"Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord, for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. Now as the church submits to Christ, so wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as also Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, to make her holy, cleansing her in the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own flesh, but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, since we are members of His body. 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. 'Honor your father and mother-' which is the first commandment with a promise- 'that is may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.' And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 5:22-6:4 (CSB)
This passage of Ephesians is one of the most quoted, and probably most misunderstood of them all. It calls for husbands to take charge over the family, as Christ did so with the church, and for children to be obedient to their parents, as Jesus was with his earthly father and mother (Luke 2:51-52). Now, these words can be misinterpreted and twisted around to define the complete opposite of their original meaning, so I'll try my best to debunk some of the myths behind this passage.
Men often like quoting "wives, live in submission to your husbands," about as often as parents justify their actions with "children, obey your parents." By no means does this give absolute authority to men to order around both wives and children as they please, simply because the Word of God says so. With the authority that the Lord gives husbands and parents, He also sets limits. For example, everyone must submit to Christ, as He is the head of the church, or in this case, this Christian family. So, husbands, treat your wife as you would yourself, with the love and respect every human being deserves. Take care of her, as Christ takes care of His church, and she will take care of you, as the church joyfully gives back to God. In the same way, parents, treat your children with respect, and they will come to do the same for you, as well as for the Lord. Sure, you may expect your kids to unquestioningly obey your every command, but it simply does not work that way. As their is a good reason behind every action of God, there should be the same positive reason driving the actions of the parents. And that reason should not be hidden, else it "provoke children to wrath," as Paul warns. Perhaps my perspective is a bit off, because I am still a child, but I believe the response of "because I told you so" can invite rebellion into the hearts and minds of the children.
All in all, there is a distinct reason why we are seeing more and more dysfunctional, broken families across the world: less of those families spend time in the Word, where they would learn such lessons as this passage teaches, to keep order and tranquility in the home. A man named David Reuben once said, "A marriage is like a long trip in a rowboat. If one passenger starts to rock the boat, the other one has to steady it. Otherwise, they will both go to the bottom together." How well that illustrates the mutual responsibilities and mutual concerns that must be a part of marriage." As with the two partners needing to work together in marriage, everyone must work together to ensure proper survival of a family.
If recovering from wisdom teeth removal has taught me one thing, it's this: Your family loves you, and would do anything that you need them to do for you, whether it be keeping you comfortable as you rest, to making sure you take the proper medication to ensure you make a full and speedy recovery. I'm very grateful for all that my family and extended family has done for me, from simple prayers to dropping off chocolate milkshakes. What the world truly needs are more loving, caring people as yourselves.
- Alex Baldwin
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Daily Devotional - Thursday, July 30
"So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but live like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:15-20
As we prepare ourselves to go to Montreal it is vitally important that we remain in constant contact with God, searching for His will and asking for the strength to carry it out. We need to make sure that as we travel and meet new people that we are filled with the fruits of the Spirit, and not caught up in the things of this world, because we, as Christians, need to reflect the qualities of God that many of those to whom we will witness have never seen. We need to be careful to live like those who have access to the wisdom of the Almighty God, and reflect His love and kindness so that those who don't know Him will get that opportunity through us. I am so excited about the opportunity to go and work with the people of Montreal, and my prayer is that the Lord shows Himself through us, so that we may make the most of our opportunity to share His Word.
- Jonathan Walker
As we prepare ourselves to go to Montreal it is vitally important that we remain in constant contact with God, searching for His will and asking for the strength to carry it out. We need to make sure that as we travel and meet new people that we are filled with the fruits of the Spirit, and not caught up in the things of this world, because we, as Christians, need to reflect the qualities of God that many of those to whom we will witness have never seen. We need to be careful to live like those who have access to the wisdom of the Almighty God, and reflect His love and kindness so that those who don't know Him will get that opportunity through us. I am so excited about the opportunity to go and work with the people of Montreal, and my prayer is that the Lord shows Himself through us, so that we may make the most of our opportunity to share His Word.
