God, and that inheritance comes from grace. In fact, that inheritance is God’s grace. We are his workmanship, not creations of our own hand. (Ephesians 2:7-10)
So what?
· God’s grace sets you free to fail – When Martin Luther was fighting the false belief that we could work our way into God’s grace, he wrote, "Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world." He was not teaching that it’s okay to sin; rather that all sins are covered by the grace of God – so we can stop living timidly, afraid to make mistakes. We can live boldly.
· God forbid we abuse his grace – God doesn’t give us grace so we will continue to sin; rather, he gives us grace so we are free, here and now, to not sin. He gives us grace so we can live in relationship with him, no longer fearing separation because of our sin. “So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we've left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there?” (Romans 6:1-7 MSG)
· Grace makes way for good works – “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:6-10 NIV)
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Prayer Request--for friends going to Haiti on a Mission Trip
Today May 4th/07 there is a team of 14 people leaving from Canada to go to Haiti on a Mission trip from the Salvation Army.
I personally have been talking via emails with one of the team leaders Nathanael Homewood in regards to mission work. I would like to ask for prayer for his team members and the other leaders going with them. I would also ask for prayers for the four leaders in Haiti as well. This team will be gone from May 4th till the 18th.
Here are two things that were mentioned in the email I recieved from him.
1) It is their hope that their brief visit will be life changing for their team members by learning to appreciate the culture, lifestyle, celebrations and even the pain and suffering of each other as human beings.
2) Their goal is to make their visit an "Integrated Mission" where they come first of all to build relationships with the Haitian people at their own comfort level. They do not wish to impose themselves on others, or to declare that they are coming to "fix" problems and download resources. It is their philosophy that every community has the ability and capacity to heal itself and that their role is to come along side, to learn and share their lives as fellow human beings.
Please pray that they all are able to maintain these goals and objectives while they are their.
I personally have been talking via emails with one of the team leaders Nathanael Homewood in regards to mission work. I would like to ask for prayer for his team members and the other leaders going with them. I would also ask for prayers for the four leaders in Haiti as well. This team will be gone from May 4th till the 18th.
Here are two things that were mentioned in the email I recieved from him.
1) It is their hope that their brief visit will be life changing for their team members by learning to appreciate the culture, lifestyle, celebrations and even the pain and suffering of each other as human beings.
2) Their goal is to make their visit an "Integrated Mission" where they come first of all to build relationships with the Haitian people at their own comfort level. They do not wish to impose themselves on others, or to declare that they are coming to "fix" problems and download resources. It is their philosophy that every community has the ability and capacity to heal itself and that their role is to come along side, to learn and share their lives as fellow human beings.
Please pray that they all are able to maintain these goals and objectives while they are their.
GIVING GOD THE GLORY
Todays devotional comes from RBC Ministries---Daily Bread
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
The news from our mechanic threatened to scuttle our plans. A suspicious rattling noise prompted me to take our clunker of a car to the shop a day before we were scheduled to drive through the night to Florida for our family vacation. The mechanic informed me that the rattling noise was our transmission’s farewell song, and that we were going to have to replace it—a time-consuming and expensive repair.
Seriously discouraged, I made my way back to the church office. I was considering how I would break the news to my family, when the phone rang. On the other end of the line, one of our church members said, “Hey, Pastor, I hear that you’re going to Florida on vacation. You know, my wife and I are worried about you taking your family to Florida in that little car. Our cars belong to God, and we would like you to take one of them on your vacation. Your choice!”
Wow! I knew that his cars were beauties—so either one would have been incredible.
With vacation plans intact and with a heart of gratitude for God’s provision, my family made our way to Florida in our friend’s beautiful car. I’ve got to be honest: I loved driving that car. I loved the stares we got at stoplights; and I felt pretty proud as I pulled up to a gas station. As I was pumping gas into the car (it had a huge appetite for fuel!), a guy walked out of the gas station and said, “Hey, that’s a beautiful car. How do you like your car?”
