You Need Only To Be Still

When the Israelite slaves were leaving Egypt, God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea, instead of by the shorter route through the Philistine country.Why? Because God wanted to show His power, so His people will trust in Him. God told Moses to have the people camp near the Red Sea, so they would be trapped when the Egyptian army camp marching after them. As a result, the Israelites, not knowing God fully, were terrified and angry at Moses. Moses then responded to the people's fear in the face of war by telling them to not to be afraid, but to stand still and watch God do the fighting.

"The Lord will fight for you;

you need only to be still."

Exodus 14:14 (NIV)

There are times in battle when our efforts become futile also. All we can do is stand still and let God do the fighting for us. However, standing still in the midst of a battle takes faith. It is an easy task to do, but when we put our trust in God and let Him do the fighting for us, He gets all the glory and honour.

*     *     *

My husband and I are leaving early this morning to drive to Cody, Wyoming to spend a week's holiday there before the Children's Ministry begins in the Fall. Everything is planned now. I just have to trust God.

Ask God For More Workers, And He Will Answer

Canola Fields in the Prairies

God is always at His Work.

"My Father is always at His work to this very day,

and I too am working."

John 5:17 (NIV)

However, for the majority of Christians, it is a different story. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

"He told them,

'The harvest is plentiful,

but the workers are few.

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore,

to send out workers into His harvest field.'"

Luke 10:2 (NIV)

Is it God's will then for the Christian workers to get stressed out from overload? No. The Bible says we are to ask the Lord to send out more workers. And if God tells us to ask, then God will answer. Praise God!

Ask, Seek And Knock

Praise God! After weeks of frustration and doubt, God has provided a team of workers for New Hope Kids, a mid-week children's ministry program I will be leading at my church. I am very excited about working with three godly women and a young lady to reach children in the neighbourhood for the Lord.

When starting a new ministry, ask and seek. God will answer.

"Ask and it will be given to you;

seek and you will find;

knock and the door

will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

Then knock and see what doors open. 

Soon, I will literally be doing this and I can't wait to see what children God brings to us!

The Constant, Cleansing And Comforting Cool Water

The Bible says that from the innermost being of believers in Christ flow rivers of living water. 

"He who believes in Me,

as the Scripture said,

'From his innermost being

will flow rivers of living water.'"

John 7:38 (NASB)

The Holy Spirit in us is an constant flow of cleansing, comforting cool water. We are never alone because we are never without God. Therefore, we are never without life and we are never without power.

From a Prince To A Servant

In a church, it is very difficult to get workers for certain church ministries, but not others. The ministries that display our gifts and talents for all to see, I find the list of volunteers is a mile-long, but the ones that have less prestige in man's eyes, but desperately needed, the list is empty.

The Bible says that whatever we do, we are to do it with all our heart, as working for the Lord, not for ourselves or for others.

"Whatever you do,

work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord,

not for human masters.

Since you know that you will receive an inheritance

from the Lord as a reward.

It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

In other words, when a church is in need of workers for a certain ministry, people need to search their hearts to see if it is God's will for them to meet that need, even if it means he/she forgo another ministry (that already has plenty of eager volunteers), to do it. Why? Because we are to work for the Lord and please Him only. When we work to meet the Lord's needs, God promises us He will richly reward us.

In the Bible, Moses was once a Prince of Egypt, but later He became a servant of God. As a result, Moses was dearly treasured and richly blessed by God.

One time God hid Moses in a cleft in the rock, covered him with His hand, passed by, and then removed His hand for Moses to see His back and glorious presence.

"And the Lord said,

'I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you,

and I will proclaim my Name, the Lord, in your presence.'"

Exodus 33:19a (NIV)

Just think, if Moses hadn't given up his own glory to serve God, he would never had seen the wonderful miracles God performed, nor the magnificent glory of God's presence.

Holiness Comes From Knowing The Truth

In the Bible, Jesus prays for His disciples asking His Father to make them holy by His truth and to teach them His Word.

