Darryl refers to a story told by Scott Sauls, pastor at Redeemer, that is good reminder.
------------------------------------
A
couple in a church lived together out of wedlock, and slept around on
each other. They called their pastor and said, "We'd like to come in
for some relationship counseling."
The pastor prepared his
speech. He was ready to read them the riot act about their immoral
behavior. He was going to tell them how they are using one another
without committing to each other, how they're impure because they're
sleeping around. No wonder they had relationship problems.
They
came in. The woman was dressed in a miniskirt, and sat down right in
front of him. As soon as the couple looked away, the pastor's eyes
began to wander.
The pastor said later, "It was at that moment that I realized that there is not a dime's difference between me and them."
The
more we get to know ourselves, the harder it is to look down on others.
There's not as much difference as we'd like to think. We need grace.
Steve's family has decided that the service will be next Saturday (October 18) at 2:00 PM at the Oak Park Church of Christ. I hope you are able to come!
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
We received word today that Steve Rehn was killed last week in an accident in Northern Nigeria. Steve has been chasing his grand dream of cycling across Africa. He went to Africa at the end of June to teach at a conference on Literacy of West Africa. After that he's been riding since the beginning of August and has crossed much of West Africa. You can read about some of his more recent adventures at his blog here.
Steve's caring heart and zest for life and action made him instantly likable! He and I connected well right from the start. Over the past couple of years he became a good friend and a prayer and accountability partner. I don't recall any times that ended our time together without prayer. He opened his heart to me several times and for that I am so grateful and honored. I'm only realizing today just how inspirational his desire for godliness and spreading God's love abroad is to me.
The wake of his life is large, fun, and full of faith, hope and love. Along with his close family and so many friends I grieve the loss of one of the best men I've known.
Please pray for his family.
Check outthis page for the announcement by his brother Dave.
Just finished off my speaking duties at the CCCC Annual Conference. I really enjoyed it and had fun ministering with Mike.
One thing I tried at this conference was to speak for no longer than 30 minutes and I think my internal clock is getting more accurate - I was 28, 29 and 26 minutes!
I left feeling quite encouraged by the hundreds of Canadian ministries that were represented - so much great work is being done across the country! Made some neat connections with a few other people who have India, Saskatchewan Roughriders and Yellokknife and my Uncle Dave in common.
We had a full week last week with Mareesa's (3rd) and Sydney's (6th) birthdays! Rebecca always does such a great job of making their birthdays special!
Yesterday we hosted our annual Ministry Fair at Oak Park which is also a nice break from me having to speak. The sanctuary setup was awesome and people engaged so well in the morning. We also announced our new communications plan for the congregation which includes making regular use of www.mypark.ca and ditching the weekly bulletin. I'm thankful for the saved costs and trees!
Last night Rebecca joined her sister at a concert/presentation by Carol Burnett which she loved!
This week I'm speaking three times at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. I'll be talking about "Life's Remains: Faith, Hope and Love." Which should be a fun time! My friends Mike, Malcolm and Shawn will be leading the worship before each talk - I'm looking forward to that. On the weekend I'll be doing a wedding so this week will be fly by!
I know of no better people than Bernard and Carole Straker.
In 1994 my wife and I made a long journey to the remote
city of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to begin our ministry with a small
congregation there. We knew very little about marriage, ministry or living North
of 60. There were so many “firsts.”
I have no doubt that we would not have survived nor thrived during
our time in Yellowknife if not for the warm welcome of people like Bernard and
Carole Straker. We were immediately embraced, “taken in” and made to feel like
we belonged. Bernard and Carole were the founders of the church, they were
related to almost all the members and their support and blessing made our ministry
possible and enjoyable. They wanted us to succeed and they leverage their
influence to make it so. Just as importantly, they provided us with a sense of friendship
and family. On many lonely evenings in a new city, miles away from home, we
would “drop by” and spend the evening together playing guitar, Train to Mexico,
or Sequence. We shared countless meals together. They were the first guests to
come and visit us in our first home. Although separated by almost two
generations we were not made to feel like “young people,” we were treated as
good friends.
I quickly realized that Carole and Bernard loved others in
an honest and authentic way that is rare, and so wonderful.All kinds of people from all stations and
status of life were made to feel welcome and important in their presence. Their lifestyle was marked by a genuine interest in others, a gentle kindness and an eagerness to serve. As a result, their 52 year marriage was
filled with great friendships, a deep sense of making a difference, and a
lot of joy.
Carole’s love for others was only surpassed by her love for
her family. She was the Matriarch. Her family meant everything to her. She was
deeply involved in the lives of all of her children and grandchildren.
Always aware of their happenings, praying and worrying on their behalf. She remains
a constant figure of faith and love in each of their lives.
Carole believed strongly.Faith, prayer and Scripture were deeply important to her. I recall many instances when her life (or the
life her family) was not turning out as she desired or expected. In each
situation Carole threw herself in the direction of God, depending on Him,
trusting His direction and hoping for change. I’ve watched Carole in countless
church services acknowledging the goodness of God and giving Him glory for all
the good in her life. I can still hear her strong alto voice and see the
intensity with which she sang the words. It seems to me that she would be
the first to admit that her significant role in so many lives was the result of
God at work in her and through her. Carole was human. Her legacy is not one of perfection but of
one who lived her faith authentically and intentionally and the result is that she
shone brightly with God’s beauty. She would not only want us to be thankful for
her life.She would want us to thank God
for her life. She would want us to not just admire her example, she would want
us to admire the God who was the Foundation, Strength and Leader of her life.
At the conclusion of her Memorial Service I joined with hundreds of others in a standing ovation. We acknowledged that her life made our world fuller, richer and more meaningful. Her faith, hope and love remain. She lived life well and because she will be there, my desire for the next life is even
greater.
Ash Wednesday's physical reminder of dust (came from it, am it, will return to it) grows more meaningful the older I get. It is even more poignant today as our son Nathan would have been ten years old if he lived. The whole idea of dying so that we can live is a mystery to me but it's one that I am choosing to walk into again this Lent. Walking into pain and sacrifice with my eyes open has given me my best glimpses of hope and Life.
I've written about Nathan on this site a few times over the years. Here, here, here, here
My kids and I are loving the wii that Santa stood in line at Walmart at midnight to get for us. Aiden and I will turn pro in tennis sometime soon.
I've found some new stuff from my two favorite singer/songwriters: Check out Pierce Pettis video footage here. Hilarious how he rambles between songs (perhaps that the price we have to pay to hear his profound lyrics). Matt Goud is about release his first solo effort this month! I'm keen to get it - you should too!
I'm teaching Restoration Movement History at ABC this semester. That will be a learning curve for all involved! 19th Century Reformation for 3/5 hours each Wednesday afternoon - how will we all stay awake? I'm kidding, it will be awesome...
I've been using picnik for some photo editing - and enjoying it.
Last month I pulled my guitar out of hibernation and discovered that deep in my soul there is a place that cannot get rid of old folk music. As a great sign of maturity (getting old) I'm not fighting it. Instead I'm listening to Gordon Lightfoot and strumming and humming along to John Denver tunes. Don't laugh.
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