The Power Of Prayer

During the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar, the Jewish people did not have God's protection, because of their wickedness and disobedience to His laws. Therefore, the Babylonians, under the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar, were able to destroy the walls surrounding Jerusalem, which left the Jews vulnerable to other surrounding enemies. As a result, Jerusalem lay for many years in ruins and destruction, and most of the Jewish people were scattered abroad, leaving only a small remnant behind.

But one hundred and forty years later, Nehemiah, a Jew and the cupbearer of King Artaxerxes, went to God in prayer with a burdensome heart to see the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt and the Jewish people gathered there once again. The problem was that King Artaxerxes had previously stopped the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Hence a miracle of God was needed to change the King's heart. This was Nehemiah's prayer.

"Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God,

who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him

and keep His commandments,

let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear

the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night

for your servants, the people of Israel.

I confess the sins we Israelites,

including myself and my father's family,

have committed against You.

We have acted very wickedly toward You.

We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws

You gave Your servant Moses.

Remember the instruction You gave Your servant Moses,

saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,

but if you return to Me and obey My commands,

then even if Your exiled people are at the farthest horizon,

I will gather them from there

and bring them to the place I have chosen

as a dwelling for my Name.'

They are Your servants and Your people,

whom You redeemed by Your great strength

and Your mighty hand.

Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of this Your servant

and to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your Name.

Give Your servant success today by granting him

favour in the presence of this man."

Nehemiah 1:5-6 (NIV)

Nehemiah begins his prayer with praise to God, followed by repentance, then a reminder to God of His promises, and finishing with his earnest request. God heard the respect and sincerity of Nehemiah's prayer and He performed a miracle. King Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah his permission and authority to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem without any argument. That is the power of prayer!

Encourage And Build One Another Up

As God's people, we are instructed by Him to strengthen one another and to build each other up. We do this by encouraging each other to do right and to trust God in all things, to speak God's Word, to pray for each other's needs, and to appreciate the valuable gifts in others.

"Therefore encourage one another

and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

When we encourage someone and build him/her up, we also become encouraged and built up knowing we are pleasing God who is the Father of all. There is no greater joy and blessing than loving others and obeying Him.

Esther, A Heroine?

As a young girl, whenever I was told the story of Queen Esther in Sunday School, I would sit in class completely horrified at the facts being told and befuddled at the interpretation of those facts! I couldn't understand how it could be part of God's plan for a woman to be the wife of an ungodly narcissist who sleeps with a multitude of women and who got rid of his first wife because she refused to be paraded in front of a group of drunken men. I also couldn't understand why her uncle, Mordecai, who supposedly loved and raised Esther as his own, would support this. If I was Esther I would have felt used, betrayed, and debased.

Esther may have been a heroine in the world's eyes, but she was not a heroine for a godly young woman to aspire to. Both Mordecai and Esther should have trusted God to intervene, but neither God nor prayer is ever mentioned in any of the nine chapters of Esther. I know for certain God would never ask any woman to use her sexuality to accomplish His goals and marry such a wicked man, or ask any person to go against His holy character and standards to fulfill His plan. I see the book of Esther only as a historic account of how the Jews were saved during the reign of King Xerxes, where two people executed their own plan without God — but not, I am sure, without personal negative consequences.

The Lord God is almighty, for nothing is impossible with Him.

"For nothing is impossible with God."

Luke 1:37 (NIV)

He is also holy, holy, holy!

"'Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty,'

who was, and is,

and is to come."

Revelations 4:8b (NIV)

As Christians we need to study God's Word carefully and not allow man's past misconceptions of Scripture to cloud our thinking, and not instill wrong ideas of God in others. The only hero any man or woman should ever have is God alone.

"I Love You"

"I love you" are the three beautiful words a woman longs to hear from the man she is in love with. "I love you" are the three beautiful words a man yearns to hear in return from the woman he loves. There is nothing more precious to the soul, whether it belongs to a child, mother, father, wife or husband, man or woman than to hear those three words. Do you think God is any different?

The song David sang to the Lord after the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul, started with those three wonderful words, "I love you."

"For the director of music.

Of David the servant of the Lord.

He sang to the Lord

the words of this song 

when the Lord delivered him

from the hand of all his enemies

and from the hand of Saul.

