Just A Thought

6/12/10

Blogapalooza - Paul Wilkinson

Welcome to Blogapalooza.

I want you to meet some new people. I asked various friends and bloggers to share with you this month on my blog. So, all through the month of June I will feature different voices from around the world. Today I would like to introduce you to...

Paul Wilkinson

My first contact with Paul Wilkinson on the blogosphere was when he found my blog a few years back. He had started his blog a couple months before I did and somehow came across mine. He contacted me and left a comment on an article. After that I checked out his site and have been a DAILY reader since. Read this piece Paul sent and then check out his blog!

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I'm honoured to be asked to guest write again at Just a Thought. I'm going to go out on a limb here and presume that a majority of Rick's readers live in his current home state of British Columbia. No... 'state' isn't a typo, I've been to California enough times to know that west coast living is a state of mind. But I've only been to B.C. on a technicality. Let me explain.

Thanks to my parents' love of road trips -- and one I did with a friend when I was 21 -- I've been to 40 of the 50 U.S. states. My last trip with them was when I was 14 and we went from Ontario to Utah and then north to Banff National Park and Lake Louise in Alberta where, even in the rain, it was still a picture postcard scene. My father was backtiming the days he needed to drive back through the Canadian prairies and return to work on time, so when I pleaded that I wanted to cross B.C. off my "places visited" list, the best he could do with the time remaining was to drive into Jasper National Park. A few feet into the park. For three minutes.

On that basis, I've been to British Columbia. Sort of.

I wonder if people approach the Christian faith that way? At some point in their lives they've crossed a line. Maybe they prayed a prayer. Maybe they were intellectual converts to someone's skillful apologetic. Maybe they truly felt God's presence in a worship service. But that was then. Perhaps they still attend services and even give money or time, but they're kinda 'in on a technicality,' like my visit to Jasper. Just enough to have the bases covered.

A rich man once came to Jesus. To read his spiritual resumé, he was more than just 'in.' He had church cred. But obviously there was some nagging doubt. He went to Jesus to make sure he truly did have all the bases covered. So Jesus throws him the option of doing what Peter and John and the rest of The Twelve did; the option of ditching job and possessions and becoming one of his followers. It's the same "Come follow me" invitation; he's giving the guy the option of becoming a late addition to the team, a 13th disciple. (see Mark 10 and Luke 18.)

But in that moment the man comes face to face with his true priorities. He walks away. A day later, a week later, a month later, if you were to ask him, what would he say is his true spiritual condition?

I think if he was honest he'd say, "Jesus showed me that my heart wasn't truly invested the way it may have appeared. If I'm in, I'm in on a technicality."

Jesus is looking for people who will sign up to be "all in."

Paul & Ruth Wilkinson live in southern Ontario where, on a clear day, you still can't see any mountains. Paul blogs at Thinking out Loud.

6/10/10

Blogapalooza - Sarah Apperson

Welcome to Blogapalooza.

My Wife: Sarah Apperson

Sarah and I met in 1994 at a YWAM DTS. We were engaged a few months later and shortly after that we were married. Sarah is a passionate worshiper and has written scores of songs reflecting her love for the Lord. She currently leads our worship at Main Street Christian Fellowship and takes care of our 2 kids.

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Coping or Overcoming?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

I have recently been reflecting on what it means to inherit “every spiritual blessing in Christ.” After studying the Scriptures, I am confident that it truly means just what it says: everything that we need to live whole and fruitful lives has been made accessible to us through Jesus. “For we have come to share in Christ, if we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” Hebrews 3:15

In the midst of a stressful day, when I am tired from nursing a fussy baby the night before, frustrated by my daughter's difficult Social Studies assignment, overwhelmed by the endless piles of laundry, and unable to nap because the dog won't quit barking, I am tempted to give in to the feelings of helplessness pervading my soul. I want to cry a bit, then call a friend and dump on them until they join my pity party. I can't cope with this, I think to myself. But suddenly I hear a quiet whisper—so quiet I have to silence the negative thoughts so I can hear it: “You aren't called to cope, child. You are called to live abundantly! You're called to be an overcomer! Coping is for those who think they are strong, but you are meant to depend on me in your weakness.”

One of Paul's prayers for the Ephesians was “that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, and that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:16-19)

God knows what resources I need so that I can have joy and peace each day. He has already made provision for me, through Jesus Christ. If I am experiencing negative feelings, He has made a way for me to rise above them and walk in a higher realm: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...” Colossians 3:15

The epistles are full of commands such as “clothe yourself with holiness,” “put on Christ,” “walk in Him,” “live by the Spirit,” “seek the things that are above,” “put to death what is earthly in you... .” No matter how we feel, we may live as victorious children of God. But it is up to us to make the determination to allow the Spirit of God to do His work in us. He has provided the wardrobe, but we need to acknowledge our need, receive the gift, and put the clothes on!