This was a big moment for me. Do you think I wanted to tell him it wasn’t my car? No way! A spiritual battle raged in my heart for what seemed like an hour (but was probably only 10 seconds). Truth finally won out, and I said, “Well, it’s not my car, but I like it a lot!”
Through the course of life, we all have opportunities to take the credit for ourselves when we shouldn’t. In the spotlight of some success, it’s tempting to keep the applause focused on “me.” But when you think about it, we would have no success in our lives at all if God did not see fit to give us the opportunities to succeed, the brainpower, the education, the temperament and gifts to accomplish praiseworthy things. Even so, when people notice that we have something good going, an internal spiritual battle occurs: Do we keep the glory for ourselves, or do we turn the spotlight back to God where it belongs?
Paul had it right in Philippians 3:1-11 when he encouraged us to stop bragging about ourselves and to start rejoicing in the Lord. He put together an impressive list of his own accomplishments and then said they were like “dung” compared to the glorious reality of Christ in His life. Jeremiah said, “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight” (9:23-24).
It’s not that we can’t enjoy our moment in the sun. Pleasure in good things is a gift that God has given us. It’s just that it’s important to give the credit for all we have and are to the appropriate person: God, the giver of all good things (1 Timothy 6:17).
YOUR JOURNEY…
Think back on some areas of accomplishment in your life. How were those moments (or how could they have been) used to bring God glory? What can you do in the future to tactfully give God the credit?
Think about some of the activities, hobbies, or pursuits that bring you genuine joy in life. Thank God for the opportunity to use the body and talents that He has given you to enjoy these things!
Read Acts 12:20-23, a sobering thought about stealing the glory from God.
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
The news from our mechanic threatened to scuttle our plans. A suspicious rattling noise prompted me to take our clunker of a car to the shop a day before we were scheduled to drive through the night to Florida for our family vacation. The mechanic informed me that the rattling noise was our transmission’s farewell song, and that we were going to have to replace it—a time-consuming and expensive repair.
Seriously discouraged, I made my way back to the church office. I was considering how I would break the news to my family, when the phone rang. On the other end of the line, one of our church members said, “Hey, Pastor, I hear that you’re going to Florida on vacation. You know, my wife and I are worried about you taking your family to Florida in that little car. Our cars belong to God, and we would like you to take one of them on your vacation. Your choice!”
Wow! I knew that his cars were beauties—so either one would have been incredible.
With vacation plans intact and with a heart of gratitude for God’s provision, my family made our way to Florida in our friend’s beautiful car. I’ve got to be honest: I loved driving that car. I loved the stares we got at stoplights; and I felt pretty proud as I pulled up to a gas station. As I was pumping gas into the car (it had a huge appetite for fuel!), a guy walked out of the gas station and said, “Hey, that’s a beautiful car. How do you like your car?”
This was a big moment for me. Do you think I wanted to tell him it wasn’t my car? No way! A spiritual battle raged in my heart for what seemed like an hour (but was probably only 10 seconds). Truth finally won out, and I said, “Well, it’s not my car, but I like it a lot!”
Through the course of life, we all have opportunities to take the credit for ourselves when we shouldn’t. In the spotlight of some success, it’s tempting to keep the applause focused on “me.” But when you think about it, we would have no success in our lives at all if God did not see fit to give us the opportunities to succeed, the brainpower, the education, the temperament and gifts to accomplish praiseworthy things. Even so, when people notice that we have something good going, an internal spiritual battle occurs: Do we keep the glory for ourselves, or do we turn the spotlight back to God where it belongs?
Paul had it right in Philippians 3:1-11 when he encouraged us to stop bragging about ourselves and to start rejoicing in the Lord. He put together an impressive list of his own accomplishments and then said they were like “dung” compared to the glorious reality of Christ in His life. Jeremiah said, “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight” (9:23-24).
