There's a song that we've been singing at our house for the last few months that has the following lyrics:
"It's a big, big house with lots and lots of rooms". God knows what he's doing and He has heard answered our prayers in style. In an ideal world, we'd like to live in downtown Victoria within a few blocks of the Legislature, but the houses and yards are quite small and the costs are quite high. Last night I received a call from an owner of a house that I had looked at on Tuesday morning. It's either 2200 or 2400 square feet, 5 bdrms, 4 bathrooms on 1.3 acres in the country. The lot borders on a nature preserve. There's lots of room for everyone (including the dog!) This will be a wonderful home for the next year as we find our feet and get re-established in Victoria.
I didn't fall asleep until well past 1 AM because I was just so excited about the events of the past 2 days. God has been so good to us. In 30 (counting today) days we will be living in Victoria and I won't be spending nearly as much time at the Vancouver airport waiting for flights. I'm at the airport as I write this. I made a surprising discovery yesterday... what I thought was a 5:40 PM flight was actually a 5:40 AM flight. I was up at 4:25 this morning...
From a ministry perspective, the past 2 days have been awesome. I am starting to be introduced as "the Chaplain". It's strange and exciting at the same time. God continues to open doors of favor and opporunity. There's more than I can tell on here because I'm committed to protecting the privacy of MLA's but I can tell you I was thrilled to be able to pray with an MLA in his office about some specific challenges that he shared with me.
Last night we went out for Chilean food (very good!!) An MLA from the Fraser Valley was there and we discussed the impending flood threat. Apparently there's not enough water in the Fraser because of the slow melt. The heat from the Interior will change that somewhat, but the river SHALL NOT flood!
Looking forward to getting home, seeing Barb and having a nap.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Miracle House Needed!
A few days ago, I said I would share what's happening in our lives as we prepare for the move, so here's the latest:
1. Our house is sold. The subjects came off on Friday afternoon and the sold sign is up. It's exciting, surreal and unsettling all at the same time.
2. We are looking for a place to live. This sounds like no big deal until you realize that the rental market in Victoria is basically 0% and that the real estate market is white hot and most stuff is gone before it hits MLS.
3. The good news is that I am heading to Victoria tomorrow to spend the week at the Legislature and to house hunt. The bad news is I'm going to househunt without Barb. :-(
Call us crazy but that's the way this is playing out.
4. We need a miracle house. A place where we can keep our dog, that's affordable (you wouldn't believe the cost of renting in Victoria) or an unbelievable deal. We want to live in the James Bay/Fernwood area for several good reasons that are mostly connected to the proximity to the Legislature. It needs to be in a good area for our kids and it needs to be "pet friendly" because our dog is part of the family. Dogs grow on you and she would be VERY missed! Some of you might be laughing, but "you have not because you ask not".
5. We need a miracle house in the next 5 days. It's important to get this nailed down so that there's some stability for our kids over the next month as we start packing up their stuff and putting it in boxes.
Thanks for standing with us. Let us know you're praying.
Tim
4.
1. Our house is sold. The subjects came off on Friday afternoon and the sold sign is up. It's exciting, surreal and unsettling all at the same time.
2. We are looking for a place to live. This sounds like no big deal until you realize that the rental market in Victoria is basically 0% and that the real estate market is white hot and most stuff is gone before it hits MLS.
3. The good news is that I am heading to Victoria tomorrow to spend the week at the Legislature and to house hunt. The bad news is I'm going to househunt without Barb. :-(
Call us crazy but that's the way this is playing out.
4. We need a miracle house. A place where we can keep our dog, that's affordable (you wouldn't believe the cost of renting in Victoria) or an unbelievable deal. We want to live in the James Bay/Fernwood area for several good reasons that are mostly connected to the proximity to the Legislature. It needs to be in a good area for our kids and it needs to be "pet friendly" because our dog is part of the family. Dogs grow on you and she would be VERY missed! Some of you might be laughing, but "you have not because you ask not".
5. We need a miracle house in the next 5 days. It's important to get this nailed down so that there's some stability for our kids over the next month as we start packing up their stuff and putting it in boxes.
Thanks for standing with us. Let us know you're praying.
Tim
4.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Saturday Surprise
Our boys are in a ball tournament this weekend, so I let them sleep in and did their paper route this morning. Zoe (our Lab) hasn't had a good walk for a few days so I decided to take her with me "off leash". At 5:30 AM, what could the harm be??
She bounded out of the house and down the street as she loves to explore, sniff and dart through yards, bushes and gardens. Every so often I'd call her back, she'd walk beside me and all seemed well. As we approached our first stop, she was ahead of me, sniffing through the bushes at a nearby house. I wasn't really paying attention as it was "pre-coffee" but I did notice her go into the bushes.
What happened next was a sight to behold... there was a flurry of activity followed by a mad dash because Zoe had found a cat. Because the cat was the same color as she it, it looked as though Zoe had been thrown backward out of the bushes. What happened was the cat darted out the back and she was scrambling to catch it. The cat streaked across the yard and parking lot with Zoe in hot pursuit. There was no barking, just full out speed. The cat bolted up the nearest tree which would have been fine except that it was full of crows who started squawking and protesting. At the point, the cat is about 10 feet up in the tree, hanging on for dear life while Zoe is jumping up at it.
I called her away and we finished Tyler's route. As we walked back past the tree again, I noticed the cat still up the tree with the crows squawking away.
Do cats come down from trees or do you have to call the fire department?
She bounded out of the house and down the street as she loves to explore, sniff and dart through yards, bushes and gardens. Every so often I'd call her back, she'd walk beside me and all seemed well. As we approached our first stop, she was ahead of me, sniffing through the bushes at a nearby house. I wasn't really paying attention as it was "pre-coffee" but I did notice her go into the bushes.
What happened next was a sight to behold... there was a flurry of activity followed by a mad dash because Zoe had found a cat. Because the cat was the same color as she it, it looked as though Zoe had been thrown backward out of the bushes. What happened was the cat darted out the back and she was scrambling to catch it. The cat streaked across the yard and parking lot with Zoe in hot pursuit. There was no barking, just full out speed. The cat bolted up the nearest tree which would have been fine except that it was full of crows who started squawking and protesting. At the point, the cat is about 10 feet up in the tree, hanging on for dear life while Zoe is jumping up at it.
I called her away and we finished Tyler's route. As we walked back past the tree again, I noticed the cat still up the tree with the crows squawking away.
Do cats come down from trees or do you have to call the fire department?
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Orderly Snow Melt Continues
I smiled to myself when I heard the leading story on CJNL's (NL Radio) major newscast at 7:30 this morning. Apparently the higher than normal snowpack is melting in an orderly fashion. I'm not surprised for several reasons. First of all people all across the province are praying to stop a flood in the Fraser Valley. While we'd all prefer warmer weather, those of us who are praying recognize that a cool spring ensures there will be no flood. Secondly, the bible talks about the "treasures (storehouses) of snow" in Job 38:22. I think the Lord is managing the snowpack remarkably well and I fully expect that the river will be staying within it's banks.
