Tuesday, December 28, 2010

2011 Challenge




So 2011 is upon us and we want to start the new year on the right track. Do you want to loose weight? Eat healthy? How about a New Year's resolution that will last beyond 2011? Would you like to read the Bible in a year? Maybe you tried it before and did not finish, or maybe you've never read the whole Bible. This time it will be different. We will be doing it together. Starting Jan 1st 2011, we will begin with the New Testament and end with the Old Testament. So are you up to the Challenge?
If you are, follow this link and there will be a list of the readings for each day.


You don't even have to own a Bible. Click on the link for each day and you will be directed to an online Bible. The above link is for the NIV Bible, starting from the New to the Old Testament.

If you want a different version visit this link


On the weekends we can discuss what we read. It will be great reading the Word together as a group. If you are in, click on the comments link below and post a message to let us know.

2011 looks like it will be a good year!

God Bless
Andrew and Natasha

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas Day-Why JESUS?

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:6-8

There are many New Age movements and alternate belief systems pulling at the core of who we are as Christians. They are seductive, enticing us to believe in ourselves, in our own ability and inner powers. After all, they argue that if we are made in God's image and likeness, then God is in us and we are gods. They start off with a kernel of truth but then grow into a deceptive lie, with the purpose of redirecting our worship. Yet, we are not left without warnings:

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God- having a form of godliness but denying its power." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

I am writing this on December 25th, Christmas day, and I ask myself the question, WHY JESUS?
Then, I am struck with the reality of who I am without Him. Let me be honest, I am unkind, selfish and proud. The list, truly, is endless. Of course, I could compare myself to a notorious criminal and convince myself that I am a 'good person' because I am not as bad as...or I can list all my good deeds and feel great about who I am as a human being. Yet I would be deceiving myself. We are a sinful people. Out of our hearts come sinful thoughts, selfish ambition, pride and many other attributes of darkness that we would just as well ignore. The truth is, JESUS transforms us, mind, soul and spirit. JESUS came because He knows our base nature, that we will fall, that we will repeatedly stand accused by the enemy of our souls, hence His BLOOD on Calvary's cross. Forgiveness and renewal are offered to us and GRACE truly is amazing. The Apostle Paul reminds us:

"For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14

"For GOD was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross." Colossians 1:19-29

And remember, JESUS is waiting right there for you, knocking on the door of your heart. Let Him in and He will be the best dinner guest you have ever had.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Talk Tuesday - Isaac

Eleven years ago around this same time I was asked by God to sacrifice my Isaac, Natasha, my wife. Without getting into the details, I was tested by God to see if I would give up my then girlfriend for God. Like Abraham, I prayed a long time for my Isaac. I finally found the one I was to marry and God asked me to give her up. I did choose God and God gave her back to me. It was one of the hardest things I ever went through. When you read Genisis 22:1-19 you see Abraham trusting God even with his most precious son. Has God asked you to sacrafice your Isaac? Do you have a dream that you are waiting for? Do you need to give it to God? Are you waiting for kids? What is God speaking to you about? Share with us and let us encourage one another. It is hard to give up your Isaac. Let us help one another.

"Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Genesis 22:2

When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”


“Here I am,” he replied.


 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”


Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram[a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.  So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” Genesis 22:9-14

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Talk Tuesday - Trust like a child

The other day I went to dinner with my family. We were having such a great time with my niece. She was all over the place, having fun and making lots of noise. Tash made a comment that it would be nice to be care free like my niece-no worries and full of hope and joy. Then God spoke to my heart. I told Tash my niece doesn't worry about anything because she trusts that her parents will provide for her every need. She knows that her parents will give her food, shelter and love. That is how we should be with our heavenly Father. We have to believe that we serve a good God and that He will provide for our every need. My niece doesn't worry about her next meal because she knows that her parents will have something for her to eat. Why do we worry? God is our heavenly Father...


“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:11-13

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12:22-26

We have to trust God like a child trusts their parents. Are you worrying about something today? Your future? Your children? Your job? Put your faith in Jesus. Like a good parent, He will never disappointment you. He will always be there for you. Lay your troubles at the foot of the Cross and trust Him like a child.

Sunday, December 5, 2010



Share what God is speaking to you. Give a word of encouragement. Bless someone today. It's time to Share.

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Prayer Wall - December



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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Talk Tuesday-Why Pray?

There is power in prayer. Last week we shared that PRAYER is an act of FAITH based on our TRUST in the LORD. So why pray even when it seems hopeless? Prayer draws us closer to GOD, allows us to commune with Him and brings revelation of His grace in our lives.

The day of my first surgery was filled with many surprises. For one, I didn't know what to expect and neither did my family. I was blessed by the many, many family members who turned up to show their support and to pray. The surgery lasted 8 1/2 hours and throughout the length of the day, my mother and aunt met a lady whose daughter had been in the ICU on life support for quite some time. The doctors had told the mother that her daughter's case was hopeless, that she should disconnect her from the machine and prepare for the worst. My aunt decided to visit the young lady and begun to pray in the name of JESUS. She prayed in faith for the young woman to rise to live and not to die. She prayed fervently. The young lady rose to live. I received a call from her this summer and our families have kept in touch.

In Acts Chapter 12 the church is once again under persecution. Herod the king has already killed James the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter. The Bible says that, "Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church,"Acts 12:5. Peter was bound in two chains between two soldiers, with guards keeping watch before the prison door. An angel of the Lord was sent by God to deliver Peter from prison and set him free. When he appeared to the church members who had been praying for him, they were in disbelief. "But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of prison," Acts 12:17. Prayer changes things.

