Jonah Van Spronsen - Update

Special from Jessika – Jonah’s mom…

GOD BE GIVEN THE GLORY!
We are home...finally. We brought Jonah home tonight, he is doing "alright" or as he is now signing it "poopy". He is a tough little guy, but underneath you can see the hurt in not understanding why in his little grey eyes.

He's tried to smile and entertain us this past week, which kept everyone’s spirits up, but deep down a mother knows when her child is hurting. We finally got to spend the night with him last night. He lay cuddled in my arms tickling me and asking when he could go home, even asking to call "Gammy Kim" to see if she'd take him home. God blessed our little guy this past week with a quicker recovery, and continues to do so. Jonah still needs more prayer, but we know that he'll make it sooner than later.

Thanks for all your support, when the days got long, and the report of the surgery was tough to swallow, we thought of the love we have in your congregation and that from family at home and felt the support wash over us, it was much needed.

Love: the Van Spronsens.

Ammunition or Biscuits

In 1824 Britain was at war with the Ashanti(part of the present day Ghana). Charles Brandon would be remembered for his service in this war – or maybe I should say “in-service”. Charles Brandon served as the ‘Stores Manager’ in charge of what the army needed to survive and move forward.

Surrounded by 10,000 warriors and running low on ammunition, the British redcoats ordered Brandon to break open the reserve ammunition he had brought from the coast. As the Ashanti forces closed in, Brandon unscrewed the ammunition boxes, only to find that they were full of biscuits instead. He had brought the wrong supplies.

The account that I read did not give the final outcome of the battle that was fought – but imagination tells me that it was likely not very good.

This account is recorded in a book that I bought at Chapters the other day. The book’s title says it all, “Dumbology”. In the book the author gives the definition of Dumbology as, “The science of stupidity and of stupid people, including their function, origin, evolution and distribution, including gaffology and bloopology – and all their subdivisions.”

Account after account is given in the book of people, like Charles Brandon, that were not ready or had made some very poor choices resulting in disaster for themselves and those around them.

If we are honest with ourselves (and maybe others) we can all tell a funny story about something we did that we are not proud of (or wish/hope that our spouse won’t tell on us at the next social function). We all have skeletons in our closets. Some are funny Skeletons and others are tragic. Each skeleton potentially has a deep affect on our lives.

There are times that each of us had biscuits rather than ammunition – because of really dumb decisions.

How is your bone collection today? How are you dealing with it? Has God shown you how it can happen under his guidance?

The remarkable thing is ‘God doesn’t care. He accepts us the way that are.’ God finds us in the middle of muddles and cares so much that he will not leave us there. It doesn’t matter to God how the muddle has messed us up – He opens wide his love and draws us in. Transformation is his key to success.

Paul describes best this process that God works with. Here are three different translations to savior. All are available on www.biblegateway.com

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (New International Version)
17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (Amplified Bible)
17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).
18And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (The Message)
16-18Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Igniting Your Life

The man’s hands shook as he placed the bundle of dynamite near the huge rocks that blocked the mine entrance. His friends were trapped inside and he was doing all he could to get them out. He struck the match and applied the fire to the end of the fuse leading into the dynamite bundle. As the camera pans out and the man runs, the fuse hisses and burns quickly toward the bundle – kaboom – the rock mass is lifted and ejected from the entrance. When the dust settles the trapped people stumble out of the mine entrance – free at last.

It was a great scene from an old Western Movie that I watched lately. The good guys always win. But as usual the good guys also are in trouble because the bad guys created huge and impossible problems for them. Frankly the bad guys meant to kill the good guys. (Just a little violence to stir your imagination.)

This sets the scene for me – the “dynamite” word comes from a root word in Greek, “dunamis” – meaning POWER. In the Bible it often refers to the Power of the Holy Spirit and his work in our lives.

In Wikipedia.org it is suggested that “dunamis” has this source…
Aristotle
The word dunamis appears in Aristotle's works as a term for what is only potentially real. The word can be translated by such terms as power, capacity, potential, potency, capability and faculty (ability, skill, or power). Aristotle contrasted dunamis with energeia.

Christianity
In Christian theology "Dunamis" is sometimes used in conjunction with the Holy Spirit. It describes the activities of the Holy Spirit as believers receive Him (Acts 1:8, 10:38). From the same root derives the English words dynamic or dynamite.

Dynamic, dynamite, power, capacity, potential, potency, capability and faculty – GREAT WORDS for Good Guys in trouble.

A “Thought Stopper” for me is that when I pray I am speaking to God – who is all powerful. There is nothing that he cannot do. When I pray I am setting the fire to the fuse of all the dynamic, dynamite, power, capacity, potential, potency, capability and faculty in the entire Universe – that releases God’s power to do something.

Yesterday in our church service we heard vibrant testimonies of men and women that had been set free when prayer was activated in their lives.

Terry, who is part of our congregation, shared how he and his wife had been struggling with the issues of his tremendous pain in his neck. They had often been attempting contact with a specialist in Toronto to have a procedure done. They had waited since October 2006. In prayer and in action they decided on in-action. Terry told us how together they had decided that they would not call the doctor’s office anymore – and they told God so trusting God to direct them. Within one minute the telephone rang. It was the doctor’s office calling to tell them of an upcoming date for an appointment.

Michael, who is part of our congregation, shared that through some great difficulty in their family they were frustrated. All three of their family has been very ill. Just weeks prior to this period of illness Mike had broken his leg on the way into a company where he was hoping to get a job. Now there was no income and little hope. On Wednesday Mike had received word that the church was intending to help them with its benevolent funds to the amount of $350. On Wednesday night the heating fuel in their oil tank ran out. Their landlord first encouraged them to stay in the house and then he ordered and paid for the fuel – they could pay him later. The cost of the fuel was $350. Michael was broken as he thanked everyone for their kindness and God for his provision. (Incidentally more ‘benevolence’ was given after the service by very kind hearted people that came to their aid – this is real love).

Marty, who is part of the Teen Challenge Team, shared how he had struggled with drug addiction since he was eleven years old. He had prayed often but could not seem to get free. After many years he realized that he had made Jesus his Saviour but not his Lord. Through the Teen Challenge program he had been helped to make Jesus his Lord. Through discipline and hard work his life has been transformed.

Andy, who is part of the Teen Challenge Team, shared how his life had been so severely twisted with drug addiction. Trying to find help on his own he had attempted to help others in order to escape drug addiction. For 16 years he had worked as a Youth Leader. Finally, after many years of struggles, his marriage had broken and they divorced. Broken and defeated he suffered the loss of both of his parents to cancer at the same time. Finally he found the Teen Challenge program where he found help and was set free. This past October 2006 he and his wife were remarried. A true miracle.

The ripples of joy through the church service yesterday were simply amazing. Above all there was the dynamic, dynamite, power, capacity, potential, potency, capability and faculty in the entire Universe – that releases God’s power to do something – was there.

You see Prayer is the Beginning… it brings the one who prays into the dynamic, dynamite, power, capacity, potential, potency, capability and faculty of God – the God of the entire Universe. Then God’s does something when we can’t.

Prayer ignites our life. It applies the fire to a fuse connected to God himself.

On a cold winter’s day with the average amount of problems – we need to pray. I should say – I need to pray. When I do God ignites my life.

How about you? Have you ever talked to the dynamic, dynamite, power, capacity, potential, potency, capability and faculty in the entire Universe – God?

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

John 14: 11-14
11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.

14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

God's Wonder Right Under My Foot & Nose

If my guesstimate is correct I have been shoveling snow now for about 54 years. That is taking off 5 years of my life while I lived in South East Asia… and the fact that I was about 3 when I had the first photo taken of me holding a small shovel.

With some rough calculations that is possible that I have shoveled off and on over a period of five months each winter – 270 months total. That is a lot of shovels full of snow. What a great work out!

The unique thing about working with the snow – it’s all different. We all have heard the quote that no two snow flakes are the same. Add to that there are entirely different kinds of snow flake groups at different temperatures. I found a delightful Site on the Web that has photos that are stunning. The work of this man is amazing. The URL address is listed at the end of this Blog posting. What a great site to stir kids and adult imaginations.

The last few days as more snow has been falling in our area of Canada I have been happy to shovel the millions of flakes off twice a day. There right under my nose is the beautiful creation that God has surrounded me with. Each flake is hand crafted by God. Each small spike and delicate stems carefully formed – lasting for moments before it is covered with other and newer flakes – sculpting the piles and drifts of a “Made in Canada” winter.

Just looking closely at the flakes yesterday was a joy. As we walked through it the sound of squeaking snow happened again. As it blew off the roof nearby me it lay gently on my eyelids then my lip – I could taste it. What a delight to have snow.

The best for “cold” south-east Asia can do is rain drops and air-conditioned buildings.

This morning as I push more snow off the drive way I am filled with more wonder at what God has done around me. I am amazed at his creation.

Then the slow and penetrating thought came again yesterday. How do I fit in all of this – (past the idea that I need the exercise shoveling)?

My life is like a snow flake. Delicately crafted and cared for my God. To say the least, I am frail. Here for a short period of time. The beauty is something that he only sees. My reason for being there is to delight and bless those that witness what I am. At times I am a problem for some but I can be shoveled out of the way. There are so many comparisons that make sense today.

This reflection is a good one as I don the warm clothes to go do my Canadian winter thing – shoveling.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

View Ken Libbrecht’s work in photographing snow flakes at
http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/

When Prisoners Cry - Who Hears Them?

