Friday, March 27, 2009

Ribbit heard…NOT

Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs…. who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants….

The race began….

Honestly: No one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.


You heard statements such as:
‘Oh, WAY too difficult!!’ ‘They will NEVER make it to the top.’

or: ‘Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!’
So the tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one….

Except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher..

The crowd continued to yell, ‘It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!’

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up….

But ONE continued higher and higher and higher…. This one wouldn’t give up!

At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it?

A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal?

It turned out…. That the winner was DEAF!!!!

The wisdom of this story is: Never listen to other people’s tendencies to be negative or pessimistic…. because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you — the ones you have in your heart!

Always think of the power words have. (There’s life and death in the power of the tongue - Proverbs 18:21.)

Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions!

Therefore: ALWAYS be…. POSITIVE!

And above all: Be DEAF when people tell YOU that you cannot fulfill your
dreams!
Always think: God and I can do this!

Posted by Carolin Sadler at 18:08:44 | Permalink | No Comments »

Monday, March 23, 2009

Yopps heard: Sierra Noble

For the past several years, Sierra Noble has been actively involved in global issues related to war, the indiscriminate use of land mines, and their devastating effect on those people– especially children — living in war-torn regions of the world.

Her journey began, when ten-year-old Sierra saw a land mine display for the first time. It was a haunting moment and one that she would never forget. Although she didn’t think she could accomplish anything because she was young, two special people from her hometown Winnipeg,- Meredith Daun and Darryl Toews – thought otherwise. They convinced Sierra that she could make a difference, and that she could take a stand against land mines and help make the world a better place.

So WAS she able to do something? YOU BET! When she was only 12 she started traveling extensively throughout Canada, North America and Europe and in August, 2004 she represented Canada at the Ban Land mines International Children’s Conference in Japan. As she speaks she reminds us that as Gandhi said, “You must be the change that you wish to see in the World.” In other words “As ‘messed up’ as the world may seem, there’s always hope to change it.”

She’s a talented fiddler who focuses on the traditional Metis style of music, but also plays Cajun, Celtic, country and other styles with ease. She uses her gift to help fund raise to bring awareness of the danger of land mines and its effect on the children in the world. Her music has become a cata-lyst for change, a means to raise consciousness among people everywhere and a unique young “voice” that reaches out into the minds and hearts of all of us – regardless of where we live, regardless of who we are.

Presently, Sierra sits on the Advisory Committee as the Youth Representative of the University of Winnipeg, Global College and Dialogue Centre and is working with Dr. Lloyd Axworthy and other young representatives from around the World.

www.sierranoble.ca

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Stand on Guard

Do you know that a lot of people in Canada have been hearing from God that it is important to ‘wake up’ and “Stand on Guard”? What does it mean to “Stand on Guard”. Have we been asleep? Hmmm

Long ago walls were built around a city to protect it. Even with walls, guards were in place on the walls. Each guard would have an assigned position , and had to be alert and keep his eyes open at all times. Guards are also sometimes called watchmen. If a watchman sees danger and doesn’t sound the alarm and people get hurt or killed it is his fault. His job is to warn and tell what he sees.

In the Bible God spoke to Ezekiel and give him a message:
Look up Ezekiel 33: 1-7

You Are the Watchman
God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, speak to your people. Tell them, ‘If I bring war on this land and the people take one of their citizens and make him their watchman, and if the watchman sees war coming and blows the trumpet, warning the people, then if anyone hears the sound of the trumpet and ignores it and war comes and takes him off, it’s his own fault. He heard the alarm, he ignored it—it’s his own fault. If he had listened, he would have saved his life.

“‘But if the watchman sees war coming and doesn’t blow the trumpet, warning the people, and war comes and takes anyone off, I’ll hold the watchman responsible for the bloodshed of any unwarned sinner.’

“You, son of man, are the watchman. I’ve made you a watchman for Israel. The minute you hear a message from me, warn them. If I say to the wicked, ‘Wicked man, wicked woman, you’re on the fast track to death!’ and you don’t speak up and warn the wicked to change their ways, the wicked will die unwarned in their sins and I’ll hold you responsible for their bloodshed. But if you warn the wicked to change their ways and they don’t do it, they’ll die in their sins well-warned and at least you will have saved your own life.