It’s not that we can’t enjoy our moment in the sun. Pleasure in good things is a gift that God has given us. It’s just that it’s important to give the credit for all we have and are to the appropriate person: God, the giver of all good things (1 Timothy 6:17).
YOUR JOURNEY…
Think back on some areas of accomplishment in your life. How were those moments (or how could they have been) used to bring God glory? What can you do in the future to tactfully give God the credit?
Think about some of the activities, hobbies, or pursuits that bring you genuine joy in life. Thank God for the opportunity to use the body and talents that He has given you to enjoy these things!
Read Acts 12:20-23, a sobering thought about stealing the glory from God.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The hard work of getting along
Today I decide to go to one of my Favorite Christian books other than the Bible I have read which is "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I know many have heard of this book or ev en read it but for those of you who have not read it or heard of it please take the time to go to your local libarary or Christian book store and take a look at it. I loved it cause in todays world I sure could relate and understand what they were talking about and apply it to my everyday life and living.
God makes clear what our Purpose is and Rick Warren has laid it out in a format we can all understand. I also reccommend you check out his website as most of his material is available online as well.
There is a daily devotional reading on his site and that is where I have gotten todays devotional from.
The hard work of getting along
By Jon Walker
“Let us agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other.” (Romans 14:19a Message)
If you have children, you’ll know exactly what I mean: Some days you look into their faces, and you see the attitudes of angels; on other days you want to scream, “Why can’t you just get along!” as they get into a ridiculous argument about who moved a toy 1/32nd of an inch.
Sometimes these opposite attitudes shift back and forth six times in five minutes!
But let me ask you this: Do you think God ever looks at us – we adults, believers in community together – and sighs, “Why can’t my children just get along?’”
There are dozens of reasons we don’t get along with each other – with the sin of pride right at the top of the list. But I think another huge reason we fail to live in authentic, consistent, committed Christian community is because it’s too hard.
It requires real effort to work through our differences, to remain transparent and honest, to confront and to pay close attention to each other. Frankly, it’s easier to keep relationships superficial, to “demonize” one another when we don’t agree, to cut and run at the first sign of trouble rather than commit to each other.
Yet God placed within us a need for “stick-with-it” commitments; his commitment to us is unbreakable, and he wants to see us extend the same commitment to each other (2 Corinthians 8:5). But this kind of commitment takes time – something that has become far too scarce in our lives today (and that, my friend, is a choice).
God knows we will live in a healthy, Christian community if we will commit to living our lives together beyond our weekly meetings, if we will make each other a priority - sharing our lives over coffee, after work, at the ballpark, in the hospital.
The only way for us to become a “friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24) is when we focus on the quality of our relationships, not mere quantity or mere acquaintances.
“You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.” (James 3:18 MSG, Emphasis mine)
So what?
· Love no matter what
How can you plan to help others at all times, not just when it’s convenient? (Proverbs 17:17)
How can you develop a strategy for loving others at their worst, not just when they seem lovable? (Romans 5:8)
· Show up – The most basic behavior of commitment is simply showing up. “If you care, you’ll be there.” You may be surprised that your mere presence is a source of encouragement. (Hebrews 10:25)
· Intentional commitments – Other than your spouse, have you ever told someone else, “I will always be there for you”? This week, establish an intentional commitment with another believer. Approach the Spirit’s choice and bless that person by saying, “I want to grow close to you as a friend.”
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.
God makes clear what our Purpose is and Rick Warren has laid it out in a format we can all understand. I also reccommend you check out his website as most of his material is available online as well.
There is a daily devotional reading on his site and that is where I have gotten todays devotional from.
The hard work of getting along
By Jon Walker
“Let us agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other.” (Romans 14:19a Message)
If you have children, you’ll know exactly what I mean: Some days you look into their faces, and you see the attitudes of angels; on other days you want to scream, “Why can’t you just get along!” as they get into a ridiculous argument about who moved a toy 1/32nd of an inch.
Sometimes these opposite attitudes shift back and forth six times in five minutes!
