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?
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Looking out for the Third Party
Well, I've spent alot of time this last week in conversation with other believers. To me, I see this as an answer to prayer; a way to sort through my thoughts and beliefs and also bring some new ones into perspective. Previously, I had blogged about "Who am I?" and surprisingly enough, this came up in a conversation with one of my best friends.
I was looking at the question all wrong. It's not "who am I?" but rather, "Who is God?" A verse in Genesis was what lead me to consider this question change.
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27 NIV)
We were created in God's own image. Created with the intent that we would strive to follow in God's footsteps. So instead of going on a self fulfilling journey of finding out who I really am, I have decided to go on a God fulfilling journey of noticing His characteristics in each peice of scripture that I read. Alot of people may say, "Oh, I do this all the time." and I was one of those people before this week. However, we each cling to our own characteristic of God. Be it that He is loving, compassionate, merciful, jealous, ect... We each see God as mainly one thing. In my conversation with my bestie, she brought up that to come even a little bit closer to understanding who God is, we need to expand our horizons and search for all of the different characteristics of God. He is so complex and diverse and so often we forget about that by putting him in a specific box.
This leads me to the next part of the conversation that I had with my friend. So we strive to become closer to God. For what reason though? Is the ultimate goal to be that my relationship with God will benefit me, giving me the change at eternal life? No. While that will be a side effect of the ultimate goal, it is not the sole purpose of God wanting a relationship with us.
I see it in the picture of a waterfall which empties into a fast flowing river. Bear with me for a second and just picture that in your mind. Alright, see it? Now I will explain...
The area at the bottom of the water fall represents me (or you if you are putting this in terms of yourself). The actual waterfall represents God, who pours into you both love and forgiveness. The river that flows out from the bottom of the waterfall (remember, the bottom is you) is everyone else that you come into contact with. Do you see it yet? If the waterfall were to stop pouring into the bottom of the waterfall, all of the remaining water would flow to the river, but the bottom would dry up. Eventually there would be no more water running anywhere. God pours into us, much like the water fall, allowing us to wallow in his love and forgiveness for a time and then sending it off to everyone else that we come in contact with. It is a cycle in which it is God who is reaching to others, but by going through you.
So looking at this picture, it became clear to me that my relationship with God is not about me, but rather it is about God working through me to reach others. In the end, I will not be the only one to benefit, and I find that incredibly refreshing. When I remember this, I have motivation to spend the time in God's word and in Prayer, allowing God to pour into me so that I will have the oppertunity to be a vessel to others. It's a new perspective; one that pulls any selfish part out of my relationship with God. I want to make sure that I never forget that third party and that I will always remember that those around me could use a touch of God's "waterfall". I am His servant and I will allow Him to work through me in any way He chooses.
I was looking at the question all wrong. It's not "who am I?" but rather, "Who is God?" A verse in Genesis was what lead me to consider this question change.
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27 NIV)
We were created in God's own image. Created with the intent that we would strive to follow in God's footsteps. So instead of going on a self fulfilling journey of finding out who I really am, I have decided to go on a God fulfilling journey of noticing His characteristics in each peice of scripture that I read. Alot of people may say, "Oh, I do this all the time." and I was one of those people before this week. However, we each cling to our own characteristic of God. Be it that He is loving, compassionate, merciful, jealous, ect... We each see God as mainly one thing. In my conversation with my bestie, she brought up that to come even a little bit closer to understanding who God is, we need to expand our horizons and search for all of the different characteristics of God. He is so complex and diverse and so often we forget about that by putting him in a specific box.
This leads me to the next part of the conversation that I had with my friend. So we strive to become closer to God. For what reason though? Is the ultimate goal to be that my relationship with God will benefit me, giving me the change at eternal life? No. While that will be a side effect of the ultimate goal, it is not the sole purpose of God wanting a relationship with us.
I see it in the picture of a waterfall which empties into a fast flowing river. Bear with me for a second and just picture that in your mind. Alright, see it? Now I will explain...
The area at the bottom of the water fall represents me (or you if you are putting this in terms of yourself). The actual waterfall represents God, who pours into you both love and forgiveness. The river that flows out from the bottom of the waterfall (remember, the bottom is you) is everyone else that you come into contact with. Do you see it yet? If the waterfall were to stop pouring into the bottom of the waterfall, all of the remaining water would flow to the river, but the bottom would dry up. Eventually there would be no more water running anywhere. God pours into us, much like the water fall, allowing us to wallow in his love and forgiveness for a time and then sending it off to everyone else that we come in contact with. It is a cycle in which it is God who is reaching to others, but by going through you.
