Just to touch base with my blog friends, we are doing OK!
From sheer boredom and lack of motivation to joy and excitement for the vision God is giving for COVID-19 lockdown ministry...we never have a "normal" day!
This week, we are doing a newsletter mailing so our family and friends will be updated with the pandemic. Three questions I answered in our letter: how are we doing? how is COVID affecting our ministry? how is God working through this pandemic?
The bag of addressed and stamped envelopes is waiting by the front door to be mailed.
Done.
Tomorrow, Walter is hosting a Zoom AGM (annual general meeting) for NCEM. It was to be held at a staff conference in mid-April at Dallas Valley Ranch Camp near Regina, but that all was cancelled. Thus technology saves the day, once again! So as Walter coordinates the meeting, sends out the invitations to the 100+ members and the chairman gives his directions, as well, we have been busy in anticipation of this new way to do meetings. Everyone had to mail in ballots for the items that required voting. Interesting times.
Walter is also helping coordinate distribution of masks, gloves and disinfectants to northern communities. With the resources of Northern Youth Programs out of Dryden, ON and Samaritan's Purse in Calgary, we are also teaming with Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada to fly in to communities and be a blessing. We hope to also give out Tribal Trails videos and maybe literature or Bibles if the folks would like such materials. This is what the ministry during a time like this is all about!
With the nicer temperatures, we have taken frequent walks - usually one hour or over 7,000 steps. I've completed two puzzles (1,500 piece and 1,000 piece) with Daniel's help. I also washed down all my bathroom and laundry room walls to do a spring cleaning. But that cleaning spree has now passed and I'd rather be doing something outdoors now.
Hope y'all are doing well. As there are plans for gradual and cautious reopening of our SK businesses and services, we hope for life to restart. Lord, give our leaders wisdom and grant us favour.
My theme verse has been: "Be still and know that I am God. I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world." (Psalm 46:10) May this be so, Lord!
Tuesday, 28 April 2020
Sunday, 19 April 2020
I feel like I have been busy, yet not busy! We slowed our pace and now adding anything extra feels like too much. Yet, only a month or so ago, our pace was fast and furious and seemed normal. Oh, to have a consistent life with the energy to be flexible!
So, we had Easter weekend. How different! No gathering for Good Friday or Easter Sunday, no meal with extended family or church family. Hmmm.
It certainly gave me more time to read the Scriptural account of Jesus' last week and last hours on earth. I could give more thought to His sacrifice. I could feel His suffering and meditate on the cost of Jesus' life for my sin. I did a Facebook live worship time on Good Friday afternoon. We observed our fasting that day and joined the Facebook live communion service with Healing Hearts. Walter, Daniel and myself shared the bread and juice in our living room. Memorable.
Preparing a simpler but tasty meal for Easter Sunday seemed weird but nice. Ham, mashed potatoes and vegetables, a salad. I made chocolate pudding with whipped topping for dessert. Quiet but still a special time to remember our Risen Saviour. Although everything surrounding us is out of sorts, this eternal fact remains and Easter could not be cancelled!
Continuing with my Facebook Live Bible study and worship time has been a lifeline for me! Even though I don't have that many following, it is still good for me to study, to speak out what I am learning and have an outlet for ministry. I especially enjoy the music aspect and that seems to be something people respond to, even on a computer screen! As I taught on the prayer pattern "ACTS", I was inspired to keep on with the theme through "The Lord's Prayer". I have done an introduction, and now will keep on this coming week, unpacking each phrase and how we can use it as a guideline for our prayer lives.
After being away from the NCEM headquarters for one month, Walter had been keeping in touch with the Executive team via Zoom. With the social distancing, it became apparent that the overall feeling was that a visit by the General Director would help encourage the troops and give some stability and security that seemed to be lacking. Walter organized a Zoom Day of Prayer with the Prince Albert staff and our IT guy made it work well. Although a little odd and awkward, I led some worship and Jason shared a devotional. Then Walter led in prayer and the various participants had email prayer requests that they also prayed in turn. It's amazing how creative we can be to stay connected and continue to serve God!
In all, we are doing well. We are adjusting and adapting to this new way of life. Events are being postponed with our ministries, but we know this all will soon pass. Then it will be busy! And I mean, activities and conferences will resume. But I hope we can learn to pace ourselves and take time to appreciate the Lord and each other.
