Let Salvation Spring Up

Yesterday as I was strolling past my flower gardens, enjoying the warmth and sunshine of another lovely spring day, I was excited to see sprouts springing forth out of the soil.

This verse immediately came to mind:

"You heavens above,

rain down righteousness;

let the clouds shower it down.

Let the earth open wide,

let salvation spring up,

let righteousness grow with it;

I, the Lord, have created it."

Isaiah 45:8 (NIV)

This is the prayer of all Christians past and present: that God would rain down His righteousness from the heavens above so that the earth would open wide and salvation would spring up and righteousness would grow with it.

How wonderful it is to see the natural signs of spring upon the earth. But how much more wonderful it would be to see the spiritual signs of spring upon the earth!

Our Hearts Burned Within Us

Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny, warm day. It felt absolutely wonderful! It was so nice to feel the warmth of the sun's rays on my cheeks and feel the slight breeze caressing my skin. If I had my way, I would have spent the whole day outside. The cold winters here keep people indoors far too long.

When God speaks to us through His Word, and as we begin to understand the magnitude of His love and care for us, it warms our cold hearts like the sun's rays on a spring day after a long cold winter.

"They said to each other,

'Didn't our hearts burn within us

as he talked with us on the road

and explained the Scriptures to us?'"

Luke 24:32 (NLT)

The good news is that we don't have to wait until spring and summer to feel the warmth of God's love. We can feel His love every day of the year if we remain in His Word.

God Is Our Mechanic

Today, I will be taking Chris's car to the Mazda dealership. A few days ago, the car started making squeaking and clunking noises that has Chris concerned. Chris will be taking Tim's car to work and I will be driving Tim and Matthew to university in my car.

Taking Chris's car to a professional mechanic because of an unfamiliar noise reminds me how all of us need to bring ourselves to our Mechanic, God the Father, when we start acting or talking in ways that are not Christ-like. And these are the warning lights: when we lose our tempers easily, become rude and sarcastic to others, lie, try to manipulate or control people, think of ourselves more than others, and neglect spending time with God. When we need God to cleanse and prioritize our lives, these warning lights will flash persistently until we heed the Holy Spirit's promptings to go before God in prayer, submission, Bible reading, and meditation.

The Bible says that when we come to God with a contrite heart, He will purify the contents of our heart, making it new. At the same time, God will give us a new spirit to activate our new heart, replacing our thoughts and desires with His thoughts and desires. Then our stony, stubborn heart becomes a tender, responsive heart that is able to love God, ourselves, and all others.

"And I will give you a new heart, 

and I will put a new spirit in you. 

I will take out your stony, stubborn heart 

and give you a tender, responsive heart."

Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)

As Large As A Mustard Tree

Spring is approaching. I can't wait because this year I want to put in a large vegetable garden. I love gardening! I love watching tiny seeds grow into productive plants as they are nurtured and cared for.

Jesus stated in the Bible that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which is the tiniest of all seeds. But as the mustard seed grows it becomes a large shrub, approximately twenty feet high and almost the same in width.

"He told them another parable:
'The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed,
which a man took and planted in his field.
Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows,
it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree,
so that the birds come and perch in its branches.'"

Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV)

The mustard tree has many uses. The fruit of a mustard tree is round, plump, purple, sweet, and full of nutrients. The seeds are ground up to make the popular condiment that we all love to put on our hot dogs and hamburgers. The small branches and roots of a mustard tree resist bacteria and plaque. In fact, in some places of the world, they are used to make toothbrushes. One can even chew on the small branches and roots to ease tooth aches and prevent tooth decay. The leaves are edible as well, and the ashes from the tree can be used as a salt to flavour foods. Finally, the mustard tree provides shade for animals and a protective home for birds that come and perch on its branches.

Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed because the Kingdom started off small, but by the time Jesus returns, the Kingdom of Heaven will be filled with a large number of people, as the Gospel of Christ spreads throughout the world.

The ministries that we have are the same. Our ministries may seem small and insignificant, but by the time we enter God's Kingdom, the amount of lives we will have touched will be much larger than we can really imagine. Our goal as Christians is to remain faithful to God and be willing to do whatever He asks us to do.

Who Says Christians Don't Have Fun?

My sons and I have been asked to lead worship for another Children's Retreat, this time in August. The theme is Mission Possible. My son, Matthew, already has ideas for our costumes — we will all be spies for this special event. It should be a lot of fun! We are very serious about our commitment to God and ministering His Word, but we also have a sense of humour, and a great deal of energy and creativity. We enjoy doing God's work!

In the Bible, King David was so excited when the Ark of the Lord was finally brought up that he danced before the Lord with all his might, humbly wearing only a simple garment instead of his kingly robes. Everyone around him began shouting and playing their trumpets as well. They were all having fun doing God's will, knowing that their Heavenly Father was pleased.

"David, wearing a linen ephod,

danced before the Lord with all his might,

while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord

 with shouts and the sound of trumpets."

2 Samuel 6:14-16

David was in no way immodest or shameful. He chose to dance in a garment that was symbolic of being a servant of the Lord. A linen ephod was the attire that priests wore who served God in the Temple. In his excitement, David danced before God, enjoying doing God's work and being in His presence.

Serving God is fun and exciting! When it stops becoming fun and exciting, then we must redirect our thoughts toward God and who He is.

For We Can Certainly Do It

In the Old Testament, Moses sent out twelve spies — one from each of the twelve tribes of Israel — to explore the land of Canaan. The spies all came back safely and reported to Moses that the land was very fruitful.