The Bible exhorts us to pray always:

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." Ephesians 6:18

Please share with us what prayer means to you and how GOD has acted on your behalf. Click on the comments link below to add your comments. We know that sometimes our prayers are answered based on what we want and sometimes they are answered differently to how we prayed, yet one truth remains:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Talk Tuesday-When Prayers Go Unanswered

The Bible instructs us to pray. The equation of FAITH combined with PRAYER is powerful. When Jesus cursed the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-21), it quickly withered. The disciples asked Him how He was able to do this:

"Jesus replied, 'Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:20-22

When the father, in Matthew 17:14-20, brought his demon-possessed son to be healed, his disciples were unable to do so. When questioned, Jesus responded:

“Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20-21

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus said:

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

So then, why do some prayers go unanswered? I do not have the answer to this question, however, we must choose to TRUST GOD (I am speaking to myself first!). He knows what is best for us and He loves us. PRAYER and FAITH are based on TRUST. Do we TRUST GOD? Do we TRUST in His LOVE for us? He is, after all, OUR FATHER, CREATOR and LORD. When the doors close and our prayers seem to go unanswered, remember that He who created the heavens and the earth has a good plan for our lives. Even though at present we may not be able to see it, let us choose to walk by FAITH as an act of TRUST. FAITH is the result of the putting TRUST into action. As a child trusts its parent, so too must we trust GOD.

"And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

"Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

When prayers go unanswered, how do you process it? Please share your comments and views with our readers at BGO by clicking on the comments link below. We'd love to hear from you!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Talk Tuesday- The Truths That Bind

Today's post was initially going to be on another topic. After listening to some devastating news someone very special to us received, I decided to write about the Truths That Bind. Many of us now find ourselves in places we had never before imagined- places of pain, confusion and insecurity. Let us fix our eyes on Christ, looking upward as pilgrims who are citizens of heaven, holding on to the truths that bind us closer to GOD. May the Holy Spirit cause the Word to anchor you, so that you hold firmly to Jesus.

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:2-3

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." Colossians 3:16


God is a refuge in the time of need:
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9

He has given us salvation through His Son Jesus Christ:
"...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

He does not condemn the repentant sinner:
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:10

He provides a way out in the midst of temptation:
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End:
“ 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,' says the Lord, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.' " Revelations 1:8

He is the One who has set eternity in the hearts of men:
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

He is able to keep you from falling:
"To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." Jude 1:24-25

He is faithful to continue the work He has begun in you:
"... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Cry out to Him, as a child would for its father:
"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

And trust Him at all times because this trust brings peace:
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

Our pain has a purpose and He redeems our suffering.
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Remember always, He makes all things new!
"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." Revelations 21:5

Friday, November 12, 2010

Share - It's your time to share



Thanks for sharing last week. Each weekend we will put up this section. Last week we had a good response. Let's continue to bless one another.


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Monday, November 8, 2010

Talk Tuesday – I am afraid to share my faith

When was the last time you invited someone to church? How about the last time you told someone about Jesus? May be you are a little shy like me. I find it hard to share my faith, Tash on the other hand does so openly. This weekend Tash and I got a chance to share our testimony at church. I pray that it ministered to someone. After coming home from church, I went on Godtube to look up a video for Movie Monday and found a video by Billy Graham. It’s called My Hope. The outreach goes like this: you invite some friends over for a meal and show them a video by Billy and Franklin Graham. Then you share your testimony and invite them to accept Christ. After seeing the video, I thought, I have to do more. No matter what type of person I am I should be sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

If Jesus is who He says He is, there must be an urgency in sharing your faith. Without Christ there is no hope. With Christ there is eternal life and an abundant joy. What type of person are you and how do you share your faith? Share with us and let us encourage one another to spread the Gospel.

Mark 16:15 (New International Version)

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Movie Monday - Invite a friend to church -What Could Happen?

Friday, November 5, 2010

Share - It's your time to share

 

We are introducing a new section to the site.  It is called 'Share'.  The idea here is to post what God has been speaking to you about this week.  God may have given you a word that might bless someone.  Maybe you heard a good message or saw a good video.  Maybe you want to share with us what is going on in your life.  This section is for you.  Enjoy.

God Bless
Andrew

Oh yeah...and I just wanted to add that last week when I was feeling really discouraged, Dawn posted a comment on the previous 'Talk Tuesday'. She shared scripture with me, through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Can I tell you that it blessed my socks off and chased the 'blues' away?! Yes, it did!!! So, please, please feel free to share the WORD the LORD has laid on your heart. Let us being to, "Strengthen the the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come.' " Isaiah 35:3-4

Blessings/Bendiciones!!
Natasha


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Prayer Wall - November



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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Talk Tuesday-Knowing You Jesus; Spiritual Warfare in Suffering

Spiritual warfare is real. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

In my previous posts, I shared about the overwhelming presence of Jesus during my first surgery. The emptiness I felt leading into the second operation foreshadowed the desert experience I was to undergo during my 40 day stay in the hospital. Last week I shared about the additional pain and tests. It turned out that I had contracted bacterial meningitis, a potentially lethal infection in my cerebral spinal cord fluid. Yet, God in His infinite goodness, saw us through it all.

As I suffered in the flesh, warfare was happening in the spiritual realm. Each night was filled with restless dreams of darkness and fire. I would awaken in terror, not understanding why my sleep was not filled with peace. As I looked up, there was Andrew stationed in prayer, interceding throughout the night on my behalf. I determined to fix my eyes on Jesus, yet I struggled through the noise of the pain.

One Saturday morning, a nurse came into my room. I was feeling depressed, worn out and exhausted. She opened the Bible and began to read from Job and Psalms. I began to weep as I realized that indeed the Lord had not forsaken me. He sent His servant to strengthen me.

Then one night I had a dream. Someone was telling me that God had turned His back on me. I was facing this great mountain, that was symbolic of God's back. It seemed so real. As I awoke I cried out to the Lord. The Holy Spirit brought Psalm 23:4 to mind, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." God sent another of His servants with a prophetic word. It exhorted me to focus on Him, to commune with Him during this trial, and that I would live and not die.

