Looking Forward

This evening, New Years Eve, I am remembering last year, and also contemplating what lies ahead. The headlines in my mailbox offered by National Geographic were depressing to say the least. They believe that the virus will be with us forever, and that it will keep mutating until the whole world is vaccinated.  Basically, they were without hope. This doesn’t surprise me since the stand they would take would be void of God, His amazing creation, and the real hope He alone offers. After all, what does man know?

 As the Psalmist aptly puts it:

 Psa 8:3  When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

Psa 8:4  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

 And we are not to assume we know the future, and plan too far in advance, especially planning for something bad to happen as the news and media seem to enjoy doing!

 Pro 27:1  Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

It is certain we have absolutely no idea WHEN the pandemic will end and HOW it will end. So-called experts have been wrong about just about everything so far, and many would agree that the news is biased and is not a reliable source at all.  Personally, I believe the world cannot sustain such a dire situation that is this destructive on every level.  It will end when God says it will, not man.  This isn’t to say natural disasters and other destructive things won’t play a part. Anything can happen, but it is all in God’s hands.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 say that there is a time for everything; a beginning and an ending to each situation.  Our times and our days are ordered by the Lord.  I find that very comforting.

 Psa 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

 So where does this leave us? For me, it means to seek after and treasure the things that truly count and make a difference. I think of loving and trusting God, loving others, treating others as I want to be treated, and even better if I can manage it. It is enjoying the simpler things in life, appreciating good health, family, good friends, and some outings. It is being thankful for everything, including that I still live in a free country even though we live with some restrictions. It is putting on a happy face while in a long line up in the grocery store. It is complimenting someone who needs a hug. Etc.

 What will your New Year look like? No one can steal our goals, hopes, dreams and joy unless we let them. For me, I plan on having a wonderful new year 2022. I’m going to work at nailing it every day.

 God Bless You, dear family, friends and readers. Have a very Happy & Prosperous New Year.

 

 

God with Us

Many unexpected changes have occurred in my life just in the past few days.  Sadly, two days ago, we had to put our beloved 15-year-old cat Espresso to rest. He was a wonderful loving cat who loved to cuddle, purr, and loved his food. He was there for us as we grieved three other cats that died previously; one was his brother.  We miss him so much, as he was a very special cat that asked little and gave so much in return.

Then days before Christmas, the government set restrictions on gatherings because of Covid, and so we can no longer be with my family for Christmas dinner. It is difficult trying to rearrange plans at this late hour, and so we will spend Christmas at home alone. Christmas Eve service in our church was cancelled because of the new restrictions.

 There are many people disappointed that their Christmas is once again not what it used to be without any restrictions at all. There are other families struggling who have recently lost loved ones or pets. There are some ill in the hospital, and cannot be visited. Some patients are being transferred out of province to make room for Covid patients. Fear abounds because of the omicron variant that is much more transmissible. Many families are separated and restricted from getting together because of a vaccine mandate.

The world seems in such a mess right now like it was at the time when Jesus was born. It is spiritually dark just as it was then too. Jesus, the light of the world, coming to earth shrouded in darkness is the stark contrast that filled people back then with such hope, just as it does for us today. What is so incredible is that Jesus coming to this earth is really God wanting to be with us, and wanting to turn things around by turning us around starting with our hearts. And the fact that God the Father wants to be with us in spite of our ignorance of Him is enough to melt any hardened heart.

The world needs joy, and this is the message of Christmas. I love this familiar passage:

 Luk 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luk 2:9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Luk 2:10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luk 2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luk 2:12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luk 2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luk 2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 This passage is packed with such hope. I emphasize verse 10: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 In a world filled with fear of the unknown because of this virus, with Jesus, there is nothing to fear. This is the great hope behind the celebration of Christmas. Is Christmas just for Christians? Absolutely not. The good tidings of great joy are for ALL PEOPLE. The gift of Jesus is meant for every single person to embrace and experience freedom from sin and a new life in Christ. Jesus is behind the great joy. It’s not the gifts, the meals, the people, or anything else. Jesus is the reason for the season. Without Him, there is no real celebration. Christmas will come and go and nothing will have changed. Jesus gives us a reason to hope at Christmas and well into the future, even our promise of eternal life for all who trust in Him.