He said: I love you, Lord,

my strength."

Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV)

Let's take every opportunity we can to tell God we love Him, during the hard times as well as the good times. He longs to hear those three words from each of us on a regular basis.

Face Reality: Go To God's Word

Jesus Christ takes care of His children like a shepherd takes care of his sheep. In Him we have everything we need. There is never any reason to worry or fear, for God is always close beside us, protecting us with His mighty power and comforting us with His unfailing love. Like a shepherd letting his sheep rest in green meadows, God allows us to rest in His presence at anytime through our devotions, our prayers, and our worship of Him. And like a shepherd leads his sheep beside peaceful streams and guides them along right paths, Jesus leads us to peace, fulfilment, and righteous living through the truths of His Word and the voice of His Holy Spirit.

"The Lord is my Shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

He leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honour to His Name.

Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

for You are close beside me.

Your rod and Your staff

protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honour me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23 (NLT)

The reality of being a child of the King is that we are well provided for, given times to rest, led, renewed with strength, guided, accompanied by Him, protected, comforted, honoured, blessed, loved, and alive with Jesus forever.

Why? — Seared As With A Hot Iron

Is it normal for a person to have no conscience and be a hypocritical liar? No, it's not!

It is true that each person born into this world was sinful at birth — actually, sinful at the time of conception.

"Surely I was sinful at birth,

sinful from the time

my mother conceived me."

Psalm 51:5 (NLT)

But God has placed into each person the capability to distinguish between what is good and what is evil. This is our conscience. This is what makes a person feel guilty when he/she has committed a wrongdoing.

"And the Lord God said,

'The man has now

become like one of us,

knowing good and evil.'"

Genesis 3:22a (NIV)

Nevertheless, when a person constantly ignores his/her conscience and lives in continual sin without any repentance, his/her conscience becomes insensitive or numb to any feelings of guilt or remorse, just as if his/her conscience was seared with a hot iron.

"Such teachings come through

hypocritical liars,

whose consciences have been seared

as with a hot iron."

1 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

Having a seared conscience does not happen overnight. It takes many years. This is the Biblical explanation of the worldly adjectives "psychopathic" and "narcissist." This is why certain people rape, kill, or abuse yet show no empathy.

Saved By Declaring, Believing, And Professing

Salvation is a gift from God that we must accept by faith. It is not gained merely by desiring it or by putting effort into doing good works.

"It does not, therefore,

depend on human desire or effort,

but on God's mercy."

Romans 9:16 (NIV)

We are saved only by the grace of God and therefore we boast only in God, not ourselves.

"For it is by grace

you have been saved,

through faith —

and this is not from yourselves,

it is the gift of God —

not by works,

so that no one can boast."

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Salvation is a declaration and a heartfelt belief. It is a profession where we sincerely and earnestly give our allegiance to God our King and live according to His Guidebook, the Bible.

"If you declare with your mouth,

'Jesus is Lord,'

and believe in you heart

that God raised Him from the dead,

you will be saved.

For it is with your heart

that you believe

and are justified,

and it is with your mouth

that you profess your faith

and are saved."

Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

They Are Not Worth Comparing

Sadly, in this world we will all face troubles: our hearts will be broken, our spirits crushed, our dreams shattered, and our bodies afflicted with pain and old age. But as God's children, we can be encouraged and comforted in knowing that Jesus Christ has overcome the world with all its suffering.

"In this world

you will have trouble.

But take heart!

I have overcome the world."

John 16:33 (NIV)

God has swallowed up death forever for those who have put their faith in Him. One day our tears will never again flow down our faces and neither will we feel the disgrace of our sins. God has spoken and we now have redemption and the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus.

"He will swallow up death forever.

The Sovereign Lord

will wipe away the tears from all faces;

He will remove His people's disgrace

from all the earth.

The Lord has spoken."

Isaiah 25:8 (NIV)

Our present sufferings are not worth comparing when we think about the glory that will be revealed to us in Heaven where we will be with our Lord and Saviour forever.

"I consider that our present sufferings

are not worth comparing

with the glory

that will be revealed to us."

