Today, I was at the dentist. I had the privilege of receiving the 2nd of 3 fillings I need due to cavities. I've never been particularly fond of the dentist - but neither have I particularly minded it. It's one of those things in life that I endure, knowing that it's for my overall benefit.
However, I need to evaluate why I had 3 cavities that needed attention in the first place. Of course, I could blame the snack food industry and the pop conglomerates - for, after all, their treats are filled with sugar and teeth rotting ingredients. It should be obvious that its their fault for forcing all their tasty morsals my way. In reality, I could be seen as the victim for years of being force fed those vile snacks. I mean, it really is true, 'you can't eat just one'.
And yet, somehow, I don't think that that argument will work. I guess that no one really forced me to indulge.
Perhaps, it had more to do with the fact that I hadn't been to a dentist in 6 years, prior to moving to Truro. Since July, I've been to see him 4 times. That's 4 times in the last 10 months or 4 times more than I'd been to a dentist in the last 72 months. Ouch! I guess the dentist did say that it could've been worse. Perhaps that explains why I have 2 more visits scheduled in the next 3 months.
Oh, it's fun catching up...all the needles, drills and rinses.
As I think about our spiritual life (walk, journey), I wonder how often we might let things slide, like I did with the dentist. You know, the walk with God stuff. Reading the Bible - not just to do it, but to discover the riches that God wants to say to you on that particular day or moment; spending some thoughtful and soulful time in prayer - for the lost, as Jesus called them, and for the presence of God to be evident - really evident - like the 'old-timers' used to talk about; or about making a difference to those in difficulty or need - thinking beyond ourselves (which I find quite easy to let slide).
As I discovered with my cavities, if we allow the 'routine' things (ie: dentist visits) to pass by, there is a price. Could it be that same way in our spiritual life, if we skip over or take lightly the things that God uses to make us like Him?
Wonder what the church would look like if we all skipped our God visits. Would it look differently than today?
What do you think? Let me know...I appreciate your feedback.
"Send Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
I'm Back...
House shopping. It's not all that it's cracked up to be. For the last 6 weeks or so, April and I have been looking for a potential new home. We, of course, currently live in a church owned parsonage. It is up for sale and we're waiting to see if it will be bought. It needs to be sold in order for us to be able to pick out our next family abode. Because we're in limbo, and unsure as to what the future will hold, we're trying not to get too anxious about it all. However, we can't help but think of packing and preparing in the event of a move. We're certainly ready to do just that. In fact, we've already chosen a home and placed a conditional offer on it. The condition being that the parsonage sells.
Because it's out of our hands and the possibility exists that someone else could swoop in and buy up 'our' future home - we are on 'proverbial' pins and needles waiting. This is where house shopping is not all that it's cracked up to be.
It has been fun, mind you, looking at possibilities of where we may end up living. Comparing amenities of one property over those of another. Thinking of neighbourhoods in which we would like to raise our family - all within our price range, of course. Trying to haggle a 'good' bargain and sensing that we're pleased with the transaction is all a part of the excitement.
But then there's the waiting...the uncertainty...what if the parsonage doesn't sell? Will we be satisfied with going back to live there, even though we never left (it's a mind thing now)? What if someone else buys the house that we want? Oh, the inhumanity...
Whether it's buying a house, or living life in general, we can find truth and sanity in the words of Paul in Philippians 4:11-12, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Being content truly is a secret that far too few of us have learned. We're often looking for what's next...the latest and greatest...something that will give us a thrill in life. I have fallen victim to that (or am I the guilty one).
Being content doesn't mean that we don't look for opportunities or ways in which to be better - it means that we're not stressed out, in competition with others, or comparing what we have with what we do not. I guess it's being ok with where we find ourselves at any particular moment.
House shopping...it's not that big of a deal. I just need to learn to be content.
What do you think?
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
Because it's out of our hands and the possibility exists that someone else could swoop in and buy up 'our' future home - we are on 'proverbial' pins and needles waiting. This is where house shopping is not all that it's cracked up to be.
It has been fun, mind you, looking at possibilities of where we may end up living. Comparing amenities of one property over those of another. Thinking of neighbourhoods in which we would like to raise our family - all within our price range, of course. Trying to haggle a 'good' bargain and sensing that we're pleased with the transaction is all a part of the excitement.
