Squirrels live in the woods behind my house. They must find enough food there. Yet a few years ago they discovered the bird feeder in our yard. Scurrying up the tree, they perched precariously on top of the feeder. Last year my husband moved the bird feeder to our over-sized obsolete satellite dish. When the squirrels managed to find it, we were amazed. We could not understand how they could reach it.
This year my husband saw a squirrel leap through the air from our neighbour’s tree, carefully walk across the mesh dish, and jump onto the top of the feeder. After eating some seeds and scattering others on the ground below, the squirrel dropped down onto the grass. I was glad my husband had witnessed that squirrel. Now we understood how those squirrels reached a bird feeder, dangling in the air.
Since we wanted birds to eat the seeds, not squirrels, my husband had a bright idea. He hung the bird feeder to the large arm at the back of the satellite dish. The next day he looked out our back bedroom window and saw a squirrel perched on the top of the feeder. We wondered how it could get there. What persistence! What danger! That squirrel knew what it wanted and risked falling from a high distance to get it. Those squirrels persevered to gain the prize—bird seed. God promises believers will persevere for the ultimate prize—eternal life with him. And he gives us the strength to do it.
The Apostle Paul viewed the Christian life as a race. Likewise, the writer to the Hebrews urged his readers “to run with perseverance the race marked out” for them (Hebrews 12:1, NIV). We do this by fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the shame of the cross for the joy to follow. “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3, NIV). Those whose spiritual eyes remain focused on Jesus will persevere to the end.
www.tale2k.com
Friday, June 24, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
The Intruder
“Help! There’s a frog in the living room,” I yelled.
My husband ran into the house and calmly replied, “It’s a toad.”
“How are you going to get it out?” I asked.
Without a word he quickly picked it up and carried it outside. Our front door had only been open a few minutes while we loaded up the car for a trip. In that short time the toad had hopped up the front stairs and into the house.
That toad reminded me of Cain and the sneaky nature of sin. His brother Abel had offered the Lord the firstborn of his flock whereas Cain had brought produce from his garden. When the Lord accepted Abel’s offering but not his, he became very angry.
God asked him, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:6, 7, NIV).
Just like the toad, sin was crouching at Cain’s door. Likewise, sin tempts us today to rebel against God. If we yield, we become slaves to sin. But if we resist, we obey God and become slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:15–18). Only by God’s grace, will we yearn to turn from our wicked ways. If we continue to do only what we want, we will be like Cain, following our own evil desires.
Nobody likes the idea of being a slave. Yet everyone is either a slave in Satan’s kingdom or else God’s kingdom. How much better for the Holy Spirit to draw us into God’s kingdom as his slaves! What irresistible grace!
www.tale2k.com
My husband ran into the house and calmly replied, “It’s a toad.”
“How are you going to get it out?” I asked.
Without a word he quickly picked it up and carried it outside. Our front door had only been open a few minutes while we loaded up the car for a trip. In that short time the toad had hopped up the front stairs and into the house.
That toad reminded me of Cain and the sneaky nature of sin. His brother Abel had offered the Lord the firstborn of his flock whereas Cain had brought produce from his garden. When the Lord accepted Abel’s offering but not his, he became very angry.
God asked him, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:6, 7, NIV).
Just like the toad, sin was crouching at Cain’s door. Likewise, sin tempts us today to rebel against God. If we yield, we become slaves to sin. But if we resist, we obey God and become slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:15–18). Only by God’s grace, will we yearn to turn from our wicked ways. If we continue to do only what we want, we will be like Cain, following our own evil desires.
Nobody likes the idea of being a slave. Yet everyone is either a slave in Satan’s kingdom or else God’s kingdom. How much better for the Holy Spirit to draw us into God’s kingdom as his slaves! What irresistible grace!
www.tale2k.com
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Pileated Woodpecker
My husband and I have a mature cedar tree growing just inside the edge of our driveway. Three tall limbs sprout out in diverse directions close to the ground. One limb leans toward our house; the second points toward our neighbour’s driveway; and the third stretches out over our driveway. For many years I admired this tree until ants invaded its base. Not long afterward woodpeckers began pecking holes in the tree. Once I even spied a small woodpecker in the act.
We hoped the tree would survive the consistent onslaught of fresh holes—until a few weeks ago. As we drove past the tree into the garage, we noticed a huge hole, egg-shaped, about eight inches high and four inches wide. Chunks of wood lay in a heap at the base of the tree. Only a pileated woodpecker could have made such a huge hole so quickly. At that moment we knew the tree was completely rotten inside. It had to go.
People are born in sin; we are like that tree—completely rotten inside. That is why God declares everyone to be spiritually dead. This includes our wills. Paul writes, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:1, 2, NIV).
The Holy Spirit is the only one capable of restoring spiritually dead people to spiritual life. Praise God! He did it for me. Has he done it for you?
www.tale2k.com
We hoped the tree would survive the consistent onslaught of fresh holes—until a few weeks ago. As we drove past the tree into the garage, we noticed a huge hole, egg-shaped, about eight inches high and four inches wide. Chunks of wood lay in a heap at the base of the tree. Only a pileated woodpecker could have made such a huge hole so quickly. At that moment we knew the tree was completely rotten inside. It had to go.
People are born in sin; we are like that tree—completely rotten inside. That is why God declares everyone to be spiritually dead. This includes our wills. Paul writes, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:1, 2, NIV).
The Holy Spirit is the only one capable of restoring spiritually dead people to spiritual life. Praise God! He did it for me. Has he done it for you?
www.tale2k.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
For Good or Evil
The weather in early spring appears to engage in a tug of war between cold and hot. I watch the snow gradually disappear from the yard and wait with anticipation for the first robin. To me, seeing that bird means the arrival of spring.
But this year spring brings a serious problem—moss. Fourteen years ago I thought the occasional outcrop of moss between the interlocking bricks attractive. Now the moss has grown so prolific that it has almost covered some of the bricks. If left unattended, my patio will eventually disappear.
