Embrace Today

The past couple weeks have left me in a somber mood as I realize that due to the quick passing of time, April is here once again and I'm reminded of the tragic events that occurred last year in the lives  of too many people I know.

I'm reminded once again of how short life is, and how important it is to embrace today.

I'm reminded to not live paralyzed with fear, or to be hesitant in situations that you want resolved.  Rather, I've become passionate about living in the freedom of Christ, and in desiring that for those around me.  I've become convinced that we truly should not put off something we could do today for another day.

See, life is too short, too fragile to take for granted.  The relationships in our lives are too important to sit back and watch them crumble around us.  People are too valuable to not show them appreciation and love.  Because, one day you just may turn around and they'll be gone.

So, embrace today.  Tell those you love how valued they are.  Do something special for someone you've unintentionally taken advantage of.  Go out of your way to impart hope to someone discouraged.  Hug your family and friends a little tighter.  But don't just do it today.  Make it your lifestyle.  Because the only guarantee we have is the moment we are living in.  So, make it count!  Don't let this moment pass you by!

Revealing Truth, Exposing Lies

Every year as the new year approaches, I ask the Lord for a word or theme to bring into the next year.  The theme God has given me for 2016 is different than prior years in that He took what He was teaching me through a difficult season of life and shaped it into five words for me to believe for this year:  Revealing truth and exposing lies.

I'm beginning to see that this isn't a word that is solely for me, but rather it is His heart for His people.

The end of 2015 left me with an identity crisis.  I knew who God created me to be, but I lost all ability to function in who I am.  I second guessed absolutely everything I did in how I related to others.  I shut down, I quit communicating, I avoided situations I once felt comfortable in.  I felt like being who God designed me to be wasn't 'good enough'.  I felt like an annoyance and a burden to those around me.  I was trapped because I knew what God has called me to do and who He wants me to be, but I couldn't shake the thoughts plaguing me that told me that it just wasn't enough.  Lies.

This struggle isn't unique to me.  God has opened my eyes recently to see that this struggle is plaguing so many.  It's a tactic of the enemy to undermine our ability to walk freely in the plan of Christ for our lives.  The approach he uses may be different, but the method is the same...attack their identity...attack their thoughts...so that they no longer have the confidence to rise high as the Sons and Daughters of God Almighty that they are.  This is a massive problem that must be addressed, and it's why I feel that God is calling us, His body, to be intentional about seeking the Lord to reveal truth and expose lies.

As I've walked through this journey over the past while, God has been so faithful to teach me more about who He is.  I've learned how important it is to continually keep my eyes on Jesus and when waves of thoughts begin to take me in a downward spiral of negativity, there is incredible power in choosing to worship Him instead.  He's been faithful to constantly remind me to choose love and forgiveness, despite not knowing what or who the source of the pain was.  He's encouraged me in the moments where I have felt so frustrated in how long the healing process of this journey is, and He's reminded me that in the baby steps, He is building a solid foundation that can't be shaken the same when the enemy tries the same tactic in my life again.

Just as the Lord has been faithful to reveal to me the uniqueness of who I am and how He designed and created me exactly the way He wanted me to be...perfectly because He can only create perfectly, He is faithful to us all.  Not one is forgotten.

The enemy would try to take us off course by seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and he does so by lying to us.  However, Jesus came to give us abundantly full life and that directly combats the enemy as He speaks and reveals His truth to us.  The truth about how He loves us and created us.  The truth about how we are created in His image.  The truth that we are His sons and daughters.  And ultimately, the truth that He has already won the victory and all glory belongs to Him!

And, here's a secret God has shared with me in the process (one that puts a massive smile on my face and quenches my desire for revenge): By attacking us with lies, the enemy thinks he's winning, HOWEVER, as we counter his tactics with the truth of Christ, his plan actually backfires on him because as we walk in Truth testimony is written.  And testimony touches even more lives for the Kingdom of God than if we hadn't gone through the fire!  How awesome is that!!!  So, the next time the enemy tries to throw a lie at you, laugh in his face as you fix your eyes upon Jesus and know that by choosing truth, God is writing a testimony upon your life that will impact others around you for the rest of your life!  