"Make them holy by Your truth;

teach them Your Word,

which is truth."

John 17:17 (NLT)

This is my heart's desire for the children God gives me to teach.

Yesterday in church, I taught the children the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments. They learned more about who God is and how He wants us to live. They also had fun at the same time.

Afterwards, when I asked each child what he/she is thankful for, one girl gestured to me and said, "I am thankful for my teacher." My heart was instantly touched!

The Radiant Glow Of God's Presence

After Moses met with God in the Tent of Meeting, he had to put a veil over his face because it shone too brightly for others to look upon.

"But whenever he went into the Tent of Meeting

to speak with the Lord,

he would remove the veil

until he came out again.

Then he would give the people

whatever instructions

the Lord had given him,

and the people of Israel

would see the radiant glow of his face.

So he would put the veil over his face

until he returned to speak with the Lord."

Exodus 34:34-35 (NLT)

When God visited me when I was a young girl and healed me of Perthes disease, the Pastor whom my mother called told her and me that we didn't have to convince him any further as soon as he saw me. He knew as soon as he saw my face, that I had been in the presence of God. My face shone so bright of God's glory and light that it was undeniably true.

Then about ten years ago, when my mother met the pastor in his old age and deteriorating health, the first thing he said to her was, "I still remember your daughter's face." It wasn't long after that God took him home to be in the His light and presence forever.

As One Speaks To A Friend

In the Old Testament God may come across to some as a tyrant at times, but he is far from that! God is a holy and just God; therefore He cannot tolerate any kind of evil. If He did, then He wouldn't be the kind of God we would want to serve.

Moses who knew God the best, said that when he went inside the Tent of Meeting to meet with God, God would speak to him face to face as one speaks to a friend.

"Inside the Tent of Meeting,

the Lord would speak to Moses

face to face,

as one speaks to a friend."

Exodus 33:11 (NIV)

God is and will always be our Friend if our heart's desire is to follow Him. If we do wrong and repent, God readily forgives us, but just like the Israelites, we must decide if we are for God or against Him.

And those who are for God will live forever in His love and blessings, but those who are against Him, will die.

"So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said,

'Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.'

Exodus 32:26a (NIV)

Do Not Stand In Fear, But Rather Stand Firm

When God first gave His people the Ten Commandments, he spoke in a loud voice from the top of Mount Sinai for all to hear. Thunder boomed , the ram's horn blasted, lightning flashed, smoke billowed, and the people trembled.

"When the people heard the thunder

and the loud blast of the ram's horn,

and when they saw the flashes of lightning

and the smoke billowing from the mountain,

they stood at a distance,

trembling with fear."

Exodus 20:18 (NLT)

They were afraid to hear God's voice directly. They thought they would die, so they pleaded with Moses to speak to them, instead of God. But Moses lovingly told them to not be afraid. He knew God better than anyone. He told the people that God's desire is for them to revere Him, so they will not sin. It was God's will to always bless them and not to ever have to punish them.

'Don't be afraid,' Moses answered them,

'for God has come in this way to test you,

and so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning!'"

Exodus 20:20 (NLT)

Unfortunately, the people of Israel could not always obey all of the Ten Commandments, and neither can any of us. But praise God, He sent His Son Jesus Christ to set us free from the bondage of sin. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, the sins of believers are forgiven and we now have God's Holy Spirit to enable us to resist the temptation to sin, to love God all the days of our lives, to keep His commandments in sincerity and truth, and to repent if we do sin.

"It is for freedom

that Christ has set us free.

Stand firm, then,

and do not let yourselves be burdened again 

by a yoke of slavery."

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

We no longer have to stand in fear of God, but rather stand firm in Him. God now lives inside each of us. There is nothing to fear. He speaks to us, comforts us, guides us, strengthens us, convicts us and counsels us. We don't have to go up to the mountain top like Moses, and enter a cloud to be in God's presence. His presence is now always with us.