So looking at this picture, it became clear to me that my relationship with God is not about me, but rather it is about God working through me to reach others. In the end, I will not be the only one to benefit, and I find that incredibly refreshing. When I remember this, I have motivation to spend the time in God's word and in Prayer, allowing God to pour into me so that I will have the oppertunity to be a vessel to others. It's a new perspective; one that pulls any selfish part out of my relationship with God. I want to make sure that I never forget that third party and that I will always remember that those around me could use a touch of God's "waterfall". I am His servant and I will allow Him to work through me in any way He chooses.
Monday, July 22, 2013
An Excerpt from My Heart
July 20th, 2013
Who am I? I feel as though I have all of this creativity wrapped up in myself. Dance, music, art, writing... Where do I go with it all? I love learning and school, but it is hard to balance everything.
Lately, I've been so bitter and frustrated with the world. It's become so easy to let my emotions get the best of me. I know that I won't make it unless I turn to God. he is my stability; the one thing that I can always count on. Even with that stability, though, I am always under attack. From all angles come the questions... the accusations... This makes me realize that no matter how much I know, I will always need to ask God for the right words to say in every situation. No matter where I am at, I am a missionary, sent on a mission from God. And man, I have so many people who I would love to see meet God by allowing Him to work through me!
So now, just as Paul came and was to all people what they needed him to be, how do I become what is needed? Is it possible that I already am what is needed in the places God is sending me? Has He prepared me in this way already?
WHO AM I?
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, ALONG WITH EVERY FORM OF MALICE. BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE to one another, forgiving eachother, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
-Ephesians 4:31-32 and 5:1-2.
Who am I? I feel as though I have all of this creativity wrapped up in myself. Dance, music, art, writing... Where do I go with it all? I love learning and school, but it is hard to balance everything.
Lately, I've been so bitter and frustrated with the world. It's become so easy to let my emotions get the best of me. I know that I won't make it unless I turn to God. he is my stability; the one thing that I can always count on. Even with that stability, though, I am always under attack. From all angles come the questions... the accusations... This makes me realize that no matter how much I know, I will always need to ask God for the right words to say in every situation. No matter where I am at, I am a missionary, sent on a mission from God. And man, I have so many people who I would love to see meet God by allowing Him to work through me!
So now, just as Paul came and was to all people what they needed him to be, how do I become what is needed? Is it possible that I already am what is needed in the places God is sending me? Has He prepared me in this way already?
WHO AM I?
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, ALONG WITH EVERY FORM OF MALICE. BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE to one another, forgiving eachother, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
-Ephesians 4:31-32 and 5:1-2.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Wrestling with Hatred
Hatred is a touchy subject, however, after today, I believe it is something that I want to take some time and focus on. The Bible presents an interesting view of hatred, providing two different perspectives. As followers of Christ, we are told in the first part of Psalm 97: 10, "You who love the LORD, hate evil!" Taking this verse at face value, it seems as though we are to be angry with every injust thing that occurs, but how do we separate hating the person who is preforming the injustice and hating the injustice? 1 John 2:9 makes it very clear that "whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness." These two verses at first seem to be in conflict, however it is a solvable conflict. God does not call me to hate the one causing any kind of injustice. Rather, we are to love that person, separating them from the injustice and through this, perhaps be able to present an alternative to the person from a loving standpoint.
I can't say that this is an easy step for me to take. Until recently, I had rarely been confronted with any feeling of hatred, but now that I have felt it, I understand how important it is to reign in hatred and prevent it from clouding my judgment and controlling my decisions. Personally, I see a combination of Psalm 97: 10 and
1 John 2:9 to be the solution to keeping hatred and anger reigned in. Rather than approaching a person while engulfed in anger, I need to look at that person who has fallen off of the narrow path, with the want to help them return to God. Through that, perhaps the person will focus on the love that you are extending to them and take the time to listen to your opinion on whatever it is they are doing. Without respect and love, no injustice will be solved.
Of course, people are not perfect and this may not always work. In that case, I am realizing that it is always up to God to change hearts, leaving us with the oppertunity to pray without ceasing.
I don't expect everyone to agree with this as every situation is different and requires unique attitudes. For me, however, this is what God is teaching me.
I can't say that this is an easy step for me to take. Until recently, I had rarely been confronted with any feeling of hatred, but now that I have felt it, I understand how important it is to reign in hatred and prevent it from clouding my judgment and controlling my decisions. Personally, I see a combination of Psalm 97: 10 and
1 John 2:9 to be the solution to keeping hatred and anger reigned in. Rather than approaching a person while engulfed in anger, I need to look at that person who has fallen off of the narrow path, with the want to help them return to God. Through that, perhaps the person will focus on the love that you are extending to them and take the time to listen to your opinion on whatever it is they are doing. Without respect and love, no injustice will be solved.
Of course, people are not perfect and this may not always work. In that case, I am realizing that it is always up to God to change hearts, leaving us with the oppertunity to pray without ceasing.