Have a wonderful Sunday, my family and friends. We love you all and miss being able to just get together for a visit or a meal. Boy, will we ever have a celebration when we can meet again!
So, we had Easter weekend. How different! No gathering for Good Friday or Easter Sunday, no meal with extended family or church family. Hmmm.
It certainly gave me more time to read the Scriptural account of Jesus' last week and last hours on earth. I could give more thought to His sacrifice. I could feel His suffering and meditate on the cost of Jesus' life for my sin. I did a Facebook live worship time on Good Friday afternoon. We observed our fasting that day and joined the Facebook live communion service with Healing Hearts. Walter, Daniel and myself shared the bread and juice in our living room. Memorable.
Preparing a simpler but tasty meal for Easter Sunday seemed weird but nice. Ham, mashed potatoes and vegetables, a salad. I made chocolate pudding with whipped topping for dessert. Quiet but still a special time to remember our Risen Saviour. Although everything surrounding us is out of sorts, this eternal fact remains and Easter could not be cancelled!
Continuing with my Facebook Live Bible study and worship time has been a lifeline for me! Even though I don't have that many following, it is still good for me to study, to speak out what I am learning and have an outlet for ministry. I especially enjoy the music aspect and that seems to be something people respond to, even on a computer screen! As I taught on the prayer pattern "ACTS", I was inspired to keep on with the theme through "The Lord's Prayer". I have done an introduction, and now will keep on this coming week, unpacking each phrase and how we can use it as a guideline for our prayer lives.
After being away from the NCEM headquarters for one month, Walter had been keeping in touch with the Executive team via Zoom. With the social distancing, it became apparent that the overall feeling was that a visit by the General Director would help encourage the troops and give some stability and security that seemed to be lacking. Walter organized a Zoom Day of Prayer with the Prince Albert staff and our IT guy made it work well. Although a little odd and awkward, I led some worship and Jason shared a devotional. Then Walter led in prayer and the various participants had email prayer requests that they also prayed in turn. It's amazing how creative we can be to stay connected and continue to serve God!
In all, we are doing well. We are adjusting and adapting to this new way of life. Events are being postponed with our ministries, but we know this all will soon pass. Then it will be busy! And I mean, activities and conferences will resume. But I hope we can learn to pace ourselves and take time to appreciate the Lord and each other.
Have a wonderful Sunday, my family and friends. We love you all and miss being able to just get together for a visit or a meal. Boy, will we ever have a celebration when we can meet again!
Sunday, 5 April 2020
My next book should be called "What God is Teaching Me Through COVID-19" subtitled, "Lockdown Isn't a Punishment." Can anyone out there relate?
Surprisingly, I am learning that I am more of an "I" personality in my 50's than I have ever exhibited. When I found I must stay at home and not participate in group activities and gatherings, I reacted badly. I felt trapped, angry, indignant, then worried and fearful of what this pandemic would mean for us all. While Walter, who is normally an active, project-driven person, is actually enjoying this down-time and accepting the parameters with little resistance, I have taken longer to settle down and roll with this social distancing and self-isolation.
Now that I am a couple of weeks into this new normal, I have developed some routine for myself and our household. I am trying to keep my morning quiet time consistent and that has been wonderful. With no need to rush into the day, I can meet with the Lord and enjoy journalling, singing, reading and praying. I am planning and preparing tasty meals, which has been good for our health and making use of leftovers more efficiently. Making exercise a daily habit, we walk often, or I have a workout DVD that keeps me moving and stretching! I am learning to discipline myself into a routine once again, now that our schedule of travel and commuting has ground to a halt.
Although not a new lesson, I am discovering how I value our family time with just "us." With Caylea at home, and Daniel the only outside person coming into the house, we are spending more time together for meals, visiting, playing games or watching movies. Walter and Caylea have worked on wood projects and Daniel has tinkered on his car, all taking place in Walter's beloved garage. Having each other to ride through this storm has been precious. We miss Mark and Amy! I am so glad they were able to come out a few weekends ago before the inter-provincial travel restrictions were in place. But phone calls and texts have kept us connected.
