Turning Around is an Option

When hubby and I do a road trip we are not alone in the vehicle. Before you become impressed with how spiritual that sounds, I need to say that the other “person” on the road with us is Susan – the GPS lady.

We do not share the same level of admiration for Susan. Quite frankly, she irritates me. I think that is because I find her unending patience and calmness, while giving instructions that we may or may not be following correctly, to be a huge irritant. It is so clearly not how I act as navigator.

Susan has never once said “What part of LEFT turn did you not understand?”

When that turn is missed, she calmly recalculates a route, and completely without condemnation suggests that we “turn around as soon as possible.”

Several years ago, before Susan, we were visiting Memphis, TN. Due in large part to my navigating talents, we explored many parts of the city that we had not set out to discover. Getting to our destination occasionally took longer than anticipated and once or twice took us to areas probably best for us not to be exploring.

So, while Susan and I still have issues, she does help us stay on track. There have been incidents however, when whomever was behind the wheel made the decision that perhaps Susan didn’t know best and that we could find our own way. Sometimes though that sort of works, it does at the very least, add stress to the situation. At worst, we again end up in an area that we did not intend to be and an area that may not be best for us. Even though we have dismissed her guidance, Susan gently suggests that we “turn around as soon as possible.”

Exodus 15:13 says “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”

Our Father wants to lead. He does have a path for us to follow. For me that requires a daily choice – sometimes a moment by moment choice – am I going to follow or will I try to find my own way? Will I take the next step, trusting that even though I do not see the entire route laid out before me, it is there, lovingly planned for me?

Sometimes by carelessness and sometimes by conscious choice, I miss directions or don’t take the directions that I should have taken. For those times, when I need to “turn around as soon as possible” there is mercy and forgiveness.

Do you ever struggle to stay on the path that God has laid out for you? Do you ever find yourself in a place that you did not anticipate or a place that you know is not the best place for you to be? Do you ever need to “turn around as soon as possible?” There is mercy and grace for that – not condemnation.

Always remember that He leads with “unfailing love.”

Ruth

Personal Invitations

I have a theory. For a number of years I have been putting it to the test and recently I put it to the test; once again it proved right. It's something I've observed over the years - the longing of people's hearts.

My theory is this; if someone is genuinely and personally asked to come with you to something they are way more apt to say yes than if they just read about it in an announcement or see a poster. I believe people long for personal contact, a personal invitation, a personal connection with a space and place next to someone else.

I am all about announcements and making sure people have the information they need to make an informed decision, but the reality is announcements are about information. If we want people to feel a personal connection, to have buy-in, to get involved, or to participate in a certain function or event; then the odds of them saying yes is significantly higher if I speak to them personally. When I ask if they'd like to come with me, meet me at the door or if I can save them a spot, my experience has shown me they are way more apt to say yes, than not. I can't speak for the men out there, but as women we like to have company, we want to feel like we belong and we long for the connection we get when we are around others.

I also believe the REV test is true and accurate. Most women long be part of something which has the following three elements: R - relational, E - emotional,   V - verbal. They want to connect with someone for the relational component, they want to feel an emotional connection (at least on some level) and they want to be able to share their experience with others verbally. I call it the REV test. Consider the last ladies function you were at (baby shower, ladies retreat, coffee with the neighbours...). Did it have all three of these components? How did you feel when you got home? Chances are good it did have these three components and on some level you felt a connection and enjoyed yourself. Interesting isn't it?

Let me encourage each of you to make personal contact with someone(s) before your next function or event and see how many take you up on your offer. What if everyone asked someone? Then everyone would have the opportunity to feel like they belonged and were part of God's bigger plan. You see we really are better together!

Phil 2:5 says, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus"

Jo-Ann

Learning Transparency

Romans 12:15 (Message) “Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down.”

I can’t hide my feelings, no matter how hard I try! People are forever reading my face, whether correctly or incorrectly. When I am tired, people know it; when I am full of joy, people know it; when I am stressed, try as I might people know it. Frustrating as this can be, it is not nearly as frustrating as when I am misunderstood. People have misunderstood tiredness for boredom, or simple scanning of a room to not liking them.

