Thursday, December 29, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: New Year's resolutions

A Christ follower living in a secular world: New Year's resolutions: There is nothing wrong with goal setting. The gesture of trying to improve oneself is a noble one. So often over the years I have said resol...

New Year's resolutions

There is nothing wrong with goal setting. The gesture of trying to improve oneself is a noble one. So often over the years I have said resolutions myself and failed to carry them out. The only one I have been successful with until now is the resolution I made to make no more resolutions. The reasons that my past resolutions have failed has been a variety of reasons. Mostly though it has been the vague goals I have set(Ex. eat better, be a better person, etc.). Not that I had no notion to improve but I had no plan or real intention to carry it out. I became skeptical of the whole process and very negative toward even making a resolution.

I am here to say now that I was wrong. At this very moment I don't have a particular resolution in mind for myself but I'm working on it as I write this. I am big on goal setting so just because I have seen my resolutions and others fail in the past I should be applauding people desiring to improve instead of being critical. So set some attainable goals. Here's a list of some current and all time greats:


  • Lose weight
  • Eat healthy
  • Start/increase exercise regimen 
  • Spend more time with family/friends
  • Read more books
  • Pay off credit cards
  • Help others/Volunteer your time
  • Get organized/remove clutter
  • Lose your arrogance/find some humility


So there you go, now just setting the goal is not enough. If you want to read more books set a number you wish to read this year. What kind of books do you want to read is important too. Some modern authors have interesting and individual works but a lot of them have a formula that they use. Read books but make sure they are ones that satisfy more than just making a certain number. If you want to lose weight set a weekly goal and a goal weight. Tell someone you are close to that can encourage you. If you want to reduce your debt set a budget and figure out how long it will take and do your best to stick to it. If unexpected expenses come up revise your plan but don't give it up entirely.

Now there are some really good resolutions I just couldn't put in a bullet list. These are more important than any of those. If you have a drinking problem, if you are a drug user, if you gamble recklessly, if you view internet porn or any other compulsive condition these are far more important to get out of your life. They don't have to wait for New Year's resolution time but if that is what it takes then do it. Seek help, you are not alone. There is a wealth of support out there for you. Do it today, don't put it off to tomorrow or next year. Those other resolutions pale in comparison and some of them may even be accomplished if you make this bigger change first.

I think my resolution is to be more positive. I can be but am not always a positive person. I tend to fall into the trap of sarcasm and even some of my non sarcastic verbal irony could be viewed as negative and not necessary. I'm already feeling more positive. My parents always said to us kids "if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all" and while there are certain times I don't believe that to be prudent 9 times out of 10 it is a good idea. Please remind me if I am slipping into old patterns of being flippant and a little negative. Feel free to encourage me if you see an improvement. I know it is a little vague as a goal but what can you do ;)

So what are your goals for 2012 and what resolution(s) are you making?

This is likely my last blog for 2011 so have a safe and happy New Year's Eve and may 2012 bring out the best in you!

Blessings!

Monday, December 26, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Don't forget to read the lines

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Don't forget to read the lines: I can get so busy looking for the deeper meaning sometimes I forget to look at what is right in front of me. I am multitiered with layers be...

Don't forget to read the lines

I can get so busy looking for the deeper meaning sometimes I forget to look at what is right in front of me. I am multitiered with layers beneath the surface but a lot of people are not. They just speak from their emotions. They want you to respond to what they are saying and not go to the root. At least not right off the bat. Where I want to probe deeper they just want to deal with the here and now. I can speak on that level and I can respond on that level but it is something I have to be aware of.

As Freud was attributed with saying... sometimes a Cigar is just a Cigar. I seldom feel that is true but it is sometimes. Certainly most times people want you to address their immediate concern before you go deeper. If they desire for you to go deeper at all. I can be a little blunt at times and don't tend to be emotional though recently I have had more of an emotional response than expected when I was talking with people going through difficulties in their life. Especially those with ailments that are ongoing. I feel a little more than I used to. I am a logic driven creature though sometimes with flawed logic.

I have to be knowing my audience. I will say things in jest(verbal irony) and it goes right over their head as they take me at face value. It can be a little demeaning to them as I have to then explain my little joke. It can go one of two ways usually: either they feel bad or they think I'm strange or both. So as a rule I try to be direct but with a certain sensitivity as too not be brutally honest. Honesty is good but sometimes too much truth can be hurtful and sometimes what I believe to be true is just my emotions coming through.

There are times that reading between the lines is foolish. What you read into someones commentary can be wrong. Don't always buy into what you think is going on because you may not have it right. There could be way more/less going on than what meets the eye. It could be a joke that you don't get. It could be a Cigar. Address what you know to be true and work out the rest over time. Listen to people and don't label them prematurely. The truth comes to the surface but not always on your schedule.

This is really good advice.....for me!

Have a blessed day.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Is Ignorance bliss?

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Is Ignorance bliss?: Is there truth in the expression Ignorance is bliss? There will be some instances where you are better to not know certain things. Where p...

Is Ignorance bliss?

Is there truth in the expression Ignorance is bliss?

There will be some instances where you are better to not know certain things. Where people have said or written things about you that are not flattering nor have any value in building you up. Snide commentaries intended to be hurtful and not instructive. Even in this type of scenario there is something to be said about knowing what was said. First off even if the comments are intended to be harmful you might actually learn something about yourself in hearing them. There may be some truth behind their wrath. Secondly, even with no redeeming quality to their commentary it is good to know the character of this person. So as to not put yourself in a vulnerable position with this person and not to pour too much of yourself out to them.

Anybody that knows me very well will know certain things about my character. I'm pretty open with who I am and who I used to be. I'm truthful about my life but am very good at keeping other peoples stuff to myself. I'm also curious about others. Even to the point of wanting to know the things that people say about me, even if they are unkind. Some I will take with a grain of salt and move on but others I can learn from. I'm forever trying to improve and accept I have flaws. I can't see my blind spots but others can. Even comments borne out of contempt can be beneficial.

In a court of law ignorance is not an excuse. This exchange is unlikely at best: Defendant:I'm sorry your Honour but I didn't know you couldn't pull a u-turn there. Judge:Oh, you didn't know. Well that changes everything. Your fine has been waived and you are free to go. No, that won't occur. The judge will ignore your plea and rule against you. Recently I was at a friends house and parked right in front of a fire hydrant. I didn't see it though it was pretty obvious but my mind was elsewhere when I parked and was totally oblivious. When I came back to my car several hours later I was shocked at where I had parked. Fortunately my car wasn't ticketed but if it had been I would have been okay with it. Not happy but okay since it was my fault.

A couple of years back I can think of a pretty harmless example of where ignorance lacked bliss and even any benefit of the doubt. I was at a shopping mall with my Mum. She is elderly and has a handicapped decal that hangs on the mirror. I had dropped her off at the door of the store and then went to park in a handicapped spot since when we were leaving she would have to walk to the car. I saw someone watching me as I parked my car. He had that look of judgement when I got out. He was drinking a coffee a few spots from where I was. I didn't say anything to him as I don't think I have to legitimize every little thing in life to total strangers. I joined my Mum and helped her do what she needed to do. Upon returning to the car there was a sticky substance on the driver door and a coffee cup on the ground near by. In this case ignorance was not bliss. It was harmful. Ignorance had assumed the worst. Not only was he wrong to pour the coffee on my car but to top it off he littered too. Ignorance was not bliss.

There are a lot of everyday situations where ignorance is not bliss. When you blurt out something about someone in a sarcastic way. You are cutting them down. You do it with little forethought and don't mean any harm but in a small way you attack their character. You at the very least reinforce a negative character trait to others and possibly change their perception of this person. When you do anything with little eye to the ramifications it causes. The expression painting yourself into a corner comes to mind. Sometimes you have to think of what you are doing while you are doing it. At my work I see it everyday. Where people throw garbage on the ground instead of using the garbage can 5 feet away. Someone has to pick it up. That's a case of ignorance and laziness. It could also cause a tripping hazard for you or others. Again ignorance is not bliss.

