Draw Near to God By Marian Warkentin
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Draw Near to God By Marian Warkentin It is once again the season of Lent – a time of prayerful reflection as we approach the Easter season. Lent is often a time when people will give up doing something they enjoy doing (such as watching TV), and instead take the time to meditate on scripture, or they give up eating certain foods (a partial fast) as a type of sacrifice to Christ. For myself this year, I want to take this time to reflect on what I have done in response to His great love. Have I done enough? Have I done the right thing? Have I done too much? When reflecting on the first two questions – have I done enough, and have I done the right thing – I am reminded of the time that Christians were wearing bracelets (and other items) that were adorned with the letters WWJD – which stood for “What Would Jesus Do?” The phrase came from the book; “In His Steps” originally written by Charles Sheldon and later rewritten by his great-grandson Garrett W. Sheldon called “What Would Jesus Do?”. In this fictional story, members of a church were challenged to look at the needs of their neighbors and ask themselves, “What would Jesus do?” and then do it. I know there are areas here where I need improving, but there are also areas that I cannot help in. When I consider what Jesus would do in a given situation I also need to consider, what it is that I am equipped and able to do. Jesus did not heal everyone who wanted to be healed. Jesus, the human Son of God, was limited in what He could do (read Mark 1: 32-34 it states that Jesus healed many, but it does not say He healed them all), limited by the lack of faith on the part of those seeking help (read Mark 6:1-6, Matthew 13:58), and limited by time – He only had 3 years of ministry. When we help others our purpose is to allow God’s love to flow through us by meeting their needs, with the ultimate goal of giving the glory to God. Working within our limitations does not give us an excuse to do nothing. We need to be aware of our personal limitations, and our resources and do what we can as we feel the Holy Spirit is leading us. Beyond that we will burn out. Jesus Himself took time out to pray and commune with God (Mark 1:35; Matthew 13:23). Having a consistent time of prayer and devotions will go a long way in helping us determine what are our limitations and what are just excuses. During my time of reflection I also ponder as to whether or not I have done the right thing. When reaching out to others we do for them what we think they need, but that is not always the right solution, or perhaps it’s just not enough. We need to take the time to listen and observe what their real needs are. Sometimes a short-term solution isn’t going to fix the problem. God has placed people in my life who have come from traumatic abusive situations. I try to help them by listening to them, praying for them, and showing them God’s promises to lean on. Helpful as that is, some people need a lot more than that – they may need to go on medication and to go for some good strong biblical counseling. I would be remiss if I did not encourage them to check into those other avenues. The life most pleasing to God is that which is spent in most usefulness to our fellow-creatures. A man cannot love his God, and hate his brother: he cannot expect mercy, who shows none. Alexander Campbell The last question I need to ponder is “Have I done too much?” When I took my counseling course many years ago, one of the lessons that really stood out for me is that the goal of a good counselor is to work himself or herself out of a job. We should only do for others what they cannot do for themselves in their current situation. To do otherwise would create a codependency that is neither healthy for yourself or the person you’re trying to help. A good example of that can be found in the movie “What About Bob?” in which a patient follows his psychiatrist on his vacation because he feels he cannot be without his therapists help. Of course the other side of that coin is “Am I burning myself out, by taking on more than I can handle?” Recognizing our limitations can go a long way in preventing burn out for when we are depleted, we are no good to anyone. Sometimes when we take on a volunteer job that is best suited for someone else to do, the needs of the ones we’re trying to help may not be properly met. Another thing to consider is that if I do it I may be taking away the opportunity for someone else to be blessed by doing it. I have taken on volunteer jobs at times because there was no one else willing or available to do it. It is those very jobs that have been the greatest blessing to me and where I have grown the most spiritually. I would challenge you this Lenten season to consider your response to God’s great gift of eternal life by prayerfully examining what it is you believe He would have you do and then to do it. Conversely, don’t allow Satan to guilt you into doing things you are not equipped or called to do. A Note of Thanks Testimony by Matt Schoonderwoerd