As much as I dislike being misread, or hearing constant questions in the family of “are you okay?” I realize that my inability to hide my emotion is actually a blessing! It keeps me accountable to others and forces me to be honest and transparent.

We often find it difficult to be open with one another. It is “easier” to be shallow or to put on the face that we would like the world to see, however when we do this, we miss out on deep relationship and the ability to have others help bear our struggles or learn from our journeys.

The Bible commands us to “carry one another’s burdens” (Gal.6:2) and to “laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down.”(Rom.12:15). Many of us find it easy to do this for others, (as women we are nurturers and more empathetic by nature) but we have trouble flipping the coin. How are those close to us suppose to carry our burdens, or laugh with us in our happy times when we don’t have relationships where we communicate how we really feel because we are trying to present a front? While we nurture others easily, we are not quite as good at allowing ourselves to be nurtured.

In order for us to live according to God’s plan for us as believers, we need to learn transparency. (Is this resonating with anyone else, or am I the only one with some inner “ouches” going on?) Sharing struggles, hardships and sins is biblical, and vital to having deep and lasting relationships!

I challenge you (and myself!) to evaluate your relationships. Do we reach out to deepen these relationships? If we do, is it by reaching out to others emotions, or reaching out with our own? God’s word encourages us to do both!

Kourtnay

Kourtnay is a wife and mother, and she is very active in her local church. She is a woman of passionate purpose who longs for all women to live out their God-given passions.

Life Changing!

Psalm 37:3-7 reads:

"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this:

He will make righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him;

do not fret when men succeed in their ways,

when they carry out their wicked schemes."

We may be familiar with these verses, but it’s the *order* that really hit me one morning. We are restless... until we rest in the LORD. So, how do we refrain from restlessness? Look at verse 3...

Trust. Well, it’s easy to trust Him ~most~ of the time.... When I begin to realize that I cannot do it on my own, and put my trust back where it belongs – in an all knowing, loving, powerful, compassionate Father, who always knows what’s best for us, it becomes easier. What’s next?

Delight. To me this is incorporated in praise, prayer and worship. OK, I can do that. Next?

Commit. I need to commit my heart to storing up heavenly treasure and commit to making Jesus the centre of my life. This includes walking in the Spirit as I am led. I need to intentionally commit to allow the fruits of the Spirit to shine brightly in my life – that includes committing to service – in the face of persecution, hardship and trials (read time restraints). If I can’t find time for God – my priorities must be out of whack.

Be still. Rest. When we trust in the LORD, we can find rest because He is our refuge always. So, what do our Sundays look like? Do they reflect rest?

Let’s look forward to what God has for us... beginning with the promises given in Psalm 37.

Press in and press on,

Giselle

Practice, Practice, Practice

I am working my way through a book called “as we forgive” on the subject of forgiveness and reconciliation in Rwanda. I say that I am working my way through this book because it is not an easy read. I find that I must put it aside from time to time not just because of the heaviness of the stories but also because of some of the examples and teachings on forgiveness. These are not examples of minor offences. If there would ever be justifiable reasons for revenge, they are here, and yet there are examples of forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration in the face of unspeakable pain. I have been challenged and have spent a fair bit of time pondering.

The book also talks about a Pennsylvania Amish community that had to deal with a brutal school shooting a few years ago. The bigger story became the reaction of the Amish people who visited the parents of the shooter, offering forgiveness and sharing in their sorrow. The story goes on to say that in this Amish culture “forgiveness is a virtue that is cultivated” and that there are “habits of forgiveness”…and so I wonder….is this part of what Jesus was trying to get across when Peter asked if he should forgive his brother up to seven times.

Jesus answered,” I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” ( Matt 18:22)

Seven times, seventy-seven times or seventy times seven, if we are counting we may just have missed the point! On the other hand, if I have actually forgiven someone that many times, at some point, that is going to become my habit – maybe my default position. If I actually get to that point, maybe that whole turning the other cheek business will be more reality than theory in my life.

I often know when I should forgive. I may even want to forgive. When I remember all that I have been forgiven how can I not forgive? Forgiving though is often easier said than done.

