I know these quotes are weighty. I know my own guilt before the Holy GOD. Thankfully He addresses the truth with us, His created beings, and provided the ultimate Remedy. Eternally grateful.
Friday, 10 November 2017
"A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love" Milton Vincent Part 3
This little booklet continues to work in my heart and life. Here's the photos and quotes for part 3 of this series, Part II of "A Gospel Narrative: Prose Version"
I know these quotes are weighty. I know my own guilt before the Holy GOD. Thankfully He addresses the truth with us, His created beings, and provided the ultimate Remedy. Eternally grateful.
I know these quotes are weighty. I know my own guilt before the Holy GOD. Thankfully He addresses the truth with us, His created beings, and provided the ultimate Remedy. Eternally grateful.
Friday, 25 August 2017
"A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love" Milton Vincent Part 2
Quotes all taken from the book that is the title of this post. I highly recommend ....
Friday, 22 July 2016
"A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love" Milton Vincent
This book is a powerful tool to dig deep into the Gospel and allow it to transform you. I've been tremendously blessed and challenged by it personally, and have used it much in counseling.
There is a full version and a shorter condensed one. I've decided to take the short one and phrase by phrase do a photography project with it. This process has been a creative way for me to think on the truths of what God did through His Son. Here's the first five photos overlay-ed with "The Gospel Primer" quotes.
I highly recommend this book.
There is a full version and a shorter condensed one. I've decided to take the short one and phrase by phrase do a photography project with it. This process has been a creative way for me to think on the truths of what God did through His Son. Here's the first five photos overlay-ed with "The Gospel Primer" quotes.
I highly recommend this book.
May Christ be magnified as you read these posts, and consider the grace of God and what it means to you. More posts to come.....
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Recommended Reading: "Living at the End of the Rope" Ron Hughes
I enjoy good books. This was a noteworthy read. In "Living at the End of the Rope: Going on when things aren't getting better" Canadian author Ron Hughes has interviewed ten people or couples who have endured some type of deep trial; shares their struggle, and how they are able to live on.
The real life testimonies include such hardships as; living with consequences of choices made, death of a child, deteriorating health, divorce, loving a severely disabled child, spouses' anxiety, death of a spouse, having a mismatched marriage, and adjusting to the realities of old age. He ties up the moving biographical chapters with his own conclusions of how these people are able to cope, and even thrive through and after their challenging experiences in his own words in the concluding "The Common Thread" Chapter.
I highly recommend this book to you, and don't want to give away it's contents any further.... Go, read it, with a great cup of tea, and drink in the truths demonstrated through lives of genuine Canadian sufferers. You won't regret it.
For more information on this book and it's author check out this website:
ronhugheswrites.com/living-at-the-end-of-your-rope/
The real life testimonies include such hardships as; living with consequences of choices made, death of a child, deteriorating health, divorce, loving a severely disabled child, spouses' anxiety, death of a spouse, having a mismatched marriage, and adjusting to the realities of old age. He ties up the moving biographical chapters with his own conclusions of how these people are able to cope, and even thrive through and after their challenging experiences in his own words in the concluding "The Common Thread" Chapter.
I highly recommend this book to you, and don't want to give away it's contents any further.... Go, read it, with a great cup of tea, and drink in the truths demonstrated through lives of genuine Canadian sufferers. You won't regret it.
For more information on this book and it's author check out this website:
ronhugheswrites.com/living-at-the-end-of-your-rope/
Tuesday, 10 November 2015
Guest Post: "Psalm Study: Day Five" by Oliveah
This post is written by a sweet young lady, Nathan's second cousin, and our very own flower girl in our wedding, Oliveah Friesen. As well as being a student, working, and enjoying family time, she has a hobby business overhauling old pieces of furniture, giving it a new look, and renewed purpose. She loves Jesus Christ. As you read this post, may it speak truth to your heart, and urge you to seek Christ more, spend time in His Word, and prayer, and be intentional about your own faith journey. This is part 5 in a series, be sure to check out her blog to get all her thoughtful insights from the Psalms; https://oliveahfriesen.wordpress.com/
Psalm Study: Day Five
Psalm 63:1, 63:8 – “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you…my soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me”
You know that feeling of extreme thirst on the hottest day of summer? Or that uncontrollable desire to be hydrated after exercising? Moreover, that feeling where you know your body needs something, and you cannot and will not stop thinking about it and pursuing it until you have it? What if this was the type of longing we continually had for Christ? What if our souls literally ached and started to shut down if we didn’t get our daily dose of His word?
