Love This Song

Awesome song , awesome band , awesome message and we indeed have an awesome God who has adopted us ,sinners, through the Son ,Jesus Christ.

Verse Of The Day  :    [12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 
(John 1:12-13 ESV)

Deal Breakers For Me

In Canada we are soon to be knee deep in politicians at the door. An election has been called for May in Canada. So we will inundated with visits to place signs on our lawn and support the candidate.

For me it is really simple. I do not labor over who to vote for , waste my time on debates or even long economic platforms because concerning that issue I just don't believe anyone is better than the other. No I vote with really only one real thought in mind.Which party will not openly move the country further away  from the truth of the Bible.

Now before you think I want to force Christian morals , I recognize that you cannot . Sinners we are all , and the only thing that will change a heart dead in sin is the gospel of Jesus Christ but at the same time , laws that govern us help keep evil at bay. Laws against murder,stealing etc.. help stop these evils ,for those who break them know they will be punished , and that is a deterrent .

The deal breakers for me are the hidden sins that fly under the radar. The first is abortion . The fact that a we close our eyes to the silent murder of more than 100000 babies each year , sickens me. Most of these children killed are done so not for any other reason than they are not convenient . The fact that even if one cent of my tax dollars has been used to supply this evil service , makes me very angry. So any party that would seek to widen and increase easy access is off my list . So eliminate the Liberals ,NDP and Green Party. All support for wider access.

The second deals with the redefining of marriage.Historically marriage has always been seen as a sacred institution , given to us by God . Blessed by Him and between a man and woman. It was for the sake that between the two they would enjoy God's gift of sex but also for pro-creation. The two married people would have children and form a unit . This made for a stable society. But in Canada this was struck down and gay marriage has been openly allowed. Although as of right now people of faith( not only Christians hold that this is sinful)can dissent in marrying gay couples , the fact there is a push to silence those who hold that it is sinful and against God's created order , disturbs me. For how long will this be . Those who hold to the Christian faith , and the truth of the Bible need to call all sin , sin and that includes homosexuality. It is a sin that needs to be repented of and like I have said before , not the only sexual sin but it is called out specifically. So once again any party that will not re-look at this issue is out .  So the same list applies.

Perhaps some believers can vote for a candidate that supports and pushes for more acceptance  of both these issues , but  I will be honest , I cannot fathom how.

Verse Of The Day  :         [9] Behold, the day of the LORD comes,
                                                    cruel, with wrath and fierce anger,
                                                 to make the land a desolation
                                                     and to destroy its sinners from it.
                                              (Isaiah 13:9 ESV)








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Guess I'm Not Good at Math

One thing I admit , math was never one of my strong suits. Perhaps to a degree it was my lack of effort , which I confess . However the  other thing , my math teachers were as boring as watching paint dry . Except for grade 9.That year my math teacher rocked and I had my best year. Too bad he didn't continue on .

So it seems that now we have to add mathematicians in the list who are lining up to say religion or God in the western world is coming to an end. Using data from census forms and the decline in those who affiliate with a community of faith , they mathematically calculated that in many countries , religion or faith in God will vanish. Canada , my country is on the list.

Now I have to admit , from all I have read and even those within my little sphere of influence , faith in God, going to Church are on the bottom of most peoples list. They spend more time watching fictional shows and talking about them , sleeping in on Sundays , reading fiction and paying no heed to any real deep thoughts  concerning life,death and life's meaning. That is the way it is.

Even within those who attend Christian services ,its clear from studies, many go for moral instruction or out of  of a social construct and have a very shallow understanding. It has even been said about Evangelicals that it is a thousand miles wide and 2 inches deep.However at the same time , over the last few years there has emerged a hunger and movement of young reformed minded Christians and there are many Churches growing and evangelizing.

So then what really does this type of study tell us. Well 2+2=4 in real math but this type of statistical analysis is wrought with speculation. People are not hard numbers only and many things can occur rather quickly to . change the flow of human emotions and thought . So it can only predict based on past trends . Second it cannot take into account the movement of God in an awakening. During history ,countries have experienced a amazing outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the preached word and changed that countries whole dynamic. So even though I'm sure the atheist and haters of God are clapping , they better wait a bit.

Plus with all do respect to mathematicians and their studies of stats , I will put my confidence in this promise over their speculation . Jesus had this to say ,  [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18 ESV)

Jesus promised that not even the gates of hell can cause His church to fail . With this promise in hand and the gospel that needs to be shared with a dying and sinful world , we should not look at this study defeated but looking at it as a opportunity . Jesus said the fields are white unto harvest but the laborers few . So lets raise the banner of the cross , share the gospel and pray for revival .

So when I do the math , I see God on His throne till Jesus comes to renew all things and that is a win , win . Sorry math guys .

Verse Of The Day  :    [9] Awake, awake, put on strength,
                               O arm of the LORD;
                                   awake, as in days of old,
                               the generations of long ago.
                                  Was it not you who cut Rahab in pieces,
                               who pierced the dragon?
                                                                            (Isaiah 51:9 ESV)

I Will Not Presume on God

Today was my brothers surgery for a very painful condition that causes seizures in his brain and triggers intense pain into his face. It is called the suicide condition because it is so debilitating. So I'm very thankful to God that the surgery went well and all appears well.

But as I waited and checked later on some Facebook posts , I thought how much we presume on God that He will always come through . That our illness or surgery will have a good outcome or perfect result. We presume that God is obligated to give us what we think is the right . We can pray that things will go well or healing but ultimately , God's will be done.

But what we can say , if one is a Christian then no matter happens , we are secure in the arms of Christ. What Jesus did on the cross and rising from dead was put an end to sins tyranny and deaths dominion .We are redeemed by His blood and given the hope of eternal life. All the promises of scripture are grounded in Christ and His work.

Even Paul said that it would be better to go and be with Christ but if he was given more life , it was to do the will of the Father and preach Christ. We simply cannot know how things will go when facing major illnesses or surgery even if we confess Christ.

When my wife was diagnosed with Cancer , we did not claim any health and wealth foolishness. But held onto the promises of God in Christ that nothing could separate us from the Love of God . Anyone who reads scripture knows that death and suffering are not absent from God's people . Why this is so , we cannot truly know completely but we do not have a Saviour that was removed from the reality of pain,grief and sorrow.He suffered and died in our place that we might have life in Him.

This should give us confidence we can still go before God and pray for good things to happen and even plead our case but in the end , we must trust in God that whatever waters we are in are for a purpose.

So I will not presume God regarding health,wealth or success. But what I will trust are His promises . On those I will stand. So I'm thankful that God in His mercy and grace spared my wife and now my brother , blessed be the name of our God. Amen.

Verse Of The Day  :    [15] Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
                                yet I will argue my ways to his face.
                                        (Job 13:15 ESV)

The Missing Song -"Listen To Our Hearts" - Geoff Moore

New Appreciation

After seeing Geoff Moore live with Steven Curtis Chapman , I have a whole new appreciation for this mans music. I always liked his music and his gruff but powerful vocal style but after seeing him perform ,the man has one strong set of pipes . This song is one he co wrote with Steven and one of my favorites. Enjoy.

Verse Of The Day  :   [18] For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
                             and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.
                                         (Psalm 9:18 ESV)

Nothing To Say

Sometimes one needs to know when they have nothing to say and today is one of those days, the end. 

Verse Of The Day  :   Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow  to anger;   

(James 1:19 ESV)