I am learning so many rich lessons from the Word of God. Last weekend when I ventured into leading some worship times on Facebook Live, I had read a Scripture in Psalm 45 that linked to Hebrews 4. "Your throne, O God is forever and ever..." and "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace..." I was sharing how I had seen many Facebook memes and others quoting this phrase "God is still on His throne", and this truth was important in the face of this pandemic crisis. And as I was about to lead in some prayer, it struck me how God is on His throne in power and might, yet He also invites us to His throne to cry out to Him! We can come with confidence and not dread, that He will comfort us and show us His mercy and grace.
Today, as Walter, Caylea and I led a Facebook Live worship service from our dining room for Healing Hearts Ministry, I realized just how God can bring His people together even if they can't meet in person. As we sang, joked together a little, shouted "Praise the Lord!" and Walter preached his heart out, it all felt just as if our teammates and the church family were right there with us. God is amazing and the spiritual bonds we have in Christ are incredible to experience.
I am learning to trust the Lord more. The news is reporting various numbers, experts are giving various words of advice and we are trying to use the sense God gave us. But it is only the Lord God Himself who can bring us through this crisis and I am content in that fact.
One more lesson: this pandemic experience may go down in history as the "Great Toilet Paper Crisis of 2020." I hope we can look back and laugh when this is all over!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK, EVERYONE!
Surprisingly, I am learning that I am more of an "I" personality in my 50's than I have ever exhibited. When I found I must stay at home and not participate in group activities and gatherings, I reacted badly. I felt trapped, angry, indignant, then worried and fearful of what this pandemic would mean for us all. While Walter, who is normally an active, project-driven person, is actually enjoying this down-time and accepting the parameters with little resistance, I have taken longer to settle down and roll with this social distancing and self-isolation.
Now that I am a couple of weeks into this new normal, I have developed some routine for myself and our household. I am trying to keep my morning quiet time consistent and that has been wonderful. With no need to rush into the day, I can meet with the Lord and enjoy journalling, singing, reading and praying. I am planning and preparing tasty meals, which has been good for our health and making use of leftovers more efficiently. Making exercise a daily habit, we walk often, or I have a workout DVD that keeps me moving and stretching! I am learning to discipline myself into a routine once again, now that our schedule of travel and commuting has ground to a halt.
Although not a new lesson, I am discovering how I value our family time with just "us." With Caylea at home, and Daniel the only outside person coming into the house, we are spending more time together for meals, visiting, playing games or watching movies. Walter and Caylea have worked on wood projects and Daniel has tinkered on his car, all taking place in Walter's beloved garage. Having each other to ride through this storm has been precious. We miss Mark and Amy! I am so glad they were able to come out a few weekends ago before the inter-provincial travel restrictions were in place. But phone calls and texts have kept us connected.
I am learning so many rich lessons from the Word of God. Last weekend when I ventured into leading some worship times on Facebook Live, I had read a Scripture in Psalm 45 that linked to Hebrews 4. "Your throne, O God is forever and ever..." and "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace..." I was sharing how I had seen many Facebook memes and others quoting this phrase "God is still on His throne", and this truth was important in the face of this pandemic crisis. And as I was about to lead in some prayer, it struck me how God is on His throne in power and might, yet He also invites us to His throne to cry out to Him! We can come with confidence and not dread, that He will comfort us and show us His mercy and grace.
Today, as Walter, Caylea and I led a Facebook Live worship service from our dining room for Healing Hearts Ministry, I realized just how God can bring His people together even if they can't meet in person. As we sang, joked together a little, shouted "Praise the Lord!" and Walter preached his heart out, it all felt just as if our teammates and the church family were right there with us. God is amazing and the spiritual bonds we have in Christ are incredible to experience.
I am learning to trust the Lord more. The news is reporting various numbers, experts are giving various words of advice and we are trying to use the sense God gave us. But it is only the Lord God Himself who can bring us through this crisis and I am content in that fact.
One more lesson: this pandemic experience may go down in history as the "Great Toilet Paper Crisis of 2020." I hope we can look back and laugh when this is all over!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK, EVERYONE!
Sunday, 29 March 2020
I did something new.
I did a worship session on Facebook Live!
Last week I had listened to the sermon online and wrote in my blog the things I thought were God's ministry for me. As I really miss worshipping through music with other believers, I thought this might be a way to obey what God was challenging me to do. So in my very amateur way, I chose some of my favourite songs that were public domain, and some that I had written, and sang my heart out!
The instant replies, comments, likes and even a song request really blessed me! All I had wanted was to offer something to the Lord and encourage others who might be feeling like me - wishing to worship with others.