God is good. Watch for a personal update over the next few days on some stuff happening here at home. It's all good!
Tim
God is good. Watch for a personal update over the next few days on some stuff happening here at home. It's all good!
Tim
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Rising to the Call
What are your thoughts on this quote?
God has given the church a great call and therefore it takes great people to accomplish it. If we fail to see our greatness, we will fall short of our call. Our pauper mentality and false humility have rendered much of the church ineffective by diminishing our vision for the influence we are meant to have in the world.
God has given the church a great call and therefore it takes great people to accomplish it. If we fail to see our greatness, we will fall short of our call. Our pauper mentality and false humility have rendered much of the church ineffective by diminishing our vision for the influence we are meant to have in the world.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
News Article
I was interviewed by the Kamloops Daily News this week. Here's the story as they printed it.
Evangelical pastor bringing Christian Values to Legislature
The Daily News (Kamloops)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Page: A4
Section: News
Byline: Cam Fortems
Source: The Daily News
When the B.C. legislature reconvenes this fall, another person in uniform will join officers in parliamentary dress and MLAs wearing business attire. High up in the public gallery, Tim Schindel plans to watch the daily theatrics of question period clad in a clerical collar.
For Schindel, an evangelical Christian pastor who has lived in Kamloops for 13 years, wearing a collar -- normally associated with Roman Catholics or Anglicans -- is a new experience.
While he has never worn a collar, Schindel hopes its instant recognition will allow those in the legislature who will see him day in and day out to understand his purpose: A calling to bring the leadership of God and Jesus to the leaders of this province.
"Doing what I'm doing, (the collar) makes sense," Schindel said. Wearing a collar while he sits in the legislature is just one way that Schindel is making up the rules as he goes along. The provincial legislature, like those in the nine other provinces, three territories and the House of Commons in Ottawa, has no house chaplain. Schindel isn't in Victoria to fill a job, he's there to create one: to bring a stable Christian presence to any of the 79 MLAs who want it.
"We want to build a core group we have regular contact with," Schindel said of his goal as the leader of Leading Influence Ministries, a non-profit group comprised of evangelical B.C church leaders.
"Our goal is not to cram anything on them. There's no agenda beyond being an encouraging presence. We want to influence people to govern with excellence and with some values."
Schindel cites his experience as president of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce as influencing his desire to bring the hand of Christianity to leaders.
He counts among his supporters Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger, a devout Baptist who lent his assistance to Schindel -- as well as a warning about the task ahead.
"He came to me several years ago," Krueger said. "He felt God was calling him to this ministry. I said it's a tough go. We have people of all faiths elected as MLAs. And some with no faith."
In addition, even Christians who may feel comfortable with Schindel have their own churches back home, Krueger said.
Schindel spoke to The Daily News on the same day that fundamentalist American preacher Jerry Falwell died. The controversial founder of the Moral Majority brought the influence of religious conservatives into U.S. politics. "Not my bag," said Schindel, an affable man who has worked most recently as a newspaper distributor after leaving the church in Kamloops where he had been pastor. "When you identify with a particular ideology or movement the issue of faith and politics really comes into play. . . . You're getting on thin ice," he said of Falwell's intersection with politics. Schindel's awareness of the issue is even addressed on this website, in a posting about the separation of church and state.
Instead of protests and demands, bullying and organizing, Schindel said he hopes to bring a quieter Christianity to the legislature. And one that is non-partisan. In a recent posting on the Leading Influence website, Schindel asked Christians to pray for provincial leadership on the pine beetle crisis and to alleviate flooding in B.C. this spring. Schindel said there are aspects of every party "close to the heart of God," whether the NDP's advocating for the disadvantaged, the Liberal party's openness and welcoming of people of different faiths and backgrounds and the federal Conservatives' traditional values on issues such as same-sex marriage. In the United States, government assemblies typically have a politically appointed chaplain, an official taxpayer-funded position. There is nothing comparable in Canada.
Schindel proudly notes that 10 members from both sides of the legislature attended a prayer breakfast he organized in Victoria this month. Several Sikh members also expressed interest, but could not attend, Schindel said. Schindel has his home in Kamloops up for sale and hopes to move to Victoria this summer with his wife, Barb, and three children, to establish his ministry.
Beyond receiving prayers and financial backing from churches and individuals in B.C., Schindel said the biggest positive omen was a last-minute chance to deliver the opening prayer during the throne speech in the legislature when the scheduled minister was a no-show. Within 10 minutes he was pulled from the public gallery to centre stage. "It was tremendously exciting," said Schindel, who is comfortable in front of a crowd. "You're front and centre."
cfortems@kamloopsnews.ca
© 2007 The Daily News (Kamloops)
Evangelical pastor bringing Christian Values to Legislature
The Daily News (Kamloops)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Page: A4
Section: News
Byline: Cam Fortems
Source: The Daily News
When the B.C. legislature reconvenes this fall, another person in uniform will join officers in parliamentary dress and MLAs wearing business attire. High up in the public gallery, Tim Schindel plans to watch the daily theatrics of question period clad in a clerical collar.
For Schindel, an evangelical Christian pastor who has lived in Kamloops for 13 years, wearing a collar -- normally associated with Roman Catholics or Anglicans -- is a new experience.
While he has never worn a collar, Schindel hopes its instant recognition will allow those in the legislature who will see him day in and day out to understand his purpose: A calling to bring the leadership of God and Jesus to the leaders of this province.
"Doing what I'm doing, (the collar) makes sense," Schindel said. Wearing a collar while he sits in the legislature is just one way that Schindel is making up the rules as he goes along. The provincial legislature, like those in the nine other provinces, three territories and the House of Commons in Ottawa, has no house chaplain. Schindel isn't in Victoria to fill a job, he's there to create one: to bring a stable Christian presence to any of the 79 MLAs who want it.
"We want to build a core group we have regular contact with," Schindel said of his goal as the leader of Leading Influence Ministries, a non-profit group comprised of evangelical B.C church leaders.
"Our goal is not to cram anything on them. There's no agenda beyond being an encouraging presence. We want to influence people to govern with excellence and with some values."
Schindel cites his experience as president of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce as influencing his desire to bring the hand of Christianity to leaders.
He counts among his supporters Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger, a devout Baptist who lent his assistance to Schindel -- as well as a warning about the task ahead.
"He came to me several years ago," Krueger said. "He felt God was calling him to this ministry. I said it's a tough go. We have people of all faiths elected as MLAs. And some with no faith."
In addition, even Christians who may feel comfortable with Schindel have their own churches back home, Krueger said.
Schindel spoke to The Daily News on the same day that fundamentalist American preacher Jerry Falwell died. The controversial founder of the Moral Majority brought the influence of religious conservatives into U.S. politics. "Not my bag," said Schindel, an affable man who has worked most recently as a newspaper distributor after leaving the church in Kamloops where he had been pastor. "When you identify with a particular ideology or movement the issue of faith and politics really comes into play. . . . You're getting on thin ice," he said of Falwell's intersection with politics. Schindel's awareness of the issue is even addressed on this website, in a posting about the separation of church and state.