I don't expect everyone to agree with this as every situation is different and requires unique attitudes. For me, however, this is what God is teaching me.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Passing Grade
With it being the end of a university semester, the majority of students have their minds focused on two main things; their marks and summer! I was blessed with the oppertunity to return to church for the first time in forever on Sunday, and of course, God was just waiting to reveal new things to me.
I like to say that I am a student that strives for excellence. Over the years I have worked to find a balance between excelling in school and excelling in friendships. But on Sunday, I was confronted with the fact that over the last 8 months, I have only been living life with a "passing grade." My spiritual life has consisted of doing what I saw as the bare minimum to achieve eternal life but I didn't realize that until yesterday. The thought that I haven't been striving to excel in my walk with God sickens me. After all, in Revelation 3:15-16, the Bible says "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." I have become lukewarm this year and that isn't what I want.
Luckily for me, I am subject to the Grace of God. I can never be separated from His love...
"28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
-Romans 8:28-39
In response to this, I want to live a life of excellence. Striving to be on fire in my relationship with God. For this reason...
" I will dare to live with purpose and passion.
I will dare to live with excellence and commitment.
I will do the very best to be the best ME I can be.
I will ahve the courage to be one of the few!"
-Joyce Meyer
I like to say that I am a student that strives for excellence. Over the years I have worked to find a balance between excelling in school and excelling in friendships. But on Sunday, I was confronted with the fact that over the last 8 months, I have only been living life with a "passing grade." My spiritual life has consisted of doing what I saw as the bare minimum to achieve eternal life but I didn't realize that until yesterday. The thought that I haven't been striving to excel in my walk with God sickens me. After all, in Revelation 3:15-16, the Bible says "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." I have become lukewarm this year and that isn't what I want.
Luckily for me, I am subject to the Grace of God. I can never be separated from His love...
"28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
-Romans 8:28-39
In response to this, I want to live a life of excellence. Striving to be on fire in my relationship with God. For this reason...
" I will dare to live with purpose and passion.
I will dare to live with excellence and commitment.
I will do the very best to be the best ME I can be.
I will ahve the courage to be one of the few!"
-Joyce Meyer
Friday, April 26, 2013
Powerful with a Purpose
Here I am... 1:30 AM, unable to sleep... Back in September, I had a night just like this one. It was my first night away from home and I was afraid of what I had gotten myself into, moving to Saskatoon for university. Tonight, however, I am afraid of leaving all of this. My heart aches for all of the goodbyes that are sure to come in the following morning. But as I allow these tears to roll down my face, I take a moment to look back on the year. I look at where I am now and where I was in September. Flipping through my journal, I find one of the very first entries from here in Saskatoon...
"Who am I going to be? God, I have a choice. I live in a secular world now. How am I going to portray myself? More importantly, how will I portray you? I want to be a woman of God. A woman who shows the fruits of the spirit to everyone around her. I want to be the one who people see you in. But, I also feel the human need to be accepted and that is going to pull me onto the wide path. God, only you can transform. Only you can give the fruit of the spirit. Come and fill me God. I know that you have me here for a reason, you placed me at Sheps. So I need to trust that you will continue to open doors. To place people in my life with whom I can share your light. God, help me to be different, to stand up for what I know is right."(September 6, 2012)
I'm not perfect. I've screwed up this year, and I will be the first to admit that. I have no regrets though.This has been a year in which God uprooted me fully from every familiar thing and placed me in an alien setting. I have been a missionary, called to love those God has placed in my life. And let me tell you, I wouldn't trade it for the world. As I look back at that September 6th entry, I realize that God gave me everything I asked for. He delivered and I cannot complain in anyway about that. I have been so blessed, and as I leave this place for the next four months, I am sad but I know that God isn't done with me yet.
So here I am; Powerful with a Purpose. Lord, send me.
"Who am I going to be? God, I have a choice. I live in a secular world now. How am I going to portray myself? More importantly, how will I portray you? I want to be a woman of God. A woman who shows the fruits of the spirit to everyone around her. I want to be the one who people see you in. But, I also feel the human need to be accepted and that is going to pull me onto the wide path. God, only you can transform. Only you can give the fruit of the spirit. Come and fill me God. I know that you have me here for a reason, you placed me at Sheps. So I need to trust that you will continue to open doors. To place people in my life with whom I can share your light. God, help me to be different, to stand up for what I know is right."(September 6, 2012)
I'm not perfect. I've screwed up this year, and I will be the first to admit that. I have no regrets though.This has been a year in which God uprooted me fully from every familiar thing and placed me in an alien setting. I have been a missionary, called to love those God has placed in my life. And let me tell you, I wouldn't trade it for the world. As I look back at that September 6th entry, I realize that God gave me everything I asked for. He delivered and I cannot complain in anyway about that. I have been so blessed, and as I leave this place for the next four months, I am sad but I know that God isn't done with me yet.
So here I am; Powerful with a Purpose. Lord, send me.
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