The problem that we face is that we can very easily recognize our thirst, but we often turn to the wrong source for satisfaction. Our souls do experience the dehydration of not enough Lord, but we never associate our pain with the lack of our own faith.
For a very long time, I was in a bad habit of getting way too comfortable with my own routine. I had all the things I thought I really wanted in life, with some goals to work towards. I was comfortable. And, as I have recently been learning, as soon as God knows that we are too comfortable, He often chooses to take away our nice, relaxing lounge chair, and instead puts us in the middle of a boxing ring with lots of punches to embrace, and lots of bruises to learn from. But why does a compassionate, loving, and kind God do this? Why does He allow us to experience discouraging battles and heartbreaking circumstances?
The answer is simple:
- God pursues us
- God longs for us
- God desires our love
- God wants what is best for us, and,
- God loves us
We are purposefully and lovingly removed from our own comfort because God knows how it is only through those situations that we will truly be drawn back to Him. How overwhelmed, ashamed, and disappointed do I feel in myself that it took a series of major events for me to place my full dependency back on the Lord who saved me.
It’s times like these where I am reminded of how naturally human, sinful, and selfish we are. I know I’m not perfect, but the things that I have had to start working through have definitely opened my eyes. I’ve learned that no person on earth, no educational degree, no material item, no relationship, no friendship, nothing… nothing can be a stronger tower than the Lord our God.
“My soul thirsts for you, my flesh faints for you… my soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me”
I am slowly, but steadily, returning to my 16 year-old self. A young, maturing girl, who placed her entire life in the hands of her Lord and received many blessings for it. She found a best friend, who helped her learn more than she could imagine for two amazing years. She experienced yet blessing after blessing throughout these times, but now, at 18, she was called to refocus her faith and spirit on the one who created her life in the first place.
I don’t know what my future holds, and I am okay with that. Maybe some broken pieces will be mended back together, or maybe they won’t. But, as long as my soul constantly thirsts for the Lord, as long as my flesh faints every moment for Him, as long as my soul clings to Him, I will be content. For the right hand of the Lord upholds me, and for that, I will praise Him forevermore.
Saturday, 7 November 2015
Guest Post:"Fishing For Answers" by Katie
Here's a wonderful blog post written by a WOLBI Canada Alumnus, and sweet sister in Christ.
Praying the Scriptures, her thoughts, and Biblical perspective, encourage you in your own set of circumstances to wait on the Lord.
If you'd like to check out Katie's own blog, here's the link; https://girlforgodsite.wordpress.com/2015/11/07/fishing-for-answers/
FISHING FOR ANSWERS
As a kid, my dad was a huge fan of fishing. Therefore from a young age, I was taught how to bait a hook and cast the line out. I grew to love the relaxing activity and sitting watching the still water, feeling the sway of the boat with the current, while spending time with my father and soaking up the sun. But shortly after we got out on the water my heart grew impatient, I attempted to reel in my line many times without exercising patience and giving a chance to allow my bait to attract the fish I longed to catch.
As I got older and learned more, I finally started to realize that the type of bait I had been using was specifically designed to sit in the water and move along with the current, to catch the eye of the fish below the surface. When I was younger, I did not understand why my dad urged me to be patient and wait for that tug on the line. But looking back, I understand and I can see why it was wise for me to heed my Dad’s advice to wait and be patient. Although at the time it seemed foolish, as I grew older I learned and grew, and a small thing like fishing taught me about patience and now I can say that I learned how to properly handle the specific bait that my Dad had given me.
Thinking about my fishing experiences I was reminded of my impatient heart in life. I so anxiously want to be in control of all facets of my life and receive the answers I am looking for now. I am constantly tempted to look at the things that are stirring in my heart and question God and have an attitude of discontentment and impatience, reflecting my heart lacking a trust in God and selfishness. Sometimes there are trials I face that I do not understand, and there are questions I have about where I should go and what I should do in life. My heart is constantly impatient and I want to have the answers, and be control of all the details and facets of my life.
But tied with my lack of understanding and answers, is the amazing truth that our heavenly father has the answers we are searching for. Like my dad constantly urging me and guiding me to be patient and trust his words. I can trust him knowing that he knows the reason and purpose for the long and mundane process of fishing. God knows the long and troublesome process of the trials of our life. God is constantly reminding me, that we are all called to trust in him and be patient. His word tells us in Psalms 37:7 “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (ESV) For he knows all the things that are going on in my heart and he also knows the purpose for it, and in the end, I will learn and grow more and God will shape me more into the image of Christ through it. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us “do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.” (NIV). We can be encouraged that God says we do not need to be anxious about anything, and that we are able to turn to him with any and everything, but note we need to recognize and be thankful for all the Lord is doing and has done. And he promises peace, why? Not because of our circumstances changing because we are learning to trust what the Lord has said.