Moss reminds me of yeast in the Bible. There are two ways of thinking about it, however. Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. Once he told them, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough” (Matthew 13:33, NIV). Here the yeast is good because it represents the spread of the Gospel and the growth of God’s kingdom.
In contrast, on another occasion, Jesus chided his disciples for not understanding his warning: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6, NIV). They thought he was upset because they had forgotten to bring bread with them on their boat ride. After Jesus reminded them of his miraculous feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand, they finally understood. “He was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:12, NIV).
What kind of yeast are you? Is Jesus using you to enlarge his kingdom? Or is Satan ecstatic because you are encouraging others to remain in their sin and rebellion against God Almighty?
www.tale2k.com
But this year spring brings a serious problem—moss. Fourteen years ago I thought the occasional outcrop of moss between the interlocking bricks attractive. Now the moss has grown so prolific that it has almost covered some of the bricks. If left unattended, my patio will eventually disappear.
Moss reminds me of yeast in the Bible. There are two ways of thinking about it, however. Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. Once he told them, “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough” (Matthew 13:33, NIV). Here the yeast is good because it represents the spread of the Gospel and the growth of God’s kingdom.
In contrast, on another occasion, Jesus chided his disciples for not understanding his warning: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6, NIV). They thought he was upset because they had forgotten to bring bread with them on their boat ride. After Jesus reminded them of his miraculous feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand, they finally understood. “He was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:12, NIV).
What kind of yeast are you? Is Jesus using you to enlarge his kingdom? Or is Satan ecstatic because you are encouraging others to remain in their sin and rebellion against God Almighty?
www.tale2k.com
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Monster Storm
Last week a monster storm roared throughout North America. It began in Texas, left its mark on the central U.S. and pounded the eastern seaboard. Then it entered southern Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, until it ended up in Newfoundland.
Meteorologists tracked the speed and direction of the storm so that they could warn residents when it would arrive in their area. Those living in Toronto, Ontario, knew the storm would hit them just after midnight on Wednesday Feb 2, 2011.
My husband and I travelled to the centre of Toronto that Tuesday evening. Thankfully, we returned home before driving became treacherous. When we left at 10:30 pm, a blizzard was engulfing nearby Hamilton. Meanwhile in Toronto, people continued on with their daily routines. But, as promised, the snow began to fall after midnight and persisted into Wednesday morning.
That experience started me thinking about Jesus’ return. Like the snow storm, it will be business as usual right up until the end (Matthew 24:37–39). This means some people will be ready for Jesus’ coming while others will not (Matthew 25:1–13). I know a few who deliberately prepared for the storm by grocery shopping on Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
There is one major difference between that storm and Jesus’ second coming, however. We knew the exact time of the storm’s arrival. In contrast, no one knows when Jesus will return. “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36, NIV). Why waste time trying to figure out when Jesus is coming back? Instead let us reach out to those around us with the good news of salvation in Jesus alone while there is still time.
www.tale2k.com
Meteorologists tracked the speed and direction of the storm so that they could warn residents when it would arrive in their area. Those living in Toronto, Ontario, knew the storm would hit them just after midnight on Wednesday Feb 2, 2011.
My husband and I travelled to the centre of Toronto that Tuesday evening. Thankfully, we returned home before driving became treacherous. When we left at 10:30 pm, a blizzard was engulfing nearby Hamilton. Meanwhile in Toronto, people continued on with their daily routines. But, as promised, the snow began to fall after midnight and persisted into Wednesday morning.
That experience started me thinking about Jesus’ return. Like the snow storm, it will be business as usual right up until the end (Matthew 24:37–39). This means some people will be ready for Jesus’ coming while others will not (Matthew 25:1–13). I know a few who deliberately prepared for the storm by grocery shopping on Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
There is one major difference between that storm and Jesus’ second coming, however. We knew the exact time of the storm’s arrival. In contrast, no one knows when Jesus will return. “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36, NIV). Why waste time trying to figure out when Jesus is coming back? Instead let us reach out to those around us with the good news of salvation in Jesus alone while there is still time.
www.tale2k.com
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
The Hidden Mouse
Three months ago we closed the cottage. For years, this mainly involved shutting off the propane system and locking the doors. After installing a water system, closing became much more complicated. One thing has never changed, however. Every fall I clear a ditch of leaves so that water will flow freely behind the cottage, not under it. If I don’t, we will have a very wide stream flowing underneath the cottage the following spring.
That is why I was sitting on the ground and jabbing the underside of a thick tree root with a small metal poker. After a few minutes, a frightened mouse ran out from under the root and scurried beneath the cottage. This is as close as I would ever like to get to a mouse.
That mouse reminded me of our supposed hidden sins. I unwittingly kept on poking until the mouse felt the need to flee for its life. At some point, God will deliberately expose our sins because no one can hide from the Lord. Eventually everyone else will learn about our sins, also.
There are many Bible verses on this topic. For example: “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23, NIV). “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known” (Luke 12:2, NIV).
The bad news is that we are all guilty of sinning against God. No one can point a finger at another person. The good news is: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NIV). Have you asked God to forgive you for your sins?
www.tale2k.com
That is why I was sitting on the ground and jabbing the underside of a thick tree root with a small metal poker. After a few minutes, a frightened mouse ran out from under the root and scurried beneath the cottage. This is as close as I would ever like to get to a mouse.
That mouse reminded me of our supposed hidden sins. I unwittingly kept on poking until the mouse felt the need to flee for its life. At some point, God will deliberately expose our sins because no one can hide from the Lord. Eventually everyone else will learn about our sins, also.
There are many Bible verses on this topic. For example: “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23, NIV). “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known” (Luke 12:2, NIV).