I began to KNOW that GOD was fighting my battles- that He was with me. Finally, the end of the 40 days was near. After another night of excruciating pain, Sunday morning dawned. My family came from church to relieve Andrew, and sit by my bedside. I was wrung out and exhausted. I felt like a runner who had almost reached the finish line but who had run out of steam. I lay there, on my back, weeping, pain eating at my body. The CSF tear had not yet healed. They inserted a lumbar drain in my spine to collect the leaking fluid, putting me on strict bed rest again. I remember this day clearly-it was the day of my TEMPTATION. As I lay there weeping, gnashing my teeth, my family began to cry too.

Then I heard it. I was stunned, yet too weary to say anything. "If you bow down and worship me, I will take away your pain." It as not the warm voice of my Shepherd Jesus. It was a bone-chilling voice, dark and frightening in my weakness. It was said to me in the depths of my suffering and pain. Satan came to offer me relief. I would like to say that I rebuked him in the Name of Jesus. I didn't even answer. I simply turned my face to left, looked out the window and began to sing praises to the LORD, "Blessed be Your name in the land marked with suffering, when there's pain in the offering, blessed be Your name..." tears streaming down my face.

"But Thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel" Psalm 22:3

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:7-8

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:8-10

Remember, that Jesus intercedes on your behalf. God will never forsake you nor abandon you, whatever you are suffering through. He is faithful. Remember to hold on-just hold on. He will keep you, strengthen you and then use your testimony to strengthen others. HE IS FAITHFUL. Remember Jesus' words to Simon Peter:

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Luke 22:31-23 Please, if you need prayer, post on our Prayer Wall. We promise to pray too.




Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Talk Tuesday-Knowing You Jesus; My Suffering (Part IV)

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

So, remember my naive prayer, "Lord, let me know You in Your suffering"?

Well, prior to Wednesday January 28th, I was put on steroids. To all you folks out there, don't try this at home unless prescribed by a physician. Steroids alters your body (weight gain) and wreaks HAVOC on your personality. Just ask Andrew...he had to live with me.

Have you ever felt that GOD was far away or that your prayers were hitting a wall? An odd emptiness crept into my heart. I still prayed yet I couldn't feel that 'closeness' I experienced with GOD during the first surgery. I even remember feeling really small as I prayed- like I was shrinking. I can't explain that, however in retrospect, I was about to begin my 40 days in the desert.

The 8 1/2 hr surgery involved a removal of my vertebra (and attached tumour), my discs and spinal reconstruction. Yes folks, I am BIONIC! (watch out Lindsay Wagner). On Thursday morning the chief surgeon came in, and asked me to lift my once semi-paralyzed leg. Up it went! We celebrated!!! On Friday the physiotherapist came and asked me to sit up. Being an old pro, I rolled over on my side, swung my legs over the railing of the bed, and gingerly sat up. I suddenly realized that she was talking but I couldn't hear anything. I began screaming, "I'm going deaf, put me back in the bed!" I began to experience debilitating headaches any time I was in an upright position of any kind. We were advised that this was all due to a CSF leak. During the operation, somewhere along my spinal column there was a nick and Cerebral Spinal Fluid was leaking out. I was put bed rest, in the hope that it would heal on its own.

Saturday morning a resident doctor came to remove the many tubes I was attached to. He accidentally ripped the Jackson Pratt drain out, leaving remnants in my stomach. I was told not to eat for the remainder of the day as I had to go back into the OR. I was mad and frustrated. I lay there Saturday morning, feeling sorry for myself, thinking about the young women I knew and the exciting things they were probably doing that fine Saturday. Self-pity combined with anger caused me to retreated into myself. For the remainder of the afternoon I chose not to talk. At 5:30pm I was in the pre-op. room. My husband and family were there once again. I finally decided to pray and as I wept before the LORD, I surrendered my heart into His hands.

I was out in no time. Yet as time went by, I noticed the headaches had worsened. The CSF headache felt like a truck on the crown of my head, but then I started to get headaches from the back of my head, stiffness in my neck, shaking, fever and couldn't stand light or sound. I asked for ice packs to be put on top of my head, cold cloths over my face and ice at the back of my neck. Then came more and more tests...

Up until then, I had been able to move my body in and out of bed. Then I began experiencing debilitating nerve pain. It was like streams of electricity shooting up and down my body, from my back right down my legs. I started screaming...and screaming and screaming. My precious husband prayed. Every night he stayed and prayed. The LORD never left me alone, even through all the pain. It was after a sleepless night of relentless pain that I desperately asked GOD what to do. I could not sit up and I could not lie down. Finally, I heard these words as the Holy Spirit gently whispered to my heart, "Climb into your pain". In obedience, I climbed back into my bed and lay on my right side, completely still. Every movement brought shocks of nerve pain, while every non-movement brought pain of its own. It was in my stillness that the Holy Spirit began to bring revelation to my heart- even while the pain continued.

"Jesus experienced pain, He died for your sins. There was no short cut, Jesus- the Incarnate One, the Son of God, fully GOD and fully man- suffered in the flesh. What you are experiencing is only a fraction of what Jesus experienced on the cross. Now, begin to pray for the others on the floor."

For a moment, I was stunned. Then I began to pray. The lady down the hall was dying from terminal spinal cancer. I began to understand that Jesus Christ suffered- truly suffered in the flesh for our sins. Mercy and Grace met Love when His blood flowed down on that cross. Wow...what great love was this!!! It was as though all time had stood still as I soaked in this revelation. The Holy Spirit directed me to pray for others. Christ prayed for us while He was yet on the cross. I was amazed. I was so amazed...I am still so amazed.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Please join us next week for the final installment, as we share about spiritual warfare in suffering and standing upon Christ the solid Rock.