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
Guest Post: "A Supper Invitation" by Julie
Food.... the topic my friend Julie, an alumnus of the Word of Life Bible Institute, and a sweet woman of the Lord has written a wonderful blog post on. Food for thought, thanks Julie for your insights. Because she grew up in Brazil, and has traveled much in this beautiful world; she has a unique perspective and experience. I was blessed and encouraged by her Biblical thoughts on this area of life, ans I am sure you will be as you read.... Bonne appetit!!! ;)
With her permission I share this with you. Her blog is a tremendous refreshing source of truth also..... you can find her at; http://www.simplicityandpurity.blogspot.de/
a supper invitation
I started a new job recently, as food services manager. I take care of menu planning, food purchasing and meal preparation. That is, for me and my husband, and sometimes for guests. As a single, I cooked, but more sporadically, or in bulk (I was the college kid eating homemade chicken and rice casserole four days in a row). Before I was married, if I preferred to spend the evening writing rather than cooking, I could do that. But my work is now to please my husband, and regular meals please him more than regular blog posts. (Imagine that!) So, I cook regularly.
I've enjoyed the past few months of finding recipe blogs, testing menus on my husband or friends, and when we find something we like, trying to repeat the performance again a few weeks later. I still wouldn't list cooking as my favourite activity (may God bless all of you who do...actually, I love supper invitations...) but I do enjoy in preparing colourful, healthy meals, and I think it is important to find joy in things we must do every day.
As the focus of my life has shifted, I'm understanding a bit better why my wife and mom friends talk about food and recipes so often. It's the stuff of their lives, especially if they're feeding big families. I still don't aim to be a woman who talks about kitchen-related topics every time she sees her friends, but they're entering my vocabulary more. As arefood trend words. I'm finding more recipes that call for "free-range eggs" instead of any old eggs, or "organic rice flour" instead of run-of-the-mill flour. Salt is sea and pepper is fresh-cracked. I'm running into the various eating trends more often, and since we live in a place where organic produce is readily available, I'm finding myself lingering undecidedly between the regular mushrooms and the (two or three times as expensive) organic mushrooms at the store. Being a menu planner means making lots of little decisions which cumulatively have a big impact.
As we lay the foundations of food in our home, I'm thinking about what healthy and balanced eating looks like, and running ideas past my husband. But more than subscribing to a certain plan or diet, my main concern as food manager in our home, is that my theology of food and eating be properly oriented. Food is a common distraction, and a common idol of the human heart. We eat too much or too little, care about our health too much or too little. Our relationship to our food is often an indicator of our relationship to God and His Word.
It seems North Americans are losing their balance in the area of food.I can see how easily this happens, due to genuine health concerns (I rarely touch hot dogs, marshmallows, or pop, either), but in all things we need balance. I haven't heard much about food trends or extreme diets in Europe yet, which makes me think it that the trends that come to mind are more of a North American phenomenon. (That, and having more credit cards than you have children and pets. North America isn't famous for its moderation.)
A good friend read my mind in February and posted some of her concerns about believers choosing their diets in more and more extreme ways. She referenced 1 Timothy 4:1-6 and then listed the three points below.
I saw how easily food fear could be more important to me than the fear of God when I lived in Asia. The local newspaper proclaimed that the chicken sold in our city was so full of antibiotics, that people who commonly eat chicken could become immune to antibiotics a doctor might later prescribe to them. I heard that the chiles and mangoes were rejected for export to developed nations due to the chemicals being used on them, and the watermelons were being injected with sweeteners by the producers. The very choices I thought were good for me (avoiding the yummy fried snacks aisle, heading for the vegetable department) were not much good for me, either. Sometimes my heart grumbled at this, but I had to decide: would matters of food keep me from fellowship, gratefulness, and trust in God?
When we adhere to very particular diets (for non-medical reasons), it limits our ability to cross cultural divides and take spiritual food to the spiritually hungriest places. The very places in the world that are darkest and neediest are often the places where there will be no organic produce and no health food stores selling our favourite supplements. Even in Western contexts, food preferences or concerns may stop us from showing hospitality to and receiving hospitality from neighbours of differing cultures and faith. Will our menu stop us from m!ssions?