Finally, to close, I'll leave you with a scene description from The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2 as it is a clear picture of what I just shared: *Spoiler alert for those who have not watched it

Background: Peeta had been tortured in the Capital and as a result his mind had been programmed to believe things about Katniss that were not true.  Fast forward to when he arrives to be part of Katniss's army unit.

So, Peeta shows up and all he wants to do is kill Katniss, because that's what's been programmed into his mind as he believes she is responsible for so many terrible things that have happened.  But, as Katniss chooses to take night watch, Peeta begins to open up.  He tells her how there are so many things in his mind that aren't clear and he doesn't know what is real or not.  He begins to ask her a series of questions and after each one he asks "True or not true?"  To which Katniss responds.  As Peeta begins to have a clearer understanding of what is true of Katniss, and also of him, the bitterness, anger, and hatred he has for her dissolves with each truth that is exposed.  Ultimately the barrier is completely broken down and there is a mutual trust that bonds them once again.

As I thought about this when I woke up this morning, I thought how that is such an incredible picture of the power of truth.  See, when we are living in a haze of lies, it's hard in our own strength to distinguish between what is real and what isn't.  We need to be like Peeta and be willing to admit we are in a haze and ask God to reveal to us who we are, who He is, and who the people around us are.  We need to be vulnerable.  As we are, and as God shows us the truth piece by piece, the barriers holding us back from being fully alive in Christ begin to break down and we will be free to boldly live out the life He purposed for us.  There will also be freedom in relationships with others because we will see them for who God created them to be...no more lies.  Just truth.  And that terrifies the enemy because we are an army for Christ.  So, stand firm and keep your eyes upon Jesus!

  

Joy > Loss

"To enjoy life is to find the joy in the midst of the curveballs thrown at you while being grateful for the lessons they taught you. They are unpredictable and try to slow you down, but God in His grace and mercy will always be there to sustain you."

These words came to me as I looked back at a picture from the summer...a picture that paints a two sided story: Both joy and sorrow combined.

As I looked at it and remembered the exact moment it was taken, I couldn't help but thinking about my year.  I couldn't help but think about the curveballs thrown my way.  I couldn't help but think about the way I've grown and the lessons I've learned.  And most of all, I couldn't help but think about how God's been taking me on a journey of learning how to be thankful and joyful in the midst of the storm.  Like the well known saying says "Life's not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain."  That's been my year.

2015 has been the exact opposite of what I envisioned it to be.  Honestly, if I could sum it up in one word, it's been a year of loss.  

It's been a year of experiencing more death, cancer, sickness, and pain than I could've ever imagined 365 days could possibly hold.  But, that was my year.  I felt like Job may have felt as he watched the life he knew crumble before his eyes.  Yet, where the enemy tried so hard to steal, kill, and destroy, God has breathed in life.

In the midst of loss, it's okay to hurt and grieve.  It's okay to question the reasons why.  However, since God is Lord and Sovereign, He knows exactly where we are at, and He is faithful to sustain us.  To our human, finite, mind, it's hard to comprehend how it is possible to have joy in the midst of pain.  Yet, God is so faithful.  If there is one thing I've learned this year it's that no matter what we face in life, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.  

I've learned that instead of focusing on the negative and worrying about what's to come, I should instead praise Him for what He has already done.  I've learned to thank Him for the moments I've spent with those in my life who the loss affects.  I've learned to thank Him for the ability to remember specific memories.  I've learned to thank Him for the lessons I've learned in the midst of the pain.  I've learned to thank Him for how I've seen greater depths of His character.  

Does being thankful change the situation?  No way.  But, it does take our perspective off of where we are at and put it back on Jesus.  By choosing to fix our eyes upon Jesus instead of whatever we may be facing, it is possible to experience true joy no matter what.  

