Passing on the Mantle

Last night we had our first parent teacher meeting of the year. To say I was blessed is an understatement. At the end of our meeting, the parents gathered around and prayed over us as staff. As I left the room, I bumped into my co-teacher and said, "We're spoiled teachers." She heartily agreed. 

To be part of an organization like a Christian school that resolutely seeks to impact and inspire the next generation for Christ, is one of my greatest joys in life. And I know we are in it together. Although it is hard at times, there is still a remnant on earth furthering the Kingdom of Christ as they wait for His return.

This morning I stumbled upon the chapter in 1 Chronicles where David is passing on instruction, vision, and blessing to his son Solomon. He begins by gathering all the princes, captains, and stewards of the kingdom together and then proceeds to explain that he himself had desired to build a house for the Lord. However, since he was a man of war, God was choosing his son Solomon instead. Then he turns to Solomon and begins speaking:

"And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it." (1 Chronicles 28:9-10)

As I read these words, I was deeply impressed and my heart leaped a little because I felt it. I felt the passion in David's heart as he passed on his last instructions to his son. I felt his deep desire to see Solomon faithfully move on in the Kingdom of God. And I realized that that is what I and all the parents at that meeting are living for. We pour out our hearts and souls so that the next generation can also know Jesus and what it means to live for him. We teach them Biblical tools and model godly responses. We give them principles and watch as they wrestle with good and evil. We pray again and again as we see them struggle between the Light and darkness. And ultimately we keep on. Why? Because the Kingdom is still moving and there are still men and women needed to join its forces. Souls are still dying without hope and the Gospel must be preached. The world is in dire need of humble, Holy Spirit- dependent individuals who will love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and carry His hope to the uttermost parts of the earth. 

And so we press on. Preparing for the next generation just like David did as he accumulated supplies for Solomon's use. We pray for the children in our care just like he did for his son to be faithful. And ultimately, we walk with the God who knows our children inside and out and has a special calling for each one. 

Wrestling With Pain

Lately I have been wrestling with the unfairness, the frustration, and the confusion of pain. Yesterday I went back to visit a blogpost that I had read before. It had been penned by a woman who lost her life to cancer when she was just past thirty. She titled it, "God is on the Bathroom Floor," and then dove into a beautiful piece of writing that wrapped desperation, humanity, and the deep love of God all into one. You can read it here if you feel so inclined. 

As I talked with God about pain and listened for His returning answers, something gradually and completely hit my soul. After a few days of one-sided dialogue on my end, God used a small clip from the movie called "The Hiding Place" to speak to me. It comes to life in Germany during the harsh Nazi regime of World War II. A couple minutes in, a scene unfolds of Jews lining up and going forward to receive their yellow star one by one. These stars would mark them as targets and subject them to a life of abuse, rejection, and often death. Suddenly, I spoke out loud. "Many people have it worse than me!" I knew it before but needed to be reminded.

Then I took it a step further. I thought of my Gr.6 teacher who lost her life to cancer. She was one of the best teachers I ever had, so why her? Then I contrasted the lot of the starving children who are born in refugee camps with children who have cellphones, bunk beds, and chips at their finger tips and I thought, why them? And I realized that I don't know.

We can easily throw the phrase out that God has a plan for everything and that pain has a purpose, but truth be told, half the time we have no idea at the present what that means or looks like. I highly doubt that all those Jews sent to death like a herd of swine had a clear view of the purpose. Perhaps it strengthened their faith and caused them to trust deeply. But it is clear they couldn't see the entire picture. But did they need to?  

Can we get to a place in our faith where we are willing to suffer without seeing the reason? Willing to trust God even when we don't understand? Willing to keep praising Him because of who He is even when we feel like sitting and pouting? 

Perhaps like Job we can say, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Perhaps life is bigger and more complex than we will ever understand or know. Yes, God has an ultimate purpose in mind. All is for His glory and His triumph. If it takes pain or ease to accomplish it, He will use it. And so in health, in sickness, in strength, in weakness, in rejection, and in praise, we rest in this - He is in control and He knows what He is doing. 

Besides, these words were written about God's Son himself:

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: They pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: They look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, And cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. 

Psalm 22:11-19 (bible.com)

When we think of how our salvation was won through the trouble portrayed above and remember that only God makes beauty out of unfathomable ashes, perhaps it is not too much to raise our hands to the sky in surrender and praise. He alone is worthy - always and every time. 

Link: Praise You In This Storm by Praise and Harmony 

The Truth That Stings

I love people who speak truth even though there is a human side of me that is tempted to be offended. There's something compelling about the friend who hands you the bare black facts without sugar coating. The one who makes you take a step back at the ouch and ponder a bit before you mend your ways! Throughout the last few weeks, God has been impressing on my heart more and more how important it is for us to know the truth and walk in it. 

David charged forward in battle because he knew that God would help him conquer. Sarah trusted and honored Abraham without fear because she honoured the God who had called him. Paul shared the Gospel across the ancient world because he was convinced it was true. 