Romans 8:18 (NIV)

Because Of One Man, We Suffer; Because Of Another Man, We Won't

Is suffering God's will? Absolutely not! In the beginning, God created a perfect world for the first man and woman to live in. God saw all that He had made and said, "It was very good." (Keep in mind, this is according to God's standards.)

"God saw all that He had made,

and it was very good."

Genesis 1:31 (NIV)

However, God gave both Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, a free choice of will. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve chose not to trust God. Instead they chose to disobey Him. As a result, evil entered the world, both morally and physically.

"Therefore, just as sin

entered the world

through one man,

and death through sin,

and in this way

death came to all people,

because all sinned —"

Romans 5:12 (NIV)

One of the consequences of man's sin is a cursed earth. This is why we have natural disasters in our world today.

"To Adam He said,

'Because you listened to your wife

and ate fruit from the tree

about which I commanded you,

"You must not eat from it,"

Cursed is the ground because of you;

We have suffering today

because of sin,

not because of God."

Genesis 3:17 (NIV)

The world suffers because of man's sin. God is in no way to blame for man's suffering. However, He paid the price for our sins by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die for us, so that one day those who are called by His Name will not suffer ever again. Because of one man, we suffer; because of another man, we won't.

A Trustworthy Saying That Deserves Full Acceptance

The hardened heart that kills, tortures, or rapes is the same hardened heart that takes delight in the sentencing to death of a criminal, threatens and abuses a criminal's family members, and rejoices in the thought that a hated person will spend eternity in hell.

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Jesus Christ wants to save even the worst of sinners. This is sometimes hard to understand, even for Christians, but it is the truth and the desire of God's heart. So should it be ours.

"Here is a trustworthy saying

that deserves full acceptance:

Christ Jesus came into the world

to save sinners —

of whom I am the worst."

1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

All criminals should be punished according to the Law, but we shouldn't to be jubilant about it. Jesus Christ still desires to save them from the damnations of hell.

We Are Getting Closer

"There will be great earthquakes,

famines and pestilences

in various places,

and fearful events

and great signs from heaven."

Luke 21:11 (NIV)

Natural disasters in our world are escalating at an alarming rate, but God's people need not fear. Jesus Christ warned us about them in the New Testament. These signs mean we are getting closer to when Christ will restore the earth to the way it was in the beginning of Creation — when we will no longer know fear of disaster, but live in the tranquility and safety of our Saviour's reign forever.

Fight The Battle With The Sword God Has Given Us

The Bible talks about people whose minds are closed and full of darkness, and whose hearts are hardened against God. They have wandered far from the life God gives. Today, we refer to such hard-hearted people as sociopaths. They lack a social conscience and moral responsibility. They have no sense of shame. Sociopaths live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

"Their minds are full of darkness;

they wander far

from the life God gives

because they have closed their minds

and hardened their hearts

against Him.

They have no sense of shame.

They live for lustful pleasure

and eagerly practice every kind of impurity."

Ephesians 4:18-19 (NLT)

In the news we hear of more and more of these sociopathic men and women in our society who commit horrible, unfathomable crimes with no remorse. Their minds are so full of darkness, shut closed against any of God's rays of light, that their hearts have hardened to stone.

As God's people, we must not neglect to teach, preach, and live His Word daily, for His Word is the only source of true light in our dark world.

God's Word is powerful. It is alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword. It can penetrate to divide soul and spirit, and joints and marrow. It can judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

"For the Word of God

is alive and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword,

it penetrates

even to dividing soul and spirit,

joints and marrow;

it judges the thoughts

 and attitudes of the heart."

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

The more God's people use His Word, the more effective they will be. Let's use the Sword God has given us to fight the battle against Satan and all his evilness in our world.

Persevere And Stand Strong

Yesterday, when my sons and I were at Chapters Book Store, I noticed an elderly man sitting behind a table displaying his new book entitled, "Out Of My Mind." As I pondered his title, curious as to what the title implied, I walked past. On the way out, I did the same, but when I got to the store's front door, God spoke to me to go up to him, so I turned around and obeyed, not having a clue why.

He watched me approach him, and politely waited for me to speak first. I said, "Hi." Then the man began to talk to me about his life.