"We went into the land to which you sent us,

and it does flow with milk and honey!

Here is its fruit."

Numbers 13:27b (NIV)

Unfortunately, they also reported that the people were powerful, and the cities large and fortified.

Despite this apparent opposition, two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, were not scared to take action and possess the land for their own. They knew that God's power would be with them — a power greater than all the armies in the world put together.

"Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said,

'We should go up and take possession of the land,

 for we can certainly do it.'"

Numbers 13:30 (NIV)

But the other ten spies were terribly frightened of the Canaanites. They were unable to put their trust in God. They spread amongst the people of Israel a bad report. As a result, fear overtook the hearts and minds of the all the Israelites.

"They said, 'The land we explored devours those living in it.

All the people we saw there are of great size.

We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim).

We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes,

and we looked the same to them.'"

Numbers 13:32b-33 (NIV)

The people of Israel then refused to obey God's command for them to take control of the productive land of Canaan. As a consequence of their disobedience and lack of faith, God punished the Israelites by making them wander in the desert for forty years, one year for every day the twelve spies took to spy out the land of Canaan. Out of all the Israelite, males and females who were over twenty years of age at the time, and only Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter the land of Canaan once the forty years had passed.

God has a purpose or plan for every Christian who surrenders his/her life to Him. However, it may take several years for God to prepare someone before his/her calling is fulfilled.

Many times when a door opens and we hear God's voice commanding us to move forward, fear and negative thoughts begin to bombard our minds and hearts. We become so paralyzed with fear that we are afraid to cross over into the Promised Land. But we must follow the examples of Joshua and Caleb. We must put our trust fully in God, move forward into battle with God on our side, and fulfil God's mission for our lives with complete obedience to Him, putting all fears and anxieties to rest.

Everything We Say, And Do

Yesterday, at the Children's Spring Retreat, we had a group picture taken of us:

Left to right: Matthew, Chris, Sandra (me), Tim, and Daniel.

Here are some more pictures:

I strongly believe that every time Christians have an opportunity to be with a group of children, especially in a church, they should take full advantage of the time to teach the children the Word of God, whether it be through songs, stories, puppets, dramas, games, physical activities, or entertainment. The Word of God should be incorporated in everything we say and do. Never should time be wasted on just entertaining the children without the Spirit-driven desire to develop spiritual maturity in the children.

The Bible instructs us to train up children in the way they should go, so that when they become adults, they will not turn from God and all His ways.

"Train a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old he will not turn from it."

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

Today, children are being constantly entertained by television, books, music, movies, video games, and social networking, and nearly all of these are filling their hearts and minds with philosophies and moral beliefs that are contrary to God's Word, which will eventually destroy their lives. We need to do everything we can to, instead, fill their hearts and minds with God's Word.

Unfortunately, I see too many children's ministries that are not taking advantage of every opportunity to do this. Then churches wonder why the children who grew up in their children's ministries, going to all the children's retreats and children's summer camps, eventually stop serving and thinking about God when they became teenagers or adults.

Let's make every effort as Christian parents, grandparents, or children's church ministry leaders to teach and train children in the ways and understandings of God, so that children will continue to serve Him all the days of their lives.

But As For Me And My Family

"But if you refuse to serve the Lord,

then choose today whom you will serve.

Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates?

Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live?

But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 14:15 (NLT)

Here are a few pictures of us enjoying serving God. My husband, Brian, was able to come and take the pictures.

This is me in my Medieval dress:

This is Tim as a squire:

This is Chris as Robin Hood. (He was the children's and adult's favourite character in costume.)

This is Daniel with his guitar. (He had a costume, but wasn't able to play electric guitar with it on, so he had to take it off.)

Robin Hood is happy. He has been reunited with his bow. Matthew is a tough opponent, but even with his shield on, he is still no match for Robin Hood.

This is all of us together on stage:

Here are the precious children who were astonishing in their eagerness to worship God in singing and to praise God in doing sign language to the key words of each song.

Last night's experience was indeed a treasured blessing from God! We can't wait to be at church again this morning to continue to lead the children in worship.

Jesus Is The King Of All Kings

Tonight, my sons and I will be leading worship for the Children's Spring Retreat. The theme is based on the Middle Ages, so we will all be in costumes of that era. It was a lot of fun for Matthew and I to get all the costumes together. Matthew has a special knack for it. I will post some pictures later.

Since the theme is Medieval, the children will be like squires, training to serve the King, our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was first prophesied about in the Old Testament:

"'For the time is coming,' says the Lord,

"when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line.

 He will be a King who rules with wisdom.

He will do what is just and right throughout the land."

Jeremiah 23:5 (NLT)

Hundreds of years later, when Jesus was born to the virgin Mary in Bethlehem and placed in a manger, Wise Men from the East saw His extraordinary star appear in the sky, recognized its meaning, and came to worship Him:

"Where is the newborn King of the Jews?

We saw His star as it rose,

and we have come to worship Him."

Matthew 2:2 (NLT)

Later, when Jesus had grown into a man, He taught God's Word, offered His love, compassion and forgiveness to all who sought Him, healed the sick, and delivered the oppressed. Then out of jealous rage, He was arrested and crucified by the Jewish leaders who refused to accept Him as their King. However, Pilate, the Roman provincial ruler who tried Jesus, believed otherwise:

"And Pilate posted a sign on the Cross that read,

 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.'"