Three Thousand Were Killed, But Millions Were Saved

Aaron, the brother of Moses, and Hur were left in charge of God's people when Moses was called by God to go up to the top of Mount Sinai for forty days. Moses gave Aaron and Hur specific instructions to wait for his return and to give godly counsel to the people if disputes arose. (I guess their memories were poor.)

When Moses came back down from the mountain, he burned with anger when he saw the people dancing around the golden calf they had made. After destroying the idol, Moses turned to Aaron and demanded an answer as to why he would allow such a terrible sin to occur among the people of God. 

Aaron's excuse was embarrassing, to say the least. It was very childlike. He took absolutely no responsibility for the sin, and blamed it entirely on the people. He must have lost his mind entirely when he stated to Moses he simply threw the gold jewelry in the fire and out came a calf. Right.

"'Don't get so upset, my lord.' Aaron replied.

'You yourself know how evil these people are.

They said to me, 'Make us gods who will lead us.

We don't know what happened to his fellow Moses,

who brought us here from the land of Egypt.'

So I told them, 'Whoever has gold jewelry, take it off.'

When they brought it to me,

I simply threw it into the fire---and out came this calf!'"

Exodus 32:22-24 (NLT)

Why was Aaron's life spared? The Bible says that Aaron's life was spared because of the prayers of his brother Moses.

"The Lord was so angry with Aaron

that He wanted to destroy him too.

But I prayed for Aaron,

and the Lord spared him."

Deuteronomy 9:20 (NLT)

God not only spared Aaron's life, but He also spared the lives of millions of others that day because of Moses' prayers. Yes, three thousand were killed, but millions were saved.

Danced In The Morning and Died In The Evening

In the morning, the Israelites gathered around their golden calf to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then they danced, feasted and drank in their disobedience.

"The people got up early the next morning

to sacrifice burnt offerings

and peace offerings.

After this, they celebrated

with feasting and drinking,

and they indulged in pagan revelry."

Exodus 32:6 (NLT)

In the morning the Israelites were joyously celebrating their sin, but by nightfall they were dying because of it. Sin may be fun for a while, but in the end it only leads to death and destruction, and pain and sorrow.

Only Forty Days

On the first day of the third month after the Israelites were miraculously freed from slavery in Egypt, they camped in the Sinai desert at the foot of Mount Sinai. While they were there, God called Moses to go up to the top of the mountain to talk with Him. After several trips up the mountain to talk with God, God finally gave Moses all the instructions and regulations for His people to live by. Moses carefully wrote everything down so there would be no mistakes in transferring the information to the people.

When Moses told the people what God had told him. All the people responded by saying that they would do everything the Lord had commanded them to do.

"Then Moses went down to the people

and repeated all the instructions and regulations

the Lord had given him.

All the people answered with one voice,

'We will do everything the Lord has commanded.'"

Exodus 24:3 (NLT)

Moses, pleased with the people's response, climbed back up Mount Sinai to tell God. This time, Moses stayed for forty days and forty nights, and God inscribed into two tablets of stone the Ten Commandments.

At the end of the forty days on Mount Sinai, God told Moses that the people were already sinning against Him. Moses came back down the mountain angry at seeing the people worshiping a false idol, but not quite as angry as God, because He wanted to wipe out the whole nation — until Moses pleaded on their behalf.

"When the people saw how long it was taking

 Moses to come back down the mountain,

they gathered around Aaron.

'Come on', they said,

'make us some gods who can lead us.

We don't know what happen to this fellow Moses,

who brought us here from the land of Egypt.'"

Exodus 32:1 (NLT)

The Israelites' excuse was idiotic when they said that they did not know what happened to Moses. The presence of God was clearly visible to the people in a form of dense cloud described like a consuming fire on top of Mount Sinai. God was obviously still among them. How could He forget them? And why would He get rid of their godly leader?

"To the Israelites at the foot of the mountain,

the glory of the Lord appeared

at the summit like a consuming fire."