God bless & thanks for so graciously listening

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Talk Tuesday-Knowing You Jesus; My Suffering Pt. III

I was released from the hospital five days after the first surgery. It was a challenging time for us as a family but beautiful in many ways. Ephesians 5:28-29 became alive to me as my husband cared selflessly for me:

"So husbands out to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church." Ephesians 5:28-29

My family and the body of Christ (the church) lavished us with prayer and care. It is in the valley of darkness that the light of Christ is ever so bright to dim eyes. His Light was radiant!

My first follow up appointment with the new surgeon was six weeks later. He informed me that they were not able to remove the majority of the tumour and that another surgery would be required. I didn't have to see him again until October, so in the meantime, I would pray for a miracle.

The miracle didn't come in the way I expected it. At our October meeting, the doctor candidly outlined the reasons for, and the urgency surrounding the second surgery. Then he told us there were multiple tumours. By this time, I had mentally vacated the premises, sitting there motionless and stunned. We eventually decided, with renewed vigour, that we would petition God with prayer and fasting.

God had other plans.

One day, I woke up to discover that I could not lift my left leg. It got better but would recur a few days later. Then by December, my leg function had deteriorated rapidly. My leg became like a dead appendage that had to be dragged behind me. I was hurt, embarrassed and confused. An emergency surgery was scheduled for Wednesday January 28th. What followed next, was the darkest valley of my life. I want to leave you with these few truths before next week:

Suffering is something that every human being will endure at some point in their lives. Job suffered in the flesh to teach us how to stand. Jesus suffered in the flesh to teach us how to overcome.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"The LORD is close to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Talk Tuesday-Knowing You Jesus; My Suffering Pt. II


There are two things that I'd like to share before beginning. In the last post, I stated that someone accused me of asking God for the illness, then asking Him for the cure. This was borne out of a misunderstanding of words on my part. Secondly, when I was first diagnosed, a very good friend of mine said, "This trial is not only for you but for those around you as well." While I didn't understand what that meant back then, today it is becoming abundantly clear. This is about Jesus Christ, not Natasha and Andrew. This is about His ability to restore, heal, uplift, strengthen, empower and love. This is the testimony about Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer.

In January 2008 I went to see a surgeon who advised me I had spinal tumours. While it had upset me greatly, I began to block it out. It wasn't cancer, so who cared? I was busy with my job (having recently been promoted), and really didn't have time for all of 'that'. I even went on a trip to Trinidad a few weeks later. One day, in a grocery store in Trinidad, my left leg buckled. I shrugged it off, acting as though I just stumbled. Then, upon my return to Canada, on my way home from work, I stumbled downtown in the snow. That got my attention. I started to notice a weakening in my left leg and intense pain. When I finally fell a third time, outside the GO Station in Ajax, I figured out it was time for action. You see, we had been putting off calling the surgeon, hoping that GOD would intervene miraculously. We prayed and prayed, then I made the call. The surgery was scheduled for a date in June 2008.

GOD has a plan:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

As the surgery date rolled around, I was nervous yet at peace. My family and extended family were there in great support, to pray as we went through this. I prayed and sought the LORD- I prayed for Jesus to be with me in the surgery. I prayed for the surgeons, nurses and medical staff. I prayed a blessing for them in the name of Jesus, and off I went.

Then there were complications. What was supposed to a 4 1/2 hr operation ended up being 8 1/2hrs. Another surgeon was called in to assist, who thanks be to GOD, just happened to be right next door. However, while this was going on unbeknownst to me, I was in bliss!

Let me explain. I had a vision of seeing Jesus, the Lamb of God. I saw such a radiant light that my entire being experienced a joy that surpassed anything I had ever imagined. I felt joy bubbling up like a wellspring inside. My husband saw me as I was wheeled into the recovery room, and he said my face was glowing. I remember feeling joy and saying over and over again, "I saw Jesus, I saw Jesus!" I couldn't open my eyes, but I could hear people around me. I told one nurse in particular, "Jesus loves YOU." I never saw her, but heard her.

What I didn't know is that she had been asking GOD, that very day, if she was loved by Him. She shared this story with my sister 7 months later, when I returned for the second round. It was a word from GOD she needed to hear at the appointed time.

Brothers and sisters, TRUST GOD in the trial. He has a plan for your lives. Cling to Him in your brokenness and watch Him redeem your mourning for dancing, your suffering for the surpassing joy of knowing Him even more. Till next week, I leave you with this:

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'" Jeremiah 29:11-13


Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Talk Tuesday - "Knowing You, Jesus; My Suffering (Pt.I)"

Last week I was accused of asking God for the 'illness' that I was afflicted with, then asking Him for the 'cure'. It seemed somewhat implied to me that it was all my fault and that I had used my body as a tool of manipulation to 'prove' God's faithfulness. While I was stunned and very hurt by such an accusation, I could only imagine how this might look to one who does not know JESUS. Let me explain...

Many years ago, as a young, enthusiastic and naive Christian, I prayed this prayer: "Lord, I want to know You in your suffering." This was after hearing the song, Knowing You Jesus, by Graham Kendrick. I would like to share the words of the lyrics that so impressed my young heart:

All I once held dear, built my life upon,
All this world reveres and wars to own;
All I once thought gain I have counted loss,
Spent and worthless now compared to this.


Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best,
You're my joy, my righteousness,
And I love You Lord.


Now my heart's desire is to know You more,
To be found in You and known as Yours,
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All surpassing gift of righteousness


Oh to know the power of Your risen life,
And to know You in Your sufferings;
To become like You in Your death, my Lord,
So with You to live and never die.


