Acts 15:39-40 "And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God."
God knows what was going on. Paul had his reasons why Mark should not go with them on the second missionary journey, which eventually took Paul and his company into Greece. Mark had let him down and perhaps Paul had taken this personally. In any case, it caused Paul to not take Mark, but instead to take Silas with him. Silas operated in the gift of prophecy, and it is noteworthy that during this journey we read a lot about the Holy Spirit's direction, including the famous Macedonian Call. So it seems God used this seemingly negative event, to stretch and to grow Paul's experience of the prophetic gift.
But God did not forget about Mark in this process. Barnabas took Mark, his nephew, under his wing. This took forgiveness, and Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement (a name given him by fellow church members) gave Mark a fresh opportunity for ministry. Tradition says that Mark later became the personal assistant to Peter, the apostle to the Jews. There he learned much about the events of Jesus' ministry, which Mark then wrote down in the Gospel according to Mark, which is considered to be the first of the four gospels to be written.
So God used this seemingly negative event, to develop and grow two people, and countless others through them.
God knows the things we are going through, personally. I am sure Paul felt badly about this conflict with Barnabas, may have wished he could do it over. But in God's hands, all things work together for good for those called according to His purpose. Turn the situation over to God, and allow Him to use it for His purposes. He knows what He is doing. He promised never to leave or forsake us.
"Lord, help me to be an instrument of Your grace, and I ask you to work out the situations of my life, for Your glory. Amen"
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Personal Revival - Prov 24:16
The life of the Christian has its ups and downs. We start on our walk with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, with great enthusiasm, we love the new closeness we have with God! It is awesome! We may have met Jesus at a revival meeting, or perhaps it was a "chance" encounter with someone on the street, perhaps it was some relative or friend who introduced us. But we were excited, and we were going to tell the world about it!
The natural way of things, is that life starts to encroach on this relationship. Busy-ness is one of these things. Early in life we have less responsibilities, and more time to maintain the freshness of this relationship. As time goes on, though, more things crowd in to devour our time, meaning there is less time to feed our relationship with Jesus. Gradually, Jesus can be allowed to drift to the periphery of our life, while other more urgent things take center stage.
The church in Ephesus had this happen to them. They started with a bang, people had to decide rapidly on which side they stood, when a riot threatened to kill off the initial attempts to start a church (Acts 19). They persevered though, and Paul was able to write one of his most profound letters to this church - the epistle to the Ephesians. As time goes on, we can become weary in well-doing (2 Thes 3:13), but this was not the case in Ephesus. They maintained their spiritual walk, and are commended for this (Rev 2:1-3)
But Jesus also, besides the commendation, has something to say to this church. "Yet I hold this against you. You have forsaken your first love." He says, "Repent, and do the things you did at first". This church was obedient and resistant to false teaching, they persevered. But they had lost the freshness of their first love, that first contact with Jesus! Relationship may have become religion to them. Jesus urges them to recapture that initial zeal, and get back to the urgency of their early days as God's children.
Proverbs tells us: "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again". We can regain that closeness with Jesus. He says to do the first works, what worked before will work again! We devoured the Bible, our prayer time was precious to us. Yes, we may have lost our habit of doing these things, but we can get up again! Restarting certain disciplines may feel uncomfortable for a while, but as we regain that lost fervor, we will once again feel the hunger for a closer walk with the Lord!
"Lord, we surrender ourselves to you, and ask you to lead us into a closer relationship with you. We long for your touch! In Jesus' name, amen"
The natural way of things, is that life starts to encroach on this relationship. Busy-ness is one of these things. Early in life we have less responsibilities, and more time to maintain the freshness of this relationship. As time goes on, though, more things crowd in to devour our time, meaning there is less time to feed our relationship with Jesus. Gradually, Jesus can be allowed to drift to the periphery of our life, while other more urgent things take center stage.
The church in Ephesus had this happen to them. They started with a bang, people had to decide rapidly on which side they stood, when a riot threatened to kill off the initial attempts to start a church (Acts 19). They persevered though, and Paul was able to write one of his most profound letters to this church - the epistle to the Ephesians. As time goes on, we can become weary in well-doing (2 Thes 3:13), but this was not the case in Ephesus. They maintained their spiritual walk, and are commended for this (Rev 2:1-3)
But Jesus also, besides the commendation, has something to say to this church. "Yet I hold this against you. You have forsaken your first love." He says, "Repent, and do the things you did at first". This church was obedient and resistant to false teaching, they persevered. But they had lost the freshness of their first love, that first contact with Jesus! Relationship may have become religion to them. Jesus urges them to recapture that initial zeal, and get back to the urgency of their early days as God's children.
