Please pray for the nephew of a girl I work with. He is 18 months old and dying of cancer. He is expected to die in the next few days. When I told my friend, Angela, that I would be praying, she asked me to pray that he will die soon.
I just can't do that. Instead, please pray that there is a miraculous healing and life restored to that family.
thanks.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
history of grace
At ANC Ottawa, we have been talking a lot about grace. I am still asking God to really get this into me. We have also had a number of evangelists around, who are doing their thing, stirring up and equipping the body to evangelize.
These two things combined for me last week, when Orlando was teaching our life group, in detail, about how to plant a house church (Cuban style). The question came up about those who are gifted as evangelists (and those who are not!) This is how he responded:
It could be how it came across in translation, but I like the way he phrased it. Each of us has a responsibility to share our "history of grace". That is, our story about the grace of God in our lives.
Trent Anderson preached yesterday about the implications of a grace-based Kingdom (as opposed to the kingdom of the world which is performance-based). One of the implications is that the grace we find in Jesus Christ is our power and our strength (2 Tim 2:1). Trent pointed out that our power, as Christians, is not based on our gifts. It is not based on what we have done. It is based only on His grace. This is what will change situations and lives - when we rely on the power of grace in our lives.
These two things combined for me last week, when Orlando was teaching our life group, in detail, about how to plant a house church (Cuban style). The question came up about those who are gifted as evangelists (and those who are not!) This is how he responded:
Every one of us has a responsibility to share our history of grace in a really natural way with the people we interact with everyday. Some people also have a gift of evangelism, or a ministry of evangelism...
It could be how it came across in translation, but I like the way he phrased it. Each of us has a responsibility to share our "history of grace". That is, our story about the grace of God in our lives.
Trent Anderson preached yesterday about the implications of a grace-based Kingdom (as opposed to the kingdom of the world which is performance-based). One of the implications is that the grace we find in Jesus Christ is our power and our strength (2 Tim 2:1). Trent pointed out that our power, as Christians, is not based on our gifts. It is not based on what we have done. It is based only on His grace. This is what will change situations and lives - when we rely on the power of grace in our lives.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
like a child
Today I had the pleasure of holding the lovely little Heather during worship. I think Heather is about three... She is a little girl with big insight...at times I have even found that she will say something in a particular way that seems to have a prophetic edge. So today I was worshiping and she was all snuggled up in my arms. Every once in a while she'd ask a question (what's on your arm, why are you wearing earrings, etc.) At one point during worship I began to pray in tongues...pretty normal. When I finished, Heather asked "How did you learn that?". I was impressed at this question from such a young kid. I told her it was a language that Jesus gave me. She was persistent - she asked three or four times. It struck me that tongues is a powerful and wonderful gift that is clearly of God. Even a three year old can tell that it is something special. Different. It reminded me of this verse:
It also reminded me of when Tony Ling described waking up to hear a foreign army in the streets. People will know a new Kingdom has arrived when they hear us speaking in the language of that Kingdom.
"Thus tongues are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers..."
(1 Cor 14:22)
It also reminded me of when Tony Ling described waking up to hear a foreign army in the streets. People will know a new Kingdom has arrived when they hear us speaking in the language of that Kingdom.
things to remember every day
In January, Steve Wilkins preached on several things to do every day. I used what he taught to form the basis of a "cheat sheet" that I used every morning for a while. It is not overly profound but contains some simple (important) truth. I haven't been using it quite as regularly because much of it got ingrained in me and my daily routine changed. However I think I might start again, because it was a helpful habit.
Today someone in the church remembered that I had done this, and asked me to share a copy with her. I thought I would share it a bit wider in case it will be of help to anyone else. There are a few personal bits in there that should probably change, but if it can be of use to you, feel free to make it your own. (Note that the format is a little bit off...)