John 19:19 (NLT)

Jesus foretold His death, including the fact that He would rise from the dead three days later, although His disciples didn't understand. He reaffirmed His Kingship to His disciples after His resurrection:

"I have been given all authority in Heaven and on earth."

Matthew 28:18b (NLT)

For forty days, Jesus spoke to His disciples about the Kingdom of God:

"During the forty days after His crucifixion,

He appeared to the apostles from time to time,

and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive.

And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God."

Acts 1:3 (NLT)

Then Jesus rose up into the sky and ascended into Heaven, where He sits now at the right hand of God exalted, waiting to return in the same manner.

"As they strained to see him rising into heaven,
two white-robed men suddenly stood among them.
'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why are you standing here staring into heaven?
Jesus has been taken from you into heaven,
but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!'"

Acts 1:10-11 (NIV)

Categorizing Believers By Their Church's Title

A church congregation is not a sports team in which you compete against other sports team. All Christian churches are to be working together and cheering each other on as they all work towards the same purpose and goal: to reach souls for the Kingdom of God. There is only one family of God, not several.

Therefore, Christians should be very careful that they do not glorify their church's name, and boast about their church's ministries, pastoral staff members, programs, monthly tithes, or large numbers. We are to glorify God and boast only about about Him. I never believe in "prophetic" messages that state that a church, mentioning specifically the church's title, is going to be the best, biggest, and most influential church in the city. Such a message only fuels man's pride, and pride will eventually lead to a fall. God does not favour one church over another, nor do I believe God would single out one church over another. There is only one church in God's eyes, and that is the Kingdom of God.

There is one body and one Spirit —

just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."

Ephesians 4:4 (ESV)

Jesus Christ loves the Church — that's all believers! And in return, we are to love God and all people. Each believer is a son or daughter of God and a member of His Kingdom. We need to be careful that we don't separate or categorize Christians by the title of their church.

When God Sees Boldness, Doors Will Fly Open

One of the courses that my youngest son, Matthew, is taking at university is called, "Children's Literature and Culture: Print Traditions." In this course, the students are required to read sixteen popular children's novels that span three centuries of writing, from the 1700s to today. One of the most recent of these books is the first book in the Harry Potter series.

When the professor, out of curiosity, asked how many students had never read Harry Potter before, only one person put up his hand: Matthew. The professor (and the rest of the class) were horrified. The professor asked him, "How come you've never read Harry Potter? Is it because you don't read much?"

Later, when Matthew was in a discussion group, he answered the professor's questions by telling her that he is an avid reader, but the reason he hasn't read the Harry Potter books is because he is a Christian.

The professor then assumed, "Oh, right, anything magic is bad."

"It's not necessarily because of magic," said Matthew. "It's because the story encourages immoral behaviour; it encourages children to go against authority."

"Well," said the professor, "that's an interesting point of view."

And that was the end of that discussion.

Out of the thirty-two students in the class, Matthew is quite certain he is the only Christian. It will be interesting to see what comments he will receive when the professor finally grades his paper on the decreasing morality of children's novels over time.

Matthew knows that no matter what his professor or all the other students in the class think, it is only important what God thinks. So many Christians today (including pastors) are too passive in speaking on behalf of God because they want to please everyone; they don't want to cause anyone to feel uncomfortable or convicted of sin. But unless Christians are bold enough to speak the truth of God's Word to the lost, unsaved, and immoral people of this world, these people will continue to live in separation from God's love and forgiveness.

The Spirit of God inside each Christian stirs vigorously whenever He sees an opportunity for us to speak on His behalf. Listen to these promptings of God and don't be afraid to be God's mouthpiece. Believe me when I say that if God's sees boldness in a Christian, doors will fly open left and right for God to use him/her. These are the last days, and God is desperately looking far and wide for those who are willing to open their mouths and speak the truths of God.

"The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me; His words are upon my tongue."

2 Samuel 23:2 (NLT)

Christians do not have to worry about what they are going to say because God's words will already be on their tongue before they even begin to speak. They just have to be willing to let God use their voice.

The One Thing I Ask And Seek Most

My four sons and I will be leading worship this Friday night and Saturday morning for the Children's Spring Retreat. We are all really looking forward to ministering to the children in Christian songs and worship towards God.

However, no matter how talented a musician, or how great a singer's voice is, without God's presence, nothing of any value can be accomplished.

The one thing each of us must ask of God, and the thing each of us must seek the most, is to live in the presence of God all the days of our lives, not just on certain days. When we seek God's presence, we delight in God's perfections, not our imperfections, and we meditate on the wonderful truths of His Word.

"The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most —

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

delighting in the Lord's perfections

and meditating in His Temple."

Psalm 27:4 (NLT)

The secret to having God's presence go with you wherever you go and whatever you do is focusing your mind and your heart on Him and all that He is.

Talk To God In Honesty -- Don't Pretend

Yesterday, in church, the Lord really encouraged me. When the associate pastor got up to speak, he introduced his message using the same Scripture I felt the Lord gave me at five in the morning. This wasn't a coincidence. That morning, I was feeling kind of discouraged about a lot of things, so I went to God in honest prayer, telling Him about my negative feelings, even though I knew I was wrong to feel that way. However, it is never wrong to be honest with God — it's wrong to pretend you feel a way that you don't.