First of all, I like to wish you all a blessed New Year. Well, over the holidays I have been receiving a large number of cards from you, all with awesome words of encouragement. I really wish that in person I could give you all a word of thanks, but as you all know that will have to wait. So, for now I am sending this letter and written in it is a much appreciated and heartfelt Thank You. As well as a small testimony and a small glimpse into just how destructive and deceitful Satan really is, and how persistent God’s love for us is…. …So I like to thank you all for believing that all is possible with God, because to say that isn’t, is only destructive and I am a witness to that. To make something possible takes a strong effort. To proceed in making that effort, you need guidance and that means having support and that is what all of you have become. I promise, all your prayers have not been in vain and as you pray for me, I will pray for you. My name is Mathew Peter Schoonderwoerd, son of Matt and Margaret Schoonderwoerd. I am 27 and currently (and unfortunately) serving a 26-month sentence inside a Federal Penitentiary. And you know I have only myself to blame, no one else. Ten years ago you would have never heard me say that, but you would have heard “It wasn’t my fault”, or “I did not do it” or, “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time”. That is what you would have heard me say. Why? In the past I refused to accept responsibility for any of my actions. I was so full of denial. I was selfish, angry, and filled with hate. Towards whom? These feelings I had were towards God, other people, but mostly towards myself. I did not feel I fitted in the school system or even in my family. I held every negative emotion that was inside of me. They were alive and thriving inside of me. To suppress these feelings I used drugs; harder and harder drugs (crack cocaine). With the narcotics eventually I hit rock bottom and you feel that your life is hanging by a thread. When does this thread break? It is all up to the individual. How long can you continue to hang on to this piece of thread? See, time is fragile and an addict does not have a whole lot of it either (time) and sooner or later this thread goes.”SNAP”! Did I want the thread to go snap? No, of course not - Why? I feared death and as ironic as it may sound it was the truth. You probably wonder how do your fear death when you flirt with it everyday? I feared what came after death, that unknown, that heaven and hell trip; I was sure I knew where I was going. Yet, I continued living with one foot in the grave. I used to say if I were a cat, my nine lives were used up and expired long ago; meaning, I have had enough run-ins and chances with death. Yet, something kept giving me those big breaks. I used to question God. I believe that we all have got an angel looking after us. See, Satan was watching this all, he knew that I came from a background where Christ was the pillar that kept everything together. He watched me at every chance I took, so he could take my crumbled soul. He saw that there was a purpose in all of this and Satan wanted me before it could all fall into place. He wanted me fresh with sin. Satan watched as I fell deeper into the darkness, as I became more and more covered in sin until it completely blanketed me. But still God’s angels fought him off and would not let him take my soul. There was a spiritual war over my existence. One wanted me to be taken before a spiritual intervention could be made, the other (Christ and his angels) wanted me for a purpose, a purpose I am still not sure of but am sure that when it comes to light I will know. Still to this day Satan tries to break me down, but he knows now I have a whole spiritual army behind me, and that army is you, the congregation. I am still a newborn in my faith journey, and I am still very vulnerable and I know that. I have so much to learn about God and His ways, and I am now ready for that. I also realize that when you want that gift of eternal life, you have to accept Christ into your heart, and I know that I need him a lot; otherwise this difficult life will only get worse. I used to believe that individuals like me who literally had created hell on earth would be granted a guaranteed place in heaven to make up for all the pain I experienced. I thought it was God’s way of saying I know all those bad things you did for a reason, and if it were not for the drugs, you would not have become like this. But now I know that it is not true, and I must have hurt Christ a lot by ruining other peoples lives and my own as well. I have lost many friends, because they died of drug overdoses and people often said “well, now he is finally at peace”, but in reality that is not true at all; there is no peace in hell, just a lot more pain and anguish. I hate saying it, but it is true, if they never got to ask for forgiveness, or ask for Christ to come into their lives, the chances of Satan winning another soul to add to his collection is pretty good. That is not what Christ wants. He wants us all to enjoy what He has in store for us. I made up my mind as to where I want to go. I know there is a lot more to Christianity than this, it means loving my neighbor, loving the undesirables, accepting those that feel unaccepted. You know Christ ate with the undesirables, he hung on the cross among the thieves, but he loved them. I know He loves me as well. I have been created in his image and it is time to live up to that image. “Grace is available for each of us every day - our spiritual daily bread - but we've got to remember to ask for it with a grateful heart and not worry about whether there will be enough for tomorrow.” Sarah Ban Breathnach Thank you for reading my story, and once again thank you for the cards and letters. They really were a great source of encouragement. May God bless you all. Sincerely Mathew Peter Schoonderwoerd News From the Library By Marian Scholten