 Today is Christmas Eve, a wonderful time to contemplate the gift of God, Jesus Christ His only Son, and why He came to this earth. No one is truly alone at Christmas who welcomes Jesus into heart and home. He came for this reason, to be with us.

Mat 1:23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

No matter what your circumstances, may God be with you and fill you with His great joy this Christmas and beyond.

 

 

Tribute to an Artist Friend

This past week I was shocked and dismayed to discover an artist friend of mine, Bev, had passed away a few days before.  I knew she had been in a fight of her life for a few years, but she had been strong.  I had no idea she would pass away so suddenly.  I felt it important to share some thoughts about her life because she really had an impact on me.  In fact, what Bev did was fill a void. 

Several years ago, I was part of an artist group that brought about an artist tour, and we called it The Wave (Artists Studio Tour).  We were artists living in the Interlake area by Lake Winnipeg.  We opened up our homes or cottages and made them into art galleries.  I made part of our house into a gallery, and called it Creative Focus Gallery.  In the first year of The Wave, Bev came to my gallery.  She looked around at my art work, and introduced herself.  Then she told me that she had a gallery in the city, and asked me if I’d like to be one of her artists?  Well, of course I said yes! Who wouldn’t? 

And so, she gave me (and many other relatively unknown artists) exposure to a much larger audience in the city, and in a part of the city close to downtown, in the historical French district, St. Boniface.  My work has been displayed there and sold there for nearly twenty years, and it never cost me a dime.  Bev simply took some commission to help pay a few bills.  This week I went to the gallery and picked up what was left of my artworks.  I can’t tell you the flood of memories I had, and the deep sadness that filled my heart that day.

I thought about the one show I had there, and the artist receptions she had for each artist lucky enough to have a show (and for the duration of 3 weeks I believe).  I was invited to bring in my work whenever I wanted and as often as I wished.  Bev herself was a fabric artist.  I just looked at how she pieced together a coherent and interesting unique piece, and marveled at her talent.

But Bev did much more than give us struggling artists a place to show and sell our work, she provided a place of community and a social life.  We were welcome to come and visit her anytime.  Me and my husband considered her and her husband Robert very good friends.  She had get-togethers called Creative Coffeebreak.  Artists would come and discuss art.  Sometimes it would get pretty philosophical, but always inspirational and thought-provoking.  She always had something to eat and coffee or tea available.  One time, I met one of Bev’s co-workers from her day job, and we’ve been very good friends ever since. 

Overall, my life was touched by Bev in so many ways, I will never forget her.  I know she made a difference in so many lives, especially artists.  I was at her gallery many times, and customers would come in and stay awhile.  There was such a friendly atmosphere, no one wanted to leave.  She served many patrons through the years, and also, gave artists a tremendous opportunity to spread their wings.  I feel inspired by her life, her willingness and generosity to bring so many of us on board with her adventure of running an art gallery, and the courage to explore art itself.  I will keep her memory alive, and celebrate her life by continuing my own wonderful journey of art exploration.  I am both honored to have known Bev, and feel challenged by her life. 

Bev filled a void in the local art world, at least she certainly did that for me.  Yet, I think of another void that I have felt too often, and that is a void within my own heart.  Too often I have tried to fill it with something temporary, and it just won’t last.  For me, art alone isn’t the answer to fulfill this deep empty well found within each of us.  Wells need to be filled, and I’m ever so thankful that when I was only nineteen, that void was filled with the person of Jesus Christ, who became my Lord and Savior.  All I had to do was receive His free gift of life, love and most importantly, His uncondemning hand of forgiveness. A truer friend I’ve never known who loves someone like me who least deserves it.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

I can’t help but think there are many people right now who feel that void, and they’re looking for meaning and purpose in their life.  Art has provided that for me in so many ways, as I’m sure it did for Bev.  For you, it might be cooking, sports, movies or something else.  All these things we enjoy are wonderful, for the moment.  But true and lasting fulfillment can only come from God who loves us and has a plan for each of our lives.