When he was forty-eight years old, he was seriously injured riding his bike. A truck had hit him and as a result both of his legs were amputated. He is now eighty years old and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's two years ago. (I wondered if this was the reason for his book's title, but I never asked.) His book was the second he has written, and both books are a collection of his short stories and poems.

When the man finished talking, I felt compelled to tenderly ask him, "Do you know God?"

The man looked at me with surprise and told me that he used to know God, but since the accident lost his belief in Him.

I felt very sad for him and still do. I have been praying for him since, hoping that my words would have trigged him to think about God once more before his disease overtakes his mind.

We chatted some more. When it was time for me to go, I thanked him, told him how nice it was to meet him, and then reached out my hand to shake his.

Times of trials and troubles either bring people closer to God or further away. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial and stands the test because that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

"Blessed is the one

who perseveres under trial

because, having stood the test,

that person will receive 

the crown of life

that the Lord has promised to those

who love Him."

James 1:12 (NIV)

Since God Brought You To Our Hearts

My sons and I are once again in the middle of preparations as we look forward to leading the children's worship, acting out the dramas, and, in general, helping out with the Vacation Bible School at our old home church in Kamloops, BC, this summer. We enjoy so much seeing all the people there we love so much! It is also great to see the physical and spiritual growth of the children we have had the privilege to minister to in the past. Many of these children are now leaders in the Vacation Bible School, and two are extra special to me as I used to babysit them when I lived in Kamloops four years ago.

Just like Paul, my sons and I always have these children in our hearts, and we have not stopped praying for God to fill them with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that they may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.

"For this reason,

since the day we heard about you,

we have not stopped praying for you.

We continually ask God

 to fill you with

the knowledge of His will

through all the wisdom

and understanding that the Spirit gives,

so that you may live a life

worthy of the Lord

and please Him in every way:

bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God, . . ."

Colossians 1:9-10 (NIV)

You Will Hear A Voice Behind You

As a new worker in the Children's Ministry of a small, nearby church, I am tasked with starting up a weekly Children's program that runs during the school year, and with improving the format of Children's Church on Sundays. A few days ago, I was asked by the Lead Pastor to attend a council meeting so that he could introduce me to the other members of the leadership team. I will be honest and say I expected to be bombarded with questions, and even receive some opposition to some of my ideas. Instead, I received nothing but encouragement and support! Praise God! I am so blessed to be part of this church family. I know I am in His will, and that gives me great peace and expectations!

Our ears will hear God's voice right behind us in our Christian walk. His voice will instruct us on the way we should go, whether to the right or to the left.

"Your own ears will hear Him.

Right behind you a voice will say,

'This is the way you should go,'

whether to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 30:21 (NLT)

When we hear His voice, let us trust Him and walk the path.

At the Door Of Christ's Return

This is a Fennec Fox at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. He paid absolutely no attention to me or my two sons whatsoever, even when I tried to call him. He was too transfixed on the door of his kennel, waiting for the one he loved to open it and come through. Fennec Foxes can be delightful house pets, and this one was obviously a beloved pet to a certain zookeeper.

Seeing this Fennec Fox waiting eagerly for the return of his caretaker, who is behind a closed door, reminds me that, as God's children, we too should be waiting eagerly for His return. Jesus Christ is behind a door, but we know quite well that at any moment He will come through that door, like a thief in the night, and gather together all those who are called by His Name to be with Him for eternity.

"For you know quite well

that the day of the Lord's return

will come unexpectedly,

like a thief in the night."

1 Thessalonians 5:2 (NLT)

Are we waiting and ready at the door of Christ's return?

"Peace To This House"

"Peace to this house."

This is one of the Burrowing Owls at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Burrowing Owls are tiny owls with bright yellow eyes, prominent white eyebrows, and long legs. As their name suggests, they do not nest and roost in trees like other types of owls, but in burrows. Many times Burrowing Owls will use pre-existing underground homes that other small animals have abandoned. The Zoo thoughtfully made homes for these owls using black construction plastic tubing placed underground with one opening above the surface.

In the Bible days, it was customary for a person to say a certain blessing when entering a house. Before the person was to utter any other words, they were to first say, "Peace to this house."

"'When you enter a house,

first say,

"Peace to this house."'"