David in the Bible was always honest with God with his true feelings, even if he was feeling depressed and hopeless. And God always honoured his honesty and humility with encouraging words. David also did not ignore the words of God or shove them aside to ponder on another day. David responded by listening to God's words, taking them to heart, and applying them to his life. As a result, David's spirit was instantly lifted up.

The Bible promises:

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."

James 4:10 (NIV)

If you are feeling gloomy, don't be afraid to go to God and tell him how you feel. Then wait in silence for God to speak to you, or allow yourself to be aware throughout the day of other ways God might speak to you through someone else, or through a circumstance or happening.

Talk to God when your heart is troubled. Then open your ears and eyes, and allow God to minister to you.

I Would Rather Sleep In

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another

to acts of love and good works.

And let us not neglect our meeting together,

as some people do,

but encourage one another,

especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)

Many Christians today don't want to go to church anymore, and if they do go, it's usually because it's nothing more than a ritual in their lives.

The Bible says that Christians should not neglect their meeting together, and when they do meet, their main mindset should be to think of ways to encourage one another to do acts of love and good works.

When we get up early Sunday morning, eat breakfast, get dressed, and drive to church, is this what's on our minds?

When pastors are preparing their sermons for Sunday morning, is this what they are thinking?

Today in the Christian world, the words "good" and "works" are considered evil when paired together. Whenever a pastor or a Christian uses these two words together, it's always with a negative connotation. This is an imbalanced philosophy in our modern Christian thinking. Yes, we are saved by grace without works, but the Bible also says that faith without good works is dead and useless.

"So you see, faith by itself isn't enough.

Unless it produces good deeds,

 it is dead and useless."

James 2:17 (NLT)

Therefore, our goal as Christians, pastors, and teachers is not to see dead and useless Christians going to church. Our goal as Christians, pastors, and teachers is to encourage one another to be alive in Christ and effective for Him. When we go to church today, we need to motivate each other to do acts of love and good works for others because this is the will of God.

Just The Beginning Of All He Does

Brian's and my passports arrived at the post office yesterday. We're both excited because now we will be able to travel and see more of God's wondrous beauty that He created for man's enjoyment. God's creation certainly reveals His amazing power and intelligence. Job describes it best:

"God stretches the northern sky over empty space

and hangs the earth on nothing.

He wraps the rain in His thick clouds,

and the clouds don't burst with the weight.

He covers the face of the moon,

Shrouding it with His clouds.

The foundations of Heaven tremble;

they shudder at His rebuke.

By His power the sea grew calm.

By His skill He crushed the great sea monster.

His Spirit made the Heavens beautiful,

And His power pierced the gliding serpent.

These are just the beginning of all that He does,

merely a whisper of His power.

Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of His power?"

Job 26:7-9, 11-14 (NLT)

Creation is evidence of God's existence, and when we stop long enough in our ever busy world to ponder the intricacy of His creation, we cannot deny sensing His power and feeling His presence.

I Earnestly Search For You

I have driven to the heart of the capital city of Alberta twice this week, and I find the atmosphere and scenery depressing, dismal, and drab. I am glad I live in the outskirts of the city in a small town surrounded by farm fields and wildlife. I talk way too much for city people, and I think the technician who tested my eyes couldn't wait til I left her office. She did not want to socialize. I even tried to talk to the people in the waiting room where I had to wait for three-quarters of an hour, but they all looked at me as if I was from another planet. I had no choice but to sit quietly, shut up, and look out the window to daydream to keep myself occupied. However, I had to look up and not down. The blue sky was pretty and serene, but what lay down below certainly wasn't. Garbage was strung all over the ground, apartment buildings were dirty and run-down, pigeons were scrounged for food, and people passing by hung their heads, never noticing one another, and certainly never breaking out with a smile on their faces. For a moment I felt like David — very much out of place — when he was in the desert of Judah and wrote this psalm.

"O God, You are my God;

I earnestly search for You.

My soul thirsts for You;

my whole body longs for You

in this parched and weary land

where there is no water."

Psalm 63:1 (NLT)

I guess where there are more people, one always sees more desolation and sadness on faces — people who desperately need Jesus. It grieved me to see that there are still so many people in this world that we need to reach for God.

Be Earnest And Disciplined In Your Prayers

This morning I have to travel in rush hour traffic in the heart of the city for a yearly eye check-up. I will pray for protection and safety before I put my vehicle into drive. Praying before I travel long distances, in winter road conditions, or in unfamiliar areas, comes instinctively for me.

Not too many years ago, I had to drive my two sons, Daniel and Timothy, to an eye clinic appointment. It was winter and snow had fallen the night before, so when we headed out on the roads the next day, we all bowed our heads while I prayed out loud for our safety.

When I merged onto the highway, and saw the conditions of the roads, I determined that a safe speed to travel would be 60 kilometres/hour. Well, that might have been fine if I had winter tires on, but I didn't. Where we lived before then, it hardly ever snowed, and when it did, the snow melted right away. Therefore all-season tires were sufficient for winter driving. But where we lived then, it snowed just as much and perhaps more than here even.

Anyway, the roads were worse than I thought — they were a single sheet of ice. I soon lost control of my vehicle. As I wavered back and forth on the highway, not applying the breaks, I was unable to gain back control of my vehicle. (My husband told me later I should have gassed the car because it was a front-wheel drive. Believe me that was the last thing on my mind: "Let's go faster!")

