April 18, 2013 · 6:45 AM

What to Do When You Receive a Call from God

It’s happens to the best of us. And the worst of us for that matter.

We’re just sitting there, minding our own business, letting the world pass us by. Then all of a sudden, God calls.

At first we try to ignore it, pretending that it’s our mind wandering or some random thought queued by something that just happened. But then we get the sinking feeling that the Holy Spirit might just be trying to get our attention.

The nervous, excitement starts to roll in. Events in the past start to become more clear than ever, as God’s last year of planning is unveiled. The people we’ve met, the places we’ve gone, the things we’ve done; they all make so much sense now!

All of a sudden, life has so much more meaning. Yet, it’s absolutely terrifying!

This has been the experience of many who have received a specific call from God. It might through His word or a prayer. Sometimes through a sermon, a song or a poem. Regardless of where it comes from, it’s unmistakable to the person receiving it. Only their own denial can mask it, but even then it comes back to haunt them.

The best remedy for this type of situation is to run! No, I didn’t say run away, I said run! Run towards that call with everything that is inside you. Embrace the call that God has placed on your heart. Then, get ready for one of the greatest adventures that you’ve ever imagined. Specifically designed and prepared ahead of time, for you.

Here’s a few more recently updated posts, all based around God’s calling on our lives.

QUESTION:
What reasons have you given when running from God’s calling on your life?

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April 17, 2013 · 6:58 AM

Three Qualities that Made Joshua a Great Leader

In the Old Testament, we find a great leader by the name of Joshua.

His life and ministry have been study over and over again, by those seeking to become great leaders. “What made Joshua such a great leader? How can I mirror Joshua’s character in my day-to-day life?“

In my opinion, I see three important qualities that made Joshua a great leader.

1. Bravery – We see this attribute almost immediately, as a spy sent to obtain a report on the Promised Land. Ten of the men were terrified by what they saw, but Joshua and Caleb didn’t see it as a problem. As great leader faces adversity head-on.

2. Integrity – Joshua knew how to follow orders. From the battle of Jericho onward, he continued to follow the Lord’s instructions to the letter. A great leader gets the job done without skipping out on any of the assigned tasks.

3. Faith – Not much was needed to convince Joshua. If the Lord wanted it done, Joshua believed it would happen without question. A great leader understands their call and assumes God will take care of the details.

Check out a few more recently updated posts, all based around Joshua’s leadership.

QUESTION:
What qualities have you learned from Joshua’s leadership?

Wondering why I’m updating my archived posts? Click HERE for a brief explanation.

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April 16, 2013 · 9:05 AM

Does Political Power Stem from the Hearts of the People?

Some would say that a country is only as good as its government.

In one sense that could be correct. If we use South America, Africa and the Middle East as examples, we have seen that without steadfast governing authorities, any country could be thrown into turmoil at any moment.

The belief is that when the people have a voice, and take part in the elected political office, some sense of order is feasible. However, we have witnessed many countries who have elected their leaders, then soon after, the people turned on the leader and broke down the system. The latter problem seemingly always happening in one of the above listed regions.

There has to be a connection with the people themselves. There are certain countries that seem plagued with political and social unrest, with no hope in sight. Experts point to race, religion or social class. Regardless of the reason, issues continue to devastate certain political systems across our world.

So what about us in the Western world? Sure, we complain about a lot of things within our government systems. But very few of us see overthrowing political powers as a beneficial concept! Most of us simply shrug our shoulders and wait for the next election, hoping for a better leader.

Some might see our perspective as a passive approach, but I think the right word would be submissive. Furthermore, I believe a submissive approach is the Biblical model and I believe God shows His favour on us for it.

By keeping clear perspectives and not taking matters into our own hands, we leave room for God to move within the people and our leaders. It’s not really about believing in a political system, it’s about believing that God is ultimately overseeing that system. A movement against the system would be a slippery slope towards a movement against God’s oversight.

Instead of overthrowing any governing authority, it would be better to pray fervently and vote wisely.

Looking for further study on a Biblical perspective of government? Take a few moments to check out some recently updated posts, all related to God’s Governing Authorities.

QUESTION:
Do you trust our current political system? Why or why not?

Wondering why I’m updating my archived posts? Click HERE for a brief explanation.

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April 15, 2013 · 7:07 AM

Why We Deserve God’s Grace and Mercy

As Christians, we often state how much we don’t deserve God’s grace and mercy.

Are we correct in saying that? Obviously, by our actions and behaviours we definitely don’t qualify for any amount grace or mercy.