But let me ask you this: Do you think God ever looks at us – we adults, believers in community together – and sighs, “Why can’t my children just get along?’”
There are dozens of reasons we don’t get along with each other – with the sin of pride right at the top of the list. But I think another huge reason we fail to live in authentic, consistent, committed Christian community is because it’s too hard.
It requires real effort to work through our differences, to remain transparent and honest, to confront and to pay close attention to each other. Frankly, it’s easier to keep relationships superficial, to “demonize” one another when we don’t agree, to cut and run at the first sign of trouble rather than commit to each other.
Yet God placed within us a need for “stick-with-it” commitments; his commitment to us is unbreakable, and he wants to see us extend the same commitment to each other (2 Corinthians 8:5). But this kind of commitment takes time – something that has become far too scarce in our lives today (and that, my friend, is a choice).
God knows we will live in a healthy, Christian community if we will commit to living our lives together beyond our weekly meetings, if we will make each other a priority - sharing our lives over coffee, after work, at the ballpark, in the hospital.
The only way for us to become a “friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24) is when we focus on the quality of our relationships, not mere quantity or mere acquaintances.
“You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.” (James 3:18 MSG, Emphasis mine)
So what?
· Love no matter what
How can you plan to help others at all times, not just when it’s convenient? (Proverbs 17:17)
How can you develop a strategy for loving others at their worst, not just when they seem lovable? (Romans 5:8)
· Show up – The most basic behavior of commitment is simply showing up. “If you care, you’ll be there.” You may be surprised that your mere presence is a source of encouragement. (Hebrews 10:25)
· Intentional commitments – Other than your spouse, have you ever told someone else, “I will always be there for you”? This week, establish an intentional commitment with another believer. Approach the Spirit’s choice and bless that person by saying, “I want to grow close to you as a friend.”
© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Faith --- Not Emotion
2 Corinthians 5:7 (New International Version)
7 We live by faith, not by sight.
I take this devotional today from Oswald Chambers book MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST
For a time we are conscious of God's attentions, then, when God begins to use us in His enterprises, we take on a pathetic look and talk of the trials and the difficulties, and all the time God is trying to make us do our duty as obscure people. None of us would be obscure spiritually if we could help it. Can we do our duty when God has shut up heaven? Some of us always want to be illuminated saints with golden babes and the flush of inspiration, and to have the saints of God dealing with us all the time. A gilt-edged saint is no good, he is abnormal, unfit for daily life, and altogether unlike God. We are here as men and women, not as half-fledged angels, to do the work of the world, and to do it with an infinitely greater power to stand the turmoil because we have been born from above.
If we try to re-introduce the rare moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want. We are making a fetish of the moments when God did come and speak, and insisting that He must do it again; whereas what God wants us to do is to "walk by faith." How many of us have laid ourselves by, as it were, and said - "I cannot do any more until God appears to me." He never will, and without any inspiration, without any sudden touch of God, we will have to get up. Then comes the surprise - "Why, He was there all the time, and I never knew it!" Never live for the rare moments, they are surprises. God will give us touches of inspiration when He sees we are not in danger of being led away by them. We must never make our moments of inspiration our standard; our standard is our duty.
This is what it says on his website homepage
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish minister and teacher whose teachings on the life of faith and abandonment to God have endured to this day.
This daily devotional is a collection of his teachings compiled by his wife into a daily devotional format. It's presented here in the original English. His wife's comments may be found in the Foreword.
We publish this with the prayer that Oswald Chambers' teachings will help you grow in your walk with Christ.
7 We live by faith, not by sight.
I take this devotional today from Oswald Chambers book MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST
For a time we are conscious of God's attentions, then, when God begins to use us in His enterprises, we take on a pathetic look and talk of the trials and the difficulties, and all the time God is trying to make us do our duty as obscure people. None of us would be obscure spiritually if we could help it. Can we do our duty when God has shut up heaven? Some of us always want to be illuminated saints with golden babes and the flush of inspiration, and to have the saints of God dealing with us all the time. A gilt-edged saint is no good, he is abnormal, unfit for daily life, and altogether unlike God. We are here as men and women, not as half-fledged angels, to do the work of the world, and to do it with an infinitely greater power to stand the turmoil because we have been born from above.
