As a student, one of the most annoying things about the summer is having to move back to where I grew up. I call it that, because after two years away at university, I now consider Saskatoon as my home, rather than Regina. Being uprooted for four months out of my year is a big change, and though it is nice to spend time with my family, and to work for an amazing employer, I am away from my comfort zone.
This morning as I sat down to read my Bible, I found myself in Acts 8 reading this verses...
"On that day, a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered..." (Acts 8:1 NIV)
"Those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went..." (Acts 8:4 NIV)
As I prayed through this Scripture, it struck me that in a sense, this was also happening to me and many other students (minus the persecution for the topic at hand). For me, my comfort zone has become Saskatoon. I spend eight months there every year, participating in opportunities to grow and learn in so many different ways. And although my causes to move back to Regina are external and not directly from God, perhaps I need to start seeing this move as a missionary opportunity. That's right, I said it... Missions work in my home town.
I believe that anyone who is living to build God's Kingdom here on earth is a missionary. So why shouldn't I consider this opportunity that God has given me to be a missionary to my own family and home town friends? Rather than passively watching the summer fly by, I want to actively engage and make a difference this summer and I would like to encourage you to do the same.
Whether or not you are away from home for the next four months, find a way to be a missionary in your every day life. Preach God's word everywhere that you go through your actions and words, allowing the first apostles and believers to set an example for you!
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Searching for a Job
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..." (Jeremiah 29:11a NIV)
A simple statement; one that throws everything which we expect of freewill into chaos. Yet, I believe that it is only our human minds which cause this chaos surrounding whether or not humans truly have free will. Yes, God knows the plans that he has for us, but he does not force us into them.
Being the start of 2014, a new year, I know that for some people, their goal is to find a job. This "real world" example of job hunting can carry over into our relationship with God. Just as we choose to work for a company, under their authority, we also choose to submit ourselves to God, declaring him as the boss. At any point, we have the option to quit, however, why would we?
"...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b NIV)
"...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11b NIV)
Despite the guaranteed days of trouble that Jesus warned us of in John 16:33, God also promises in the second half of Jeremiah 29:11 that his plans for us are good and full of hope and prosperity. We cannot see the whole picture of how the past and present will affect the future, however, God has the whiteboard in his office and on it is the very large game plan which connects each of us and our experiences to eachother. God knows. It's as short and simple as that. God knows what is needed of us to bring his plans together and instead of forcing us to do what he wants, he asks us to choose to listen and to trust his instructions.
With this in mind, the next question is an easy one to ask, though a hard one to act on...
God, what do you want me to do?
A simple statement; one that throws everything which we expect of freewill into chaos. Yet, I believe that it is only our human minds which cause this chaos surrounding whether or not humans truly have free will. Yes, God knows the plans that he has for us, but he does not force us into them.
Being the start of 2014, a new year, I know that for some people, their goal is to find a job. This "real world" example of job hunting can carry over into our relationship with God. Just as we choose to work for a company, under their authority, we also choose to submit ourselves to God, declaring him as the boss. At any point, we have the option to quit, however, why would we?
"...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b NIV)
"...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11b NIV)
Despite the guaranteed days of trouble that Jesus warned us of in John 16:33, God also promises in the second half of Jeremiah 29:11 that his plans for us are good and full of hope and prosperity. We cannot see the whole picture of how the past and present will affect the future, however, God has the whiteboard in his office and on it is the very large game plan which connects each of us and our experiences to eachother. God knows. It's as short and simple as that. God knows what is needed of us to bring his plans together and instead of forcing us to do what he wants, he asks us to choose to listen and to trust his instructions.
With this in mind, the next question is an easy one to ask, though a hard one to act on...
God, what do you want me to do?
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