Exodus 24:17 (NLT)

It is pathetic to think that it took the Israelites only forty days after declaring their allegiance to the almighty, all-knowing, and everywhere-present God to worship a deaf, dumb, and mute one. As a result of their disloyalty and disobedience, almost three thousand people died that day and the rest became sick with a plague.

A god can take the form of countless things, and sadly today there are many people who are no different from the Israelites during the time of Moses. Many go to church and worship God publicly on Sundays, declaring their love for and allegiance to Him, but then live for themselves or other gods during the rest of the week, abiding by their old ideas and thoughts. God did not tolerate hypocrisy back then and He will not tolerate it today.

You Are Doing Right

We had our first family come into the church from the neighbourhood yesterday! And they said they will be coming back because they enjoyed church so much! I was so excited! My heart's desire is to see the church reach out to their neighbourhood, and it is starting to happen! If the church loves their neighbours, the church is doing right.

"If you really keep

 the royal law found in Scripture,

'Love your neighbour

as yourself,'

you are doing right."

James 2:8 (NIV)

The grandfather of the family came downstairs with his granddaughter for children's church and said he especially enjoyed the puppet show. It was about a dog named Tim who was caught speeding by the Sheriff for maneuvering his toy car too fast with his paw. Unfortunately, Tim couldn't pay the fine, so he was thrown in jail.

However, Tim's loving master came to his rescue and paid his fine. But before the Sheriff could unlock the prison door, he had to know first if Tim would accept the free gift. Of course, Tim gladly did! The dog represents us and the kind master represents God.

Take Delight In The Lord

"Take delight in the Lord,

and He will give you

the desires of Your heart."

Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

This fatherless young lady had a dream since she was very young: to one day have her own horse. God answered her prayer and today she has a beautiful, well-trained horse.

My son Chris got to ride her horse first.

Then it was my turn. I thought I better get some practice in, as my husband and I will be soon going to Cody, Wyoming, for a week's holiday. One of our plans is a full day of horseback riding through the majestic beauty of the Shoshone National Forest and the area surrounding Yellowstone National Park.

When this young lady told me her dream at five years old, I never thought it would be possible. Her mother struggled to pay the bills, so I knew her mother could never afford to buy her a horse. I was wrong, because with God all things are possible. This responsible young lady also works very hard babysitting to pay for all her horse's expenses.

They Beat Their Breasts

This Sunday, I will be teaching the children about the death of Jesus Christ. They will be making these crosses out of nails to help them remember the lesson.

All the people who witnessed the death of Jesus Christ and saw what took place, beat their breasts and went away.

"When all the people

who had gathered

to witness this sight

saw what took place,

they beat their breasts

and went away."

Luke 23:48 (NIV)

As believers and followers of Christ, may we too beat our breasts in anguish and openly protest those who and the things that continue to crucify Jesus Christ today. And may we always honour His death and resurrection by repenting of our sins, living righteously before God, and serving Him all the days of our lives.

The Lord's Purpose Will Prevail

When my son Matthew walked into the office of the Allergist he was scheduled to see on Wednesday, he heard music playing softly from the Christian radio station. And while I was anxiously waiting the results of his tests, the first thing he excitedly said to me when he saw me afterwards in the waiting room was, "Did you hear what music they were playing?"

Perplexed, I responded, "No." When my son informed me what music it was, I couldn't help but smile at the thought that God had orchestrated for Matthew to see a Christian Specialist and this is what touched the heart of my son.

There are many plans people can make, but it is the Lord's purpose that will prevail.

"Many are the plan

in a person's heart,

but it is the Lord's purpose

that prevails."

Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Matthew's doctor put in an urgent request for him to see the first available Allergist in Edmonton and God arranged for Matthew to see one who is a Christian.

I Give Thanks

The Allergist yesterday confirmed Matthew's severe allergy to milk. He was recommended to buy two epidermal needles: one to have with him at all times and one to leave at home. Matthew was also instructed to wear an ID bracelet.

