"Watch out for the Devil"

That was Sunday's sermon was taken form 1 Peter 5:7-11...Four things that keep lion's alert and not become his prey:

1. Humble yourself (v6) "Humble yourlseves, therefore, under God's might hand, that he may lift you up in due time"

2. Be self-controlled(v8-9) "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around lika a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

3. Remain watchful and firm in God's word. (v9) ...An illustration that he used was...there was a couple in South Africa who were camping and were told to keep the fire going even at night, keep some logs there so that the lions don't come. As the hours went by, the couple slept and the fire burnt out. The lion moved in and tore the head off of the husband in front of the wife.
also Rev 2:2-5...when stranglers roam, lion feed...stay in the strength, fellowship, relationship w/ God...don't be a loner meaning don't be by yourself. It's important to be part of the Church and become involved...if you are not part of any group, and alone, the Devil prowls on that.

4. Rely on God's grace to keep you safe. (v10)

Something they said on Sunday...The Devil thought that by killing Jesus that he'd won but when Jesus died and ressurected from the dead, he was dissapointed. Since he was dissapointed, the only way he could attack was attack the "crown of God's creation"...us.

Memory Verse: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)...Cast your worry to Him...I often need to be reminded of that. There are times that I carry so much burden, that I stress myself out and worried over the smallest things or get upset over those tiny things. This verse will remind me to just do that...Because He loves me so much, there's nothing He cannot do. He'll never give me more than I can handle. Just give my worries to God and He will lift the burdens.

My "Comfort Zone"

Last night at Fellowship, one of the topics raised was our "Comfort zone"...Are we in our "Comfort zone"? Do we always sit w/ the same people? Do we always talk to the same people? If you're like me, the answer is "YES!!!" It's a fact and I can't deny it. I know I am not the only one because I can also see it w/ in my Fellowship. Soooooooooooo, how do we break the trend?

I mean it's great to have close friends to talk to...but at the same time, how can we expect the Church to grow or fellowships to grow if we don't introduce ourselves and say, "hi, I'm so-and-so!", there is always someone out there who needs someone to talk to, pray to or who is looking for a fellowship/small group to go to. I thank God that our Pastor is challenging us to get out of our "comfort zone" and to also become more involved in Church ministries. Whether it's the Children's program, sunday school, or worship service, they are always looking for people. I guess the question is, where is God calling you? What is your Spiritual gift? Where's the talent that God gave you being used? Is it being used or is it dormant? Are we doing our best to serve God? This may mean giving up weekends or your weeknights to help out...but I tell you it's all worth it. Everything we do is to glorify the kingdom of God to do the "Great Commission."

Before you decide what ministry you want to serve in, I suggest praying first. Ask for His guidance, wisdom as to where your talents would be best used. Perhaps, you rather get new people to come to fellowship, you could talk to your co-workers or talk to other people w/ in the English Congregation who are looking to join a fellowship. Perhaps, it could be encouraging those to come to Sunday School for those who don't. There are many opportunites out there. You just have to grab hold of it and DO IT!

This is my prayer...

Psalm 91

Earlier tonite, Pastor Nelson taught a devotional study on Psalm 91. I'm going to paraphrase what was discussed earlier this evening...This Psalm focuses on security in life, the writer knew that God provides security. One question asked tonite was, what do you hold as security? For many of us, especially for me, my cell phone is one of my securities. I honestly feel naked or "off" w/o it, like tonite.

Short short summary:

Psalm 91:1-2 talks about the security God provides
Psalm 91:3-8 talks about the deliverance God provides. vv5-6 focuses on peace of the believer and not fear attacks at any time. The believer is invincible until his or her time is up. We see the wicked fall around us, but God will sustain us. Nothing can touch us but what He permits, nor can any rebel escape His retribution (v8)
Psalm 91:11-12 Satan quoted these when he tamped Jesus Christ in the wilderness (Matt 4:6) He urged Him to interpret this promise lieteraly. However, Jecus declined to tempt God by deliberately putting Himself in a dangerous situation to see if God would miraculously deliver Him. Story also mentioned in Luke 4:1-13.
Psalm 91:14-16 the assurance God provides. He (God) will not abandon those in distreses. The promises of rescue and honor normally find fulfillment in this life, but they always do the other side of the grave. God normally blesses people who follow His will by allowing them to live longer. This was a special blessing under the Mosaic Law. However, some godly people have died young others have perished at the hands of their enemies as some Christian martyrs. Does this indicate that God is unfaithful and His promises are unreliable?
If we view life as extending beyond the grave, as it does, we should have no trouble w/ these promises. God will grant ultimate deliverance to His own even if He allows them to suffer and die at the hands of enemies in this life. Even those who die young have enteral life.