Ignorance means lack of knowledge. Bliss means extreme happiness or joy. I gotta say "ignorance is bliss" is much more catchy than "lack of knowledge leads to extreme happiness" which sounds like a saying from an Orwell novel. Now the particular quote Ignorance is bliss dates back to 1742 and a poem by Thomas Gray. I would say the sentiment goes all the way back to the garden of Eden. Before Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil ignorance truly was bliss. The original sin opened this can of worms. Then the blame game started and oh what a web of deceit and deception we have spun since then.


I don't need to know everything. For example if someone wants to air all their dirty laundry just for the sake of doing it. Bragging about some time of debauchery I can do without. I don't want that info and would rather be ignorant of that unless someone is desiring to change and is telling in the context of how can I change or where do I go for help with this.

So at the end of the day this I know. With very few exceptions ignorance is not bliss. Amen.

Merry Christmas, may the spirit of God descend on you in power and with majesty!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Any which way the wind blows

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Any which way the wind blows: A friend had their FB status as a quote about the wind. It is so true in the way most live. Whatever way the wind is blowing that is where t...

Any which way the wind blows

A friend had their FB status as a quote about the wind. It is so true in the way most live. Whatever way the wind is blowing that is where they are going. No real destination in mind. Just what is convenient or popular at that moment. It brought a piece of scripture to mind when I read the status. From Ephesians 4 verse 14 ...Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

The funny thing is at that very moment I had a show(more specifically, a sermon) cued up to watch on my PVR which ended up being about exactly that section of Ephesians 4. No coincidence as God works in everything and through everything. The pastor talked about how there are many false teachings out there and how we must be wary of those who use scripture to back up their sermon instead of the other way around. Very true and most curious(or brave) for a television evangelist to be that direct. We want to follow the wind of contentment. We want to be told we're okay and everything is fine. We don't want to be challenged and have to fight against the grain for the most part. I am not like that. I have to be careful though, in my zeal for going against the wind of populist teaching they aren't always wrong.

I was in a room of mostly angry people recently. Thankfully it wasn't me they were angry with. It was a 12 step fellowship I am not a part of. I was there in support of a friend. What they said about step 1 was contrary to what I had been taught elsewhere. That your recognition of your own powerlessness was not going to keep you away from ____(fill in the blank with what fits your life) alone. I believe that to be true and it took going into a dark and gloomy room with some filthy mouthed people to find out that not all fellowships are the same in their belief system. What a lot of people don't understand is that there is more to recovery than stopping that thing that you do. It has to be a change in mindset too. Being a Christian sure helps. That daily dying that I do keeps me grounded. Whatever your issue is, it's not the real issue, as the common enemy is compulsive behavior which stems out of deeper emotional issues. A lot of people turn form their thing to other things or trying to change other people. Many become addicted to meetings. Meetings are good but they alone won't make you full and complete. Actually getting out and living a life that is pleasing to God and edifying for your soul will complete you. If all your recovery time is spent talking about how you used to be then what is the point. Helping others is good but staying in that head space all the time is not what God wants for you.

You have to let God lead you in what to follow and what to avoid. I kept trying to find good and well adjusted people to help me become a better person. What I found was that everyone is at least a little broken. Now I do my best to find the good in people. I look at it as a jigsaw puzzle and everyone I meet has a piece I need to complete the puzzle. That good I see in everyone I meet is the wind in my sails. Not the winds of popularity which often blow strong but don't last. If I can get a little better understanding of myself by learning of others experience and following their good examples then I am positive that my Sailboat is headed in the right direction and there no special prize for getting there early. In fact the journey can be a reward in itself.

So if you never go against the wind you probably never get the full amount of blessings God has for you. However if you are always fighting the wind you probably have some issues to deal with. Take it to God. Ask for discernment and test things out and ask him if this is good and pleasing or selfish. He'll show you what is right. God Bless you in your journey!

Monday, December 19, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Is this the picture of a right wing conservative?

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Is this the picture of a right wing conservative?: He was born into poverty. Grew up the son of a tradesman of some sort. Part of a large family and being the eldest son spent a fair bit of h...

Is this the picture of a right wing conservative?

He was born into poverty. Grew up the son of a tradesman of some sort. Part of a large family and being the eldest son spent a fair bit of his time working to help support his family. He didn't have much schooling. Apparently learned to read and was largely self educated. Lived in a back water area where, according to big city folk, people were slow and simple. Kind of what we would consider a hillbilly. Probably hung out in the nearest town a lot as a youth and got a fair bit of knowledge from observing the people there. Picking up knowledge and wisdom along the way from whatever sources were available. He was humble so he didn't show off his intellect but he was very intelligent.

At the age of thirty he was baptized. He immediately started into a life of ministry. His ministry thrived and his followers were many. So much so that he had a hard time being alone with God and at times had to go to extreme measures to attain a level of solitude. He preached of repentance. He spoke of mercy and forgiveness. He spoke of riches as being an obstacle for some. He told us to not concern ourselves with the future but to stay in the present. He told us to store up for ourselves spiritual things instead of silver and gold. He told us the least would be the most. He hung out with the unclean and the poor. He forgave those that had no righteousness and warned those that were overly righteous. He loved life and loved people and was unafraid to be vulnerable. He gave his very life for those that had turned their back on him.

I speak of no other than the Messiah himself. Truth is there is very little known of Jesus from his infancy until his ministry kicked into full gear. The Gospels have very little to tell us of his early life moments. My take is just speculation but I believe it to be true. It seems to me his profile is much more that of a socialist than of a conservative yet who are the political champions of Christianity nowadays? Steven Harper and George Bush are prime examples that really pressed home their Christian walk as part of their platform.

It frustrates me. I'm not exactly left wing but I'm certainly not in favour of deregulation of industry and the conservative political parties are. I'm in favour of strong social programs with room for compassion and parties like the NDP are too. I believe people have the right to be whomever they choose to be however I'm against gay marriage and even recognition of the status of couple when it comes to benefits etc. They are welcome to choose that if they want but I believe it to be against God's law and therefore to be sinful. In my church I would welcome them in to worship with me however not to be put into a position of leadership. I'm also pro-life and believe abortion to be a form of murder. The NDP would not want me in their party with views like that. I'm pro-labour and would like to see better protection for workers than what is enjoyed right now but there is no political party that fits the bill for all of my concerns and my viewpoint.

The communist block fell apart because communism doesn't work. Capitalism is crumbling right now because it doesn't work either. Somewhere in between the two is socialism and it is what I believe Jesus was preaching to us(a secondary message, his main message was about our eternal destiny). Tommy Douglas was a socialist and a pastor. Later he was the father of medicare in this country as the premier of Saskatchewan. FDR(32ND president of the US) was a Christian and referred to himself as slightly left of center. He pioneered unemployment benefits and old age security in the USA. Somewhere between then and now the Christian label has been hi-jacked by the conservative right. Show me one scripture that supports Jesus was a hard line conservative(I doubt there is even one) and I can show you ten that indicate his ideals were socialist in nature. After his ascension the early church was selling off their possessions to help the poor and pooling their resources for the common good. They weren't setting up hedge funds and handing over billions to corporations while watering down individual rights and freedoms. It makes me angry, the way things are in the here and now but it doesn't make want to go and set up a tent in Vanier park either.

I don't have a solution here. I pray about it regularly and will continue to fight for what I believe is right. I will respect authority but I don't have to agree with their policies when I believe them to be against a higher law. Jesus stands up for the oppressed, he doesn't cause it. Any feedback, even negative, I would love to hear.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: What are the root causes of anxiety, depression an...

A Christ follower living in a secular world: What are the root causes of anxiety, depression an...: This is what I believe to be true. I'm not a doctor and I am not advising anyone to stop taking meds because of what I say. Although I belie...

What are the root causes of anxiety, depression and other disorders whether diagnosed or otherwise?

This is what I believe to be true. I'm not a doctor and I am not advising anyone to stop taking meds because of what I say. Although I believe medication for chemical imbalances and disorders, much like pain relievers, treat the symptoms rather than the disease you should not stop treatments as the results can be dangerous. There is much to be learned from books on the subject than you will find here in this blog. I'm no expert on the subject and just throwing my pov. So with that disclaimer out of the way here we go!!