If we try to re-introduce the rare moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want. We are making a fetish of the moments when God did come and speak, and insisting that He must do it again; whereas what God wants us to do is to "walk by faith." How many of us have laid ourselves by, as it were, and said - "I cannot do any more until God appears to me." He never will, and without any inspiration, without any sudden touch of God, we will have to get up. Then comes the surprise - "Why, He was there all the time, and I never knew it!" Never live for the rare moments, they are surprises. God will give us touches of inspiration when He sees we are not in danger of being led away by them. We must never make our moments of inspiration our standard; our standard is our duty.
This is what it says on his website homepage
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish minister and teacher whose teachings on the life of faith and abandonment to God have endured to this day.
This daily devotional is a collection of his teachings compiled by his wife into a daily devotional format. It's presented here in the original English. His wife's comments may be found in the Foreword.
We publish this with the prayer that Oswald Chambers' teachings will help you grow in your walk with Christ.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Hope
Romans 15:13: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Psalms 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 146: "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Do not trust in princes, in mortal man in who there is no salvation. In that very day his thoughts perish. How blessed is he whose help in the God of Jacob. Whose hope is in the Lord his God; who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous; the Lord protects the strangers; he supports the fatherless and the widow; but He thwarts the way of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever, Thy God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!"
Psalms 62:5-8: "My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God, pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
1 Timothy 4:10: "For it is for this that we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers."
1 Peter 1:3: "Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
Psalms 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 146: "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Do not trust in princes, in mortal man in who there is no salvation. In that very day his thoughts perish. How blessed is he whose help in the God of Jacob. Whose hope is in the Lord his God; who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous; the Lord protects the strangers; he supports the fatherless and the widow; but He thwarts the way of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever, Thy God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!"
Psalms 62:5-8: "My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God, pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
1 Timothy 4:10: "For it is for this that we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers."
1 Peter 1:3: "Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Give Thanks
Give Thanks
I Thessalonians 5:18
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks unto the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
(repeat 3 times)
And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us
(repeat)
(repeat all once more)
Give Thanks!
Give Thanks!
Give Thanks!
I Thessalonians 5:18
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks unto the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
(repeat 3 times)
And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us
(repeat)
(repeat all once more)
Give Thanks!
Give Thanks!
Give Thanks!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Toll Booth Today
Today Saturday April 28th from 10:00 am to approx. 4:00 pm. we held a fundraising event at McDonalds on highway 24 and Bishop St. We had a very successful event. What we did was have a toll booth were people donated money towards saving Children in Peru.
Most of our team members came out in the cold and rainy damp day, but we still had fun and raised almost $600.00 for the mission trip. This is almost double from last year. Way to go Peru Team 2007.
Special thanks go out to McDonalds and their staff, to the people of Cambridge who supported our cause and to Malcom and Pam for being the event organizers for the day.
Thank to each team members for their support of time and efforts today. God is working and showing us that putting trust in him all things are possible. I think today in talking to others we all were able to see how our Faith was strengthened by showing us how finacial needs can be met if we turn it over to God and trust he will provide for us what we need not what we want.
So in closing I can say I truely feel that this $600.00 will be Blessed abundantly in Peru this summer because it was given freely from the heart.
May God continue to Bless us all and our Mission to Peru this summer.
Most of our team members came out in the cold and rainy damp day, but we still had fun and raised almost $600.00 for the mission trip. This is almost double from last year. Way to go Peru Team 2007.
Special thanks go out to McDonalds and their staff, to the people of Cambridge who supported our cause and to Malcom and Pam for being the event organizers for the day.