Here it is:
Day by Day with You. Ps 92, Php 4:13
* Remember the things God did yesterday. Thank him. Who can I tell? (Ps 105:1)
* Thank Him (Praise) for:
- another day
- a wonderful apartment
- a family who loves me
- my job
- the opportunity for SOTW
- who He is (good, loving, faithful, generous,…)
- What He has done (saved me, HS, new life,restored joy …)
-
-
* Remember that today I choose to:
- Die: It is not all about me. (Gal 2:20, Rom 6:6-7)
- Live: I am alive through the Spirit (Rom 8:11)
- Laugh: It is not so serious. I have been given joy. (Ps 16:11, 2 Cor 3:17, Rom 14:17)
* Thank you God that you give me everything I need for TODAY:
- Mercy (Lam 3:22)
- Grace and Sufficiency (2 Cor 9:8, 12:9)
- Power and Strength (Ps 68:35)
- Self Control (2 Tim 1:7)
- Steadfast love that lasts all day (Ps 52:1 ESV, Ps 90:14)
-Salvation (Ps 68:19)
- Acceptance: I am perfectly loved. I have nothing to fear. (1 John 4:18)
- Love for others (1 Thess 4: 9, 1 John 3:18, 1 Thes 5:11) Is there anyone specifically you want to love-on today, Lord? Is there anyone who you would like to encourage through me?
*Thank you that you hear me when I pray (1 John 5:14-15) I also want to pray for:
- people from school
- people at work
- my family
- Allison and Isak
- other couples
- friends
- my husband
- our leaders (church, government, world)
- Christians facing persecution
- Cuba
-
-
*As I read your word, please teach me, shape me, reveal Jesus to me.
God I give you all of me. All of my day. I love you. I need you. I can’t do it on my own. I want to be in step with your Spirit and full of your life everywhere I go. Give me wisdom. Direct my steps. Help me to discern truth and speak things that are helpful for building others up. Show me the things of Heaven and help me bring them to earth today. Thank you, Lord.
Today someone in the church remembered that I had done this, and asked me to share a copy with her. I thought I would share it a bit wider in case it will be of help to anyone else. There are a few personal bits in there that should probably change, but if it can be of use to you, feel free to make it your own. (Note that the format is a little bit off...)
Here it is:
Day by Day with You. Ps 92, Php 4:13
* Remember the things God did yesterday. Thank him. Who can I tell? (Ps 105:1)
* Thank Him (Praise) for:
- another day
- a wonderful apartment
- a family who loves me
- my job
- the opportunity for SOTW
- who He is (good, loving, faithful, generous,…)
- What He has done (saved me, HS, new life,restored joy …)
-
-
* Remember that today I choose to:
- Die: It is not all about me. (Gal 2:20, Rom 6:6-7)
- Live: I am alive through the Spirit (Rom 8:11)
- Laugh: It is not so serious. I have been given joy. (Ps 16:11, 2 Cor 3:17, Rom 14:17)
* Thank you God that you give me everything I need for TODAY:
- Mercy (Lam 3:22)
- Grace and Sufficiency (2 Cor 9:8, 12:9)
- Power and Strength (Ps 68:35)
- Self Control (2 Tim 1:7)
- Steadfast love that lasts all day (Ps 52:1 ESV, Ps 90:14)
-Salvation (Ps 68:19)
- Acceptance: I am perfectly loved. I have nothing to fear. (1 John 4:18)
- Love for others (1 Thess 4: 9, 1 John 3:18, 1 Thes 5:11) Is there anyone specifically you want to love-on today, Lord? Is there anyone who you would like to encourage through me?
*Thank you that you hear me when I pray (1 John 5:14-15) I also want to pray for:
- people from school
- people at work
- my family
- Allison and Isak
- other couples
- friends
- my husband
- our leaders (church, government, world)
- Christians facing persecution
- Cuba
-
-
*As I read your word, please teach me, shape me, reveal Jesus to me.
God I give you all of me. All of my day. I love you. I need you. I can’t do it on my own. I want to be in step with your Spirit and full of your life everywhere I go. Give me wisdom. Direct my steps. Help me to discern truth and speak things that are helpful for building others up. Show me the things of Heaven and help me bring them to earth today. Thank you, Lord.
sharing life
In Ottawa we have had the privilege of hosting Rafael's friend, Orlando, from Cuba. Orlando was an architect who gave it up to see people saved (and plant churches). He has been equipping the body here to get out to the streets and share the good news of Christ by teaching at Sunday meetings and in the life groups. Our life group in particular has spent several evenings with Orlando - teaching, praying, and getting out on the streets.
One thing I love most about this is that our relationship with the church in Cuba has now started to be reciprocal. We have talked as a board for the "Share Life Without Borders" NGO about to establish this reciprocal type relationship with people that we are helping so as to avoid the mentality that we can help you, but you have nothing to offer to us.
When we go into Cuba to teach and equip, it is always obvious to me that, while there are things we carry a revelation on that we can share to benefit those we meet, there are areas where they are way ahead of us... Right now, in Ottawa, we are benefiting from the things that God has already shown them. Fabulous!