Instead of protests and demands, bullying and organizing, Schindel said he hopes to bring a quieter Christianity to the legislature. And one that is non-partisan. In a recent posting on the Leading Influence website, Schindel asked Christians to pray for provincial leadership on the pine beetle crisis and to alleviate flooding in B.C. this spring. Schindel said there are aspects of every party "close to the heart of God," whether the NDP's advocating for the disadvantaged, the Liberal party's openness and welcoming of people of different faiths and backgrounds and the federal Conservatives' traditional values on issues such as same-sex marriage. In the United States, government assemblies typically have a politically appointed chaplain, an official taxpayer-funded position. There is nothing comparable in Canada.
Schindel proudly notes that 10 members from both sides of the legislature attended a prayer breakfast he organized in Victoria this month. Several Sikh members also expressed interest, but could not attend, Schindel said. Schindel has his home in Kamloops up for sale and hopes to move to Victoria this summer with his wife, Barb, and three children, to establish his ministry.
Beyond receiving prayers and financial backing from churches and individuals in B.C., Schindel said the biggest positive omen was a last-minute chance to deliver the opening prayer during the throne speech in the legislature when the scheduled minister was a no-show. Within 10 minutes he was pulled from the public gallery to centre stage. "It was tremendously exciting," said Schindel, who is comfortable in front of a crowd. "You're front and centre."
cfortems@kamloopsnews.ca
© 2007 The Daily News (Kamloops)
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Quoting Jerry Falwell
“I want the members of Congress to understand ... that the solution to America’s serious moral and spiritual problem is not political. We’re in need of a religious awakening.” Jerry Falwell
In recognition of Jerry Falwell's passing today, I found this quote that I thought was very appropriate. I'd hardly be a "Falwell Fan" but I remember my aunt and uncle watching him on TV on Sunday afternoons when I would spend the summer with them. I have vague recollections of him starting a university and I remember him telling the story of climbing a hill outside of Lynchburg, Virginia and praying that God would give him favor to minister effectively within the city. I've done that in every place that I pastored because it just seemed to be the right thing to do.
In terms of the quote, with one slight modification, I'd agree with what Falwell had to say in this particular case. I don't agree that we need a religious awakening, I think we need a spiritual awakening that connects people to the presence and power of God in a meaningful and personal way so that the Prince of Peace can rule in their hearts and lives regardless of their social status, net worth or political affiliation. Political parties and ideologies have their place, but no single party has the entire answer to the social, economic and corporate challenges of leadership in this day. The answer is not within ourselves, but outside of us. It's bigger than us and better than anything we could create within ourselves. It seems to me that the Creator must have the answers to the issues faced by the creation and that's why we need to reconnect with Him in a meaningful way.
Tim
In recognition of Jerry Falwell's passing today, I found this quote that I thought was very appropriate. I'd hardly be a "Falwell Fan" but I remember my aunt and uncle watching him on TV on Sunday afternoons when I would spend the summer with them. I have vague recollections of him starting a university and I remember him telling the story of climbing a hill outside of Lynchburg, Virginia and praying that God would give him favor to minister effectively within the city. I've done that in every place that I pastored because it just seemed to be the right thing to do.
In terms of the quote, with one slight modification, I'd agree with what Falwell had to say in this particular case. I don't agree that we need a religious awakening, I think we need a spiritual awakening that connects people to the presence and power of God in a meaningful and personal way so that the Prince of Peace can rule in their hearts and lives regardless of their social status, net worth or political affiliation. Political parties and ideologies have their place, but no single party has the entire answer to the social, economic and corporate challenges of leadership in this day. The answer is not within ourselves, but outside of us. It's bigger than us and better than anything we could create within ourselves. It seems to me that the Creator must have the answers to the issues faced by the creation and that's why we need to reconnect with Him in a meaningful way.
Tim
Sunday, May 06, 2007
National Prayer Event
From the Victoria Times Colonist May 6/07
OTTAWA -- It's a Parliament Hill event that attracts hundreds of people every year and almost no publicity. Many participants want to keep it that way.
Scores of MPs and former MPs were among the more than 600 diplomats, priests, pastors, teachers and students from across Canada who flocked to three meeting rooms on the hill this week to attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast, a non-denominational Christian affair marking its 42nd year. But this was not piety on parade. Nor was it the religious right trying to flex its muscles.
Retiring NDP Bill Blaikie, a United Church minister, plans to write a book about the relationship between faith and politics after he leaves Ottawa: "[The prayer breakfast] hasn't been the big P political vehicle that it has been in Washington, and that is to its credit."
In Canada, politicians tend not to wear their religious beliefs on their sleeve, and the yearly gathering reflects that reticence. Participants say they are glad the event is more low-profile and less political than the one held in Washington, D.C., for the last 55 years. That gathering, which now attracts thousands of people, has almost always starred the U.S. president of the day.
NDP MP Bill Blaikie says organizers of the Canadian event have got it right.
"It hasn't been the big P political vehicle that it has been in Washington, and that is to its credit," said the retiring MP, a United Church minister who plans to write a book about the relationship between faith and politics after he leaves Ottawa. Beyond the breakfast, though, Blaikie says he's frustrated by a seeming taboo on talking about the role of faith in politics. "Politics tries to operate as if that elephant isn't in the room," said Blaikie, who was first elected in 1979.
"So a lot is missed as to why people do things the way they do and why they believe what they do." Blaikie also says he's growing impatient with a stereotyping of Christians that focuses on the Christian right and forgets the Christian left. "It's partly because Christians on the left over time have developed a way of speaking that isn't always explicit about where they are coming from." Left-wing Christians need to let it be known "there's more than one way politically to be a Christian in the world."
Liberal MP Karen Redman, a Presbyterian and former chairwoman of the prayer gathering, says the breakfast is a chance to celebrate her Christianity in a respectful, nonpartisan environment without getting dragged down by debates over such contentious issues as abortion and gay marriage that divide people of faith. She says, however, she sometime fears her religion is getting "wrestled away from me" because of assumptions made about people who identify themselves as Christian. "When people ask, are you Christian, you say to yourself, 'Now, where is that coming from?' "The right and true answer is 'Yes, I am a Christian,' but don't assume I'm against gay marriage, against women's right to choose. Don't visit this whole spectrum of decisions automatically on me because I say, 'Yes, I am a Christian."
This week's gathering over fruit, muffins and coffee was clearly a comfortable forum for Christians of all political stripes. "Our breakfast flies below the radar of social issues," said chief organizer Jack Murta, a former cabinet minister in the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney.
Unlike their U.S. counterparts, Canada's elected officials don't make religion political.
"The prayer breakfast is not about political parties. It is not about who is right and who is wrong."
Representatives from each party made appearances on the podium, but their remarks were limited to reading from scripture. The only party leader on hand was the NDP's Jack Layton.
The politics-free event is not, however, to everyone's liking.