Luke 10:5 (NIV)

It is interesting that God gave His authority to us to bless homes with His peace, and asked us to do so before entering a house. It is sad that we no longer do this, especially when there is so much strife in homes today.

Like The Roar Of A Lion

"Awww . . . isn't that cute."

Lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards are all large cats that roar, with the exception of the Snow Leopard like the one pictured above. He was made not to roar.

The Bible God depicts both Himself and Satan as one of the roaring cats, the lion. Lions roar for two reasons: to proclaim every evening where his territory is, and to strike paralyzing fear into his prey.

When God roars, it reveals His authority over all and instills the fear of respect for His Kingship. In other words, God's roar is not something His people cower from, but rather bow to. However, those who do not belong to God will tremble at the sound of His roar.

"They will follow the Lord;

He will roar like a lion."

Hosea 11:10a (NIV)

"And He gave a loud shout

like the roar of a lion."

Revelations 10:3s (NIV)

"The Lord will roar from Zion."

Joel 3:16a (NIV)

When Satan roars, his aim is to trap his prey in fear so that they cannot think or react correctly. Satan's desire is to devour and destroy, whereas God's desire is to save and protect.

"Be alert and of sober mind.

Your enemy the devil prowls around

like a roaring lion 

looking for someone to devour."

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

As God's children, we need never to fear the roar of Satan, for the roar of God is much greater!

The Wolf Will Live With The Lamb

Arctic wolves live in the the extreme harsh and remote areas of the world where man does not live. Therefore, the population of these wolves is not threatened like other species of wolves today.

Like all wolves, Arctic wolves are fierce hunters. Their main weapon is their 42 sharp teeth. (But one would never know that by looking at these two pictured above, sleeping peacefully at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.)

The Bible says that when Jesus comes to reign upon this earth in all His peace and tranquility, even the lambs will live in safety with the wolves.

"The wolf will live with the lamb,

the leopard will lie down with the goat,

the calf and the lion and the yearling together;

and a little child will lead them."

Isaiah 11:6 (NIV)

Until Christ comes, we can only imagine what it will be like to live under the reign of Jesus, where we will no longer know fear or feel the distress of anxiety.

If Only You Would Hear His Voice

This is a Prairie Dog who lives at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. His warning call is similar to a dog's bark, and when he is excited, he wags tail back and forth. When this picture was taken, the Prairie Dog's tail was standing straight up and wagging vigorously back and forth. I guess he was nervous at seeing us and wondered if we were predators. Farmers like to shoot them. I was hoping I would get to hear his bark, but didn't.

The Holy Spirit is like this Prairie Dog. God wants to take care of and protect His children from danger. There are lots of traps and snares set up in this world by Satan. But if we listen for God's voice, the Holy Spirit will warn us against those perils.

"For He is our God

and we are the people of His pasture,

the flock under His care.

Today, if only you would hear His voice, . . ."

Psalm 95:7 (NIV)

Humility Is True Beauty

Snowy Owl aren't completely white. The males, like this one, are mostly white with a few dark spots, but the females actually have dark scalloping. Snowy Owls all have bright yellow eyes, but unlike most owls, they usually hunt during the day rather than night.

As Tim continued to take pictures of this handsome bird, the owl raised his head as if in cockiness. I laughed, but then I couldn't help but think people can get that way too sometimes. The more attention we receive from others, the more pride can set in our hearts. And the more pride we have, the more unattractive we become.

"Pride brings a person low,

but the lowly in spirit

gains honour."

Proverbs 29:23 (NIV)

But a person who is humble in spirit is the one who is truly beautiful!

He Will Once Again Fill Your Mouth With Laughter

This is a Kookaburra at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Kookaburras live in Australia and New Guinea. Their call sounds much like the hysterical laughing of a human. That is why this bird is often called a Laughing Kookaburra.

It is interesting that God would create a bird that laughs. How God must love the sound of laugher! The bible says that is He who fills our mouths with laughter and our lips with shouts of joy.

"He will once again

fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy."

Job 8:21 (NLT)

God Formed Out Of The Ground

This is one of the two Amur (or Siberian) Tigers at Edmonton Valley Zoo. They are the largest type of cat in the world.