- Jonathan Walker
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Daily Devotional - Wednesday, July 29
Ephesians 5:1-14
When we refer to “putting on the new man in Christ” we are starting by being imitators of God. We can be imitators of God by “living a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us”. Not only should we talk about His love, but we should live out His love and share His love with those around us. There are so many ways that we can show Gods love, one thing that comes to mind is a random act of kindness, just as Brandon did at McDonald's by helping carry out a man’s food and drinks the morning of our training session. :) All it takes is a slight interest in someone and just letting them know that you care for them and want to do whatever you can for them including praying for them. To put on the new man in Christ there are things that we cannot do if we want to be His children. “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” This is referring to the old man, which we must take off to become the new man in Christ. One thing to remember is that we make the personal decision everyday whether or not we are putting on the new man or the old man. Luke 9:23 says “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” I personally think that things can get in our way, and we tend to slip back to the old man. But thankfully we have such an amazing and forgiving God.
The second part of these verses refers to “living as children of light.” When we were “the old man in Christ” we were living in darkness. The way I perceive darkness is ignorance. I was aware of the things that God could do and I knew what was right from wrong, because I grew up in church. But even though I knew this I still chose to go about things in my own way, not Gods. By living as children of light we walk in goodness, righteousness, and truth. Now I am living in the light --- I am living in His truth and living my life the way He wants me to.
I just pray that in Canada we all remember to be imitators of God and share His love to everyone we come into contact with, and be a shining light for Him, that others may see Him through us.
- Adria Ruppe
When we refer to “putting on the new man in Christ” we are starting by being imitators of God. We can be imitators of God by “living a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us”. Not only should we talk about His love, but we should live out His love and share His love with those around us. There are so many ways that we can show Gods love, one thing that comes to mind is a random act of kindness, just as Brandon did at McDonald's by helping carry out a man’s food and drinks the morning of our training session. :) All it takes is a slight interest in someone and just letting them know that you care for them and want to do whatever you can for them including praying for them. To put on the new man in Christ there are things that we cannot do if we want to be His children. “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” This is referring to the old man, which we must take off to become the new man in Christ. One thing to remember is that we make the personal decision everyday whether or not we are putting on the new man or the old man. Luke 9:23 says “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” I personally think that things can get in our way, and we tend to slip back to the old man. But thankfully we have such an amazing and forgiving God.
The second part of these verses refers to “living as children of light.” When we were “the old man in Christ” we were living in darkness. The way I perceive darkness is ignorance. I was aware of the things that God could do and I knew what was right from wrong, because I grew up in church. But even though I knew this I still chose to go about things in my own way, not Gods. By living as children of light we walk in goodness, righteousness, and truth. Now I am living in the light --- I am living in His truth and living my life the way He wants me to.
I just pray that in Canada we all remember to be imitators of God and share His love to everyone we come into contact with, and be a shining light for Him, that others may see Him through us.
- Adria Ruppe
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What exactly will the MQ2009 team be doing?
What exactly will the team be doing is a good question!
We will be prayer-walking specific “Church Plant” locations to support a spiritual presence there.
We will be working with Timothy Im and Naomi Song Im, who were commissioned in Jackson Mississippi on May 2009 by North American Mission Board as a church planting missionary in Montreal.A native of South Korea who now considers Montreal Quebec, as their hometown, He finished a MDiv degree at the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, Alberta on May 2007. Now they are serving in this area, and working with the Canadian National Baptist Convention. Their priority is to meet any Chinese and help them come to know Jesus Christ.”We will be helping them on Wednesday to Friday 6;30-8:30 pm English Class who want to hear about American life, customs, and Bible stories in English so they can learn.
We will be building a loft with a plywood floor in order to store church equipment when it’s not being used for Pastor Lon Vinning and Impact Church. In a metropolitan city like Montreal, space is a premium!
We will be assisting Pastor Alberto Rodriguez and Brother Gabriel Riva in a Spanish Church with VBS. The group is all Spanish speaking. Montreal is a city that can count over 160 different cultures with a lot of work to reach them all.
We will be working with Pastor Ron Young as His Church is building a relationship in the large community of Rawdon. where there are only 2 Christian Churches. With 30 different ethnic groups in this area alone , we will be helping in partnership with the city and praying and establishing relationships, handing out water Bottles and Ministering.
We will also work with Pastor Fady Nouneh and Brother Dawood Souleiman in an Arabic Church. This group meets every Saturday in Laval with about 45-50 people: all Arabs from different countries (Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt). - By God's grace, many are now believers; the others are faithful attendees, and the Church waits for God's work in their lives. We will help put on a picnic in a big park attended by many Arabs (mainly Muslims) We will share music in English and a personal testimony which will translated into Arabic. We will also distribute tracts, Bibles. and invitations in the park.