A culture of forgiveness sounds like a great idea but how do I get there? How do we get there? It may need to start with just one being willing to form a habit of forgiveness. Habits are formed by repeating behaviour…practice, practice, practice…

We may need to start with the small things. The things we may pass off as insignificant and yet are habit forming – the driver who cut you off, the cashier who short-changed you, the person who invaded your chocolate stash…all pretty insignificant really and yet perhaps the beginning of a mindset. Imagine how our relationships, our families, our churches could be transformed with just a little more practice.

Ruth

The Challenge of Change

One of the views from our Maui space overlooks the garden area. From our view you can see banana and orange trees, some which have fruit on them. The pruning, and watering from the hard working gardeners, who are constantly tending these beautiful plants and trees, has showed pay off. As we have been here I have seen the growth in this tropical garden. The bananas and oranges are getting closer to being ready but its taken time, constant care and change....they certainly are not the size they were when we arrived.

Its been amazing to see how there is such peace in the midst of all the growth and change happening. Seeing this has challenged me in my own walk with Christ, as I have realized more how I am afraid of God's growth in my life....I am worried that its going change everything in my life and that its going to be painful, brutally hard and awful. When I read about people's personal testimonies I cannot help but feel fearful...thanking God that I did not have to walk the painfully hard journey some one else has had to do.

Why is it that when we read the Word so many of us don't ask God for help to follow His Word.....a lot of the time we believers don't even read it....why? I think a lot of the reasons are found in the above comments.

Here's the deal though..... Nothing moves without change.

Nothing moves.

Nothing moves without God causing it to move.

When I read and study the Word, I see people lives being constantly changed, shaped and moved as His power is changing the World.

Perhaps God has something for you in your life, it will require everything we have talked about, but if you don't ask God to help you trust Him, immerse yourself in His Word and get ready to jump....how are things going to pan out?

I'm turning 30 this year...honestly, I'm excited, I'm not even close to the person I was at 20, and that, is a good thing.

Isaiah 26.3 says: " You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you."

The truth of God's Word is that some people will grow in their life walk with Christ.....trusting Him at His Word... even though they will experience change, painful challenges and even seasons that will humble them. They trust Him that amidst the change - HE IS PEACE.

Sadly, some people do not.....and wow, what life they miss out on.

Ask God to help you wherever in this you are at. He will give you HIS PEACE amidst the change. I am asking Him for that in my own life right now too*

Mary

Steadier

Revelation 21:6 says “And He said to me. “It is done! I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” (daughter) NKJV

In my Christian walk, I am learning that my walk needs to be steadier – not slowing down – not rushing ahead – not wavering – just steady. But as the scriptures say, “In this world I will have trouble..." John 16:33. The Lord has been showing me that whatever happens in life, I need to hold tight to my Saviour’s strong right arm. Psalms 89:13 says, “Your arm is mighty. Your hand is strong. Your right hand is lifted high.” GW

Perseverance in my Christian life is very important. Life as a minister’s wife can be very interesting. Instead of being a “church member” and part of a congregation, now I’m at the other end, where people are looking at me, standing beside my husband – shepherding a congregation. The trials that come my way, I have to see through the eyes of Jesus. They are not necessarily against me as a person, but against the spirit that dwells in me. I treasure the covering of my Lord and Saviour over our family.

We are all being watched by someone. That someone is definitely our children. It could be a neighbour, a grocery clerk, etc. and we will never know all the people who were watching us till we get to heaven.

As a church body we need to be encouraging each other on – “you can do it” – “keep going”, “never give up”. The church body is like a team and Holy Spirit is our coach. He gives us the power to continue on; Jesus is at the right hand of the Father cheering us on and God looks at us with love because He sees us through Jesus.

I have also found in my walk that if I spend time with a friend or encourage someone, my trials become smaller. I love the verse in Hebrews 12:2 “Keeping our (my) eyes on Jesus – the author and finisher of our (my) faith.” NKJV.

Last spring our church ladies put on a Free Clothing Day. Our church foyer and basement became stocked full of clothing and household items. I know that my community was blessed by this free day. I also know that everyone from our church family that was involved was blessed by this day too. We gave of our time, from our resources and for some it was a time of healing as they cleaned out closets that held memories of the past. It certainly was a miracle day.