Thank to each team members for their support of time and efforts today. God is working and showing us that putting trust in him all things are possible. I think today in talking to others we all were able to see how our Faith was strengthened by showing us how finacial needs can be met if we turn it over to God and trust he will provide for us what we need not what we want.
So in closing I can say I truely feel that this $600.00 will be Blessed abundantly in Peru this summer because it was given freely from the heart.
May God continue to Bless us all and our Mission to Peru this summer.
Devotion for today---Possessing Everything
As I sit here at my computer thinking of a special topic for our devotions for today I looked up and saw a purple tag and ribbon hanging on my wall above my desk. It reads as follows:
October is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Since today was about saving the children of Peru I thought this could tie in nicely.
Possessing Everything
We are treated . . . as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:8, 10
We hear the daily news and feel helpless. Crime, corruption, child abuse, spousal abuse, murder, terrorism, war, and rumors of war are all around. We struggle with the trials of our everyday lives. Perhaps we suffer in sickness or sorrow. Has God forgotten us?
St. Paul endured many hardships as he carried out his far-reaching ministry of spreading the Gospel. And the Lord always rescued him. Yet at all times, Paul still had the riches of the Gospel.
You and I have the same Gospel. We have been purchased by the highest price ever paid—the suffering and death of Jesus. He is our help and hope in every trial.
History is filled with courageous Christians who triumphed even amid their trials. Lutheran pastor Martin Rinckart wrote the hymn “Now Thank We All Our God” (LSB 895), even while he was burying hundreds of his parishioners who had died of the plague, including his own dear wife. God’s enduring and unfailing promises sustain us in every trouble. Through faith in Christ, we possess all things.
Our heavenly Father, turn our obstacles into occasions for joy, as we serve You in faith and our neighbor in love; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
October is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Since today was about saving the children of Peru I thought this could tie in nicely.
Possessing Everything
We are treated . . . as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:8, 10
We hear the daily news and feel helpless. Crime, corruption, child abuse, spousal abuse, murder, terrorism, war, and rumors of war are all around. We struggle with the trials of our everyday lives. Perhaps we suffer in sickness or sorrow. Has God forgotten us?
St. Paul endured many hardships as he carried out his far-reaching ministry of spreading the Gospel. And the Lord always rescued him. Yet at all times, Paul still had the riches of the Gospel.
You and I have the same Gospel. We have been purchased by the highest price ever paid—the suffering and death of Jesus. He is our help and hope in every trial.
History is filled with courageous Christians who triumphed even amid their trials. Lutheran pastor Martin Rinckart wrote the hymn “Now Thank We All Our God” (LSB 895), even while he was burying hundreds of his parishioners who had died of the plague, including his own dear wife. God’s enduring and unfailing promises sustain us in every trouble. Through faith in Christ, we possess all things.
Our heavenly Father, turn our obstacles into occasions for joy, as we serve You in faith and our neighbor in love; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Daily Prayer or reflections for the Peru 2007 Team
Today I recieved a phone call in regards to some research I have been seeking in regards to some material I have been looking for in preperation for my mission to Peru.
One of the suggestions was for us to look into the Psalms and as I read some of the ones they suggested this seemed to be the one that caught my attention the most today so as you read it I pray that is; is a prayer of your heart and that we all are praising our Lord with all our heart and we sing it out for others to hear. I hope we also pray to hear his answers as we listen to The LORD so we can fulfill his purpose for ourselves and others.
Psalm 138
Of David.
1 I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
3 When I called, you answered me;you made me bold and stouthearted.
4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.
5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.
One of the suggestions was for us to look into the Psalms and as I read some of the ones they suggested this seemed to be the one that caught my attention the most today so as you read it I pray that is; is a prayer of your heart and that we all are praising our Lord with all our heart and we sing it out for others to hear. I hope we also pray to hear his answers as we listen to The LORD so we can fulfill his purpose for ourselves and others.
Psalm 138
Of David.
1 I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
3 When I called, you answered me;you made me bold and stouthearted.
4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.