This 'suffering' that I desired to share with Christ in, came immediately afterwards and in multiple forms. First I learned what it was like to be unjustly accused because of my faith. I learned what it was like to TRULY TRUST GOD, to walk by faith, when 'reality' spoke devastation and heartache. I learned what it felt like to be ostracized for faith in Christ, yet I never knew what it was like to suffer in my body. I confess, in my burst of youthful enthusiasm, I had prayed this prayer but forgot about it until my younger brother reminded me of it. This was right after I was diagnosed with spinal tumors.

Not cancer, so no big deal, right? Then I began to lose my ability to walk, my left leg began to slowly deteriorate and I could no longer lift it. The risk of permanent nerve damage lurked and the pain was excruciating...or so I thought yet the lesson was only just beginning. It was not until I was hospitalized the second time for an emergency second surgery, that I experienced deep suffering in my flesh. I want to share with you what I have learned about KNOWING JESUS in suffering, but it will take a few weeks, so please bear with me. Let me leave this tidbit with you as a prelude to next week's Talk Tuesday;

"But those who suffer He delivers in their suffering; He speaks to them in their affliction." Job 36:15


I only ask that before we begin this journey, you click on the Movie Monday link and listen to the song, Knowing You Jesus.

Thanks for listening,
Natasha

Movie Monday-Knowing You Jesus (All I Once Held Dear)

Prayer Wall - September

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Talk Tuesday-The Heart of the Matter

I remember starting a new job many, many years ago. There was an individual with whom I worked who seemed very bitter. I did not understand why. I was often the direct recipient of that person's frustrations. I would try to extend kindness only to be attacked for what seemed like no reason. I began to feel angry and fed up too!

I attended a praise and worship event at church one evening. As I was praising, I sat back down in the pew and felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to pray for them. I remember thinking, 'Seriously?!' Anyway, I decided to obey. This began a habit of interceding on their behalf. Slowly, I began to see changes in that person's attitude and disposition. Not only did they change towards me, but towards others as well. They also seemed much happier. Then it occurred to me, GOD knows the heart. He knows our thoughts, sees our hearts, knows our pain and our weaknesses. He sees what is hidden.

The Prophet Samuel was sent to the house of Jesse to anoint another to be king over Israel. Samuel saw seven of Jesse's sons and when he saw Eliab he thought surely this was God's chosen.

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

It was at this moment that David, Jesse's youngest son came in from tending the sheep. The LORD spoke to the Prophet Samuel, instructing Him to anoint David as King, for he was the one. Despite King David's failings, he was a man after GOD's heart. GOD knew that.

I learned a lesson here. It is not my place to judge others for I only see what I can see. Why is it that we are encouraged not to judge others nor harbour unforgiveness in our hearts? Why and how do you think we are instructed to love? Click on the 'comments' link below to share your insights with us here at BGO. We look forward to hearing from you!

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Monday, September 6, 2010

Talk Tuesday- Lord Use Me!

For the last few weeks I have been hearing the message that time is short and we should really think about doing something that has some value for God. We are so caught up in the rat race of life that all we seem to do is work and pay our bills. We have been speaking to people our age and they have been saying that they have reached a crossroad in their lives. We have the house, the car and the big jobs but what is life really about? There must be more to life than this. If we knew that God was coming soon how would we live our lives? I know we have to work and pay our bills but what will we have to show when it is all over?

I heard a preacher ask, “If you had all the resources in the world and you did not have to worry about anything, what would you do?” What would I do? Is God stirring your heart? Do you want to do something that has Kingdom value? Share with us what God is speaking to you about.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 2 Peter 3:10

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Talk Tuesday- I Will Live to Bring You Praise

The video posted this week for Movie Monday is a worship song by the Australian group Hillsongs. The song, Til' I See You, speaks of the immense love of God and our response to His great love. This song struck a deep chord in my own heart. The words of the chorus are:

I will live to love You
I will live to bring You praise
I will live a child in awe of You

You alone are God of all
You alone are worthy Lord
And with all I am my soul will bless Your name

Such bold, passionate declarations of worship and adoration to the Almighty GOD! The heart who knows Him, should desire to live entirely for Him. Brothers and Sisters, a great challenge is on the horizon for us all. The Prophet Isaiah warns:

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20

We have become a more liberal society, endorsing sin and calling it 'acceptance'.

The Apostle Peter reminds us:
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

We are chosen by God to be salt and light to a lost and dying world. We are called to walk in LOVE, sacrificially helping and loving others in need. We are also called to HOLINESS as GOD is Holy, rejecting sin.

The Apostle John warns us:
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17

We must guard our hearts, minds and thoughts so as to honour God.

Jesus instructs us:
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24

Of the Holy Spirit:
"When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned." John 16:8-11

The Apostle John's vision of GOD's judgment:
"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books." Revelations 20:12

Please, let us join our hearts together in the name of Jesus Christ to live righteous, holy, lives, set apart from the world yet rooted in love. Let us remember to honour God in our thoughts, words, deeds and actions. We have the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT to enable us, the WORD of GOD to protect and instruct us, and the BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us spur each other on to the finish line, and remove from our lives those 'IDOLS' which cause us to stumble.

Blessings in love!


Movie Monday-Till I See You - With Subtitles/Lyrics (Hillsong)

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Bible Study Weekend - John 8:12-20



John 8:12-20

12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
13The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."

14Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 18I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."

19Then they asked him, "Where is your father?"

"You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.

Questions

1. What message do you think Jesus means to convey when He states, "I am the light of the world"?

2. What is the 'darkness' that Jesus is alluding to?

3. How does knowing the Son correlate to knowing the Father?

Monday, August 16, 2010

Talk Tuesday-Martha's Way

I don't like an unclean living space. It really aggravates me. I could remember coming home from work, feeling exhausted after a day of meetings, decisions, project issues and high stress, thinking how much I'd love to spend time with Jesus. I remember turning the key in the door and immediately noticing the shoes that were not packed away, the dishes in the sink and the living room in disarray. Naturally, the first thing I would do is SIGH (yes, I did), take off my shoes and coat, and immediately begin cleaning. Dinner needed to be cooked and after all the chores were completed, I would plop myself in front of the television, too exhausted to do anything else except 'veg'. Too many times, my good intentions would go awry, lost in the myriad of useless programs on t.v.