This morning, Walter and I joined Caylea to watch the online Calvary Baptist service. Her interview with Pastor Luke Miller went very well! Funny, engaging and informative.
It was such a quiet day. Sundays are usually much busier. So, I chose a few more songs, not worrying about the copyright of songs as I am covered by both Healing Hearts and NCEM CCLI song licensing. What fun to sing, have a few more folks interact and say some hello's! I guess I am more of an extrovert than I realized and needed more people connection.
We rested, had a friendly game of Crokinole and a family supper together.
Never too old to try a new way to serve the Lord!
I did a worship session on Facebook Live!
Last week I had listened to the sermon online and wrote in my blog the things I thought were God's ministry for me. As I really miss worshipping through music with other believers, I thought this might be a way to obey what God was challenging me to do. So in my very amateur way, I chose some of my favourite songs that were public domain, and some that I had written, and sang my heart out!
The instant replies, comments, likes and even a song request really blessed me! All I had wanted was to offer something to the Lord and encourage others who might be feeling like me - wishing to worship with others.
This morning, Walter and I joined Caylea to watch the online Calvary Baptist service. Her interview with Pastor Luke Miller went very well! Funny, engaging and informative.
It was such a quiet day. Sundays are usually much busier. So, I chose a few more songs, not worrying about the copyright of songs as I am covered by both Healing Hearts and NCEM CCLI song licensing. What fun to sing, have a few more folks interact and say some hello's! I guess I am more of an extrovert than I realized and needed more people connection.
We rested, had a friendly game of Crokinole and a family supper together.
Never too old to try a new way to serve the Lord!
Thursday, 26 March 2020
Once a month I write a short thought for the NCEM in-house newsletter called "Labourers Together." My themes are on how to build our support teams, the churches and individuals who donate to our ministry projects financially and stand behind us in prayer. From practical tips on how to write a prayer letter to encouragement for those who are not comfortable with presenting themselves and their ministry, I share my own experiences and insights of other veteran missionaries.
Two neat things have happened this week for people close to us. First of all, Caylea was to be presenting at a church here in Regina this coming Sunday. She has been part of their Young Adults Bible study on Monday nights for a few years now and was asked to share with that group about a year ago. Then a few months ago, the missions director/pastor met Caylea and was very interested in her ministry. So this was quite an exciting and hopeful opportunity for her to speak on her vision for First Nations ministry...alas, the COVID-19 crisis has shut down public gatherings.
Creatively adapting to the situation, the pastor invited Caylea to come to the church this week and record her presentation in an interview style. She wore her NCEM sweatshirt and brought some mugs and other SWAG (give away items with logos of the ministries) for both NCEM and Healing Hearts. I can't wait to watch how the interview went when it is shown during the online worship service this Sunday!
The second amazing story I heard (technically I read - it was a text!) was from our missionary friends in northern Canada. They have also worked part-time at the local Salvation Army but had recently decreased their involvement there. With challenges now to the economy, and their secondary income had decreased, this couple was concerned about how to raise their support to an adequate level. God heard their prayers.
A random donor to the ministry they belong to, designated their gift to go "where needed most." In a case like that, the bookkeeper would have a list of missionaries who were low in support and assign the gift to one of them. Our friends' level was low enough that they were on that list. When the missionaries sent a "thank you" note to the address given from the donor, it turns out the woman had been born in that very community where our friends' serve. She had wonderful memories and a soft spot in her heart for that place and felt God had blessed her with this surprise connection! Her donations (and prayers) will now go towards our friends on a monthly basis. How awesome is that?
In the midst of a dark and confusing time, God shows His faithfulness and loving care.
Two neat things have happened this week for people close to us. First of all, Caylea was to be presenting at a church here in Regina this coming Sunday. She has been part of their Young Adults Bible study on Monday nights for a few years now and was asked to share with that group about a year ago. Then a few months ago, the missions director/pastor met Caylea and was very interested in her ministry. So this was quite an exciting and hopeful opportunity for her to speak on her vision for First Nations ministry...alas, the COVID-19 crisis has shut down public gatherings.
Creatively adapting to the situation, the pastor invited Caylea to come to the church this week and record her presentation in an interview style. She wore her NCEM sweatshirt and brought some mugs and other SWAG (give away items with logos of the ministries) for both NCEM and Healing Hearts. I can't wait to watch how the interview went when it is shown during the online worship service this Sunday!