I hope, that like my dear friend Bev, we have the courage to not only explore our interests, but fill a void in people’s lives if we can.  More importantly, I hope we’ll turn to the only One who fills our void and fills our cup like no one or nothing on earth is able to do.

No Need to Know Evil

Can we know too much about evil to the point we are no longer doing God, ourselves, and anyone else any good? During the pandemic it was easy to read about all kinds of conspiracy theories, although some have proven to be true. But there were some pretty extreme messages and emails I received with links online to the deep state, and the anti-Christ spirit behind all the lockdowns and Covid itself.

 Reading such dark material affected my mental health and well-being. I had to stop reading most of this stuff. That is all a part of a past that is dead and buried. I am a child of God and no longer walk in darkness. Some believers didn’t like or agree with the stand I took telling me that I should know what’s going on so I know how to pray. And yet, I don’t need to know any of that to know how to pray. God will give me the nudge to pray and the knowledge to know who and what to pray for!

Rom 8:26  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Rom 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

 And so, I thought I would check Scripture about how we should approach evil world news and evil inspired events, and God brought these verses to mind:

 Rom 16:19  For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

 I love the use of “wise” and “simple” here. Focus on God’s ways, not evil ways. For a better context, here are verses surrounding verse 19:

 Rom 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Rom 16:18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Rom 16:19  For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

Rom 16:20  And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

God will tell us what we need to know. Some might think this is ignorance and naivety, but it isn’t. It is simply bringing ALL glory to God and not looking for something satanic when clearly God is in control.

 1Pe 3:10  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

1Pe 3:11  Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

1Pe 3:12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

1Pe 3:13  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

1Pe 3:14  But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

I Peter 3:11 says to avoid evil and do good. Verse 13 says to be followers of that which is good! And verse 15 speaks of a ready heart filled with hope offered to people in dire need of our Savior. So where does this leave us as far as knowing what is going on in the world? I’m going to answer this with a story.

 When I was a clued-out teenager, I mean clued out to the ways of evil, I listened to a similar lie of the devil. The subtle lie was this: How can you reach the lost if you don’t know anything about their religion or how they believe? Ever hear that one before? Something told me not to, but I was handed a book steeped in the occult and it was based on Eastern religions. There was some truth to it, but it was twisted (earthly, sensual, devilish), and far away from the clean, unyielding and pure truth of God’s Word as He reveals Himself. I was drawn to its philosophies, took it to heart, and by doing so, I unwittingly opened myself up to Satan and his demonic messengers. Within a few months of being steeped in eastern religions (and recreational drugs), I became nervous and undone.  I had also previously delved into cult practices and read other books that delved into demon possession.  The result? I had a nervous breakdown that kept me weak, unable to work, and locked in a dark prison in my mind for months and months. Did I learn something about dabbling in dark areas I shouldn’t be? I sure did. And it was not an instantaneous delivery or recovery for me either. It happened, but it took years.

And it’s not just avoiding reading books on the occult, I think we have to be very careful what we read and listen to nowadays because everyone knows that woke, saying all the right things at the right time regardless of the truth, and misinformation, are the rule of the day. The news conglomerates seem to be promoting their own agenda.  In many ways, the news of the world seem to work against the truth of God’s Word, a Word that is meant to lead us to love, life and life eternal through Jesus Christ our dear Lord.

Actually, the Bible is GOOD NEWS cover to cover. This is what we are to be promoting! Everything to do with God is GOOD NEWS! Why aren’t we talking about Him more than the evil junk going on all around us? Yes, there’s a battle going on, but here’s a news flash! As followers and believers in Jesus Christ - WE WIN!

 Remember the story of the man that had a legion of demons, and Jesus delivered him, and the demons entered the swine? What did Jesus tell the man who was now in his right mind?

 Luke 8:39  Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

What is he publishing? The fact that he was possessed? Only to the extent that he was DELIVERED! He published the great things Jesus had done for Him. Don’t you agree that we should be doing the same?