The bad news is that we are all guilty of sinning against God. No one can point a finger at another person. The good news is: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NIV). Have you asked God to forgive you for your sins?
www.tale2k.com
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Eighth Letter Conference
I attended the Eighth Letter Conference on October 1st and 2nd in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The organizers of the conference invited authors to write about an issue close to his or her heart. We were to address this concern by writing a letter similar to Jesus’ seven letters to the churches in Revelation. Sadly, many of the letters read at the conference seemed to negate theology to the lowest common denominator. However, I appreciated Tim Challies clear presentation of the Gospel. As I did not have an opportunity to read my letter, I am making it public on my blog.
If Jesus were to write an eighth letter today, I believe this is what he would say:
To the pastors of the churches in North America write:
These are the words of Jesus, the pearl of great price. By faith you believe that God exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the founding fathers of the faith, you long for a better country—a heavenly one.
Yet I hold this against you: Many of you have continued to reject my storyline in the Bible. Although you do look forward to living with me in eternity in the new heaven and new earth, you have also focused some of your hopes and dreams on this sin-cursed earth.
Those called covenant theologians believe in a storyline embracing the whole Bible called the covenant of grace. In so doing, you have transferred the terms of God’s covenant with the nation of Israel at Sinai to the church. Thus, in your opinion, the church is ideally a state church composed of regenerate and unregenerate people. Infant baptism has replaced the physical circumcision of males in Israel. The result is that some non-believers consider themselves to be saved when they are not. You have offered them a false security of salvation. They are relying on their family and church heritage or on their infant baptism to save them.
Once I told the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20, 21). Since God’s kingdom is spiritual and not physical, no one will ever be able to look at a geographical area and say, “There it is!” Furthermore I taught my disciples during the Sermon on the Mount: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). I also told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36). This means that only regenerate people belong to God’s kingdom, the church.
Those called dispensationalists believe in two storylines—one for Israel and another for the church. Therefore they understand the new covenant promised in Jeremiah chapter thirty-one to be actually two new covenants—one for the church and the other for Israel. When I return, you believe that I will reign on earth in history for 1000 years. During this period God will save some people.
In Hebrews chapters eight and nine, the Holy Spirit teaches you that the church is living in the new covenant age. I am the superior High Priest. The Mosaic priesthood only foreshadowed me. “By calling this covenant ‘new’, he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear” (Hebrews 8:13). Since the old covenant is obsolete, God destroyed the temple in A.D. 70. From that moment on, God would not allow the Jews to sacrifice animals. To do so is an insult to my precious blood.
Moreover, although premillennial churches reject a political utopia for Israel during the millennium, they still believe that God will save some sinners. What a false hope of salvation! Thinking that they will have a second chance to be saved after I return, some people live only for the so-called pleasures of today.
My servant Paul wrote, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The writer to the Hebrews confirmed this idea: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). This present age is the only time when people may be saved by the preaching of the gospel. This opportunity will be gone when I come back. Like the parable in Matthew 25 of the ten virgins, I will tell unrepentant sinners, “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you” (Matthew 25:12).
Pastors, you wonder why your youth are leaving at alarming rates. True, some go, drawn by worldly ambitions, fleshly desires, or temptations of Satan. Yet my question to you is this: How many leave because you have given them a false sense of security in their salvation? How many others have a false hope of a second chance for salvation?
God warned Ezekiel, “When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood” (Ezekiel 3:18). On Judgment Day God will hold you accountable for encouraging a false hope or a false security of salvation. That is why teaching the correct biblical storyline is so important.
Thankfully, some pastors have not rejected God’s Christ-centered storyline. They teach their congregation that both the Old and New Testaments reveal how God planned salvation history. He purposed from before eternity past to redeem a people for himself to live with him forever.
The Old Testament relates how God prepared for my coming. It contains promises of me and explanations of God’s character and purpose in redemptive history. The Mosaic covenant is like the foundation of a house. Since Israel was an important building block in God’s plan, they were set apart as God’s special people. Then God could reveal more of himself to people and prepare a family for me to be born into.
The New Testament tells God’s story during the new covenant era, this present age. It is like the house itself. In the New Testament I become the fulfillment of the Old. That is what I told those two on the road to Emmaus shortly after I rose from the dead. In addition, the New Testament promises my return, the general judgment, the consignment of the lost to hell, and the inauguration of the new heaven and the new earth for the redeemed.
I plead with you this day to focus on my story as recorded in the Bible. I alone am the prize you seek. Set your hearts on things above. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Do not look for part of your reward on this sin-cursed earth by believing in a faulty storyline.
Many of you are preaching that I am the way, the truth and the life—the only way to receive forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with the Father. Do not inadvertently offer anyone a false security or a false hope of salvation. Then perhaps God will be pleased to send a mighty revival among your youth.
“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:21, 22).
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Kendall
www.tale2k.com
If Jesus were to write an eighth letter today, I believe this is what he would say:
To the pastors of the churches in North America write:
These are the words of Jesus, the pearl of great price. By faith you believe that God exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the founding fathers of the faith, you long for a better country—a heavenly one.
Yet I hold this against you: Many of you have continued to reject my storyline in the Bible. Although you do look forward to living with me in eternity in the new heaven and new earth, you have also focused some of your hopes and dreams on this sin-cursed earth.
Those called covenant theologians believe in a storyline embracing the whole Bible called the covenant of grace. In so doing, you have transferred the terms of God’s covenant with the nation of Israel at Sinai to the church. Thus, in your opinion, the church is ideally a state church composed of regenerate and unregenerate people. Infant baptism has replaced the physical circumcision of males in Israel. The result is that some non-believers consider themselves to be saved when they are not. You have offered them a false security of salvation. They are relying on their family and church heritage or on their infant baptism to save them.
Once I told the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20, 21). Since God’s kingdom is spiritual and not physical, no one will ever be able to look at a geographical area and say, “There it is!” Furthermore I taught my disciples during the Sermon on the Mount: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). I also told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36). This means that only regenerate people belong to God’s kingdom, the church.