WOW That is a powerful message isn’t it!. YOU are a watchman Ezekiel!

Does God only call special people to be alert and watch? Take a look at this verse. It wasn’t addressed to just one person but to all of us.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

God calls people of ALL ages to STAND ON GUARD! What kind of things can you as kids stand on guard for? An easy one is one that many of you see on the way to school each day. The crossing guard. In many schools kids act as the crossing guards. What do they do? They keep an eye out for cars so that the children going to school don’t get hit. Right? It wouldn’t be so good it they were playing and fooling around and someone got hurt now would it.. O.K. now lets take it to a bigger picture our country.

In Canada in our national Anthem we sing…

O Canada from far and wide we stand on guard for thee.
God kep our land glorious and free.


That is a prayer right in the middle of our anthem with a promise that we will stand on guard for our nation. Have you ever really noticed that?
That includes having border guards at our borders to make sure terrorists don’t come in. It includes security guards at our airports. But it also includes guards at old people’s homes to watch over them that they don’t go out of the building when they are confused and get lost. Can you think of some others?

There are other things that you can stand on guard for as kids while at school or at home. Standing on guard is not only to protect us physically but also morally to stand up for what is right. God is very concerned about many of the things that go on in our world today. He needs people that are willing to listen to His heart and speak out for Him. To stand on guard for what is true, what is right and pure and holy. I think we have been asleep as a nation because so many things in our country have come in that do not bring joy to God’s heart.

Think about it
What do you think? That is a whole other way of looking at “Stand on Guard” isn’t it.

- Can you think of some places that need guards or watchmen to speak out?

-Now ask God how or where He would like you to “Stand on Guard”.

ACTION:

While this is Canada’s anthem, because there are SO many people from so many nations living in Canada I would like to share the thoughts in that song with you wherever you are and invite you to sing along and pray for your nation as well as for Canada.

O CANADA

O Canada! Our home and native land
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise
The true north, strong and free
From far and wide, O Canada
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Terre de nos aieux
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l’épée
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brilliants exploix.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Posted by Carolin Sadler at 15:13:10 | Permalink | No Comments »

Monday, March 9, 2009

John 3:16

By Amy Holland

Jesus told the disciples to preach the gospel throughout the earth. It’s always neat to meet people who are doing just that. This fall, I spent three months in Ecuador and had the opportunity to be apart of the missionary community there. Can you find it on this map here? Right, the yellow country on the left. This is in the continent of South America.

My purpose in going to Ecuador was to teach English in a local elementary school in a tiny town called Shell.

SOME OF THE CHILDREN IN MY CLASS

I would like to provide you with some background information, since most people have never heard of Shell. What puts Shell on the map, besides the gas company for which it is named, is its connection to Nate Saint. Many people are familiar with the story of Operation Auca, the story of several missionary pilots (Jim Elliot among them) who flew deep into the jungle to preach the gospel to the Auca tribe in the 1950s. At the beginning, their message was not received and Jim Elliot and Nate Saint, among others, were martyred. Over time however, many of the people in the tribe believed the message of God’s love for them, repented and today a large number of the people in Ecuador are Christians.Now half a century after Operation Auca, I found myself living only miles away from Jim Elliot and Nate Saint’s old house, surrounded by the missionary efforts that THEY started and are still continuing today!

As I began my missionary experience in the Ecuadorian schools I found it was challenging. There were tears, much frustration, and the realization that I had bitten off far more than I could chew. I didn’t speak the language, the food was different, the customs were different, I got lost, and had a hard time keeping the kids in my class focused. Just imagine yourself being in a spot like that.

One source of constant strength was the fellow missionaries. They understood the culture shock I was experiencing, the language barrier, the climate change, and best of all, they understood where I was coming from – NORTH AMERICA. Often they would ask how things were going at the school and remind me they were praying for me. One lady even had me over for Thanksgiving.

Even though it can be hard Jesus instructed us to share the gospel throughout the world.

Do you remember a Bible verse that says that?