 

The Pandemic & Divisiveness

Something that has been highlighted for me from the very beginning of this pandemic and that is the fear surrounding it.   The language of the pandemic highlights fear-words like stay safe, masks for protection, infection, numbers, daily case counts, distancing, and so on inspire fear. Inevitable loneliness has been the result among many other devastating effects because we see each other as a threat.  Mistrust comes into play as well. People repeat what they’ve been hearing and it is a whole new “fear” language. No wonder so many get vaccinated for fear of being unsafe i.e., getting sick from being around others and maybe dying.  And many of those who don’t get vaccinated do not trust the vaccine since little is known or recorded about adverse and long term, even deadly, side effects. 

 It seems as if there is a great divide between those who are vaccinated and those who are not.  I wonder what happened to “We’re in this together.”  Front line heroes who were the medical staff in hospitals and nursing homes have been asked not to return to work if they refuse to get the vaccine.  Yet, in reality, many people who chose not to get the vaccine are as healthy as can be, and have followed all the protocols that kept them infection-free for nearly two years.  What changed?

Suspicion and real hesitancy abound to the safety of the vaccine, not only for health workers who have lost their jobs, but for others who have seen and know of dangerous side effects to the vaccine.  To be fair, there are arguments on both sides.  This week’s local newspaper has a letter to the editor with a scathing rebuke to the unvaccinated for causing a shortage of beds in the hospitals, and therefore people who are sick with other issues are sent elsewhere. He failed to realize that the “anti-vax” protesting in front of the hospitals are (to the best of my knowledge) the medical staff more aware of not only the dangers of the vaccine, but are protesting it being forced on people when they have a right to not get it, just like if they don’t want to get the flu vaccine. It is proper medical protocol to give patients the right to refuse treatment especially if they are not sick!

 Who is right? Who is wrong?  It doesn’t matter.  What matters is the division it has caused.

 In our province we are constantly told in no uncertain terms that it is the south in our province that has low vaccination rates (they only make up 26% or so of our entire population). This is the Bible Belt. Every day in the news they are highlighted as the bad people for being responsible for taking up hospital beds, as if they don’t have a right to medical care.  Out of curiosity, I thought I’d check online today and see where the cases are. On the map it showed that they are far up north where (I believe) the majority of people are vaccinated, not in the south as the news states. So, what gives?

 And so, the blame game continues. Even though months ago the top doctors said they would only need 50% to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity, they kept pushing it. Then it was 60, then 70, then 80 and so on. I believe it is around 80% right now. But they say that isn’t enough because of the variants. They push for more. The government wants every single person to be vaccinated no matter what, even children. They don’t even know the long-term effects of the vaccine. Do they really know what they’re doing? And do you see a projection of fear in all these decisions? Where is God in all of this? Or is science and this so-called efficiency of the vaccine the god? Actually, I read that fully vaccinated people in the test country, Israel, at one time have been responsible for half of the Covid cases.  I read that two shots wane over a short period of time, and a third, and a fourth will be necessary, or even a lifetime.  No one knows.  Let’s pray not.

I know and have heard valid opinions on both sides, interestingly from medical and other professionals, but let’s look at the real issues that matter most— how we are treating each other. If we don’t respond to the human tragedy in all of this, then what have we become? Mud slinging is not going to bring us to the end of the pandemic. Only love for one another will bring healing and restoration no matter what course the Covid takes. We need to do the first and second commandment:

 Mar 12:29  Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord.

Mar 12:30  So love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'

Mar 12:31  The second most important commandment is this: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." God’s Word

Let’s drop the fear language, and talk God’s language of love.  What kind of love should we have for one another? One that accepts others and forgives all wrongs. One that costs something. Jesus said to all His followers:  Don’t just love your friends, love your enemies. The Father is glorified when we go out of our way to love others. He is especially glorified when we love those hard to love and those we don’t agree with, and yes, especially our enemies!

The Covid and the way it’s been handled has destroyed relationships and this affects God being glorified. Why is this so? I believe it is through us, and through fluid relationships where God can work in and through us. God can’t be glorified when we are not getting along; that is the devil’s territory and God won’t compete with or condone evil.