The second amazing story I heard (technically I read - it was a text!) was from our missionary friends in northern Canada. They have also worked part-time at the local Salvation Army but had recently decreased their involvement there. With challenges now to the economy, and their secondary income had decreased, this couple was concerned about how to raise their support to an adequate level. God heard their prayers.
A random donor to the ministry they belong to, designated their gift to go "where needed most." In a case like that, the bookkeeper would have a list of missionaries who were low in support and assign the gift to one of them. Our friends' level was low enough that they were on that list. When the missionaries sent a "thank you" note to the address given from the donor, it turns out the woman had been born in that very community where our friends' serve. She had wonderful memories and a soft spot in her heart for that place and felt God had blessed her with this surprise connection! Her donations (and prayers) will now go towards our friends on a monthly basis. How awesome is that?
In the midst of a dark and confusing time, God shows His faithfulness and loving care.
Tuesday, 24 March 2020
My normal life rhythm has existed of going flat out, then stopping. For three years now, we have spent a week or two in Prince Albert every month, plus travelling across Canada to visit missionaries. We have been going steady, with catch up days at home in between. Some days off interspersed here and there have given us some rest. We have taken vacation time, plus family time for the special holidays.
Now here we are, in self-isolation, working from home.
I thought it would be so relaxing. The very thing I longed for, extended time at home to do whatever I wanted with no responsibilities beyond what I can accomplish around the house or on the computer. But it's not as easy to "take it easy" as I hoped!
One morning this week, I read Psalm 46 as part of my devotional time. It had been referenced in a sermon I heard and it kept coming back to my thoughts.
"Be still, and know that I am God..." verse 10
Although I had been longing for such an opportunity as we are experiencing with COVID-19, I am having a really hard time being still. The pace we have had makes me anxious to do something. I feel restless and antsy. I especially miss the connection with people face to face! When I am having a quiet time, it is so easy for me to be distracted, to feel my day stretch out with no specific structure and I feel at loose ends! AAAAHHHH!
My prayer is to learn to be still. To quiet my mind, to calm my soul. I truly want to seek the Lord and know Him, to know my God. The rest of that psalm is so rich and fits our global circumstance. The world is in chaos; the nations are in turmoil. People are fearful and it isn't always bringing out the best in humanity! We need God.
"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." verse 5
This verse brought such comfort to me. God Himself is with us, in our midst through this crisis. Whether the virus touches us directly or affects us only through the current restrictions, God promises to be our refuge and our strength. He is our very present help in trouble. God has not changed and He continues to dwell with and be intricately involved in the lives or His people.
He is a God worth knowing. And I am choosing to press on to know Him more.
Now here we are, in self-isolation, working from home.
I thought it would be so relaxing. The very thing I longed for, extended time at home to do whatever I wanted with no responsibilities beyond what I can accomplish around the house or on the computer. But it's not as easy to "take it easy" as I hoped!
One morning this week, I read Psalm 46 as part of my devotional time. It had been referenced in a sermon I heard and it kept coming back to my thoughts.
"Be still, and know that I am God..." verse 10
Although I had been longing for such an opportunity as we are experiencing with COVID-19, I am having a really hard time being still. The pace we have had makes me anxious to do something. I feel restless and antsy. I especially miss the connection with people face to face! When I am having a quiet time, it is so easy for me to be distracted, to feel my day stretch out with no specific structure and I feel at loose ends! AAAAHHHH!
My prayer is to learn to be still. To quiet my mind, to calm my soul. I truly want to seek the Lord and know Him, to know my God. The rest of that psalm is so rich and fits our global circumstance. The world is in chaos; the nations are in turmoil. People are fearful and it isn't always bringing out the best in humanity! We need God.
"God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." verse 5
This verse brought such comfort to me. God Himself is with us, in our midst through this crisis. Whether the virus touches us directly or affects us only through the current restrictions, God promises to be our refuge and our strength. He is our very present help in trouble. God has not changed and He continues to dwell with and be intricately involved in the lives or His people.
He is a God worth knowing. And I am choosing to press on to know Him more.
Sunday, 22 March 2020
"...when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love...Therefore be imitators of God, beloved children. And walk in love..."