We live in a time where truth is questioned, criticized, and down-sized to fit agendas and personal goals. Churches are changing, people are changing, and society is changing. Indeed, change is part of life. I used to think that perhaps we as Christians ought to give up some things in order to reach a world that is so far off. While I don't disregard the necessity of being approachable and friendly in our lives, or turn a blind eye to the places where tradition receives more emphasis than salvation, we dare not compromise truth in our efforts to reach the lost. As stated by Chuck Smith, "When the church starts looking like the world to reach the world, she's already lost her power." 

Everyone knows that when extending a rope into a pit to a drowning man, the person at the top must be firmly anchored lest he also fall in. Likewise in the spiritual sense, we have a beautiful and timeless rope that we can extend to lost people. That rope is Christ and He is able to reach into any lifestyle, age level, and nationality. However, in the process of sharing Him with dying souls, we must stay anchored to Him, lest we fall into the pit with them.

If our generation and the next is to stay faithful and solid, we must acquire a love and zeal for truth. We must dig for it, hang onto it, and teach it. Children need truth, parents need truth, youth need truth, pastors need truth, teachers need truth... Everybody needs truth for the Truth will set us free. (John 8:32)

Out world is crying for it, our churches need it, and our personal lives depend on it. We must stand for truth. 

The Army That Moves

Lately I read the verses in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 where it says, "Quit you like men. Be strong. Watch ye all, stand fast in the faith." I did a bit of digging into commentaries and quickly had a picture before me of an army. A STRONG army. It was led by visionary, purposeful leaders who protected and led with such courage, wisdom, and clarity, that the people behind them were sheltered, safe, and following boldly.

The more I pray and listen to God's voice, the more my heart grows for the next generation to be a strong army. We need men who are willing to stand up with courage. Men who are boldly planted on the truth and so filled with the Spirit that not a single ounce of fear will stop them. We need women who know the word and live it out daily. Who protect the children under their care from evil and show them the True Way.

Our world and sadly some of our churches, have been hijacked by Satan and his values. We no longer love what is pure and honest and lovely. We value perverted cheap entertainment. We revel in the world's filth while singing, "I'm Pressing on the Upward Way." Really?

Sometimes I wonder how Jesus feels. Really feels. I would be terribly grieved if the very people I died for endorsed what I saved them from. 

Perhaps it is time we come back to Him. Every army needs a General. He is ready and waiting to give us His Spirit and His guidance. The question is, are we ready to come to him for it? In this King's army, no self-righteous snipers are allowed. No selfish wealth-grabbing individuals. No guards with tainted motives. Only the truly broken and humble will be taken in and suited with a uniform. Only those who listen and are ready to follow instructions. They will hate sin and shed it for a new garment of righteousness. They will lay aside personal rights and accumulation of wealth and fame to serve at their own expense. It's all or nothing and we must make the choice. 

The King is calling but never forces enlistment. 

<a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/army">Army Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>

Is Deodourant Wrong?

What a title you say! Indeed what a title. 😀 I have had some very fascinating conversations with various people and realized that there are varying opinions on the topic of personal hygiene. It has intrigued me to say the least and so I have decided to try compiling a blog post on it. 

The actual definition of personal hygiene is "behaviors that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health (www.cdc.gov/health/about).

Before I dove into this topic, I considered the fact that the Christian life boils down to the root of love. In any given discussion, point of view, etc., it is always essential to be gracious, humble, and understanding of the other person's side. And so, with that in mind, join me on a little journey of discovering and looking into a variety of views. 

I have met people who wear a heavy scented perfume that fills a room and lingers long after they are gone. They often enjoy fashion and dressing up, which in their opinion,  includes a nice smell. I believe it is essential for these people to remember the people sitting beside them in church lest they create headaches or wound their brother with offense. 

On the other side of the ditch, I have met people who could use a shower and some deodourant in order to get rid of a repulsive sweaty smell. These people also should remember that they are their brother's keeper and would do well to make church or any other event a nice experience for them. It is not prideful or wrong to take care of our bodies. I mean, we trim finger nails, comb our hair, and wipe our noses too.

So the question is, what is the middle ground? As Christians we are to be salt and light on the earth. We are also called to be a sweet fragrance to God with our thanksgiving. Personal hygiene is not mentioned in the Bible much beyond Leviticus (correct me if I'm wrong!) and there it mostly refers to washing, cleansing, etc. 

Initially, I concluded that nowhere in the Bible do I find scents mentioned as being needed or essential, but I did conclude that their use actually occured in a number of places. Frankincense and myrr were given to Jesus as gifts. Incense was burned in the temple. The women brought spices to Jesus' tomb and the list goes on. In a simple conclusion, scents are beautiful and can be used to honour God if used appropriately. Now, on the other hand, it is biblical not to offend our brother. Which leads me to believe, that if whatever scent I am wearing, sweat or excessive perfume, offends or triggers allergies in whoever is around or beside me, it is wrong. 

Worship services, and life in general, should be intentional and places where we can focus. Anything that distracts should be taken away. 