The Setting…
My wife and I were sitting in the restaurant on Wednesday evening January 24, 2007 at 7:00 PM. The small family unit across the table is originally from China. The two ladies, a mother and her daughter, came from New York in the morning. The man with them has been living in Canada for the past 12 years. His accommodations have been several of our Canadian Prisons.

There was a huge smile on his face. His eyes are twinkling and he is about to start his new life on the outside of prison. He cannot travel back with his sister and niece when they return to the USA later in the week. But he is willing to start again. His new jacket is shining in the restaurant lighting and there is a tag hanging from the sleeve that his sister reaches over and pulls off. This is a scene of pure happiness and delight.

Background…
I met Mr. C in prison about two years ago. As a Chapel Volunteer I attend different functions inside the prison to encourage the men and offer hope. Some of Mr. C’s friends asked me to see if there was anyway that I might intervene on his part as his release would be soon from what they were told.

I speak Cantonese somewhat and can hear Mandarin with a tiny bit of speaking.

Mr. C is at a tremendous disadvantage in that he speaks only a Chinese dialect that is from a remote and small village on the coast of China. Mr. C is also completely illiterate in the Chinese language. He cannot speak Mandarin or Cantonese. He cannot speak English nor read or write it as well. It is very likely that Mr. C has a major learning disability but it is impossible to test him without knowing his language – and most people that speak his language would not have the ability to do this – nor the time.

Now picture this… Mr. C was tried and convicted of his crime - using a language that he does not understand or read. Yes there was a translator. He was asked to sign many documents to indicate that he understood and approved. He was held in prison for 12 years not understanding the language around him. His few fellow Chinese prisoners are not able to speak with him either in that even they cannot speak his language. In the course of his incarceration he has met approximately two people that spoke his dialect. They were near or with him for short periods of time as they then moved on.

An important part of the story is… he is guilty of participating in a violent crime in Canada and was sent to prison for what he did.

We all knew that he was to be deported from Canada and would arrive in China sometime. This deportation could take up to another 5 years or more waiting until the Canadian Immigration People could determine if Mr. C was from the place he said he was from. If, after 14 years, there was still someone in his home village that knew him and verify that he was who he says he was – they could then send him back.

For 8 months now he has been waiting for someone in the Chinese government to contact someone in Canada Immigration to confirm he is Mr. C. They have found no one. His sister and niece regularly speak with the grandfather in the village in China who wants to know about his son and how he is doing. Apparently our two governments cannot find this man – not have they looked for him.

For 8 months it was stressed that no one could know when they would release Mr. C for his flight to China. It was to be a secret in that Immigration did not want a scene at the airport of grieving relatives as their loved one is deported. We were to wait until something was done and then they would let us know he was gone. If it seems secretive – IT IS!

Earlier this week…
On Monday Mr. C. was “released” from prison. He was taken from the prison near our area in Lindsay, Ontario…to the city of Toronto and the immigration holding area at the West Metro Detention facility. At that point in time he was placed in a Taxi and told to go to another minimum detention facility and to report there immediately. He was to do this BY HIMSELF.

Does something seem strange here? It did to me… very strange indeed.

The instructions and the strict orders were given to him in a letter – which is in English. The instructions were clear and outlined the importance of doing what he was told… in English with some sort of translation.

Mr. C had an address in the Scarborough area of a Chinese family that could speak his dialect. He produced the paper and indicated to the Taxi cab driver to go there. The driver didn’t know the area and got lost often. He finally found the address $55.00 later.

Mr. C called his sister and told her where his was. That was Monday afternoon. He waited there with the family until his family arrived from the USA by bus on Wednesday AM.

They bought him a new jacket and some clothing. He had been very cold in his transit from Lindsay to Toronto and also in the Taxi Cab wearing only a T Shirt. That is all the clothing he had after 12 years inside of prison.

Wednesday at 5:00 PM…
My telephone rang and Mr. C’s niece was on the line telling me that she and her uncle and her mother were at the Peterborough Bus Depot. They had come to see me and they thought that I was the only one that could help them. I was stunned – how did he get out of prison?

Again the smiles and delight of our Chinese friends was simply wonderful. The brother they had cared so much for was now out of prison and could start life again. And they were asking if I could help him find an apartment tomorrow.

At 7:00 PM we arrived at the restaurant to eat with them. I began to read his file that he passed over to me as the food was being served.

There in very good and clear English were the directions that he was expected to have completed. It was very clear to understand – IF YOU READ ENGLISH. He was to have reported on his own to a special building where he would begin his next part of the journey. It is kind of holding area with some freedom – kind of a half way house. The wording is as follows…
Quote…
“You are required to contact the undersigned immediately when you are released from custody. Failure to do so could result in suspension of your release and return to custody. The Peterborough Parole office will accept collect calls.” End quote..

My coffee became cold and the sticky bun that I was enjoying lost its taste. I picked up my cell phone and called the number in the letter. The lady asked for the details and within minutes she informed me that Mr. C now had an “outstanding arrest warrant” out for him – and that I should be in contact with the police immediately.

My hands shook as I dialed the police station. After a few words of why I was calling the immediacy/urgency that the police had of this matter became very evident. They wanted to know where I was and told me they were sending a police car to help me.

Mr. C’s face grew dark and the smile vanished. He stopped eating. The twinkle in his eyes vanished in a heart beat. His anger and frustration was impossible to express here. Why? How? What reason should I go to talk with the police? NO! I have done nothing wrong! They released me and I waited for my family.

At that moment I witnessed what being illiterate meant. I saw what an inability to communicate means. I saw almost 50 years of frustration and the end result of a life alone.

By 9:00 PM the five of us were in the Police Station with Constable Keith. After much animated conversation Keith informed Mr. C that he was going to be arrested and sent back to prison. Two English words were given to me from Mr. C “Why?” “No”…

The Constable carefully read Mr. C his rights. Realizing that Mr. C didn’t understand he turned to Mr. C’s niece and asked her to translate. He began again. She asked him – “What do those words mean?” You see his niece also cannot read English what she does speak in English is broken.

As we left the room Constable Keith had Mr. C empty his pockets and take off his new coat. Then as Mr. C looked at the wall, with no translation now, Constable Keith handcuffed the “free man”.

Questions…?
I know that your mind will be filled with hundreds of questions – as mine is. How about starting with this list…

• Who made the decision to begin the process of sending him to Toronto to the special place to live?



• Why the radical change from the strict stance before to the “let him go on his own” now?



• Who made it clear to him what was written in the letter with his directions?



• How can anyone make a decision to allow a man – convicted of a serious crime – to be released in the same city that he created the crime in?



• Do you suppose that the victims of his original crime might have been concerned about him being in a Taxi passing the very same areas that the crime had been committed in?



• Was he set up to fail?



• Why?



• Do you suppose that Mr. C is angry now?



• Could it be that he is a little more angry that he was last week?

When prisoners cry – who hears them?

One answer I have so far… “NO I will not stop until I get some answers on this one.”

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

The Sheep and the Goats - Matthew 25: 31 – 40
31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.

32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,

36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Jonah Evan Van Spronsen - post surgery update

Hi, just another update......... Jonah is doing wonderful....... praise God. He is breathing room air however still trached. The NG tube was taken out today. The surgeons are very pleased with the results of the fundo (stomach wrap around trachea). So far no acid reflux happening in his throat....... pray to God that this is the answer and the swelling in his throat go down so he will have his trach taken out sooner than the doctors think. He has been a real trooper, all the doctors and nurses have fallen in love with Jonah, but then how could you not?

Thanks for all of the prayers, I know God has and continues to perform miracles on Jonah Evan.

God Bless

Grandma KIM

Grains of Sand

90% -

90% of the people that read this are more ‘spiritual’ than I am. I know that and live with it. Many have pointed out this clear revelation to me and I just simply let it be. God only knows the work that he has to do on my heart and life to keep me straight.
In my sometimes “low spiritual” mode…some people drive me nuts. Maybe it isn’t directly – but it is often by what they have said and done behind my back. As reports have filtered through I have been blown away by their complete lack of concern for my feelings. I mean shish – where is their wonderful spiritual heart and life that they demonstrate in the church?

Hey – before some of you folks start writing furious emails – please remember that my hide is thicker than most others. I believe that my genetic make up may well include some Rhino DNA. Or maybe it is 30 plus years of serving as a pastor… after a while it kind of falls off when shot my way.

Before you get the wrong idea – I cry a lot. I pray more and stay longer in God’s presence. A whole lot of people curse him every day and use his name in terrible ways – yet he never gets uptight about it. His strength is what I draw from.

In dealing with some situations I have come to think of some of the folk as grains of sand. They are beautiful on a beach but a pain in your shoes. They are wonderful as the water and waves ripple over them – but a real pain on the floor of your home. One place that is particularly uncomfortable is in your clothing – particularly your bathing suit. And above all the one place I hate sand is in my bed – sleeping with it is uncomfortable and causes me to wake often.

I found that God wants me to not track the grains of sand into my life. I need not purposely take it home. I need to leave it outside my life.

On one beautiful trip to southern and warmer climates we had the opportunity to stay in a tourist accommodation near a beach and the beautiful water. Outside each room’s entrance there was a square area to the side of the door. It was surrounded by a low cement curb and the center of the square has some smooth stones covering its bottom. Just above the stones was a faucet that was easily turned on with your toes. The whole thing was designed to wash the grains of irritating sand off your feet so you do not track it into the room. It didn’t belong inside where we lived for that week.