I am convinced that the more we help, when we are in a time of trial and growth, the more our times of trial seem so small. We can so easily wallow in our own trials and become a recluse. I have been there. My choice is to keep my eyes on Jesus – He’s my author, He’s my example of an overcomer.

Hebrews 12:2 “We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so He endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought Him. Then He received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God.” GW

Be encouraged today – The King I serve will soon be returning and we need to be ready – laying aside every hindrance and distraction – I will keep reaching out to those around me. Will you?

Bruni

Bruni is a pastor's wife, mother to three and she is very involved in her local church.

Encouraging one another – A Daily Ministry

Encouragement is part and parcel of God’s character. Our God is a God of comfort, patience and consolation. He never gives up encouraging us in His Word. He continually exhorts us to “fear not!”. He used such phrases as: “be of good cheer” and “be not afraid”. This is the desire of God’s heart. One way He can accomplish this is through His people – the body of Christ. Are you willing to be a vessel through which He can minister?

Hebrews 3:13 says: "encourage one another daily".

DAILY! Not once a month, or even just once a week at church, but daily. Just imagine what would happen if each one was being encouraged by someone else each day? It would be difficult to backslide into unbelief.

A word of encouragement can change someone’s life! One act of kindness and love can turn someone’s life around. How would this change your relationships with perhaps: your husband, your children, your extended family, your friends? Everyone around you would thrive. The atmosphere of your home would change; simply by stopping the nagging and beginning to encourage.

"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb; sweet to the soul and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

What would happen in your life if when you awoke each day, and spent time with the Lord, you asked Him to show you who to encourage that day? In my own life, I have seen Him give me creative ways to bless others: ie: shovelling their walkway, baking cookies to deliver, driving errands, buying someone else’s meal/coffee at a drive thru, delivering a handful of flowers from my own yard, and so on...

Simply, give yourself room to think of others. The Living Bible says in Philippians: "Don’t just think of your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing." It’s fun to mail cards too – folks are so used to getting bills that it is so much fun to get a card of encouragement. Whom around you is lonely? perhaps with child? widowed? Think about dropping them a few lines of encouragement – purpose to be a spirit refresher!

Press in and press on,

Giselle

Don’t Get Stuck

Oh the things you can see on the internet! I recently watched a video of a grown man who, because he was “triple-dog dared”, put his tongue on a metal pole. It was winter. In northern Minnesota. Guess how that ended?! As a life-long prairie resident I watched and cringed… and was a little fascinated!

I have walked past metal poles or chain link fences on a cold winter day and had the thought pop into my head that maybe I could touch it quickly enough…maybe just once…I haven’t actually done it, but since I have lived all of my life in Manitoba you would think that thought would know better than to waste it’s time in my head.

Why do I even consider trying the things that I know will end badly? Why do I do the things that will damage relationships, hurt other people or dishonour my Father?

The writer of Hebrews talks about “sin that so easily entangles”. Given in the context of running a race, I can just picture myself tripping over my own feet and falling flat on my face. No chance of finishing the race never mind winning the race.

Thankfully the writer does not leave us in that place of despair. Instead we are encouraged. Encouraged to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Heb. 12:1).

Get up. Keep going.

But then even more important words: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Heb. 12:2)

Keep our eyes on Jesus and not on our failures, because He is the one who perfects…it is His work in us…He started it and He will finish it as we keep our eyes on Him.

Ruth

He Restores My Soul: Hawaii

Anloka

Aloha ladies! I am writing this post to you from the beauty of Maui, Hawaii. I never expected to be here mind you, my travels have always taken me far away from resorts and valet parking. Usually I'm backpacking through some remote location, hanging out with local families and getting to know the sometimes sketchy bus service very well. Here though there is such peace of mind and rest. Already after only fifteen hours of being here my heart feels at peace. I have realized that sometimes whether we're at home, away on vacation or on a missions trip we get so focused on DOING DOING DOING. Taking time every day in the presence of the Father will overflow into the fabric of our everyday life and change the quality of it.

