Summer Time

Well, we had the opportunity to go see Josh Groban in concert at the MTS Centre last Sunday and all I can say is............. AWESOME!

What a fantastic show! I cannot say enough or too much.

See you again shortly.....

A Summer Thought

It is a great summer day! I LOVE THE HEAT! It is never too hot!

Here is a bit of a change for the next few weeks.
We will come back to "GOD on Mute" but I want to throw out a quote from Leonard Sweet’s book "The Gospel According to Starbucks."

The quote is:

“Our ‘God is a consuming fire,’ reads Hebrews 12:29. But our experience of fire can either be the warmth of hearth and home, or a raging inferno of destruction and death. The “consuming fire” of God can either be our heaven or our hell. When did God last consume you in comfort and warmth? When did God last consume you in destruction?” (p. 92)

Thoughts?

GOD on Mute Part 7

It is summer time as you all well know...I may not post as regular, but I will try to make it happen before every Sunday. Let’s continue looking at Grieg’s reasons for unanswered prayer, here are 5 more: But before we do….Here is a prayer of Surrender by George MacDonald.

Afresh I seek Thee, Lead me – once more I pray –
Even should it be against my will, Thy way.
Let me not feel Thee foreign any hour,
Or shrink from Thee as an estranged power.
Through doubt, through faith, through bliss, through stark dismay,
Through sunshine, wind, or snow, or fog, or shower,
Draw me to Thee who art my only day.


#11 Satanic Opposition
Some prayers aren’t answered because GOD’s will is being directly contested by the “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). Perseverance, faith and aggressive use of the Word of God become vital in winning through.

#12 Faith
Some prayers aren’t answered because we just don’t believer they will be. However, faith grows as we get to know God.

#13 Perseverance
Some prayers just haven’t been answered - yet! Whether your prayers are being resisted by mysterious spiritual forces, by stubborn people of even by God Himself, don’t give up!

#14 Sin
Some prayers aren’t answered because of areas of disobedience in our lives. Are there hidden sins we need to confess or actions we need to take in order to lend power to our prayers?

#15
Some prayers aren’t answered because of our disregard for the needs of others in our communities and in other nations too.


Thoughts about the prayer or the reasons?

GOD on Mute Part 6

I am pleased with the discussion on Part 5. I would encourage those to continue to express and explain views that appear divergent in a civil manner.

But we must continue with Grieg’s book on Chapter 8, GOD’S WILL.

So in a nutshell, Pete adds 5 more answers to the question of “why unanswered prayer?”
Are you ready....here they are:


#6 God’s Best: Some prayers aren’t answered because God has got something better for us.

#7 Motive: Some prayers (even spiritual sounding ones) aren’t answered because they are, in fact, selfishly motivated.

#8 Relationship: Some prayers aren’t answered because God Himself is a greater answer than the thing we are asking for and He wants to use our sense of need to draw us into a deeper relationship with Himself.

#9 Free Will: Some prayers aren’t answered because God will not force a person to do something that he or she does not want to do.

#10 Influence: Some of our prayers aren’t yet answered because they are working gradually and not as an impersonal mechanism of forced control.

GOD on Mute Part 5

In chapter 7 Greig expounds on 5 answers to the question of “Why Unanswered Prayer?”
Here are they broken down for you….what are your thoughts and responses?

#1 Common Sense
Some prayers aren’t answered because they are just plain stupid.

#2 Contradiction
Some prayers aren’t answered because they contradict other prayers.

#3 The Laws of Nature
Some prayers aren’t answered because they would be detrimental to the world and
the lives of others.

#4 Life is Tough
Some Prayers aren’t answered because creation is “subject to frustration” and has
not yet been fully “liberated from its bondage to decay” (Romans 8:20-21).
Tragically, life in such an environment is inevitably going to be acutely difficult
at times.

#5 Doctrine
Some prayers aren’t answered the way we think they should be because our
understanding and expectations of God are wrong.

GOD on Mute Part 4

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross describes the five stages of grief (death and dying) as follows:
1. Denial: I don’t believe it. This can’t be happening to me.
2. Anger: I don’t deserve this. GOD is not fair.
3. Bargaining: Please, GOD/doctor, if you heal me, I’ll do anything for you.
4. Depression: What’s the point? My situation is hopeless.
5. Acceptance: I need to get on and make the most of life within these limitations.