God wants my life to be that way too. These “dear folk”, on the other hand, that are there in my life, will attempt to gain continual access into my memory. At least it seems that way. They need attention and demand to be front row center in my life. God bless them.

Some one shared the amazing fact that a Pearl is originally a grain of sand that gets under its shell. Pretty cool eh? Neat how it works… but odd. We think the little round thing has great value. It actually was a pain under the oyster’s tongue – but he or she – lived with it.

I am not an oyster. These grains can hurt us – a lot. This is especially true with “spiritual people” in our little spiritual worlds.

God needs to clean me up many times. I need him to help me deal with the grains of sand that try to creep in…. He loves them too – he created it all

Look at Ephesians 5:25-27 (New International Version)
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

A scripture that fits so well today… what do you think?

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

From and For Jonah with Love

Today is a short report for Jonah Van Spronsen. Jonah has just come through his huge surgery. You may have read of this little “giant” in early postings on this Blog. His mom and dad are part of my life and our congregation’s prayer life.

The following is the text from his grandmother’s email to me to let me know what has happened.

Please pray for Jonah, his mom and dad - Jessika & George and his brother Samsun today.

Jonah speaks sign language with his hands.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Hi, it's Kim, Jessika's mom. She wanted me to email you and let you know how Jonah is doing after surgery. He had a 6 1/2 hour operation yesterday with some complications...... they had to remove the tracheotomy and could not get it back in again without force...... his kidneys shut down but are working today however he is still catheterized...... they accidentally cut his esophagus while removing fibrosis ( severe scar tissue), which required 4 stitches, they had to tie his hands down which is very traumatic for Jonah as he has post traumatic stress....... they were planning on being home Friday at the latest but now it will be some time next week...... there is no room at Ronald McDonald house so they have had to stay at the Delta hotel which is extremely costly but they cannot stay with Jonah as he is in ICU. They have tremendous faith and the doctors are pleased with how well Jonah is doing after such an evasive surgery. Jessika tells them that everyone is praying for him and that the glory goes to God.

"I'm Allowed.."

The smile at 5:47 AM is unmistakable. The big grin was wiped across his young face. His name is Christopher Murray Rourke and he is six years old.

I had been out of bed for a while. I have been praying, reading and writing. The stillness is wonderful. My wife and I have been overnight at our kid’s place in Whitby. We slipped in late Sunday night and spent the night on the pull-out bed in their basement. Their four boys knew we were coming to see them but they were sleeping when we arrived.

Moments earlier I heard the small foot steps and then I looked up. Christopher came up to me grinning and said, “Hi Grandpa.” He climbed on to my knee and then said, “I’m allowed to get into bed with Grandma. Mommy said...” The big grin followed and his eyes twinkled.

Apparently this was the moment of request and seeking of approval. He was now coming to Grandpa to see if it really was okay. Remember it was 5:47 AM and an important thing for a Grandpa to know – when Grandpa also knows that Grandma doesn’t really like “to do mornings” – especially 5:47 AMs.

Christopher hung on tight to my hand and continued to smile at me… and waited for my answer. Then he again said, “I’m allowed to get into bed with Grandma. Mommy said...” This time a little more emphatic and then he waited again. I said, “Okay, let’s go find Grandma.” and down we went to the darkened room at 5:59 AM.

Christopher climbed in bed beside Grandma and with his big grin said, “Hi Grandma…” I left him there beside her as he tucked his cold toes into her warm bed. The last I heard was Grandma saying, “Come on get those cold toes under the covers.”

I had been praying and waiting on God. Sometimes wondering if he really is up in the early morning…sometimes wondering if my prayers really make any difference at all. All day I thought of this comical 5:47 AM scene and Christopher’s request. God gently nudged me and said, ‘Your grandson is a whole lot like you, isn’t he?’ In fact that thought was there over and over again as I completed the day. It is so true.

I had come early into God’s presence. I had come in his son’s name – Jesus. I had asked for some big things, some comical things and some ‘little boy things’. God listened and waited as I spoke to him. I smiled at God at 5:46 AM and then I heard the foot steps of Christopher.

I know it is a very simple and personal story that I share. You may not get hold of the emotions that I have as I think about what happened to me yesterday morning – the way that I do. But I hope that it catches a special place in your mind today.

You can come like a ‘Christopher’ directly to the most powerful(oldest) one in the house. You can smile and offer your request and He will hear you. You can be reassured that He loves you and will listen. His smile back and the love He has for you is far bigger than you can comprehend.

If you haven’t taken a prayer journey yet – why not start today – or even right now? You don’t need a passport. You don’t need an airline ticket. You simply need to come like a ‘Christopher’ and place yourself on His knee… smile and telling him what you are thinking about.

God is waiting. He was up early today and waiting for you. There is nothing more important than what you will talk to him about. He loves you – oh so much.

Have a wonderful ‘Christopher’ day.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

For your reading pleasure…
Matthew 18: 1- 4 The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven (NIV)
1. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2. He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
John 14:13-15 (NIV)
13. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 15. "If you love me, you will obey what I command.

Opportunity and Opposition

The sense that I had as I said the words I did – was simple – God was about to do something that has never been done before. He, with his mighty power, was going to intervene in remarkable ways. But how could it be? The situation is impossible to work with. There are no logical and good answers. Everything points to an ultimate defeat. Everyone and anyone involved will be going down!

Have you ever had a nightmare that has been on-going? You may understand then…something that comes back to haunt your thinking over and over again? I know that feeling – today as I woke early the shudder came again – and I couldn’t sleep any longer.

How do we deal with a nightmare? How can we face the thoughts that drive us under? Is there any freedom?

I deal with nightmares by coming early into the presence of God. I pray. I cannot face the thoughts that are impossible and frightening alone. I need God. The answer to the last question is – there is freedom in Jesus.

But I know all that by heart. Where does it all come from? And Why?

The reality is that I am very human. My humanity never left me when I turned my life over to the Lord. In fact it may have even become more human in its weakness as I came closer to God and his strength. And my weakness makes me shudder as the realization grows – you can do nothing about this problem.

The Truth in my life…
I should explain this better. My mother is 86 years old. Her health has failed and there are some decisions that have to be made. The doctor said she is at a time in her life that she needs ‘assisted living’. After months of thinking about this we have realized that she needs to move – and that the best place for this to be is come and live with us. Mom has slowly come to realize that this is what she needs to do as well. This week the tickets were booked and the final plans fell into place. This is going to take place in March – two months from now.

Add to that the nearness of my retiring years has added to some frightful thinking. How will it all end with me? How can I go on knowing what I know?

Now add about another three thoughts that regularly mix with the whole pot within me – and I wake up early in cold sweats. Sleep vanishes like it did this morning

The opposition is real – but it points to Opportunity. In God there is Opportunity. In life there is opposition and the opposition will tend to bring us down – but that isn’t God’s plan.
The verses from Isaiah 40 – verse 28 - 31 make even more sense today than yesterday.

When I am weary with the circumstances and too tired to go on – God isn’t.

When the nightmare rages and the thoughts become impossible – God assures me that he is there.

The peace that filters in is amazing. He has assured me again that He will work it all out. He will provide an answer when there is none.

I have said this often enough to remember it well, the importance of prayer is not the words I offer to the Lord – it is his presence and simply being in his presence that is so important.
This morning as I sat in his presence trying to find words that would describe what was happening in me, I stopped trying and simply listened to the silence. Then he made himself real again. He has been here for over one hour reassuring me that it will be okay.
What are you facing today? I have prayed that wherever this simple thought ends up – God will be there for you too. May you “soar on wings like eagles” today.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~

Isaiah 40
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Dealing With Tough Times - Part 2

It is something that is so obvious when you read the story – yet I had never caught it before. God never answered prayer – at least it seems that way. My friend’s comment was true as we discussed the account of Nehemiah.

In the last posting on this Blog I had pointed to the fact that Nehemiah prayed when his back was against the wall. When his enemies were strongly against him – he prayed. When he was tired or his people/workers were threatened – he prayed. It seemed that no matter what he faced – he prayed.

My friend’s comment has made me think. Then it came to me… God did answer the way he always answers in my life – quietly.

Nehemiah is not Moses – that had open and recorded conversations with God. Nehemiah is not an Isaiah that hears from God and is told to tell his fellow country men what is going to happen. In fact Nehemiah is not like any other man that I read about in the Bible… he is Nehemiah. And God needs Nehemiah to be himself.

The one thing that the thought has led me to is the wonderful facts that are so plain as the story unfolds…

• The wall of the city was torn down and in terrible shape – it could not protect the people that lived and wanted to live there.
• The Temple that had been rebuilt was not protected – the city was vulnerable to its enemies.
• After prayer – the work begins.
• After prayer – the wall is half built.
• After prayer the workers are strengthened.
• After work salted and soaked in prayer – the wall and the gates are finished.
• The enemies before them that had destroyed the walls and the gates of Jerusalem meant it to be permanently destroyed – God had other ideas.
• After a life of prayer and hard work – the job was done… and they had a party that was so big and so loud that people heard about it from far away.

Not once did Nehemiah say that God said this or that… he just had a recognition at different times that God had strengthened their hands – or they couldn’t have continued.

The huge question to ask is… “If Nehemiah had not prayed, what would have happened? If there had not been a Nehemiah – what then? If no one listened or worked together – what would be the outcome then?”

The answer is quite clear in my mind – more years of captivity, more ugly walls to look at and little hope for a future. Definitely the generation of Nehemiah would never have had a party and celebrated a completion of a wall.

