God Is Not A God Of Disorder

"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace---

as in all the congregations of the Lord's people."

1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV)

If there is disorder in church caused by the lack of leadership or the struggle among many to take control, there will be no peace. And God will withdraw His presence.

No Other Commandment Is Greater

The secret to a successful ministry in Christ is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. If we love God will all our heart, we will be faithful. If we love God with all our soul, we will pray. If we love God with all our mind, we will read His Word, and if we love God will all our strength, we will serve Him. And as equally important, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.

"And you must love the Lord your God

with all your heart, all your soul,

all your mind, and all your strength.

The second is equally important:

'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

No other commandment is greater than these."

Mark 12:30-31 (NLT)

In other words, for the church to succeed, we must put God and people first. But as I watch and listen, I hear stories of the sick in the congregation never being phoned or visited, condemning words spoken about those who don't tithe ten percent to the church, stories of the poor being turned away who dare to ask the church for financial help, and too much talk about fund raising and tithing, instead of trusting. As a result, what I don't hear is testimonies of people being saved, healed or delivered. Why? Because we have not obeyed God's greatest and foremost commandment---to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. Instead, love of money has taken root in many church leaders' hearts.

Seek The Glory Of The One Who Sends You

Last night, my sons Chris and Matthew and I went to two Christian concerts in one. The first one was the Watoto African Children's Choir, and the second one was led by a famous Christian composer and singer. My sons and I were eagerly looking forward to both concerts.

The Watoto Children's Choir radiated the joy and love of the Lord. We were blessed beyond words! Jesus was presented in all His glory!

However, the second concert left my sons and I stunned in the comparison of the two. They were like day and night. One presented Jesus; the other one presented people. One revealed the humility of the Lord; the other one reeked of the arrogance of man.

There was nothing false about the African children for they sought the glory of the One who sent them. But those who seek to gain personal glory lies.

"Whoever speaks on their own

does so to gain personal glory,

but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him

is a man of truth;

there is nothing false about him."

John 7:18 (NIV)

All Our Needs

When Jesus was tired, hungry, and sad at receiving the news John the Baptist was dead, He not only continued to teach and heal thousands of people, he fed them also. It was late, the people were hungry, and far away from their homes; so with one boy's lunch, consisting of two fish and five barley loaves of bread, over 5,000 people were fed.

"'Bring them here,' he said.

Then he told the people to sit down on the grass.

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish,

looked up toward heaven, and blessed them.

Then, breaking the loaves into pieces,

he gave the bread to the disciples,

who distributed it to the people.

They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward,

 the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.

About 5,000 men were fed that day,

in addition to all the women and children."

Matthew 14:18-21 (NLT)

Everyone ate as much as they wanted and still there were twelve baskets of leftovers. Only one can imagine just how long it must have taken for twelve men to distribute the food to so many people. Jesus by now must have been exhausted, but He chose not to send the people home until all their needs were met. In His Word, Jesus promises us the same. He will meet all our needs too.

"And this same God who takes care of me

will supply all your needs from His glorious riches,

which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

Compassion Overpowered His Grief

Herod Antipas arrested and imprisoned John the Baptist because he was angry at John for telling him it was wrong for him to marry his brother's wife, Herodias. Herodias hated John as well. She wanted him dead, but Herod was too scared to kill him. He was afraid it might cause a riot, since John was loved by so many of the people. However, Herodias didn't care. When she threw a birthday party for her husband, she had her daughter dance for him. Herod was so pleased with the dance, he promised to give Herodias' daughter anything she wanted. Heroidas then jumped at the opportunity to persuade her daughter to ask for John the Bapist's head on a platter. Herod complied and John was behead in prison. 

When the disciples found out, they got the rest of John's body and buried him. Afterwards, the disciples went and told Jesus what had happened. When Jesus heard, he withdrew by boat hoping to find a private place to grieve. However, when he landed, he saw a huge crowd waiting for him. Instead of angrily telling the people to go away, he had deep compassion on them and healed the sick.

"As soon as Jesus heard the news,

he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone.

But the crowds heard where he was headed

and followed on foot from many towns.

Jesus saw the huge crowd

as he stepped from the boat,

and he had compassion on them

and healed their sick."

John 14:13 (NLT)

In immense grief and a strong desire to be left alone, Jesus still couldn't resist having compassion on the people and ministering to the sick.