So, I knew that Jesus was with me and helped me. He loves the word so much that He gave His Son so that the WHOLE world could know of His love. HE left Heaven to come down to meet with us and to show us Gods’ love and die for us. Talk about culture shock. So he understands, and will help us share the greatest story ever told!

LOOK UP: Mathew 28:18- 20

What does it say? Think of a creative way that that you can share Jesus’ love to your part of the world today. Ask God to give you His heart for the people around you. It was His love for the world that brought Him to earth! Wouldn’t it be good if all the Children of the world knew that Jesus loved them?

Jesus Loves Me
This I know

For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are week but He is strong
Yes Jesus Loves Me
the Bible tells me so.

The Bible society is an organization that helps kids that are hurting in their health rehabilitation centers . There they also tell bible stories and give out bibles to the people that come.
Check out www.biblesociety.ca

Posted by Carolin Sadler at 17:31:17 | Permalink | No Comments »

Monday, March 2, 2009

The Glory of the Nations: Japan

Did you know that every nation on earth has something that is unique and special? Just as every person is unique and special so are nations. They are not all the same, and they don’t do things the same. I’m sure you have realized that as you study Social Studies. When you watched Matt dance all over the world on the January 1st blog entry, you saw some of these differences. (If you haven’t seen it go back into the archives and check it out)

Each nation also carries a piece of the puzzle in God’s kingdom as well. It seems that Korea has a piece of prayer, so much so that there are prayer mountains ALL OVER South Korea. In Australia a lot of our praise and worship songs come from there. France has the gift of passion, and England has had many of the word’s best Bible teachers. BUT is one more important than the other? No. They are all part of the Kingdom. Each is a different living stone that is building up God’s kingdom on earth.

So, I thought it would be neat to ask different people that live in different nations what is special about their nation. In the book of Revelations it says that the glory and honor of the nations will be brought into the the New Jerusalem ( Rev. 21:26) The first place that we will look at is Japan.

What is Japan’s glory? What will they bring to the Father’s throne at the end of time? It’s hard to guess what it might be; only God the Father knows for sure. There are many things it might be for Japan: their loyalty to friends and family, their kindness and consideration of others, or their responsible way of caring for the material things they have been given (a lesson in stewardship, to be sure), to name a few. Still, for me, what I love most about Japan is nature.

God has created some truly beautiful places in this world, and Japan is filled with beauty. Not only that, but many Japanese people have an enthusiasm to see and experience beauty which is truly unique. I am from Canada, which is a beautiful place, but I didn’t realize that it’s famous for its beauty until I came to Japan and had countless people tell me they are jealous of me, because I have seen such beautiful nature in Canada. Many of my Japanese friends have crossed the ocean (or want to), just to see the beauty of God’s creation in Canada. It is beautiful to see people who enjoy nature’s beauty so much. I think that makes God smile.


people gathering to see the fall colors

Here in Japan, festival after festival celebrates the beauty of creation. There’s a festival for spring, when millions rush to see and smell the freshly blooming cherry blossoms. There’s a festival for fall, when crowds pack together to walk under brightly lit red, orange, and yellow leaves. There are thousands who wake at midnight to climb Mount Fuji and watch a 4 am sunrise, excited to soak in its beauty, not stopped by the
ridiculously early wakeup call

It’s hard to describe all of the beautiful places, so I’ve included some pictures to let you see it for yourself. I think you’ll agree with me that God has truly placed His fingerprints on the scenery of this nation. He has also placed an appreciation for that beauty in the hearts of this people. When they come to the throne, I believe Japanese people will fill heaven’s air with shouts of, “Sugoi! Kirei!” (Wow! So beautiful!)

My prayer is that their celebration of creation will change to a celebration of praise to our Creator. That would be an even greater glory to bring to His throne.

Stephanie McIntyre



Posted by Carolin Sadler at 17:12:42 | Permalink | No Comments »

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Yopps Heard: Aiden

Compassion knows no age

Helping the homeless stay clean

Aidan Robillard hasn’t heard of Hannah Taylor yet, but he’s bound to meet her if he keeps up his work on behalf of the homeless.