And also to establish relationships in a new church plant with Pastor Francois Verschelden .we will be doing activities, balloon animals, handing out Bibles and tracts and invitations and establishing relationships with the people in a traditional Canadian outreach with “Corn on the Cob”. Yes, you heard right, Canadians in Quebec have many Corn on the Cob parties as the corn comes in…I am still scratching my head.
But we will have fun!
Now you know what we will be doing specifically...
Keep the team in your prayers, please!
Daily Devotional - Tuesday, July 28
Everyday we have a choice. We have a choice to follow Christ and be
obedient to Him. God calls us everyday to throw off our old self which
has been restored through the power of the cross. The problem is we
sometimes come back to our old self. We chose to be selfish and not
have the mindset of Christ. God has called us to be new creations in
Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). We begin to put ourselves first which is
where the problem is rooted in. It comes from our selfish desires.
These evil desires are where the old self shines through. My question
for you is; what do you desire? Are you truly seeking after Christ or
are there things getting in the way. We need to throw everything aside
that is keeping us from our new self and earnestly seek after Christ
(Hebrews 12:1-2). Our attitudes and minds should be that of Christ
Jesus (Philippians 2:5). We need to everyday chose to put on our new
self which is given to us through the Holy Spirit, guaranteed never to
fail us (Ephesians 4:30). When we chose to put Christ as the center of
our lives then it shows. When we throw off our old self and put on the
new self our lives reflect His Glory (Matthew 5:16). When we put this
new self on we can truly love and serve once another. Our words and
actions will be glorifying to God. We can truly be compassionate to
one another and build each other up. So again, my question to you is
simple... What do you desire? Is your old self or new self shining
through?
- Caleb Baldwin
obedient to Him. God calls us everyday to throw off our old self which
has been restored through the power of the cross. The problem is we
sometimes come back to our old self. We chose to be selfish and not
have the mindset of Christ. God has called us to be new creations in
Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). We begin to put ourselves first which is
where the problem is rooted in. It comes from our selfish desires.
These evil desires are where the old self shines through. My question
for you is; what do you desire? Are you truly seeking after Christ or
are there things getting in the way. We need to throw everything aside
that is keeping us from our new self and earnestly seek after Christ
(Hebrews 12:1-2). Our attitudes and minds should be that of Christ
Jesus (Philippians 2:5). We need to everyday chose to put on our new
self which is given to us through the Holy Spirit, guaranteed never to
fail us (Ephesians 4:30). When we chose to put Christ as the center of
our lives then it shows. When we throw off our old self and put on the
new self our lives reflect His Glory (Matthew 5:16). When we put this
new self on we can truly love and serve once another. Our words and
actions will be glorifying to God. We can truly be compassionate to
one another and build each other up. So again, my question to you is
simple... What do you desire? Is your old self or new self shining
through?
- Caleb Baldwin
Monday, July 27, 2009
Daily Devotional - Monday, July 27
Ephesians 4:14-16
We all come from different backgrounds and walks of life but each of us is a supporting ligament, each of us is an integral part in the body of Christ. It's essential that we dont build up barriers between us and people who aren't believers just because they have different beliefs. We all have some common ground, a story of where we came from that allows us to identify with others and encourage them in the direction of Christ. And it's that story that tears down barriers. If we miss that, the whole idea of going on a mission trip to reach people is lost. So, I encourage you as we go into Canada, to stand firm in your faith and know that God uses all kinds of people to tear down barriers and bring others to Him.
- Sydney Hood
We all come from different backgrounds and walks of life but each of us is a supporting ligament, each of us is an integral part in the body of Christ. It's essential that we dont build up barriers between us and people who aren't believers just because they have different beliefs. We all have some common ground, a story of where we came from that allows us to identify with others and encourage them in the direction of Christ. And it's that story that tears down barriers. If we miss that, the whole idea of going on a mission trip to reach people is lost. So, I encourage you as we go into Canada, to stand firm in your faith and know that God uses all kinds of people to tear down barriers and bring others to Him.
- Sydney Hood
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Daily Devotional - Thursday, July 23
Love is patient, love is kind. As we walk in Christ, we leave behind the past. We begin to focus on the future and what lies ahead of us. I started with love because love empowers us. We are to walk and live in unity and peace with God and others. God is love. So wait on God to direct your path, and He will guide you in the right direction. The path He leads us to shows us that we are to love God, love people, and change the world, one person at a time. As I look towards the mission trip, I not only focus on the people we are going to minister to, but I look at myself, also. Am I ready for this mission? Am I ready for the battle ahead? We are fighting for our Creator - our God. Choose your battles. As for me and my team, we go prepared to fight the good fight, and win the battle. Trust in God, submit to His authority, and share in His unending love.