Right at this moment I feel a little anxious. I think it is the caffeine in my system. That or the analyzing of where my path is going right now. I'm excited and nervous and a little jittery. There is nothing pressing going on but it is just things building up in my mind. I have thoughts of what I should be doing. I think of possible ramifications of my actions if I carry through. The reaction of people in authority over me. The reaction of people around me and the outside pressures I will be put under. The learning of compromise and what power I will really possess. Then there is the perception of who I am and what is expected of me. It could be overwhelming if I chose to let it be. I choose to not let it consume me. See if I give the situation power over me then that becomes real and will overwhelm me. I will do my best to stay within my strengths and also test the bounds of them. What do I really have to fear? Nothing. Who is in control? God is!

I suffered from a spell of depression some years ago. I even went to the doctor about it. I was, thankfully, given some pills that I was allergic to. I say thankfully because the problem was a symptom of a deeper problem. My life had overwhelmed me as I was operating in a sinister and sinful way. I was cunning and devious. Wise in my own eyes and full of much contempt. It manifested itself as depression but sin was the cause and depression was just the messenger. It took a long time for me to come to grips with that and make the necessary changes in my life. I must confess I still have down times be it ever so brief. It is always at times I have some issue hanging over me that I am trying to deal with on my own. I still tend to turn inward instead of seeking what I need externally or I should say upwardly. I am a work in progress but I have so much to be positive and thankful about in my life that those negative feelings tend to fall off of me pretty quick as I deal with their causes. Sounds simple enough but it has been years on the process as my former tendency to run and escape issues ran deep in me.


Now when it comes to other mind related disorders. There are people born with birth defects like fetal alcohol syndrome which can cause many of these issues. I blame spiritual attack for most of them. I know one person very well that has been diagnosed as Bipolar. He is on meds and his episodes occur if he reads the bible, prays and was hospitalized soon after a church service a couple of years back. So long as he stays away from the things of God his symptoms remain mostly in check. He is managing but just barely however I would have to go through his family if I wanted to help him. They are church going Christians but are afraid of what would happen if he was pushed too far. When he was hospitalized I wanted to visit him but they just wanted him calmed down. Truth is they didn't want him well but manageable in his illness. I am in no way saying all disorders are spiritual in nature but some are and this particular case to me clearly was/is. 


As for medications for Blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol and the like help people continue to live a poor lifestyle. The reasons people suffer from these ailments are most often a case of poor diet or lack of exercise. There can be genetic issues for some but for most of us health issues have causes we could cure with a few minor(in certain cases major) changes to our lifestyle. I had mildly high blood pressure 7 years ago. 140ish over 90ish was the norm for me. Since then I have lost weight(60 lbs) and have removed a lot of the junk foods/beverages from my diet. I take vitamin supplements too which I suppose is a form of medication but to get enough of every vitamin from our diet is challenging so I cheat a little. My blood pressure now ranges from 115 over 75 to 125 over 80 which is excellent. It's been in that range for the past 5+ years now. There's a plethora of books about healthy living. Dietary changes can lessen your risks of many ailments. The longer you stay in unhealthy living the more likely you will have permanent health problems. The time to start change is now, right now!!

Illnesses can be attention getting behaviors. We all know people that play up anything they have wrong with them. They wear their wounds like badges. Saying look at me, pay attention to me, feel sorry for poor old me etc. We have to be careful in those cases too though. Some people are hypochondriacs but some are assumed to be. I know of a person with MS who was misdiagnosed for 10 years by Doctors as having nothing wrong with them. She was made feel like a crazy hypo when really she had a medical issue that they ignored because they made assumptions. If they had caught it sooner she would have been in better shape now. Don't be too harsh in your judgments on others because how would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot.

So I think I blogged a few months ago with a similar theme. It is of particular interest to me. How the mind works and how we really are what we eat. BTW Speaking of food, it turns out the jitteryness was just low blood sugar as I ate dinner and just like that I was calm. Either that or the time I spent with God or a bit of both. That's my take for what it is worth. God bless you right where you are!

Friday, December 16, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Stepping out of my comfort zone,

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Stepping out of my comfort zone,: I have a good life. I don't have a lot of underlying stress or ongoing issues. I am stable and comfortable. Maybe a little too comfortable s...

Stepping out of my comfort zone,

I have a good life. I don't have a lot of underlying stress or ongoing issues. I am stable and comfortable. Maybe a little too comfortable sometimes. I am not stretching myself enough. In my little cave all is well.

However I have something stirring deep inside of me. God is calling me to get more involved is several areas in a deeper and more profound way. Engaging in potentially confrontational areas and testing my ability to handle more fills me with a sense of trepidation. By doing more am I going to lose what I have or is what I have what I really want in life. A song keeps going through my head every time I'm in situations where I feel I should say something or do more. I'll post the song in this blog, the lyrics "there must be more than this" from the song Consuming Fire have gone through my head often in recent times.

I should say I have been stepping out of my green zone more and more. That being said there is more to be done. Some scripture is also playing in my mind more too, "The harvest is great but the workers are few" has been an ongoing theme. Over the last several days a portion of the sermon on the mount has been on my mind as well. In Mathew 5 when Jesus is talking about giving to the one who asks and don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow. That I never really understood and I took it to be literal and was confused by it. I prayed and meditated on it and God gave me an epiphany. It is not about money for me, it is about time, abilities and resources. I have experience and talents that I have chosen to ignore all in the name of being comfortable and not in situations of potential confrontation. I know that is going to change as I have a moral obligation to lend a hand when I have been asked not once but twice to step in to one particular situation.

So I'm going to step up to the plate. Put my best effort into it. God would settle for nothing less and I can only do it with him and through him. Let there not be a moment I try to lean on my own understanding because that leads to nothing good. This is a test, this is only a test and I am ready to take on what God wants me to. No matter what the outcome I am going to know this and that his power will lead me if I choose to follow. I tend to get full of myself and put my pride ahead of others. Lord let me be gracious and humble on the road ahead.

Here's the video for Consuming Fire



There is more than this, God let your glory fall in this place, Amen!

Monday, December 12, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Faith, what is it?

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Faith, what is it?: Faith is a word that's been tossed around a lot. Everyone has faith in something. Every time I turn on a tap I believe water will flow. It t...

Faith, what is it?

Faith is a word that's been tossed around a lot. Everyone has faith in something. Every time I turn on a tap I believe water will flow. It turns from faith to fact once the water starts flowing. Though if I go to a park and go to turn on a fountain I don't have faith it will work. In fact I'm also leery of the amount of pressure that the water streams out at if in fact it flows at all. In fact even when the water flows I tend to give it a smell to make sure there isn't an odour to it before taking a sip. A simple illustration of a complex word. In the first case I had total faith and in the second case I had serious doubts on several levels.

People will talk about taking things on faith. In many cases they have doubts and really aren't trusting at all. Faith, real faith is all about trusting in what can't be seen or hasn't transpired yet. When I make a bank transfer I don't just do it and never think of it again. I check with both accounts to see that the transaction I initiated is completed as per my instructions. Recently I adjusted quite a few banking instructions and am satisfied it has been done to my satisfaction. I didn't just say "here, do this" and then promptly forget about it. I am ye of little faith when it comes to financial institutions. I do have some faith though since I do put my money there instead of under a mattress :)

If you go to a Doctor for some ailment do you just take his/her advice. If it is simple advice like a year or 2 ago when I had an eye infection the doctor prescribed some drops. I had faith enough to take them and sure enough within a few days all was well. However, if the advice had been "well sir we must remove your eye" I probably would have sought out a second opinion. I wouldn't have just taken it on faith and said "alrighty then gouge it out". So I had some faith in the Doctor but not total faith.

What I am trying to get at is there are different levels of faith. I have a high level of faith in my family members. They have shown me overall to be people of good character(though different levels and expectations for different people) and I trust them in most cases. Much more than a stranger on the street or someone I know casually. There are people I know that have shown me with there actions that they are highly trustworthy. These people I have great faith in that they will do the right thing. However there are others who have shown me by their actions to not be trustworthy. These people I have little faith in. I confess that I hope for the best but expect my hopes to be dashed. That being said sometimes I am surprised by their actions and so my level of trust(or faith) starts to rise.

What does the dictionary say about faith?

Trust in something or someone without prior proof.