 Two verses in the Bible say it perfectly:

 Rom 12:9  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Rom 12:10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

God’s Word version says it this way:

 Rom 12:9  Love sincerely. Hate evil. Hold on to what is good.

Rom 12:10  Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other.

I believe this is the greatest and most important test right now. As the pandemic winds down, will we come through it more loving and forgiving with stronger relationships? That will depend on how we treat one another when we have opposing views. I pray we will examine our own hearts and make sure there are no prejudices, unforgiveness fear and/or anger towards others. May God help us all humble ourselves and always be willing to honor God and each other, and do and say the right things.

 

Climate Change or Change of Heart?

I’m sitting here outside with just a sweater and light clothes, and enjoying the sun in the early November sky...did I just say November? Yes, and it's 13 Celsius, pretty balmy for this time of year in our north part of the province of Manitoba, known for early cold winter weather.  And what is so strange is that there's not only no snow, but there hasn't been hardly any rain for many months now.  Some rejoice in this warm weather, but I am less enthusiastic. This is not necessarily good news for our future food supply.

 Without rain or snow many things in life that we take for granted are affected.  Think about it: we need water to survive.  We need it to grow every kind of food imaginable.  We need water to drink, to bathe, clean our clothes and dishes, our appliances and bathtub, wash our floors and walls, wipe spills, etc.  We need water to flush the toilet.  Water is indeed a precious commodity.  And here in the prairies, we are without rain.  We’ve seen out-of-control forest fires destroy swathes of acres in British Columbia and elsewhere.  We personally know of two houses that burned to the ground because of a lack of readily available water, even though one was right next to a creek!

 Today I was reading the local paper and saw the gravity of our situation. Manitoba is home to well over 100,000 lakes.  Yet, living right beside one of the largest freshwater lakes in the WORLD, the water table is so low, you not only have to walk out several yards to get to the water, commercial fishermen cannot get their boats out of the mud to launch their boats.

 More than a warning regarding our water shortage, I believe wholeheartedly this is a warning to get our lives right with God.  Throughout Scripture the metaphor of fruitfulness appears.  You cannot bear fruit without a constant supply of water.  No seed can grow without it either.  Spiritually, we can find ourselves in a dry wilderness, without the living water of the Holy Spirit keeping us vibrant and alive to the things of God.    I recently read Isaiah 43.  In it, God promises water and fruitfulness, what goes with being in right relationship with Him. When we fall out of step, barrenness and dryness are inevitable.

 Isaiah 43:19  Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

 Clearly God is in control of the waters:

 Isaiah 50:2  Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.

 This brings me to our current state of our land.  We desperately need water.  What can we do about it? We can try to preserve it by using less, perhaps use paper plates that can be thrown away after each meal, buy appliances and a toilet that use less water, stop running the taps so long to get hot water, etc. There are numerous things we can do to become more responsible with this precious resource.  But there is a better way, one that is life-changing and one that works.  Here it is, found in God's Word:

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

 I believe the pandemic has been a golden opportunity to get our hearts right with God and put our spiritual affairs in order.  This has been a time to spend more time with God and discover his will in this re-set. For me, my life is being turned inside-out and upside-down.  It is all changed from the direction I was heading before the lockdowns.  I noticed though, that some people seemed to ignore the opportunities, and just wanted to get their life back.  And so, I asked God, during the early part of 2020, what would happen if people fail to repent during the pandemic?  I mean the saved first and foremost, and the unsaved that the saved have been reaching.  What could possibly be next to get people's undivided attention, especially Bible-believing Christians?  The word "drought" immediately came to mind.  And this is exactly what is happening.  

Friends, this is very serious.  We can't live without water.  More importantly, we can't live without God.  I believe everything will turn around once we turn away from our own sin, and turn our hearts passionately towards God and the things of God.  He won't condone or compete with our sin. First, let’s pray for the rain of righteousness to flood our hearts and spill out to all those around us, then let’s bring the lost to Jesus.  Perhaps God will be pleased with our deep change of heart, and give us the physical rain that we also need to survive. 