But then there's the waiting...the uncertainty...what if the parsonage doesn't sell? Will we be satisfied with going back to live there, even though we never left (it's a mind thing now)? What if someone else buys the house that we want? Oh, the inhumanity...
Whether it's buying a house, or living life in general, we can find truth and sanity in the words of Paul in Philippians 4:11-12, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Being content truly is a secret that far too few of us have learned. We're often looking for what's next...the latest and greatest...something that will give us a thrill in life. I have fallen victim to that (or am I the guilty one).
Being content doesn't mean that we don't look for opportunities or ways in which to be better - it means that we're not stressed out, in competition with others, or comparing what we have with what we do not. I guess it's being ok with where we find ourselves at any particular moment.
House shopping...it's not that big of a deal. I just need to learn to be content.
What do you think?
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
"It's the Best of Times, It's the Worst of Times."
My thought was not published last week due to my being away.
Since my last posting a couple of weeks ago, we've been made aware of some disturbing events in the news: the deaths of several Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan (the most since the Korean Conflict in the 50's); the tragic shootings (deaths and injuries) in Virginia; and to a lesser degree, the ramblings of Don Imus.
Of course, there have been other news items, but these 3 quickly come to mind. I heard someone say on a television program last week, that perhaps there isn't any more violence (action or spoken) in the world today than in the past - it's just that with the easy and quick access of TV and the internet, we hear and see it much more in today's world. I'm sure that that is open to debate, but it certainly sounds plausible.
Of course, violence and hate language have been around forever. Just think of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel - and the many, many examples since then. There is something within us that seems drawn to violence. Even in sports, watch the crowds when a bench-clearing brawl starts or a fight in hockey. Now, granted, most people do not support murder and acts of violence towards innocent people - but within the heart of man, there is the possibility to do some nasty things. Look at how the vast majority of the Germans were 'conned' into what they accepted and participated in during WWII. They certainly were a civilized and cultured people.
If we think back to the French Revolution in the 1700's, we see a time of chaos and violence. There was much suffering and bloodshed in that nation. It's been said that England was on the same path as France, but something significant took place there to help turn things around. When John Wesley began his ministry in 1738, morality and religion had collapsed in England. In May of that year, Wesley had his Aldersgate (conversion) experience and went out to minister to the multitudes in the open fields. A century later, the social and moral climate of England had changed dramatically. Queen Victoria was on the throne and “Victorian” became a synonym for piety and morality. Conditions can change for the better. It has happened.
What John Wesley and others like him proclaimed, was that the way to change the heart and frustration of man was to accept the grace and forgicveness of Christ and to live as a True Follower. Oh, some will say, look at what the 'Christians' did during the Crusades, or in the difficult days between Ireland's Protestant's and Catholic's. Well, I would counter that many of those believers were in name only and had not experienced a changed/transformed heart.
The true Christian lives a life like that of Christ - full of compassion, love, help and heart holiness.
Be in prayer for the families who have been affected by recent acts of violence - but also check your heart; do others know that you're a Christian by your love?
Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Since my last posting a couple of weeks ago, we've been made aware of some disturbing events in the news: the deaths of several Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan (the most since the Korean Conflict in the 50's); the tragic shootings (deaths and injuries) in Virginia; and to a lesser degree, the ramblings of Don Imus.
Of course, there have been other news items, but these 3 quickly come to mind. I heard someone say on a television program last week, that perhaps there isn't any more violence (action or spoken) in the world today than in the past - it's just that with the easy and quick access of TV and the internet, we hear and see it much more in today's world. I'm sure that that is open to debate, but it certainly sounds plausible.
Of course, violence and hate language have been around forever. Just think of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel - and the many, many examples since then. There is something within us that seems drawn to violence. Even in sports, watch the crowds when a bench-clearing brawl starts or a fight in hockey. Now, granted, most people do not support murder and acts of violence towards innocent people - but within the heart of man, there is the possibility to do some nasty things. Look at how the vast majority of the Germans were 'conned' into what they accepted and participated in during WWII. They certainly were a civilized and cultured people.
If we think back to the French Revolution in the 1700's, we see a time of chaos and violence. There was much suffering and bloodshed in that nation. It's been said that England was on the same path as France, but something significant took place there to help turn things around. When John Wesley began his ministry in 1738, morality and religion had collapsed in England. In May of that year, Wesley had his Aldersgate (conversion) experience and went out to minister to the multitudes in the open fields. A century later, the social and moral climate of England had changed dramatically. Queen Victoria was on the throne and “Victorian” became a synonym for piety and morality. Conditions can change for the better. It has happened.