Synonyms: acceptance, assurance, belief, certainty, trust

Antonyms: doubt, skepticism

Now for a very long time in my life. I wanted to believe the theory of evolution. I wanted to believe this was all random chance. I was irreligious. Without really knowing it I kind of had a Buddhist/Hindu theology in the belief or faith in man improving himself. I wanted to believe immortality was in the footprint you left behind. The way you affected other lives gave you life beyond your mortal coil. That there was no God and that we were just a higher form of animal life and that someday something would super-cede us. The more I searched for that in life the less evidence I could see of that. As technology increased and evolved the people became lazier and more selfish. Treating others with little regard was the way to get ahead and "win" in this world game. I became disenchanted and disconnected from playing the game. I didn't want to play by those rules anymore. I didn't have faith in the theories, I didn't have faith in the world around me and I didn't have faith in myself enough to overcome it.

So I would pray and I seek God to show himself to me. He was silent. It took a few months from there but I finally came to the end of myself. We all have different levels of brokenness and let me tell you I was pretty broken. Without knowing he was there I called out to him, I bowed down to him and in his own way he started to guide me. I had the faith of a mustard seed but it was guteral and total blind faith. For the first time in my life I believed in something greater than myself. He showed me small but not insignificant signs of his presence but only after I had put my faith in him. I look back now at where I was then and where I am now and I think wow life is so much better now. When I read his word it inspired me. In fact even though I had never read the Bible nor had biblical instruction it was very topical in my life. A lot of times I would say things or do things that I would then read about that very night. It was spine tingling. Jesus was there for me when I called out to him with sincerity of heart.

It is 7 years later now and I still am learning to trust him. I tend to take things back and try to do it by myself but I'm learning and growing deeper with every passing day. A loosening of my grip is all I need to do for the blessings to flow. I look at faith and my path as a train. The Jesus train. I can jump off anytime and go it alone if I choose but the moment I turn around and get back to trusting him the train is right there to pick me up. It may be a few metres from where I jumped off or it could several kilometres back but nevertheless it is there.

Faith is a journey and all you have to is jump aboard. The conductor is calling "all aboard!!" Can you hear him?

Sunday, December 11, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: God's grace is more sufficient than any human reas...

A Christ follower living in a secular world: God's grace is more sufficient than any human reas...: I liked to think of myself as intelligent and a person with good powers of reasoning. Which I believe to be true. That being said my life wa...

God's grace is more sufficient than any human reasoning

I liked to think of myself as intelligent and a person with good powers of reasoning. Which I believe to be true. That being said my life was not working well and I ended up making a series of bad choices. It all started with circumstances I couldn't control but it was how I reacted to them that made the difference. My powers of reasoning were clouded by my own prejudices. It ended up manifesting itself in:


  • meaningless self indulgences. 
  • feeling sorry for myself. 
  • feelings of bitterness and envy. 
  • lying to myself and others
  • depression
  • anxiety 
  • compulsive behavior
  • Pride


This was many years in the making. It wasn't like everything was fine one day and the next day this all happened. It crept into my life slowly bit by bit. I kept it together pretty good on the surface but underneath I knew I was a fraud. I really thought I was a nice guy deep down but the fruit in my life was unripe and sour grapes. I was mean to those I cared about and I felt like the only right person. Everything and everyone was inferior and a nuisance. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't mean all the time and I didn't do everything wrong but I was a jerk. That's a fact.

I know of people that have had terrible things happen to them that were not their fault but how they reacted to it was. In most cases people react rather than consult. They act selfish and assume no one knows what they are going through. That no one else has been in so much pain, discomfort, financial pressure, add your thing here as what they are going through at this moment. They often make a bad situation worse. They get angry and lash out. This is not how it should be. This is not how I wish to live.

I know a few people that have had terrible things happen to them that were not their fault and how they reacted to it was amazing. They dealt with their issues as best they could. They reached out for help. They faced up to the part they could face up to. They took steps to improve the situation as best they could. These people are role models of grace and I've learned valuable lessons from their plights.

I do my best to not be offensive in my Christian walk. I don't usually go out of my way to pick a fight. Funny thing is I started to write this blog several days ago and it is most relevant in an encounter I had on FB last night/this morning. Apparently I offended at least a couple of people with my take on a dialogue regarding the spiritual world. It was asserted I was stuffing the Bible down peoples throat when all I did was state what I believed to be true. It was also assumed I was angry and had "stuff" going on in my life. Truth is we all have stuff going on but really in my life things are good and I didn't feel angry at all. I like to express ideas and offer opinions when they are being sought. I guess I can come across a little bombastic when really I am just passionate about what I believe. That can be the problem with email and the like. Face to face is so much better because you can't read the body language behind the words nor do you have a tone to feed off of. I'm not always going to be right and at the beginning of a discussion with someone I do my best to be open minded but there are core values that I have. There are many things I believe to be true and a few that I do know to be true.

Now when bad things happen I do my best to soldier on. To hate the sin and not the sinner. To accept the hand that's dealt me as it were and to make the best of the opportunity. Problems can be huge opportunities for growth. A closed door in one corner can lead to 3 others that open up. I look at where I am now versus 7 years ago and I think wow life is so much more worth living now. I don't have a lot of pressure or stress. When I do then I do my best to resolve it rather than run from it. I don't take on other peoples burden by myself and don't try to run their lives. If they want my help I am there and they know that but I can't nor wish to save people from themselves. Everyone has to make their own path straight, if I do it for them they learn nothing and will end up there again anyway. So I pray for them and intercede on their behalf. If they need to help carrying a heavy load(figuratively, not literally) I will lend a hand when it is sought out.

Today I rely on God. He is reliable and has all the wisdom I need and so much more. I know on my own, in my state of human reasoning that I will make bad decisions and lack good judgement. Just as my prior ways were many years in the making my walk with God has had its bumps too. My transformation is a work in progress but relying on God is a good place to start. Everyday I try to make it a good day and some days are better than others. May today be a good day for me and for you and God bless you!!

Friday, December 9, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: The reason for the season

A Christ follower living in a secular world: The reason for the season: As we approach December 25Th the world is inundating us with the generic and nonreligious messages of Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays. ...

The reason for the season

As we approach December 25Th the world is inundating us with the generic and nonreligious messages of Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays. It started long ago as a way of getting around the fact that this is the time when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas has been commercialized to the point that there is virtually no where you can go and not see Lights or bows usually attached to signs saying buy your gift card here or sale on now or the like.

Santa is the central figure in all of this attempt to sell people what they don't need. My family is all adult now. If any of us needed something we have the means to buy it(within reason) and personally I have more trinkets around my place than I can stand to look at and don't want anymore. That being said if someone got me a gift I would accept it with gladness of heart. Especially if it was a book from one of my favourite authors or a CD I don't have(yes in this digital music age I still like hard copy CD's). With regards to my family I don't plan on buying gifts but likewise if I saw something that I know my bro doesn't have and would like I will get it for him. My plan is to give donations to 2 worthy causes. One to Gateway of Hope in Langley and another to World Vision who do many good works with Children in Africa. The poor need my gift far more than my family does.

As for people with children I totally understand the need to get them gifts but do we have to be as lavish as a society? Honestly looking back I was spoiled and when I see what many kids get today it shocks me. Parents put themselves into major debt over the holidays and the kids usually get as much joy out of the stocking stuffers as the major gifts anyway. I know, I know easy for me to say since I don't have kids but it is the truth. Spoiling your child is not going to teach them anything.

There is much debate within Christ following circles as to when Jesus was actually born. I too, am not sure about the timing of Christmas but it doesn't matter. The fact is he was born and we are celebrating a royal birthday. It is not uncommon for a Queen or King to have an official birthday celebration that is not on their real birthday. So for the King of Kings I look at December 25TH as his royal birthday. I also have been guilty of getting too caught up in Good Friday/Easter as being bigger than Christmas for me. I mean the reason Jesus came to Earth was to take our sin away so Easter has significance too however without God coming to Earth as an infant and facing all the challenges he faced including being born in a manger the Cross would not have as much significance in my opinion.

So this Christmas, enjoy time with your family and friends. Partake in some feasting and appreciate all the good things in your life. Just don't forget the significance of the event. It is a royal birthday so celebrate it!!

Friday, November 25, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Don't be in such a hurry.

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Don't be in such a hurry.: You know sometimes we can be in such a hurry to get some place else we miss out on what is right in front of us. At my work last night, I wa...

Don't be in such a hurry.