The bubbly, five-year-old Winnipegger donated more than 120 toothbrushes, 105 tubes of toothpaste and dozens of bars of soap to Siloam Mission on Tuesday, becoming possibly the youngest person to donate to the downtown Christian humanitarian agency.

He got the idea about six weeks ago after his mom, Jodi, dropped off some extra blankets at Siloam Mission. He asked why they were giving away blankets and who was getting them, and the conversation progressed to a discussion of how some people aren’t fortunate enough to live in a home.

“We got to talking about some of the things he has and others don’t and he was quite surprised to hear some people didn’t have toothbrushes and toothpaste. A half-hour later, he came out of his room with his piggy bank and asked if we could go buy some for the people that didn’t have any,” Jodi said.

It wasn’t long before his quest branched out to others — his grandparents, the other kids at Rainbow Day Nursery and members of his mom’s singing group, the Women of Note Choir.

His 16 classmates even took a field trip to a dollar store and spent a toonie each on various items of dental hygiene for Aidan’s collection. (Many of them were adorned with paper cut-out calling cards.) He handed over his haul to Siloam in a trio of boxes, one of which he painted himself and adorned with stickers from the animated movie Cars.

Aidan is the same age Taylor was when the now 12-year-old first saw a homeless man digging through a dumpster in downtown Winnipeg. Since then, her Ladybug Foundation has raised more than $1 million for the homeless.

“If you don’t brush your teeth, your teeth will get brown and they can fall out. Then you can’t eat and you have to suck baby food,” Aidan said, while his eight-month-old sister, Mackenzie, looked on from her car seat.

By: Geoff Kirbyson, Winnipeg Free Press

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Friday, February 20, 2009

What do you feed?

Two wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all.

One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

The Other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

The Old Cherokee simply replied, “the one you feed.”

A man by the name of Chuck Pierce sent out a weeks worth of prayer ideas today. The title was “7 days to change your brain.” Hmmm interesting. Below is an adapted version for you to follow.

Day 1: Read, meditate on, and memorize Isaiah 26:3-5:

“People with their minds set on you, (GOD) you keep completely whole and steady on their feet because they keep at it and don’t quit.” (The Message)

Do you have a hard time staying focused? Is there one area in your life that is keeping you from becoming whole? (being at peace and whole is the same thing) Is there an area you really struggle with, like in the bad wolf?

Day 2: Read, Philippians 4:4-9:

“Rejoice in union with the Lord always! I will say it again: rejoice! Let everyone see how reasonable and gentle you are. The Lord is near! Don’t worry about anything; on the contrary, make your requests known to God by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. Then God’s shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua.

“In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy. Keep doing what you have learned and received from me, what you have heard and seen me doing; then the God who gives shalom will be with you.” (Complete Jewish Bible)

Are you full of joy? Do you show the fruit of gentleness? Do you feel God’s nearness? Are you Thankful?

Write out the scripture above either as it is written there or from your own Bible and tack it in a place so that you will see it first thing in the morning when you wake up as a reminder. In a little while you will have it memorized too.

Day 3: Read, meditate on and memorize Joshua 1:7-9:

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is My command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (New Living Translation)

Do you live in a way that brings joy to God’s heart? Do you feel like you are on track right now or are there things you need to stop doing or start to do?

Day 4: Read, meditate on and memorize Psalm 1:1-3:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. (New King James Version)

Who are your best buddies? Who or what influences you the most? Are you allowing your mind to go back to things that God has spoken to you from the Bible during the day?

Day 5: Read, meditate on and memorize Proverbs 3:1-10 (Amplified Bible):

“MY son/daughter, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of a life (worth living) and peace (inward and outward and continuing through old age till death), these shall they add to you. Let not mercy and kindness (shutting out all hatred and selfishness) and truth (shutting out all deliberate lies) forsake you;

“So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight of God and man.”

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn (entirely) away from evil.”

Do you rely on your own way of thinking or do you wait for the Lord to show you the ONE THING that will change everything?