Ephesians 4:16b & 5:2
Sunday morning. The city of Regina has banned public gatherings of more than 5 individuals . So we are self-isolating in our home when normally we would be heading to church. Weird!
My freezer has plenty of homemade deer sausage and other types of protein. Our pantry has non-perishable items to last quite a while. Our fresh items in the fridge will last a few days, but we are set. And I still had quite a stockpile of toilet paper from Christmas so that's not a panic!
There is a restlessness in me. Just knowing I should not leave the house, or cannot meet with my fellow Healing Hearts church family, makes me feel unsettled. Off. Just being honest.
Walter found a livestream church service online and we enjoyed some very uplifting worship music, Scriptures and words of encouragement about the hope we have in Christ even during a pandemic. And the message given by the preacher was solid teaching from Ephesians chapter 4. That is what I want to share today - what God is showing me through this strange time that is affecting our global community.
"And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ..." 4:11 & 12
I get excited reading about the church and how God wants her to function. Even after 39 years of serving Jesus and being part of churches, I still look so forward to being involved and attending church worship services. Not going to church this morning made me feel odd and empty. It's more than a habit, but a longing of my heart to worship and fellowship.
The Church, God's people, the body of Christ, are all interchangeable terms to describe those of us who follow and serve Jesus Christ. I am very humbled to be part of such a noble and unique family. And God gave these 5 main roles so that churches can be started and established in every nation. God's only program is still to have all of us as Christians to spread the Gospel and see disciples made among every people group around the globe. (That is the real "pandemic" that God wants to infect us with - to be filled with His Holy Spirit and have Jesus reign in our hearts. Not my focus today!)
The saints are to be equipped "for the work of ministry" as verse 12 explains. We all have a part in the body to build up the body. The 5 roles listed have specific giftings and responsibilities, but that doesn't mean they are the only ones in God's Kingdom to be ministering. It is not an exclusive club who professionally minister. Some of us happen to be in ministry as a vocation, but that doesn't exclude everyone to share the gifts God has given them to reach the world and bless the church.
"...until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ..." 4:13
Is the church just a nursery class? Is it a daycare centre? NO! We all start as baby Christians, but the goal is that we grow up. Many times the Bible addresses immature believers and tells them to stop drinking only milk, but to eat meat. Don't stay the same. Be changed by Jesus. Learn how to be mature and responsible, just as we who are parents all teach our kids how to be adults.
What are some of the signs of maturity? Verse 13 above lists four that I notice.
1. Unity of the faith
2. Knowledge of the Son of God
3. Maturity
4. Fullness of Christ
Here's where my gift and love of teaching comes in: I like having specific points and explaining how they can apply to real life!
Unity is an obvious sign of growing up. This means we don't function as a self-focused individual, but become part of the body. We may not always agree and think exactly the same as everyone else in our church, but we can be one, with the same purpose and priorities as our fellow believers.
Knowledge is not just facts and information. Knowing Jesus, the Son of God, is a relationship with a person. Knowing Jesus means we connect with Him, hear Him speaking to us, which is another way of saying we pray, listen and read His Word to increase our understanding of Him.
Maturity involves growing up, becoming outward focused, taking responsibility, committing to serving in our church, tithing and caring about others more than ourselves.
Fullness of Christ is deep and I won't be able to adequately unpack all that can mean! But simply put, measuring our maturity against the standard of Jesus - impossible to reach on our own strength - and being like Him more and more in our everyday life.
Which brings me to what I feel God wants me to do as a grown up Christian during this pandemic and self-isolation season...
God wants me to pray. There are a lot of people, Christians and non-believers who are freaked out by all of this stuff! There are medical people dealing with the virus head-on. There are government leaders and church/mission leaders who have difficult decisions to make. Lots to pray about!
God wants me to shine a light on social media. I want to counter act the negative and fear-based posts out there.
God want me to have wisdom. I won't take unnecessary chances in getting infected or spreading the virus. BUT I will serve and help out where needed. Contact me if you need something and I can help.
God wants me to take care of my family. That's my first priority in a practical sense.
God wants me to continue to serve as a missionary along with my husband. We aren't taking a break from our leadership unless the Lord directs us to. Our ministry might look different as we travel less and do more from home.
BE BLESSED, my family and friends. The whole thing is to keep serving in LOVE! That's what my opening verse is intended to convey. God loves us and wants us in turn, to love others!