Those called dispensationalists believe in two storylines—one for Israel and another for the church. Therefore they understand the new covenant promised in Jeremiah chapter thirty-one to be actually two new covenants—one for the church and the other for Israel. When I return, you believe that I will reign on earth in history for 1000 years. During this period God will save some people.
In Hebrews chapters eight and nine, the Holy Spirit teaches you that the church is living in the new covenant age. I am the superior High Priest. The Mosaic priesthood only foreshadowed me. “By calling this covenant ‘new’, he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear” (Hebrews 8:13). Since the old covenant is obsolete, God destroyed the temple in A.D. 70. From that moment on, God would not allow the Jews to sacrifice animals. To do so is an insult to my precious blood.
Moreover, although premillennial churches reject a political utopia for Israel during the millennium, they still believe that God will save some sinners. What a false hope of salvation! Thinking that they will have a second chance to be saved after I return, some people live only for the so-called pleasures of today.
My servant Paul wrote, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The writer to the Hebrews confirmed this idea: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). This present age is the only time when people may be saved by the preaching of the gospel. This opportunity will be gone when I come back. Like the parable in Matthew 25 of the ten virgins, I will tell unrepentant sinners, “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you” (Matthew 25:12).
Pastors, you wonder why your youth are leaving at alarming rates. True, some go, drawn by worldly ambitions, fleshly desires, or temptations of Satan. Yet my question to you is this: How many leave because you have given them a false sense of security in their salvation? How many others have a false hope of a second chance for salvation?
God warned Ezekiel, “When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood” (Ezekiel 3:18). On Judgment Day God will hold you accountable for encouraging a false hope or a false security of salvation. That is why teaching the correct biblical storyline is so important.
Thankfully, some pastors have not rejected God’s Christ-centered storyline. They teach their congregation that both the Old and New Testaments reveal how God planned salvation history. He purposed from before eternity past to redeem a people for himself to live with him forever.
The Old Testament relates how God prepared for my coming. It contains promises of me and explanations of God’s character and purpose in redemptive history. The Mosaic covenant is like the foundation of a house. Since Israel was an important building block in God’s plan, they were set apart as God’s special people. Then God could reveal more of himself to people and prepare a family for me to be born into.
The New Testament tells God’s story during the new covenant era, this present age. It is like the house itself. In the New Testament I become the fulfillment of the Old. That is what I told those two on the road to Emmaus shortly after I rose from the dead. In addition, the New Testament promises my return, the general judgment, the consignment of the lost to hell, and the inauguration of the new heaven and the new earth for the redeemed.
I plead with you this day to focus on my story as recorded in the Bible. I alone am the prize you seek. Set your hearts on things above. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Do not look for part of your reward on this sin-cursed earth by believing in a faulty storyline.
Many of you are preaching that I am the way, the truth and the life—the only way to receive forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with the Father. Do not inadvertently offer anyone a false security or a false hope of salvation. Then perhaps God will be pleased to send a mighty revival among your youth.
“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:21, 22).
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Kendall
www.tale2k.com
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Rattlesnake
I had never seen a rattlesnake before, except in a picture book or in a cage at a science museum. Through the years at the cottage, I had spied several water snakes, some garter snakes, and one thin black snake quickly slithering under the cover of fallen oak leaves. On this particular day I found myself a few inches from a rattlesnake. It happened in this way.
While scampering down the rocky hillside to the boat, I yelled to my husband, “I am going to get my work gloves.” After finding them, I nonchalantly climbed back up the same path, which I had travelled down moments before. Halfway up, the sound of a rattle interrupted my thoughts. I looked down to see a snake sunning itself on a rock beside the path. After carefully backing away, I chose a different route up to the cottage.
How thankful I was that the snake warned me of its presence. That rattlesnake did not want to harm me. As long as I heeded the warning, I was safe.
This encounter reminded me how often God warns people of impending judgment if they refuse to obey his commands. The Lord told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden. If they disobeyed, they would die. In the Old Testament the Lord gave Israel the Ten Commandments. Then he sent prophets to warn them of impending judgment because they had not obeyed his law. In the New Testament God continues to warn people to stop sinning or face the consequences. How merciful and patient God is. He gives everyone time to repent of sin, but not forever. Remember the flood in Noah’s day.
www.tale2k.com
While scampering down the rocky hillside to the boat, I yelled to my husband, “I am going to get my work gloves.” After finding them, I nonchalantly climbed back up the same path, which I had travelled down moments before. Halfway up, the sound of a rattle interrupted my thoughts. I looked down to see a snake sunning itself on a rock beside the path. After carefully backing away, I chose a different route up to the cottage.
How thankful I was that the snake warned me of its presence. That rattlesnake did not want to harm me. As long as I heeded the warning, I was safe.
This encounter reminded me how often God warns people of impending judgment if they refuse to obey his commands. The Lord told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden. If they disobeyed, they would die. In the Old Testament the Lord gave Israel the Ten Commandments. Then he sent prophets to warn them of impending judgment because they had not obeyed his law. In the New Testament God continues to warn people to stop sinning or face the consequences. How merciful and patient God is. He gives everyone time to repent of sin, but not forever. Remember the flood in Noah’s day.
www.tale2k.com
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
News Release
Local Writer Finalist for National Award
Heather Kendall, a resident of Innisfil since 1997, received a national award on Wednesday, June 16, at The Awards Gala of The Word Guild. She won first place in the Article—News category of The Canadian Christian Writing Awards. Faith Today published her article, Reach Out With Good Friday Drama, in March/April 2009. In it she described the interactive play, In Search of Jesus, which New Life Fellowship Baptist Church has put on every Good Friday for the last four years.