Greig goes on to comment on p. 95
“Coming to terms with God’s will may sometimes takes us through similar stages of grief. The process by which we arrive at a place of Godly acceptance often involves various emotional responses that are both messy and confusing. When you talk with people with an amazing attitude toward suffering, you invariably discover that they have not always been so joyful or brave. Even the Son of God wrestled for a protracted period before He reached the necessary place of acceptance, praying, “Your will be done.”

What are your thoughts to Greig and Kubler-Ross?

GOD on Mute Part 3

(picture is from Schindler's List)

I have to admit that so far GOD on Mute by Pete Greig is a MUST READ. I want to quote the whole book, but that I cannot do. So, here is the thought provoking quote for this week….

“Theologians refer to any systematic Christian response to the problem of suffering as “theodicy.” (literally theos dike, the justice of God). The problem to which theodicy seeks to respond is expressed succinctly in the first seven words of Christ’s prayer in Gethsemane. “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you.” In this juxtaposition of God’s love and power, we have the very heart of the problem of suffering encapsulated in a single sentence: His love means that He must surely want to end most (but not necessarily all) suffering, and His power means that He must surely be able to end it. So why doesn’t He? It’s a profoundly important question, not least because so many people have lost their faith in the face of suffering……Theodicy seeks to explain why God in His love and power allowed that tragedy to happen to a bunch of His people gathered in His name to worship. Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t just speak in an audible voice or in a dramatic dream or send an angel to visit a cynical friend for whom you’ve been praying for years? Doesn’t God care about him or her? Yes! Isn’t He ale to reveal Himself to her? Of course! Theodicy tries to make sense of such important questions.” (P.59)

What are your questions or thoughts?

GOD on Mute

GOD on Mute Part 3 coming very soon....sorry for the wait......

GOD on Mute Part 2

In his book GOD on Mute, Pete Greig spends time on “Learning to Lament (p. 82).” Grieg goes on and asks the question “Where, I wonder, is the mystery and the mess of biblical spirituality? What place is there in our happy-clappy culture for the disturbing message of books such as Ecclesiastes, Lamentations and Job?”

In our community of faith we have this thing called Refuge: a concept that there are some people who need to HIDE because the storms of life have been so vicious. They need a place where they can find safety, maybe connect with GOD on a different level or connect with a community of people who have been through it as well. I often wonder if it is in that safety where lament takes place?

Lament…..means:
To fell or express sorrow or regret for:
To mourn for or over
To feel, show, or express grief, sorrow, or regret
To mourn deeply

Greig writes “Lamenting is more than a technique for venting emotion. It is one of the fruits of a deepening spiritual life that has learned to stand naked before God without shame or pretense. In fact, long before Gethsemane, Jesus Himself has pronounced that those who mourn are blessed (See Matt. 5:4)! “Implicit in this statement,” notes Walter Brueggemann, “is that those who do not mourn will not be comforted and those who do not face the endings will not receive the beginnings.” Honest lament can express a vibrant faith; one that has learned to embrace life’s hardships as well as its joy and to lift everything – everything- to the Father in prayer. As the author Richard Foster says of the lament psalms, “They give us permission to shake our fist at God one moment and break into doxology the next.” (p. 85)

Thoughts?

New Post coming Soon

Be patient,

I am coming up with a new post on GOD on Mute!

GOD on Mute

OK….now it is time for the Book Review called God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer. The author Pete Grieg opens up his personal life and shares with us the story of his wife, Samie, who discovered she had a tumor in her brain the size of an orange. He elaborates on the surgery and the aftermath of the surgery and where GOD is in all of this. The book elaborates the struggles that we all have with prayers that appear not to be answered. Before I begin to quote from the book….allow me to ramble.

Everybody struggles with the reality of this thing called unanswered prayer. Many times we call out to GOD feeling that He has to answer and not only that He has to grant our requests and that is the only answer that we expect. To some, scripture is full of promises that if we only have enough faith or we will get whatever we ask (providing it is in GOD’s name and according to His will) we will get what we want.

Prayer is a very interesting thing. Many people pray for simple things: like a parking spot (I have before!) We pray for GOD to intervene when we are in trouble, we pray (and say thanks) when things have gone our way. But what do we do when GOD is silent?