What occupies your time? What do you urgently rush around doing with such an intensity that you become irritable, impatient and anxious until it gets accomplished? When all is said and done, was it REALLY worth it? How many of us have taken Martha's way?

When Jesus and his disciples came to Martha's village, she opened her home to them. She was consumed with preparing the place for her guests, while Mary simply sat at Jesus' feet. I can relate to Martha as if she were a mirror image of myself. I could literally see her rushing around, busying herself with frantic intensity as she purposefully set out to make everything perfect for her guests.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" Luke 10:38-40

I could literally hear the gentleness in Jesus' voice as He responds to Martha's frustration:

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

What was it that Mary chose? She chose to sit at the feet of the LORD Jesus Christ-listening attentively to what He had to say, basking in His presence and getting to know Him.

When Lazarus died, Mary was able to say to Jesus with utmost confidence that if He (Jesus) had been there, her brother would not have died (see John 11:32). It was the time that Mary spent at the feet of Jesus in which she began to know Him in His power and His might. Eventually, Mary, Martha and their friends beheld one of Jesus' greatest miracles-the raising of Lazarus from the grave.

After I got sick, I learned to stop, be still and listen by spending time with Jesus-in His Word and in prayer. I abandoned Martha's way and while I still have the tendency to slip back into old habits, I thank the LORD for His gentle reminders. Spiritual readiness is better than physical preparedness. Jesus states:

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

Do YOU believe this? What do we need to do as Christ-followers, so that we don't get caught up in Martha's way? We, at BGO, look forward to hearing from you. Please click on the comments link below to share your thoughts. Remember, as you share, you encourage others too!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Talk Tuesday-Dark Before the Morning

In the search for a clip for Movie Monday I came across the video for the song, ”Before the Morning” by Josh Wilson. There is an amazing testimony by the father of the boy who the song is written about.  The father is told that the boy will not live past four days from his birth. If you do anything today, look at the video I posted for Movie Monday.

The song talks about the ‘dark before the morning’ or the ‘hurt before the healing’. As I looked at the video tears began to run down my face as I recalled what Tash and I had to go through the last two years. I remembered trying to be strong when the doctor told us the news that she had to do surgery. Then when we were told that we had to do it a second time in less than a year, I was more than upset. That was definitely the 'dark before the morning'.

Maybe you are going through something right now and you can’t even think about the morning, but God WILL take you through this. God IS faithful. The song also has a line in it that says, ‘life is not a snapshot.’ If I believed that our future was dependant on the snapshot after the 2nd surgery or even the first, I would not have the hope I have now. God has done an awesome thing in my life and in my wife’s life that might not have happened any other way. God has allowed us to bless people we would not have ever met if it wasn’t for this storm. So you might be going through a storm now but hold on for this is the ‘dark before the morning.’

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5


If you are going through a difficult time and need prayer, let us pray for you. Please feel free to post your requests on this month's Prayer Wall, here in the comments section or you can email us at joinus@biblegrouponline.com

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Bible Study Weekend - John 7:53-8:11






John 7:53-8:11


53Then each went to his own home.


John 8

 1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
   But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
 9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
 11"No one, sir," she said.
      "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."


 Questions


1. What is Jesus saying about our attitudes toward sin?


a) In our lives?


b) In the lives of others?


2. What does Jesus, the Only Sinless One, teach us about forgiveness? 


3. What kind of lives are we called to live as Christians? 


Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Talk Tuesday-A Word of Encouragement

I remember when, as a young woman, I completely committed myself to the LORD Jesus Christ. I asked Him into my heart, surrendered to His will, sought His face and repented of my sins. I confessed that He died for the remission of my sins and was raised from the dead. I discovered no greater joy in my entire life, than that of knowing Jesus Christ as LORD. All the partying, 'friends', money and other worldly pleasures were INCOMPARABLE. I remember having a vision of a fountain of water shooting upwards, ever-flowing from within me-rivers of living water. Just this week I realized that both the Old and New Testaments referred to God as 'living waters' (Jeremiah 2:13 & John 4:10, 7:38).

Yet, as I began this journey of faith I was unaware of the perils and trials that would come. The LORD had delivered me from so many worldly desires. He caused me to withdraw from people and situations that would hinder my early walk with Him. It was a time where He instructed, grew and moulded me. As a newborn believer my eyes saw through the lens of a different reality, my heart became tender to suffering and He began to peel away the many layers of selfishness within. My mouth became filled with songs of praise-I began to sing, play the guitar and worship God with passion. I found PURPOSE and PEACE. Yes, the joy of the LORD infused my very being.

Then the TRIAL came. Now I know in life we all have trials but then we have TRIALS. You know, the BIGGIES?! I can remember feeling devastated, coming home from choir practise at church, laying in bed asking God 'Why?' when the Holy Spirit directed me to a portion of scripture I was unfamiliar with:

Jeremiah's Complaint
"You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before You. Yet I would speak with You about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts. Yet you know me, O LORD; You see me and test my thoughts about You."
Jeremiah 12:1-3

God's Answer
"If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?" Jeremiah 12:5

Immediately the Holy Spirit brought revelation to my heart. God was strengthening me, instructing me and preparing me for the future. When a man or woman goes off to war, they undergo extensive training to be able to stand in the day of battle. When we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Christ, we take a side in the spiritual battle being waged. As soldiers, we must stand in faith, be a people of prayer and be the voice of the collective 'one' crying out in the wilderness "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord".