As I struggled on the highway for what seemed like an eternity, all the vehicles stayed far behind me, for which I was thankful. Then all of a sudden my car shot out toward the oncoming lanes with a semi-truck coming towards us. We all fixed our terrified eyes on what laid ahead us. This is when God took control. When I hit the level median, God abruptly turned the car to head in the opposite direction, and the car darted across the highway into a snow bank. I missed telephone poles and signs.

The vehicle was stuck, but we were all fine. Two ambulances were called to the scene and a police car arrived later. When we all got out of the vehicle, and stood outside of it, we were shocked at what just happened, and embarrassed at the attention we were getting. Then Daniel turned to me privately and cracked a joke which made us all laugh: "I have a hang nail, shall I tell the paramedics that?"

Then a tow truck happened to be passing by, so he was able to pull my vehicle out of the snow bank, but unfortunately, not before the police came. When the police came, he told me he was going to give me a ticket for travelling too fast for the road conditions. I just about died! I've never had a ticket in my life — I'm certainly not one of those pastors who flagrantly boast about their speeding tickets from the pulpit. I wanted to cry! The police also didn't believe me when I told him I was driving and not one of my teenage sons. But my God intervened on my behalf. When the police came back after checking my driver's record, he told me I could go home. I wonder if he felt sorry for me when he saw my red eyes and flushed cheeks.

I really believe that Satan is working overtime to destroy and kill the Christians of this earth, so it is of the utmost importance for us to be earnest and disciplined in our prayers.

"Then end of the world is coming soon.

Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers."

1 Peter 4:7 (NLT)

A Beautiful Language!

Sign language is the language of the hearing impaired, and I think it's one of the most beautiful languages there are! Whenever my sons and I lead children's worship, I always teach the children the sign language for the key words of each song. I love being on stage and watching the children sign the words. I find it amazing how quickly children learn the language, and see how the boys are just as eager as the girls to learn.

I usually explain to the children beforehand how it is important for Christians to know this language because it opens the small world of the hearing impaired when more people learn the language. It also opens the doors for us to befriend them and teach them about the love of Christ and salvation. There is a whole mission field out there among the hearing impaired!

I first became interested in sign language in Bible College with one of my girlfriends had a little brother who was hearing impaired. I loved watching the two of them communicate with each other using their hands, and I felt bad that I couldn't understand what they were saying or be able to talk with the boy myself. At the time, I didn't even know how to say "Hi!"

Jesus, Himself, had great compassion for the deaf. Here is one example in Scriptures:

"Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to Him, and the people begged Jesus to lay His hands on the man to heal Him. Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put His fingers into the man's ears. Then, spitting on His own fingers, He touched the man's tongue. Looking up to Heaven, He sighed and said, 'Ephphatha,' which means, 'Be opened!' Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly! Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more He told them not to, the more they spread the news. They were completely amazed and said again and again, 'Everything He does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.'"

Mark 7:31-37 (NLT)

I couldn't say it better myself. Everything Jesus does is indeed wonderful! He even makes the deaf hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.

Power In Prayer

I am a firm believer in praying against sicknesses before they even occur in one's body. Why wait until one is diagnosed with a disease first? Praying against sickness beforehand battles fear of possible future diseases, and it also prevents them because the Bible says there is power in prayer and faith.

"Therefore I tell you,

whatever you ask for in prayer,

believe that you have received it,

and it will be yours."

Mark 11:24 9 (NIV)

"If you believe,

you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Matthew 21:22 (NIV)

Whenever I start to get fearful of a common disease that one of my immediate family members has had, I pray against that disease and trust the Scriptures until my fear is lifted.

Yesterday, I had my routine mammogram and I hate mammograms! They are not only uncomfortable physically, but also emotionally. I would rather not have them, and I told my doctor that, but she insisted that just the fact I am a woman was reason enough to have the screening done.

Then as I sat in the office waiting for my mammogram, I started to get fearful of the actual disease, not just the mammogram; so I prayed and believed in God's Word. When my name was finally called, I was able to cheerfully go in with a positive frame of mind, and leave thankful!

Do Not Exasperate Children

Three parents attempted to pick up their children after church yesterday without a security code sticker: it was either lost, misplaced, forgotten, or, most likely, simply dropped on the floor and lying abandoned somewhere in the church.

When a parent shows up without a security code sticker, we are unable to match the code number of the parent's sticker to the code number on the children's stickers. So what do we do in this circumstance? Do we withhold their children and call the police? Do we tell them go back, search the whole church until they find their sticker? Or do we say, "Don't worry about it. If you won't tell, I won't either." I opted for the last one. After all, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to determine whether the children belong to their parents when you see the smiles on the children's faces. I haven't been fired yet, but I'm expecting to.

As I saw the sticker-less parents start to get agitated and angry when we hesitated to let them have their children, this verse came to mind. (I added the words in parentheses to apply.)

"Fathers, (or church people,)
do not exasperate your children, (or the children and their parents); 

instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)

Churches need to be very careful that they don't become legalistic in allowing rules to become more important than people, and thus lose their sensitivity in allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and direct.

The Lord Our God Is Truly Our Protector

Tim and I will be checking in and checking out children in church today. The procedure is done through computers, security code stickers, and scanners. I try to be friendly with the parents and their children, but the whole process is cold and anything but friendly. I feel like I am a security guard in a prison camp, as I say, "Next please," to try and lessen the waiting time for the parents standing in line. Gone are the days when children's ministry leaders can just chat freely with the parents without worrying about how much time is passing.