Stopped, Looked, Called, Came, And Saved

Zacchaeus may have been a short man, but Jesus made him feel ten feet tall. Jesus knew Zacchaeus was up in the sycamore tree, so he stopped, looked up, called his name, came to his house, and saved him.

drawn by Tim Graves

"He tried to get a look at Jesus,

but he was too short 

to see over the crowd."

Luke 19:3 (NLT)

Every person on earth is loved by Jesus and He longs to save each of them.

Jesus Came To Seek And Save The Lost

Jesus rejoiced when Zacchaeus, a defrauder, proved himself to be genuine in his desire to change. This is the main reason Jesus came to earth---to seek and save those who are lost. 

drawn by Tim Graves

"Jesus responded, 'Salvation has come to this home today,

for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.

For the Son of Man came to seek

and save those who are lost.'"

Luke 19:9-10 (NLT)

Let us be like Jesus. Seek those who are lost, and bring the salvation message to them. 

Jesus Healed Every Kind

Jesus not only traveled, taught, and proclaimed the Good News, He healed every kind of disease and sickness.

 drawn by Tim Graves

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages,

teaching in their synagogues 

proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom,

and healing every disease and sickness"

Matthew 9:35 (NIV)

Everything Else Is Garbage

drawn by Tim Graves

When Jesus invited Himself to the home of Zacchaeus, Zacchaeus quickly climbed down the sycamore tree in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased and grumbled about it because Zacchaeus was a notorious sinner.

"But the people were displeased. 

'He has gone to be the guest

 of a notorious sinner,' they grumbled."

Luke 19:7 (NLT)

Before Zacchaeus met Jesus, he was miserable! He may have had lots of money, but he had very little friends. When the Son of God offered to be his friend, Zacchaeus didn't hesitate a second to give up his money in exchange for knowing Jesus.

Everything in this world is worthless and all garbage when compared with the infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

'Yes, everything else is worthless

when compared with the infinite value 

of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

For His sake I have discarded everything else,

counting it all as garbage,

so that I could gain Christ."

Philippians 3:8 (NLT)

Zacchaeus Up A Tree

drawn by Tim Graves

Zacchaeus desperately wanted to see Jesus, so he ran ahead and climbed a tree.

"He tried to get a look at Jesus,

but he was too short to see over the crowd.

So he ran ahead

and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road,

for Jesus was going to pass that way."

Luke 19:3-4 (NLT)

Let's be as desperate as Zacchaeus to see Jesus. Let's run eagerly to a place and set time aside to study His Word and relish in His presence.

"I Will Give Half My Wealth To The Poor."

drawn by Tim Graves

When Zacchaeus met Jesus for the first time, He was so in awe of Jesus' holy presence and His knowledge of him, the first thing Zacchaeus said to the Lord was he would give half of all his wealth to the poor, and to those he cheated he would repay them back four times as much. Now let's go over that again. Zacchaeus didn't say he would give half of all his wealth "to the Lord" or "to the church" or "to the disciples", but to the poor.

"Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord

and said, 'I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord,

and if I have cheated people on their taxes,

I will give them back four times as much!'"

Luke 19:8a (NLT)

Zacchaeus got it right and Jesus was pleased, but how many Christians get it right? So many Christians think they give their money to the Lord, but instead they entrust it to a church with mega expenses. As a result, very little or none of it goes to the poor or needy. Do you think Jesus is pleased? No. I think Jesus is disgusted at most modern church budgets.

Yet I Will Be Joyful

Today is the first day of Spring and it snowed. I took a picture of my cat because she looked like what I felt.

I wanted to roll on my back too, close my eyes and pretend it wasn't happening. I don't think I will ever get use to Edmonton's weather. It can snow up to eight months in a year here! I have had to learn during these long winter months my joy comes from the Lord and not in the weather.

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will be joyful in God my Saviour."

Habakkuk 3:18 (NLT)

The Wind Died Down When Jesus Entered The Boat

It wasn't until the disciples allowed Jesus back into the boat, the wind stopped.

"And when they climbed back into the boat,

the wind died down."

Matthew 14:32 (NLT)

It is the same with us. When a storm has formed in our lives, we won't experience calm until we invite Jesus into the vessel to take control. 