Ephesians 4:16b & 5:2
Sunday morning. The city of Regina has banned public gatherings of more than 5 individuals . So we are self-isolating in our home when normally we would be heading to church. Weird!
My freezer has plenty of homemade deer sausage and other types of protein. Our pantry has non-perishable items to last quite a while. Our fresh items in the fridge will last a few days, but we are set. And I still had quite a stockpile of toilet paper from Christmas so that's not a panic!
There is a restlessness in me. Just knowing I should not leave the house, or cannot meet with my fellow Healing Hearts church family, makes me feel unsettled. Off. Just being honest.
Walter found a livestream church service online and we enjoyed some very uplifting worship music, Scriptures and words of encouragement about the hope we have in Christ even during a pandemic. And the message given by the preacher was solid teaching from Ephesians chapter 4. That is what I want to share today - what God is showing me through this strange time that is affecting our global community.
"And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ..." 4:11 & 12
I get excited reading about the church and how God wants her to function. Even after 39 years of serving Jesus and being part of churches, I still look so forward to being involved and attending church worship services. Not going to church this morning made me feel odd and empty. It's more than a habit, but a longing of my heart to worship and fellowship.
The Church, God's people, the body of Christ, are all interchangeable terms to describe those of us who follow and serve Jesus Christ. I am very humbled to be part of such a noble and unique family. And God gave these 5 main roles so that churches can be started and established in every nation. God's only program is still to have all of us as Christians to spread the Gospel and see disciples made among every people group around the globe. (That is the real "pandemic" that God wants to infect us with - to be filled with His Holy Spirit and have Jesus reign in our hearts. Not my focus today!)
The saints are to be equipped "for the work of ministry" as verse 12 explains. We all have a part in the body to build up the body. The 5 roles listed have specific giftings and responsibilities, but that doesn't mean they are the only ones in God's Kingdom to be ministering. It is not an exclusive club who professionally minister. Some of us happen to be in ministry as a vocation, but that doesn't exclude everyone to share the gifts God has given them to reach the world and bless the church.
"...until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ..." 4:13
Is the church just a nursery class? Is it a daycare centre? NO! We all start as baby Christians, but the goal is that we grow up. Many times the Bible addresses immature believers and tells them to stop drinking only milk, but to eat meat. Don't stay the same. Be changed by Jesus. Learn how to be mature and responsible, just as we who are parents all teach our kids how to be adults.
What are some of the signs of maturity? Verse 13 above lists four that I notice.
1. Unity of the faith
2. Knowledge of the Son of God
3. Maturity
4. Fullness of Christ
Here's where my gift and love of teaching comes in: I like having specific points and explaining how they can apply to real life!
Unity is an obvious sign of growing up. This means we don't function as a self-focused individual, but become part of the body. We may not always agree and think exactly the same as everyone else in our church, but we can be one, with the same purpose and priorities as our fellow believers.
Knowledge is not just facts and information. Knowing Jesus, the Son of God, is a relationship with a person. Knowing Jesus means we connect with Him, hear Him speaking to us, which is another way of saying we pray, listen and read His Word to increase our understanding of Him.
Maturity involves growing up, becoming outward focused, taking responsibility, committing to serving in our church, tithing and caring about others more than ourselves.
Fullness of Christ is deep and I won't be able to adequately unpack all that can mean! But simply put, measuring our maturity against the standard of Jesus - impossible to reach on our own strength - and being like Him more and more in our everyday life.
Which brings me to what I feel God wants me to do as a grown up Christian during this pandemic and self-isolation season...
God wants me to pray. There are a lot of people, Christians and non-believers who are freaked out by all of this stuff! There are medical people dealing with the virus head-on. There are government leaders and church/mission leaders who have difficult decisions to make. Lots to pray about!
God wants me to shine a light on social media. I want to counter act the negative and fear-based posts out there.
God want me to have wisdom. I won't take unnecessary chances in getting infected or spreading the virus. BUT I will serve and help out where needed. Contact me if you need something and I can help.
God wants me to take care of my family. That's my first priority in a practical sense.
God wants me to continue to serve as a missionary along with my husband. We aren't taking a break from our leadership unless the Lord directs us to. Our ministry might look different as we travel less and do more from home.
BE BLESSED, my family and friends. The whole thing is to keep serving in LOVE! That's what my opening verse is intended to convey. God loves us and wants us in turn, to love others!
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