Heather is the author of the book, A Tale of Two Kingdoms, and a freelance writer for various Christian publications. Her latest work is a poem in the anthology, Grandmothers’ Necklace. The Stephen Lewis Foundation is sponsoring this book to support grandmothers in Africa who are looking after their grandchildren, orphaned by AIDS.
Heather is a member of The Word Guild, a national organization of writers, editors and speakers who share a Christian worldview. With 350 members, it provides professional development to published and aspiring writers through multiple channels, including writing contests and awards, newsletters, Internet discussion groups, manuscript critiques, workshops and conferences.
For the third year in a row, Herbie Kuhn, popular speaker and in-house announcer for the Toronto Raptors basketball team, hosted the black-tie gala. It was held at the headquarters of World Vision Canada in Mississauga, Ontario.
www.tale2k.com
Heather Kendall, a resident of Innisfil since 1997, received a national award on Wednesday, June 16, at The Awards Gala of The Word Guild. She won first place in the Article—News category of The Canadian Christian Writing Awards. Faith Today published her article, Reach Out With Good Friday Drama, in March/April 2009. In it she described the interactive play, In Search of Jesus, which New Life Fellowship Baptist Church has put on every Good Friday for the last four years.
Heather is the author of the book, A Tale of Two Kingdoms, and a freelance writer for various Christian publications. Her latest work is a poem in the anthology, Grandmothers’ Necklace. The Stephen Lewis Foundation is sponsoring this book to support grandmothers in Africa who are looking after their grandchildren, orphaned by AIDS.
Heather is a member of The Word Guild, a national organization of writers, editors and speakers who share a Christian worldview. With 350 members, it provides professional development to published and aspiring writers through multiple channels, including writing contests and awards, newsletters, Internet discussion groups, manuscript critiques, workshops and conferences.
For the third year in a row, Herbie Kuhn, popular speaker and in-house announcer for the Toronto Raptors basketball team, hosted the black-tie gala. It was held at the headquarters of World Vision Canada in Mississauga, Ontario.
www.tale2k.com
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
A Leap of Faith
Birdfeeders only feed birds, or so I thought. Apparently squirrels do not know this. Seeing how easily squirrels snatched the seed from our birdfeeder, my husband decided to move it. He hoped to outsmart them by dangling the birdfeeder on an abandoned satellite dish. Surely squirrels cannot climb a metal pole!
A few days later we saw a squirrel clinging precariously to the top of the birdfeeder. He looked very determined to feast on the forbidden sunflower seeds on the ledge below. With head down he gulped a few seeds before hurling himself to the ground. Another time a squirrel lunged onto the birdfeeder, swinging it enough to spill the seeds onto the grass below. Then the squirrel jumped down onto the grass to enjoy his ill-gotten gains.
Both of these squirrels took a chance leaping onto a swinging birdfeeder. The Bible records the story of Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, who jumped out of a boat. He walked on top of the water on the Sea of Galilee to meet Jesus. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was safe. But when he looked down, he sank.
Like the squirrels, jumping to be near food, Peter took a leap of faith to be close to Jesus. He faltered when he stopped looking at Jesus. All the other disciples never even left the boat. Are you like Peter, risking everything for Jesus? Or are you like the rest, staying safely in the boat? God expects every believer to put Jesus first and risk everything for the glory of God.
www.tale2k.com
A few days later we saw a squirrel clinging precariously to the top of the birdfeeder. He looked very determined to feast on the forbidden sunflower seeds on the ledge below. With head down he gulped a few seeds before hurling himself to the ground. Another time a squirrel lunged onto the birdfeeder, swinging it enough to spill the seeds onto the grass below. Then the squirrel jumped down onto the grass to enjoy his ill-gotten gains.
Both of these squirrels took a chance leaping onto a swinging birdfeeder. The Bible records the story of Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, who jumped out of a boat. He walked on top of the water on the Sea of Galilee to meet Jesus. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was safe. But when he looked down, he sank.
Like the squirrels, jumping to be near food, Peter took a leap of faith to be close to Jesus. He faltered when he stopped looking at Jesus. All the other disciples never even left the boat. Are you like Peter, risking everything for Jesus? Or are you like the rest, staying safely in the boat? God expects every believer to put Jesus first and risk everything for the glory of God.
www.tale2k.com
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Frolicking Squirrels
Did you know that squirrels like to play tag? When the poplar trees behind my house stand tall and barren of leaves, I can see far into the bush. One day I spied four black squirrels frolicking by jumping from thin branch to thin branch. Weighed down by the squirrels, the branches bobbed up and down in the cool spring air. Those squirrels appeared to enjoy playing with each other.
Just as squirrels take time to revel in each other’s company, God expects believers to enjoy spending time with him in prayer and Bible study. The Westminster Confession states that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. John Piper prefers to say that the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.
Let us show our enjoyment of God by praising him for sending his Son to this sin-filled earth. Let us fill our hearts with rejoicing that Jesus did not stay dead. Instead Jesus rose from the grave victorious. Now he is busy gathering a people, redeemed by his blood, to be the future residents of a new heaven and a new earth. Satan will never be able to ruin that earth the way he has this one.
These past seven months I have been suffering a constant low-grade pain in one of my eyes. Nevertheless I have joy in my heart, which sickness cannot quench. As a hymn by Luther B. Bridgers states, “There’s within my heart a melody Jesus whispers sweet and low, “Fear not, I am with thee—peace be still.” That is why I can sing the chorus: “I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart—down in my heart today.”
Just as squirrels take time to revel in each other’s company, God expects believers to enjoy spending time with him in prayer and Bible study. The Westminster Confession states that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. John Piper prefers to say that the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.
Let us show our enjoyment of God by praising him for sending his Son to this sin-filled earth. Let us fill our hearts with rejoicing that Jesus did not stay dead. Instead Jesus rose from the grave victorious. Now he is busy gathering a people, redeemed by his blood, to be the future residents of a new heaven and a new earth. Satan will never be able to ruin that earth the way he has this one.