Our TRIALS and trials serve a greater purpose. As we share in the suffering of Jesus Christ, remember to stand firmly on His Word and cling to Him through the storm. God is cultivating fruit in you that will bear even more fruit in your life and in the lives of those around you. If your actions minister and bring others to salvation in Jesus Christ, then isn't it worth it?

And remember...Jesus is coming back soon!

By the way, God is so awesome! Do you remember the last post, the one about the income tax? Well, after all of that, God gave us a refund!!! To Him be all the glory...but that is a 'talk' for another day (*smilez*)


Monday, July 19, 2010

Movie Monday - God Gave Me You

This one is for my wife. I love U. Thank You Jesus for giving me such a beautiful gift.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Talk Tuesday- Does Discouragement Direct Your Faith?

Does Discouragement Direct Your Faith? Do your circumstances change the way you see God? Let's chat, we want to hear from you! I have had cause to reflect on these questions over the last month. I'd like to share a story...

Income tax time rolled around this year, but not as usual for us. Normally, it would mean a nice refund. As many of you know, I have experienced certain health issues which have affected many areas of our lives, including our income tax return. Needless to say, the assessment came in the mail, demanding that for the first time ever, we pay what I call a 'hefty' sum back to the government. Now this amount was a reassessment of the 2009 return we submitted, which included a higher amount. "Ok," I said to myself, "God is good, He is our provider, so I will not fret." We prayed and trusted. Within a few weeks another of those brown envelopes came to our home from Revenue Canada. As we read it, it seemed to indicate that a reduced $$$ amount was due to be paid! It was substantially less than our first 2009 reassessment and I began to shout, "See, God is good! He is our Provider! Look at how faithful He is!" I told this to anyone who would listen.

The next day, I went to pay the 'reduced' amount through tele-banking. I was excited and on top of things. Then, I heard the banking agent ask me to confirm the tax year I was making the payment for. As my eyes trailed to the top of the letter, I realized it said 2008! Uhm, yes, not only were we reassessed for 2009 but also for 2008 and that 'reduced' amount I was singing about the day before was actually an additional charge for the 2008 reassessment! I quickly hung up the phone and called my husband away from mowing the lawn, to hear the news.

He said, "Tash, we have to trust in the goodness of GOD. The same GOD whose praises you were singing yesterday is the same GOD today. We have to worship Him and trust Him just as we did when we thought we had to pay less." Then while driving home another day, he said, "We have to trust in God's nature. We cannot let our situation determine what we think of God. Whatever GOD puts you through, He has the best plan for your life."

We recently attended a church service where the Pastor (Sam) said, "Faith is trusting that GOD is who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He will do."

I began to reflect on these truths, our situation, my behaviour and GOD's faithfulness. Brothers and sisters, we must not let our circumstances direct our faith but let faith direct our circumstances. We can trust in GOD's faithfulness, trust in His nature and allow Him to be the centre of our lives, including every situation that comes our way. Here are some truths about GOD to meditate on:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

"God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" Numbers 23:19

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, July 5, 2010

Talk Tuesday - Share the Good News - FREE New Testament Bibles

Want to share the Gospel but you don't have the tools? Our friends at the Canadian Bible Society are teaming up with us to help you spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Canadian Bible Society is giving away 100 New Testaments to our BGO friends. All you have to do is email us and tell us how many NT Bibles you need. Maximum 5 per person. Sorry, this is only for our Canadian BGO friends.

Email us at joinus@biblegrouponline.com. Please include your email address, full name, address, postal code and number of NT Bibles.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Talk Tuesday-In the Belly of The Whale

Much has been said of the story of Jonah in the belly of the whale. Yet, isn't the real story about God's compassion, mercy, grace and love? The word of the Lord came to Jonah. “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” Jonah 1:2

Jonah attempted to flee to Tarshish in disobedience. He boarded a ship in Joppa, then a violent storm began to rage, endangering the life of the crew. Jonah, knowing it was the Lord, advised the men to throw him overboard and Jonah began to drown. God prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. He remained in the belly of the whale for three days, where he acknowledged God's merciful, saving hand at work in his life. Transformed, Jonah goes to Nineveh in obedience. Jonah warns the Ninevites that in forty days their city will be overthrown due to their wickedness. The king and people believe, repent and are spared God's wrath.

Jonah became very angry and railed at God. Jonah wanted to die instead of witnessing the salvation of the wicked Ninevites. God reasons with Jonah, and questions his right to be angry. Jonah went and sat outside the city, making himself a shelter. “And the LORD God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was grateful for the plant. But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered.” Jonah 4:6-7. Jonah became angry that the beautiful, shading plant died overnight.

“Then God said to Jonah, 'Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?' And he said, 'It is right for me to be angry, even to death!' But the LORD said, 'You have had pity on the plant for which you have not laboured, nor made it grow, which came up in a night an perished in a night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left-and much livestock?” Jonah 4:9-11

The Holy Spirit, in His infinite mercy, spoke to my heart about God's love. We are to love our neighbours with the love exemplified by our LORD Jesus Christ. Have you ever witnessed people not serving the LORD, seeming to flourish in their rebellion, while ridiculing you for your faith in Christ? And have you ever secretly thought, “Ha, you'll see!?” Has the Lord sent you to preach the good news to them and, you resisted? The amazing message about Jonah is the evidence of God's mercy, compassion and love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Brothers and sisters, the message is this: Go out and preach the good news to all who the LORD sends you! And let us not faint, become selfish, judgmental or bitter but let us walk in obedience, understanding that the LORD cares for those who do not yet believe as much as He cares for us.