I have come to a simple conclusion this week… There is nothing more exciting than answered prayer! AND – God always hears and answers prayer – I just may not be listening – or have recorded it for others to read or understand.

Every prayer is heard by a God that is so big you can’t miss him… and so powerful that there is nothing that He can’t do.

~ Pastor Murray ~

For your reading pleasure....
Isaiah 40
21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
25 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Dealing With Tough Times

It is January in Canada as I write. It is cold and clear today. But it has also been overcast and dull for a few days now. We are facing a winter at this time. (This is for the benefit of folks that live in south-eastern Asia)

As I write, many of my friends are facing some real tough times. They need a miracle or two – actually a whole series of miracles would be good for some. At times they are overwhelmed by what they are facing. My heart goes out to them but that will not help much. Truly God is the only one that can help.

• One person suffers greatly with an extreme neck problem that requires a small surgery.
• Another has balance problems forcing a poor quality of life on him that he never expected in his robust youthful days – he feels like he is in jail now.
• Another is suffering from severe migraine headaches that leave her completely withdrawn from her friends.
• Still another is facing a complete spinal fusion from the top of her spine to the bottom – but surgery has been possibly delayed with the discovery of a possible heart problem – and her husband has left her.

Yes I have prayed and continue to pray for each of them. I will do what I can to help – but the smallness that I feel is almost overwhelming...what can one small prayer do?

Nothing I guess – but it isn’t the one small prayer that matters… it is the one really big God that receives the prayer gladly and simply takes over.

My faith is small – but His power is GREAT – in fact so GREAT that there is none like it!

I completed my reading this week of a famous old Book entitled Nehemiah. It is wonderful reading when you are in the middle of a Canadian winter – and when you are in a steamy Asian day. This man Nehemiah was something else. It is specially good when you face problems so great you have no place to turn.

His problems were many. In fact he accepted all the problems as his own – when he hadn’t even been a part of the problem making. He saw the problem that Jerusalem was in with its walls broken down and in complete disgrace… then took it upon himself to talk to God about it.

The part that impresses me the most is that when he gets into problems, feels the pinch and then turns to God – in his overwhelmed state of mind – pours out the problem to God – and then goes on to do the work – and lead the people.

He has to be absolutely beside himself at times. The three major enemies that hound him and try everything in their power to stop him – could be anyone of the tough stuff we face today. But God is the one that put Nehemiah where he was and God was the only one that could get him through.

Dealing with tough times is a delight when God is there. AND HE has promised me that HE WIIL NEVER LEAVE ME OR FORSAKE ME…. and you!

Nehemiah you are my hero today! Funny thing is – he has never been featured in Hollywood Movies yet… “Brave Heart”, “Troy”… you name it… but no “Nehemiah” – someone missed an opportunity with this one.

Today is one opportunity to see God move. Soon enough I will be in his presence for ever… I am excited about what he will do her today. Tough times require a really tough and powerful God.

~ Pastor Murray ~

The following is offered for your enjoyment and comfort…

Nehemiah 6 - Further Opposition to the Rebuilding
1 When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates-
2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: "Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono." But they were scheming to harm me;
3 so I sent messengers to them with this reply: "I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?"
4 Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.
5 Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter
6 in which was written: "It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king
7 and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: 'There is a king in Judah!' Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us confer together."
8 I sent him this reply: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head."
9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed."But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands."

Higher Thoughts

There are times I am frustrated with what I see and hear. How about you?

No I don’t mean the driver in the next car or the person at the next check out at the grocery store. I mean things that are closer to me than that. Let me explain.

People that know better should be better. People that know they should leave some of the old garbage behind – from their old life style – hang on to junk. They have made statements that they are different. They have made decisions that others have witnessed and yet they still fall back into old traps.

Worse yet – they themselves see that their actions and reactions are still a whole lot like they used to be. It is like living one long life of “broken New Years resolutions”.

I was reading an article yesterday about Physical Fitness programs and the participants. The author stated that it is well known that 30% of the participants in a program drop out after 90 days. Another 50% will drop out after 6 months. In my mind’s calculation that leaves about 35% of the number that began.

In our city they are building a new YMCA that costs Millions! If these figures are accurate –only 35% of the folk will be paying for the programs(and the building).

I stated at the beginning that “There are times I am frustrated with what I see and hear.” – this is never more so than when I look in the mirror each morning getting ready for another try at being human. I imagine that there are a host of others reading this that are in the same boat.

Most of us – 65% of us – using the fitness illustration above – begin and don’t finish. How do we deal with that? After all, we have all used up 19 days of the first 90 day period of the first group of ‘quitters’ – for 2007.

A very old writer that demonstrates his wisdom over and over again makes a powerful statement for me. He says adamantly that we need to take hold of a thought of our Goal first. Take hold of a ‘Higher Thought’ – one that is out there in front of us. Once we fasten our attentions on that thought we are able to gage our reactions and actions better. We then can get rid of things that have held us back. We can put aside things that have trapped us into quitting so many times before. We can reach the Goals that we set.

Too often we fasten our thoughts on the failures and then simply quit.

I bet this ‘old wise writer’ sounds like some self-help guru talking now. Right? Well maybe – his Name is Paul – ‘St. Paul’ in some folks mind and he has authored a number of good books. They are placed in a one volume set and have been there for ages – most often in dusty old Bibles on dusty old shelves – along with the other ‘self-help’ exercise and other books.

In one of the books he wrote entitled ‘Colossians’ – chapter 3 – you will read some powerful words about ‘Higher Thoughts’. In his first 10 thoughts he outlines some tremendous action steps to get on with life. Let me point these action steps out.

• Action Step #1 – Higher Thought – “Think about things that are in heaven”
• Action Step #2 – “Don’t think about things here on earth”

Then Paul follows with a list of things that are holding the people back and instructs folks to get rid of these things. Please read it carefully and see how relevant it is to 2007 – and realize that it was written almost 20 Centuries ago. WOW.

Hey – there is hope for the 65% of us that need a boost to get going again. Personally I am motivated to try again. I am ready to hold on a get by the first hurdle. I have stuff to get rid of too – not just from my very full garage – but from life. This week I tripped over some of the things in my garage – and in life.

How about you?

I have added the text of Paul’s famous book – and the particular chapter I have referred to in the words above. Hope it helps you. Have a great one today. I am off for my walk.

~ Pastor Murray ~

Colossians 3 (NIrV - New International Reader's Version)

Rules for Holy Living
1 You have been raised up with Christ. So think about things that are in heaven. That is where Christ is. He is sitting at God's right hand.
2 Think about things that are in heaven. Don't think about things that are on earth.
3 You died. Now your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 Christ is your life. When he appears again, you also will appear with him in heaven's glory.
5 So put to death anything that belongs to your earthly nature. Get rid of your sexual sins and unclean acts. Don't let your feelings get out of control. Remove from your life all evil longings. Stop always wanting more and more. You might as well be worshiping statues of gods.
6 God's anger is going to come because of those things.
7 That's the way you lived at one time in your life.
8 But now here are the kinds of things you must get rid of. You must put away anger, rage, hate and lies. Let no dirty words come out of your mouths.
9 Don't lie to each other. You have gotten rid of your old way of life and its habits. 10 You have started living a new life. It is being made new so that what you know has the Creator's likeness.

Take It To The Top - Part Two

Second posting… on Take It To The Top…

An attempted email to "wemorley@sasktel.net" received the following information back to my computer…

My email…
This is a simple test to see if the email address is still relevant.
I received an email with a request to supply my name to support you folks. I have done something about it - please read our Blog for today...http://northviewchurch.blogspot.com/

I have personally written to Lorne Calvert, the Premier of Sask.
--
Murray Lincoln

The Reply…
This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification
Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:
wemorley@sasktel.net
Technical details of permanent failure:
PERM_FAILURE: SMTP Error (state 9): 550 No such user – psmtp

When you have a problem… “Take it to the top”.

~ Pastor Murray ~

Take It To The Top

When you have a problem… “Take it to the top”.

Today I received an urgent email requesting action to in helping a person I do not know with a problem that I am very much aware of – Breast Cancer. It has come very close to me personally, in that my own mother is survivor of this disease.

I believe we have two rights that we need to exercise when we face problems that are impossible…

• The right to talk to God – prayer – direct and personal.
• The right to speak with our leaders and politicians – people like you and me.

Both are listening and will help.

Is this Blog political? NO – not at all. But it is a reflection of a pastor’s heart that says – “Let’s do something to help!”

I intend to contact the senders of this email as soon as I can to let them know they are not alone. I believe that is the original thought behind this email campaign to begin with. The place I am caught short in… is that I am not sure how long it has been around… or how long it has been circulating. But I will find out.

I ask you to read the following action step that I have taken. I ask you to pray for our leaders and politicians that are making very difficult decisions. I ask you to pray for families in crisis as they face this deadly disease. I ask you to pray for doctors and staff as they support – and then pray for more support and staffing where needed.

Thank you so much for doing something.

~ Pastor Murray ~

Text of my email to …

The Honourable Lorne Calvert

Premier of Saskatchewan Room 226,

Legislative Building

Regina, Saskatchewan Canada S4S 0B3

Dear Lorne;

I am a fellow Minister as well. Before moving from Saskatchewan to Peterborough, Ontario, where I now serve as a Pastor, I served as a Pastor in Yorkton and Regina. You won't remember me, but we greeted each other on an elevator at the Legislative Buildings - I was with a Chinese gentleman from China - showing him "my legislative buildings"!