Only An Arm's Length Away

When Peter walked on the water towards Jesus, Peter was in reaching distance to Jesus when he began to sink. In other words, Peter was so close to obtaining his miracle from God when he began to doubt.

"So Peter went over the side of the boat

and walked on the water toward Jesus.

But when he saw the strong wind and the waves,

he was terrified and began to sink. 

'Save me, Lord!' he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.

'You have so little faith,' Jesus said. 

'Why did you doubt me?'"

Matthew 14:29b-31 (NLT)

I sometimes wonder how many times we are like Peter. We give up believing in our miracle when we were so close to God fulfilling it.

When Our Faith Fails, God Will Immediately Reach Out And Grab Hold Us

When Jesus' disciples were in a boat weary from fighting a strong wind and heavy waves at night, Jesus appeared and came near to them. The disciples may have thought they were alone in this time of trouble, but they weren't. God knew what was happening and He was there for them.

"And be sure of this:

I am with you always,

even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:20 (NLT)

However, the disciples became terrified when they saw Jesus. They thought He was a ghost walking on the water in the darkness of the night, but Jesus reassured His disciples not to be afraid. He will always be their God!

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you.

Don't be discouraged, for I am your God."

Isaiah 41:10a (NLT)

The terror the disciples had in their hearts was soon replaced by confidence. Peter, one of the disciples, even jumped out of the boat to be with Jesus, and miraculously walked on water. Humanly speaking, what Peter did was impossible, but with God everything is possible.

"Jesus looked at them intently and said,

'Humanly speaking, it is impossible.

But with God everything is possible.'"

Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

Then as soon as Peter took his eyes off Jesus and onto the strong wind and the waves, Peter began to sink, but Jesus immediately reached out with His victorious right hand and grabbed hold of him. In Peter's weakness, God strengthened him.

"I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

Isaiah 41:10b (NLT)

In times of trouble, we can be certain God is with us. When we are afraid, we can be sure God will act on our behalf. When things look impossible, they are not with God. Even when we are weak and our faith fails, He will immediately reach out with His hand and grab hold of us.

Let All That I Am

My favourite flower since I was a little girl is the daffodil. In Victorian times, the daffodil was a symbol of chivalry. Later it became the national flower of Wales.

When I was in Bible College, I remember being so delightfully surprised by a boy who gave me a bouquet of daffodils in the springtime, when most of the girls at the college were given roses or carnations by their suitors. Even though the daffodils were picked from a neighbour's yard with little black bugs crawling on them, I still felt they were prettier than all the other flowers in the women's dorm. However, my roommate thought differently. She didn't like the black bugs because they started to crawl all over our room.

Today daffodils are a symbol of hope. In Spring, I love seeing the daffodils blooming because they are reminder to me that my hope is in God. However, sadly in Edmonton, there are no daffodils to be seen blooming in March. The winters are far too long and the ground still covered in deep snow, so artificial ones on my table will have to do. I still, however, long for the freshly picked ones. They have such a sweet fragrance to them.

"Let all that I am

wait quietly before God,

for my hope is in Him"

Psalm 62:5 (NLT)

Jesus Is Still Calling Out For Disciples

The children tomorrow will be learning about the twelve disciples who Jesus called to follow Him.

When Jesus called His twelve disciples together, He gave them the power to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.

"Jesus called His twelve disciples together 

and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits

and to heal every kind of disease and illness."

Matthew 10:1 (NLT)

Then Jesus sent His twelve disciples out with instructions to heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. He said to His disciples to give as freely as they have received.

"Heal the sick,

raise the dead,

cure those with leprosy,

and cast out demons.

Give as freely as you have received!"

Matthew 10:8 (NLT)

Jesus not only referred to the twelve as His disciples, but any man or woman who turns from his/her selfish ways, takes up his/her cross, and follows Him.

"Then, calling the crowd to join His disciples, 

He said, 'If any of you wants to be My follower,

you must turn from your selfish ways,

take up your cross,

and follow Me."

Mark 8:34 (NLT)

Therefore a disciple of Christ or a Christian today is one who freely gives, and uses the power God has given him/her to meet the needs of others.

God Is Still Calling

When Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers who were fishermen. Their names were Peter and Andrew. As these two brothers were casting their net into the waters, Jesus called to them to follow Him because He was going to send them out to fish for people. Peter and Andrew responded to Jesus without hesitation. They left their nets at once and followed Him.