One thing I love most about this is that our relationship with the church in Cuba has now started to be reciprocal. We have talked as a board for the "Share Life Without Borders" NGO about to establish this reciprocal type relationship with people that we are helping so as to avoid the mentality that we can help you, but you have nothing to offer to us.
When we go into Cuba to teach and equip, it is always obvious to me that, while there are things we carry a revelation on that we can share to benefit those we meet, there are areas where they are way ahead of us... Right now, in Ottawa, we are benefiting from the things that God has already shown them. Fabulous!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
stormy
So..tonight I went for a walk to the river. Just as I was getting to the park,about 30 minutes from home, I noticed it starting to get a bit dark and thought a storm might be blowing in. My first clue should have been the bugs fleeing for cover but I thought I could get a few minutes at the river before it rained.
I wasn't sitting more than 2 minutes when it got really dark and quite windy. The rain started and I moved over a bit closer to where I hoped trees might shelter me. I thought it might be kind of fun to watch the storm - I didn't mind getting wet. (It was supposed to feel like 40 degrees Celsius today, don't know if it got that hot, but it was pretty warm...). Some older guys were there too. One moved down to sit beside me. He offered me a cigarette and I declined. He was asking questions and making me a little uncomfortable, but I thought I could handle it - maybe he needed to meet Jesus?
There were small branches whipping past my head. The guy beside me offered that we could go and sit in his car. This plus the debris flying past me was enough for wisdom to kick in and say "abort mission". Thankfully the lovely Wilkins porch was not too far away and I was able to get to shelter with just a few glances from curious neighbours. Apparently the wind was strong enough to collapse the main stage at Bluesfest (a big music festival in Ottawa) so it is probably good that I didn't try to wait it out.
So that's all. No moral of the story...just a random thing that happened today.
I wasn't sitting more than 2 minutes when it got really dark and quite windy. The rain started and I moved over a bit closer to where I hoped trees might shelter me. I thought it might be kind of fun to watch the storm - I didn't mind getting wet. (It was supposed to feel like 40 degrees Celsius today, don't know if it got that hot, but it was pretty warm...). Some older guys were there too. One moved down to sit beside me. He offered me a cigarette and I declined. He was asking questions and making me a little uncomfortable, but I thought I could handle it - maybe he needed to meet Jesus?
There were small branches whipping past my head. The guy beside me offered that we could go and sit in his car. This plus the debris flying past me was enough for wisdom to kick in and say "abort mission". Thankfully the lovely Wilkins porch was not too far away and I was able to get to shelter with just a few glances from curious neighbours. Apparently the wind was strong enough to collapse the main stage at Bluesfest (a big music festival in Ottawa) so it is probably good that I didn't try to wait it out.
So that's all. No moral of the story...just a random thing that happened today.
refreshing
Man.. I'm tired. Planning a wedding is a lot of work! We have less than a week to go before Allison and Isak's big day. Honestly, things are in good shape, there are just some final details to get in place and a huge logistical co-ordination exercise to make sure everyone is where they need to be with the right tools at the right time to pull it all off. But things didn't get to this place without a lot of time and energy going in to them. I have been eating, breathing, and sleeping wedding for a few weeks now, plus it seems those "extra" things I agreed to at one point all happen at the same time! (exams for work, board meetings, helping people who are away, etc.).
Really I've been doing well. But this morning, it all just sort of hit and I was GRUMPY- tired and caught up in the emotion of other people's transitions, as well as my own.
But this is not the point. The point is that God is so good and His presence is so sweet. The ANC Ottawa body came together this morning, and God showed up, as He always does. As we worshiped, I completely forgot about being tired and found myself genuinely caught up by the resurrection life He gives - dancing and singing and grinning and jumping and worshiping the one who restores and refreshes my soul. It is like jumping in cold water on a hot day. God you are so good to me.
Really I've been doing well. But this morning, it all just sort of hit and I was GRUMPY- tired and caught up in the emotion of other people's transitions, as well as my own.
But this is not the point. The point is that God is so good and His presence is so sweet. The ANC Ottawa body came together this morning, and God showed up, as He always does. As we worshiped, I completely forgot about being tired and found myself genuinely caught up by the resurrection life He gives - dancing and singing and grinning and jumping and worshiping the one who restores and refreshes my soul. It is like jumping in cold water on a hot day. God you are so good to me.
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