- Jeff Baldwin
- Jeff Baldwin
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Daily Devotional - Wednesday, July 22
Ephesians 3:14-21
We've mentioned before how amazing God's love is for us, that he would choose to adopt us into His family as His sons and daughters. Now that we are a part of God's family, we have access to His "glorious riches"- His strength and power through the Holy Spirit. We are able to accomplish so much with this power- more than we can even imagine! (verse 20) As we prepare for this trip, don't rely on what you think you will be able to do, but rather ask God to do the unimaginable! :) Allow Him to direct you for His purpose (Jeremiah 29:11), and continue to pray for assurance and power that are found only in Him. We may be faced with difficulties here and abroad, but it is so important to remember who we are-- "What's the truth?" as my dad would say... you are dearly loved by your Father and empowered by Him as well.
- Amanda Gates
We've mentioned before how amazing God's love is for us, that he would choose to adopt us into His family as His sons and daughters. Now that we are a part of God's family, we have access to His "glorious riches"- His strength and power through the Holy Spirit. We are able to accomplish so much with this power- more than we can even imagine! (verse 20) As we prepare for this trip, don't rely on what you think you will be able to do, but rather ask God to do the unimaginable! :) Allow Him to direct you for His purpose (Jeremiah 29:11), and continue to pray for assurance and power that are found only in Him. We may be faced with difficulties here and abroad, but it is so important to remember who we are-- "What's the truth?" as my dad would say... you are dearly loved by your Father and empowered by Him as well.
- Amanda Gates
Monday, July 20, 2009
Daily Devotional...Tuesday July 21
Many years ago, I prayed earnestly to God to make me Bold and confident in my witness. Even though I have continued to have fear at times, this text today in Ephesians, has led me to approach God who is personal, gentle, and merciful, with Boldness. This is His desire and my priviledge. He delights to meet my needs. This is a haunting thought:
"If you had only one day to live, what would you do, who would you call, and why are you waiting? I would want to shout to all from the mountaintop...that Jesus Christ is Lord!
This is why we are going to Montreal. Let's make each day as if it were our last.
Joan Massey
"If you had only one day to live, what would you do, who would you call, and why are you waiting? I would want to shout to all from the mountaintop...that Jesus Christ is Lord!
This is why we are going to Montreal. Let's make each day as if it were our last.
Joan Massey
Daily Devotional - Monday, July 20
As I read Ephesians 3:1-7, I learned that we all have racial, cultural, and political unity through the body of Christ. I was then reminded that we as Christians receive strength, comfort, accountability, and love through Christ. I think that we should all take comfort in knowing that God is there for us and that through Him we can accomplish anything and everything.
- Kevin Duncan
- Kevin Duncan
Friday, July 17, 2009
Daily Devotional - Friday, July 17
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
“DWELL IN CHRIST”
Yes, it is a mystery to me that in Christ I am the temple of God and His Spirit indeed DWELLS within me! Yet I know it is so, not only through his Word, but also by the peace and contentment, the sense of well being, and enablement that is present when I truly abide in Him. Knowing that I am counted as a member of His family and household gives me great joy and anticipation that I will be with Him trill ions of years when he finally calls me home… not by anything I did, only believe…. but by the choice Jesus made to be obedient to the Father and take all my sins upon himself.
God is here within us even when we are wholly unaware of it….waiting for our response to His presence. He is manifest only when and as spiritual awareness comes. One vital quality needed is spiritual receptivity, the difference that sets one apart. In other words, when we feel an inward longing, do something about it! Purposely cultivate it until it is the biggest thing in our lives! When we cooperate with Him in loving obedience, God WILL manifest Himself to us... and that manifestation will be the difference between a nominal Christian life and a life radiant with the light of His face.
That radiance is what we want to take with us to Montreal Canada so that it just spills out all over the people we meet, and then we’ll let them know where it comes from…Jesus Christ!