Charles McVety, president of Canada Christian College in Toronto and an outspoken player on the religious right wing, says he gave the prayer breakfast a pass this year in part because it's not political enough. He says he prefers to use his trips to Ottawa to directly lobby MPs on specific issues.
"[The breakfast] has traditionally been very non-political," said McVety, who, as head of the Defend Marriage Coalition, led a campaign in the last federal election to elect evangelical candidates opposed to same-sex marriage.
"I'm not belittling the power of prayer, but faith without works is dead."
Bruce Clemenger, president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, said the breakfast is a quiet celebration of faith that has never been seen as a lobbying opportunity. But, like Blaikie, he says there should be more open discussion about the role faith plays in politics.
OTTAWA -- It's a Parliament Hill event that attracts hundreds of people every year and almost no publicity. Many participants want to keep it that way.
Scores of MPs and former MPs were among the more than 600 diplomats, priests, pastors, teachers and students from across Canada who flocked to three meeting rooms on the hill this week to attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast, a non-denominational Christian affair marking its 42nd year. But this was not piety on parade. Nor was it the religious right trying to flex its muscles.
Retiring NDP Bill Blaikie, a United Church minister, plans to write a book about the relationship between faith and politics after he leaves Ottawa: "[The prayer breakfast] hasn't been the big P political vehicle that it has been in Washington, and that is to its credit."
In Canada, politicians tend not to wear their religious beliefs on their sleeve, and the yearly gathering reflects that reticence. Participants say they are glad the event is more low-profile and less political than the one held in Washington, D.C., for the last 55 years. That gathering, which now attracts thousands of people, has almost always starred the U.S. president of the day.
NDP MP Bill Blaikie says organizers of the Canadian event have got it right.
"It hasn't been the big P political vehicle that it has been in Washington, and that is to its credit," said the retiring MP, a United Church minister who plans to write a book about the relationship between faith and politics after he leaves Ottawa. Beyond the breakfast, though, Blaikie says he's frustrated by a seeming taboo on talking about the role of faith in politics. "Politics tries to operate as if that elephant isn't in the room," said Blaikie, who was first elected in 1979.
"So a lot is missed as to why people do things the way they do and why they believe what they do." Blaikie also says he's growing impatient with a stereotyping of Christians that focuses on the Christian right and forgets the Christian left. "It's partly because Christians on the left over time have developed a way of speaking that isn't always explicit about where they are coming from." Left-wing Christians need to let it be known "there's more than one way politically to be a Christian in the world."
Liberal MP Karen Redman, a Presbyterian and former chairwoman of the prayer gathering, says the breakfast is a chance to celebrate her Christianity in a respectful, nonpartisan environment without getting dragged down by debates over such contentious issues as abortion and gay marriage that divide people of faith. She says, however, she sometime fears her religion is getting "wrestled away from me" because of assumptions made about people who identify themselves as Christian. "When people ask, are you Christian, you say to yourself, 'Now, where is that coming from?' "The right and true answer is 'Yes, I am a Christian,' but don't assume I'm against gay marriage, against women's right to choose. Don't visit this whole spectrum of decisions automatically on me because I say, 'Yes, I am a Christian."
This week's gathering over fruit, muffins and coffee was clearly a comfortable forum for Christians of all political stripes. "Our breakfast flies below the radar of social issues," said chief organizer Jack Murta, a former cabinet minister in the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney.
Unlike their U.S. counterparts, Canada's elected officials don't make religion political.
"The prayer breakfast is not about political parties. It is not about who is right and who is wrong."
Representatives from each party made appearances on the podium, but their remarks were limited to reading from scripture. The only party leader on hand was the NDP's Jack Layton.
The politics-free event is not, however, to everyone's liking.
Charles McVety, president of Canada Christian College in Toronto and an outspoken player on the religious right wing, says he gave the prayer breakfast a pass this year in part because it's not political enough. He says he prefers to use his trips to Ottawa to directly lobby MPs on specific issues.
"[The breakfast] has traditionally been very non-political," said McVety, who, as head of the Defend Marriage Coalition, led a campaign in the last federal election to elect evangelical candidates opposed to same-sex marriage.
"I'm not belittling the power of prayer, but faith without works is dead."
Bruce Clemenger, president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, said the breakfast is a quiet celebration of faith that has never been seen as a lobbying opportunity. But, like Blaikie, he says there should be more open discussion about the role faith plays in politics.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Prayer Breakfast Pictures
Here are some pictures from our recent prayer breakfast. I've even included some "food shots" for those of you that want to see what breakfast looked like ...
Mary Jane Smith (left) and Donna Pechie. This breakfast would NOT have happened without their help and support. They were the administrative and logistical team that pulled it together.
Pastor Gordon Patterson (Gateway Baptist), Pastors Dan and Susan MacLean (Victoria Miracle Centre) and Ione Robinson. These are friends and partners who came to join us for the day.
Rev. David Wells, District Supt, BC PAOC brought greetings and formally blessed us and the ministry. Dave has been a long time friend and encourger to both Barb and I.
Susan Uganecz (ministry partner) and the obligatory "food shot".
As you can see, breakfast was great!
The Honorable Kevin Kreuger, Minister of State for Mining and the lovely Barb Schindel. Barb is my wife, Kevin is my MLA and no... we don't want to confuse that....
We had a total of 9 MLA's with us for the morning and the opportunity to connect with many of them since the breakfast has been fantastic. I'm hoping to return to Victoria sometime in the next few weeks to attend the legislature again before the session concludes. I've decided to purchase a clerical collar to wear while I'm there. Can't wait to see what that's going to look like. I'll post a picture on a day when things are slow here.
Have a good one!!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Prayer Breakfast Report
What a day this has been! We were up early and were on our way to the Union Club at 6:15. Victoria is beautiful any time of day, but we actually smelled the flowers as we walked past the Empress. Our team was in place and ready to go when we got there. (Such an incredible group of people.)
We had a great morning! We had 9 MLA's attend and they were very moved by the breakfast. Dave Hauser (Board Member and Uncle) Emceed the event and did an exceptional job. Tom Oshiro (a pastoral legend in Victoria, said grace and encouraged us). We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast provided by the Union Club. David Wells brought greetings from the PAOC District Conference, Gordon Patterson (Gateway Baptist) brought greetings on behalf of the Church in Victoria and then Wally Berndt introduced me.
It's kind of strange speaking at your own event, but the room was filled with friends and partners so it was pretty amazing. Pastor Andrew Picklyk prayed for the MLA's ( I love my pastor and will miss him when we move!) It was powerful and there weren't many dry eyes among the MLA's. It was so amazing.
There are several significant things pending coming out of this meeting. We continue to have favor among the MLA's but there is a huge (and exciting) opportunity coming out of this morning that may propel us beyond anything that we had expected thus far. It reminds me of Eph 3:20 (He who is able to do exceedingly above all that we are able to think or ask or imagine...) That's what we are seeing in this journey. God is doing far more, far faster than we ever dreamed possible. It's incredible to say the least.