Day 6: Read, meditate on and memorize Psalm 27:1, 3, 14:

“The LORD is my light and the one who saves me. I fear no one. The LORD protects my life…I am afraid of no one. If an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. If war breaks out, I will trust the LORD.” (New Century Version)

“Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.” (Amplified Bible)

What is the number one fear in your life? Do you feel more hope and faith when you read your Bible? Are you expecting and trusting the Lord help you with your fear and see a way out and new way of thinking?

Day 7: Read, meditate on and memorize Romans 12:1-2:

“I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of (all) the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies (presenting all your members and faculties) as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs), but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in His sight for you).” (Amplified Bible)

Do you have a part of your body that refuses to submit and become holy? For example Do you have a hard time pulling your eyes away from a T.V. program that is violent and not something you would watch if Jesus sat beside you? It this program shaping the way you think? What are some other examples? Make a descision today to present your body totally to the Lord.

Posted by Carolin Sadler at 16:51:26 | Permalink | No Comments »

Monday, February 16, 2009

Louis Riel Day

Today we have a holiday in Manitoba where I live. It is called “Louis Riel” day.
Louis Riel was born at St Boniface in Winnipeg on October 22nd 1844

When Louis was a young boy he was a very sensitive caring young boy with a passionate spirit and zero tolerance for bullying. “noting irritated him as much as an abuse of strength against the week” one of his friends commented.

He also spent much time in prayer and fasting and in his journal wrote: ‘fasting and prayer are the two great keys to success in time and eternity…nothing can resist fasting when it is done with humility, and sincerity. Fasting opens prisons and releases the most hardened criminals…three or four days of fasting can accomplish more than an army on a field of battle.”

He stood up for the rights of the Metis and woke up the sleepy nation of Canada at that time. He also championed the French and Indian people during a time of hunger because of poor crops. He successfully forced Prime Minister Macdonald to recognize Metis land rights and to accept Manitoba into Confederation as a full province. On May 12 1870 the Manitoba act was passed based on the Metis ‘list of rights’ by the Canadian Government.

At church Louis sometimes was overcome with weeping and deep sadness and sometimes with intense joy. He tired to hold it in but said “my pain is sometimes as great as my joy” as he prayed for the things God placed on his heart. He said. “My life belongs to God. Let Him do with it as He wishes.

However as time went on not all believed in his cause. The English who had a large vested interest in the province saw things differently and when one of their members, Scott was executed, Louis was forced to flee as he had not stood up to prevent the execution. He was on the run for 15 years but at the request of the French, Indian.and Metis peoples came back.

When he came back he was arrested by the English as a traitor and after a few months hanged.
Before he died he wrote this in his diary “ Jesus, author of life! Sustain us in all the battles of this life and on our last day, give us eternal life. Jesus give me your grace to really know your beauty! Grant me the grace to really love you. Jesus, grant me the grace to know how beautiful you are.

Thus lived and died a man whom we acknowledge today as the founder of the Province of Manitoba and defender of the rights of the Métis and of French Canadians

If you want to read more on the biography of Louis Riel go to
http://www.shsb.mb.ca/Riel/indexenglish.htm

  • What does Louis say is a key to success?
  • What unlocks prison doors? Is there a story in the Bible that would agree with that? (look up Acts 12)
  • Do you know someone else who wept over a city? Check out Luke 13:34
  • Is there a way that you can stand up for what is right today? Is someone in your class at school or home being bullied or picked on? Ask Jesus to open your eyes to injustice and then ask Him what he would have you do. When He does, DO IT and ACT.

Have you come to a place in your walk with Jesus where you can say:

My life belongs to God. Let Him do with it as He wishes”?

If not would you like to?
Just pray and tell Jesus something like this:

“Lord I really want to make a difference for you in the world today. Today I give my life to you and ask you to lead me to what ever you have placed me on earth to to for you. I want to be totally obedient to you from this day on. As You only did what you saw the Father do, I want to do only the kind of things you do. Let me feel the pain you feel for a lost world and help me make a difference no matter what” Amen


Let us join in the Prayer that Louis penned this week:


Jesus, author of life! Keep us strong in all the troubles we face in this life and on our last day, give us eternal life. Jesus give me your grace to really know your beauty today! Grant me the grace to really love you. Jesus, grant me the grace to know how beautiful you are.