-Bonnie Adams
“DWELL IN CHRIST”
Yes, it is a mystery to me that in Christ I am the temple of God and His Spirit indeed DWELLS within me! Yet I know it is so, not only through his Word, but also by the peace and contentment, the sense of well being, and enablement that is present when I truly abide in Him. Knowing that I am counted as a member of His family and household gives me great joy and anticipation that I will be with Him trill ions of years when he finally calls me home… not by anything I did, only believe…. but by the choice Jesus made to be obedient to the Father and take all my sins upon himself.
God is here within us even when we are wholly unaware of it….waiting for our response to His presence. He is manifest only when and as spiritual awareness comes. One vital quality needed is spiritual receptivity, the difference that sets one apart. In other words, when we feel an inward longing, do something about it! Purposely cultivate it until it is the biggest thing in our lives! When we cooperate with Him in loving obedience, God WILL manifest Himself to us... and that manifestation will be the difference between a nominal Christian life and a life radiant with the light of His face.
That radiance is what we want to take with us to Montreal Canada so that it just spills out all over the people we meet, and then we’ll let them know where it comes from…Jesus Christ!
-Bonnie Adams
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Daily Devotional - Thursday, July 16
Ephesians 2:11-18
7/16/09
I sat back and thought how rich my life is with Jesus. I lift everything in my life up to Him in prayer. I feel so at peace knowing I have this
relationship, knowing He is always there for me. In prayer I ask for guidance in my life, I share everything with Him.
I pray that on this mission trip I can share with others to know God, to have that perfect peace of Jesus in their life.
- Gary Pell
7/16/09
I sat back and thought how rich my life is with Jesus. I lift everything in my life up to Him in prayer. I feel so at peace knowing I have this
relationship, knowing He is always there for me. In prayer I ask for guidance in my life, I share everything with Him.
I pray that on this mission trip I can share with others to know God, to have that perfect peace of Jesus in their life.
- Gary Pell
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Daily Devotional - Wednesday, July 15
Ephesians 2:8-10
Workman in Christ
July 15th
With God's help all is possible, without God we are unable, We should never forget whose we are, always remembering
you receive the gift of salvation to do good works, NOT by doing good works. We need to stay balanced, doing the work of God.
I am so excited for this special opportunity to travel to Canada working in Christ, To share with others how wonderful it is to have
God in my life.
- Pat Pell
Workman in Christ
July 15th
With God's help all is possible, without God we are unable, We should never forget whose we are, always remembering
you receive the gift of salvation to do good works, NOT by doing good works. We need to stay balanced, doing the work of God.
I am so excited for this special opportunity to travel to Canada working in Christ, To share with others how wonderful it is to have
God in my life.
- Pat Pell
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Daily Devotional - Tuesday, July 14
As I "sit down" and think (dwell) on this truth, I realize that God is the master of everything, and He is in control. I can just sit and soak that truth in. To dwell means to ponder it, trying to comprehend what he is saying. God is telling His saints to pretty much sit down and relax knowing that He is going to take care of all things. God wants us all to realize how powerful, yet how merciful He is! So go get in a bubble bath, relax and soak in God's truth!
- Jeffery Kissiah
- Jeffery Kissiah
Monday, July 13, 2009
Daily Devotional - Friday, July 10
"POWER in CHRIST"
Ephesians 1: 18--23
This Scripture opens our mind of the awesome power of Father God; because of our human nature it is more than we can grasp or vision.
However, verses 18--19 clearly reveal one is enlightened and empowered through studying and seeking divine wisdom from God. The more time given to praying and studying will open our spiritual eyes and ears to the wisdom granted by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we limit our "Power in Christ" because of lack of time spent in Scripture and prayer.
It has been said that verse 19--20 contain the most profound statement in Scripture. This "Power in Christ" is also available to each believer. Our Father encourages us to be powerful and bold in our witness to glorify Christ in our daily contacts. As we read the Scripture we are inspired by the Holy Spirit and power is given through divine direction to accomplish His holy will.
Therefore, the conclusion of "Power in Christ" is: (Matthew 7: 7) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you."
We pray the Holy Spirit will fill each of us with "Power in Christ" as we seek to serve the Lord in Canada.
Ervie Pridgen
Ephesians 1: 18--23
This Scripture opens our mind of the awesome power of Father God; because of our human nature it is more than we can grasp or vision.
However, verses 18--19 clearly reveal one is enlightened and empowered through studying and seeking divine wisdom from God. The more time given to praying and studying will open our spiritual eyes and ears to the wisdom granted by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we limit our "Power in Christ" because of lack of time spent in Scripture and prayer.
