a good reason to fight?!

What's the deal with conflict? For some we can't wait to encounter the next royal rumble, for others we are ready to hide under a table and head for cover when disagreements arise....as for me, well, I'm not so keen about conflict (unless I think I'm right...lol).

Part of my understanding about conflict is strongly shaped by my upbringing. Each of our families have given us perspective on what conflict is....avoidable at all costs or important to engage with to have healthy relationships.

Today, I attended a conflict resolution seminar and heard some big ideas about learning about the value of conflict. Coming from a Christian worldview, what did Jesus think of conflict? Over and over Jesus didn't shy away from conflict, but rather chose some key times to bring up issues that he wanted to address to move people toward the kingdom values of God.

So, am I proposing that we just go around trying to create conflict?....No, but I am now starting to understand the value of being around people to ask the question of "help me understand what's your desire is?" Before people think that I haven't heard what they are struggling with and have told all those who would listen, I want to be proactive to sit with those who have something to express. Often, I come to a conflict with only hearing the "position" (quit doing that, or we need to do this)....but there is such deep value in hearing "the why?" What has brought you to this position, and now what are some possible solutions - that you can see?

I am so thankful for those around me who have modeled and taught me to manage conflict well. Two men who have mentored me in the area of conflict management - Ron Toews & James Toews (no relation - I don't think) but both Godly men who care about seeing people become wiser in how to relate to problems around us.

another incredible weekend!

Well this past weekend again was incredible! I am again humbled by the heart of God to send people to Port Alberni to serve the people who live here.
This past weekend 19 youth (Grade 7-9) from Central Community Church showed up to partner with Gateway and reach out. It was really fun to hang out with these rambunctious bunch who were always laughing about something, but had lots of energy to serve. They picked up garbage, handed out flyers, prayed for the city, prayed for individuals, did crafts with seniors at an assisted living home, and helped clean up a Child Care's playground.

I continue to be reminded about the verses found in Matthew 9:37, 38 "Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
The amazing part about God, is he continues to surprise me about how & who he "sends" into the harvest field. He knows which workers are ready to go, and take the leap, for the hard work of bringing in the harvest. These kids worked tirelessly over the weekend (yet still had a bunch of energy to stay up late until the morning goofing around), and man I am still thankful to God for them.

God has a heart for all people and wants his good news to be known!

What can I offer?

As the devastating images continue to stream in about the earthquake in Haiti, I'm struck by the question, how can I help? Sure, by sending some money to the local Red Cross or a registered relief organization like MCC (mcc.org) is a way to add support to a very bleak situation; however, I still wonder what is God calling me to do?

I think of the words of Jesus in Matthew 5 & 6 of giving our coats (maybe the gortex one or the many pairs of shoes) to those who ask (or even who hint). As I sit on my soft couch, what does it mean to make a difference in the situation where people don't have any homes, or even food or water tonight in Haiti?

In some ways, maybe all we can do is pray. In raw emotion, call out to God to bring help quicker and healing faster. Also our response should also include being thankful to God for what we do have today. For one verse resonates in my head, "continually give thanks." We have so much to be thankful.

God help those in Haiti. Give peace and strength to those who are waiting to hear from loved ones. Comfort those who are mourning.

Believe...in others

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" Hebrews 3:13
This is quite a verse that says a lot about believing in others and the impact they can make on how far you get in your walk with God.

Do you ever need encouragement? Maybe encouragement to hear that you can make it in the long race of life? Perhaps you need encouragement that your marriage is going to make it, or maybe you need encouragement that you can find a job, or that your life is worth living with purpose - well people in the church, are the ones who should be there for each other.

As you start a new day, ask God who needs to hear encouragement that they can make it. God will give you the words which will bring life to their situation. ...and go speak them, text them, or say them face to face!

Believe!

This past Sunday, God called me to a share a tough message about Believing in God. As I prayed about the passage from Mark 11:22-24, God made it clear to me that there is belief and then there is BELIEF! There is a belief which is stuck in our head and which doesn't really move us or inspire us.

Jesus talks about a belief or faith that will move mountains. This type of belief shapes the way we talk. This type of deep belief in God stirs us to pray and hold to God when others are looking elsewhere. Imagine as we become people who are so stirred to believe in God in all circumstances that we are moved by the possiblities of God rather than the size of our problem.

Does this type of belief come easy? No! Will God answer all our prayers the way we want...immediately, or does our mountain of problems get removed by God one shovel full at a time?

God is calling us to believe in Him and His faithfulness and love.

What struggle are you looking at that you know that you need to ask God to do something about?

sharp word

Ever read the word of God and say, "Wow, that was like it was written for me." Sure there are some words in the Bible that seem so out of date, but other stuff that the Holy Spirit brings alive. Reading in Hebrews 4, it's incredible to realize that the word of God is living & active. God's Word is full of life and power. His words bring perspective to the mess we may be in, or encouragement when we are down.

I am so grateful for the Word of God. What a gift!

heaven...the anticipation of being with _____

So after a Sunday morning of sharing about heaven, God has really hit me with the realization that heaven is all about God. Now, I'm not sure what you think the purpose of heaven is, or what you anticipate most about heaven, but as we read throughout the Bible it becomes evident that heaven is about God.

In the book of Revelation we get the big word that "God will be with his people and dwell among them and be their people." So when we get to heaven, it's going to be incredible to see God. To experience the power and presence of God is huge - so huge and such an awesome experience that God replaces the sun as the light of the world. Try to comprehend this and start anticipating the brightness and perfection that God is.

Thanks God for the realization that "heaven is much more than a place on the earth."
Think about heaven and the promise of seeing God one day, and let that anticipation shape how you act today (in freedom, in joy, in love).

I love the quote by C.S. Lewis: Aim at Heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in': aim at earth and you will get neither.