God was very real and present this morning. We knew his presence and Spirit among us and upon us. We found out that 3 intercessors were on "Jericho duty" walking the sidewalks around the Union Club and praying for us and the MLA's. How cool is that! God is good!!
I'll post some pictures ASAP so you can see what it looked like!!
Tim
We had a great morning! We had 9 MLA's attend and they were very moved by the breakfast. Dave Hauser (Board Member and Uncle) Emceed the event and did an exceptional job. Tom Oshiro (a pastoral legend in Victoria, said grace and encouraged us). We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast provided by the Union Club. David Wells brought greetings from the PAOC District Conference, Gordon Patterson (Gateway Baptist) brought greetings on behalf of the Church in Victoria and then Wally Berndt introduced me.
It's kind of strange speaking at your own event, but the room was filled with friends and partners so it was pretty amazing. Pastor Andrew Picklyk prayed for the MLA's ( I love my pastor and will miss him when we move!) It was powerful and there weren't many dry eyes among the MLA's. It was so amazing.
There are several significant things pending coming out of this meeting. We continue to have favor among the MLA's but there is a huge (and exciting) opportunity coming out of this morning that may propel us beyond anything that we had expected thus far. It reminds me of Eph 3:20 (He who is able to do exceedingly above all that we are able to think or ask or imagine...) That's what we are seeing in this journey. God is doing far more, far faster than we ever dreamed possible. It's incredible to say the least.
God was very real and present this morning. We knew his presence and Spirit among us and upon us. We found out that 3 intercessors were on "Jericho duty" walking the sidewalks around the Union Club and praying for us and the MLA's. How cool is that! God is good!!
I'll post some pictures ASAP so you can see what it looked like!!
Tim
Monday, April 30, 2007
Twas the Night Before the Breakfast
It's the night before the big day and we are in our hotel room winding down for the night. Barb is doing some reading while I finished off my talk for tomorrow. She hasn't turned a page in about 20 minutes and I'm pretty sure her eyes are closed. I'll ask her how the book was later...
I am nearly ready. There's nothing left to do now but have a good sleep so that we are well rested for an exciting day tomorrow. We are completely full and even have a waiting list which is kind of cool, except if you are on the list! The miracles that continue to happen here are amazing. We've gone to 11 MLA's for the morning which speaks of the favor that God has placed on us. We have been so blessed!
We had a great day today. Barb came with me to the Legislature for the first time. We were introduced to the house and made to "feel welcome". While we were there, we got a voicemail from our hotel saying that an anonymous person had paid for a second night for us so that we wouldn't have to move out in the morning. THANKS, WHOEVER YOU ARE!!
I spent the afternoon with a friend who is a real champion for the ministry. His church, Glad Tidings Church in Armstrong, BC is actually praying for 48 hours straight for our breakfast tomorrow. What an incredible bunch of people! We went to Question Period today. He'd never been there before so it's always very interesting (and sometimes entertaining) as it was today.
While we were doing that, Barb went shopping and got some new clothes for tomorrow. I'm getting kind of groggy now, so I'm heading off to bed. I'll tell you all about tomorrow, tomorrow!
Have a good one!
Tim
I am nearly ready. There's nothing left to do now but have a good sleep so that we are well rested for an exciting day tomorrow. We are completely full and even have a waiting list which is kind of cool, except if you are on the list! The miracles that continue to happen here are amazing. We've gone to 11 MLA's for the morning which speaks of the favor that God has placed on us. We have been so blessed!
We had a great day today. Barb came with me to the Legislature for the first time. We were introduced to the house and made to "feel welcome". While we were there, we got a voicemail from our hotel saying that an anonymous person had paid for a second night for us so that we wouldn't have to move out in the morning. THANKS, WHOEVER YOU ARE!!
I spent the afternoon with a friend who is a real champion for the ministry. His church, Glad Tidings Church in Armstrong, BC is actually praying for 48 hours straight for our breakfast tomorrow. What an incredible bunch of people! We went to Question Period today. He'd never been there before so it's always very interesting (and sometimes entertaining) as it was today.
While we were doing that, Barb went shopping and got some new clothes for tomorrow. I'm getting kind of groggy now, so I'm heading off to bed. I'll tell you all about tomorrow, tomorrow!
Have a good one!
Tim
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Prayer Breakfast Update
What an amazing day as we watched our MLA response double from 5-10 in about an hour today. The breakfast is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM at the Union Club in Victoria.
This entire event has been an entire series of miracles as God has pushed open doors, made provision and expanded our territory. He is AWESOME!!
I'm thrilled to have an equal number of NDP and Liberal MLA's with us on that day as we need God's favor on both sides of the house. He has made a way and will continue to do so.
We need a few more things to happen so please pray with us that the KING OF KINGS will arrange the final details. Our primary concern right now is that we will have a pastor from each riding represented there that morning. This was one of our goals when we started this adventure and we are about 4 pastors short of achieving that goal. Finally, pray that the morning will be marked with God's presence and power. Unless the Lord builds this house, we labor in vain and unless HIS presence goes before us, we will only have a good event.
Thanks for believing in us and with us! What an amazing ride!
Tim
This entire event has been an entire series of miracles as God has pushed open doors, made provision and expanded our territory. He is AWESOME!!
I'm thrilled to have an equal number of NDP and Liberal MLA's with us on that day as we need God's favor on both sides of the house. He has made a way and will continue to do so.
We need a few more things to happen so please pray with us that the KING OF KINGS will arrange the final details. Our primary concern right now is that we will have a pastor from each riding represented there that morning. This was one of our goals when we started this adventure and we are about 4 pastors short of achieving that goal. Finally, pray that the morning will be marked with God's presence and power. Unless the Lord builds this house, we labor in vain and unless HIS presence goes before us, we will only have a good event.
Thanks for believing in us and with us! What an amazing ride!
Tim
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wool Socks and Sandals
I saw the most amazing thing the other day. A man was wearing wool socks and sandals. You have to wonder what goes on in the mind of a man who thinks that this is a fashion fit. Wool socks are for winter. Sandals are for summer. They should never be seen or worn together. Wool socks are itchy. Sandals are smooth. Think about this for a minute. If it's cold enough to wear wool socks, it's not warm enough to wear sandals. If it's a good day for sandals, it's a bad day for socks of any kind, especially wool ones!
Well, my rant is done. What fashion faux paux's have you seen lately?
Tim
Well, my rant is done. What fashion faux paux's have you seen lately?
Tim
Friday, April 20, 2007
Time Flies
Gasp... after nearly two weeks, I am back to my blog. Even my mom hinted that it was time for a new post so here goes...
Things have been a blur here as we get our house ready to sell. Things are starting to look pretty good with only a few jobs (some larger than others...) remaining to be done. Since I last wrote, we have installed new carpet which was very overdue but really makes the house look great, painted 3 bedrooms, a hallway, bathroom cabinets and touch ups on the kitchen ones as well. Barb is becoming chief painter and is doing an excellent job.
