He Is Still Risen!

I decided not to post anything on Easter. On Easter Sunday, everyone is already bombarded with the amazing news that our Lord has risen, through church services, YouTube videos, and Facebook updates.

So instead, I'll tell you today, the day after Easter, that Christ is still alive and well! After the holiday is over and the excitement has died down, don't forget about the amazing demonstration of God's power that took place on that day.

Worship Him today, and every day, for His death and resurrection and what the means for us.

Have a blessed day! He is risen!

I'm His Son

Yesterday I had one of those experiences that seem fairly mundane at the time, only to reveal a deeper meaning after thinking about it for a while.

My dad owns a few rental properties in St. John's. He's out of town on vacation now, so he put me in charge of them. Yesterday I received a call telling me that the furnace at one of the rentals wasn't working properly. When the superintendent tried to call the company to get someone to come in and fix it, he was told that they weren't able to send a repair man because only the owner of the account (my dad) was authorized to make that request. So, I called the company myself and explained that I was the owner's son. Right away, they sent somebody in to fix the furnace.

I thought about the situation a bit afterwards. Things happened, not because of who I am, but because of who my father is. I had no authority over the account myself, but because I am the son of the owner, I am given authority.

In the same way, as a child of God we are incredibly blessed. If our earthly fathers can give us authority over earthly things, how much more can God give us spiritual authority and power! I encourage you today to take hold of the promises and blessings that God has given to you. All because you are His child.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!"
- 1 John 3:1

Hosea

For me personally, the book of Hosea is the most convicting in all of scripture. When you compare the relationship between humans and God to the relationship between a man and a woman, we can really see the weight of our sins. It also helps me grasp the concept that all sins are equal in God's eyes. When a spouse betrays their significant other, the specific act that takes place means very little. It's the intention behind it. It could be a "big" act or a "small" act, but in the heart of the betrayed, all they feel is that their beloved has given their attention, focus and affection towards somebody else when it was meant to be directed at them.

When God sees our sin, I think He feels the same way. It's not necessarily the action that bothers Him, but the condition of our heart. Whether we tell a "simple lie" or commit a murder, in God's eyes, we're giving our affection and focus to sin instead of directing it at Him.

It also helps us understand why we shouldn't sin. It's not to win brownie points with God or to impress our Christian friends. It's because our sin breaks the heart of God. If we claim to love God, why would we want to put Him in the situation where He feels "she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot." (Hosea 2:13)

But God, in His mercy, is eager to forgive us and take us back. 

Below in a great retelling of the story of Hosea by Reggie Dabbs, an incredible youth speaker:

The Long Way

Like most people, I've sometimes wondered why God does things that way He does. I'm not necessarily upset by His ways or disagreeing with His plan, but I'm just curios as to why He chose to do things in a certain way.

A passage in Exodus 13 shed some light on this for me:

"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." - Exodus 13:17

There have been things happen in my life where I've wondered "wasn't there an easier way to get the same result?" Sometimes I wish I could go back in time a little bit and save myself a lot of trouble by doing things differently. But as this passage points out, God knows our hearts and our fears and He sees the obstacles that we would run into if we take short cuts. Something might seem easier at first, but there could be a piece of the picture that we're missing, and when we run into it, it would be more than we could bear. Like Israel being led out of slavery, we could run into a trial that we can't overcome and decide to turn back, giving up on God's plan for us. Instead, if we follow God, we'll find a path that isn't "beyond what we can bear" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

So in His mercy, God leads us around by taking the long route. He isn't disappointed or forceful with us by saying "suck it up and just plow through the short cut". He's gentle, leading us around the long path, saying "I know your fears and your struggles, and it's okay. We'll take the long way."

Give As God Gives

"As thunder follows lightning, giving follows grace"

    -Randy Alcorn

Beauty and Fragrance

Focus on the beauty of Jesus. Never tire of speaking about, and to, Jesus. As you pray, people will be attracted to the fragrance.

 - Kirk Bartha

Clairvaux Manifesto

I wanted to share something a bit different today. My good friend and teacher Kirk Bartha had the opportunity to be on TV today and share about his book. I first met Kirk when he traveled to Newfoundland back in 2005 and I've had the privilege of hearing him speak several times since then. He has probably had the biggest spiritual impact on me of any person I've ever known, other than the Lord Himself. I had the honor of attending his book launch celebration at Victory Church in St. John's and I'd encourage you all to check out the book. I trust it will be as much of a blessing to you as it was to me.

Here is a link to Kirk speaking on TV. It's long and the hosts are a bit goofy, but Kirk used the opportunity to share his heart for God.

Get a copy of "Clairvaux Manifesto" at Chapters