Proverbs tells us: "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again". We can regain that closeness with Jesus. He says to do the first works, what worked before will work again! We devoured the Bible, our prayer time was precious to us. Yes, we may have lost our habit of doing these things, but we can get up again! Restarting certain disciplines may feel uncomfortable for a while, but as we regain that lost fervor, we will once again feel the hunger for a closer walk with the Lord!
"Lord, we surrender ourselves to you, and ask you to lead us into a closer relationship with you. We long for your touch! In Jesus' name, amen"
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Suddenly!
Luke 17:28-29 "It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all".
In this passage, Jesus gives some information about the coming of the Kingdom of God, and Jesus' return to this earth. He first of all tells that the kingdom is inside of us (v. 21), and that we can't find it by looking in this place or that place. He also tells that when he returns, all people will see him (v. 24), like the lightning that lights up the sky. And then he tells us that when this event happens, people will not be expecting it. Things will happen suddenly!
Things sometimes creep up on us and suddenly they are there. Things may seem quiet and normal, just as in the days of Lot. They were carrying on their daily business and everything seemed peaceful to them. They did not expect something horrendous to happen. Yet it came! Suddenly! In our own lives we may let down and take it easy and we don't even notice how we are slipping away in our relationship with God. But he will return, suddenly! "Two women will be grinding grain together, one will be taken and the other left" (v.35). Here, Jesus seems to be speaking of the rapture, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. It will happen suddenly! And the day we meet Jesus may be even closer than we think - each of us is only a breath away from meeting our Maker!
This is why Jesus tells us to watch and pray! We ought always to be ready to meet Jesus! Be awake. Be in relationship with him. Be ready so he will be able to say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Don't let that day come upon us, unawares.
"Lord, I pray that you would keep me awake and alert and on the ball, and that my relationship with you would stay hot and fervent! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"
In this passage, Jesus gives some information about the coming of the Kingdom of God, and Jesus' return to this earth. He first of all tells that the kingdom is inside of us (v. 21), and that we can't find it by looking in this place or that place. He also tells that when he returns, all people will see him (v. 24), like the lightning that lights up the sky. And then he tells us that when this event happens, people will not be expecting it. Things will happen suddenly!
Things sometimes creep up on us and suddenly they are there. Things may seem quiet and normal, just as in the days of Lot. They were carrying on their daily business and everything seemed peaceful to them. They did not expect something horrendous to happen. Yet it came! Suddenly! In our own lives we may let down and take it easy and we don't even notice how we are slipping away in our relationship with God. But he will return, suddenly! "Two women will be grinding grain together, one will be taken and the other left" (v.35). Here, Jesus seems to be speaking of the rapture, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. It will happen suddenly! And the day we meet Jesus may be even closer than we think - each of us is only a breath away from meeting our Maker!
This is why Jesus tells us to watch and pray! We ought always to be ready to meet Jesus! Be awake. Be in relationship with him. Be ready so he will be able to say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Don't let that day come upon us, unawares.
"Lord, I pray that you would keep me awake and alert and on the ball, and that my relationship with you would stay hot and fervent! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The state of our heart!
Today I have been thinking about marriage. I am thinking about my own marriage, that of others I know, and I am thinking about all of my friends.
A few weeks ago, I was privileged to perform the wedding ceremony for some close friends. This was the culmination of a journey they started some time ago, and they had invested time, not just in gazing into each others' eyes, but also in counseling and preparing for taking this momentous step. When we start out on the journey called marriage, we have all kinds of idealistic notions, some realistic, some not. But we start out with the very best of intentions for the future.
As the months progress we see more of each other than we may care to know. Human nature being what it is, we tend to examine the other more than ourselves. Things happen in life, which can leave wounds if not dealt with properly. I am not blogging about how to deal with these things, each situation is different, though the priniples of keeping our marriage fresh and alive, have not changed. But hurts happen, and they can take their toll in our relationship.
A couple of weeks ago I personally started a journey to improve my marriage. Dianne and I watched the movie "Fireproof" and I recommend it to everyone, whether you are married, divorced or contemplating marriage at some time in the future. The movie talks about one couple's journey from the brink of divorce, to a new and fresh relationship they had never yet experienced. You may think it would take both partners to do this, but in the movie and in real life, one party can make a huge difference in our marriage complexion
Anyway, I started the journey talked about in the movie. It makes a difference, that's all I will say. I suggest that anyone who wants their marriage to improve, take on the Love Dare. It doesn't matter how rough things have become, there is hope because the future has not yet happened, and change is possible.