These past seven months I have been suffering a constant low-grade pain in one of my eyes. Nevertheless I have joy in my heart, which sickness cannot quench. As a hymn by Luther B. Bridgers states, “There’s within my heart a melody Jesus whispers sweet and low, “Fear not, I am with thee—peace be still.” That is why I can sing the chorus: “I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart—down in my heart today.”
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Grandmothers' Necklace
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Grandmothers' Necklace was launched!
In her blog Hilda Young writes:
As a member of the Petawawa Grannies I attended the first two launches of Patricia Elfords anthology "Grandmothers' Necklace". It was a fun experience. More than 60 people crowded into the Rotary room at the Petawawa library to hear readings from most of the writers in Eastern Ontario who contributed to the book. It was a great beginning as many books were sold. On Monday 22nd there was another launch in Deep River at The Bean House coffee shop which was also well attended. Copies are available for purchase in Petawawa at Coates engraving 3584 Petawawa Bld 687-1064. cost $20. All profits will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign.
Copied by permission of Hilda Young from http://hildaleapsforward.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
GRANDMOTHERS' NECKLACE LAUNCH
In her blog Hilda Young writes:
WATCH FOR A LAUNCH NEAR YOU!
GRANDMOTHERS’ NECKLACE
is an anthology created in honour of grandmothers. Over 60 professional, and some gifted non-professional, writers and poets of varied backgrounds from across Canada, the United States and Ireland. Joyous and wistful, hilarious and serious, the collection is too rich to be scanned all at once. Appreciate it a few gems at a time.
Through Patricia Anne Elford, one of the Petawawa Grannies , the Editor and Compiler, ALL profits go to Grandmothers to Grandmothers, a branch of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, www.stephenlewisfoundation.org , to assist the grandmothers of Africa, aged anywhere from their 40’s to their 80’s who have lost their adult children and are raising their grandchildren, alone, under unbelievably impoverished circumstances. These children were orphaned due to the death of their parents from AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses.
GRANDMOTHERS’ NECKLACE ISBN 978-1-5542-468-6 Essence Pub., Epic imprint, 200 pp $20.00 Cdn, incl. taxes
Can be bought on-line now, in many stores later.
Copied by permission of Hilda Young from http://hildaleapsforward.blogspot.com
A note from Heather:
As one of the author’s in this book, I hope to take part in a launch very soon in the Barrie and/or Toronto area of Ontario. In the book I share my poem, "My First Grandchild."
Grandmothers' Necklace was launched!
In her blog Hilda Young writes:
As a member of the Petawawa Grannies I attended the first two launches of Patricia Elfords anthology "Grandmothers' Necklace". It was a fun experience. More than 60 people crowded into the Rotary room at the Petawawa library to hear readings from most of the writers in Eastern Ontario who contributed to the book. It was a great beginning as many books were sold. On Monday 22nd there was another launch in Deep River at The Bean House coffee shop which was also well attended. Copies are available for purchase in Petawawa at Coates engraving 3584 Petawawa Bld 687-1064. cost $20. All profits will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign.
Copied by permission of Hilda Young from http://hildaleapsforward.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
GRANDMOTHERS' NECKLACE LAUNCH
In her blog Hilda Young writes:
WATCH FOR A LAUNCH NEAR YOU!
GRANDMOTHERS’ NECKLACE
is an anthology created in honour of grandmothers. Over 60 professional, and some gifted non-professional, writers and poets of varied backgrounds from across Canada, the United States and Ireland. Joyous and wistful, hilarious and serious, the collection is too rich to be scanned all at once. Appreciate it a few gems at a time.
Through Patricia Anne Elford, one of the Petawawa Grannies , the Editor and Compiler, ALL profits go to Grandmothers to Grandmothers, a branch of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, www.stephenlewisfoundation.org , to assist the grandmothers of Africa, aged anywhere from their 40’s to their 80’s who have lost their adult children and are raising their grandchildren, alone, under unbelievably impoverished circumstances. These children were orphaned due to the death of their parents from AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses.
GRANDMOTHERS’ NECKLACE ISBN 978-1-5542-468-6 Essence Pub., Epic imprint, 200 pp $20.00 Cdn, incl. taxes
Can be bought on-line now, in many stores later.
Copied by permission of Hilda Young from http://hildaleapsforward.blogspot.com
A note from Heather:
As one of the author’s in this book, I hope to take part in a launch very soon in the Barrie and/or Toronto area of Ontario. In the book I share my poem, "My First Grandchild."
Monday, February 01, 2010
The Problem of Multiplying Snails
I never realized snails would become a terrible problem for me. It started when I wanted a plant in my 20-gallon tank. Taking a leaf from the 10-gallon tank, my husband found an identical plant at the fish store. Shortly after I had planted it, I noticed a snail.
Within a couple of weeks these creatures had infested the tank. My children insisted I needed to clean the tank thoroughly and start over with new rocks. I preferred searching for snails daily and then disposing of them. It did not work. The more I caught; the more I discovered.
When the tank began to leak, I knew I must buy a new one. If I was going to start over, I figured I should buy rocks as well. It would be silly to transport my problem from one tank to another. Instead of buying a plant, I took a clipping from the 10-gallon tank and planted it in the new tank. Why did I not do that in the first place? Perhaps God wanted me to learn an important lesson.
Thinking how quickly the snails multiplied reminded me of yeast. Every bread maker knows that given time a little yeast will work its way through the dough and make it rise. In the Bible, God uses yeast as an example of the spread of good and evil.
Jesus told a parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough” (Matthew 13:33, NIV).
Another time Jesus said, “How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:11, NIV). Then the disciples understood that Jesus was warning them about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. In the first example yeast represented the multiplication of good whereas in the latter it symbolized evil.