Yes, there is a huge difference between Maui and Winnipeg, but there is no difference when it comes to the peace and presence of the Father. You can be wherever, His presence will immerse you, ask Him today. Carve out time in your life to connect with Jesus, make it a priority. Ask Him to help you do that. Sometimes I forget how much His presence is beside everything else - a spa for my heart and my life. His Word so beautifully says it: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He RESTORES my soul." Psalm 23.1-3

I know that He takes us spiritually to that place, but He also takes us physically. However that looks for you in your life, take your vacations, days off....take them and rest, soak in the restoration of peace and especially the presence of Christ. Here in Maui, I am surrounded by stunning lush mountains, turquoise waters and flowers of all colors and shapes.....not to mention the amazing, amazing people here. ALL of this from the Creator. Instead of worshipping the awe of the creation, how incredible that we are able to be connected to the Creator, the one who loves you and longs to cover you in His presence and fill your heart with His beauty and rest.

Dear friends, I think and pray for the peace and rest that fills my heart here would fill yours, wherever in the world you find yourself.

Mary

...Balance...

Have you ever thought that perhaps the everyday routines in our lives are what allow us to step out into the extraordinary moments in life?

Personally I don't enjoy washing dishes, dusting, vacuuming and the never-ending laundry in our home. However, when I've been away at a conference or event which is way out of the norm of my everyday life, I do find the mundane jobs at home help me transition back into everyday life. Most of us do not spend our days on the cutting edge of life; life and death moments - both literally and spiritually. In my observations most people have their routines whether they realize it or not; like the usual streets travelled to and from work, your favourite coffee hot spot, and/or the order you put on your socks (socks then pants, or pants then socks). We are creatures of habit and yet we tend to love those adrenaline rushing, roller coaster moments in life when we can throw everything to the wind, tilt our heads back and laugh into the face of fear (even if we're on the kiddies slide!).

Let's take a moment to look at Gideon who was secretly threshing wheat in a winepress trying to hide from the Midianites who were stealing from the Israelites. The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oat tree and spoke to Gideon in Judges 6:12 and said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior". Before we hear anything of Gideon in Judges chapters 6-8 he was going about his everyday business of providing for family and trying to survive the attacks of the Midianites. Something to note is he did not come from a godly family (Judges 6:25b), however God had his eyes on him and saw his heart. Heb. 11:32-34 refers to Gideon amongst those "whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies."

Gideon's fear and hesitation was as real as his obedience. With adrenaline pumping, Gideon and 300 men fought the Midianites. Even when the exhaustion was beginning to set in Gideon continued until the mission was complete. Once the battle was done Gideon went back home to his wives and children until he died at "a good old age". Gideon is not mentioned again in the bible until the faith chapter in Hebrews 11. Interesting.

Sometimes God is calling us for such a time as this. Sometimes it lasts for a short while or certain event - like Gideon; and sometimes it's drawn out over many years - like Moses leading the people out of Egypt.

When God speaks to you, step out of your everyday routine to make a difference in the eternal. Boldly and confidently know that many others have gone before you; and many will follow your lead. Then be thankful for the everyday routines which keep us balanced so we are ready for the next time God speaks.

Jo-Ann

To Busy Not To...

Just a few weeks ago, we decided to help out a relative and adopt her elderly, but extremely energetic Bischnoodle – Bichon/Schnauzer/Poodle cross – since her granddaughter was very allergic to him. We already owned a two year old bouncing boxer babe so becoming a two dog household has created some interesting dynamics. As I sat here and attempted to write this morning I listened to the intermittent squabbling and play wrestling and got up for the periodic trips in and out, totally losing my train of thought in the meantime. I can see the toys strewn across the living room as well as the dirty footprints on the floors I just washed yesterday and God brought to mind all of the busy young mothers who try to carve out some time for Him in the midst of the chaos that often reigns with young children demanding their attention.

Finding the time to spend with God is a little like finding the time for physical fitness. Both are necessary disciplines. Why not combine the two? I love to pray while I walk which has a lot of Biblical precedent. See Gen. 3:17 and Numbers 14:6 – 9. The weather’s too crumby for walking outside? What about using that workout time to listen to awesome teaching via podcast or put on some worship music rather than turning on the talk shows and zoning out at the gym?