Incidentally I was born in Ceylon Sask.1944, raised and schooled in Regina - a genuine made in Saskatchewan ‘older’ Product!

I thought that you(and your Office Staff) may be interested in this email that arrived today from one of my parishioners - Brenda Van Lier - #407 on the list. I am not sure if the email is legitimate or not - but I pass it along for your consideration.

In my time serving as a Pastor, from 1974 to 2007, I have witnessed the terrible tragedy of what Breast Cancer has done to families. I am sure that you as well have been close to folks that have travelled through this kind of dark valley as well.

As a minister I simply am faithful to perform the funerals for the folk that have lost their loved ones to this terrible disease(and many others). I perform the burial for folks that have lost their lives and the support for people that are left behind.

My guess is this email program is an attempt to help a desperate family I am sure. My prayers are there for you as well as Emily Morley and Linda Segal.

• May God grant you wisdom and understanding through difficult political and societal struggles.
• May God grant Ms. Morley and Linda Segal his healing power and his grace to walk through this dark valley.
• May God grant each of her friends a blessing as they support with prayer and love to each person facing the issues of breast cancer.
• May God grant us more funding for the needed doctors in each area - truly we face a crisis that needs his intervention.

Rev. Murray Lincoln
Northview Pentecostal Church
Peterborough, Ontario
http://northviewchurch.blogspot.com/

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Brenda van Lier

Date: Jan 17, 2007 7:24 PM

Subject: Fw: Fw: Breast cancer signatures needed URGENTLY

To:Murray Lincoln <>

Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 1:00 PM
Subject: Fw: Fw: Breast cancer signatures needed URGENTLY

This is so true! I hope we can get a lot of signatures for this petition ! the Government is spending our money on advertising when we should be spending it on more Doctors!
Thanks for passing it on!
God Bless!
Lillian

Note Please:>You have to press "forward" before you can add your name at the bottom of the list. Then you can send to the people you know.

HELP IS NEEDED! Please sign this no matter what Province you>are in - it affects us all!

How many people, diagnosed with some form of cancer, are awaiting an appointment with an oncologist (a doctor that treats>cancer patients), of whom there are few in Saskatchewan, while the finance minister spends a half million dollars on an advertising campaign, wasting our money which could be better used to fund at least 2 or 3 more oncologists for us?

I have already waited 2 months and am told that it will be at least 8 weeks more before I can get in to see an oncologist for my spreading cancer. I'm sure that there are others for whom the situation is worse. How long do we wait, dying, while the government plays God with our lives? We need to do something drastic! The more noise we>make, the better our chances of being heard! Every province in Canada needs >more access to diagnostic procedures and physicians!!!

Please sign my petition. If you are the last person to sign this (#500), >please email it back to wemorley@sasktel.net

My life may not be saved, but you might be saving someone else's.

Thank you,

Emily Morley - Linda Segal

PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME ON THE NEXT EMPTY NUMBER, THEN FORWARD TO>ALL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY. Include your city so that we can show the Government how many people are concerned about the health care>system in Canada!