It has been said that verse 19--20 contain the most profound statement in Scripture. This "Power in Christ" is also available to each believer. Our Father encourages us to be powerful and bold in our witness to glorify Christ in our daily contacts. As we read the Scripture we are inspired by the Holy Spirit and power is given through divine direction to accomplish His holy will.
Therefore, the conclusion of "Power in Christ" is: (Matthew 7: 7) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you."
We pray the Holy Spirit will fill each of us with "Power in Christ" as we seek to serve the Lord in Canada.
Ervie Pridgen
Daily Devotional - Monday, July 13
Ephesians 2:1-5 in the "Message" by Eugene Peterson reads:
"It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ."
How incredible of God, to lift us from our old sin-dead lives and make us alive "in Christ," and then to bring us together as a team to share His love in Canada.
Joan Cook
"It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ."
How incredible of God, to lift us from our old sin-dead lives and make us alive "in Christ," and then to bring us together as a team to share His love in Canada.
Joan Cook
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Prayers Continue as we Prepare
Well Team, We have finished the first 2 weeks of preparation for our Mission Quebec Trip!
God is speaking to our hearts, I can tell by the great reflections that are being posted.
Make sure you add your comments to encourage the bloggers. This picture shows the beauty of God's creation in Quebec. My prayer is that all Quebec will come to know the beauty of the Creator from what they see in our lives as the Glory of the Lord shines through us.
I love you, Pastor Garry
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Daily Devotional - Thursday, July 9
In Isaiah chapter 6, The prophet Isaiah sees God and is grief-stricken by the pure holiness of our God, but still in his despair at the sight of the glory of the Lord, Isaiah hears the Lord calling out for some one to send to complete His plans Isaiah calls out "Here I am. Send me!"
Our scripture today tell us that God has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Christ. Saints of God, we know the will of God, and our purpose in that is to go and continue to spread His work to Quebec. God's perfect will is going to come to pass with or with out us; though us, as people that have seen the Lord should prepare ourselves to have the heart of the prophet Isaiah to call out to our God saying "Here I am Lord, send me"
Ephesians says that ALL things in Heaven and on Earth, even Christ, will be brought together under one head. That head is our God that we serve. This mission to Canada is already in the hands of God, we as His servants, out of reverence for the author and perfecter of our faith, the one who gave His life to save our souls, and the God that called us to do His work before time began need to pray and prepare our hearts and minds to carry out the full extent of God's plans for mission Quebec 2009 and just jump right into what ever that has in store for us
-Brandon Grant
Our scripture today tell us that God has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Christ. Saints of God, we know the will of God, and our purpose in that is to go and continue to spread His work to Quebec. God's perfect will is going to come to pass with or with out us; though us, as people that have seen the Lord should prepare ourselves to have the heart of the prophet Isaiah to call out to our God saying "Here I am Lord, send me"
Ephesians says that ALL things in Heaven and on Earth, even Christ, will be brought together under one head. That head is our God that we serve. This mission to Canada is already in the hands of God, we as His servants, out of reverence for the author and perfecter of our faith, the one who gave His life to save our souls, and the God that called us to do His work before time began need to pray and prepare our hearts and minds to carry out the full extent of God's plans for mission Quebec 2009 and just jump right into what ever that has in store for us
-Brandon Grant
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Daily Devotional - Wednesday, July 8
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory."
Ephesians 1:13-14 (New International Version)
As most people would understand, ultimate gift of God is salvation, eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Yet, they overlook the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is God dwelling within us, guiding us along His righteous path, acting as a conscience to turn us away from sin, and a lifetime- no, an eternal- guarantee that He is ours, and we are His. Praise be to the Lord God, who has given this amazing gift unto us, so that we may honor Him with it. Emphasis on the word "gift" there, as we can neither be born with nor earn the Holy Spirit alone, it must be bestowed on us by God Himself.
The "deposit," or "earnest" is the guarantee that we will be married to Christ, when we are made perfect in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Greek word for "earnest" is arraborn, which, in modern Greek, translates to "engagement ring." Of course, as an engagement ring acts as a pledge to marriage, the Holy Spirit acts as a promise of Christ's wedding to His Church. Deuteronomy 7:6 adds to this, "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth." Wow, how amazing is it to know that we have been chosen as a special treasure to the God of the universe? It may not sound important, as we hear this all the time, but blow it out of normal proportions for a moment- this is the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE we're talking about! He loves us so much, a part of Him dwells within us, making us holy to Him, outweighing our sinful natures to make us perfect in His eyes. And with this piece of God, we are not only guaranteed a spot in Heaven, but we are "engaged" to Christ Jesus, the Son of Man. Don't think about anyone else when you read these words: YOU WILL INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, BECAUSE GOD LOVES YOU SO MUCH, HE BOUGHT YOU WITH THE BLOOD OF HIS SON, AND A PIECE OF HIS OWN HEART. Can you believe that you're that special to Him? YOU HAVE VALUE.