5 May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Fundraising Event This Weekend
On April 7th, 2007 the team members of Peru 2007 was to hold their first team fundraising event. This event was to be held at McDonald's Restaurant on Hespeler Rd & Bishop St. It was to be held during the hours of 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How ever due to weather we had to change that date and it will be held this Saturday April 28th from 10:00 am to approx. 4:00 pm.
So what we will be doing there is holding a toll basically ask for a donation as people drive thru to pick up their order. The objective here will be to quickly and briefly introduce ourselves, explain who we are and why we are here without disrupting the flow of traffic and hopefully raise a lot of money to help the children in Peru.
Come on out and buy your lunch or dinner at McDonalds on the Saturday during Easter weekend and drop something into our buckets to help support our Mission trip to Peru.
On April 7th, 2007 the team members of Peru 2007 was to hold their first team fundraising event. This event was to be held at McDonald's Restaurant on Hespeler Rd & Bishop St. It was to be held during the hours of 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
How ever due to weather we had to change that date and it will be held this Saturday April 28th from 10:00 am to approx. 4:00 pm.
So what we will be doing there is holding a toll basically ask for a donation as people drive thru to pick up their order. The objective here will be to quickly and briefly introduce ourselves, explain who we are and why we are here without disrupting the flow of traffic and hopefully raise a lot of money to help the children in Peru.
Come on out and buy your lunch or dinner at McDonalds on the Saturday during Easter weekend and drop something into our buckets to help support our Mission trip to Peru.
Prayer Request from Peru
Hello everyone; we have recieved a prayer request from peru so here it is:
" Prayer requests for Kids Alive: staff needs at the home (director, social worker, etc.), ongoing financial support of the care centre to cover daily operational costs, safety and rest for the Rhodes (in USA for a month for Darcy's college grad)
Personal requests from Sarah: patience and wisdom for Lalo and I in the challenges of a long-distance relationship, that I'll return to work rested and refreshed next week (I'm on vacation this week)"
" Prayer requests for Kids Alive: staff needs at the home (director, social worker, etc.), ongoing financial support of the care centre to cover daily operational costs, safety and rest for the Rhodes (in USA for a month for Darcy's college grad)
Personal requests from Sarah: patience and wisdom for Lalo and I in the challenges of a long-distance relationship, that I'll return to work rested and refreshed next week (I'm on vacation this week)"
Daily Prayer or reflections for the Peru 2007 Team
The first prayer request would be from Ephisians 6:10-20
I would ask that this be prayed for each and every member of the Team going to Peru this summer and for thier families as well
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Team Members for Peru 2007
Alexis Bennett
Stephen Bowie
Chuck Burt
Tim Courvoisier
Rhonda Desrochers
Michael Dreisinger
Dana Jones
Andre Koehler
Malcom Rea
Carol Sallasvaara
Katerina Sallasvaara
Marjatta Sallasvaara
Jari Sallasvaara
I would ask that this be prayed for each and every member of the Team going to Peru this summer and for thier families as well
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Team Members for Peru 2007
Alexis Bennett
Stephen Bowie
Chuck Burt
Tim Courvoisier
Rhonda Desrochers
Michael Dreisinger
Dana Jones
Andre Koehler
Malcom Rea
Carol Sallasvaara
Katerina Sallasvaara
Marjatta Sallasvaara
Jari Sallasvaara
Monday, April 2, 2007
"downhere" takes the Juno for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year
Ok so this blog really has nothing to do with our trip to Peru except that I really just wanted to brag to everyone that my friends from the band "downhere" won a Juno award.
"downhere" bass guitar player is my best friends son Glenn Lavender. Over the past five years I have seen, watched, supported and pray for their band. They have worked really hard over the past year and really do deserve this award.
Way to go guys.
"downhere" bass guitar player is my best friends son Glenn Lavender. Over the past five years I have seen, watched, supported and pray for their band. They have worked really hard over the past year and really do deserve this award.
Way to go guys.
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