What John Wesley and others like him proclaimed, was that the way to change the heart and frustration of man was to accept the grace and forgicveness of Christ and to live as a True Follower. Oh, some will say, look at what the 'Christians' did during the Crusades, or in the difficult days between Ireland's Protestant's and Catholic's. Well, I would counter that many of those believers were in name only and had not experienced a changed/transformed heart.
The true Christian lives a life like that of Christ - full of compassion, love, help and heart holiness.
Be in prayer for the families who have been affected by recent acts of violence - but also check your heart; do others know that you're a Christian by your love?
Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Rockin' Robin
As much as I enjoy a large stowstorm (when I don't have to travel), I truly love the perks that come with spring - warmer weather; flowers, new life (green grass, tree buds), and being able to go for walks without having to bundle up. And as summer gets closer, it only gets better for me.
A sure sign that spring has arrived is when you begin to notice the robins. As I look out my office window, I see several of them hopping around the yard. I remember a time back in kindergarten when our teacher told us that if we took a shaker of salt and ran after the robins that were gathered in our play area, we could catch one and make it our pet if we got close enough to throw the salt on its tail. I certainly can recall running around the yard many times with a salt shaker trying to do just that. But I have to tell you, I never got close enough to actually sprinkle the salt on any bird. So, in theory, I'll never know whether or not what she was telling us was true or not. (Though, as an adult, I certainly can reason that it was simply a way to keep our young minds and bodies busy).
We, who share the Christian worldview, will be celebrating Easter (Christ's death and resurrection) this coming weekend. Many others (neighbours, friends, family) will only be celebrating a holiday. Then there will be those who ignore Easter altogether.
For most, outside the Christian faith, there is a struggle to buy into the resurrection component of Christ's story. It seems quite outlandish (ie: a childish fairytale) to believe that anyone can come back to life once truly dead. Our adult and scientific minds don't allow for that sort of thing to happen.
However, if it could be done, then it only stands to reason that God Himself could do it - if in fact He is the giver and taker of life. Most people in Canada (75+%) suggest that they believe in God, though less than 25% attend church on any sort of regular basis. There is a disconnect there - especially if we feel that God wants to have a personal relationship with us. In fact, that's what Easter is all about - Jesus providing a way for mankind to bridge the gap that keeps us from knowing God.
Like I did as a child, when I bought into the notion of catching robins with salt - we too, must use simple faith when considering the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. Some will say that they are one in the same - foolishness...but because of my experience with God in the past and the present - no one can ever convince me that Jesus is not the risen Lord and forgiver of my sin.
This blog is not designed to 'convince' anyone of the facts - simply to say that in order to buy into this age-old story - we must begin with a first step. Child-like faith that says, 'ok God, I'll trust You...now help me to know it.'
In Luke 24, we read of where the angels asked the women at the empty tomb, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" Perhaps too many of us are doing the same. We expect that Christ is dead, and so we look for His bones and tomb. Instead, reach out to Him - seek Him - and see if He is not real. Let Him prove Himself. Have a blessed Easter. Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival. Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
A sure sign that spring has arrived is when you begin to notice the robins. As I look out my office window, I see several of them hopping around the yard. I remember a time back in kindergarten when our teacher told us that if we took a shaker of salt and ran after the robins that were gathered in our play area, we could catch one and make it our pet if we got close enough to throw the salt on its tail. I certainly can recall running around the yard many times with a salt shaker trying to do just that. But I have to tell you, I never got close enough to actually sprinkle the salt on any bird. So, in theory, I'll never know whether or not what she was telling us was true or not. (Though, as an adult, I certainly can reason that it was simply a way to keep our young minds and bodies busy).
We, who share the Christian worldview, will be celebrating Easter (Christ's death and resurrection) this coming weekend. Many others (neighbours, friends, family) will only be celebrating a holiday. Then there will be those who ignore Easter altogether.
For most, outside the Christian faith, there is a struggle to buy into the resurrection component of Christ's story. It seems quite outlandish (ie: a childish fairytale) to believe that anyone can come back to life once truly dead. Our adult and scientific minds don't allow for that sort of thing to happen.