 Let us choose this day whom we will serve, and stay the course of righteousness first.

 

Challenging Our Rights

Ever since the Covid shutdowns began, I have had time to ponder and to think about what all we have lost.  And one thing that keeps popping up is “rights.” I started to think about that in terms of the many freedoms many of us may have taken for granted.  For instance, how many times have we thought that it is our right to travel? And we would do it at any cost because it is our right.  Or we thought it is our right to have a good job, money, a nice car, and all that money can buy (since we worked for it). Here is one of my favorite ones:  We think it is our right to have a driver’s license.  I am reminded of what they often said at Driver Licensing, where I once worked, “Driving is a privilege, not a right.” And so are many of these “extra” things we think we deserve and have a right to enjoy.

Well, the Lord has been showing me something about rights. He has reminded me that everything could be stripped away, and then how much of my “rights” will come into play when I try to replace what I’ve lost? It won’t—rights will be completely thrown out the window, kind of like many of them are right now in this lockdown. For now, safety is more important than rights.

Have you ever wondered where this idea of human “rights” originated in the first place? Well, first of all, if you believe in God and that He created everything, you need to ask if human rights is something that God created, or is it something man-made? I believe it began with Satan and Eve. He made her think God was withholding something from her, since she did not know about evil. She only knew about good. God wanted to protect her from having knowledge of evil. But Eve believed Satan’s lie instead.  But God has always wanted us to relate to Him by faith, to trust Him, that He never lies, and He’ll always make good on His Word. There is no need to fight for human rights when you have a loving God always on your side and watching your back. So upon entering a relationship with God, we can wholly trust Him that He will hold nothing back from us. We can trust Him no matter how difficult the circumstances in life. 

 This is not so in the world. Legislating human rights has, no doubt, saved many human lives when you see the atrocities that some tyrants have unleashed on their subjects, as in Hitler and Stalin. These were murderous men that had to be stopped. Such men, to this very day, still exist in the world, and are a threat to all. So in this case, yes, human rights matter, because we need to live without the threat of someone cutting our life short. Thank goodness for the RCMP, the police, and the army, who serve to keep us safe! We must always protect children and vulnerable people from tyrants and people who wish others harm. Canadians have the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I believe that the United States Constitution talks about “inalienable rights,” as well, offering a democratic freedom, and the right to worship, work, speak, and so on without persecution. This is the whole idea of the “free” Western world, also prevalent in the United Kingdom. Let’s pray that these freedoms, so hard fought for, remain with us for some time to come, but without being abused and used for selfish or evil purposes.

As a Bible-believing Christian, I have often questioned the idea of rights to begin with. I’m not talking about human rights to protect and save us from tyrants and murderers. I’m talking about the mindset that something is “mine,” and I don’t really care how it affects you. In other words, a self-centered kind of right. And I think this is something that I’ve seen abused in our free western world. In some cases, the mindset behind women’s rights and the right to abort their unborn baby applies here. It is taken out of context because the baby is also a separate human being but has no “right” to keep its own life. I am so sorry for the babies, and the mothers that made that decision, many of them unaware of the devastating after-effects that would never go away. Forgiveness and healing are readily available, but the message to women has been based on false information, and a lack of valuable information, so that they can make informed and ethically sound decisions.

 As a Christian, are our rights something we should embrace and fight for, or even die for? Or does it fly in the face of everything the Gospel message stands for? After all, Jesus gave up His heavenly paradise to come to this earth in the most humble fashion, lose all the rights He had, and was more than entitled to. He denied Himself even to the end when He gave up His life, never mind his rights, to save a sick and dying world that He loves so much.

The following passage is talking about how we are to conduct ourselves.  In this passage, Jesus is our supreme example of giving up His rights. Would we not follow His example?