Last year my second oldest son Tim was diagnosed as being severely allergic to soy. I find it strange that people can develop food allergies when they are adults and that two adult brothers can develop different ones at the same time.

Matthew's Allergist is also sending him to soon see another Specialist, a Gastroenterologist. I thank God for people who studied diligently for many years in university so they can help the sick feel better.

"Now, our God,

we give You thanks,

and praise Your glorious Name."

1 Chronicles 29:13 (NIV)

God Gives Wisdom Generously To All Who Ask

"When I am afraid,

I put my trust in You."

Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

My youngest son Matthew is seeing an Immunologist/Allergist this afternoon for a two-hour long appointment. His doctor made this appointment a month ago because of her concerns about the results of his recent blood tests, revealing he has a severe IgA deficiency, and food allergies.

Matthew is anxious, but hopeful at the same time that a diagnosis will be made. Matthew may be seeing a man, but his trust is in God. And I believe God's Spirit in Matthew will permeate that doctor's room when he enters it, giving the doctor divine understanding and wisdom.

The Bible says God gives generously to all who ask without finding fault.

"If any of you lacks wisdom,

you should ask God,

who gives generously

to all

without finding fault,

and it will be given to you.

James 1:5 (NIV)

Wonderful Things!

"Open my eyes that I may see

wonderful things in Your Law."

Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

After the church service upstairs was over last Sunday, I told the children to gather their things and be prepared to leave because their parents would soon be picking them up. One girl then turned to me and sadly said, "It is too bad that church is over now." I smiled at the sweetness of her heart. The week before last Sunday, we had a guest speaker and the church service lasted almost an hour longer. I guess she was hoping it would be like that every Sunday.

How the heart of God must be pleased to see children eager to learn the wonderful things in His Word. Their eyes are open and may ours be as well.

"I See Heaven Open!"

After Stephen gave his speech at the Sanhedrin, accusing the members of killing God's Son, the members of the Sanhedrin became so furious they gnashed their teeth at him. Stephen responded to their fierce anger by looking upwards. When he did, he saw heaven open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He then excitedly told all the members what he saw, but they refused to listen. The acted like children by covering their ears and yelling at the top of their voices.

"But Stephen,

full of the Holy Spirit,

looked up to heaven

and saw the glory of God,

and Jesus standing

at the right hand of God.

'Look,' he said,

'I see heaven open

and the Son of Man standing

at the right hand of God'."

Acts 7:55-56 (NIV)

The members of the Synagogue and the members of the Sanhedrin could not accept the responsibility of cruelly murdering God's Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross, so they again murdered an innocent man.

When I was studying the Bible account of Stephen, I thought it was interesting that Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand in heaven. The Scriptures firmly state that Jesus is God, but this passage of Scripture indicates that we will see the two persons in heaven, even though they are one.

Words Come From The Heart

If you want to know what is truly in a person's heart, pay careful attention to the words that come out of their mouth.

"But the things that come out

of a person's mouth

come from the heart,

and these defile them."

Matthew 15:18 (NIV)

Words can either defile God or honour God. Words can also defile a person or honour a person, and at the same defile yourself or honour yourself in the eyes of God and others.

"Lord, Do Not Hold This Sin Against Them"

All week I have been trying to decide which Bible story I will tell the children as an example of a Christian who controlled his tongue. Today, I decided on Stephen. When the members of the Sanhedrin were hurling rocks at Stephen, with hatred in their eyes and anger in their voices, Stephen spoke only six words to God about them: words of love and forgiveness, not ones of malice and cursing.

"While they were stoning him,

Stephen prayed,

'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'

Then he fell on his knees

and cried out,

'Lord, do not hold this sin

against them.'"

Acts 7:59-60 (NIV)

In humiliation, anguish, and a deliberate death, Stephen used his tongue for good. What a testimony of God he was, and still is today!