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Prayer Wall - July




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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Talk Tuesday- I Will Praise Him In the Storm - **NEW** VIDEO OF SONG ADDED

Life has many seasons. There are seasons of trial and seasons of victory. There are the mountaintop experiences and valley experiences. When one of my favourite aunts went to be the with Lord a few years ago, I remember hearing Casting Crown's song over and over again, “I Will Praise You in the Storm”. How fitting that was. The Lord has promised never to forsake us or leave us. That's a tall order. He has promised to be a refuge and a strength for us. He has even gone as far as to say that if we wait upon Him, He will renew our strength. I am not sure where you are today but I hope these verses encourage you. There is something so powerful about the Word of GOD. It is food for our souls. We need to be anchored in His Word, even when things 'seem' bleak. Remember, we are a people who walk by FAITH and not by SIGHT. Let's take the hand of our Heavenly Father, and let Him guide us through the often rough terrain of life. I confess...I write this to remind myself to keep on trusting in the LORD, regardless of how things look. He IS faithful. Keep your heart set on Christ and seek His face. In Him, you will find the fullness of joy. Oh, and one last thing...it's okay to be weak, that way instead of relying on yourself, you can just rest in His strength.
Blessings,
Natasha

I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; 
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” Psalm 16:11
But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1



Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Talk Tuesday – I am worthless

I am writing this article because I believe that someone needs to hear this today. Do you feel that you are not pretty enough? That you are overweight? That you will not amount to anything? Do you think that you are worthless? I thought some of these things before I became a Christian. My life was going nowhere, I was getting older and began to feel hopeless but when I found Jesus I found hope. I would like to say that everything got better and that now I have this perfect image of myself. Oh, 'I am more than a conqueror'... 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'. We all know these passages of scripture (Romans 8:37 and ; Philippians 4:13). Yet sometimes we still feel down and defeated. Should Christians feel depressed? Shouldn't we always be happy and sure of ourselves? I am a Christian but sometimes I feel discouraged with my position in life. Am I less of a Christian? How do you feel? I have learned not to trust my feelings but to trust God. God says He has a plan and a purpose for your life. God says that He has made you in His image and likeness. We might feel worthless but God sees our worth. Dear one you are worth much in God's eyes. If we could only see what God sees in us we would be so different. God is doing a work in our lives. Right now we might feel like an ugly caterpillar but God is transforming us into a beautiful butterfly. You are beautiful and you are worth much. Who ever you are God loves you and He wants the best for you. He is doing a work in you. God I pray that you will help us see ourselves as You see us. In Jesus Name.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

Blessings
Andrew


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Monday, June 7, 2010

Talk Tuesday-It's Just a White Lie??!!

This Tuesday we are featuring a new Guest Writer who goes by the name 'Anointed'. Hope you will be blessed!

Andrew & Natasha

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Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?” Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price that Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
( Acts5:1-9)

This was the reading my husband and I discussed last night. However, today a relative called and asked what I was doing today and feeling stingy with my time I told a lie. As I got off the phone, the Holy Spirit immediately convicted me. My argument was this, “Yes, I lied but it was only a white lie.”

I confessed to my husband, “I just told a lie.” Instead of the great support and comfort I expected came more conviction. “Why the lie? That was so unnecessary.”

I repented before God and resolved to tell the relative the truth. “Phew! I felt so free!”

The reason I chose to share this on your Talk Tuesday is that as Christians, we often find ourselves using the ‘proverbial white lie’ to get out of ‘sticky’ situations.. We convince ourselves that it is not a big lie and no one will be hurt by it. A lie is a lie! When we lie to men, we lie to God and we test the Spirit of the Lord.


God bless,
Anointed



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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Talk Tuesday-Me, The Unmerciful Servant?!

Last week I learned a very humbling lesson.


I was mad at someone-very mad. I was right, they were wrong, they hurt my feelings and I was indignant. As I heard their, 'I'm sorry', I immediately said to myself, 'That's not good enough!' The minute I thought that, the parable of the Unmerciful Servant popped into my mind.

"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:23-35

I had not meditated on that scripture for a very, very long time. I even forgot it was in there, in the Bible (yes, it's true). So imagine my shock when the Holy Spirit brought it to the forefront of my mind at that very moment. There I was, being the Unmerciful Servant. I humbled myself in the sight of my own sin. My attitude changed. I sincerely forgave and my actions reflected my change of heart.

Why is forgiveness so important in our walk with the Lord? Do you struggle with being able to forgive others? Why is our pride so important anyways?

God bless,
Natasha





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Monday, May 24, 2010

Talk Tuesday - Culture or Christ?

If you don’t know, I am from a small island in the Caribbean called Trinidad. My post this week is from the spiritual experience I had while living in Trinidad. I spent half my life there and half my life in Canada. I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior after a few years of finishing university in Canada. After becoming a Christian I looked back at how culture infiltrated the church in Trinidad.
When I was young I was really religious, but I was also really ‘Trini’. I loved Carnival, calypso and everything Trinidadian. My whole identity was wrapped up in the culture of Trinidad. Imagine a typical Trini would party, drink and gyrate on multiple people for two days straight (during our Carnival festival) and then go to church for ashes the next day. When I look back on how we used to behave I am so ashamed, but that was our culture. The cultural norms of the country was seeping into the church. To show you how strong culture is, when I first became a Christian I heard a preacher preach on how bad Toronto’s Carnival was, and I found myself becoming offended. I was so wrapped up in my culture that I did not see the sin the whole event represented. To make matters worse, when I went back to Trinidad, around the time of Carnival, I read a church bulletin where the priest said it is ok to go and 'free up yourself.'

How do we address sin when half the choir was out partying and drinking the night before? Do we say it is part of our culture? How do we keep our culture and still have our Christ? I believe Christ comes first and if our culture does not line up with the word of God then we have to say no. What has your experience been in your country? Is it Christ or Culture?

"...don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." James 4:4


God Bless,
Andrew


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