I have a number of young Moms on the District Prayer Network and they have remarkable creative ways to fit God into their busy days. One of them uses Post-it notes to put individual prayer needs on the dashboard of her vehicle. As she drives children from location to location she chooses one to pray for, keeping her eyes open of course.

These are just a few hints for finding God-moments throughout a busy day. They aren’t replacements for that still, quiet time. We still need to, daily, give the kids to Dad, find a quiet place and spend time at the feet of Jesus. As we ponder Luke 10:38 – 42, may it be said of us that we have embraced that time to be like Mary in our Martha world.

Now, excuse me as I go put on the worship music and wash my floors yet again!

Glenda

Glenda is married and actively involved in her local church. She has a heart and passion to help others. She is also the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario District Prayer Coordinator PAOC.

Spreading the WORD

I recently discovered a fabulous learning/play opportunity to share with my youngest son.  It is a website that offers children the opportunity to learn about Bible translation efforts overseas all the while building a fictitious Tanzanian village from the ground up including homes, churches, clinics, infrastructure and the like.  In playing, the child has the opportunity for daily devotion time and the opportunity to play games and view video clips.  I have found it both very safe and fun.  Our son asks to play it EVERY day!   So, it's a hit! 

The site is devloped and owned by OneVerse, an affiliate of Wycliffe Bible Translators.  I highly recommend that if you have youngs ones at home or grandchildren to play with you check out here:

http://www.makaziville.com/content/home

Press in and press on,
Giselle

Cheerleaders

I was the girl who liked gym class. The chance to play a little volleyball, baseball or soccer – great fun!

I don’t play sports so much anymore. I’ve moved to being a bit of a sports fan – mostly hockey & football (Go Bombers!).

I don’t consider myself a rabid sports fan. Never painted my face on game day – don’t have to rearrange my schedule according to my team’s schedule. Apparently there are degrees to being a fan. You can be all in or you can be the other extreme. Kind of a fair weather fan – cheering loudly when your team does well and losing all interest when they are not doing well.

I have been thinking about the difference between being a fan and being a cheerleader. Fans can turn on their team. Cheerleaders don’t. A fan can leave the game whenever they choose. Cheerleaders are there for the entire game no matter the outcome. Cheerleaders are part of the team.

Hebrews 10:24 says “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

We are all on the team, playing different roles at different times, however a role that each of us needs to take on is that of cheerleader – spurring one another on. Encouragement to carry on, to keep on, to move on.

I need encouragement. I need to give encouragement. I need a cheerleader. I need to be a cheerleader.

Part of a verse from Deuteronomy caught my attention. God is talking to Moses about Joshua and he says “Encourage him because he will lead Israel to inherit it.”

God is telling Moses that Joshua is the guy who will lead Israel into the Promised Land – this is the guy who will finish the job. This is the next generation.

Whatever your age, there is a generation following you who, with encouragement, will do things that your generation did not finish. That’s a reason to be a cheerleader!

Ruth

Ruth is married and a mother of three young men. She is very involved in her local church and investing into the lives of others.

Betrayal and Comfort

A number of years ago I felt betrayed by a very good friend. I truly don't think that was her intent, but there were a number of situations and circumstance going on and I certainly didn't know all of the details swirling around her. However, I still felt the sting of rejection and betrayal by someone who was very near and dear to my heart. I can remember feeling a connection with Jesus during that time since he was also betrayed by someone close to him - his disciple Judas. There was a popular song by Petra called "Judas' Kiss" (now I'm really beginning to date myself). As I listened to the words over and over again I felt both the comfort in knowing someone else had been through a similar and difficult circumstance, as well as the disappointment of someone so close missing me and my heart.

2 Cor. 1:3-4 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

If you've walked a journey through some challenging and difficult situations can I encourage you to share your compassion, wisdom and care with others who need it? And if you are struggling through a season for difficulty can I encourage you to begin to let others come alongside you and be part of the journey of perspective, encouragement and comfort?

The scripture clearly states that we can comfort others with the same comfort we received from God. I believe God wants us to step towards others and offer His comfort to them. Gal. 6:2 says, "Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ."