We Must Be Subject To Governing Authorities

I am ashamed to say this, but I got my very first speeding ticket two weeks ago. I had two of my sons in the car with me and was listening to the newest release from a popular Christian rock group called Skillet. When I was pulled over by a police officer, I was enjoying one of their songs, pressing on the accelerator a little harder than I should have, and not paying attention to the speedometer at that moment.

As the police man approached my car, bad memories began to flood my mind. When I was a girl growing up, there were many times I was with my father when he was pulled over by a police officer for a traffic violation. And as soon as my father wound down his window and before the police officer had a chance to speak, my father would start yelling and cursing at him. I sat in fear because I knew the violence my father was capable of when he got angry. I believe today the only reason the police officer didn't take further action against my father was because I was in the car with him.

As I wound down my window and waited for the middle-aged police officer to speak to me, he could see I was abashed for my actions. He was very nice. He even cracked a joke, smiled and told me he hoped the rest of the day would turn out better for me. I thanked him and went on my way, watching my speedometer very closely and not listening to rock music.

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,

for there is no authority

except that which God has established.

The authorities that exist

have been established by God.

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority

is rebelling against what God has instituted,

and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

Romans 13:1-2 (NIV)

Be Careful What You Say

This week I will be teaching the children in church to be careful of what they say. My sons and I will put on a puppet show about a girl named Thelma who is made fun of by other children. When she is secretly given a kind note from an admirer, she thinks it is some kind of cruel joke. However, to her surprise, she discovers the note was genuine, and her spirit is immediately uplifted and encouraged.

Afterwards, I will have each child draw a name from the group, and then decorate and write a positive note on a blank card to give to that person.

"Be careful what you say

and protect your life.

A careless talker

destroys himself."

Proverbs 13:3 (GNT)

When the children go home, they will be given a happy face ball with the Bible verse written on the back of it to remind them of Sunday's lesson.

If a child can be protected from one less painful word from another child, then children's ministry will be well worth the time and effort.

Children Are Ready To Learn More Of God's Word

"Intelligent people

are always ready to learn.

Their ears are open

for knowledge."

Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)

Children are intelligent! They are always ready to learn! Their ears are open for knowledge. And I love to teach them! When I teach them God's Word, I go beyond just teaching them the basics. I will recite to them the Bible stories in details and watch their eyes come alive hearing facts they never heard before. Then I will question them afterwards to see how many of those facts they grasped. I am always amazed at the results and find the younger elementary children are just as keen as the older ones.

Last week when I told the children the story of Joshua, all the children were shocked to hear that the angel who approached Joshua just before he reached the city of Jericho was not a female with a flowing white dress and large outstretched wings, but a warrior-looking man with a sword in his hand.

Not only that, I also teach children to memorize the Scripture verses using sign language, and every one of them now learns the verses much quicker and with much more enthusiasm, eagerly showing their parents afterwards how they can sign God's Word.

Teaching children is the key to keeping their interest in church. They want to learn more about who God is, who they are in God's eyes, and how to live for Him. Sadly, more and more churches today are mainly concerned about entertaining children than teaching them.

Do Not Forget To Share

Yesterday, Brian, I, and three of our sons visited the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin. This museum displays the historical technological changes in transportation, aviation, agriculture, and industry. It was extremely interesting! My sons Tim and Matthew were so transfixed on the display of engines, the rest of us had to leave them there staring at rusty nuts and bolts, and "whatever", while we continued on. Here are a few of my favourite pictures:

One thousand, five hundred of the museum's artifacts were donated by one man. You can guess what his name is. That's right, Mr. Stan Reynolds.

He was a world-renown collector and obviously very rich.

This museum has an amazing variety of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, tractors, engines, agricultural and industrial equipment, . . .

. . . and aircraft, displayed in a separate building.

The largest aircraft were displayed outside this building.

Mr. Stan Reynolds shared what he had accumulated over the years for the enjoyment of people who love history. He died in February 2012, but left behind a legacy. What God has blessed him with, he shared with others. He did not forget.

"And do not forget to do good

and to share with others."