It is sad that this is what the children's ministry in churches have come down to for the safety and protection of our children. Don't get me wrong. I understand the importance of keeping children safe and protected, but something is missing. As I sit there punching computer keys, the Spirit of God inside me feels uneasy. I wonder if God and faith went out the window. What about the importance of prayer amongst the leaders and volunteers before the children arrive? There is no time set aside for such a meeting. Is there too much faith in technology? I know I still see a lot of imperfections in the system, and I see other ways children could get hurt that are more likely than abductions. Prayer is really our only reliable source. Why is it missing?

Even the mighty and fearless warrior, David, prayed to God for safety and protection of himself and his people.

"Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever."

Psalm 12:7 (NLT)

We also need to follow David's example and pray earnestly to God for the protection of our children.

Should I Feel Guilty?

The dry climate where I live is brutal to the skin. As a result, Tim and I both have developed rosacea. At first I tried to battle it myself with very little success. Then I went to the doctor and was prescribed a topical gel, but that only made my rosacea worse. When I went back to the doctor, she recommended photo facial treatments at a clinic in the city. Photo facials treat rosacea by using intense pulsed light. My doctor told me to ask for a specific lady at the clinic to do these IPL treatments.

As I drove to the clinic Wednesday of this week for a consultation, I was a bit nervous because the area I had to travel was new to me. Also, I wasn't too sure if I could trust someone I didn't know to do these treatments on my face, even though she was highly recommended.

Well, God is good because He is the One who really orchestrated everything. Sometimes I don't even know why I worry. The lady was extremely nice, and after talking with her a bit, I found out that she is a Christian attending a sister church to the one I am attending. God sure amazes me at times!

But that's not all. The friendly lady had time on the Wednesday I was there to give me a preliminary facial before the actual IPL treatments. I guess someone must have cancelled because she said she usually is extremely busy working six days a week til eight o'clock each night. I agreed to the facial, even though I felt a bit guilty as I pondered the question: Should Christians have facials? Anyways, even though I had a hard time relaxing, it felt absolutely wonderful! She complimented me on my skin and said that I must eat healthy, which I do. I don't smoke, I don't drink alcohol, pop, or coffee, and I don't eat junk food. Neither do I suntan. My only problem is that my skin is just far too sensitive to handle the dry air.

Yesterday, I had my first IPL treatment. It hurt, but for the first time last night, I was able to sleep without waking up several times in the night to scratch my skin and put moisturizer on it. I praise God for technology and medical care. Oh yeah, and also for water and vitamin E: to prevent flare ups, I am supposed to drink eight glasses of water a day and put vitamin E on my skin in the evening.

I can certainly handle that. I don't know if I ever will have another facial. I still feel a bit guilty thinking about it, but it sure felt nice!

I know God created this lady with a special gift to treat people's skin problems, so I must learn not reject her help and care, or feel guilty, but rather be thankful to God for her.

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,

 in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 5:20 (NIT)

Saying I'm Sorry

In the well-known "Lord's Prayer," God teaches us to apologize.

"And forgive us our sins,

as we have forgiven those who sin against us."

Matthew 6:12 (NLT)

Genuinely saying you're sorry to someone you've hurt shows that you care about his/her feelings and value your relationship. We are all human, and sometimes we say or do hurtful things to others, especially those we are close to. Apologizing is the first step in making amends and releasing the guilt we feel inside.

However, some people will never apologize. The words, "I'm sorry," have never been spoken from their lips, and never will. Why is that? I have personally known people in my life who were like that, so I have pondered this question for some time.

I believe that people who are unable to apologize have a very fragile sense of self. These people cannot acknowledge or admit they were wrong because they feel it would destroy the little bit of positive self-image they have left. Instead, they justify their hurtful words or actions within themselves, or erase their mistakes from memory to ease their guilt, instead of facing their inadequacies or failings by apologizing. In reality, however, the opposite occurs: their close, intimate relationships will ultimately fail, leaving them with an even lower self-image.

Selfishness and pride leads to the inability to apologize to someone we have hurt. Conversely, humbleness in spirit creates a spirit within ourselves that allows us to easily apologize to others. People have increased respect and love for a person who is able to apologize with sincerity, and apologizing creates a stronger bond in relationships. This is why God commands us to be humble, and why He blesses us when we are.

"Clothe yourselves, all of you,

with humility toward one another,

for 'God opposes the proud,

but gives grace to the humble.'"

1 Peter 5:5b (NLT)

We Can't Outsmart God

Our cat, Osha, has a fixation for a particular stuffed hamster named Stealth. Stealth was given last Christmas to my son, Tim, by his younger brother, Matthew. Matthew bought him for Tim because he reminded him of the likeable hamster named Rhino in the movie Bolt. Tim decided to put Stealth on his computer desk, within easy reach to juggle while trying to solve a difficult math problem.

It wasn't long, however, before Osha noticed the cute, stuffed hamster on Tim's desk and decided to run off with him when Tim left the room. I found the hamster later in my shoe closet. Of course, we reprimanded Osha, but it seemed to have little effect. She continued stealing the hamster whenever she could get away with it. Eventually she got smarter and started stealing the hamster at night when Tim was sleeping, so she couldn't be caught running around the house with the forbidden hamster in her mouth. In the morning, Tim and I would find Stealth sitting in weird places, like the cat's food dish. We were both thankful that Osha never left the hamster in her kitty litter box.