My son Tim took a video of this cat when he saw us and leisurely got up to stroll past, sharpen his claws, and then lie down again. When the tiger sniffed the wire fence, we were standing directly behind it.

God not only formed man from out of the ground, He formed all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky out of the ground as well. God must have been in His delight in creating all the animals and the birds, like the enchantment of a young child moulding handiwork out of the different colours of play dough.

"Now the Lord God

had formed out of the ground 

all the wild animals 

and all the birds in the sky."

Genesis 2:19 (NIV)

Claiming To Be Wise, But Are Fools

Since it was still winter a few weeks ago when my sons and I visited the Edmonton Valley Zoo, hardly anyone was there. Most of the animals seemed very happy to see us. For example, when this Squirrel Monkey saw Tim, the monkey came right over and placed his hands upon the glass to take a closer look at Tim and the object he was holding adjacent his face. I was astounded to see how the monkey's hands were so much like ours. (No, this does not mean I am an evolutionist now.)

The Squirrel Monkey thereafter decided it was time to suck his thumb. It was so cute!

As I watched the monkey move, I thought it incredible how he used his long tail as a fifth limb.

Even though this monkey showed a certain amount of intelligence and had some amazing traits, I can't believe that there are people in this world who believe we evolved from them. That's just ludicrous! So-called "scientists" today who claim to be wise have become nothing more than fools.

"Claiming to be wise,

they instead became utter fools."

Romans 1:22 (NLT)

Only Fools Say In Their Hearts

The white coat of the Arctic fox at the Edmonton Valley Zoo was pure white. That was two weeks ago. In the summer its coat will change to brown. (It just so happens that summer arrived here yesterday; spring was skipped, so this poor fox will have to make a quick transformation.)

Arctic foxes are able to survive frigid temperatures because of their thick deep fur, small ears, short muzzles, furry soles, and thick tails, which they use to wrap themselves.

It is truly amazing to think about the different types of animals that were created adapted to the different climates zones on earth. What unfathomable wisdom! Only fools say in their hearts that there is no God!

"Only fools say in their hearts,

'There is no God.'"

Psalm 14:1 (NLT)

Know It Full Well

My youngest son, Matthew, recently applied at the Edmonton Valley Zoo for a summer job as a Children's Zoo attendant. To familiarize himself with the attraction in case he received a call for an interview, Matthew decided to make a visit and see the animals. His brother Tim, I, and the camera came along for the fun. Here are the zebras Tim photographed.

Each zebra has its own distinct pattern of black and white stripes.

Like owls, zebras have excellent night vision.

God's works are truly amazing! We need to praise Him daily for His wonders in creation, especially when we look at ourselves and all the people around us, for we are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!

"I praise You

because I am fearfully

and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful,

I know that full well."

Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

"When He Dies, Judgement"

These twisted trees pictured below are called Bristlecone Pine trees. I spotted the first one at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and the second at Montezuma Well. Bristlecone Pine trees grow very slowly, but they live the longest of any single living organism known on earth. Obviously these two trees didn't survive, but their twisted shapes still remain.

The oldest Bristlecone Pine tree is located in the White Mountains of Eastern California. It is now almost 5000 years old. It has been named Methuselah, after the longest living person in the Bible.

In the Bible Methuselah lived to be almost 1000 years old. He was the son of Enoch and the grandfather of Noah. Methuselah died the same year of the Flood. His name is prophetic because it means "when he dies, judgement."

"Altogether, Methuselah lived

a total of 969 years,

and then he died."

Genesis 5:27 (NIV)

As I look at the death of these Bristlecone Pine trees, I can't help but ponder the impending judgement of God that will once again come upon the earth. It won't be by flood, but through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. And all those who have not been pardoned by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour will be condemned to spend eternity without God.

"For He has set a day

when He will judge the world

with justice

by the man He has appointed.

He has given proof of this to everyone

by raising Him from the dead."

Acts 17:31 (NIV)

For I Know The Plans I Have For You

One Sunday five weeks ago, I was upstairs in my bedroom chatting with my husband Brian, when suddenly I felt compelled to go to the Alberta and NWT Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada website. At first I stubbornly ignored these promptings---I had lost interest in working for a PAOC church in Edmonton. However, the voice I kept hearing in my head wouldn't let up. But then again, neither would I.