1. Emily Morley - Meath Park, SK> 2. Karen Andersen - Moose Jaw, SK> 3. Cindee Roy-Neilburg God blesses all who sign this!> 4. Carol Olynyk - Saskatoon, SK> 5. Kerrie Thomas-Saskatoon, SK> 6. Bridget Sherban - Saskatoon, SK> 7. Lise MacInnis - Saskatoon, SK> 8. Dale Wagner - Hague, Sask.> 9. Corene Zacharias - Hague, SK> 10. Carey Zacharias - Hague, SK> 11. Carolyn Obrigewitch - Warman, SK> 12. Rob Obrigewitch - Warman, SK> 13. Kathy Birg - Hague, SK> 14. Evan Severson - Bengough Sk.> 15. Connie Frisk - Bengough Sk.> 16. Laverne Frisk - Bengough Sk.> 17. Annette Scholz - Coubrough Bengough Sk> 18. Mila Taylor - Assiniboia, SK> 19. Doug Taylor - Assiniboia, SK> 20. Ellen Fritz - Coronach, Sk> 21. Cameron Fritz-Coronach,>Sk> 22. Monique Wrolson, Coronach> 23. Bryce Wrolson, Coronach> 24. Darlene Puryk, Lethbridge, AB.> 25. Leon Puryk, Lethbridge, AB.> 26. Faye Dalshaug, Calgary, AB> 27. Donna Parkinson> 28. Dave Isaak Saskatoon, SK> 29. James Gilliard Saskatoon, SK> 30. Jodi Wacker, Jansen, SK.> 31. Barb Larson, Saskatoon, SK> 32. Roberta Tournier, Duck Lake> 33. Paulette Miller, North Battleford, SK> 34. Tammy Clark, Calgary, AB> 35. Linda Foerster, Airdrie, AB> 36. Ingrid Neumann, Ab.>> 37. D.Chen Calgary, Ab.> 38. D.Tse Calgary, AB> 39. Stephen Nackoney, Okotoks, Ab.> 40. Lila Gattinger, Calgary, Alberta> 41. Myrtle Keep, Winnipeg, Mb.> 42. Rick&nbs; Keep, Lac du Bonnet, Mb.> 43. Al Clark, Nanaimo, BC> 44. Joan Clark, Nanaimo BC> 45. Brian Ward Wpg, Mb.> 46. Sharline Ward Wpg, Mb.> 47. Bill Ward, Winnipeg, MB> 48. Kelly Ward, Winnipeg, MB> 49. Maria Novak, Winnipeg, MB> 50. Rick Broszeit, Winnipeg, MB> 51. Cathy McInnes, Selkirk, Mb> 52. Linda Peterson, Selkirk, MB> 53. Louise Stocks, Selkirk MB> 54. Donna Mae Thomas. Winnipeg, Manitoba> 55. Heidi Norlander Chilliwack, BC> 56. Earl Norlander Chilliwack, BC> 57. Lilly Wiebe, Winnipeg, MB> 58. Bmoir wpg mb> 59. Margaret ward, Winnipeg, mb.> 60. Cindy Vandale, Winnipeg MB> 61. Noreen Ryan, Winnipeg MB> 62. Mary Ann McLachlan, Winnipeg MB> 63. Graham McLachlan, Winnipeg MB> 64. Al Graham, Toronto, Ontario> 65. Gayle Graham, Toronto, Ontario> 66 .Shirlee Schacter, Toronto,>Ontario> 67. Mac Shaw, Caledon, Ontario> 68. Maureen Ward, Newcastle, Ontario> 69. Robert Dunn, Toronto, Ontario> 70. Judy Armstrong, Port Hope, Ont.> 71. Barbara Mahoney, Scarborough, On> 72. Gary Farewell, Scarborough, On> 73. Joseph Mahoney, Ajax, On> 74. Caroline Mahoney, Ajax, On> 75. Karen Johnston, Milton, On> 76. Emilio Cervo, Milton, On> 77. Dan Mahoney, Toronto, On> 78. Debbie Caccavelli, Scarborough, On> 79. Line Caccavelli, Scarborough, On> 80. Joe Mahoney, Pickering, On> 81. Jean Lloyd, Huntsville, On> 82. Rhonda Williams, Huntsville, On> 83. Fred Peeler, Bracebridge, On> 84. Marcia Peeler, Bracebridge, On> 85. Linda Peeler, Bracebridge, On> 86. Diane Hammond, Bracebridge, On> 87. Doug Hammond, Bracebridge,>On> 88. Barry Hammond, Etobicoke, On> 89. Mark Young, Etobicoke, On> 90. Cathy Young, Etobicoke, On> 91. Chris Hammond, Bracebridge, On> 92. Marie Hammond, Bracebridge, On> 93. Kaye Taylor, Bracebridge, On> 94. Jean Goddard, Bracebridge, On> 95. Gail Bartleman , Bracebridge, Ont> 96. Doreen Crowe, Port Colborne,On> 97. Lynne Hurlburt, Welland, Ontario> 98. Ann Smith, Nanaimo B.C.> 99. Marg Billett, Newmarket, Ontario> 100. J.J. Spatuck, Richmond Hill, On> 101. Kathy Spatuck, Richmond Hill, On> 102. Connie Parkes, Winnipeg, MB> 103. Ron Parkes, Winnipeg, MB.> 104. Pat Whiteside, Lac Du Bonnet, MB> 105. Terry Whiteside, Lac Du Bonnet, MB> 106. Milly Hunt, Penticton B.C.> 107.>Alice Jong, Penticton, B.C.> 108. Doreen Burnett. Oliver B.C.> 109. Walt Hadikin. Oliver B.C.> 110. Pat Hadikin .Oliver B.C> 111. Sharon Ferguson, Kamloops> 112. Robert Vaughan, New Denver, B.C> 113. M. Jones, Castlegar, B.C.> 114. T.Winegarden, Castlegar, B.C.> 115. Carolee Riley Fitz-Gerald, Castlegar, B. C.> 116. Deanna Bankert, Robson, BC> 117. Matthew Bankert, Dublin, Ireland> 118. Caolyn Gregg, Kelowna, BC> 119. Peter Gregg, Kelowna, BC> 120. Carol Fyfe-Wilson Ladysmith, B.C.> 121. Donald Fyfe-Wilson Ladysmith, B.C.> 122. Jan Bradshaw Ladysmith, B.C.> 123. Cora Maier, Ladysmith,>B.C.> 124. Lynn Fiddick, Nanoose, BC> 125. Dave Fiddick, Nanoose, BC> 126. Mary Dawes, Nanaimo BC> 127. Jack Dawes, Nanaimo BC> 128. J.L. Mawle, Grand Forks, B.C.> 129. Mavis Mawle, Grand Forks BC> 130. Garry Forgaard, Salmon Arm, B.C.> 131. Orval Forgaard, Tahsis, B.C.> 132. Sheila Dowding, Tahsis, B.C.> 133. Bill Dowding, Tahsis, B.C.> 134. MArio Guilbert, Tahsis, B.C.> 135. Diana Jansen, Courtenay, BC> 136. Jacquie Moen, Kelowna, B.C.> 137. Betty Peterson, Salmon Arm, B.C.> 138. June Griswold, Salmon, B.C.> 139. Nola Kotow, Swansea Point, B.C.> 140. Donna Mongrain, Maple Ridge, B.C.> 141. Silk Family, Mission, B.C.> 142.>Staber Family, Vernon, BC> 143. Kathy & Roger Murch, Mission B.C.> 144. Ray & Rhonda Harris Mission BC> 145. Anita Yardley, Nanaimo, BC> 146. Murray & Lynne Buchanan, Pitt Meadows B.C.> 147. Anne Knight, London, Ont> 148. Jean Cooper, Etobicoke, Ontario> 148. C. Bailey, Toronto, Ontario> 149. J. M. Barbour, Richmond Hill, ON> 150. A. E. Card, Richmond Hill, ON.> 151. J. Card, Richmond Hill, On.> 152. J. Snowdon, Barrie, ON.> 153. A. Snowdon, Barrie, ON.> 154. K. Parsley, Stroud, ON.> 155. G. Parsley, Stroud, ON.> 156. C. Parsley, Barrie, ON.> 157. J. Parsley, Stroud, ON.> 158. K. P. Foskett, Honey Harbour, ON> 159. W. A.>Foskett, Honey Harbour, ON> 160. C. Toomey, Ennismore, ON> 161. J. Toomey, Ennismore, ON> 162. Jean Hamilton, Georgetown, ON> 163. Jim Hamilton, Georgetown, ON> 164. Janet Robertson Victoria, BC> 165. Noel Robertson, Victoria BC> 166. Diana Randerson, Victoria, BC> 167. Julie Davis, Victoria, B.C.> 168. Dorothy Smith, Victoria, B.C.> 169. Tisha Richard, Victoria, B .C.> 170. Barbara Turner, Victoria BC> 171. Nikki and Ted Shorten, Garson, MB> 172. Kathy Kristinnson Arborg, Mb.> 173. Teresa Cosford, Winnipeg, Mb - CANCER SURVIVOR> 174. Linda Abell, Walkerton, ON> 175. Karen Riley, Walkerton, ON> 176. Eileen Ellis, Kincardine,ON> 177. Janice Griffin, White Lake, B.C.> 178. Bryan Griffin, White Lake, B.C.> 179. Dorothy Clegg, White>Lake, B.C.> 180. Janelle Langlois, White Lake, B.C.> 181. Rocky Elesko, White Lake, B.C.> 182 Eileen/Derek Vancouver B.C.> 183. Ava Atherton, Victoria> 184. Gloria Tsoi, Victoria, BC> 185. Cec Morrison Cobblehill BC> 186. Kathryn Morrison Cobble Hill BC> 187. Carol Polden, Victoria BC> 188. Blair Polden Victoria, BC> 189. Karen Barlow Victoria, BC> 190. Norma McRae, Victoria, BC> 191. Naomi Murphy Victoria, BC> 192. Gail Shields, Coquitlam, B.C.> 193. Sheila Bremner, Coquitlam, B.C.> 194. V. Dimora, Kamloops, BC> 195. S. Munegatto, Kamloops, BC> 196. Crystal Munegatto, Kamloops, BC> 197. Maureen Russell, Maple Ridge, BC> 198. Jo-Anne Griffin, Surrey, BC> 199. Rene & Joan Bourget, Vernon, BC> 200. Bill and Shirley>Thomas> 201. Shirley Peterson---Ashern, Manitoba> 202. Marlene Priske---Ashern, Manitoba> 203. Yvonne Jameson, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory> 204. Bruce Powley, Fort Macleod Alberta> 205. Louisa Goritsas, Parry Sound, Ontario> 206. Elizabeth Bilz, North Bay, Ontario> 207. Terry & Judy MacKinnon, N.F, On> 208. Jim Cooke F.E. Ontario> 209. Carol Cooke F.E. Ontario> 210. Shirley Young FE Ontario> 211. David Young F.E Ontario> 212. Phyllis Thorogood Beamsville, On> 213. Darryl Thorogood Beamsville, On> 214. Michelle Hughes, Cambridge, ON> 215. Kathi McCaw Ottawa ON> 216. Joan Tooley Oshawa ON> 217. Brian Tooley Oshawa On> 218. M Culleton Kincardine On> 219. B Culleton Kincardine> 220. Peggy Griffin, Tiverton, Ontario> 221.>Herb Paetzold, Tiverton, Ontario> 222. Edith Laflamme Port Elgin> 223. C.Colbert, Duncan, On> 224. DJ Colbert, Duncan On> 225. DJ Pettigrew, Penetanguishene, On> 226. SL Pettigrew, Penetanguishene, On> 227. BJ Harrison, Kincardine, On> 228. M.Harrison, Kincardine, On> 229. Thelma Bigney, Petrolia, On. > 230. Pat Thomas, Tweed, On.> 231. GAIL REID, BELLEVILLE ONT> 232. BOB REID, BELLEVILLE ONT> 233. Bobbi Cassibo Belleville Ont> 234. Scott Cassibo Belleville Ont> 235. Jesse Cassibo Belleville Ont> 236. Ashton Cassibo Belleville Ont> 237. Ashley Cooney Belleville Ont> 238. Christine Diamond Brighton, Ont. May God look over us> All. I wonder what would happen if Steven Harper suddenly got this> horrrible disease or worse, someone he really loved. Would he do> something about it then????????> 239. Brett Diamond. God Bless. Brighton, Ont.> 240. Stephanie McKenna. My Dad nearly died, thank God for> research. Brighton, Ont.> 241. Judy Edmeades, Keswick, Ont.> 242. James Edmeades, Keswick, Ont.> 243. Candace Parlette, Keswick ,>Ont.> 244. Matthew Parlette, Keswick, Ont.> 245. Pat Parlette, Emsdale, ON> 246. Ed Parlette, Emsdale, ON> 247 Marg Ensoll Ajax On> 248 Lyle Ensoll, Ajax On> 249. Kirk Lytle Norwood, Ont> 250. Jim Lytle Norwood, Ont> 251. Dorothy Lytle Norwood, Ont> 252. Gale Ellis, Havelock, ON> 253. Norma G. Ellis, Havelock, ON> 254. Carol Houghton, Havelock, ON> 255. Dale Houghton, Havelock, ON> 256. Debra Drummond, Norwood, ON> 257. Fred Currier, Sherbrooke, QC> 258. Winsor Walls, Calgary, Alberta> 259. Joan Walls, Calgary, Alberta> 260. Howard Walls, Calgary, Alberta> 261. Lorraine Walls, Calgary, Alberta> 262. Art Jepps Calgary, Alberta> 263. Leslie Prange Calgary, AB> 264. John W. Marshall, Calgary, Ab.> 265. Leslie Vivian,>Calgary, AB> 266. Monica Santiago, Calgary, AB> 267. Joan Beauregard, Morin Heights, QC> 268. JAN BARITEAU - DORVAL, QUEBEC> 269. Sylvia Sicuso Fritsch, Morin Heights, Qc> 270. Joan Hudson Mille Isles, Quebec,> 271. Joan Swail, Pointe Claire Qc> 272. Judy Staniforth, Chatham, ON> 273. Marilyn Lester, Chatham, Ontario> 274. Mildred Rounding Windsor, Ontario> 275. Joy Rounding, Caledon Ontario> 276. David Marchant, Caledon Ontario> 277. Gail Hogarth, Richmond Hill, Ontario> 278. Debbie Tennant, Caledon Ontario> 279. Beverley B. Cotnam, Etobicoke, ON> 280. Nancy Beesley Sleeth, Mount Hope ON> 281. Barbara Taggart, Scarborough ON> 282. Joyce>Starkman, Toronto, ON> 283. Belle Silverstein, Toronto, Ont> 284. Judy Cohen, Toronto, Ont> 285. Marcia Bass,Thornhill, Ont.> 286. Lorraine Neumann Thornhill Ont> 287. Elizabeth Zuk, Thornhill Ontario> 288. Randi Garbas, Toronto> 289. Cindy Berg, Toronto> 290. Lynn Pearson, Toronto> 291. Nancy Prussky Toronto> 292. Andrea H. Cohen Toronto, Ontario> 293. Randee Himelfarb, Thornhill, Ontario> 294. Linda Fine, Toronto> 295. Lynette Inspektor, North York, Ontario> 296. Marianne Fehler, Toronto, Ontario> 297. FELICIA SAIET> 298. Marilyn Bank, Thornhill, ON> 299. Elizabeth Berger, Richmond Hill, ON> 300. Bonnie Kates, Thornhill,>ON> 301. Charlotte West Surrey BC> 302 ELLEN DAVIES, Surrey, BC> 303. Christina Fast, White Rock, BC> 304. Erin Bobroske, Surrey, BC> 305. Janice Bobroske, Vernon, BC> 306. Yda Kapusta, Chilliwack BC> 307. Mignonne Wood, Burnaby BC> 308. Ted Wood, Burnaby BC> 309. Andrea Helmer, Chilliwack BC> 310. Mike Helmer, Chilliwack BC> 311. Lisa Axelson, Chilliwack BC> 312. James Crawford, Chilliwack BC> 313. Gloria Wagner, Chilliwack, B.C.> 314. Velma Kouwenhoven, Chilliwack, B.C.> 315. Jack Kouwenhoven, Chilliwack, B.C.> 316. Debbie Froese, Kelowna, BC> 317. Eric Froese, Kelowna, BC> 318. Debbie Shields, Kelowna, B.C.> 319. Wesley Shields, Kelowna, B.C.> 320. Zachary Shields, Kelowna, B.C.> 321. Deanna DiPaolo, Kelowna,>BC> 322. David DiPaolo, Kelowna, BC> 323. Helen DiPaolo, Kelowna, BC> 324. Shelley Gaudette, Coldstream, BC> 325. Alan Gaudette, Coldstream, BC> 326. Melody Reierson, Vernon, BC> 327. Nina Krebbers, Armstrong, BC> 328. Varley Meier, Abbotsford,BC> 329. Erica Meier, Abbotsford, BC> 330. Chris Meier, Abbotsford, BC> 331. Ilona Turra, Abbotsford, BC> 332. Krista Vanderdoe, Langley, BC> 333. Edith Peatman, Langley, BC> 334. Gary Peatman, Langley, BC> 335. Evelyn Williams, Langley, BC> 336. Jan Lowe, Langley, B.C.> 337. Kim Elliott, Burnaby, B.C.> 338. Peggy Burnstad, Langley, B.C.> 339. Wally Burnstad, Langley, B.C.> 340. Tony Bailey, Surrey, B.C.> 341. Cheryl Bailey, Surrey,>B.C.> 342. David Shaw, Surrey, B.C.> 343. Armande Klapprat, Chilliwack, BC Cancer survivor> 344. Ray Klapprat, Chilliwack, BC> 345.joanne stdenis chilliwack> 346.norma watson Chilliwack> 347.Marion Warn, Lindell Beach> 348.Beryl Edwards, Chilliwack>> 349.Roy Edwards, Chilliwack> 350.Lilian Glover, Chilliwack> 351.Tony and Juanita Stander Chilliwack B.C.> 352. John and Frankie King, Garden Bay, B.C.> 353.Elaine Blekaitis, Dundas, Ontario> 354.Gedas (Butch) Blekaitis, Dundas, Ontario> 355.Linda Ellis, St.Catharines, Ontario> 356.Art Ellis, St.Catharines, Ontario> 357.Norman Rockwell, St. Catharines, ON> 358.Dale Rockwell, St. Catharines,>ON > 359.Shelby Rockwell, St, Catharines, ON> 360.Len Stack> 361.Mary Stack> 362.Aaron Stack> 363.Desirae Stack> 364. Geraldine Waud, St.Catharines, Ontario> 365. Valerie Taylor Victoria B.C.> 366.Carolyn Whitfield, Victoria, B.C.> 367.Donna Brock Victoria B C> 368.Shelagh Mason Lower Sackville, NS> 369.Janis Banfield, Lower Sackville, NS>>> 370.Bob Ryan, Sydney NS> 371.Lin Ryan, Sydney> 372.Phil Lundrigan,Ft.McMurray,AB> 373.Brenda Murray Welland, ON> 374.Ronald Murray Welland, ON> 375.Don Murray.St.Catharines,Ont> 376.Doreen Murray,St.Catharines.Ont> 377.A. Dillon, St. Catharines, ON> 378.C. Dillon, St. Catharines, ON> 379.M. Linkson, St. Catharines,>ON> 380.A.Mantesso, Beamsville, ON> 381. Keith Mantesso, Oakville, ON> 382.
Gilian Nichol, Toronto, ON> 383.Erin Currie, Yellowknife, NT> 384. J. Stevens, Fort Mac, AB> 385.C.Bouvier,Lacombe,Alta> 386.L. Henry, Lacombe, Alta> 387.G. Henry, Lacombe, Alta> 388.Carol Williams Qualicum Beach bc> 389.Myrtle Blanchard, Qualicum Beach, B.C.> 390.Crystal Blanchard, Qualicum Beach, B.C.> 391. Linda Lapp, Parksville, British Columbia> 392. Debbie Bourcier, Nanoose Bay B.C.> 393. Terry Bourcier , Nanoose Bay B.C.> 394. Lesley Seselja, Nanoose Bay BC.> 395. Bronwyn Nelson, Langley, BC> 396.Elaine Ranger, Langley, BC> 397. Lillian O'hara , North Vancouver, BC > 398. Jim O'Hara , Richmond BC> 399. Andrew Craig, North Vancouver, BC > 400. Conrad Nelson, Regina, Sask. > 401.Helen North Kelowna B.C> 402. Marg. Whitbread, Kelowna BC> 403. Barbara Linton Peterborough> 404.Jackie Lockie Uxbridge ON> 405.Ruth Hockley Newmarket,ON> 406.Audrey Dipper, Vineland,Ont.> 407.Brenda van Lier, Cavan, On.> 408.>&nbs>p;409.> 410.> 411.> 412.> 413.> 414.> 415.> 416.> 417.> 418.> 419.> 420.> 421.> 422.> 423.> 424.> 425.> 426.> 427.> 428.> 429.> 430.> 431.> 432.> 433.> 434.> 435.> 436.> 437.> 438.> 439.> 440.> 441.> 442.> 443.> 444.> 445.> 446.> 447.> 448. > 449.> 450.> 451.> 452.> 453.> 454.> 455.> 456.> 457.> 458.> 459.> 460.> 461.> 462.> 463.> 464.> 465.> 466.> 467.> 468.> 469.> 470.> 471.> 472.> 47>3.> 474.> 475.> 476.> 477.> 478.> 479.> 480.> 481.> 482.> 483.> 484.> 485.> 486.> 487.> 488.> 489.> 490.> 491.> 492.> 493.> 494.> 495.> 496.> 497.>&n bsp;498.> 499.> 500.