Hebrews 13:16a (NIV)

Faith Not Accompanied By Action Is Dead

Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters,

if someone claims to have faith

but has no deeds?

Can such faith save them?

Suppose a brother or a sister

is without clothes and daily food.

If one of you says to them, 

'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,'

but does nothing about their physical needs,

what good is it?

In the same way, faith by itself,

if it is not accompanied by action,

is dead."

James 2:14-17 (NIV)

The Biblical example given in the passage of Scripture above of faith without works is no different if a church ministry is in desperate need of volunteer workers when no one in the church is offering their help, but at the same time are praying and fasting for a break-through or revival and telling the leader of this ministry, "We support you!"

Fasting and prayer may be spiritual tools, but if they are not accompanied by a willing heart to act, then they are useless to God and others.

What Would You Or Your Church Choose?

Today I will ask the children a question: What would you choose, thousands of pieces of silver and gold, or God's Word?"

"The Law from Your mouth

is more precious to me

than thousands of pieces

of silver and gold."

Psalm 119:72 (NIV)

"Because I love Your commands

more than gold,

more than pure gold."

Psalm 119:127 (NIV)

Obeying God's commands must be more important to us than any amount of wealth, fame, or power. God's Word must also take precedent in our churches and in all our church's programs and ministries. It must not be pushed to the side, replaced by worldly views and thoughts, or man's agendas that focus more on people's carnal desires rather than spiritual ones. Now I ask another question: What would your church choose, wealth or God's Word?

The Secret To Prosperity And Success

This Sunday I will be teaching the children about Joshua. He was one of the greatest soldiers in the Bible, not because of his muscular strength or strategic military intelligence, but because of his faith in and obedience to God. He always kept on his lips the Army Field Manual, God's Holy Word, and meditated on it day and night. He did not turn from this manual to the right or to the left, and was careful to do everything written within.

"Be strong and very courageous.

Be careful to obey all the Law

my servant Moses gave you;

do not turn from it to the right or to the left,

that you may be successful wherever you go.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips;

meditate on it day and night,

so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.

Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:7-9 (NIV)

Joshua prospered and succeeded not because of his own strength and abilities, but because God was with him wherever he went.

A Longing Fulfilled Is A Tree Of Life

This week we had Elm trees planted in our neighbourhood up and down our streets. As I looked out of my living room window this morning, I thought the street looked beautiful! Then I imagined what it will look like ten years from now . . . even more beautiful! I have this hope because the trees have life in them.

As God's children, we also have hope because we have life in us through God's Son, Jesus Christ.

Trees are a reminder from God to us that we are to always have hope. If your hope is deferred, it will make your heart sick, but if your longing is fulfilled, you are a tree of life.

"Hope deferred

makes the heart sick,

but a longing fulfilled

is a tree of life."

Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)

It is only in Christ, our thirsty souls are satisfied and our hungry souls are filled with goodness.

"For He has satisfied

the thirsty soul,

and the hungry soul

He has filled with

what is good."

Psalm 107:9 (NAS)

God Is Our Rock

"There is no one holy

like the Lord;

there is no one besides You;

there is no Rock

like our God."

1 Samuel 2:2 (NIV)

"For who is God

besides the Lord?

And who is the Rock

except our God?"

2 Samuel 22:32 (NIV)

Last Sunday afternoon after the scheduled Children's Ministry Meeting, I became stressed out. I couldn't sleep for three nights worrying how was I going to accomplish what I wanted to accomplish in children's ministry when faced with complacency, indifference, and even one worker quitting. Finally on the third night, I decided this was ridiculous, and thought about just quitting myself. Then the Lord firmly spoke to me saying. "Put your trust in Me because I am Your Rock, not other people." At that moment peace flooded my being and I went soundly to sleep. Yesterday, I had a great day! My son and I went out for lunch, did some shopping together, and I worked out in my garden. I chose not to worry and left everything in God's hands. Then last night, a few things started to come together. It is only a start, but I know who my Rock is.