Easter is coming! Last Sunday the minister explained that Lent could be likened to Advent. But Advent is preparation, getting ready for the coming of God’s son, Jesus the Christ. Lent is a time of expectation; Jesus is getting ready to fulfill the purpose He came for. The Christ, the Messiah, the One sent from God, who came to atone for our sins. Wow! So instead of being Lent a period of ashes and sackcloth it’s a period of great expectation. What better way is there to get ready for this great event than to sit down as a family to read a book together, or a devotion, or watch a movie on the Easter story? Most Easter material is out on the table in the church foyer. If you sign it out yourself, put your name and due date on the card as well as inside the book. Books can be borrowed for 2 weeks, videos and DVDs for 1 week. Please leave the check out card in the slot provided. If you sometimes wonder whether all these stories can possibly be true, or if you need some good arguments why they are true, then we recommend you read the books “The Case for Christ”, “The Case for Faith” and the “Case For Easter” all written by Lee Strobel. A former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune he set out to prove to his wife – a brand new Christian – that the whole Bible was nonsense. Using all his journalistic skills he interviewed a dozen experts. Much to his great surprise he discovered it had to be all true. See for yourself how he came to that conclusion. His tough, point blank questions make these books read like a captivating, fast paced novel. I’ve started reading the “Accidental Detective” series written by Sigmund Brouwer. Each book is a surprise in itself. It’s amazing how much you can learn about different countries and cultures from the pages of a fiction book. In the book “Sunrise at the Mayan Temple” you learn about the Mayan culture in Mexico. Learning about it is much more interesting because it’s taught in the context of the story. Another great book in this series is “Tyrant of the Badlands” set in Drumheller area, where you learn about the Tyrannosaurus Rex. I’m almost finished “The Last Sacrifice” written by Sigmund Brouwer, and it is available in CD format for those who like to listen to a story while on a long trip or relaxing at home. This story is a continuation of the “The Last Disciple” (which is also available in CD format). The story is about the apostle John during his time in Rome. People close to the emperor Nero are afraid of his wrath should they read the epistle of Revelations written by the Apostle John. Does John write about Nero? What will this mean for the Christians? Will they face even more persecution? We wish you all a meaningful lent, Till next time, Marian Scholten
Contagious Joy Contagious Joy is the theme for the 10th Annual Women of Faith Conference that will be held for the first time ever in Calgary, July 28-29th, 2006. This is an event that will encourage and uplift women of all backgrounds and all levels of faith. Learn what it means to live out John 15:11, “I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.” (NCV). Woman of Faith is an interdenominational ministry committed to helping women of all faiths and backgrounds to grow in their spiritual journey. They speak to the heart of issues that concern today’s woman. Their message is basic “Beyond a shadow of a doubt, God loves you –regardless of where you are in life.” Thousands of women have given their lives to Christ at these conferences. God is using these conferences to change many lives. The speakers are well known authors; each has faced struggles in their lives and has overcome. Patsy Clairmont, who once suffered from agoraphobia, was gripped by the grace of God and now gives an inspirational message of the freedom found in Christ (One of my favorite books written by her is “Sportin’ a ‘Tude.”). Marilyn Meberg has a degree in counseling, and one in psychology, but her experience is not all merely educational. Marilyn has survived the loss of a child, the death of her husband, and a life threatening illness. Luci Swindoll has worked in the ministry alongside her brother Charles Swindoll at “Insight for Living” for many years. She has a passion for traveling and a contagious enthusiasm for life, a topic that is the theme of her latest book “Life! Celebrate It!” Sheila Walsh has been successful in many areas of life, an accomplished singer, speaker, and talk show host, but she also knows what it is like to battle the darkness of depression and to contemplate suicide. Her latest book “I’m not Wonder Women, But God Made Me Wonderful” takes an honest look at the struggles women face with self-esteem and self worth. Thelma Wells understands what it’s like to be locked in a closet as a child. She overcame her past through her faith in Jesus, and began a mentoring program for women in ministry. Nicole Johnson is a dramatist and author of six books. Her dramatic performances combine comedy with God’s wisdom providing rich insights into daily life. You will sense and feel the contagious joy that these women share as they speak to the hearts of all who attend. These women of faith will share how you can get this contagious joy, keep it, and spread it around. “It’s not about your circumstances, your past, or your state of mind – it’s about God and His plan for you.” If you want to join us for this exciting conference contact Marian Warkentin at 346-0134 for more information. Seating is limited. I have reserved 26 tickets so let me know right away if you’re interested in coming. (Sorry guys, it’s for women only, but we sure would appreciate your prayers.) “For happiness one needs security, but joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair.” Anne Morrow LindberghDirectory: files files -> Answer True False 2 points Question 2 files -> Integer programming and game theory files -> 4 Integer Programming files -> Bpa vehicle Window Repair Scenario #1 task: Procure vehicle window relacement. Objective files -> Pop Warner History files -> North Carolina Inclusion Initiative Mapping Where Children with ieps are Being Served Purpose files -> Fall 2013 Spring 2014 Program Data: Standard 1 Exhibit 4d files -> Hanban – asia society confucius classrooms network 2010 request for proposal files -> Northern England’s set-jetting locations Download 25.17 Kb. Share with your friends:
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