You know sometimes we can be in such a hurry to get some place else we miss out on what is right in front of us. At my work last night, I was helping someone finish their task and it ran a little longer than our scheduled shift. It only took like 5 minutes extra or so. My knowledge was superior to his in the area he was working and because of that I averted a problem he was unaware of which would have caused a big waste of time and him some embarrassment. I was glad to lend a hand and very happy to be of use.

Most times when I'm leaving work I am much like everyone else in that I'm busting for the door to get home. Last night(really meaning 7 AM when my shift ends) since I was already a few minutes behind schedule I kind of surrender it and wasn't in a hurry. I saw the person I talked about in my previous blog(You should be thankful you have a job) and had a short but meaningful conversation about my position on the subject at hand. We had some great communicative discussion and I came away from it understanding their points but also feeling heard and understood. It was a warm and fuzzy feeling. Then I encountered a person that I've never had anything more than a standard "hi, how are doing" type conversation and went one step deeper this time. Then I had another one of those with another coworker I seldom had spoken to. At the door I saw an injured coworker who is back at work on graduated return whom I had not seen in months. I was able to give him some encouragement and give him a chance to share his issues. This all transpired in less than 15 minutes. I left work feeling happy and relaxed. What a great end to my day.

Recently God has spoken to me regarding this type of situation. Rather than looking ahead to having happiness why not just enjoy where you're at. My FB home page picture "Happiness just ahead" always makes me smile. Really what I see that to mean for me is happiness is here and also lies ahead. The pic is from Australia and is just outside the town called Happiness FYI. It all kind of fits in with my adherence to guidelines set by those above me. The whole submission to authority theme God has laid on me is for my benefit. I don't have to own every situation. I can surrender it to the powers that be. I just have to do my part.

So I continue to learn. I've been working on speeding and other traffic law bending. As much as at times the speed limits are too slow it is not my place to say. Seldom am I in that big a hurry. I'm usually early for things. Why am I breaking the law to get there a minute earlier still? It is a lack of prudence on my part which I am changing. Besides I love my car, my seat is comfy, and I'm always listening to music on my awesome stereo which I really enjoy so it is no hardship to be in my car.

So slow down, relax and don't forget to be happy where you are. None of us know where we are going next as we can only plan for what we think will happen. If you're in a rose garden you might as well smell the roses before you leave. Make the best of every opportunity and look for goodness and you'll likely find it! Blessings to you right now, right where you are :)

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Quote: You should be thankful you have a job!

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Quote: You should be thankful you have a job!: You know, this morning as I was leaving my work(I work at night) I was conversing with one of my coworkers about the upcoming contract negot...

Quote: You should be thankful you have a job!

You know, this morning as I was leaving my work(I work at night) I was conversing with one of my coworkers about the upcoming contract negotiations and we were discussing one aspect of the current deal which to us seems totally unfair. One of the senior staff members overheard us talking and interpolated with the comment "you guys should be thankful you have a job" to which I replied "I am but at the same time the current system is totally unfair." I said "when I am doing the same work at the same level of competency my wages should at least be in the same ball park as those with more seniority." I've been there 3 years so it's not like I just walked in off the street.

At my work currently there is a large disparity between the haves and the have nots. Its complicated and I won't go through all the details but there are caps on how much you make depending on your seniority and being in the lower tier of a 3 tier system my current rate of pay is capped out other than COLA increases until I move into the next bracket. Even upon moving to the next bracket my rate won't increase for another 1000 hours. It is clear to me that this system was introduced to appease the high seniority staff and get the contract ratified because I'm speculating the high seniority people(top 30%) are more likely to cast ballots so if a contract appeases them it will pass.

3 years ago I had just started with the company when the contract was up. I was only working there at the time as a second job. I didn't think I would be there any length of time and really didn't have much concern about the contract one way or the other. Short sighted thinking on my part but what can you do. Here we are 3 years later and I'm glad I'm there. I enjoy working there. I like my job and happily trot off to work every night. That being said the contract is coming up for renewal and I am fully aware of what's wrong. Actually there are a lot of things in the contract I don't like. I know what needs to be done however it is a matter of getting the other middle and lower tier people to rise up to the challenge.

For me personally at my current rate of pay I'm fine. However I don't have dependents and I live a frugal lifestyle. It doesn't mean I don't spend money but I use prudence. I do my best to not be wasteful. Many of my coworkers have families. I don't know how they get by. I mean I know we here in Canada are wealthy compared to other places but in the land of plenty we live in the costs are high to keep afloat. While I am comfortable others just squeak by.

I'm looking for some justice in an unjust world. It is not a matter of thankfulness. It is a matter of principle. It should be an interesting time coming up. In these uncertain times my company is doing very well. We have gained new clients and the future looks bright as we head towards the end of the current deal which expires at the end of May 2012. I'm going to get more engaged in this issue starting right now. I'll keep you posted.

I just pray I can be graceful in my approach. Blessings!!

Monday, November 21, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: This is your life, you might as well make the best...

A Christ follower living in a secular world: This is your life, you might as well make the best...: Do you just stumble through your days? When trouble comes calling, and it will, take a moment to remember it will pass. You will get throug...

This is your life, you might as well make the best of it!

Do you just stumble through your days? When trouble comes calling, and it will,  take a moment to remember it will pass. You will get through it and better times will lie ahead. When good times are upon you, enjoy them, don't look too far past them to what lies ahead. Enjoy the good times and press forward through the bad. Sounds easy enough but not so easy to actually do.

I tend to focus on the good now. At one time I would dwell on the negative. It's not very fun focusing on what is wrong but many live in that way. Instead, look at the blessings you have. If you are reading this you have access to a computer and the internet has much good to offer. So long as you're looking in the right places.

Plan for the day trouble comes knocking. Some things you can't predict or be fully prepared for but most can be. When in times of plenty store up for what lies ahead. I don't mean just in physical things but in spiritual things too. It is so easy to fall into a place of stagnation because when things are good we can kind of forget where it came from. Don't get too big for God to be in your life. The moment you start to stand on your own strength is when you will begin the inevitable descent. Pride comes before the fall.

Learn to be content in all situations. In times of high stress I would become very angry and lose sight of the good things. Now when in stressful times I tend to smile(on the inside at least) and know it will pass. I trust in something bigger than me and my finite position. Faith is huge for me. I don't take myself as seriously and am not as intense as I once was. I will always be a somewhat intense guy most likely but I think God made me that way for a reason. Letting go of people and situations is hard for me but I'm learning about submission and I see the wisdom in it. I don't have to carry other peoples luggage around with me. It is not my Cross to bear so to speak. You can't carry someone else on your back forever. Everyone has to find their own way. Caring for them is good and noble but to carrying them is not doing them or yourself any good. Take responsibility for what you are responsible for and leave the rest up to God.

So enjoy your life. Whenever possible live at peace with everyone. Don't take the good things for granted and don't make the tough times worse than they really are. Moderation is the key.


Sunday, November 20, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Be strong and courageous but more importantly be y...

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Be strong and courageous but more importantly be y...: I spent a lot of time trying to seek out people that could help me grow as a person. People that had it all together and didn't need anythin...

Be strong and courageous but more importantly be yourself!

I spent a lot of time trying to seek out people that could help me grow as a person. People that had it all together and didn't need anything from me. People that I totally approved of to help me to improve myself. It was an exercise in futility because my standards were tough. Brutally tough and surprisingly enough to me rather unattainable. Truth is everyone has warts of some sort. None of us are perfect. There was one perfect man but we crucified him on a cross. That being said there is a lot of good qualities in the people I meet. Most have many good qualities that I tended to look past when I saw their weaknesses.

In the Bible there were many examples of good men but other than the Messiah each had his quirks or faults. Moses had a temper, David was an adulterer and Elijah was overcome by fears many times to name but 3 great men of God. Not that I deserve to be lumped together with these great men but I too have my faults and day by day I continue to work them out with God's help. I'm 43 now and am still maturing as a person. I know myself better now than ever before and have come to terms with the fact I do have limitations although they are becoming less limiting.