6/8/10

Blogapalooza - Fred Von Kamecke

Welcome to Blogapalooza.

Fred von Kamecke

I first came across Fred von Kamecke via another blog I read regularly. Fred's book Busted had just been released. After ordering and reading the book I was blown away. Fred had written THE BEST book on aplogetics I have ever read. Fred was one of my guests on 5 Questions with... and participated, in conjunction with Zondervan, a massive book giveaway on this very blog. Fred von Kamecke is an assistant pastor at The Chapel of Lake County, Illinois. So grab a cup of coffee, enjoy Fred's post and then go check out his book!

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Is It Just My Karma?

As I sat with some neighbors on a cool night, gathered around the warm embers of a campfire, the conversation drifted toward how people generally get what’s coming to them, or “What goes around comes around.” One neighbor said it was karma and that karma is in the Bible. It wasn’t the time for a discussion about comparative religions and biblical theology, so I didn’t pursue it. But it did get me thinking.

By thinking that karma is in the Bible, I think my neighbor had “sowing and reaping” in mind. Jesus once said, while contemplating the opportunities in Samaria, “the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true” (John 4:37 NIV). Paul reminded the Corinthians about their pledge, but warned, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). And elsewhere he said: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8).
So sowing and reaping is clearly biblical, but does it really square with karma? How are they alike? How are they different?
As for how they’re alike, both karma and sowing and reaping share the idea of getting what’s coming to you, whether good or bad. Your actions return to you. This similarity leaves people with the impression that they are really the same thing, but that just isn’t so.

Now, as for their differences, karma is a major feature in Hinduism. In Hinduism, God isn’t a person, but rather an “It,” an impersonal force called Brahman. All that there is, is Brahman. Brahman didn’t create the universe; Brahman is the universe. All of the galaxies, spirits, gods and goddesses, mountains, rocks, bugs, and plants — and yes, people — all are merely visible expressions of the mysterious one, Brahman.

The problem, according to Hinduism, is that we’ve forgotten our true identity, and it takes several lifetimes to realize it and reach enlightenment. Until then, we’re stuck in the wheel of reincarnation — a seemingly endless cycle of birth, death, rebirth, death, etc. As we go about our lives, the things we do (or fail to do) begin to accrue to our karma account. If you are good and generous, you’ll be rewarded in the next life. If you’re an ornery cuss in this life, you’re going to get nailed in the next. That’s why some Hindus get so irritated with Christians trying to help the destitute on the streets of Calcutta. The starving, blind, and maimed widow left begging for scraps is just working out her bad karma from a past life. Don’t help her or you’ll just mess up the process. Karma, you see, is a matter of fate. You get what’s coming to you — period.

This brings us to another important difference. Between birth and death, karma has no room for mercy, grace, compassion, love, or forgiveness. While we’re at it, since all is Brahman (the one overarching reality), then all suffering, sin, and death are ultimately illusions. They are all the mysterious outworkings of the reality that lies behind our muddled lives.

The idea of sowing and reaping is very different because the biblical context is distinct from Hinduism. First of all, God is personal and distinct from his creation. Sin and death are realities, as seen in the long run of a very bloody history in an unjust world going increasingly mad. Sin is running amok. We are not born with the baggage of previous lives; we’re simply born in sin. We also don’t have endless chances to get it right. We’re each given one shot at life, and then comes judgment.

Now we’re ready for the biggest difference of all: Because of Jesus, we can be forgiven in this life, and reap the benefits of that change in this life, and further enjoy this blessedness beyond our death and into eternity. There can still be, and often are, earthly repercussions and consequences of the sinful things we’ve done. But it doesn’t matter what we’ve done, how horrible, or for how long. When we come to Jesus in genuine faith, he forgives all our sins.

Yes, we’ll reap what we sow, but God gives us the chance to start planting different seeds for a different harvest. That’s why Paul warned the Christians in Galatia to stop sowing to their sinful nature (with its harvest of certain destruction) and to start sowing a different seed. The new goal is to live in such a way that reaps a harvest of spiritual fruit — a life that brings a smile to the heart of the Holy Spirit.

6/6/10

Blogapalooza - Dawn Fehr

Welcome to Blogapalooza.