Oh yeah... we also re-arranged our house and what was our bedroom is now the office/studio and what was the boys room has become the master bedroom again. Changing carpet is as much work as moving as everything needs to be removed and then set up again.
In addition, the boys have started baseball which is taking another 8 hours plus/week. So... it's been busy but exciting as we get ready for our next steps.
Speaking of next steps, here's what's happening...
1. Our MLA Prayer Breakfast is happening fast. We continue to receive positive responses and I'm excited about that. I would love to have every MLA there, but I'm not about to despise small beginnings either. I really applaud my board and others who believed in this when it was just a dream. We are still a long ways from being where we want it to be, but we are on our way. Blessed are the believers!
2. Our house will go on the market in the next few weeks. I think we'll have some "out of province" painters come in to help us finish a few jobs, but we are well on our way. It's funny how you live with all the things you don't like and then change them when it's time to sell.
3. I'll be in Victoria for a few days at the end of the month for some speaking engagements, our pastors conference and the MLA breakfast. It will be a busy week for sure.
This is a high pressure period of our lives and we really need our friends and partners to be praying for us as we move forward. There are a lot of big decisions to be made and making the right choices, steps and decisions is more important than ever. Please pray for us as we move forward.
Tim
Things have been a blur here as we get our house ready to sell. Things are starting to look pretty good with only a few jobs (some larger than others...) remaining to be done. Since I last wrote, we have installed new carpet which was very overdue but really makes the house look great, painted 3 bedrooms, a hallway, bathroom cabinets and touch ups on the kitchen ones as well. Barb is becoming chief painter and is doing an excellent job.
Oh yeah... we also re-arranged our house and what was our bedroom is now the office/studio and what was the boys room has become the master bedroom again. Changing carpet is as much work as moving as everything needs to be removed and then set up again.
In addition, the boys have started baseball which is taking another 8 hours plus/week. So... it's been busy but exciting as we get ready for our next steps.
Speaking of next steps, here's what's happening...
1. Our MLA Prayer Breakfast is happening fast. We continue to receive positive responses and I'm excited about that. I would love to have every MLA there, but I'm not about to despise small beginnings either. I really applaud my board and others who believed in this when it was just a dream. We are still a long ways from being where we want it to be, but we are on our way. Blessed are the believers!
2. Our house will go on the market in the next few weeks. I think we'll have some "out of province" painters come in to help us finish a few jobs, but we are well on our way. It's funny how you live with all the things you don't like and then change them when it's time to sell.
3. I'll be in Victoria for a few days at the end of the month for some speaking engagements, our pastors conference and the MLA breakfast. It will be a busy week for sure.
This is a high pressure period of our lives and we really need our friends and partners to be praying for us as we move forward. There are a lot of big decisions to be made and making the right choices, steps and decisions is more important than ever. Please pray for us as we move forward.
Tim
Monday, April 09, 2007
"LARGE... and IN CHARGE"
We spent Easter in Victoria and visited our former church. (that will also be our home church after we move there this summer.) It was fantastic to see many old friends and some new ones over the weekend. One of the purposes for our trip was to go house-hunting and once again real estate prices in Victoria loom as a large mountain for me. (I'd say us, but Barb has handled this much better than I have...)
The temptation for me is to give into the questions of "how can we make this work?", which lead to anxiety, which leads to stress, which leads to fear and ranting. (Sometimes ranting and fear, but you get the general idea.) All of this in spite of the promises that we have been given and the many confirmations of God's hand in and on this ministry. A friend shared this with me a few years ago, but it bears repeating, if for no other reason than I need to hear it, speak it and process it again. My friend's advice came in the form of a definition for fear. FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. Now I have to confess that I've preached that before, used it before and thought I understood it, but the reality is that I have never stared at a mountain that has been quite this big and intimidating before. This is no longer something far off in the distance. This is only months away and requires a miracle. And so I am faced with a choice. I can either go back to living small, believing small and receiving small, or I can put it all on the line and go for it because there's nothing as exhilarating as walking on water.
Here's what I know to be true:
1. He will provide a home for us.
2. He will provide resources for us.
3. He is NOT STRESSED about any of this and already has the key to our house in His hand.
Therefore - though Real Estate prices in Victoria may soar and spike, I will not fear for the Lord my God is my SHELTER and PROVIDER. THIS MOUNTAIN SHALL BE MOVED BY FAITH THE SIZE OF A MUSTARD SEED.
There - I feel better!! Hope this encourages you too.
The temptation for me is to give into the questions of "how can we make this work?", which lead to anxiety, which leads to stress, which leads to fear and ranting. (Sometimes ranting and fear, but you get the general idea.) All of this in spite of the promises that we have been given and the many confirmations of God's hand in and on this ministry. A friend shared this with me a few years ago, but it bears repeating, if for no other reason than I need to hear it, speak it and process it again. My friend's advice came in the form of a definition for fear. FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. Now I have to confess that I've preached that before, used it before and thought I understood it, but the reality is that I have never stared at a mountain that has been quite this big and intimidating before. This is no longer something far off in the distance. This is only months away and requires a miracle. And so I am faced with a choice. I can either go back to living small, believing small and receiving small, or I can put it all on the line and go for it because there's nothing as exhilarating as walking on water.
Here's what I know to be true:
1. He will provide a home for us.
2. He will provide resources for us.
3. He is NOT STRESSED about any of this and already has the key to our house in His hand.
Therefore - though Real Estate prices in Victoria may soar and spike, I will not fear for the Lord my God is my SHELTER and PROVIDER. THIS MOUNTAIN SHALL BE MOVED BY FAITH THE SIZE OF A MUSTARD SEED.
There - I feel better!! Hope this encourages you too.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Look Twice - Push Once
I bought a shirt at the mall yesterday and decided to change in the public washroom. I was running a bit late so I went into the first cubicle I found and proceeded to change my shirt. While I was there, I thought it would be a good use of my time to use the facilities. As I was doing that, I noticed a small box attached the side wall of the cubicle. I thought it was strange that such a box would be in a men's bathroom. As soon as that thought went through my mind, I realized that I didn't notice any urinals on the way INTO the bathroom. I was pretty certain no one was in the room at that point so I stood on my toes and peeked over the door. Sure enough... all I saw was stalls...
I have not been in this situation before, so it was important to create a workable exit strategy that would allow me to leave the washroom without encountering anyone on the way out. I decided that the best option was simply to make it look like I knew what I was doing and hope like crazy that I didn't meet anyone coming in while I was going out.
In cases like this, timing is everything. The challenge is to time your exit in such a way
that you don't bump into someone at the door. (The less explaining required the better...) I gathered my things, mustered my courage and opened the door. I quick marched across the bathroom and reached the door before anyone came in . (So far, so good I thought...) When I stepped out into the mall hallway, I took a hard right and kept my eyes glued to the floor for the first 20 feet. Thinking the coast was clear, I took a look around me, only to see a very confused senior lady looking at me and wondering which door she should go into. Yikes..