However, if it could be done, then it only stands to reason that God Himself could do it - if in fact He is the giver and taker of life. Most people in Canada (75+%) suggest that they believe in God, though less than 25% attend church on any sort of regular basis. There is a disconnect there - especially if we feel that God wants to have a personal relationship with us. In fact, that's what Easter is all about - Jesus providing a way for mankind to bridge the gap that keeps us from knowing God.
Like I did as a child, when I bought into the notion of catching robins with salt - we too, must use simple faith when considering the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. Some will say that they are one in the same - foolishness...but because of my experience with God in the past and the present - no one can ever convince me that Jesus is not the risen Lord and forgiver of my sin.
This blog is not designed to 'convince' anyone of the facts - simply to say that in order to buy into this age-old story - we must begin with a first step. Child-like faith that says, 'ok God, I'll trust You...now help me to know it.'
In Luke 24, we read of where the angels asked the women at the empty tomb, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" Perhaps too many of us are doing the same. We expect that Christ is dead, and so we look for His bones and tomb. Instead, reach out to Him - seek Him - and see if He is not real. Let Him prove Himself. Have a blessed Easter. Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival. Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Almonds, anyone?
With April's Fools Day just around the corner - I wonder how many of us will attempt to pull a practical joke on someone.
Even though I think that I have a pretty good sense of humour, practical jokes aren't my specialty. Oh, I try, and sometimes I'll have some success, but for the most part - I just sit back and enjoy what other people try to do.
I recall a time when at Bethany Bible College, a friend of mine - who we'll call Kirk Perry - offered some almonds to me. Now if you know me, I enjoy eating most kinds of nuts (cashews being my favorite). I ate them and enjoyed them. However, as I was gobbling down this treat, I kept thinking that there was a slight hint of chocolate to these almonds. Oh well, nothing too serious. Well, it turns out that this friend of mine - who pastors on Grand Manaan - had originally had chocolate covered almonds, sucked off all the chocolate and gave them to me; pretending to be kind and generous. You can imagine my disgust when the truth came out.
That is an example of a practical joke that got completely out of hand. Well, to be honest, if it had been me giving them away, I too, would have thought it to be quite funny. Kirk, I hold no hard feelings - it was a good joke. However, humour can sometimes be lost on us if we're the brunt of the joke.
It's interesting how our words or actions can affect other people. I am saddened that sometimes we in the church say or do things towards others that are not uplifting, edifying or encouraging - but rather slanderous, painful and outright wrong (dare I say evil?). James reminds us in 3:10, "My brothers, this should not be." As opinionated and self righteous as we might like to think we are, God's word reminds us to consider others before ourselves. What does this mean? If I wouldn't want to eat disgusting almonds, then I shouldn't pass them on to others, either. It is easy to get uptight about what someone might do - or what I might perceive them to be about...but as a Christian - a follower of Jesus - then I need to lay down my selfish need to be right, or in control, or judgmental. I need to be a builder, not a destroyer.
If we put both verse 9 and 10 of chapter 3 together, James states, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."
With April Fool's approaching, will we allow ourselves to be reminded of ways in which we've slandered, gossiped, lied about and caused pain to another - and correct that wrong? It's time to stop being a fool and be a true follower - of the Master.
What do you think? Hit the comment button to let me know.
"Sends Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Even though I think that I have a pretty good sense of humour, practical jokes aren't my specialty. Oh, I try, and sometimes I'll have some success, but for the most part - I just sit back and enjoy what other people try to do.
I recall a time when at Bethany Bible College, a friend of mine - who we'll call Kirk Perry - offered some almonds to me. Now if you know me, I enjoy eating most kinds of nuts (cashews being my favorite). I ate them and enjoyed them. However, as I was gobbling down this treat, I kept thinking that there was a slight hint of chocolate to these almonds. Oh well, nothing too serious. Well, it turns out that this friend of mine - who pastors on Grand Manaan - had originally had chocolate covered almonds, sucked off all the chocolate and gave them to me; pretending to be kind and generous. You can imagine my disgust when the truth came out.
That is an example of a practical joke that got completely out of hand. Well, to be honest, if it had been me giving them away, I too, would have thought it to be quite funny. Kirk, I hold no hard feelings - it was a good joke. However, humour can sometimes be lost on us if we're the brunt of the joke.