I doubt I shall ever forget this episode with the snails. Whenever I remember, I shall pray that my life will influence others for good and not evil.
www.tale2k.com
Within a couple of weeks these creatures had infested the tank. My children insisted I needed to clean the tank thoroughly and start over with new rocks. I preferred searching for snails daily and then disposing of them. It did not work. The more I caught; the more I discovered.
When the tank began to leak, I knew I must buy a new one. If I was going to start over, I figured I should buy rocks as well. It would be silly to transport my problem from one tank to another. Instead of buying a plant, I took a clipping from the 10-gallon tank and planted it in the new tank. Why did I not do that in the first place? Perhaps God wanted me to learn an important lesson.
Thinking how quickly the snails multiplied reminded me of yeast. Every bread maker knows that given time a little yeast will work its way through the dough and make it rise. In the Bible, God uses yeast as an example of the spread of good and evil.
Jesus told a parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough” (Matthew 13:33, NIV).
Another time Jesus said, “How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:11, NIV). Then the disciples understood that Jesus was warning them about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. In the first example yeast represented the multiplication of good whereas in the latter it symbolized evil.
I doubt I shall ever forget this episode with the snails. Whenever I remember, I shall pray that my life will influence others for good and not evil.
www.tale2k.com
Monday, November 30, 2009
A Troublesome Beaver
Hair blowing in the wind and eyes eager with anticipation, I waited as my husband carefully guided the boat to a stop at our dock. As I walked up the hill, I pondered the year-end chores needing to be done that weekend. Up on the deck I looked with horror at the poplar tree lying on the ground close to the cottage.
My husband remarked, “It’s the work of a beaver.”
“You mean a beaver climbed up a sixty-foot hill to chop down a poplar tree?” I wailed.
Two weeks later we returned to the cottage and found chew marks on two other poplars by the cottage. One was a huge tree with a diameter of approximately twelve to fifteen inches. I had no idea beavers would dare to tackle such big trees. If that particular tree had fallen toward the lake, it would have landed on top of our roof.
I never did see the beaver guilty of causing such devastation. That beaver reminded me how the effect of our works remains long after we are gone. Paul writes to the Philippians, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3, NIV).
How will people remember you after your death? How will they remember me? I hope they remember how much I loved Jesus and trusted him for my eternal salvation. I hope they remember that I walked in obedience to my Lord.
www.tale2k.com
My husband remarked, “It’s the work of a beaver.”
“You mean a beaver climbed up a sixty-foot hill to chop down a poplar tree?” I wailed.
Two weeks later we returned to the cottage and found chew marks on two other poplars by the cottage. One was a huge tree with a diameter of approximately twelve to fifteen inches. I had no idea beavers would dare to tackle such big trees. If that particular tree had fallen toward the lake, it would have landed on top of our roof.
I never did see the beaver guilty of causing such devastation. That beaver reminded me how the effect of our works remains long after we are gone. Paul writes to the Philippians, “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3, NIV).
How will people remember you after your death? How will they remember me? I hope they remember how much I loved Jesus and trusted him for my eternal salvation. I hope they remember that I walked in obedience to my Lord.
www.tale2k.com
Friday, November 06, 2009
Christian Book Expo
Over thirty Canadian Christian authors are gathering at Faith Family Books, in Scarborough, Ontario, on Friday November 20th from 7 to 9 pm.
Event: Christian Writers of Canada Expo '09
What: Festival
Start Time: Friday, November 20 at 7:00pm
End Time: Friday, November 20 at 9:00pm
Where: Faith Family Books & Gifts (45 Milner Ave., at 401 + McCowan Rd)
If you live nearby, you are invited to come out and get to know some Canadian Christian writers. The Word Guild and Maranatha News support this endeavor.
Check out this link: faithfamilybooks.ca/id11.html
See you soon!
www.tale2k.com
Event: Christian Writers of Canada Expo '09
What: Festival
Start Time: Friday, November 20 at 7:00pm
End Time: Friday, November 20 at 9:00pm
Where: Faith Family Books & Gifts (45 Milner Ave., at 401 + McCowan Rd)
If you live nearby, you are invited to come out and get to know some Canadian Christian writers. The Word Guild and Maranatha News support this endeavor.
Check out this link: faithfamilybooks.ca/id11.html
See you soon!
www.tale2k.com
Friday, October 09, 2009
The Wary Deer
Head down, my mind wandering with a myriad of thoughts, I walked slowly to my vegetable garden in the back yard. Suddenly I heard the noise of several deer running from my neighbour’s yard. A few weeks later, the same thing happened at the cottage. As soon as I opened the front door, deer scattered into the woods.
Those deer were smart. Wary of danger, they fled as quickly as possible. They were like Joseph, who fled from Potiphar’s wife, rather than give in to temptation or be caught in the sin of adultery.
Paul writes, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:18—20 NIV).
We do well to remember that God bought believers with the precious blood of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is living inside us. Let us be like those deer and flee from any sign of danger.
Those deer were smart. Wary of danger, they fled as quickly as possible. They were like Joseph, who fled from Potiphar’s wife, rather than give in to temptation or be caught in the sin of adultery.
Paul writes, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:18—20 NIV).
We do well to remember that God bought believers with the precious blood of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is living inside us. Let us be like those deer and flee from any sign of danger.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Garter Snake
Like a lot of women, I prefer to keep my distance from snakes, the farther away the better. One year this was impossible. A garter snake forced me to walk frequently a few inches from it. This particular snake had made its home underneath a large rock. I understand that is what snakes do. Unfortunately, the chosen rock was at the foot of my stairs. In order to enter or leave my cottage, I had to rest my foot on that rock. Every time I passed by the snake poked its head out and hissed at me. After awhile I began to admire that snake. It stood its ground against intruders.
God exhorts believers to be like that snake. Paul writes, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his power…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, and with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:10, 14, 15 NIV).