After several hours of fighting with what I thought was myself, I began to think maybe it was God who was speaking to me. Giving in, I pessimistically sat down by my computer and went to the website in question. Upon clicking a link entitled "job postings," I was shocked to learn that there was actually another PAOC church in the near city, previously unbeknown to me, who needed a Children's Ministry Leader! I was instantly excited---for two seconds that is---just long enough for the memories of past experiences to come to the forefront of my mind. I reasoned with God as to why I shouldn't apply. Then I tried to forget about it.

To ease my conscience, I phoned the church that my family and I have been happily attending for the last eight months and arranged for me and one of my sons to meet with the Transitional Lead Pastor. I decided I was going to have my own plan and volunteer my help with the children's ministry there.

When I met with the Pastor, he was wonderful and kind towards us. He even spent time showing us all around the church. However, when the Pastor introduced us to one of the leaders of the children's ministry, leaving us to talk with her, the atmosphere quickly changed. It was obvious that she wasn't interested in my help. Instead, she was cold towards us. When she gave me a bunch of papers to fill out and told me specifically that she wanted a reference from within the church, I knew the reason for her aloofness: I was a PAOC Bible College graduate wanting to do ministry in a different denomination. Since I was new to the church, I obviously wouldn't be able to give her the reference she desired.

When I came back home, I disgustingly threw the papers away. I didn't want to go back to a PAOC church again, but God continued to pester me about it anyways. I was glad I was going on holidays soon. I figured that once I was far away in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, I wouldn't think about the job posting any more. Wrong! I thought about it lots, and, when I got back home, I knew what I had to do. I figured if God had continued to bug me about it even in Arizona, it was about time I trusted Him. I therefore sent the PAOC church my resume.

The day I emailed the pastor my resume, I got a call. An appointment was set for me and my husband to meet with him the next day. At this meeting, I shared with the pastor my heart's desires. As I did, tears began to well up in his eyes, and he began to share with Brian and me his prayers to find godly musicians and a leader for children's ministries. Now it was my time to wipe the tears from my eyes. Why had I taken so long to be obedient to God?

God has a plan! And my family and I are part of it. So is everyone who is His child. We just need to listen to His voice and follow the path He has laid out for us.

"'For I know the plans I have for you',

says the Lord.

'They are plans for good

and not for disaster,

to give you a future

and a hope.'"

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

It Is Not For You To Know

The week Brian and I were in Sedona, it was spring there but winter here: while snow was falling in Alberta, flowers were blooming in Sedona. Here are a few pictures I took of spring in Sedona.

While I was taking these pictures, I was optimistically anticipating that when we got back home, winter would have ended and the snow would all have melted. Unfortunately, such was not the case. Since arriving back home, there has still been snow falls up until a few days ago. It has been an exceptionally long winter this year in Edmonton. But as I sit here by my computer with my bedroom window open, as I see the sun's rays are pouring in, and hear the sounds of birds singing, and smell the fresh air permeating my room, I realize that winter is over and spring is finally here.

Alberta's long winter this year is a reminder that none of us can predict the exact day when each season will end and the next one begin, because it is the Father who determines, by His own authority and power, when each season will start. It is the same with everything else in our lives and in our world. Time is in God's hands and it is not for us to know, but to trust in our Father.

"He said to them,

'It is not for you to know times

or seasons

that the Father has fixed

by His own authority.'"

Acts 1:7 (ESV)

No Wonder Our Hearts Are Glad And We Rejoice

The highlight of our stay in Sedona was the helicopter tour. Our pilot was a war veteran and an amazing pilot! The doors of the helicopter were removed because the temperatures were warm. At first I thought it might bother me to fly in a helicopter without doors, but it didn't in the least bit. I loved every moment of it!

Here are some picture my husband took, since he got to sit up front.

Even though the tour was astounding, God is more so! He orchestrated that the two people we went up in the air with were a pastor and his wife with the joy of the Lord in them. They both had a great sense of humour and made the experience extra special! Their hearts were glad and so were ours because we know we are secure in the Lord. We rejoiced together.

"No wonder my heart is glad,

and I rejoice.

My body rests in safety."

Psalm 16:9 (NLT)