It's interesting how our words or actions can affect other people. I am saddened that sometimes we in the church say or do things towards others that are not uplifting, edifying or encouraging - but rather slanderous, painful and outright wrong (dare I say evil?). James reminds us in 3:10, "My brothers, this should not be." As opinionated and self righteous as we might like to think we are, God's word reminds us to consider others before ourselves. What does this mean? If I wouldn't want to eat disgusting almonds, then I shouldn't pass them on to others, either. It is easy to get uptight about what someone might do - or what I might perceive them to be about...but as a Christian - a follower of Jesus - then I need to lay down my selfish need to be right, or in control, or judgmental. I need to be a builder, not a destroyer.
If we put both verse 9 and 10 of chapter 3 together, James states, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."
With April Fool's approaching, will we allow ourselves to be reminded of ways in which we've slandered, gossiped, lied about and caused pain to another - and correct that wrong? It's time to stop being a fool and be a true follower - of the Master.
What do you think? Hit the comment button to let me know.
"Sends Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip...
William Shedd, a nineteenth century pastor and theologian, wrote, “A ship is safe in a harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.”
Obviously, ships are for sailing. Some are built for speed, some for carrying cargo, some for looks, but all for sailing.
I have a 10 foot Sea Doo (not sure whether that qualifies as a ship or not), that I truly enjoy. There's nothing better than getting out on the water on a beautiful day and cruising around. However, at the moment, it is safely stowed away for the winter. Because of that, I'm not able to enjoy it. Oh, I could sit on it and pretend that I'm sailing the ocean waters...but that would be a poor interpretation of the real thing.
Sometimes, as I reflect on the modern day church, I feel that we have settled for a poor imitation of the real thing. As I mentioned in the sermon yesterday morning, too many churches are solely focused on keeping the doors open and the lights turned on. We should never be satisfied with just doing the bare minimum, as God's people.
The church of Jesus Christ is called to reach the world and to impact people with the hope of salvation and of life change. It's a big vision...and it requires a big commitment on our part. If the church is to remain relevant and truly have an impact on the community - then we must get out of the harbor. Jesus showed us that living outside of the comfort zone led to possibilities and opportunities. Yes, it produced risk as well; but who said being a Christian ought to be safe?
There's a ship in Halifax that never leaves the harbor. It has a rich history of effectiveness and naval service. HMCS Sackville served well in WWII and beyond. However, today, it is a museum/memorial to days gone by. It's a good endeavour to have the ship serve as a reminder of Canada's naval past, but the ship was never intended to be a museum. When it was built, it had a far greater purpose - but over time, it became out of date and irrelevant. The church (or its people) should never suffer the same fate. If we become a museum of days gone by, then it's because we stopped ministering to others and finding ways to impact and influence them. Jesus never meant for the church to stay in the harbor - He intends for it to sail.
What do you think? How can the church be relevant in 2007?
"Send revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Obviously, ships are for sailing. Some are built for speed, some for carrying cargo, some for looks, but all for sailing.
I have a 10 foot Sea Doo (not sure whether that qualifies as a ship or not), that I truly enjoy. There's nothing better than getting out on the water on a beautiful day and cruising around. However, at the moment, it is safely stowed away for the winter. Because of that, I'm not able to enjoy it. Oh, I could sit on it and pretend that I'm sailing the ocean waters...but that would be a poor interpretation of the real thing.
Sometimes, as I reflect on the modern day church, I feel that we have settled for a poor imitation of the real thing. As I mentioned in the sermon yesterday morning, too many churches are solely focused on keeping the doors open and the lights turned on. We should never be satisfied with just doing the bare minimum, as God's people.
The church of Jesus Christ is called to reach the world and to impact people with the hope of salvation and of life change. It's a big vision...and it requires a big commitment on our part. If the church is to remain relevant and truly have an impact on the community - then we must get out of the harbor. Jesus showed us that living outside of the comfort zone led to possibilities and opportunities. Yes, it produced risk as well; but who said being a Christian ought to be safe?
There's a ship in Halifax that never leaves the harbor. It has a rich history of effectiveness and naval service. HMCS Sackville served well in WWII and beyond. However, today, it is a museum/memorial to days gone by. It's a good endeavour to have the ship serve as a reminder of Canada's naval past, but the ship was never intended to be a museum. When it was built, it had a far greater purpose - but over time, it became out of date and irrelevant. The church (or its people) should never suffer the same fate. If we become a museum of days gone by, then it's because we stopped ministering to others and finding ways to impact and influence them. Jesus never meant for the church to stay in the harbor - He intends for it to sail.
What do you think? How can the church be relevant in 2007?