As believers God exhorts us to remain strong in the Lord, tenaciously holding to the truth, clinging to what is holy, ready to share the Gospel with others. Are we doing this? Are we like that snake, not willing to give up? Do we stand our ground? Instead do we find it easier to give in to deception or take the easy way out of a situation?
www.tale2k.com
God exhorts believers to be like that snake. Paul writes, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his power…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, and with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:10, 14, 15 NIV).
As believers God exhorts us to remain strong in the Lord, tenaciously holding to the truth, clinging to what is holy, ready to share the Gospel with others. Are we doing this? Are we like that snake, not willing to give up? Do we stand our ground? Instead do we find it easier to give in to deception or take the easy way out of a situation?
www.tale2k.com
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Maui Memories
When I visited Maui last month, I admired the lush vegetation and beautiful flowers. The impatiens and dusty millar were twice as high as in my garden. I even saw a 100-year-old mango tree. One particular kind of bird intrigued me, however. It looked like a dove with white-tipped wings.
This bird appeared unaware of its surroundings. Once, as my husband and I walked down the concrete pathway to our hotel room, I spotted this bird standing by the nearby wall. Although my husband stepped a few inches from this bird, it never flinched. A few days later the bird looked as if it was waiting for us by our door. It never flew away as we approached and seemed oblivious to a cat peering intently at it several feet away.
This bird reminded me of our spiritual condition before we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. The Bible says that everyone is born spiritually dead. We were born with a sin nature because of Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden. Since this is true, it does not take very long before we personally commit sin.
Just like that bird, dead people do not react. We are utterly incapable of responding to God and blind to spiritual realities. The Holy Spirit must first lovingly open our hearts to hear the Lord speak through his Word, the Bible. Only by the grace of God do spiritually dead people become alive. What a precious gift of God!
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:1, 2 NIV).
www.tale2k.com
This bird appeared unaware of its surroundings. Once, as my husband and I walked down the concrete pathway to our hotel room, I spotted this bird standing by the nearby wall. Although my husband stepped a few inches from this bird, it never flinched. A few days later the bird looked as if it was waiting for us by our door. It never flew away as we approached and seemed oblivious to a cat peering intently at it several feet away.
This bird reminded me of our spiritual condition before we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. The Bible says that everyone is born spiritually dead. We were born with a sin nature because of Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden. Since this is true, it does not take very long before we personally commit sin.
Just like that bird, dead people do not react. We are utterly incapable of responding to God and blind to spiritual realities. The Holy Spirit must first lovingly open our hearts to hear the Lord speak through his Word, the Bible. Only by the grace of God do spiritually dead people become alive. What a precious gift of God!
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:1, 2 NIV).
www.tale2k.com
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Waiting on the Lord
After scurrying across the yard, the rabbit plopped down on the driveway. Its ears stood straight and tall, listening for any sign of trouble. For more than five minutes, the rabbit sat still and did not move a muscle.
Several times I left the room and then came back to see if the rabbit was still there. It was. How unlike that rabbit most of us are! We hurry from one activity to another, never stopping to take a break. Life is a rat race, a never-ending whirl of things to do.
We need to sit down like the rabbit and listen to the Lord. The Psalmist writes, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).
If we take the time to be quiet and hear God in his Word, then we will not be caught off guard or unprepared when the trials of life besiege us. Instead we will draw our strength from the Lord.
www.tale2k.com
Several times I left the room and then came back to see if the rabbit was still there. It was. How unlike that rabbit most of us are! We hurry from one activity to another, never stopping to take a break. Life is a rat race, a never-ending whirl of things to do.
We need to sit down like the rabbit and listen to the Lord. The Psalmist writes, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).
If we take the time to be quiet and hear God in his Word, then we will not be caught off guard or unprepared when the trials of life besiege us. Instead we will draw our strength from the Lord.
www.tale2k.com
Monday, April 13, 2009
Struggling with Sin
Sometimes the changing seasons appear to engage in a tug of war with each other. Are you glad when you see a robin, the first sign of spring? Yet that robin does not necessarily mean the end of winter weather. Less than a week after I saw a robin this year, winter returned with a vengeance. Some communities in southern Ontario received the same amount of snowfall as a January storm.
I do not know how you feel, but I enjoy the opposite—a heat wave in September. It means one more chance to go canoeing or sailing before cold grips the land. In contrast, skiers rejoice when they can ski in April. Others prefer not to have to deal with shoveling more snow. Whatever your preferences, everyone must accept the fact that summer and winter do not usually end abruptly. From a human viewpoint, there is a tug of war between the seasons.
The same situation occurs spiritually. When a person is saved, he or she accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour. No longer are we legally guilty of our sins because Jesus took the punishment, which we deserve. Nevertheless the long process of sanctification begins. The new nature in Christ struggles to eradicate and replace the old sin nature. What a tug of war spiritually!
The apostle Paul lamented, “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:18, 19 NIV).
Paul struggled with sin in his life, just as we do. Thankfully, the Lord continues the painful process of sanctification in believers. He never gave up on Paul. Likewise God will never stop working to make us more like Jesus.
www.tale2k.com
I do not know how you feel, but I enjoy the opposite—a heat wave in September. It means one more chance to go canoeing or sailing before cold grips the land. In contrast, skiers rejoice when they can ski in April. Others prefer not to have to deal with shoveling more snow. Whatever your preferences, everyone must accept the fact that summer and winter do not usually end abruptly. From a human viewpoint, there is a tug of war between the seasons.
The same situation occurs spiritually. When a person is saved, he or she accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour. No longer are we legally guilty of our sins because Jesus took the punishment, which we deserve. Nevertheless the long process of sanctification begins. The new nature in Christ struggles to eradicate and replace the old sin nature. What a tug of war spiritually!
The apostle Paul lamented, “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:18, 19 NIV).
Paul struggled with sin in his life, just as we do. Thankfully, the Lord continues the painful process of sanctification in believers. He never gave up on Paul. Likewise God will never stop working to make us more like Jesus.
www.tale2k.com
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