 Php 2:3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Php 2:4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Php 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 I can’t help but think that we are being tested during this exacerbating time of fighting off the Covid, and enduring the severe lockdowns. But I think it helps a great deal to read the above passage of Scripture and remember what Jesus gave up for our sakes! You’ll notice a stark difference to Jesus life compared to ours, in fact, there is NO comparison! Basically, Jesus WILLINGLY gave up EVERYTHING! In Matthew 8:20, Jesus says that He had no place to lay His head. He had no earthly possessions of any kind. He had no kingly status, He belonged to no special clubs. He had every “right” to anything He wanted because He is the great Creator of all things, the GREAT I AM, The Prince of Peace, Mighty Counsellor, El Shadai, etc.  He owns everything!  But He firmly refused it all!

Just read the temptations He went through and at his weakest moments, like when the devil offered him the kingdoms of this world, or bread to stop His hunger, Jesus refused it all and rebuked the devil instead! And on the cross, when He suffered immeasurably with no skin left on most of His body, He was alone, rejected, abused, scorned, spat on, shamed, mocked, lied to and about, and the Father had turned His back on Him, He could have called on tens of thousands of angels to save Him, but He didn’t! He thought you and I were worth the excruciating pain, the immeasurable agony, and the shedding of His own blood! His love drove Him to such lengths, and He carried out every single prophecy ever declared about Him, and it cost Him everything, and cost Him His life.

And He asks so little of us. Jesus has a cross for us to bear. It is really a test we will experience for our entire life, once we decide to follow Jesus. In fact, if we refuse to pick up our cross, we are not worthy of Him.

Mat 10:38  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Mat 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

This is such a hard passage because we all know what it means to carry a cross. It means that you have to let everything else go, including yourself, like Jesus did. What kind of baggage are you and I carrying? You can’t carry the cross, yourself, and all your beloved things at the same time. Something will give, something will fall. The load will be too heavy. Will it be you and your things that you let go of, or will it be the cross?

Such sobering thoughts for sobering times we are in. Rights or no rights, I choose to follow Jesus. Why? Because even though it seems like a hard and unpredictable way to go, it is the only way to go, and the Lord will never ever lead us astray. He will even help us carry our own cross when it becomes too heavy. Sometimes He will just take it from us for awhile until we can resume carrying it! The point is, to trust Him with all that comes our way, for He knows what He’s doing, and He is the ONLY way to everlasting life.

Mat 7:13  “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.

Mat 7:14  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. ESV

 

 

In Prison No More

We are in a severe lockdown in our part of the country. Everything is closed again. You can still shop, but after awhile even that wears thin. You go shopping and then straight home. You’re not allowed any visitors on your property, neither can you visit anyone except a single person if you are the one designated person.

And it is discouraging, especially if you’ve been following the rules.  Is there no relief or reward?  The numbers go down, and we get a brief reprieve, then they’ve gone up, and we’re locked in again.  A normal life seems so far away when the virus never seems to end its dirty evil work.  There is no doubt that these lockdowns bring great stress, duress, sadness, panic, depression, addictions, abuse, loss of jobs, family, friends, your health on every level, and even your life.  You dare not get sick and need hospital care because they’ve run out of beds, and now ship you out of province, away from your family, whom can’t visit you anyway.  In every sense of the word, it feels like we’re in a prison. 

I have asked God many times what is the purpose of this from a spiritual standpoint?  First of all, I had to discover that it was more than just being ordered to basically stay at home that has been causing me to feel “locked in,” or “caged in,” like a prisoner. I think back to other times in my life when I felt similar, that I was in a prison - would it ever end, would I ever be free?  Many of our prisons are self-made, and they are the worst kind because you have to come to terms with yourself.  The first time I can remember feeling like I was in a prison was when I was a teenager, and I became addicted to drugs.  Also, throughout most of my life, I was addicted to tobacco.  Addictions are a prison all their own - something else is directing your life. You feel you have no control over it.  I’m happy to say I was delivered from drugs and eventually from smoking.