However, the Old Testament can give us some clues that maybe we deserve it more than we think. If we look at an Old Testament leader like Joshua, we could state that God’s people deserved grace and mercy, because he was such a God-fearing leader.

Alas, God sustained His people through a lot of terrible leaders as well! Furthermore, regardless of the leader in place, many of God’s people continued to dabble in all sorts of sinful acts throughout the entire Old Testament.

Yet, God sustained His grace and mercy over His people. But I think that’s the key. They were His people.

God’s chosen people deserve His grace and mercy because they are His, and that’s it. This, at a time when sacrifices still needed to be made and laws kept to consistently bring oneself back into communion with God.

For us, under the New Covenant, should we not deserve God’s grace and mercy more than ever before? If we have been brought into God’s family, do we not carry the birth-right of His grace and mercy? Clearly, by nothing we have done, but by what Christ did for us at the cross.

In my human mind, I can only grasp the overwhelming love I have for my sons. Regardless of their actions and behaviours, it is impossible for me to imagine not loving them! However, because of my imperfect human nature, my grace and mercy towards them will have limits.

Our Heavenly Father is the One who created the love that I have for my sons, and whom has limitless ability to bestow grace and mercy. This is truly what is amazing about the Gospel. It’s the eternal second chance!

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17)

If we have been brought into His family, His righteousness has been given to us and in turn, we are now His heirs. Perhaps, we are more deserving of His grace and mercy than we think?

Feel free to check out some recently updated posts relating to God’s grace and mercy, yet specifically based within Joshua’s leadership.

QUESTION:
Do you believe you are deserving of God’s grace and mercy? Why or why not?

Wondering why I’m updating my archived posts? Click HERE for a brief explanation.

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April 14, 2013 · 6:58 AM

Making Sure the Memorial Doesn’t Overshadow the Memory

In days of old, putting up memorials didn’t have to be such a lengthy process.

These days every significant memorial, typically has to be a large work of art or decorative display, taking up vast amounts of time and materials.

I understand the thought process. By making it stand out, the goal is that it will attract more interest and therefore, people will remember.

This being said, these memorial structures typically don’t get erected until months, sometimes over a year later. People in the ancient world didn’t have the luxuries of extended time and resources for such projects, as we do. The event took place and the memorial was erected with what was available at the time.

One of the best examples of this is the Biblical practice of raising stones when God had done something significant for His people. Example: In Joshua 4, after God had led the people across the Jordan river.

Granted, they were likely stones of significant size, which would have taken some significant time and energy to position. However, it was a memorial of natural materials, placed in such a way that interrupted the regular landscape, causing a person to pause and remember.

What do you think God would prefer? If we wanted to memorialize a significant work that God has done in our lives today; would He prefer the year-long, work-of-art memorial or the weekend, natural materials pulled together memorial?

If you have the time, check out some recently updated posts specifically related to Joshua’s memorial stones.

QUESTION:
What type of memorial do you think God prefers?

Wondering why I’m updating my archived posts? Click HERE for a brief explanation.

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April 10, 2013 · 6:21 AM

Personal Struggles Provide Illegitimate Reasons to Run from God’s Call

“But Jonah ran away from the Lord…he found a ship bound for that port.” (Jonah 1:3a)

The book of Jonah is not just some account used to entertain children in Sunday Schools. This minor prophet holds an incredible amount of significance for our lives as Believers.

So many times, we run away from a call that we have been specifically given by God. Sure, in our minds we may deter the thought, playing it off as just simple mind wondering. However in our hearts, while in the quiet places with the Lord, we know what we’re supposed to do and why we’re supposed to do it.

Why do we choose to run from a call that God has put on our lives? Perhaps, it comes down to what a person struggles with internally.

If someone struggles with pride, they may think their plans are more important than God’s. If a person is generally lazy, maybe they just want to run from hard work. If they lack faith, they might run because they don’t truly believe that God will provide for the call that has been given.

When it really comes down to it, there are likely a dozen reasons for run from God’s call. However, the account of Jonah teaches us that in the end, it’s never worth the risk to run.

Check out some recently updated posts regarding Jonah and God shows grace even through disobedience.

QUESTION:
What other reasons do people have, that lead them to run from God’s call?

Wondering why I’m updating my archived posts? Click HERE for a brief explanation.

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April 9, 2013 · 7:18 AM

The Value in Finding a Connection with One of the Disciples

I have always felt connected to the Apostle Peter and drawn to passages concerning him.

It’s not because of my enjoyment of fishing, though I have always liked the ‘fishers of men‘ Gospel-concept. It’s more centred around what many scholars believe to be Peter’s extroverted nature.