I do E-devotionals for many people in our community and I sent one out and this was the reply;

Hey Gerry,

But what about the people starving in Indonesia or Africa? I don't understand why their basic needs, food and water are not being provided by God. Or at least that's how it appears. This is one of the things I struggle with personally. How do you deal with and understand that? I would love to hear your insights. Is it our fault because we do not give enough? or help enough? Children die there every day because the basics needs to survive aren't there. Please help me to understand this.

So this got me thinking about unanswered prayer! What about those who are believers but find themselves in the midst of pain and suffering and calling out to GOD to intervene?

Thoughts?

A Reading!

This was a reading that was done by a young teen at our worship gathering last Sunday....

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation
And the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is,
And He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated,
And never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and
The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Oprah can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness,
Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty,
Powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is
The wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days,
The ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders,
The overseer of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all
That was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you,
Try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment
In His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody,
Everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip
The father of this world.
So, if you're wondering
Why I feel so secure,
Understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control,
I am on His side, and
That means all is well
With my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

Thoughts?

What do you believe? Again!

This is cool....I think....I love it when people send me books to read and then they ask me to blog on them. The next book that we will be looking at is GOD on MUTE, by Pete Greig. But here is the problem....I began to read it, then I let someone "look" at it......they are still "looking/reading" it! But don't worry, I know where they live, and I should be getting it back real soon! Or.........................

Anyway, I just had another post in the comment section of What do you believe? I would like to draw people's eyes to "Karen's" comment and want to encourage more discussion on this post...

So, some serious questions have been asked....what are your responses?

What do you believe?

Have you ever really asked yourself that question?

I had a conversation last week with a person who was struggling with this concept simply because the people in thier world were on spiritual journeys. But, in this journey, there was no foundation and thier spirituality is based on their personal, subjective feelings on everything.

We live in a spiritual world. I say that all the time...but...yesterday was RESURRECTION SUNDAY! A huge day in our world....

This Resurrection Sunday we as a congregation recited the Apostle’s Creed at the end of the gathering.

And by my choice I picked the older version (I like the ancient stuff!)

I did not even think twice (my bad) as to what kind of ramifications that this would have on so many people. It has led me to have to teach on what I would call 'our Creed' or 'what we believe?'

And then there is that small word….we…what do ‘WE’ (a very inclusive word) really believe? What do we believe? What do we know? What if we differ? Can we say we believe? What do we study? What do we read? What shapes our values? What shapes our beliefs? What shapes our understand of GOD? What shapes our understanding of scripture? What about those who believe differently about GOD, Jesus, Holy Spirit? What about the History of Jesus? His birth, his Life, His death, His resurrection? Where is He now? What about our belief of the church? Saints? Eternal life?

The questions go on…

As a person of faith….what do we/you believe?

Ugh, I should have posted this last week!

I had the opportunity last week to catch a sneak preview of the movie “Amazing Grace.” The story is about William Wilberforce who was a young and ambitious, not too mention popular, MP in London. The film mostly covered the struggle to outlaw slavery in Britain, but also Wilberforce’s attempt to outlaw it throughout the British Empire. This movie is great at bringing history to life and the struggle of faith to the screen. To me, it is worth the watch. And I must admit it creates a stir in one’s heart, especially as a believer, to the issues of social injustice in our land. I wonder…what are our “slavery: issues today? What should believers be speaking out against and rallying for change in our government?

Frank Again...Last One.

Well, I find it interesting that in my last post regarding Frank Viola’s book “God’s Ultimate Passion” the comments are still flying. More than that, the quote I used to create dialogue was on prophecy, yet the comments found a rabbit hole and focused on environmentalism. What’s with that!!!?

Anyway, today is my last post with Frank. Some of you have asked me about the book and the author…you can check him out at www.frankviola.com

Again I quote Frank from page 277:
“If I can sum up the message of this book in a sentence it would be this: Your God is after a people who live for one purpose – His Ultimate Passion. But he is also after people who do not feel that they are special or elite in any sense. And that particular stance takes away every tool of the natural soul.”

Go back and read the comments off the positing “Frank Again....Almost done!” There is definitely a lot of passion there from both sides of the issue of environmentalism as well as prophecy. My concern is that although we can be passionate about different things and hold opposite views, why is it that people resort to ‘name calling’ when angered. Or that it is implied that we “know the truth” and all others are in the dark.

Is that what Jesus expected from His church? Or maybe this is the “natural soul” that Frank is talking about!

Meat Loaf?