On my last journey to Canada, I was given a passage, Psalm 34:3, "Glorify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." Today, live by that passage. Look at what all God has done for you, and give Him the thanks He deserves for all of it. Let all your actions today add to the honor and glory of God, and let it shine so brightly, others can't help but notice. Praise be to the Living God, who is worthy.
-Alex Baldwin
Ephesians 1:13-14 (New International Version)
As most people would understand, ultimate gift of God is salvation, eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Yet, they overlook the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is God dwelling within us, guiding us along His righteous path, acting as a conscience to turn us away from sin, and a lifetime- no, an eternal- guarantee that He is ours, and we are His. Praise be to the Lord God, who has given this amazing gift unto us, so that we may honor Him with it. Emphasis on the word "gift" there, as we can neither be born with nor earn the Holy Spirit alone, it must be bestowed on us by God Himself.
The "deposit," or "earnest" is the guarantee that we will be married to Christ, when we are made perfect in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Greek word for "earnest" is arraborn, which, in modern Greek, translates to "engagement ring." Of course, as an engagement ring acts as a pledge to marriage, the Holy Spirit acts as a promise of Christ's wedding to His Church. Deuteronomy 7:6 adds to this, "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth." Wow, how amazing is it to know that we have been chosen as a special treasure to the God of the universe? It may not sound important, as we hear this all the time, but blow it out of normal proportions for a moment- this is the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE we're talking about! He loves us so much, a part of Him dwells within us, making us holy to Him, outweighing our sinful natures to make us perfect in His eyes. And with this piece of God, we are not only guaranteed a spot in Heaven, but we are "engaged" to Christ Jesus, the Son of Man. Don't think about anyone else when you read these words: YOU WILL INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, BECAUSE GOD LOVES YOU SO MUCH, HE BOUGHT YOU WITH THE BLOOD OF HIS SON, AND A PIECE OF HIS OWN HEART. Can you believe that you're that special to Him? YOU HAVE VALUE.
On my last journey to Canada, I was given a passage, Psalm 34:3, "Glorify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." Today, live by that passage. Look at what all God has done for you, and give Him the thanks He deserves for all of it. Let all your actions today add to the honor and glory of God, and let it shine so brightly, others can't help but notice. Praise be to the Living God, who is worthy.
-Alex Baldwin
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Daily Devotional - Tuesday, July 7
Paul prays that the Father will give the Ephesians the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. There was a purpose for his praying that..."so that you may know Him better." I, too, need wisdom and revelation so that I may know Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father better. With all the things going on around us, the only thing that makes sense out of all of it is knowing Him better. The God of the universe loves us and is excited about us knowing Him better. That's what this Christian life is all about...knowing Him better!! My mind immediately thought of one of my favorite songs..."Knowing you" written by Graham Kendrick.
Here are the words I find myself singing, mostly to myself and not out loud, when things just don't make sense.
All I once held dear, built my life upon,
all this world reveres and wars to own;
all I once thought gain I have counted loss,
spent and worthless now compared to this.
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You.
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best,
You're my joy, my righteousness,
and I love You Lord.
Now my heart's desire is to know you more,
to be found in You and known as Yours,
to possess by faith what I could not earn
all surpassing gift of righteousness.
Oh to know the power of Your risen life,
and to know You in Your sufferings;
to become like You in Your death, my Lord,
so with you to live and never die.
-Jim Cook
Monday, July 6, 2009
Daily Devotional - Monday, July 6
In Ephesians 1:7-8 we see a theme that repeats itself. (In Him, His blood, His grace, He lavished..) It reminds me of the classic Christian song "Jesus Paid it All" by Elvina M. Hall, written in 1865. He has done it all. All the work we could not do. We cannot add to it or improve on it. This fact alone makes me so grateful.