Please sign my petition. If you are the last person to sign this (#500), >please email it back to wemorley@sasktel.net

My life may not be saved, but you might be saving someone else's.

Remember God’s Works

In the last days I have been doing some serious thinking on my life and the lives of others around me. I see the frailty mixed with stubborn natures. I see people that were once strong – now weak. I see humanity. Then I look in the mirror and see that I am the same.

I must remember one thing – that is – through it all God has never given up on us – or me. He still loves us and is there every moment or every day of every week and will continue persistent until my(and your) very end.

These devotional words are a great help to me today.

~ Pastor Murray ~

Remember God’s Works
It's easy to forget a lot of things, but when we forget the awesome works of God, we lose something very important. The Bible often reminds us to remember the works of God, to pay attention to His acts and His promises to His people in the past, the present and the future. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?
Psalm 105 is addressed to the people of Israel and calls them to worship.
"Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness.Let the whole world know what he has done....Remember the wonders he has performed,his miracles, and the rulings he has given" (Psalm 105:1,5; NLT)

What are these wonders, miracles and rulings? Well, read the rest of the psalm, and you'll see the history of God at work in His people. It began with God's covenant to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants to provide them with a land of their own (Psalm 105:8-11). He protected them when their numbers were few and they were living among foreign nations (Psalm 105:12-15). During a famine, He used Joseph as a slave in Egypt to provide a refuge and help (Psalm 105:16-22). Later, God was at work with Moses and through plagues and the Passover to deliver His people from slavery (Psalm 105:26-38). He protected them, guided them, instructed them and led them to the Promised Land (Psalm 105:39-44). All of this because of a promise and the desire to see His people obey and walk with Him (Psalm 105:45).

That's the bare bones history of God's works with His people. But He's also at work for us, as individuals. David wrote:

"He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.He redeems me from deathand crowns me with love and tender mercies.He fills my life with good things.My youth is renewed like the eagle's! (Psalm 103:3-5, NLT).

Take a look at the rest of Psalm 103, especially verses 6-14, and discover more of God's wonderful works on your behalf.

My Thoughts
A number of psalms recount God's works in order that we learn to put our trust in Him and focus our worship on Him. Psalm 107 is divided into sections that focus on God's work with different types of people. Read each section, identify the group and describe what God did for them.

• Psalm 107:1-3
• Psalm 107:17-22
• Psalm 107:4-9
• Psalm 107:23-32
• Psalm 107:10-16
• Psalm 107:33-40

Where do you see parallels in your life or things you can identify with?
What is the common response from those who recognize God's works?

Psalm 107:43 gives us a reason to remember God's works:
"Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD" (NLT).

How well do you think others see the "faithful love of the Lord" in your "history"?

My Part
Take a few minutes to create your own "psalm" of remembrance. Think through the works of God in your life: His salvation, guidance, provision, protection, the lessons of hard times, what He's spoken to you through His Word, etc.

Write it out, and keep it in your Bible to remind you of God's works. You could also turn it into a song or create artwork that reflects your "psalm." Whatever form you choose, make it a lasting reminder of God's faithful love for you.

Now, if your experience with God is new and you don't have a lot of "history" yet, draw on the stories and accounts you find in God's Word and be confident that God has not changed. His works on behalf of others reflect the same love and passion He has for you.

