Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Happy Chaos


So my wife is back working, my kids are kids, there are still renos, I can't sell my cars, I need cash, I'm supposed to be sleeping now so that i can do tomorrow's work, but I''m not, I'm writing, working now-why? Because I have chaos....Too much to do. The ends are everywhere the means....somewhere. There are so many things that are simply uncontrollable, things that can crush, and things that can have no answers and.....I am happy.
I of course know that I am not the only one who has been in this place. Reading Todd's blog I get comfort from the fact that minutes to opening an national political debate there was no audience.....stress! I read in Ken's blog that the the local church now has global pastors and I ponder the death of the local church. Hmmmmm. It makes me happy. why?
Because i have just been asked to follow. That is it. Even in my failures I know that God salvages things. I am constantly believing that out of ashes God can raise things to life.
So in the chaos, the stress, the total insanity.....Can you still hear His words......

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Put it on God's Tab


So, don't you think living beyond your means is irresponsible? At what point to finances dictate the will of God? I am so far from a prosperity gospel having lived for so many years 'doing' ministry. Reality is you need money to survive and you need to feed your family. Or do you?


I have been contemplating this as i have been trying to sell either or both of my vehicles. Crazy thing is I have been spiritualizing my prayers to God saying....'well you know I need to so help me!' You would think that I having lived now for many years exceeding my income for the sake of ministry would teach me. Every year being a miraculous endevour. A few years ago we literally had cheques dropped by our door every day for 2 weeks. Should I at this point doubt that God can provide?.......k i'm slow.
I recently filled out a survey for one of 'those' financial advisors. One of the questions was, 'how long can you feel comfortable with a negative income? one day, one week, one month......' I realized suddenly that I had an entirely different perspective on the subject than most people. In fact I was happy when i realized that I might actually be one of those crazy's who would sell everything.


BUT HERE IS THE THING:

If there is no money.......shouldn't i get the hint?
If we have exhausted all our options, maybe God is interested in a life change!!
So often we spiritualize when times are good about 'what would you do for god.' Happy to go home to our big screen TV's and our....microwave ovens (give me a break it just came to me). WE also FEEL like we throw out our faith when times are lean- because we gotta get a job, gotta feed our family. I think feeding our families might be spiritual.
Trouble is where do how can we tell when we are being spiritual and when we are just concerned about our cash?
cheers

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

OVV




Sunday we are off to Ottawa Valley Vineyard. Should be great. It is a reunion in so many ways. It is great to preach in your hometown, it is great to share with family, it is also cool because churches gather people. People who love Jesus. Join the reunion.