As we enter into Christmas next year and soon after close out 2015, I pray that we will remember that our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to earth to redeem us, is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  He is exactly who He says He is.  He is faithful.  And, if we fix our eyes upon Jesus, we will be reminded that no matter what storms we face in life that He is greater.  He has already won the battle over death, cancer, and sickness.  Though we live in a broken world where we will experience storms and trials that look hopeless and devastating, when we fix our eyes upon Jesus and see His nature and character we will be reminded that there is so much more than we can comprehend.  So, I encourage you that no matter what your year has held, that you make a conscious decision to fix your eyes on Jesus and to thank Him for the things He has done.  He will sustain you.

Wake Up, O Sleeper

As the election results roll in, and solidify what appears to be a Liberal majority, there are a few thoughts to be shared.

My heart breaks when I think about these results.  My heart breaks for my nation...the beautiful nation of Canada.  It breaks because these results show just how far we as a nation have fallen from valuing what is righteous and Godly.

Throughout the campaign period, there were two things very clear.  This was not just an average election of voting for who would guide the country from a political standpoint.  Instead, this was an election about holding onto our ability to have a free country where freedom to serve Jesus publicly and live according to our conscience was preserved.  It was an election about what would set the stage for the very direction our country would head in spiritually.

However, despite the disappointing results, one thing is clear.  God is not done with Canada.  And, despite the fact that the results are not what I expected or what I wanted, God is stirring up anticipation in me.

Could it be that this is what God designed and planned all along?  After all, thousands of people around Canada and the world have been praying specifically for this election.  Prophetic words were spoken and were very specifically about today.  So, could it be that this is the start to the wave of restoration and revival that we have been crying out for?  The circumstances seem grim, but I know that my God is FAITHFUL.

The moment I heard the words "Liberal majority" my heart sunk, yet my spirit rose in urgency within me.  The Church must rise up.  We must awake from our slumber.  Obviously we have been sleeping for far too long if the country has "voted for change", which in turn is for a party who supports everything contrary to the Word of God.

Will we take this new government, knowing the potential for persecution and demoralization, and begin to seek the very face of God asking Him to change hearts?  Will we look beyond what is staring us in the face in terms of election 'promises' and ask God to raise up a Godly government?

See, God is powerful.  He is mighty.  He hears the cry of our hearts.  And His word says that if we will humble ourselves and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear from heaven, forgive us our sins, and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).  Will we take the lesson learned from these election results and humble ourselves before the Lord, asking Him to forgive us from the sins we have committed against him, both as a nation and personally?  Will we rise up and become the men and women God designed us as the Body of Christ to be?  Full of His power?  Will we awaken to the things that are truly important instead of being caught up in what does not have eternal value?

My heart breaks because I see.  I see people all throughout our nation who are lost.  Who are deceived.  Who are searching so hard for something different...for change.  Are we going to rise up as the Body of Christ and show them that the only change they need is found in no longer living for themselves, but rather in living for Jesus Christ?  Are we going to take a stand and live out our faith instead of keeping it hidden?  Are we going to wake up to the reality that millions of people in our backyard are dying and going to hell if we don't live as light in the darkness?  Are we?

Maybe, just maybe, that's what this election is about.  Maybe we prayed for something specific, but God, as He always does, knows better than we do.

I'm so thankful that we had a godly Prime Minister who stood for morality and supported Israel.  I'm thankful for everything he did while in office.  Was he perfect, no.  Did every decision that was made resonate with every aspect of our country, no.  But, we need to look beyond that and realize that just like you and I, he is human.  He can't please everyone.  He couldn't even lead without the Lord by his side...because honestly, if you put yourself in his shoes, would you have been perfect as he was expected to be?  No.  So, no matter your political stance, be thankful for the years we had a government in place who sought the Lord and who supported Israel.  Just be thankful.

However, now as the government changes, we also have to honour this government, because the Bible tells us to honour rulers and government.  Obviously God has a plan for this new season Canada is now in.  And, like I said, just maybe, this is God's wake up call to the Church.  A call to rise up.  A call to awaken.  A call to stand for truth and righteousness.  A call to dig deeper in His word, in prayer, and to be unified as a Body.  If we can do that, I believe this nation will shift.  If we can begin to humble ourselves and commit to praying on behalf of our government, our leaders, and our fellow Canadians, God is going to show up in a powerful way and hundreds, thousands, and millions will be saved.