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember hearing that that if you are well dressed and look like you know what you're doing, most people will simply leave you alone and let you be on your way, so I squared my shoulders, held my head high and looked straight ahead. I was sweating when I got outside, but the wonders of a black shirt are that no one can see... (at least until later...) Lucky for me!
There's probably a great lesson in here if you want to dig around, but I think the best of all might be this:
"When in a strange place, look twice and open once before you choose a public washroom!"
I have not been in this situation before, so it was important to create a workable exit strategy that would allow me to leave the washroom without encountering anyone on the way out. I decided that the best option was simply to make it look like I knew what I was doing and hope like crazy that I didn't meet anyone coming in while I was going out.
In cases like this, timing is everything. The challenge is to time your exit in such a way
that you don't bump into someone at the door. (The less explaining required the better...) I gathered my things, mustered my courage and opened the door. I quick marched across the bathroom and reached the door before anyone came in . (So far, so good I thought...) When I stepped out into the mall hallway, I took a hard right and kept my eyes glued to the floor for the first 20 feet. Thinking the coast was clear, I took a look around me, only to see a very confused senior lady looking at me and wondering which door she should go into. Yikes..
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember hearing that that if you are well dressed and look like you know what you're doing, most people will simply leave you alone and let you be on your way, so I squared my shoulders, held my head high and looked straight ahead. I was sweating when I got outside, but the wonders of a black shirt are that no one can see... (at least until later...) Lucky for me!
There's probably a great lesson in here if you want to dig around, but I think the best of all might be this:
"When in a strange place, look twice and open once before you choose a public washroom!"
Monday, April 02, 2007
MLA Prayer Breakfast - UPDATE
What began as an "I wonder if we could ..." idea is quickly becoming reality. Our denominational minister's conference happens during the first week of May in Victoria this year. It's rare that the conference takes place in Victoria at the same time that the house is in session and so we have the unique opportunity to host a prayer breakfast for the MLA's this year. After a few phone calls and emails, we've been able to put an event together for May 1st at the Union Club in Victoria. (You really need to visit their website to see what a great venue the Lord has provided for us.)
This is an exciting opportunity to accomplish several objectives:
1) First of all, we will be able to make a huge statement of how much we value our MLA's by hosting them for breakfast at a very prestigious private club in downtown Victoria.
2) Secondly, we will have the opportunity to connect pastors from local communities across the province with their MLA's in a non-threatening environment.
3) Most importantly we will have the opportunity to pray for those who govern over us and to bless them as they serve our province in a key leadership role.
I'd like to personally invite you to participate in this very exciting opportunity in any (or all ) of the following ways.
1. Pray for open doors and schedules with every MLA. We see this as a divine opportunity, but we know that our enemy does not want this to happen. Pray that schedules will remain open for that morning and that there will be a genuine receptivity to this invitation.
2. Pray for the event itself. We will have 75 minutes to build bridges, make connections and touch lives. We know that nothing is impossible and that God is obviously in this, but we don't want to presume anything about this day and so humbly ask that you would pray with us towards a successful event, marked by the presence of God in every way.
3. We are looking for financial partners for this event. If you are interested in sharing in this exciting opportunity, please consider sowing into this miracle. You can help us financially by clicking here and following the instructions. Thanks for making a difference.
We are off to Victoria tomorrow for some house-hunting, visiting and meetings. Have a wonderful Easter!!
This is an exciting opportunity to accomplish several objectives:
1) First of all, we will be able to make a huge statement of how much we value our MLA's by hosting them for breakfast at a very prestigious private club in downtown Victoria.
2) Secondly, we will have the opportunity to connect pastors from local communities across the province with their MLA's in a non-threatening environment.
3) Most importantly we will have the opportunity to pray for those who govern over us and to bless them as they serve our province in a key leadership role.
I'd like to personally invite you to participate in this very exciting opportunity in any (or all ) of the following ways.
1. Pray for open doors and schedules with every MLA. We see this as a divine opportunity, but we know that our enemy does not want this to happen. Pray that schedules will remain open for that morning and that there will be a genuine receptivity to this invitation.
2. Pray for the event itself. We will have 75 minutes to build bridges, make connections and touch lives. We know that nothing is impossible and that God is obviously in this, but we don't want to presume anything about this day and so humbly ask that you would pray with us towards a successful event, marked by the presence of God in every way.
3. We are looking for financial partners for this event. If you are interested in sharing in this exciting opportunity, please consider sowing into this miracle. You can help us financially by clicking here and following the instructions. Thanks for making a difference.
We are off to Victoria tomorrow for some house-hunting, visiting and meetings. Have a wonderful Easter!!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Invite an MLA...
Sorry I haven't written all week, but it's been pretty busy around here with preparing for a move, taking care of our business, and growing the ministry all at the same time. It's been hectic to say the least.
In a few weeks our denominational pastor's conference will take place in Victoria. I've sent an email out to every pastor in our conference encouraging them to visit, connect with or treat their MLA to breakfast/lunch or dinner while they are there. I'm hoping to achieve several objectives with this initiative. The first is to be a blessing to the MLA's as my hope would be that pastors who have take the opportunity to visit would also have the opportunity to pray and or encourage their representative. The second is to facilitate establishing relationships between pastors and their respective MLA's.
Additionally, I'm also working on a mini "prayer breakfast" for Christian MLA's and the pastors from the ridings they represent. This will be a private event by invitation only but very significant at the same time. There are some other possibilities/opportunities that are in the mix, but I'm not able to share them with you at this time.
So... here are some prayer requests:
1. Pray that pastors will have the courage and vision to meet their MLA while in Victoria.
2. Pray that MLA's will be open to receive a call and visit. (Perhaps openings will suddenly appear in their schedule...)
3. Ask the Lord to open the doors for this exciting opportunity with the prayer breakfast. There are several hurdles to be crossed, but we believe that God has given us this opportunity.
I'll keep you posted!!!
Tim
In a few weeks our denominational pastor's conference will take place in Victoria. I've sent an email out to every pastor in our conference encouraging them to visit, connect with or treat their MLA to breakfast/lunch or dinner while they are there. I'm hoping to achieve several objectives with this initiative. The first is to be a blessing to the MLA's as my hope would be that pastors who have take the opportunity to visit would also have the opportunity to pray and or encourage their representative. The second is to facilitate establishing relationships between pastors and their respective MLA's.
Additionally, I'm also working on a mini "prayer breakfast" for Christian MLA's and the pastors from the ridings they represent. This will be a private event by invitation only but very significant at the same time. There are some other possibilities/opportunities that are in the mix, but I'm not able to share them with you at this time.
So... here are some prayer requests:
1. Pray that pastors will have the courage and vision to meet their MLA while in Victoria.
2. Pray that MLA's will be open to receive a call and visit. (Perhaps openings will suddenly appear in their schedule...)
3. Ask the Lord to open the doors for this exciting opportunity with the prayer breakfast. There are several hurdles to be crossed, but we believe that God has given us this opportunity.
I'll keep you posted!!!