In the book of Joshua, God says over and over to Joshua to be "strong and courageous" and that is good advice for anyone with issues to face in life. God spoke to me(not with words but in thought) and told me to be strong and courageous. That I am the strong and to start acting like it. Rather than focusing on my inadequacies to instead focus on my strengths while still recognizing that I have limitations. So going through life trying to be everything to everybody is a flawed path. Looking to others to be everything you're not is also a flawed path. Being the best you can be is important and do things with full effort. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you truly need it. Don't play it safe and stay in your comfort zone because if you never stretch yourself then you'll never discover your full potential.

So step into the future with boldness. Don't cave in to fear and trepidation. Be strong and courageous with others. Help them with their blind spots and they can help you see yours too.

Blessings!!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Motives for this blog

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Motives for this blog: I enjoy expressing ideas and concepts in this blog. I use it as a place to blurt out whatever is on my mind. Often in life we have to be pol...

Motives for this blog

I enjoy expressing ideas and concepts in this blog. I use it as a place to blurt out whatever is on my mind. Often in life we have to be politically correct given the situation we find ourselves in at the time. I've talked in previous blog posts about filters and their importance. I don't want to be purposely offensive in this place but if I have something to say this is a place I feel totally free to say it. Some of my posts never get beyond the draft stage. I'm not doing this to make you think like me but just expressing my POV. If you get a little something out of it then that's wonderful. I truly hope people do. The way I learn best is by experiencing different viewpoints and figuring out what works best for me.

Sometimes the lessons I learn have little to do with what has been said by others. Several of the most life changing revelations I've had from God have been during sermons about some totally unrelated topic. Just one sentence can be the basis of a great epiphany in a 500 page book. Look for the diamonds in the rough.

At times I have a lot to say and the blogs will be frequent. Other times I'm just soaking in the world around me and don't really feel the need to share some pearl of what I consider wisdom. I used to have to offer my opinion on everything and anything but I try to measure my words better these days. I'm not the foremost expert on anything really. So take what I say for what it is worth. I do appreciate the readership I get here. Having people browse through my musings from all around the world is cool.

Be blessed!!

Monday, November 7, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Submission and Surrender, how contorted those word...

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Submission and Surrender, how contorted those word...: When you think of submission what is the first image that pops into your head? I think of a hostage pleading for his/her life with the kid...

Submission and Surrender, how contorted those words have become.

When you think of submission what is the first image that pops into your head?

I think of a hostage pleading for his/her life with the kidnapper who is brandishing a knife or gun.

Not a positive image for sure. Some one begging for mercy with a violent predator of some sort. You may have a different image but I'm guessing it isn't good if you think at all like me.

So now we come to surrender, What image have you got?

I think of a soldier raising a tattered and crudely fashioned white flag. Someone who is looking haggard, bloody with slumped shoulders and full of shame. Again not a positive image.

So upon becoming a Christian and learning to Love him I had trouble at first with those words. Being that they brought up negative imagery for me made it difficult to integrate into my belief system. In fact it is 7 years since I first handed my life over and this year I am working hard at submission to authority. I didn't understand that if want to lead first you must learn to follow. I have a stubborn nature and it takes time to get past my walls of human reasoning. I knew I wanted to follow but just didn't know how. Being that I was a bit of a control freak none of it came natural to me.

Most, if not all, successful businesses operate on this principle. Delegation of authority is the only thing that leads to real growth. It is a matter of trust or faith. The people around you may not do things the way you would do them but it doesn't necessarily make your way right. A lot of times with regards to God I resisted his way and, of course, it didn't work out as I planned.

The truth is if you believe yourself to be self sufficient God will not use you to do his will.

So although it is something I've worked on since the beginning of my walk in recent times it has become a focal point. It is working out very well. I have a temporary position at my work place that I'm in charge of a small crew. I don't have any large mandate or big title nor do I care. A number of people working with me are capable workers and need little supervision. My job is to give them a direction and a focus then let them take it from there. I have several new workers and they need more instruction of course. I trust the people I work with to help in that manner along side me. The team is growing and improving not because of me but because of the group of us.

Had it not been for God I would still be trying to do everything on my own. In fact it is only because of God that I have this opportunity. He gave me this opportunity and sent along side me the perfect compliment of skills in my fellow employees. Even the office person coordinating the operation is highly capable and knowledgeable. The whole experience has been a challenge but I'm very much enjoying it.


An absolute essential of being a Christ follower is allowing him to be the leader of your life. Which means surrendering your will to Jesus and submitting to his authority in your life. The Bible is full of great examples in how God uses people that trust in him. I've seen that come alive in my life and in others.

Before you get authority you should learn how to submit to it. Mathew 8:5-13 has an example of a leader who understood authority and how it works...

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.  “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
  Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
  The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
  When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.  I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
  Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it.


Jesus blessed this non Jew and said he had great faith. Why? Well it was because he accepted Jesus authority over that of his own. In military terms Generals don't start off as Generals. They start off as Lieutenants and that is only after much schooling and more submission to higher authority. If you want to lead you must learn to follow or you won't succeed. Before the fruit of being a Christian would start ripening in my life I had to learn about submission and surrender. I'm not there yet but I am learning. Jesus is a magnificent teacher but he won't feed those that aren't hungry.

I am a work in progress. I want to take it all on at times but know better. As for surrender, I honestly don't want to take the reigns in my life anymore. I have never been more content with life than I am right now. As for my temporary position that will end soon but as Rick Warren wrote "life is a temporary assignment". The only thing that is permanent is eternity and I know where I'm spending that so I might as well get God's help here too.

Blessings to you, may you be a good and faithful servant in everything you do!!

Friday, November 4, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: The Occupy movement

A Christ follower living in a secular world: The Occupy movement: Just what is it all about? I just don't get it. We live in a free and democratic society. We have real means for social/economic change th...

The Occupy movement

Just what is it all about? I just don't get it.

We live in a free and democratic society. We have real means for social/economic change through legitimate sources. It's not like it was in the sixties when there was real oppression of black Americans in the south. This is not like what happened in the 80s in Poland when an unjust and non democratic government was oppressing the people. It spawned the solidarity movement.

We have problems, I know, and there is a need to change our ways in a big way. This has been a long time coming and Governments have mortgaged our future to satisfy the immediate needs. Our whole economic landscape is bleak. It is going to call for some pretty drastic changes to remedy. At some point there will be a world wide economic meltdown due to so many trade imbalances. We in the western world have been the "haves" for a long time. We have it way better than most of the world and for every action there is a reaction. Since the rubber band has been stretch as far as it has the recoil will be formidable.

All this talk about the "one percent" can make you believe you deserve more. Well I hate to say it but the rest of us around here are in the 2 to 5 percent range. It is not just the mega rich that are the haves. We are better off because of the imbalance. When things fall apart, and they will, we are all going to suffer the consequences along with the 1 percent.

Prepare for the inevitable. Harder times will come upon us. Financially speaking I mean. Canada can't really do much in of itself since the US economy is the only one that really matters. It is all very complicated but the US is the central figure in the world economy and since the gold standard was dropped during the Nixon era(it actually goes back to the days of Teddy Roosevelt but I don't need to go into it all) this paper economy we have has kept the good times rolling here in North America with only a few hiccups.

The US is close to 20 trillion in debt and eventually they will no longer be able to service their debt. When that happens the dominoes will start to fall. This is not mere fantasy but a real event that will happen. Most economists know of this inevitability but few speak of it. It likely will happen before we reach 2020 and honestly could happen anytime.

When this happens everything you've worked and saved for could very well disintegrate. The housing market will plummet. Unemployment will go through the roof. The great depression of the 30s will look mild in comparison.

So what should we do? Well I know what I am doing. I'm doing my best to put people above things. I am only a pilgrim passing through, an alien in this world. There is more to life than possessions. I'd rather invest in relationships than mutual funds(though I do both). I am debt free and do save money but I have no faith in my money. Everyday I live thankful for what I have. I live within my means and give to the needy. I want to give more than I desire to receive.

I have no interest in overthrowing a corrupt system. It is a no win situation. Perhaps rather than being dissidents these people should work on changing their attitude and working on an occupation rather than being a nuisance to people trying to get on with their lives. Just my take on it all.

Blessings!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: The trouble with all Hallow's Eve

A Christ follower living in a secular world: The trouble with all Hallow's Eve: As we are at the end of October and people are celebrating this most unholy of events what is a Christian supposed to do? For our struggle...