I've been challenged and convicted.  Will you join me?  Will you choose to arise and be a vessel for God to work in and through you to see this nation transformed?  Canada needs it...and God is calling His people to rise.

Equipped to Invest: Embracing Our Role In Kingdom Expansion

Have you ever stopped to think about the story in Luke 21 about the woman who gave all she had to the Lord?  The woman, who only gave two small coins, yet was esteemed above those who gave several out of their wealth?

If all she had was two small coins, why would she give them both to the Lord?  What would she have to live from if that truly was all she had?  She could’ve just said “Lord, next time I have extra, I’ll give double.” The Lord knew her heart, and I’m sure He would’ve understood that she was willing, but in order to survive she had to withhold her offering for the time being.  However, she didn’t.  She was obedient to do as He asked of her.

How often do we withhold from the Lord what He has asked of us?  How many times have we been tight financially, and as the offering bucket passes by at church we inwardly tell God “next time”?  Though the intent of our heart may be pure, it is so easy for “next time” to turn into another “next time” as bills are unending, coffee and lunch dates unplanned, and one significant purchase turns into the next.  How many times do we hear stories of missionaries doing God’s work both in our own cities and around the world, and our hearts burn with a desire to do something?  Yet, when the pledge cards are handed out, again we tell the Lord “next time,” waiting until a more ‘opportune’ time in our life when we are financially in a better place.

I think if we are all honest with ourselves, we’ve all been there.  I’ve been there.  More times than I’d like to admit.

I get that we can’t support everyone and every cause, however we each have a part to play in expanding the Kingdom of God on this earth.

My heart is for missions.  For as long as I can remember I’ve had a desire to do something that would allow me to tell people about Jesus for a living.  From wanting to be a Children’s Pastor, to a ‘famous’ singer, to leading short-term mission trips, my heart was always the same.  I want everyone to know about how much Jesus loves them.  I want them to experience the joy of a personal relationship with Him.  I want to see captives free, blind eyes open, lame walk, deaf ears hear, hearts transformed, and in turn, I want to see those very people begin to take the Love of Christ everywhere they go, so that their circle of influence would be touched for Jesus.

However, currently, God has me in a different path in life.  One that at times I’ve struggled with as I’ve yearned to be doing ‘more’ for His purposes.  I sit in an office every weekday, doing something I enjoy, but I’m not on the frontlines of ministry like I imagined over the years.  Yet, God’s been showing me that my place is vital to expanding His work around the world. 

You see, I may not be on the frontlines, but God has strategically handed me resources that are necessary to equip the frontline workers to be effective in the purposes God has for them.

As Christians, we have the resource of prayer.  Prayer is an essential resource for the spiritual battle we all face.  It is necessary for us to lift ministries and ministers of the Gospel up in prayer because the enemy will try to bring discouragement and attacks in various forms as he does not want to see the Gospel spread as lives are transformed for Jesus.

Another resource we have is finances.  It may be one dollar.  It may be one hundred.  Each one has been given something, so what are we going to do with that resource?  Years ago God began to show me the importance of giving now, instead of waiting for a better time in my life. 

Throughout my teenage years, I had always desired to have a sponsor child, but between being in high school or university, without a steady income and tuition and bills to pay, I didn’t ever feel like I was in a place where I had the confidence that I would be able to sponsor a child long term.  So, year after year, I would tell God that when I was done school and had a permanent job I would.  However, one day God spoke to me so clearly and I realized that there never will be an opportune financial time in my life because once tuition was paid, there would be a mortgage, a wedding, children, new vehicles…one major expense after the next.  I would never be without something to put my money towards.  If I would ever invest into another life for Kingdom purposes, now was the best time to start…because a life I can support today means one more life changed forever.  If I held off, my little sponsor child may have had another sponsor, but two things would’ve occurred in the process.  The first is that only one life would be touched instead of two.  The second is that I would’ve missed out on God’s blessing that comes in walking in obedience.