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee,

He saw two brothers,

Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.

They were casting a net into the lake,

for they were fishermen.

'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said,

'and I will send you out to fish for people.'

At once they left their nets and followed Him."

John 4:18-19 (NIV)

All of God's people are called to fish for people, but sadly very few do. Instead, many fish for other things like money, blessings, popularity, and power, all of which are only temporal. If we listen carefully, God is still calling out for those who will follow Him and fish for people.

A Tender And Responsive Heart

As the snow melts, the garbage hidden during the cold winter months is being exposed. It is the same with our hearts. When the Holy Spirit is invited into our hearts, He begins to soften and melt them, revealing the garbage within. 

"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)

The Holy Spirit then cleanses our hearts and makes them new.

At God's Command

As the temperature rises, the snow melts quickly. God speaks and winter disappears.

"Then, at His command,

it all melts.

He sends His winds,

and the ice thaws."

Psalm 147:18 (NLT)

And with winter gone, spring will soon be here!

What Image Is The Church Board Portraying?

Recently I have been nominated to be a board member of the church I serve in. However, I have declined to let my name stand, as there are several God-fearing men in the church who also have been nominated. At present, the church consists predominately of women, so only one man has been elected to the church governing board. The rest are all women who are either single, divorced, have an unsaved husband, or a husband who attends another church. I feel this imbalance and distorted image should change, as it brings shame on the Word of God.

These older women must train 

the younger women

 to love their husbands and their children,

to live wisely and be pure,

to work in their homes, to do good,

and to be submissive to their husbands.

Then they will not bring shame on the Word of God.

Titus 2:5 (NLT)

Through Good Deeds Our Light Shines

A church becomes a beacon in a dark world when God's people inside focus on doing good deeds! And when the church light shines, people all around will be drawn to it.

"You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp

and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way,

let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

It is not in the exuberant worship, the long poignant prayers, or the loud nonsensical sermons that emit light, but the good deeds of God's people.

Slow To Speak And Quick To Listen

"My dear brothers and sisters,

take note of this:

Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak

and to become angry."

James 1:19 (NIV)

Many times I hear Christians asking intrusive questions of others that are inconsiderate and rude, often turning people away from church, instead of drawing them to it.

Here are a few examples:

1. Why weren't you at the Bible study?
2. Why don't you come to church regularly?
3. Why didn't you return my call?
4. How come you are not married yet?
5. When are you going to start a family?
6. How much did that cost?

A Christian needs to be slow to speak . . .

. . . and quick to listen.

In other words, a Christian needs to really care about the other person, by looking to the other person's interest, instead of his/her own.

'Not looking to your own interests,

but each of you

to the interests of the others."

Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

Nothing Better

Today, I put together my very first Lego construction. It was so much fun! I now know why all of my sons are addicted to Lego. 

When I went inside the crowded Lego store at the Mall to find my sons, this cat and mouse Lego caught my attention. I couldn't resist in buying it.

When I stood in the line-up to purchase this Lego for $24, a lady in her twenties was standing in front of me to buy the huge Lego ship for $299. When I asked her who it was for, she smiled and said it was for herself. I smiled back for there is nothing better in life than to be happy and enjoying yourself as long as you can.

So I concluded 

there is nothing better

 than to be happy

and enjoy ourselves

 as long as we can."

Ecclesiastes 3:12 (NLT)

Watch Yourselves

People who are very insecure because they have been terribly hurt, felt unloved growing up, or have been abused, often find it hard to stand up against further debasement; thus allowing for more pain and heartache in their lives.

"So watch yourselves.

'If your brother or sister sins against you,

rebuke them;

and if they repent,

forgive them.'"

Luke 17:3 (NIV)

It is God's will to forgive others, but it is not God's will to allow someone to continually hurt or abuse us. We are told by God to watch ourselves and not be afraid to rebuke a brother or sister who sins against us.

What Is Truly In Your Heart?

If a person does not live by God's wisdom, his/her heart will be filled with jealousy and selfish ambitions. They may try to cover it up by boasting and lying, but his/her life will reveal the truth. It will be chaotic and filled with every kind of evil.