Then there are prisons of our negative thinking and lack of faith.  I suffered with years of depression. I still don’t know the real cause of it.  I read many books on how to overcome it, I went for counselling, was offered medication that I couldn’t take, and finally, I attended a self-help group similar to AA, and I got free of the depression.  I learned to lean on God, accept and express my feelings, make things right with God and others, and even myself, and within a couple of years, armed with the right tools and knowledge I needed, I was free!  A few years later, though, after a series of unfortunate circumstances, I suffered with a severe anxiety disorder.  This led to a loss of my job, loss of health, loss of social life, loss of living (it took a huge toll on my overall health).  Many years of my life I was unable to travel or do other things because I didn’t have the money or the energy.  Anxiety, and/or nerve fatigue, takes everything out of a person.

 One of the most wonderful things I learned during these very difficult times, is that when we are weak and needy, this is when we actually cry out to God, and draw closer to God.  In our weakness He is made strong. 

 2Co 12:9  And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

2Co 12:10  Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 

 During these times of weakness, I discovered were to be the most precious times I ever spent with the Lord, learning of Him, and from Him.

But we must be ever aware of Satanic traps set for us.  Satan is our enemy, and he will viciously and constantly attack us in our thought life.  If we’re not careful and cognizant of satanic “popped in” suggestions, we can create our own prison by accepting the wrong thoughts and developing the wrong attitudes towards others and God.  This is what Satan hopes, to poison our thoughts, and disrupt and cause dissension in all our relationships.  Why? Because it is through relationships with God and one another that God reveals His lavish love for the world to see.  So, this is where Satan will most often target.  It will also create unforgiveness, and we will naturally separate and isolate from one another (sad to say, but we don’t need the government to tell us to distance ourselves).

Unforgiveness creates a prison for us regardless of what the other person has done.

Besides relationships, there are other negative thoughts the devil will try and plant in our minds, like thinking - “Will this COVID NEVER END?” The devil wants us to believe that it will never end. We may wonder, “Will my pain never go away?” or “Will my partner or my kids never change?”  “Will I be stuck in this job forever?”

 What are some other traps you can think of that leave you feeling like you are in a prison?

Well, the biggest thing that keeps us in a prison is our own sin. People think that their good works will cancel the sin, but this is not true. Our own good works will keep us in a prison of sin. I used to think that you had to be a good person all the time, and knew I could never be good enough, so I just gave up altogether and continued to live a sinful life. But my sins caught up with me, and I found myself in a worst prison than I could ever have imagined. I had a nervous breakdown to boot. I had run out of all my own resources, and medicine didn’t help. I was desperate, and so I cried out to God. He did hear me, and He did save me in a miraculous way. He forgave me and took my heavy weight of sin, healed me, and filled me with His unshakeable peace. I was never the same again, and nor would I ever want to go back to the life of slavery to sin.

What is the answer for being in a prison? There is only one answer, and that is Jesus. Take a look at this:

Luk 4:18  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luk 4:19  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

I love the part, “to preach deliverance to the captives.” Who are the captives? You and I! We are captive by our own sin.

And I love this verse also,

2Co 3:17  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

What does this mean? It means that when you feel or sense an oppressive sprit, that is not God! You can rebuke that spirit and know that God’s spirit gives you immeasurable freedom (in line with all that is righteous and all that He approves of).

There’s more:

Joh 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

So even though the messages of the world and ungodly people may try to make you a slave to what they want, Jesus always has complete authority. They are only allowed to go so far, and then no more.

And I love these verses. I quote it (I John 4:4) often when I feel that I’m under any kind of attack:

1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1Jn 5:5  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

 If you feel that you are in a prison for any reason, I hope you can take to heart, and know that nothing is too great for our God. Reach out to Him with a simple prayer, and He will hear and answer, and He’ll lift your heavy burden, whatever it might be.

You might like to read about the life of the Apostle Paul, who spent several years in prison and continued to rejoice in His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  And we can do the same. Praise and thankfulness bring deliverance, because our God of the Hebrew Bible and of all creation, is worthy, and He is the only one who can set us free. No man, no nation, no government, or vaccine can do that! Only Jesus can!  So, take heart, as I am, that no matter what kind of government regulations are handed down because of Covid, or any other thing, nothing will be able to steal our real freedom, which is in Jesus Christ our Lord!

Joh 8:36  If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.