Join me on the journey!
Love you,
Pastor Gerry
A few weeks ago, I was privileged to perform the wedding ceremony for some close friends. This was the culmination of a journey they started some time ago, and they had invested time, not just in gazing into each others' eyes, but also in counseling and preparing for taking this momentous step. When we start out on the journey called marriage, we have all kinds of idealistic notions, some realistic, some not. But we start out with the very best of intentions for the future.
As the months progress we see more of each other than we may care to know. Human nature being what it is, we tend to examine the other more than ourselves. Things happen in life, which can leave wounds if not dealt with properly. I am not blogging about how to deal with these things, each situation is different, though the priniples of keeping our marriage fresh and alive, have not changed. But hurts happen, and they can take their toll in our relationship.
A couple of weeks ago I personally started a journey to improve my marriage. Dianne and I watched the movie "Fireproof" and I recommend it to everyone, whether you are married, divorced or contemplating marriage at some time in the future. The movie talks about one couple's journey from the brink of divorce, to a new and fresh relationship they had never yet experienced. You may think it would take both partners to do this, but in the movie and in real life, one party can make a huge difference in our marriage complexion
Anyway, I started the journey talked about in the movie. It makes a difference, that's all I will say. I suggest that anyone who wants their marriage to improve, take on the Love Dare. It doesn't matter how rough things have become, there is hope because the future has not yet happened, and change is possible.
Join me on the journey!
Love you,
Pastor Gerry
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
What Does Blessing Mean?
In my last post I spoke about the power of blessing.
Jacob blessed his grandchildren. It impacted that family down through the generations. Grankids became familes, which grew into tribes and eventually nations. There is a lesson in this. An event which seems insignificant today, can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects, even beyond our own awareness.
We are all aware that hurts can have seemingly permanent consequences. Blessing, however, also has the power to change the future of relationships
In his letter to the diaspora, the scattered 12 tribes of Israel, James tells us a little about the power of the tongue. He starts by warning teachers, in James 3, about their greater accountability. "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly". And then he continues, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."
Even as I am thinking right now, my thoughts go to times I have offended, unintentionally. But the emphasis of this comment by James, is not to condemn, but to encourage blessing. Verse 17 tells us, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
Blessing is described in these positive qualities. Blessing is pure, no ulterior motives, purely well-wishing. Blessing is peace-loving, it desires to reconcile, bring unity. Blessing is considerate, caring about others' feelings and situations. Blessing is submissive, "in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Blessing is full of mercy, giving others the benefit of the doubt, giving them trust, another chance. Blessing is full of good fruit, our lives speak of our being blessers rather than people who tear down. Blessing is impartial, just as God is no respector of persons, neither are we, each person is our brother or sister and needs our blessing equally. And finally, blessing is sincere, it is not a form of words, rather it is an expression of the love of Jesus in our heart, towards another.
I pray that we be a band of blessers, touching lives around us, who will then pass it on to others, in an ever-expanding ripple of God's grace across this world.
I bless you today, in your relationships, your families, your friends, your employment, and above all in your relationship with the Father who loves us so dearly.
Have an awesome day,
Pastor Gerry
Jacob blessed his grandchildren. It impacted that family down through the generations. Grankids became familes, which grew into tribes and eventually nations. There is a lesson in this. An event which seems insignificant today, can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects, even beyond our own awareness.
We are all aware that hurts can have seemingly permanent consequences. Blessing, however, also has the power to change the future of relationships
In his letter to the diaspora, the scattered 12 tribes of Israel, James tells us a little about the power of the tongue. He starts by warning teachers, in James 3, about their greater accountability. "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly". And then he continues, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."
Even as I am thinking right now, my thoughts go to times I have offended, unintentionally. But the emphasis of this comment by James, is not to condemn, but to encourage blessing. Verse 17 tells us, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
Blessing is described in these positive qualities. Blessing is pure, no ulterior motives, purely well-wishing. Blessing is peace-loving, it desires to reconcile, bring unity. Blessing is considerate, caring about others' feelings and situations. Blessing is submissive, "in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Blessing is full of mercy, giving others the benefit of the doubt, giving them trust, another chance. Blessing is full of good fruit, our lives speak of our being blessers rather than people who tear down. Blessing is impartial, just as God is no respector of persons, neither are we, each person is our brother or sister and needs our blessing equally. And finally, blessing is sincere, it is not a form of words, rather it is an expression of the love of Jesus in our heart, towards another.