"Send revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Monday, March 12, 2007
Part 2
As you may have noticed, I'm a week late in getting to my blog. Sorry for that. I've now adjusted the blog so that anyone can leave me a 'comment' feedback - please feel free to do so.
What should be my reaction - as a Christian - when unexpected difficulties come my way? That was the question that I last left you with. Well, speaking from my own experiences, I often react in the following ways - frustration, anger, worry, grief, disillusionment, sorrow, etc. Of course, depending upon the severity of the difficulty, that determines my exact response.
Some would suggest that a Christian is somehow isolated from the 'reality' of these difficulties (ie: sickness, a death, a job-loss, a bill, a rejection). All we need to do is spout a Bible verse, put on a plastic smile and keep on keeping on. How foolish. Whether we're a Christian or not, we're still human. Feelings are present; uncertainties persist; questions about the future stare us in the face. But I'm learning to understand that it's not the severity of the difficulty that matters nor is it the reason for why it happened all that important. Lessons can be learned, of course, but there's more to the story.
While my reaction to these things may mirror those of an average person (Christian or not), it is the Hope that a believer has in Christ that can make all the difference. Now, the example that I shared last time of the unexpected hospital bill may not shout "HOPE OF CHRIST", but God cares about such things (Blue Cross has since taken care of the bill). When we go through a divorce, God cares; when a spouse dies, God cares; when severe sickness comes, God cares; when we lose a job, God cares...it doesn't matter how large or small - if it affects us, then God cares and He cares deeply.
But it doesn't stop there. If it did, it wouldn't be Hope. I recall being in a deep state of hopelessness. I didn't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I had suffered a great blow and I didn't know what was ahead, and in many ways, I didn't care. Life just 'sucked', for lack of a better word.
But through it all, I had Hope that God was there with me and that He would somehow work things out. In the midst of frustration, anger, worry, grief, disillusionment and sorrow - God showed me that He could heal my hurt; help me get beyond my bitterness and allow me a rebuilt life. You see, it wasn't my circumstance that needed changing, it was me. I trusted Him, though it took awhile to do so completely, and I re-discovered that He is faithful.
So, is a Christian's reaction any different to life's circumstances? Perhaps not. Some of us carry on while some complain. Yet at the end of the day - a Christian has a Hope that none other has - but He is available to all who truly ask.
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
What should be my reaction - as a Christian - when unexpected difficulties come my way? That was the question that I last left you with. Well, speaking from my own experiences, I often react in the following ways - frustration, anger, worry, grief, disillusionment, sorrow, etc. Of course, depending upon the severity of the difficulty, that determines my exact response.
Some would suggest that a Christian is somehow isolated from the 'reality' of these difficulties (ie: sickness, a death, a job-loss, a bill, a rejection). All we need to do is spout a Bible verse, put on a plastic smile and keep on keeping on. How foolish. Whether we're a Christian or not, we're still human. Feelings are present; uncertainties persist; questions about the future stare us in the face. But I'm learning to understand that it's not the severity of the difficulty that matters nor is it the reason for why it happened all that important. Lessons can be learned, of course, but there's more to the story.
While my reaction to these things may mirror those of an average person (Christian or not), it is the Hope that a believer has in Christ that can make all the difference. Now, the example that I shared last time of the unexpected hospital bill may not shout "HOPE OF CHRIST", but God cares about such things (Blue Cross has since taken care of the bill). When we go through a divorce, God cares; when a spouse dies, God cares; when severe sickness comes, God cares; when we lose a job, God cares...it doesn't matter how large or small - if it affects us, then God cares and He cares deeply.
But it doesn't stop there. If it did, it wouldn't be Hope. I recall being in a deep state of hopelessness. I didn't see any light at the end of the tunnel. I had suffered a great blow and I didn't know what was ahead, and in many ways, I didn't care. Life just 'sucked', for lack of a better word.
But through it all, I had Hope that God was there with me and that He would somehow work things out. In the midst of frustration, anger, worry, grief, disillusionment and sorrow - God showed me that He could heal my hurt; help me get beyond my bitterness and allow me a rebuilt life. You see, it wasn't my circumstance that needed changing, it was me. I trusted Him, though it took awhile to do so completely, and I re-discovered that He is faithful.
So, is a Christian's reaction any different to life's circumstances? Perhaps not. Some of us carry on while some complain. Yet at the end of the day - a Christian has a Hope that none other has - but He is available to all who truly ask.
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
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