" Hey Gerry, do you like meat loaf?"
What kind of question was that? Who in their right mind phones up an individual and asks them, 'do you like meat loaf?' A guy like Kevin...Now Kevin likes meat loaf but not Meat Loaf and so after a point of clarification I was asked..."Do you want to go to Meat Loaf?"

"YES! I would love to go to see Meat Loaf in concert." Well I could not say that I am a devotee, but I would not pass up the opportunity to see the guy in concert. So many memories...I was intrigued to see who was going to be at this concert. When Meat Loaf was popular in my day, those who listened to him were called "stoners," or "wankers" and they wore "lumberjack jackets" and had long unmanaged hair. Uh, memories of time past.........

So with the woman of my life and a couple of other reluctant "rockers" in tow, we went to the MTS Centre to watch "a show." Not knowing what to expect or what we will see....

What I saw was interesting....and older, much balder crowd than I anticipated. Actually, it was all the wankers from Jr. high school who are now older boomers with grand children. That was on stage.....Just Kidding....it really was the audience.

As for the show, we have to admit that technically, it was excellent. The stage set up and the talent of the musicians was fantastic. Even the lighting tech had it down to the beat. We were impressed. Without question, Meat Loaf surrounded himself with talent... really good talent...

I wonder if there was a reason for that?

I was disappointed with the fact that the video screens were so small and that there were no camera's to highlight anyone on stage. We sat far back and it was hard to see the stage, so without camera's it made it a little harsh to watch. The show was a little cheesy, but nonetheless an entertaining show. It was a typical rock n roll event. I have to admit, it was obvious that Meat Loaf's voice has seen enough rock n roll lifestyle...he was losing his pitch before the intermission. Maybe he was tired or just getting worn out, because after the intermission he spent a lot of time sitting while singing.

Interesting obsevations:

Dennis Quaid (the Rookie fame) with his entourage enjoyed the show as well...

Aspen Miller (American Idol fame) sang with Meat Loaf and did a great job!!!! Here acting needs work however.

Marion Raven opened the show with an acoustic set...she has a fantastic voice!!!

An entertaining night...but one that I left scratching my head (and I still have hair) wondering if people really got thier money's worth?

Another interesting note...why do people cheer when somebody swears?

I watch half the floor remain in thier seats at an "old fashioned" Rock and Roll concert...what's with that?

What spiritual connotations did I pick up on? A few...we still lived in a sexually charged society and that still sells music.

Sometimes...when you walk away, you have a heavy heart...........

Frank Again....Almost done!

As I am reading Frank, he finally got a hobby horse of mine. Frank begins to talk about Bible prophecy and the end-times. Allow me to quote:

“Attention young Christians: You can get ridiculously obsessed with rapture fever! I was taught, “this is important. We have to know prophecy. We must study prophecy. 90% of the Bible is prophecy. We have a duty to understand it. “ ………….But I made a discovery. All those hours that I spent pouring over Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation…trying to put the end-time puzzle together…did not help me one iota to come to know my Lord better. It was a largely academic, intellectual exercise. And a sterile one at that!” (page 262)

So, what are your thoughts about this one?

BTW, found this quote and had to laugh!

Don't tell your problems to people: eighty percent don't care; and the other twenty percent are glad you have them. (Lou Holtz)

More Frank Again....

Thanks for the responses to the books and there is a open question in the responses of the last post, and I invite you to answer it. As for this week....I quote Frank from chapter 15:

"Part of my roots are in the Charismatic movement. When I was in that movement, I was repeatedly encouraged to seek God for a 'visitation' from heaven. As a result, I harboured the illusion that if God visited our church, He was pleased with it. I later discovered that God is not looking for a place to visit. He is looking for a place to dwell."

What are your thoughts to this quote?

More Frank

As I walk through Viola's book, he comments that the Bible is "the greatest love story of all time. It is the classic romantic tale...and your Lord is an ageless romantic." He goes on and develops the story of Adam and Eve and out of Genesis 2 (it is worth the read)! I want to pick it up in Chapter 6 entitled "The Divine Frustration." At this point in the book Frank describes the love of Christ for the church and he says : "The love of Christ for His beloved Bride is like a blind love. He doesn't see any flaw in her." So here is the question: if Jesus sees us, the church, as holy and blameless according to Ephesians 5:25-27, then why do we always focus on our imperfections and flaws?