I pray that we be a band of blessers, touching lives around us, who will then pass it on to others, in an ever-expanding ripple of God's grace across this world.
I bless you today, in your relationships, your families, your friends, your employment, and above all in your relationship with the Father who loves us so dearly.
Have an awesome day,
Pastor Gerry
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Foursquare Convention
Follow these links for news regarding the recent Connection 2012 Foursquare Convention -- "Speak - Reclaim our Voice!" -- in Phoenix, AZ!
Day 1: Thousands Gather for Foursquare Connection 2012
More than 3,500 leaders from across the U.S. and around the world gathered in Phoenix as this year’s convention, “Speak—Reclaim Our Voice,” began.
Day 2: Celebrating Young Leaders and Focusing on Evangelism
Reclaiming a passion for evangelism was a key theme on the second day of Foursquare Connection 2012. The evening service highlighted progressive young leaders and emphasized the importance of reaching people who don’t know Christ.
Day 3: Youth and International Focus; Hundreds Gather for Conexión Hispana
The third day of Foursquare Connection 2012 emphasized reaching the under-30 crowd, and highlighted how God is using The Foursquare Church worldwide. Over 300 leaders also gathered for Conexión Hispana.
Day 4: Connection 2012 Concludes With Commitment to Reclaiming Our Voice in This Generation
Foursquare leaders were challenged to minister in the power of the Spirit in the face of cultural change as Connection 2012 concluded in Phoenix
Follow these links for news regarding the recent Connection 2012 Foursquare Convention -- "Speak - Reclaim our Voice!" -- in Phoenix, AZ!
Day 1: Thousands Gather for Foursquare Connection 2012
More than 3,500 leaders from across the U.S. and around the world gathered in Phoenix as this year’s convention, “Speak—Reclaim Our Voice,” began.
Day 2: Celebrating Young Leaders and Focusing on Evangelism
Reclaiming a passion for evangelism was a key theme on the second day of Foursquare Connection 2012. The evening service highlighted progressive young leaders and emphasized the importance of reaching people who don’t know Christ.
Day 3: Youth and International Focus; Hundreds Gather for Conexión Hispana
The third day of Foursquare Connection 2012 emphasized reaching the under-30 crowd, and highlighted how God is using The Foursquare Church worldwide. Over 300 leaders also gathered for Conexión Hispana.
Day 4: Connection 2012 Concludes With Commitment to Reclaiming Our Voice in This Generation
Foursquare leaders were challenged to minister in the power of the Spirit in the face of cultural change as Connection 2012 concluded in Phoenix
Monday, May 14, 2012
The Power of Blessing!
"When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, 'Who are these?'' 'They are the sons God has given me here,' Joseph said to his father. Then Israel said, "Bring them to me so I may bless them.'" - Genesis 48:8-9
This incident has a huge impact! As a result of Israel (Joseph's father previously known as Jacob) blessing Joseph's children, and later the rest of Joseph's brothers, blessings were given that were passed on to their descendents. Starting with this one seemigly insignificant event in Jacob's tent, something was set in motion that benefitted countless generations down through the centuries.
There is power in blessing. The words that we speak have impact. Our words either build up or tear down. James tells us about the power of the tongue. It either benefits someone or ourselves, or it curses them and destroys their future.
So we have the power to speak blessing into the lives of our children just as Jacob did with his grandkids. As a matter of fact, we have power to speak blessing into the lives of everyone we meet or touch. That person at work, the person we see hurting in the grocery department, our wife, husband, children and extended family. Our words can make them or break them!
What an awesome privilege and responsibility!
Have a day full of words of life!
Pastor Gerry
This incident has a huge impact! As a result of Israel (Joseph's father previously known as Jacob) blessing Joseph's children, and later the rest of Joseph's brothers, blessings were given that were passed on to their descendents. Starting with this one seemigly insignificant event in Jacob's tent, something was set in motion that benefitted countless generations down through the centuries.
There is power in blessing. The words that we speak have impact. Our words either build up or tear down. James tells us about the power of the tongue. It either benefits someone or ourselves, or it curses them and destroys their future.
So we have the power to speak blessing into the lives of our children just as Jacob did with his grandkids. As a matter of fact, we have power to speak blessing into the lives of everyone we meet or touch. That person at work, the person we see hurting in the grocery department, our wife, husband, children and extended family. Our words can make them or break them!
What an awesome privilege and responsibility!
Have a day full of words of life!
Pastor Gerry
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