Thoughts and Considerations

                                       WHERE IS GOD WHEN…?                           (a short article for the local newspaper)    Recently someone recounted to me an apparent tradition among one of the First Nations. When a boy was being initiated into manhood, his father would lead him blindfolded into the forest and leave him by himself for the night. His son was to sit there blindfolded until his father returned for him in the morning. What he did not know was that his father stayed by him the whole night watching over him.     At times it seems like God our Heavenly Father abandons us, though He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Nonetheless, we may feel He has left us on our own, but like the native fathe...

  WHEN THE LORD IS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from helping me, and from the the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear: and in the night season, and am not silent." Psalm 22:1-2  There I was hanging on to our capsized canoe in Atlin Lake, Northern British Columbia during Camp Yukon, with Ralph on the other end as we were trying to kick our way to shore. He probably could have swam back but he stayed with me for my sake (he smiled the whole time). Hypothermia began to run through my body. I was shaking, my teeth were chattering, and I was occasionally taking in water because of the waves. Initially and at first I was calm, cool, and collected, confident that everything would be alright. I felt assured, but as time dragged on my body began to complain. Panic and doubt started to creep in. I questioned the Lord concerning what was going on. Immediately the Scripture came to mi...

                               THE FIGHTS WE MUST NEVER QUIT                                   (an article for the local Newspaper)   The struggles within us are often more critical than those outsides us.   How we manage these affects every aspect and relationship in our lives, and will determine the outcome of our lives and our success in the relationships we have.   None of us are exempt. How many of us have lost family, friends, jobs, opportunities, done things that we not only regret, but have left serious scars, and all because of our irresponsible, careless, and or selfish ways. Without doubt no one will always get it right; nevertheless, let us ta...

                                        CHRIST IN US, THE VICTORIOUS ONE   Watching our children growing up is such a challenge for parents since we are often forced to stand on the sidelines and cheer them on, yet all the while we are aching for them and would give anything to run the race for them or stand in their place to fight their battles. God our Heavenly Father knows only too well the exasperation and has indeed provided that exact solution. “And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into your heart, crying ABBA, Father.” Galatians 4:6   The perfect solution to every parent's dilemma, He Himself right there in us and with us - always!!!   Therefore we can now say, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives I me; and the live I n...

                    SUICIDE – WHAT YOU ARE NOT BEING TOLD   I wrote this article with the hopes of averting those who may contemplate suicide as a possible or convenient option. If you are in the throw of it, get help immediately!   Everything considered, it is necessary to unveil the blind side of that which is NOT often addressed, and to put tools of defense into the hands of those being victimized. Understand that what I am expressing here is not merely an opinion or religious bias, but an urgent declaration of what has been stated in the Bible concerning that which is beyond the reach of the human eye. Please, never give up! There is always help and hope in Jesus. There is absolutely no room for a "WRONG DECISION."    After reading an article in the news which was discussing the suicide rates here in this region,...

    THE END OF THE COMMANDMENT = THE GREATEST OF THESE  The desire to serve the Lord and live for Jesus can burn like a fire in our heart, but the gate is narrow and the way is straight, yet it is so simple we can quickly miss the way. Jesus is the Way, but let us specifically look at what His goal for our service actually is. Does He actually need anything from us? Of course not, but He does want us to follow in His footsteps as His beloved children. A lways remember - it is always and only achieved by His grace through faith in Him . For each of us, it is an unending struggle. “Now the end of the commandment is charity/love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned (sincere).” 1 Timothy 1:5 “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love . But the greatest of these is LOVE.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels…and if I have all faith…and if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I de...

                                      A MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH                                        (For the local News Paper)       During this Global pandemic many of us have been left disoriented, frustrated, and confused, but you can be sure that we are never helpless or without hope.   While we are waiting on God there are things we should be diligently doing:   - Keep your daily walk with Jesus Christ personal and fresh, and be fervent in prayer. - Be consistent in your Bible reading and study. - Live a life of faith and worship. - Remember the call to holiness in the midst of a crooked and perv...