But if a person lives by the wisdom from above, his/her heart will be pure, be peace loving, be gentle at all times, be willing to yield to others, be full of mercy and good deeds, show no favoritism and be always sincere. He/she won't need to tell others because his/her life will reveal the truth. He/she will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

If you are wise and understand God's ways,

prove it by living an honorable life,

doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

But if you are bitterly jealous 

and there is selfish ambition in your heart,

don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying.

For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom.

Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.

For wherever there is jealously and selfish ambition,

there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.

It is also peace loving, gentle at all times,

and willing to yield to others.

It is full of mercy and good deeds.

It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace

and reap a harvest of righteousness."

James 3:13-18 (NLT)

Jealousy and selfishness creates chaos and evilness, but God's Spirit creates peace and righteousness.

Rejoice In The Lord Always

"Rejoice in the Lord always.

I will say it again:

Rejoice!"

Philippians 4:4-5 (NIV)

My son Matthew and I made these clown cupcakes to give to the children tonight as a sweet reminder of how God wants us to live.

"Therefore my heart is glad

and my tongue rejoices;

my body also will rest secure."

Psalm 16:9 (NIV)

Watch And Pray

"Watch and pray 

so that you will not fall into temptation.

The spirit is willing,

but the flesh is weak."

Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

Think About Such Things

This Scripture verse has time and time again brought me out of despair and depression. It is my favorite verse in the Bible!

"Finally, brothers and sisters,

whatever is true, whatever is noble,

whatever is right, whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---

think about such things."

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

This Wednesday night I will be teaching the children this verse. I have one child at New Hope Kids who is presently seeing a counselor and I hope this verse will help her as much as it has helped me in the past.

Continue To Serve Others Even When We're Suffering

"And since I, your Lord and Teacher,

have washed your feet,

you ought to wash each other's feet.

I have given you an example to follow.

Do as I have done to you.

I tell you the truth,

slaves are not greater than their master.

Nor is the messenger more important

than the one who sends the message.

Now that you know these things,

God will bless you for doing them."

John 13:14-17 (NLT)

We are called by God to serve others, not to be served. When we serve others, we are being like Jesus who was the greatest Servant of all! When Jesus took off His robe and got down on His knees to wash His disciples' feet, it was during a time most people would have been more focused on themselves rather than others because Jesus was about to suffer a tortuous death. In other words, we are to be a servant to others during our most troubled times as well as good times. If we do, God promises to bless us!

Indirect Evidence Verses Direct Evidence

When Joseph told his second dream to his family, his brothers didn't believe the dream would come true. However, the Bible says Joseph's father wondered what the dreams meant. In other words, Jacob most likely believed Joseph's dream was from God, and therefore reflected the truth. Otherwise, why would Joseph spend time pondering its meaning.

"This time he told the dream to his father

as well as to his brothers,

but his father scolded him.

'What kind of dream is that? he asked.

'Will your mother and I and your brothers

 actually come and bow to the ground before you?'

But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph,

his father wondered what the dreams meant."

Genesis 37:10-11 (NLT)

However, soon after Joseph has these two dreams, Joseph's brothers plotted to kill him. They sold Joseph into slavery and sent Joseph's coat dipped in goat's blood to their father. Jacob recognized the coat immediately, and believed without question his beloved son was torn to pieces by a wild animal. The Bible says Jacob grieved deeply for his son for a long time.

"Their father recognized it immediately.

'Yes,' he said, 'It is my son's robe.

A wild animal must have eaten him.

Joseph has clearly been torn to pieces!'

Then Jacob tore his clothes and dressed himself in burlap.

He mourned deeply for his son for a long time.

'I will go to my grave mourning for my son,'

he would say, and then he would weep."

Genesis 37:33-35 (NLT)

God gave Joseph two dreams just before he was taken from his father Jacob. The last dream was revealed to Jacob by his son Joseph. Jacob pondered the meaning of this dream, but when he was shown Joseph's coat covered in blood soon after, Jacob gave no more attention to its meaning. God had forewarn Jacob though Joseph's dream that He had a future plan for Joseph, but Jacob refused to believe. Instead, Jacob readily believed his son Joseph was dead when he saw only a coat covered in blood, not Joseph's body. As a result of Jacob's unbelief in God, Jacob mourned deeply and lengthily. Jacob had a choice to make, and he choose to believe indirect evidence, instead of direct evidence from an all-mighty and all-knowing God. This resulted in great sadness for Jacob.