Tim tried to outsmart Osha by hiding Stealth in different places in the house downstairs, but Osha discovered every one of Tim's hiding places. Finally, Tim gave up and hid the hamster in his closet at night and shut the door. Well, that proved to be a terrible mistake because the cat terrorized his room at night trying to look for Stealth. Tim woke up from his sound sleep to find his room in disarray and an insane cat.

Then Matthew came up with a brilliant solution: while we were shopping for costumes at Value Village, Matthew noticed a used hamster ball for a couple of dollars, and suggested I buy it for Stealth. I did so with a smirk on my face, knowing we'll have finally outsmarted Osha.

Now Stealth is safe and sound in his clear plastic ball on the floor of Tim's bedroom. Osha can see, but not touch. I can't help but chuckle to myself whenever I go into Tim's room and see the hamster staring out of that ball. There is no doubt Osha is smart, but she can no way outsmart her human masters no matter how hard she might try.

Some people in this world are like Osha. They might think they are very clever, so they try to outsmart God, but God always catches them. I wonder if at times God chuckles to Himself too at people's foolishness.

"He frustrates the plans of schemers

 so the work of their hands will not succeed.

He traps the wise in their own cleverness

 so their cunning schemes are thwarted.

They find it is dark in the daytime,

and they grope at noon as if it were night.

Job 5:12-14 (NLT)

I think He does.

The Question Most Frequently Asked To Christians Today

Is homosexuality a sin?

If we are Christians, then we love God more than anything else. If we love God, then we also love His Word, the Bible, because it is God speaking to us. Through reading the Bible, we come to know God's character, the truth, and right from wrong.

The Bible very clearly states that homosexuality is a sin. But the Bible also says that God loves all people! You won't find Him standing up in front of the TV cameras endorsing homosexuality, but you will find Him telling the world, in the most caring and compassionate voice ever to be heard, that He loves them.

Not only does God say it, but He shows just how great His love is for all people by sending His only Son, Jesus, who is God Himself, to die a lonely and cruel death. The Bible says there is no greater love than that of one who is willing to lay down his/her life for another.

"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

John 15:13 (NLT)

"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep."

John 10:11 (NLT)

Consider this question: how many of the movie stars and TV personalities who love to publicly support homosexuality would be willing to sacrifice their life for a homosexual who is being bullied and physically assaulted? Yet I know a lot of Christians today who would, because the love of God is in them. Some people may sound good to the world, but all goodness resides in Jesus alone.

You won't find Jesus holding up signs supporting the homosexual lifestyle. Instead, You will find His arms outstretched, and his hands and feet nailed to a Cross. Jesus gives homosexuals His unfailing and unconditional love. And there is no greater love to be found anywhere on earth!

Bullying From The Pulpit

When we have opinions, thoughts, or interpretations that differ from others, we need to be very careful that we never mock the people who disagree with us. We need to respect each other at all times, even when we disagree.

Pastors and teachers especially must be careful when they preach, teach, or speak from the pulpit that they never misuse their position, authority, and opportunity to deride or scoff those who hold differing views. Gaining support by intimidation and making fun of others is a form of bullying. Bullying is a sin that stems from a wrong attitude of selfishness and pride. The Bible says Christians are to always show humility in everything they say and do, thinking of the other person first. When we present our views and entreat others to believe the same, we need to do so without being rude, disrespectful, forceful, or manipulative.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

If a pastor or teacher uses this form of bullying, beware of his teaching, because his heart is not right, and when his heart is not right, the Holy Spirit cannot speak through him — he is merely speaking on his on accord.

You Can Identify A Tree By Its Fruit

"Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit,

so you can identify people by their actions."

Matthew 7:20 (NLT)

A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree that produces good fruit is used symbolically in Scripture to represent a Christian who abides in the Lord Jesus Christ. A bad tree that produces bad fruit is used symbolically in Scripture to represent a follower of evil or a lover of self.

Now I ask these questions: Can a tree produce fruit that is neither good nor bad? Can a tree produce no fruit at all? And what do these trees represent?

First, a tree that produces no fruit has no life. Second, a tree that produces fruit that is neither good nor bad is worse than a tree that produces bad fruit.

Some Christians might argue that trees that produce neither good nor bad fruit represent Christians who, although they do not abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, will still be permitted to enter Heaven one day because, after all, salvation is a gift based only on the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, not by our own merits. The sole repercussion could only be that such a person will receive little or no heavenly reward from God. Big deal! So what?

Wrong! It's a very big deal!

Our salvation is indeed a wonderful gift of God, but when we become saved, Jesus Christ comes to live inside us. And when Jesus Christ comes to live inside us, He begins to work in us and His character begins to be revealed through us. In other words, it is Jesus who produces the good works in us, not ourselves. A tree that is neither good nor bad, but is just neutral, is a Christian who makes a half-hearted commitment to God. God knows the heart and He has commanded us in the Bible to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. A person who wishes to avoid following evil, but yet refuses to be a steadfast servant of God, is like a strong distaste in the mouth of God. We must make a decision to either be hot or cold! God does not want us to be lukewarm. We must decide one way or the other. That's the big deal!

"I know all the things you do,

that you are neither hot nor cold.

I wish that you were one or the other!

But since you are like lukewarm water,

neither hot nor cold,

I will spit you out of my mouth."