Tim
Sunday, March 25, 2007
The Illusion of Security
The closer we get to making our move to Victoria, the more I am tempted with what I've called the illusion of security. Security is a good thing, it's just where you look for it that determines whether it's reality or an illusion. Sometimes the difference between illusion and reality is simply the difference between what's "good" and what's "best".
Good is safe, best is ... dangerous, requires sacrifice, and a whole lot of faith to see it happen and that's where the illusion of security comes into play. Playing it "safe" in our eyes generally keeps us from the fullness of what God has for us. There's an old hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms". One line talks about being "safe and secure from all alarm". The place of safety is found in leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus, not a bad place to be...
I was sharing this with a friend this week. She relayed something that happened with her son and his buddies a few days ago. They were out fishing near Victoria but when they came to shore, the tide was too low for them to pull the boat out at the same place they put it in. They decided to go to a different marina to pull out there as the launch was better suited to low tide. Her son, who is training to be a sea captain, got off the boat to drive the truck and trailer to the other location left his friends with this advice... "keep the green buoys on your right..."
A little while later, he got a phone call from his buddies saying that they were in shallow water and needed some help. He asked if they could see the bottom to which they replied that they could see the feet of the birds standing in the water. He asked where the green buoys were and they said "on the left".
Here's the conclusion that my friend shared with me....
So Tim you can take this ship and go into safe shallow water but you are not going to get to where you really want to go. It doesn’ t even require that much faith, In fact you couldn’t even walk on water if you wanted to cause it is so shallow you can see birds feet. LOL On the other hand if you stay on the right side of the buoys the water is dark and you can’t really reach land too quickly but ships whip along in that deep water and there is no fear of getting stuck.
So... in spite of the illusion of security, we are headed for the deep water where the big ships go!!
And in my best "Captain Highliner" voice....
"Arrr Billy.... Have ye ever been to sea?"
Good is safe, best is ... dangerous, requires sacrifice, and a whole lot of faith to see it happen and that's where the illusion of security comes into play. Playing it "safe" in our eyes generally keeps us from the fullness of what God has for us. There's an old hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms". One line talks about being "safe and secure from all alarm". The place of safety is found in leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus, not a bad place to be...
I was sharing this with a friend this week. She relayed something that happened with her son and his buddies a few days ago. They were out fishing near Victoria but when they came to shore, the tide was too low for them to pull the boat out at the same place they put it in. They decided to go to a different marina to pull out there as the launch was better suited to low tide. Her son, who is training to be a sea captain, got off the boat to drive the truck and trailer to the other location left his friends with this advice... "keep the green buoys on your right..."
A little while later, he got a phone call from his buddies saying that they were in shallow water and needed some help. He asked if they could see the bottom to which they replied that they could see the feet of the birds standing in the water. He asked where the green buoys were and they said "on the left".
Here's the conclusion that my friend shared with me....
So Tim you can take this ship and go into safe shallow water but you are not going to get to where you really want to go. It doesn’ t even require that much faith, In fact you couldn’t even walk on water if you wanted to cause it is so shallow you can see birds feet. LOL On the other hand if you stay on the right side of the buoys the water is dark and you can’t really reach land too quickly but ships whip along in that deep water and there is no fear of getting stuck.
So... in spite of the illusion of security, we are headed for the deep water where the big ships go!!
And in my best "Captain Highliner" voice....
"Arrr Billy.... Have ye ever been to sea?"
Monday, March 19, 2007
The Sound of Heaven
Heaven is a noisy place. There's music, singing, shouting and declarations of victory and joy. Everyone in heaven is a part of it. The living creatures, the angels, the elders, the multitudes, the trumpets and the voice of God all combine to make up the sound of heaven. It's a positive sound. It's a powerful sound. The sound of heaven is the sound of victory, the sound of triumph, the sound of celebration. It's a sound that never ends...
In Acts 16, you'll read about Paul and Silas in prison. At about midnight we find Paul and Silas praying and singing. These aren't superheroes, they are just two men, called by God to preach but they knew something powerful. They knew that when the sound we make on earth resonates with the sound made in heaven the atmosphere for a miracle is created and in that moment anything can happen. So rather than giving in to their pain, their fear and their discouragement, they chose to align their sound with the sound of heaven. The sound in heaven is always focused on God's greatness, His power, His victory and His majesty. As they sang an earthquake began to shake the foundations of the prison so that every prison door sprung open and every prisoners chains fell off. That's totally incredible!
I used to play guitar. Every so often, my guitar would resonate with the sound that was coming from another instrument. The strings would begin to make their own sound when another instrument would produce a sound at the same pitch. The soundboard would begin to vibrate which caused the strings to make their own sound. That's kind of what happened that night in prison. Paul and Silas sent out a sound that resounded with the sound of heaven that resulted in a supernatural release of the power of heaven in their prison cell. What makes this even more amazing is that Paul and Silas weren't the only beneficiaries of heaven's power. The scope of their victory spilled over into the lives of those that were neither singing nor praying!! Their doors swung open and their chains fell off. Is it possible that the words we speak, the songs we sing, the attitudes we carry could actually create an atmosphere of miracles that brings transformation to our homes, neighbourhoods, towns, cities, province and nation just because we've sent out a sound that resonates with heaven?
I don't know what's happening in your life. I don't know what prison you may find yourself in, what giant you might be facing, what mountain needs to move for you. All I know is that when your sound aligns with the sound of heaven, anything can happen!!
So... go ahead.... make some noise that resonates with the sound of heaven.
In Acts 16, you'll read about Paul and Silas in prison. At about midnight we find Paul and Silas praying and singing. These aren't superheroes, they are just two men, called by God to preach but they knew something powerful. They knew that when the sound we make on earth resonates with the sound made in heaven the atmosphere for a miracle is created and in that moment anything can happen. So rather than giving in to their pain, their fear and their discouragement, they chose to align their sound with the sound of heaven. The sound in heaven is always focused on God's greatness, His power, His victory and His majesty. As they sang an earthquake began to shake the foundations of the prison so that every prison door sprung open and every prisoners chains fell off. That's totally incredible!
I used to play guitar. Every so often, my guitar would resonate with the sound that was coming from another instrument. The strings would begin to make their own sound when another instrument would produce a sound at the same pitch. The soundboard would begin to vibrate which caused the strings to make their own sound. That's kind of what happened that night in prison. Paul and Silas sent out a sound that resounded with the sound of heaven that resulted in a supernatural release of the power of heaven in their prison cell. What makes this even more amazing is that Paul and Silas weren't the only beneficiaries of heaven's power. The scope of their victory spilled over into the lives of those that were neither singing nor praying!! Their doors swung open and their chains fell off. Is it possible that the words we speak, the songs we sing, the attitudes we carry could actually create an atmosphere of miracles that brings transformation to our homes, neighbourhoods, towns, cities, province and nation just because we've sent out a sound that resonates with heaven?
I don't know what's happening in your life. I don't know what prison you may find yourself in, what giant you might be facing, what mountain needs to move for you. All I know is that when your sound aligns with the sound of heaven, anything can happen!!
So... go ahead.... make some noise that resonates with the sound of heaven.
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