1 Corinthians 8:3-4 talks about the giving of the Macedonian church and Paul says "For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints."  Wow.  The Macedonian church got it.  When we give of what we have to a ministry or a missionary, we are partnering with them as they expand the Kingdom of God.  They need us, but we also need them.  Later on in 1 Corinthians 8:14, it says "At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need..." We all need one another to effectively spread the good news about the saving power and grace of Jesus Christ.  We can't do it alone.  

I've been challenged recently to be intentional about the resources God has provided to me, so that I can invest it into the work He is doing around the world.  I may sit in an office five days a week, but as I invest in the missions work, and missionaries that I know, my time sitting in an office chair is not wasted.  Work is being done.  The love of Jesus is being spread.  Lives are being transformed.  Captives are being freed, blind eyes are seeing, the lame are walking, deaf ears are being opened, hearts are being transformed, and lives will never be the same.  

Just as I've been challenged, I challenge you.  Ask God what your part is in expanding His Kingdom.  Maybe it's being on the frontline.  Maybe it's spending time in prayer for a specific ministry or person you know.  Maybe it's giving of your finances so that someone you know can operate in the full time ministry God has called them too.  Whatever it is, God has a part for you to play.  We can't do this alone.  None of us can.  We need one another as we each do our part in the Body of Christ.   

From Hopeless to Hope-filled

Have you ever faced a situation that has seemed completely hopeless?  A situation that seems so dead that it makes your heart ache when you try to dream of what you wish or pray could be, but it just seems so useless?

If you have lived for any length of time, I'm sure you've experienced this feeling at least once so far in your lifetime.

I have experienced many situations like this...where my heart aches as I cry out to God with tears streaming down my face, my heart pounding in desperation, pleading with Him to help me understand why my hundreds of prayers are not being answered.  In those moments, all I feel is complete helplessness, as naturally I know there is absolutely nothing that I can do to turn the situation around, and all my mind is begging of me is to let go and move on.

Maybe you can relate.

However, in those moments, I can't let go and move on, because despite the hopelessness that engulfs me, there is something in me that knows I have to press through and keep on trusting and believing in the One who is faithful in everything.  I just have to keep on reminding myself...NEVER give up...keep trusting Jesus, because He knows the situation better than I do, and He knows EXACTLY what He is doing.  I may not bee able to see what He is doing, but I have to have faith that He is doing something.

It's just like this picture...

In the early spring, I accidentally forgot this orchid plant outside overnight and it experienced major frost damage.  One by one the leaves and roots shrivelled up and died.  Well, all except 2 roots and half of one leaf.  I couldn't bear to throw it out unless I knew that it was completely dead...but I had no way of knowing if it would eventually come back or not.  I just had to keep on watering it, putting it in the sunshine, and persevering, despite the outward appearance of it being dead, damaged, and too far gone.

Yesterday, I noticed this new little shoot growing at the base of the damaged orchid plant.  New growth.  New life.

In that moment, God showed me how this plant is so much like life.  Just as I didn't see the growth occurring under the soil of my plant, we can't see what He is doing in the depths of someone's heart.  It gave me so much hope and encouragement as I stood there revelling in His goodness.

The situations I face in life that seem hopeless and dead have hope after all...hope because God cares and has everything in His hands.

A smile filled my face, and tears welled up in my eyes as I began to think of the day I will see a shoot of new life spring forth in the situations I am pleading with God for.  I was so excited to see this shoot on my orchid plant, and I know that what I felt is nothing compared to the joy that will fill my heart when I see the answers to the many prayers I've been praying.  I know that when I see the answers to my prayers, every tear and every moment where my heart ached will be worth it because that is the day a prodigal will have run home to Jesus.  I can't see it right now, but I have hope because God is faithful.

I don't know what you may be facing today, or if you are in the midst of one of these dry, seemingly dead, hopeless situations; however I do know that God knows and that He is working beyond what you can see in this present moment.  Be encouraged, and keep on pressing on and trusting that what He began, He will finish.  He is good.  Always.