Growing up and right through to my current adulthood, I have always struggle with speaking and acting before thinking things through. It’s not that my desire is to cause trouble for anyone, but my ambitions and impatience get the better of me most of the time.

As we read through the Gospels, I have always felt that if I were one of Jesus disciples, I would have been rebuked frequently. I would have been impatient and always sided on fighting our way through anything. Unless, of course, I was alone with no way out.

Though troubling to admit, if it came down to it, I could even see myself denying Christ to save my own skin.

All this considered, I would hope that like Peter, my nature would be worthy of Christ’s kingdom work. Peter’s life and ministry-work brings me hope, that even a guy with extroverted tendencies and character flaws, can be used by God in a mighty way.

Check out a couple other recently updated posts, based around Peter’s passion for Christ and his nature of bold ministry.

QUESTION:
Which disciple do you connect with and why?

Wondering why I’m updating my archived posts? Click HERE for a brief explanation.

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April 8, 2013 · 6:43 AM

The Harsh Realities of Loss & Grief

Though we all dread the thought, at some point we will lose a loved one.

It might be due to old age and natural causes, with a full understanding that their time has come. Alternately, it may be under very tragic circumstances, where a whole community is cast into turmoil over the event. Regardless of the situation surrounding the loss, someone somewhere will be thrust into the pain and anguish of grief.

As Christians, grief can be a mental battle of sorts. If our loved one knew Jesus Christ as their Saviour, our heads what to tell our hearts that we should be rejoicing that they have reached glory. But it just doesn’t work, does it.

But what if our loved one did not know and follow Christ? As Believers, we generally take one of two approaches: First, (1) we might go through even deeper grief, knowing that our loved one’s rejection of Christ has led them into eternal anguish. This can bring our grief to a debilitating emotional state.

On the other hand, (2) we may try to convince ourselves that maybe they accepted Christ right before they passed, and therefore made it into heaven. Many of our friends and family members typically help this process by stating things like, “only God can know what was in their heart.“ Either way, the mental battle rages on within the Christian-mind.

Thankfully, we have a Saviour who was fully God and yet, fully man! Jesus also experienced the loss of a loved one. Furthermore, it caused Him deep sorrow which is explained in Scripture.

Check out a couple other recently updated posts, based around the account of Christ’s loss of a loved one, as well as my personal experiences with loss.

QUESTION:
What thoughts and emotions gripped you during your time of loss?

Wondering why I’m updating my archived posts? Click HERE for a brief explanation.

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April 7, 2013 · 7:25 AM

The Ability to Perform Miraculous Healing

Have you ever wished you could perform miraculous healing?

For example, you’re downtown and you see someone on the street who is obviously crippled. If you take the time to get their story, you’ll often find out that they have basically lost everything, because of their affliction. Wouldn’t it be great to simply speak healing into their body at that very moment?

Please understand that I am NOT saying that I don’t believe in healing. I definitely DO believe in God’s ability to heal. Furthermore, I believe that we can intercede through prayer, and God can answer through healing.

I am specifically speaking of the healing power that we see in the New Testament. Just once, I’d love to see the miraculous happen right before my eyes. Even if it wasn’t mean, but someone I was with or happen to interact with at that time. Something, I could validate and bare witness to.

Check out a couple recently updated posts, based on John 5 and Jesus miraculous healing of a crippled man.

QUESTION:
Have you ever witnessed a legitimate miraculous healing? If so, what took place?

Wondering why I’m updating my archived posts? Click HERE for a brief explanation.

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April 6, 2013 · 6:58 AM

Why Joseph’s Dependence on God Ultimately Leads to Adventure

The adventures of Joseph have filled many a Sunday School classroom over the years.

Joseph’s life is one of the greatest Biblical accounts, showing that strong dependency on God can lead to amazing things! To be sure, Joseph experienced much heartache over his years. However, the blessing that God poured out on him in return for his faithfulness was astounding.

Over the past few years, I have taken much comfort from Joseph’s life, when times are tough. For a couple of reasons actually.

1. It’s easy to look at Joseph’s life and realize my life’s not that bad.

2. No matter how bad my life might get, God always sees me and allows certain trials to come my way, ultimately for my betterment.

3. God’s blessing will eventually follow my faithfulness to Him and His plan for me, regardless of the struggles I may endure.

Check out the following updated posts based on Joseph’s life of adventure, as outlined in the book of Genesis.

QUESTION:
Are you experiencing a time of trial, struggling in your dependence on God?

Wondering why I’m updating my archived posts? Click HERE for a brief explanation.

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