The trouble with all Hallow's Eve

As we are at the end of October and people are celebrating this most unholy of events what is a Christian supposed to do?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

As a believer I am convinced there is a spirit world. People dressing up as Zombies and Vampires all in the name of "fun" is not good. They hold mock seances and cast spells. They call on dark forces and often get very loose with their morals. The drink flows, the party goes into the wee hours of the morning, and for some it is a chance to do some random vandalism. It is one of the busiest(probably the busiest) times of the year for law enforcement along with the Fire Department. There is lots of violence and general debauchery. Firecrackers and fireworks getting lit continuously with little to no concern for safety. It is quite literally a glimpse of hell.

Then there is what this is teaching the children. I'm not a parent so I don't have to deal with that aspect of it but I feel sympathy for Christian parents. Do you banish your kids from all Halloween activities? I really don't have an answer to that. It would be easy to say yes of course but it seems kind of mean to not allow your daughter to dress up as a princess and get some candy from your neighbours. It is a dilemma. I guess it would have to depend on your situation but I think you have to embrace the good aspects but prepare for it with prayer and protection for you and your little ones.

Then there is the church, do they have a "family fun night" instead of a Halloween party with treats and bobbing for apples and the like. It is a great opportunity for outreach but should a Christian organization be taking advantage of an opportunity the Devil provided? At one time I would have said no but now I believe so. I don't hand out candy only because I don't have the location for it. If I did then I would. Candy really isn't good for you but sometimes you have to let kids be kids. As for having a costume themed party I don't have a problem with it so long as they are in good taste. Dress up as a sports hero, or cowboy or thousands of other non evil characters. There is nothing wrong with dressing up so long as it is appropriate.

So to believers out there I say measure your actions carefully. Don't fall into the Devils trap. To the nonbelievers I say think about what you are doing. Do you really want to be calling the dark forces out? If you do then expect to get what you ask for. A nasty hangover, some regrets and possibly a whole world of hurt.

I don't celebrate the day but I do pray over it.

God bless you and keep you safe!!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Apology accepted?

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Apology accepted?: Did you ever notice that when you've done something wrong and apologized for it people will accept it. Or at least they say they do but late...

Apology accepted?

Did you ever notice that when you've done something wrong and apologized for it people will accept it. Or at least they say they do but later, when something totally unrelated happens, they bring up this previous incident as if it wasn't forgiven at all and you now have a new offense added to the list. Well of course you do, anyone who has lived in social situations, has had a situation like this. Unless you lived your whole life in a cave you have probably had situations like this. Likely you've played both roles. I know I have.

It's okay too, I'm only human and going through this process is how you learn. However, staying in that way of being is a lack of maturity. There is a difference between forgiving and forgetting. If someone has stolen from you it is good to forgive them. Holding a grudge isn't good for you and it really doesn't have much, if any, effect on the other person. That being said to put them in a position where they can steal from you again isn't wise. Unless they have showed a real change of character you shouldn't be leaving yourself vulnerable to the same thing being repeated.

Years ago I worked for a company and people I was responsible for made an error. I was held responsible for that error. I put new safeguards in place to prevent that from happening again. My crew did good work and I was praised for my/their efforts. I was forgiven for the error and life moved on. 2 years later another error occurred. Totally unrelated to the earlier blunder and when I was reprimanded for this the much earlier incident was brought up like it had just happened. Truth is it was never forgiven at all. I haven't work there in a long time now. I went to visit my old boss a couple of years back and he had now forgotten the incident but when I started talking about it in passing I could see the fire in his eyes glow. I went there to say hello but I realized I had to forgive him for his lack of forgiveness.

The bottom line on forgiveness is that it really isn't for the other person. The unforgiving heart is full of bitterness and may lead to seeking revenge in some way or another. Leading to an attitude of you against the world. Which turns the person into a pessimist where they don't trust anyone. Carrying the weight of other peoples stuff is a burden and if you add enough of that weight it will break you. Be free with forgiveness and you'll live in the light.

All that being said there is one who forgives and forgets all. Of course he knows what's in your heart when others can just guess. God is loving and forgiving. When you repent of your sin God will blot it out. Isaiah 43:25 reads..

 I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

So you see, unlike humans, God is able to see the sincerity inside of us and can instantly forgive our transgressions. If God can forgive me for all I've done then I should be able to forgive the person who cuts me off in traffic or even the one who stole from me. Even without an apology but even more so with a sincere effort to make things better. So the next time you think about dragging old issues into a new issue think twice then drop it. Live in the present and let the past stay there.

Blessings, James

Sunday, October 23, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: You only get what you give.

A Christ follower living in a secular world: You only get what you give.: The title of the one and only hit from an obscure pop band called the New Radicals is very true. Generally people expect blessings without p...

You only get what you give.

The title of the one and only hit from an obscure pop band called the New Radicals is very true. Generally people expect blessings without putting in the effort but what they end up with is usually what they deserve. This of course is not always the case and at times people get undeserved windfalls or hardships but 99% of the time where you end up is exactly where you were aimed.

In recent times I have been working very diligently on my character defects. Every time I find an issue and start working to resolve it another issue starts becoming more obvious to me. I've been working on accepting authority and being as compliant as possible to those placed above me. It is working and I can see progress in that area. However, I like to think of myself as a thoughtful person but at times I can show a total lack of discretion with my tongue. I offer up my personal opinion on people and situations I have no right to be speaking on. Even after recognizing this earlier this week and realizing my need to change it I found myself doing this over and over again. I don't mean breaking a confidence. When people tell me things, deep personal things, I am very good at keeping that to myself. What I'm talking about is my judging of people I barely know. Using my God given talent of perceiving and wasting it. Tearing others down instead of building them up.

Now I speak positively about others for the most part but not always. So if I only get what I give then I can expect others to be judging me. Seeing a small portion of my personality and mocking it instead of holding back their personal take until they have more fact to base it on. I certainly don't like that prospect so I have to commit to deepening my commitment to hold my tongue. The book of James has many great teachings and in one of them he talks about the tongue....

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.  James 3:9-12

As you see, this is not a new issue for people. Apparently 2000 years ago people were battling this problem.

I resolve to be a spring of encouragement. Anyone I've ever met has had at least one good quality if I have got to know them good enough. I'm pretty good at getting along with people and finding the positives in people. I just want to focus my energies on those positives and concentrate on those. If someone asks me about somebody else I should only share what is uplifting about that person if I share anything at all. Perception becomes reality so putting positive vibes out their can reap a harvest of positive results.

So that is my task because you really do "get what you give" in life.

So I humbly suggest to you to be quick to listen but slow to speak(James 1:19). Measure your words carefully and thoughtfully. This I am continuing to learn and integrate into my life and I hope it is an encouragement to you also.

Blessings!

Friday, October 14, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Thanksgiving can more than just a day off.

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Thanksgiving can more than just a day off.: In Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving day in early October and in the US it is celebrated at the end of November. A lot of people consider it ...

Thanksgiving can be more than just a day off.

In Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving day in early October and in the US it is celebrated at the end of November. A lot of people consider it a time to eat and drink and be merry with family and friends. Which it is for a great many of us but it is a lot more than just that for me. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving I do a little reviewing of the previous year and look at where I am now versus a year ago. I set goals, mostly about character improvements but also social and financial goals too. Last year God placed it on my heart to be more content in my circumstances like what Paul talks about in Philippians 4:10-11...

...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.

I used these verses as a model for me to meditate on and I did for quite some time over the last year. It is easy to grumble when you see others that you deem less deserving with more than you. It is easy to ponder why things are so unfair. It is oh so easy to feel sorry for yourself. It is harder to put that out of your head but with man what seems impossible God makes possible. To judge other people is wrong and I know that. It is good and proper to measure progress by looking into your own life. Where was I, where am I now and where am I trying to get to?

Well, looking back, my life is so much better now than it was. Better than a year ago, much better than 5 years ago, much much better than 10 years ago. I am not in need and not dwelling on what I don't have. I'm building relationships, working hard and saving for the future. I'm content and comfortable with who I am. I make mistakes and don't always do the right thing but I continue to learn and strive for better. The truth is there are no failures but only opportunities for growth.