Acts 10 tells the account of how Peter was headed out to obey his Master's "go make disciples" command, and still following his Old Testament eating practices. He had a vision, where God showed him "all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air" and told him to rise, kill and eat. Peter refused, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean!" and God told him, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." In the Old Testament, God was calling His Israelite people out of pagan nations, and had them live according to particular food laws. But it is significant that just as the good news was breaking the Jewish barriers and heading out in to the Gentile world like never before, God dropped the food restrictions. The chruch had a new freedom to eat all things, and this would greatly enhance their ability to go make disciples.
To allow our food preferences to slow us from going out with spiritual food is not Sciptural. Furthermore, the forbidding of certain foods a sign of false religion (see I Timothy 4 again). While most of the world is captive to food laws, to their false (or in the case of the Jews, incomplete) religions, we are free.
Other than not eating food offered to idols, or general principles of stewarding our bodies well, we have only one dietary restriction given to the chruch in the epistles. It is not about the food or the body (which perish), but about people and their souls (whom He wills not to perish). Romans 14-15 teaches that we are to eat in a way that promotes love and unity, not in a way that causes others to stumble. "Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food."
We are not menu advisers for the marriage supper of the Lamb—(I have a feeling we'll be eating whatever is served)—our task is as messengers. We are to invite more guests, and we will eat, together, forever. "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."
I've enjoyed the past few months of finding recipe blogs, testing menus on my husband or friends, and when we find something we like, trying to repeat the performance again a few weeks later. I still wouldn't list cooking as my favourite activity (may God bless all of you who do...actually, I love supper invitations...) but I do enjoy in preparing colourful, healthy meals, and I think it is important to find joy in things we must do every day.
As the focus of my life has shifted, I'm understanding a bit better why my wife and mom friends talk about food and recipes so often. It's the stuff of their lives, especially if they're feeding big families. I still don't aim to be a woman who talks about kitchen-related topics every time she sees her friends, but they're entering my vocabulary more. As arefood trend words. I'm finding more recipes that call for "free-range eggs" instead of any old eggs, or "organic rice flour" instead of run-of-the-mill flour. Salt is sea and pepper is fresh-cracked. I'm running into the various eating trends more often, and since we live in a place where organic produce is readily available, I'm finding myself lingering undecidedly between the regular mushrooms and the (two or three times as expensive) organic mushrooms at the store. Being a menu planner means making lots of little decisions which cumulatively have a big impact.
As we lay the foundations of food in our home, I'm thinking about what healthy and balanced eating looks like, and running ideas past my husband. But more than subscribing to a certain plan or diet, my main concern as food manager in our home, is that my theology of food and eating be properly oriented. Food is a common distraction, and a common idol of the human heart. We eat too much or too little, care about our health too much or too little. Our relationship to our food is often an indicator of our relationship to God and His Word.
When I graduated from high school twelve years ago, virtually the only "food preferences" I knew of were related to health problems(such as allergies, diabetes) and vegetarianism. I recall working as a camp counsellor and bringing the EpiPen to the supper table in case my camper came into contact with sesame seeds, or perhaps having to encourage a picky child to eat what was put in front of her. But that world of eating seemed kind of simple, now that I look back on it. I can only imagine children coming to camp now with a list of food preferences longer than their arm, and having a cabin full of kids with wildly different diets and trying to please them all. Or, perhaps kids don't go to camp anymore, for fear that they may eat (and perhaps enjoy?) hot dogs, marshmallows, pop or white bread.
It seems North Americans are losing their balance in the area of food.I can see how easily this happens, due to genuine health concerns (I rarely touch hot dogs, marshmallows, or pop, either), but in all things we need balance. I haven't heard much about food trends or extreme diets in Europe yet, which makes me think it that the trends that come to mind are more of a North American phenomenon. (That, and having more credit cards than you have children and pets. North America isn't famous for its moderation.)
A good friend read my mind in February and posted some of her concerns about believers choosing their diets in more and more extreme ways. She referenced 1 Timothy 4:1-6 and then listed the three points below.
My friend wrote,"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,you will be a good minister of Chr!st J'esus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed." (1 Timothy 4:1-6)
- "If food is pulling me away from fellowship with other believers because what's served at the potluck won't be _______ ...
- "If I'm teaching our children to be disrespectful or ungrateful because our family doesn't eat _______....