Revelations 3:15-16 (NLT)

Half-hearted Christians must not fall into the trap of believing that being lukewarm and unproductive for God only means that they will forfeit some jewels in their crown, that they will still be able to somehow slip underneath Heaven's gate. (Believe it or not, I am hearing this false teaching being preached in our Christian churches today!) Please listen: people who obey this false teaching will suffer eternal consequences, not just a few missing jewels or a lack of answers to their earthly prayers.

It is the upmost importance that in the last days, Christians must know all of God's Word, so they can decipher between what teaching being preached is false and what is true.

He Who Holds His Tongue Is Wise

On a one-to-one basis, Matthew talks freely, but in a group or strange situation, Matthew is quiet and doesn't usually speak, just observe. I think he is wise.

When I was newly married, I was put in charge of a children's camp that was being held at the campus of the Bible College from which I graduated. Unfortunately, because of a lack of experience and a bit of over confidence, I made the mistake of not getting enough helpers. There was over a hundred children and I only acquired the help of one other young married couple. When I was through teaching the children the Word of God, I prayed with them, and then I tried to entertain them by playing games as the adult meeting went much longer than anticipated. When it was over, I was exhausted and slightly dishevelled. I quickly grabbed a hold of my husband's hand — at least I thought it was his hand — and starting walking away — with the other lady's husband!

Several minutes later when I finally looked at him and saw who it was, I turned bright red with embarrassment and horrification. I think he was just as shocked as I was because he didn't try to stop me. However, he was very sweet about it afterwards and wasn't tempted to embarrass me further by teasing me. What made it worse for me though was when I turned around I saw his wife. She was quietly walking right behind us the whole time, and also didn't say a word. At that moment all I wanted to do was run away and hide. Have you ever felt like that or is it just me that does crazy things?

Fortunately, the husband and wife were very understanding, and even though they could have had a hay day with me, they both held their tongues.

The Bible says that a person who holds his tongue is wise.

"When words are many, sin is not absent,

but he who holds his tongue is wise."

Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)

Because the husband was slow to speak, I wasn't further embarrassed. Because the wife was slow to speak, she understood the situation and didn't get angry with me or her husband.

"My dear brothers, take note of this:

Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak

and slow to become angry."

James 1:19 (NIV)

Facebook: It's All About Me!

"This is what the Lord says:

'Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom,

or the powerful boast in their power,

or the rich boast in their riches.

But those who wish to boast

should boast in this alone:

that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord

who demonstrates unfailing love

and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,

and that I delight in these things.

I, the Lord, have spoken!"

Jeremiah 29:23-24 (NLT)

Facebook has morphed the world into a narcissistic society. The majority of people use Facebook to constantly boast about and post pictures of themselves. In fact, even Christians have Facebook pages that are all about themselves — they contain very little or no information about their faith in God.

The Bible states firmly that we are not to boast about anything, except God alone. More specifically, we are not to boast about our intelligence, education, status, wealth, achievements, or appearance. God is the only One who is worthy to boast about. Everything we say, do, write, and picture should be centred around God and His Holy Scriptures.

Facebook has created a world that is all about me, and we need to constantly check that we are not falling into one of Satan's newest traps.

When We Were Utterly Helpless

This morning, a seventeen-year-old man sits in prison. At the moment, it seems everyone in the world hates and despises him. This young man killed three fellow students, wounded two others, and caused indescribable pain to the victims' family members and friends. Why shouldn't the world hate him?

The world likes to point an accusing finger at the killer and blame him entirely. His principal, his teachers, and his fellow students all claim complete innocence: the young man, they say, was never bullied, over-looked, or rejected. And yet the young man chose to bring a gun to school to kill.

Even though the world may deny any blame, they are just as guilty as this young man. A murderer isn't born over night. Yes, God has deep compassion for the families and friends who lost their loved ones, but He also has deep compassion for this seventeen-year-old man who sits all alone, lost in a world without love or hope. I pray that, even now, someone will tell him about Jesus and His unconditional and undying love for him.

It's easy for someone to point a finger at the accused when they have come from a loving and supportive home, when they have never suffered the psychological pain and internal damages of abuse. The boy who became a murderer, on the other hand, was being raised by his grandparents: his parents had criminal records and emotional problems of their own, and were therefore unable to provide a stable, loving, and nurturing home for their son. He was a prime target for abuse at school. We must be very careful to teach our children to never intimidate, torment, antagonize, or demean another human soul, but to have love and compassion for all people.

God loves the sinners! He died for all! How can we hate someone whom God loves? Instead, let us show compassion for even the worst of criminals. This is the heart of God.

"When we were utterly helpless,

Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person,

though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.

But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

Romans 5:6-8 (NLT)

We Can All Smile!

"Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she smiles at the future."

Proverbs 31:25 (NAS)

I have an appointment to see my dentist this morning to remove my stitches. I still have quite a few left in my gums that haven't dissolved yet, so my dentist will be busy.

When I look in the mirror, I still find it unbelievable to see myself with such large teeth. I brush my teeth half a dozen times a day just as an excuse to look at them and smile. I will be smiling a whole lot wider now because I don't have to worry any more about how much my gums are showing. God has certainly given me a blessing! And it was one I never asked for or expected.

When a person smiles, it indicates that they are opening themselves up to you. Years ago I knew someone my age who never smiled or laughed, and that same person was never able to express their personal feelings or emotions. It is very sad and distressing to have someone you want to be close to, but who refuses or is unable to open themselves up. The relationship cannot thrive, and will ultimately fail, leaving hearts broken and souls wrenched.

Smile because God gives us His love, forgiveness, joy, and a glorious future that will be everlasting!