Here's a look ahead to one of our November events...a concert in Guelph with a band called THE CONTACT. They'll be playing @ Calvary Baptist Church on Friday the 25th. Originally, their band manager contacted me to see if they could do a show at Mission Baptist, but unfortunately things didn't work out. However, we still have a chance to check them out...by the way, they were nominated for Best Rock Album at this past year's Covenant Awards (which Thousand Foot Krutch took home).
If you want to check them out online, visit their website at: www.thecontact.ca
MP
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
brother lawrence
maybe you've heard of a guy named brother lawrence (a.k.a. nicholas herman, who lived from 1605 to 1691). maybe not. well, he was from france, lived most of his life in a monastery (often working as a helper in the kitchen), and is probably most well known for his book THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD (which is a collection of his writings). since we focused on hearing God's voice this past weekend at our fall retreat, here's a quote from brother lawrence:
THERE IS NOT IN THE WORLD A KIND OF LIFE MORE SWEET AND DELIGHTFUL THAN THAT OF A CONTINUAL CONVERSATION WITH GOD. THOSE ONLY CAN COMPREHEND IT WHO PRACTICE AND EXPERIENCE IT; YET I DO NOT ADVISE YOU TO DO IT FROM THAT MOTIVE. IT IS NOT PLEASURE THAT WE OUGHT TO SEEK IN THIS EXERCISE; BUT LET US DO IT FROM A PRINCIPLE OF LOVE, AND BECAUSE GOD WOULD HAVE US.
like we had a chance to do on our retreat, we regularly need to have time alone and in silence with God - getting away from the noise of the world that constantly surrounds us. there, we can learn to recognize His voice. but we also need to learn to hear God in the midst of the noise. i think that's what paul meant by praying continually (1 thessalonians 5:17). having a continual conversation with God. creating space in the noise to connect with God. talking to Him when you have a moment between classes, at your locker, on your way home from school...whenever. why? because it's an expression of our love for God. and God wants to guide your thoughts/words/actions all the time.
MP
THERE IS NOT IN THE WORLD A KIND OF LIFE MORE SWEET AND DELIGHTFUL THAN THAT OF A CONTINUAL CONVERSATION WITH GOD. THOSE ONLY CAN COMPREHEND IT WHO PRACTICE AND EXPERIENCE IT; YET I DO NOT ADVISE YOU TO DO IT FROM THAT MOTIVE. IT IS NOT PLEASURE THAT WE OUGHT TO SEEK IN THIS EXERCISE; BUT LET US DO IT FROM A PRINCIPLE OF LOVE, AND BECAUSE GOD WOULD HAVE US.
like we had a chance to do on our retreat, we regularly need to have time alone and in silence with God - getting away from the noise of the world that constantly surrounds us. there, we can learn to recognize His voice. but we also need to learn to hear God in the midst of the noise. i think that's what paul meant by praying continually (1 thessalonians 5:17). having a continual conversation with God. creating space in the noise to connect with God. talking to Him when you have a moment between classes, at your locker, on your way home from school...whenever. why? because it's an expression of our love for God. and God wants to guide your thoughts/words/actions all the time.
MP
Friday, October 14, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
appointments with God
with the busyness of life (school, friends, family, etc) spending time with God is hard...but most of the time, it's because we just don't make time to spend with Him. if this is difficult for you, treat your devotions/quiet time like an appointment. if you schedule a time during the day to meet a friend, are you going to show up, or keep them waiting? God is waiting to hang out with us ALL THE TIME, but so often we don't seem to have enough room in our busy schedules for God.
it's about priorities...and when you think about it, rather than trying to squeeze in a relationship with God if we have time left over, spending time with God should be scheduled first.
here's a section of a book by Bill Hybels, called WHO YOU ARE WHEN NO ONE'S LOOKING:
"If you need personal time with the Lord each day, find the time, block it off on your calendar, and keep the appointment. Perhaps you have your devotional time when you get up in the morning, when you arrive at your office, during your lunch hour or before you go to be at night. You might spend the time reading the Bible, praying, writing in your journal or listening to a tape - anything that strengthens you in your walk with the Lord. Structure your time and activities in whatever way best suits your needs, but do not leave your time with the Lord to chance. Make the advance decision to keep your daily appointment with him, and keep it without fail"(p.31).
keep on keeping on.
MP
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Monday, October 03, 2005
Thought of the Week...
growing up, my experience at church gave me the impression that sharing my faith had more to do with other people recognizing Christ in me through my actions (instead of also opening my mouth and being a witness with my words). if we believe that others should be able to see that we are Christians through our actions alone, this essentially frees us from the responsibility we have of sharing God's word vocally. but, I have come to realize (over the years) that this attitude is a cop-out...especially when i read Paul's letter to the Romans:
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then can they call on the one they have not believed it? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:13-14)
YES, we ought to set an example with our actions (all the time), but we can't expect people to know that we are followers of Christ if we never open our mouths about the faith we have in Christ...
MP
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then can they call on the one they have not believed it? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:13-14)
YES, we ought to set an example with our actions (all the time), but we can't expect people to know that we are followers of Christ if we never open our mouths about the faith we have in Christ...
MP
Sunday, October 02, 2005
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