Dawn Fehr

I met Dawn and her husband Tim after moving to Smithers in 2004. I first met them at the local Baptist church. After a season, God brought them back into our lives and they have since become dear friends. I have watched their journey the last couple years and I see how God has been moving and working in their lives. Recently Dawn started her own blog, one I have made a point of adding to my daily readings. She is real. She speaks from the heart. I am blessed she agreed to write for Blogapalooza. Read her piece and then go bookmark her blog.

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I would like to thank Rick for having me share in his Blogapalooza! What an honor! Hope you're having fun on your trip.

As well, I would like to thank you for dropping by! If you stop by my blog later, please feel free to browse my About Me section as well as my archives... I've been on a journey, and thought I'd invite you along.

Okay, and now for today...

Do you believe that you matter? To your family? Your boss? Your co-workers? Your community? Have you ever found yourself believing that nobody thinks you matter? That even you don't believe you matter? What about feeling unappreciated? Taken for granted? Useless? Worthless? These thoughts, which became beliefs, that I have found going round-and-round-and-round in my head lately. I believed that, as a child, I didn't matter in decision making... that my opinion didn't count, that the questions I asked went unanswered.

When Tim and I were married (24 years ago next month), I let it be known that I mattered... at least, until I realized that I didn't believe it any more. I knew that while the children were small, the things I did were necessary for us and them to be healthy. Since the kids are now 20 and 17, I have found myself thinking that if I didn't do a household duty (laundry, clean house, do dishes...) and they didn't complain, that I wouldn't bother doing them. Nagging wasn't working. When I did do the chores, it went without appreciation... "thanks" wasn't cutting it for doing a week's worth of laundry.

After talking these kinds of things out with my clinician, I was advised to hold a family meeting regarding housework. Please realize, although I am not employed right now, I don't plan to stay unemployed. Please also realize that my husband is on a disability, but is still capable of doing these types of things. Also... my son is unemployed (and I don't know how long he plans to stay that way). My daughter holds 3 jobs, which I think is quite sufficient. In other words, there are 4 adults living in our household, we should be able to share the load.

I knew I needed to hold this meeting, but was challenged to have us make consequences for when we do not do our chores. After discussing this with my counselor (yes, I have 2 people I talk to regularly-each have different roles in my life) yesterday she simply said, "The going rate for housekeepers is $20/hour." That was all the ammunition I needed.

I did something I never thought I would do. I explained that I expected everyone to be home for dinner. They were! Then I presented them with a spreadsheet of daily and weekly chores that I expected done. I smiled, then explained my predicament... that I felt unappreciated and taken for granted... and, being as I am unemployed and they are adults, I am no longer their maid. I told them that I needed their help... or my fee will be $20/hour!

It took quite a while for the chart to fill up with volunteers, but it eventually did. I explained that they might have some leverage with each other also, by trading chores/days, or paying each other for doing someone elses' work. At the end of each month we will tally it all up (and collect payment in full).

How can you set your boundaries in relationships?... Where you begin believing that you matter enough, to respect yourself as much as you respect other people? Maybe it's as simple as making a chart. Maybe it's shutting the bedroom door and reading a book or taking a nap. Maybe you have to say "no".

I don't know where you're at in life. I just know that I don't want to stay burdened with beliefs that are wrong. God's Word tells me that I matter. It says that His only Son left Him to come and live on this earth... because I matter... because YOU MATTER! Jesus lived on this earth, then was crucified, died, was buried, and then rose again... for you! If you don't believe me, check out Luke 1-24. You can start by clicking here.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to ask either Rick (the writer of Just A Thought) or myself.

FYI, I have recently begun a daily "Five Good Things" listing on my blog Blown To Smithereens. You are welcome to check it out, add your own lists, and maybe even begin to take joy in the little things each day!

Thank you for checking out Blown To Smithereens!

Cheers,

D

6/4/10

Blogapalooza - Anne Jackson

Welcome to Blogapalooza.

Anne Jackson

I first came across Anne's blog via another blog I read regularly. Anne was just getting to release her book, Mad Church Disease: Surviving the Burnout Epidemic. As I began reading her blog, Flowerdust, and later her book, I was struck by her honesty, realism and compassion. Anne was one of my first guests on 5 Questions with... She is currently busy with a Ride:Well tour but gave me permission to reprint something from her archives. So grab a cup of coffee, enjoy Anne's post and then go check out her blog!

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(From Jan. 25, 2010)

The Power of Words

For most of my life, I’ve been an extremely sensitive person. I also had a terribly awkward last name growing up, so it was easy to make fun of the goofy girl with big teeth and big eyes and a funny last name.

I spent a lot of my elementary school days crying alone in my room, brooding on whatever harsh words were spoken to me by my classmates.