Sadly we often stop there in out thinking about our relationship with God. We should instead press deeper and ask ourselves how we should respond to this incredible grace. Paul gives us part of the answer in 2 Timothy 1:9-15. He says that we need to guard and retain this gospel we have been entrusted with. Furthermore in 2 Timothy 2:1-2 we are to "..entrust this gospel to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." So we need to preserve and guard it so that we can teach it to other men and women who will in turn teach new disciples. That is part of the answer.
We see the theme of discipleship continue in Matthew 28:19-20. In Greek it begins "as you are going/in the course of your going" The going in this passage is assumed. It is expected. It is part of normal Christian life. It continues to say that we need to make disciples of all people groups. We do this by baptizing them and teaching them to do everything that Jesus commanded the apostles and us to do. This includes teaching them to see going to people without the gospel as normal. Teaching them to baptize and disciple new believers. Repeat as necessary until Jesus returns for His bride, the Church.
So rejoice in what He has done for you, paying in full your sin debt. Remember to ask yourself the question why. The answers found in scripture should be our motivation for why we are going to Montreal in August. Rejoice, be grateful, and then go.
- David Voth
In addition, we would like to say Happy Birthday to Garry Gates, who turns 51 years young today. Have a blessed birthday, Garry, and may God give you many more!
Sadly we often stop there in out thinking about our relationship with God. We should instead press deeper and ask ourselves how we should respond to this incredible grace. Paul gives us part of the answer in 2 Timothy 1:9-15. He says that we need to guard and retain this gospel we have been entrusted with. Furthermore in 2 Timothy 2:1-2 we are to "..entrust this gospel to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." So we need to preserve and guard it so that we can teach it to other men and women who will in turn teach new disciples. That is part of the answer.
We see the theme of discipleship continue in Matthew 28:19-20. In Greek it begins "as you are going/in the course of your going" The going in this passage is assumed. It is expected. It is part of normal Christian life. It continues to say that we need to make disciples of all people groups. We do this by baptizing them and teaching them to do everything that Jesus commanded the apostles and us to do. This includes teaching them to see going to people without the gospel as normal. Teaching them to baptize and disciple new believers. Repeat as necessary until Jesus returns for His bride, the Church.
So rejoice in what He has done for you, paying in full your sin debt. Remember to ask yourself the question why. The answers found in scripture should be our motivation for why we are going to Montreal in August. Rejoice, be grateful, and then go.
- David Voth
In addition, we would like to say Happy Birthday to Garry Gates, who turns 51 years young today. Have a blessed birthday, Garry, and may God give you many more!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Daily Devotional - Friday, July 3
"(In love,) He predestined us to be adopted as his sons and through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will" Ephesians 1:5
It was God’s pleasure and will to adopt us as His children! WOW! God took great joy in making you His child.
It was God’s idea to make you one of His children long ago! Think of how much you love your children, or if you don’t have children, think of someone you love the most. That is just a taste of how much God loves you!
It has been said that there is nothing you can do to make God love you more and there is nothing you can do to make God love you less- He loves you! He showed that love to you by Jesus dying on the cross for you –to pay for your sin. What greater act of love could He have done?
On this mission trip God wants to use each of us to share His love. Everyone we meet will be someone for whom Jesus died and a potential child of God. Our job is to join God in what He is doing, rejoicing in His love for us and sharing that love with others.
If your own child did something wrong or messed up in some way would you love him or her less? No – you would hurt for them and want to help them. God is a perfect parent and loves you just like you are. God is pleased to have you as one of His children!
My prayer is that I will rejoice in God’s love so much that it overflows to others in Canada and everywhere I go. Ask God to help you embrace His love and allow it to overflow to others!
-Garry Gates
Daily Devotional - Thursday, July 2
As I read Ephesians 1:4 about how the Lord "loves us and chose us in Christ", it made me think about the time in my life when I was without God, and had no knowledge of His plan for my life. It seems far away now, but there was a time when I was lost, and God sought me out through the Baldwins to show me that He had a bigger plan for my life than I could have imagined. I am reminded of those to whom we are reaching out, and how many of them have no idea that God has a wonderful plan in store for them if only they are willing to accept Christ. I know how deeply God loves each and every one of His creations, as He has pulled me back from a life full of desperation, and I am so looking forward to witnessing His power move through those with whom we come in contact. I pray that during this time of preparation we can strive to make the love and compassion of God clear to those around us, as we ready ourselves to boldly proclaim the love of Jesus to Montreal.
-Jonathan Walker
-Jonathan Walker
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