- "If I am consumed by fear over what will happen if we ingest ________....
"...then maybe I need to reconsider my heart's worship.Be thankful. And even be willing to 'point these things out to the brothers and sisters, [so that I] will be a good minister of Chr!st Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed'. [I Timothy 4:6]"Believers often follow eating trends believing that they stem from a godly desire to steward their bodies well. But when food is more important than fellowship or gratefulness, or when it fills one with earthly fears, is not godly. Even if the food does great things for one's gut, weight, skin or overall health.
I saw how easily food fear could be more important to me than the fear of God when I lived in Asia. The local newspaper proclaimed that the chicken sold in our city was so full of antibiotics, that people who commonly eat chicken could become immune to antibiotics a doctor might later prescribe to them. I heard that the chiles and mangoes were rejected for export to developed nations due to the chemicals being used on them, and the watermelons were being injected with sweeteners by the producers. The very choices I thought were good for me (avoiding the yummy fried snacks aisle, heading for the vegetable department) were not much good for me, either. Sometimes my heart grumbled at this, but I had to decide: would matters of food keep me from fellowship, gratefulness, and trust in God?
When we adhere to very particular diets (for non-medical reasons), it limits our ability to cross cultural divides and take spiritual food to the spiritually hungriest places. The very places in the world that are darkest and neediest are often the places where there will be no organic produce and no health food stores selling our favourite supplements. Even in Western contexts, food preferences or concerns may stop us from showing hospitality to and receiving hospitality from neighbours of differing cultures and faith. Will our menu stop us from m!ssions?
Acts 10 tells the account of how Peter was headed out to obey his Master's "go make disciples" command, and still following his Old Testament eating practices. He had a vision, where God showed him "all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air" and told him to rise, kill and eat. Peter refused, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean!" and God told him, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." In the Old Testament, God was calling His Israelite people out of pagan nations, and had them live according to particular food laws. But it is significant that just as the good news was breaking the Jewish barriers and heading out in to the Gentile world like never before, God dropped the food restrictions. The chruch had a new freedom to eat all things, and this would greatly enhance their ability to go make disciples.
To allow our food preferences to slow us from going out with spiritual food is not Sciptural. Furthermore, the forbidding of certain foods a sign of false religion (see I Timothy 4 again). While most of the world is captive to food laws, to their false (or in the case of the Jews, incomplete) religions, we are free.
- Jews follow the distinct "kosher" diet laid out in the Torah.
- Muslims' meat must be slaughtered in a particular way, and pork is not allowed.
- Many Hindus are lactovegetarians (no meat or eggs), and a few avoid all varieties of garlic and onions.
- Jains are not only lactovegetarians, but they often don't eat root vegetables (including carrots, potatoes), garlic or onions either. During fasting periods other foods are also restricted.
- Seventh Day Adventists and Mormons represent a few of the sects within the broad title of Christianity that have self-imposed dietary restrictions.
Other than not eating food offered to idols, or general principles of stewarding our bodies well, we have only one dietary restriction given to the chruch in the epistles. It is not about the food or the body (which perish), but about people and their souls (whom He wills not to perish). Romans 14-15 teaches that we are to eat in a way that promotes love and unity, not in a way that causes others to stumble. "Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food."
Godliness will produce a God- and others-centred balance in a world that is full of extremes. It helps to have godly, balanced people with eternal mindsets as our role models. Paul wrote to the Philippians:
"...keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Chr!st.Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach,and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there...[who] will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."Our God-given food freedom, so unique among the religions of the world, opens doors to nourish others on the truth of faith. If Peter could eat ham with Gentile friends, we too can eat things with others that we would not choose to eat on our own. What God has cleansed, we must not call common. The way we make our everyday food decisions can have a big impact—for the Kingdom!
We are not menu advisers for the marriage supper of the Lamb—(I have a feeling we'll be eating whatever is served)—our task is as messengers. We are to invite more guests, and we will eat, together, forever. "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."
"My food is to do the will of him
who sent me and to finish his work."
who sent me and to finish his work."
—J'esus
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Chr!st in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
—Paul to the Romans
"'Don't you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn't go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.' (In saying this, J'esus declared all foods clean.) He went on: What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come...and defile a person.'"
"'Don't you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn't go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.' (In saying this, J'esus declared all foods clean.) He went on: What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come...and defile a person.'"
—J'esus
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
—Paul, to Timothy
"The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense."
"The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense."
—Solomon
"Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."
—Paul to the Colossians
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