* Quotes taken from the book “Stand On Guard” By Fayteene Kryskow

Posted by Carolin Sadler at 14:47:24 | Permalink | No Comments »

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Almond tree challenge

The Almond Tree Challenge–God is Asking: “WHAT DO YOU SEE?”

What Do You See?

I have a question for you today–I believe it’s a question God is asking you. God actually asked Jeremiah this same question I am going to ask you. Ready?

First, a little background. Remember that at the beginning of Jeremiah’s ministry, he didn’t exactly have a great established ministry. I mean, he wasn’t running around Israel speaking at big conferences and doing seminars. He was a kid, really. Well, a teenager, anyway.

When God first talked to Jeremiah about his calling to preach, He said, “Jeremiah, you know I called you before you were born and ordained you to be a prophet to the nations.” Well, Jeremiah freaked out. He heard this before–after all, his dad was a preacher. But, you know, in your mind it’s always, “Sometime down the road, when I am more mature.”

Jeremiah answered the Lord and said, “You’ve got to be kidding. I’m just a kid, don’t ask me. I can’t do anything.” Now, I know this is the Walters Translation, but go read it–that’s what it says. If you want the King James Version, Jeremiah said, “Then said I, ‘Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child’” (Jeremiah 1:6). But, you know people didn’t speak in King James English then, just like we don’t do that today.

God ignored Jeremiah’s vision of himself as a useless kid. He said, “Don’t say that, because I have put My word in your mouth.” Then God gave him a pretty heavy-duty commission right there. Did He say, “Now, Jeremiah, go off to Bible school and study hard. One day you will mature enough to qualify to be used in the ministry”? No, no! Out of the blue, God said to the teenager, “Oh yes, I’ve called you to go to the nations; in fact, I’ve set you OVER nations and OVER kingdoms” (kingdoms usually include several or many countries). “You can pull down and uproot stuff and all kinds of powerful things.” He told Jeremiah not to be afraid of their faces; He said, “I’ll be there for you.” When it says the face (or eyes) are a mirror of the soul, let me tell you, it really is.

Without even stopping to ask if Jeremiah was okay about it all, God suddenly said, “Well, what do you see, Jeremiah?” Jeremiah’s dad was a priest, so he was used to God stuff–but not at that moment. God said, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” Jeremiah had to get into faith, quick. That is, you have to see by faith. Young Jeremiah had a vision, “I see a rod of an almond tree.”

Aaron’s rod was made from the branch of an almond tree, and in Hebrew it means “an awakening one.” Jeremiah was seeing his destiny in his faith (but he didn’t realize it yet). He was called to be an “awakening one.” God told him to prophesy and challenge the people of Israel about their calling and destiny. God told him to go and wake them up. Personally, I would have asked God to send someone else and pleaded ignorance. Well, he tried that anyway–but it didn’t work.

You know what? Often people don’t like to be woken up. Not too many people are woken out of a slumber and get up in a good mood. You are mostly unhappy with the cause of the “awakening.” “An Awakening One” was a good name for Jeremiah. “Mr. Popularity” wasn’t exactly a good description of him.

So then…this is my question from the Lord to you: “What do you see?” I am not talking about the natural realm.

Take some time to chill out–take a break, go out for a nice meal, relax, take a couple of days–then go sit at the feet of Jesus. “Snuggle, don’t struggle,” is one of my favorite sayings, or, “Nestle, don’t wrestle.” Then get into rest and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what He sees for YOU. Not for your town. Not for your church. Not even for your friends or mom or dad-but for you personally. Your vision has to start with you, doesn’t it? If you don’t have a real vision for yourself, then you won’t be able to believe with someone else for their vision.

The Thing About Vision

Do you remember those old TV sets? They had a tube, and when they got old, the tube would start to go. Do you remember what happened when the tube was going out? The picture would gradually get smaller and smaller. No one wanted to buy a new tube because it was expensive, so you waited until the last minute. You were leaning over sideways to see the wide but shrunken picture.

So what are you seeing? Most people are seeing a shrunken picture. My husband, David, says, “Most Christians aim at nothing and hit it.” You can only aim at what you see. If you see a small call or a small destiny or a small vision, that’s all you will aim for.