(Note: Devotional borrowed from Back to The Bible - http://www.backtothebible.org/minute/content.php/15)

Hatred and Happiness & the Church

After over 30 years of working within the church and being thrust into the community I have witnessed two vital attitudes – Hatred and Happiness. Both are necessary I guess… as it seems to be so important to the people that keep them treasured up inside. The odd thing is that the two cannot reside in the same person. One will inevitably conquer the other.

Both have physical, emotional and spiritual implications that will be demonstrated in the bearer’s life. One will be very good and the other very bad.

I have committed myself to prayer this week for Relationships in my life and community. I am very aware of some very wicked ones and some very wonderful ones. All of them need prayer.

Last evening I watched the newest presentation of “24” – a popular TV program that features a Canadian actor. It is American based and is a fast moving program with a thick spread of violence and a powerful story line. It is centered in the heart of American politics and terrorism against the US.

I can testify that this program without a doubt may be the most violent one I have ever watched. Mix this with the thought that the suspense is almost rattling to your nervous system – it is very powerful.

The part that has rattled me the worst – it is so close to inciting hatred against the terrorists. With Canada’s hate laws being tested and the USA’s laws standing strong we are at a delicate juncture in time. No one has forgotten 911. Everyone is twisted inside as we view account after account of more Canadians and Americans coming home in their coffins – after fighting this peace keeping war.

Do I sound like a pacifist? Probably I do… hey I AM CANADIAN… but I have American roots.

My full name is Murray Lincoln – and I am related to a famous American President – Abraham Lincoln. Oh I have the roots…alright! The famous War that he was connected to affected our family deeply as well… that is why my ancestors came to Canada with a promise of good prairie land to farm that was not that far from our American roots in Illinois and Iowa.

In the community that I live in Hatred is never far away. You can find it on our streets and in the homeless shelters. In fact I have even found it in church at times.

BUT in the community I have found Happiness as well. Last evening I found it in a Homeless shelter right alongside some Hatred. It was Sunday evening after a full day in church… with happy people… we delivered some food supplies collected by our church people over Christmas time.

I want to offer the following as a possible antidote to the Hatred that we all see. It is a list I found in a devotional in “Our Daily Bread” – January 11, 2007.
Ten Rules for Happier Living:

1. Give something away.
2. Do a kindness.
3. Give thanks always.
4. Work with vim and vigor.
5. Visit the elderly and learn from their experience.
6. Look intently into the face of a baby and marvel.
7. Laugh often—it’s life’s lubricant.
8. Pray to know God’s way.
9. Plan as though you will live forever—you will.
10. Live as though today is your last day on earth.

~ Pastor Murray ~

Should Christians Be Friends?

The question is too obvious – the answer is obscure. The logical answer is ‘Yes’ – but in reality it is often the opposite and resounding ‘No’ rings through the community we live in. They are no different from the other folks that do not call themselves Christians – and want as little to do with us as possible.

Pastor – How could you say such a terrible thing? Christians are people that show love and compassion aren’t they? Yes – you are right – they should be. But are they?

In Christianity Today… “Look At All The Lonely People” - quote…
“Perhaps the same thing that is sabotaging marriage is undermining friendships:
Our increasing unwillingness to commit to relationships that require sacrifice, mutual accountability, and a generous share of humility. That refusal is often not so much willful as fearful…”

In 2004 the average person(Canada/USA) had 2 close friends… in 1985 – it was three… Those reporting NON CONFIDANTS went from 10% to 25%... those reporting they had a small group of 4 or 5 – slipped from 33% to 15 %...

(In these statements the Magazine is referring to the “American Sociological Review” that has reported on the affects of the isolation that so many are facing. The Christianity Today article also offers links to the actual report should you want to read it. Links available below..)

This past week…
I met a lonely man. He was about my age. He was dirty and tired looking. As he walked towards me his eyes were ‘dead’. His face was drawn and not shaven. The dead give away was his clothing – this man was a street person. The shoes didn’t fit. The pants were very dirty and the jacket covering his multiple layers was soiled with food items that had been spilled on the front of his clothing.

He looked at my eyes and then bowed his head as I passed. A modern ‘Leper’ – someone like Jesus healed in his day. And in that time and era – these kinds of Lepers would call out “Unclean!” to warn the others around them that the diseased person was coming towards them.

The look in his eyes was penetrating. I will not forget it. Who was he? Should I go looking for him this week? Where did he come from? Has he a family? Is there any grandkids involved? If he is my age – then the potential is there is a family somewhere…

I have muddled over these thoughts and his eyes since that chance meeting on last Thursday.

Then I continued in my studies and reading about friendship.

I can understand the idea that this man is not my friend. I don’t know him nor have I met him. We are in two different worlds. BUT I know others too… and I am in very different worlds also – we are not friends either. In fact I have began to realize that my actual friendship world is no different than many others – it is shrinking.

I did a mental sketch of the friendship world of some ‘friends’ of mine. You know – kind of a family tree of who I know … they know. I could only get to about one short branch for some of them. I placed my name in their tree – but was shocked when I couldn’t find any other people that they know or associate with.

Oh yes – they have families. But these people are family members – not friends.

For the most part the circles of friends for most Christians are centered around church activities. The world is tight and revolves around people we know and keeps out people we don’t know. A death or a move away by one member of the tight little world will rock the little Christian group – and shrink the number of friends.

There is a strong possibility that the lonely man on the street once had family connections – a dad and mom, maybe a wife and some children. But they are gone – and his circle of friends has shrunk to the guys sitting across the table in a homeless shelter.

• The obvious question is how many friends do you have?
• The second obvious question is – will there be room for more any time soon?
• The third question is simple – when do you expect you will increase the number of friends in your present collection?

A really powerful and shocking illustrations for me came a few months ago now… an elderly person died. When the children sat to make up a list of people that could serve as the ‘pawl bearers’ – they could only find three. There were people that could have done the job for them – but most had been so turned away by the old lady’s anger and striking out – there were no friends left. Oh there was a minister and an organist – both paid to be there. The rest was family – “guilted” into being there. This old person was a “travel agent in guilt trips” for her children. This old person had no friends not the kids and grandkids.

How sad that is. I ask why? The answer is – they are not much different than the rest of us… they have time to make new friends… but so little will to build new friendship. As the Christianity Today article stated – maybe we are just fearful to make new friends.

A Challenge…

• Begin the search for new friends today…
• Pray with a goal in mind to add one new friend to your circle of friends… and your life…
• Build that friendship… make it the most important thing on your to do list…
• Then watch what God will do with this new friendship…

~ Pastor Murray ~

Links that may be interesting...

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/november/30.31.html

Ten Percent of Me

“Just 10%” is the simple statement I was challenged with this past week. (‘The “J 10” Program – Try It’, is the posting I made on this Blog this past Sunday, January 7, 2007.) It was deeply imprinted on my being as I listened to what God was saying to me. I shared it in the sermon of last Sunday also.

If you have read the posting you will remember the encouragement is to take 10% of each hour and give it to God. You will also remember that I pointed to some of the things that steal all of our time.

Personally I have found that taking 10% of my time in prayer, meditation and/or reading the Bible or some spiritually uplifting material has been growing on me. The contrast to taking – or trying to find large amounts of free time at the end of a busy day is great. I have found it far more effective than the other one of hit and miss… i.e. “Sorry God… I was too busy today! See you tomorrow.. Sorry..”

Living in 2007 the week is stuffed with so many things and we are so busy that time with God often gets pushed aside. I suppose that it isn’t really any different than 50 years ago – we still have 24 hours divided into awake and asleep… but the difference is my time has many more things packed into it now – compared to then.

Example…
Yesterday I was alone with God a number of times. At one point I drew away from what I was doing with a long stretch and then focused my thoughts on Him. I pushed back from the computer keyboard, leaned back on the office chair and focused on the Lord. I didn’t pray but rather just was silent and thought about what God was doing in my life at that moment. Then with thoughts that were flooded with encouragement I smiled and started talking to God. Prayer? Yes it was prayer – but more like a conversation than a long list of demands, scripted and salted heavily with great spiritual words. I was talking to my ‘friend’ and he was listening, then speaking to me.

During another hour I was concentrating on a task that had been left undone for a long time. It had to be done – just to get it off my mind. As I was working at the task at hand, my thoughts drifted back to God again. The task was simple and tedious… but was changed as I began to talk with God again, and then listen to what he was saying to me. The hour passed quickly and I found that I had spent close to 60% (not 10%) with the Lord.

Real Life…
Is it always easy? No. I have found that as I draw closer to the Lord in these prayer/fellowship times – I have more battles within and without than ever before.

I have found that the ‘old me’ shows up to remind ‘me’ that ‘I’ am no different than before. I have personally witnessed my actions and entertained thoughts in me – that I don’t want anyone else knowing about. The trouble is that God does notice it and seems to gently point to the issues at hand. But the encouraging thing is he has never stomped out of the room when I do something stupid… unlike people.. he stays and emphasizes that he intends to stay through it all. The J 10 factor increases at that point and goes over the 10% mark making me become aware of even more time needed with God.

How are you doing with ‘J 10’? Have you taken time out of a busy hour and spent it with God? If you have – tell someone about what is happening. You could even tell all of the readers here… with a post at the bottom of this posting.

Prayer and time with God is not isolation from a real world. It is part of a real world – helping real people get through real life.

I would love to hear from you.

Psalm 46:10 & 11 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

~ Pastor Murray ~
murray.lincoln@gmail.com