"In life the Lord may permit many terrible things to happen to his children (cf. Job), as he did to his own Son, our Lord. But his children know that no power is out of God's control." (Vangermerren, p.601)

Mind you, this is a short short summary, excerpts from Pastor Nelson's notes....so I don't have everything on here.

Something I learned in the Old Testament: In the Old Testament, salvation meant long life, living under God's protection...In the New Testament, God provided eternal life through the death of His Son Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.

Weekly Prayer Request

Hey Peeps,

This week's prayer items:

1. Pray for the Family workshops which MCAC is hosting this coming fall.
2. Pray for the Xara Camp at BYNG Island.
3. Pray for Zoe's retreat near Peterborough.
4. Pray for Vince and Kevin's respective CCF's. For their leadership this coming year in their respective roles in Fellowship.
5. Pray for Alex as he goes to B.C. to do his work-term this fall.
6. Pray for my health, that I get better soon.
7. Pray for our new pastoral/student intern as he adjusts to MCAC.
8. Pray for the English Congregation that those of us in Fellowships get to know the others in our congregation that are not in Fellowships yet. Let us get out of our "comfort zone" and meet the rest of our Church.
9. Pray for my Friend that as he searches for his purpose and meaning in life that he finds you Lord.

A Friend's a Friend forever

Someone, I thought I'd never see or hear from again has reappeared in my life after being gone for quite sometime. A lot has changed since we last hung out almost two years ago. He only found out through our daily emails that I attend MCAC and not HCAC anymore. Tomorrow, we'll meet up for coffee to just catch up on old times so to speak and to see why he doesn't feel connected to God anymore. I know something unpleasant has happened to him...I can sense the urge for him to share the burden w/ me but not over email or phone. I pray that whatever has happened that God will show him the way. I pray that the words I say tomorrow are not my own but from God. I pray that He will use me to help him deal w/ this "problem" that he's been having. Pray for a safe drive tomorrow as I drive into Hamilton for the afternoon.

A Battle...A Struggle?

For almost two weeks now, I've been working OT everyday. Lately, I've forgotten to eat lunch or take a break which I'm entitled to 1 hour daily. As my workload is changing and I am honestly trying my hardest to adapt...go w/ the flow. At first, I was overwelmed as I was taking on another person's job as well. While the training was going on, something got forgotten. I can't go into specs but let's just say, I got in trouble b/c of something someone else forgot to do. My lesson learned?? Gotta double check other people's work so that I don't end up getting into trouble again.

What does this have to do w/ my Spiritual life you ask?

I didn't go to fellowship last week b/c I was so exhausted that I just couldn't focus anymore. I knew if I went, my mind would not be on God but on work. My emotional state that day hit the roof. Everything, that came out of my mouth was not the best choice of words and I was almost crying. Thanks to P, A, D,J, J and others for your emails, msn, phonecalls that nite...I was very touched. I'm thankful to have you all at my side. The love that my Brothers and Sisters in Christ have shown me during this difficult time meant a lot to me. You were there while I needed someone to vent to or to listen to.

God has answered my prayers and carried me through this. These past few days have been much better and next week s/b even better...Boss is on holidays.

I praise God for having you all in my life. You are all truly a Blessing to me!

Weekly Prayer Requests

Hi Everyone,

After last night's prayer meeting, here are a few of the prayer items to pray for:

1. Xara's Praise night at MCAC, saturday at 7pm. Pray for the people involved and the people that will be attending.
2. Xara's BYNG island (Teen's Retreat)
3. Our English Pastor's health...Continue to pray for him and his family
4. Pray for Bonnie's Friend, who recently found out has not accepted Christ yet, that he may get to know Christ. At this time, he is exploring a variety of religions. I got to know this individual through a couple vacations this year.
5. Pray for Eddy and Shirley's upcoming wedding and their plans.
6. Pray for patience and humbleness for myself. I am going through a really rough patch at work right now.
7. Pray for our C&MA Missionaries and their safety for them and their families as they continue to serve the Lord all over the world.
8. Pray for the Joint Zion Fellowships (English Cong) BBQ picnic at Erindale Park. Especially the weather and may the Lord unite all of us together young and old.