My challenge for you is this: See what God sees for YOU. He has a great vision–He has a big vision! We see our town, our family, or our little place. But God sees nations, God sees a place without walls. God has no limitations in His vision. He sees no limits for you–you can have what you believe and you can believe what you see–IF you can see by faith. You have God’s faith in you–believe it! Because “…to every man is given the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

What Is Your Adventure?

The Bible says that the will of God is delightful, “I delight to do Thy will, Oh my God” (Psalm 40:8).

God puts His desires in your heart. In other words, He puts His desires in your heart so that when you do according to your heart, it’s delightful, it’s wonderful, it’s full of adventure and it’s full of God. All you have to do is allow the Holy Spirit to show you what He sees for YOU. You have a wonderful, awesome, big and great destiny to fulfill.

If you are doing something tonight in the way of serving God and it’s not delightful, forget it–it’s just works. And, sorry to say, God is not interested in your works, He’s interested in His works. He is not going to anoint your works, He anoints His works. (Jesus himself only did what he saw the Father doing remember? ) The glory of God will never come on what you do–the glory comes on what He does. It’s not trying, it’s yielding to the anointing.

Isn’t it easier to yield rather than to try and strive and work at it? Trying can be very trying. God is not running around your city trying to recruit workers for the Kingdom, He is just wanting His sons and daughters to rise up and be who He called them to be. You are royalty, an heir of righteousness and an heir of the Kingdom. You don’t have to earn it, you can’t qualify for it–Jesus gave you this inheritance, freely. He paid for it 100% when He died and rose again.

But First, Enjoy Him

I nearly forgot to remind you–your first calling is to enjoy God. He called you to first enjoy Him. Don’t go out and serve Him unless you enjoy Him. Do you know Jesus is in love with you? He totally adores you–He doesn’t just tolerate you. He made you of His divine nature–eternity is in you. He has given you His power and righteousness and clothed you with the beautiful garments of Salvation.

This is a new and living way–walk in it and begin to see what HE sees for YOU.

Kathie Walters

Posted by Carolin Sadler at 02:25:47 | Permalink | No Comments »

Friday, February 6, 2009

Keys of the Kingdom: Day Forty-Two

There is another Kingdom Principle that speaks about money. I bet you didn’t know that the Bible could be so practical. This one however can be applied to lots of different areas of your life besides money.

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. But whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6

Let me tell you about a friend of mine. Now she is my age and not a kid but the principle works for people of all ages. She tells how one time she gave a car to someone who needed a car…or “sowed” the car. Well a little while later someone GAVE her a car. Then she “sowed” clothes into the salvation army and guess what someone gave her a new outfit. Hmmm

NOW when we ’sow’ things into the Kingdom we don’t always ‘reap’ the same things back. In your garden when you sow carrot seeds you get carrots, or if you plant tomato seeds you get tomato plants. In the Kingdom you may feel led to bake some cookies for a neighbor and then a while later you may be feeling down and someone calls and says “Do you want to go see a movie with me?” God knows what we need and has promised to take care of us.

When we give of our time to listen to someone who just needs someone to listen to them, when we are generous with our smiles, you will reap. When you sow kindness you will reap kindness. Give freely NOT because you have to, but because it brings joy to God’s heart and to the hearts of others and it will bounce back to you. So EVERYONE wins. Cool hey!

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Ask God to show you how you can start to live out this principle. Is there someone He wants you to give something to? Is there a way you can give of your time or energy for someone else? (Now you don’t need to give to someone just because they ask you to.)

Ask God if there is an attitude in your life you need to change. I did and God showed me that I spent too much time by myself and didn’t reach out to people day by day. So I called someone and asked them to go out to lunch. Just because. Her response… “I”d love to!!!” You made my day!

When you give to others God will make sure you are taken care of too. Try it.

ACTIVITY:

Take 2 plant pots and some dirt. In one pot plant one seed and the other plant a bunch. Wait till they sprout…Which one “reaped” a lot? This is a picture of the Kingdom principle of sowing and reaping.

Posted by Carolin Sadler at 22:05:10 | Permalink | No Comments »