In high school, I grew out of the big teeth (I actually quite like my teeth now), and found myself in academics and sports. I was in the National Honor Society, was identified by the Duke University talented program in the seventh grade, aced my honors classes, and excelled at basketball. Our family settled into Abilene for a few years while I was in high school and I made good friends that I still adore today. I didn’t get made fun of much then, or as I blossomed into an adult and into a couple of different careers.

My mom always prayed that I would have a sensitive heart, and now as I share it in a world where thousands can read and voice their own opinion, my skin has become soft again.

Words move me in dramatic ways – both positive, and negative.

The prayers and words of kindness from strangers elate me, and show me the voice of God through humanity. In more recent weeks, the critics have shown up on several posts, voicing their opinions as well.

I am fully supportive of everyone having the right to their own thought, and the right to voicing their own thought. I don’t ever expect everyone to agree with everything I say or do, and that’s completely fine. I’ll never delete a comment that shares a different point of view, even if it’s said in an argumentative tone.

However, I do ask you this. If you read my blog, or any others, or hear a story or meet a person and something inside you compels you to share your opinion, please consider the words you use to communicate.

It is of utmost importance that even if we take a opposing stance on an issue, we shouldn’t debate the other person’s heart, integrity, or motivation.

We are not, and can not be, the judge of that.

The power our words have can be extremely positive and uplifting, and can even push someone to grow if we communicate a different opinion in a positive manner.

Our words can also be like poison, and shrink and twist the heart and life and faith of the person with whom we disagree.

Yes, I’m a very sensitive person and there are steps on my journey that I need to take to toughen my skin and not take harsh statements so personally and deeply.

I also know I’m not the only person in the world that feels the power of words deeply.

Speak gently.

Speak carefully.

Speak thoughtfully.

Speak graciously.

Speak humbly.

We can do these things, and still disagree with someone.

In fact, I think that may be the only way we can properly disagree with someone.

6/2/10

BLOGAPALOOZA is here

Sometimes it's nice to sit back and listen to someone else for a change. I find this to be true as I Pastor Main Street Christian Fellowship. I enjoy having someone else preach and share so that I can soak in as well.

So I had this idea, BLOGAPALOOZA. I want you to meet some new people. I asked various friends and bloggers to share with you this month on my blog. So, all through the month of June I will feature different voices. Friends, family, bloggers, authors, you'll find them all here. So make note of the schedule and check back in for BLOGAPALOOZA.

Blogapalooza Schedule:

June 4: Anne Jackson, Author
June 6: Dawn Fehr, Blogger
June 8: Fred Von Kamecke, Author
June 10: Sarah Apperson, My WIfe
June 12: Paul Wilkinson, Blogger
June 14: Hanna Apperson, My Daughter
June 16: Dave Lloyd, Blogger
June 18: Stanley Groothof, Blogger
June 20: Andrew Farley, Author

Possible participants on the 22, 24th and 26th

6/1/10

The God Who Jumps Through Hoops! - Just A Thought #42

The Bible records a vast number of names for God: Jehovah (Psalm 83:18), Foundation (Isaiah 28:16), Comforter (Jeremiah 8:18), Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6) and Refiner (Malachi 3:2) are just a few.

One name I have never found is "The God Who Jumps Through Hoops." Yet it is this name that many seem to want to call Him by. You'll meet these people when they want a healing, a blessing, a relationship or something they feel they deserve or need. When God does not perform for them in their desired timing, they began to question God or become more demanding. It is not that God will not heal or bless. He does this. However, I have noticed a certain type of attitude when it comes to our wants.

I have heard people say, "If God does NOT heal me, He is a liar." Scriptures get cut down to their barest minimum and are twisted to support their version of what God should do. "Well, it says God healed their sickness but He is not healing mine!" People act as if God is a puppet on a string, here to do our bidding. However, when reading the Word, I can't find this version of God anywhere.

It boils down to a selfish attitude. We want what we want when we want it. In other words, we want to be God! He should do things our way! We want to be in charge and have God fulfill our version of life!

Yet, in the Scriptures, just as often as God healed or moved, He remained silent. He stayed His hand. He let events unfold according to His plan. I am encouraged by Hebrews faith chapter. I have heard many sermons on Hebrews Chapter 11, and they are used as proof of God's blessing and protection as we persevere and seek Him. Often overlooked are the final 5 verses of that chapter, which talk about saints being tortured, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, slain, destitute, afflicted and tormented! They are also praised for their faith.

So, the next time you think about demanding God move, remember that if He does, it may not be in the way you expect. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9). Can you still maintain your faith if your prayers do not get answered in the way you wanted?

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