Now saying I have achieved the goal of contentment would be rather naive but I have attained a level that previously seemed unlikely at best. I will continue to strive for a deeper level but, moving forward, I am turning my major focus on a new goal that God has impressed upon me. Accepting the decisions of authority. It is easy to accept directives when you are in total agreement with them. The fair and just decisions(in my opinion) made by those above me are easy to follow. When decisions are made that I don't agree with is where I find difficulty. It is okay to discuss alternatives with the decision maker but at the end of the day I must accept their decision. Not just accept it but take it without any blustering of childishness. Sometimes people make decisions without much thought of the big picture but it is not my cross to bear. Frankly it is not worth me getting upset over. Other than anything that is immoral or illegal my goal is to be the best servant I can be. I'm not just talking about vocationally but also socially, in my Church, in my Family and in any of my daily affairs. This is what Paul was talking about in many of the letters to the 7 Churches including this from Ephesians 6:5-7 ...

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,


So Thanksgiving has come and gone for another year. For me everyday is Thanksgiving, a blessing and an opportunity. In fact Thanksgiving is much more than a day but a way of life. May it be for you also!

God bless you, James








Tuesday, September 27, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Creation vs. evolution

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Creation vs. evolution: As a one time evolutionist (even though I was totally uneducated in my stance) and now being a creationist I have some perspective when it c...

Creation vs. evolution

As a one time evolutionist (even though I was totally uneducated in my stance) and now being a creationist I have some perspective when it comes to this issue.

Darwin in the 1850s took a 5 year voyage on the HMS Beagle. Darwin was a naturalist and geologist. Most of his book "The Origin of Species" his since been disproved. The only thing that remains true is his natural selection thesis. Of course anyone who watches a nature show on the Serengheti would be able to see that. The weak get killed off and the stronger tend to thrive. There is nothing too complicated about that.

This whole notion that we are derived from lesser species is ridiculous. It leads to people acting like animals and thinking that it is okay. We have a conscience and we have the ability to discern right from wrong. We don't always do what is right but at the same time we are conscious of our decisions. A Monkey doesn't lose sleep over the Banana it stole from its fellow Monkey. We may even rationalize our indiscretions and try to legitimize them but again that is something that a lesser creature would not ponder. As much as people can act like animals we are far more than an ape could ever be.

The mysteries of the beginning are still a puzzle that science has pondered and theorized. The big bang theory is just that. A theory totally not proved. So we don't know where it all started. We don't know where it is going. We don't know how it will end.

I could go on and on about it but I tend to end these blogs without a great deal of pomp and circumstance.  Since I cannot explain the nature of the universe and science has been of little help to shed any significant light on the subject the conclusion I have come to is that there is a God. He has placed in us a soul which gives us awareness of the world and universe around us. He has given us profound mysteries that we are not able to solve.

Creationist are often portrayed on TV nowadays as idiots. The secular media tends to mock the notion of God speaking the universe into existence but I really don't care. There is an increasing amount of evidence that creation did in fact happen. Scientist have uncovered much evidence that points to a creator down to the single cell level but this has been suppressed by the main stream scientific community. There is a growing number of creation scientists uncovering the real truth of the beginnings.

Often Christians are said to be narrow minded. That's fine by me. If you've discovered the truth you don't need to stray off the road to find what you are looking for. Jesus referred to himself as the narrow gate. Wide is the gate to destruction so I choose the narrow gate.

God bless you in your pursuit of the truth.

Monday, April 18, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Doing the right thing even when you don't want to

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Doing the right thing even when you don't want to: "There are times when I want to feel sorry for myself. Feelings of bitterness and being slighted beat me up sometimes. Truth is I have a good..."

Doing the right thing even when you don't want to

There are times when I want to feel sorry for myself. Feelings of bitterness and being slighted beat me up sometimes. Truth is I have a good life and what I have to complain about is very minor compared to most people. I have to remind myself of that at times.

Life is a series of choices. You can't control what you are born into but throughout your life you end up exactly where you have chosen to be. Everybody has choices and those choices have consequences. Accepting that is essential to enjoying your life as it is. Not what you wish it was. If you aren't happy with where you are at then you must change your path but be careful what you wish for cause you might just get it.

So I have to choose to make things better for me. I am seeking peace in my life. I am seeking the wisdom of God as to where to go from here. I have to make the right choices to open up the right opportunities. It is as simple as that.

Peace to you today and everyday!!

Monday, March 7, 2011

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Filtering your life: your thoughts, your words, yo...

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Filtering your life: your thoughts, your words, yo...: "Now not everyone is going to be the same about how they go about this. We are all individuals with our own paths to walk. However I will sha..."

Filtering your life: your thoughts, your words, your actions

Now not everyone is going to be the same about how they go about this. We are all individuals with our own paths to walk. However I will share my opinions about how it works in my life.

We all filter things we intake.

Sometimes what is said and what we hear can be quite different. It is important when engaged in conversation you listen to what is said. It is also important to take into context who says it. What mental state is that person in is as important as the words they speak. People will often obscure their own truths because they are in an up state or a down state. It is important to ask questions to fill in the background of where someone is coming from. Not with all conversations. Some people are just big on small talk and just want to fill any gaps with words, any words that fill the silence. It is important to understand the difference between a meaningful conversation and gap fillers. Some are more apt to engage in small talk due to their personality type, there's nothing wrong with that, it is just how they are.

Just because someone says something that upsets you or that you disagree with strongly it doesn't have to affect your mood or outlook. That is totally your choice to make, not theirs. You can respond with what you believe to be true without having to belittle/berate them. Perhaps you'll change their mind but likely not if you make them defensive. I can get passionate about my truths at times and recognize this as an area that needs improvement. Not everything I believe is true and everyone else can teach me something I don't know or am misinformed about. Be open minded about concepts or procedures. There are certain universal truths I know and cannot be moved on but in a lot of areas I am open to new ideas. Take all the good you can from others and filter out the bad.

Filter what you meditate on.

Meditating is something everyone does. It's not just some monk on a mountain top that does it. Lets see what the dictionary says about meditation

Meditation: continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation.

If you continue to think about something bad that happened to you(some argument or miscommunication that happened recently for example) it will just eat away any positive energy you have. It will become bigger than it really is and no matter how many times you replay it, it doesn't become a pleasant thought. If you have an argument with someone perhaps figuring out a way to remedy the situation would be good to think on. Or perhaps you could think of a good memory with that person and meditate on that. Bitterness and frustration do not get better by thinking about them endlessly. They get worse. Often people will replay the negative things that happen to them over and over for years sometimes and it just makes them bitter. I don't want to feel bitter, I'd rather feel better. If your past keeps haunting you in your thought life there is a program called freedom session that can be a big help. Check it out here.

Words that heal vs words that harm.

Measure your words carefully. Depending on the situation your words can make a big difference to diffuse a situation. They can also fan the flames of discontent. Just because you have a thought doesn't mean you have to share it with the world. Some people talk just for the sake of talking, filling the air with noise. If you didn't like a show and the objectionable content you saw then why are you now describing that content to others? Why not talk about something you like if you need to share. If someone is listing complaints about you then probably this isn't the moment to list your complaints about them. Address their concerns as best you can and realize they are only speaking from their own hurt. They may even be right about some of them :)

Spewing bitterness and resentments is like spreading germs. It is contagious. The flip side is to spread love and joy. This is also contagious and infectiously good. Knowing your audience and knowing yourself is a big asset. Reading body language is something everyone can do to a certain point. I'm not saying never ever complain but make sure it is context and to the right person. Also being super cheery with someone who is really hurting can do more harm than good. When someone is venting is not the right time to correct the finer points of what they are saying. Use some discretion.

Don't be a talking head!!

Try to be discerning in your commentary. You don't have to share your opinion on everything. I fall into that category at times and I know that sometimes less is more. The person that says the most often is listened to the least. Words are precious, measure your words carefully. Offering your opinion on everything can lessen your impact when it is something you have meaningful dialogue on to relay.

Let your actions match your words.

Talk is cheap. If you say one thing then in reality do the opposite your words become less and less meaningful. If you talk about having a positive attitude and then complain about everything and everybody your attitude is anything but positive. Actions DO speak louder than words. So don't spend forever talking about change, actually be an active part of that change and you'll gain respect which in turn will gain more than any words could ever do. I love words but words alone don't do anything. They are meaningless without activities that mimic your words.

So meditate on what is good and true, talk less, listen more and walk your talk.

Blessings, James