So, if you need to get rid of a strong body odor, find something that works well for you and honours the others around you. I know people who use natural products, store products, baking soda, and the list goes on! And if you are someone who enjoys a heavy scented perfume of some kind, also remember the dear souls you go to church with and spare them a headache. 

Much love to all and wishing you a fresh, beautiful day! 🙂

In Croc-covered Feet

The folks were religious, or so they said.
They buttoned their shirts right up to their heads. 
Not a single blight in their church-approved look, 
They checked off each list in their long-winded book.

Their children were combed, their shoes were all shined.
Their Bibles and booklets prepared on the dime.
They hopped into cars that were beautifully waxed.
Polished and shined, their shoes nicely blacked.


Oh yes, they were perfect, God's holy elect.
All their T's nicely crossed, their I's carefully specked.
Their harmony perfect, oh yes they could sing!
Their four parts created a melodious ring.


When lo and behold, the back door gave a squeak,
And in walked a woman with crocs on her feet.
She looked out of place as she surveyed the crowd,
Feeling conspicuous like a bump on their log.


She turned around slowly while the parishioners stared.
She could feel the discomfort rise up through the air.
So she silently trundled back out to the street
Looking down grimly at her croc-covered feet.


And she spoke in a voice that was too low to hear.
I thought maybe Jesus could help me down here.
But it seems I'm too lost, can't be saved anymore.
I guess I'll just quit, should've known this before.


And back at the church, the singing resumed.
The folks were relieved with the old peaceful tune.
Their previous discomfort had left through the door,
Trudging so sadly across their church floor.


As they turned to John three and found verse sixteen,
They read it in gratefulness for what had all been.
Their Saviour had come and had shown them the way.
He could've ignored them and left them to stray.


And out in the dark, away down the street,
Walked a woman alone in croc-covered feet.

footwearnews.com

The Next Leaders...

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho but where did he get the know-how? Well, I imagine he watched his predecessor, Moses, follow God into some sticky situations and walk by faith instead of sight. When the time came, he knew how to trust courageously. 

Elisha, the prophet, begged Elijah for a double portion of the Spirit that was upon him before he was whisked away to heaven in a chariot of fire. What made him ask? I imagine he watched some of Elijah's bold prophecies come to pass and observed the wisdom that Elijah maintained in the face of a dark and evil generation. 

The disciples followed Jesus for the bulk of three years, observing His lifestyle, His miracles, His tears, His prayers, and the very essence of His heart. When He ascended up to glory, He sent His beloved followers an overwhelming portion of His Spirit. 

As I survey the three accounts above, I get a pretty good picture of what it takes to be a good leader. 

1) Following and serving well 

2) Being appointed to a position in due time

3) Being filled with the Spirit and walking in dependence on God

I would venture to say that every single person, above the age of infancy, is a leader to some degree. We lead others by example if nothing else. Even the quietest person in the room affects the atmosphere by their demeanor, actions, words or lack thereof. And so, we all lead. Of course, some people are called to lead much larger groups of people and in much more prominent ways than others, but the question remains, How can we be good leaders?

And so, the topic of mentoring comes up. All three of the above leaders walked for some time with the leader who preceded them, before stepping up to the plate themselves. It is clear to see, that people in leadership positions such as mothers, fathers, teachers, pastors, older siblings, elderly grandparents, etc etc. have a strong responsibility to pass skills, wisdom, and guidance on to the people following their footsteps. Someday, we will die and go on to our reward and someone will fill our place. Not only that, many young people are full of energy and simply waiting for something to do with it. What better way to help them (and God's kingdom) than to invite them into our work. Allow them to observe, learn from our mistakes, walk with us, so that they can begin preparing for the day they will carry on our position. Allow them to ask difficult questions and to wrestle with them. Aid them in their search for answers but always make sure they have their own mind too. It is a weak Christian whose entire life is based on the conviction of others. 

It is obvious that a leadership position must be prepared for. Many of us want to do great things without doing the work required to get there. We hope God will miraculously call us out of our pit of self-indulgence and laziness to do some great eye-catching work for Him. I believe there is a reason God often calls the unassuming and "background" sorts of people to be His strongest instruments. They have learned how to be faithful when no one is watching and to stick to the hardest tasks when it would be easiest to quit. They will be the most humble and loyal leaders because they remember where they came from and the miracle of grace that called them. 

In conclusion, if you want to be a leader, find good people to shadow. Mentoring is important. Don't be afraid to ask the right people to speak into your life and by all means dig into the opportunities that are in front of you. He who is faithful in that which is least will be faithful also in much. Those tiny things you attend to now will enhance your larger space someday. Develop your mind according to God's word. Wrestle with difficult passages and seek God's heart. Good leaders must be able to hear God's voice clearly. Become a person of principle and discipline. Above all, follow God's will for your life diligently. He will call you to the place He has for you and only in His perfect will can you ever hope to accomplish the full potential your life has. After all, it never was about you or me. Only about the One who has called us adopted, a peculiar people, chosen, anointed, saints, and His children. We owe our lives as a sacrifice - whether in the trenches, at the ironing board, or on the stage. 

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