Testimony of God's Goodness

A few days ago I was at a testimony sharing night and as I sat there listening, I began to wonder what my testimony consisted of.

I grew up in a Christian home, gave my life to Jesus on my 5th birthday, and have never looked back.  Far too often I have felt like I don't have a testimony because the main components of a testimony are so simple for me.  However, as I sat there listening to others share, and as I asked God how the pieces of my life fit into a 'testimony' format, I realized that my testimony over the past few years is relational.  It doesn't fit the 'stereotype testimony' of my life before Jesus, but rather, what is He doing in my life now to mould and shape me.  

Relationships are extremely important to me.  However, they are something that I've struggled with a lot.  Growing up with my dad as a pastor, we moved around a few times...maybe not as much as some have, but for me it was a lot and was extremely difficult.  It meant starting over.  Trying to make new friends.  Trying to fit in, despite my quietness and timidity.  It wasn't easy, and every time I felt like I had just begun to settle in and feel at home, we would move again, or life would change as people would walk out of my life for various reasons...changing churches, new seasons of life, moving... For someone who is so relational, it meant a lot of hurt and heartache.  It meant starting over again.  

I could write so much about that season of my life, but to condense it and not lose the ultimate purpose of my life story, I will cut it short.

Ever since grade 7 I had prayed on and off for a good, solid, Jesus loving friend who would be someone who I could be real with and who would be like a sister to me...a dear best friend.  I've had so many friends over the years, but through all the hurt that I went through, my heart longed for that friend...a sisterchick (from the Robin Jones Gunn books I read growing up).  

In 2012 I gave up on that prayer.  I figured, after 10ish years of praying, that God just didn't have in mind for me to have that friend.  The crazy thing is that when we let go of our burdens, God comes in and does far more than we could ever dream.

I write all this today because today is the Sunday that my life changed 2 years ago.  It was actually May 19, 2013, but would've been on this Sunday.  

I've wondered how what happened that day could be part of my testimony, but looking back it truly is...because God used that day to change my life forever.  I don't recognize who I was 2 years ago, and I'm thankful for that.  

That day I went to a Holy Spirit night at my church, after debating whether to go or not.  I went, but was so isolated and hurt that I did not want to associate with the young adult group at my church.  God's funny though, because my parents ended up praying for a girl I had never seen before, my mom did something she's never done before and introduced me to her, we got talking and this 'new girl' invited me to hang out with the young adults afterwards...the very thing I was trying to avoid that night...I went, and when I went to bed that night I had no clue that God had just answered my decade long prayer.

I don't like to single out people or give names, but I feel that today, to give God the glory for what He did, and to honour my friend, I just want to say that I am so blessed, and so overwhelmed that God brought my best friend K into my life.  Without a shadow of a doubt I know that I would not be who I am today if I hadn't met her that night 2 years ago.  She truly is my sister, my best friend, and someone who has encouraged me so much to go deeper in my walk with Jesus.  She has been so gracious to me in the moments when I have failed tremendously and have had to figure out what friendship means.  She has been someone who I have been free to be real with in the good times and the most difficult moments of my life.  She is a treasure.  

So, Kristen, from the bottom of my heart, I just want to honour you for letting God work through you in my life.  God uses different avenues to work in people's lives, and for me, He chose to use you in my story.  I've told you many times that you are a gift to me, and today I just want to publicly acknowledge that because of how much God has used you to bless and encourage me.  I love you so much my dear friend and sister!!  I'm beyond thankful for you and I look so forward to continuing to see God's mighty plans for your life!!  

So, my story might not look like an 'average testimony' consisting of a crazy salvation story.  My testimony is a story of God's goodness, God's grace, God's faithfulness, and His desire to do immeasurably more in our lives than anything we could ever ask or imagine.  That's my story and I pray that as I grow in Jesus more and more each day, with each moment God gives me on this earth, that others will see Him at work and that they will experience the overflow of who He is and the mighty plans that He has for each and every one of us!