Let's find opportunities this week to come alongside someone(s) so we can offer encouragement and comfort to those around us. We will never experience exactly what they've experienced, but because of what we've experienced we can offer hope and comfort.

Jo-Ann

uninhibited vision

A couple of years ago while backpacking Thailand with a very close and adventurous friend of mine, God taught us both a truth that continues to be a strong voice in my head. While we were experiencing some beautiful memories on the island of Koh Samui we came to a segment of our trip which required us to take our adventurous spirits to a new level.
We were told that there was a gorgeous waterfall not far from where we were staying...all we had to do was walk or take a taxi a few miles up the road. Not a bad way to spend a gorgeous Thai afternoon. We decided to walk,we had a plan, but really just wanted to bend toward whatever the adventure before us held......after an hour the sun was so hot we would stop at every 7eleven on the way just for a little air conditioning.
We met people who were working doing many different things, some had shops, some were cooking on the side of the road, some were tending children, some were fishing, some were selling flowers and herbs, some were transporting...all sorts of things by motorcycle:) We noticed they were all more than happy to continue to point us in the right direction, graciously trying to understand our English and nodding encouragingly to the few words we spoke in Thai.
We were eager to reach these stunning falls and were not about to let missing them be an option.
We were loving the journey, the experience was incredible.... however slowly the few miles we were walking turned into a lot more and we soon realized we were in trouble. As we continued to hike the jungle area that kept claiming were were almost there, we felt concern for the daylight that was starting to dwindle. The free roaming elephants and the sound of water drew us farther in amidst the exhaustion and concern.....we could not believe the beauty and overwhelming sense of awe at God's presence and creation  and felt more than blessed to be in the middle of everything.
We could hear rustling in the grass along the road beside us. At first it was one side, but then it was also the other. Given the fact we met only two people during this two hour period I remember us both start to realize that even though we were surrounded by the most incredible place, we were also in a very serious situation....you see there were no signs until we had almost arrived at the falls that the place we were hiking was a cobra and alligator park. NICE.
We were so excited and focused on our goal, the falls..(which we did reach and they were lovely as was the view from the mountainside)....we didn't allow for anything to stop us. Even endangerment to us...whether we knew it or not.
I often think back on that day as an inspiration and even challenge in my life. Just think if I was as fixated on Christ as we were on reaching the falls, not allowing for anything to get in the way of Him allowing me to know Him more.......not bitterness about past offences, not anger, not idolatry....or focusing on me rather than on Him....not trying to "be good and godly on my own. In my own strength." Asking Him to immerse myself in His blood, in His forgiveness, in His power. Seeing His presence alive and growing in me.....instead of getting caught up in things that only hinder me from Himself..which make my life and others miserable and prone to making tragic life choices.
One of my pastors says, ''eat the meat, spit out the bones." In other words.....Ask God to immerse you in His presence and His Word, taking the good and nourshing truth of God and leaving the crap.... it wont be easy and given our imperfection, it wont be perfect, but it will be the most incredible adventure of your life. His adventure in you*

Mary

What are you believing for?

I ask myself and others this question quite a lot.  Do you dream?  I'm not just talking about during your sleeping hours - but purposeful pondering of possibility (how's that for illiteration?).  The potential for so much more lies within our very being - God designed us that way.  He has given us grace and strength beyond measure - right from Him to use for Him. 

Beloved, did some one some time say something or do something to make you think you were silly to hope for more?  Did someone squash your potential by discouraging you?  Well, GOD wants to redeem the time, the hope and your dream - He has infused you with the Holy Spirit for a purpose.  Glorify Him by being faithful and presenting yourself as that living sacrifice, willing to be used by Him for good.  Your dream is likely a part of just that.

Imagine the possibilities of your belief and willingness to pray, hope, love big:  widows could be loved, the hungry fed, slaves freed, families encouraged, marriages restored, people saved...the list goes on.

Dream big! 

I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go throw yourself into the sea"

and does not doubt in his heart but believes it will happen, it will be done for him.

Mark 11:23

Go forward in faith with the grace God has given you.

Press in and press on,
Giselle