May the Lord continue to Shine His light upon us...AMEN!

Sunday's Sermon Notes "Living in Harmony"

Passage taken from (1 Peter 3:8 - 4:11)
Speaker: Pastor Nelson

"Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9)

To summarize a bit of what I learned on Sunday...about "Living in Harmony":

A. The five qualities to effective interpersonal relationship (V8)
1. "Living in Harmony" implies co-operation when there are individual differences.
2. Be Sympathetic-bearing one another's burdens.
3. Love as Brothers-A special kind of love which goes beyond familiar relatoinship.
4. Be compassionate-means feeling affectionately.
5. Be humble-Putting someon else's interests and needs before his own (Phil 2:3-4)

B. The three levels of payback (V9-12)
1. satanic level -> This is when we return "evil" for "good" revenge
2. human level -> This is when we return "good" for "good"," evil" for "evil"
3. Divine Level -> This is where you reutrn good for evil.

C. The "Small Print" Section:
1. You are blessed even if you suffer for doing good (V13-14a)
2. You should not fear (V14b)
3. Be prepared to give an answer, "Christ is Lord" (V15a)
4. Do this gently and responsibly (v15b)
5. Do God's will (vv17-18)

Finally, Blessing for insults...When someone treats you badly...remember the following:
1. React kindly when suffering ill-treatment.
2. Have the forgiveness attitude
3. Focus on God and the promises of His word.

I'll admit sometimes, that it's easier to act on natural impulses rather than the "right" thing. You could say in the heat of the moment, things are said or done that are hurtful and often forget of the consequences of our actions. Rather, it suddenly becomes ME, ME, ME...I'm sure it's happened to everyone at one point in time if not lately...hehehe.

Goal: Live in Harmony w/ everyone I come in contact with.

A SURPRISED phone call

About an hour ago, I received a phone call from a Friend I haven't heard in awhile...Thought he disappeared for awhile...Nono...he was just on vacation. It was great to hear from him. Just to chat up and well it's great to receive a phone call just to say "hi" to get to know him better.

Among our many convos tonight, he brought up that he wasn't a Christian and wasn't sure where his life is going or at at this time. I think right now, he's exploring his options and he's open to Christianity. I was so happy to be able to share w/ him tonight a little more about myself and what God has done for me as well.

I explained to my Friend that a Fellowship is a place where people gather to learn about God but also have a mixture of social activities to balance it out. That a "small group" focuses more on bible studies and prayer in a small gathering and a Fellowship is more open to a larger group of people that come together to learn about God. Everyone is at a different stage in their Christian walk and some may be just exploring what life can be like w/ God in it. I found at Fellowships, there isn't as much tension or pressure as a small group. Fellowships are good when people are still discovering themselves because you will also have those that have been Christians for a long time to help encourage those who aren't sure. If Fellowship was just meant for Believers than it would never grow...If you want to learn about God or have an "itch" to explore and find out what Christianity is, come to Fellowship or as he puts it 1-800-bonnie.com (hahaha)

Although, I must admit, tonight's chat was the first chat I've had w/ my Friend about God. I'm really thankful that he called and brought it up. I hope I was able to reassure him on some issues and encourage him to continue to find out more about God. Of course, w/o the added pressure. Of course, I will always be there for my Friend(s) as they are there for me.

I know one thing for sure, if Christ was never in my life, I'd feel so empty and sad, but because of Christ, He has made me glad, given me hope.

The Beginning...

I started this blog to share with others my journey w/ Christ. Not only my troubles or sorrows but also praises. God has been so great to me, and I want to share that with everyone. Whether I am struggling with something and need prayer support or maybe someone out there needs a hand or an ear for listening.

I have learned so much since I've been at MCAC and I am so grateful for the wonderful Brothers and Sisters of the Church and my mom and brother for their support during the transition. Most of all, I thank God for making me get out of my comfort zone to see what God has in store for me. I'll admit, not everything has been smooth sailing, there has been some rough patches along the way, but God has shown me the way each time. All I had to do, was listen to what He says.

My goal for writing this blog is to help others who may be discovering or exlporing their faith and to encourage those who read this to write their own blog and to share in my struggles.