tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235983582024-02-07T12:02:58.552-06:00Along the WayAlong the Way: Reflections of a follower's journey.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-14603683428021408012014-02-22T06:42:00.001-06:002014-02-22T06:42:45.837-06:00Feast<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5983202796197275858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrB3Xd8KOB4fpDrZOl2srbKKqtpRf44cDjc0o4HgsJE6kS_OYp8FPB3H3rzArg4XU8qST3tXsxPK7_sZub95ca3ut8rC5D9N5D5wGaxmbBP8bHpED49WBccjrLJLHgiUW3ULcpA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />"And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." <br />(<i>Deuteronomy 8:3</i>).<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-68662898963730719682014-02-21T08:26:00.001-06:002014-02-21T08:26:13.505-06:00Superior & Enduring<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5982858374254661058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkQLdVXeNPWzpK1XqR2Vxx-CTxL0SJ8uVS2IxbfP64qWP6Tj1IYWj71MTygwQPRhsSNlkeFmjbRNH63t0W2N883HshiXl9YoL5RfjAwRs2mqG9amUShXQt9ptvlqEc348pALuzA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Superior & enduring. "But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,<br />but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." <i>Luke 10:41-42</i>. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-37662828163909094432014-02-13T22:50:00.001-06:002014-02-13T22:50:01.647-06:00Shine!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5980112282226061810'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDv8C3rE-1WrlJW9itsxLh8vFWA2Ml8Gf5xTBqxIQ7iB4jUcSWpvsm-rp61adBqJHIjkBw-TR547_Eh4yq73xGu9ZfRxVelEy8_-seWvAxBllgMqmJTwR9v-5RrEs2rEZryKPOg/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />"Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" (<i>1 Chronicles 16:33-34</i>).<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-43258272069946356172014-02-11T21:24:00.001-06:002014-02-11T21:24:41.262-06:00Evening Prayer<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5979348127402883634'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmyIDsQbaelxgjtEH25Ok9eRegIBYEzIGWREpJycd0QnVaMchHwHtGM2oAPfLGS0GKmob71uX1SceXkVrAJycqFAtPN7mDgBZQV2RPJMLcCiYv9C-vOKs4_UUrz2euu5szsccgw/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />"Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!" (Psalm 141:2).<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-7100772229373427982014-02-11T07:59:00.001-06:002014-02-11T07:59:44.167-06:00Use It or Lose It!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5979140696248030034'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcMrfdGJ73yjiJ7bYLpIdtTcCZBRVC6SNA-xJlphEEC9DwgcFDnZ6zj9s0poInGzeLJxDV0XEkCeLCbcHk-8Mg5NHaHJCHbMplkJkQM-JnIPeg-IUUkEILkdt_eK60FRnPu0nmA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Use what you've received or lose it! "Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him." <i>Luke 8:18</i>. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-46107333984713482922014-02-10T06:48:00.001-06:002014-02-10T06:48:37.899-06:00Praise from the East<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5978751289796181170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTO75mxypjDvkSo6oaIAeTbiq9NxSFOXc3ZemNy0DdrskLWLForF8nLPHb_N5zCbhoW0B4d9cKLm4DAsDg8hwLguXMur1sBV3d1Thm-BisEyO2CbZnpTolWgTZnp4akbtGut-aA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; in the coastlands of the sea, give glory to the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. Isaiah 24:14. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-24445508868414108122014-02-09T07:32:00.000-06:002014-02-09T07:33:25.446-06:00The Extent of Our Devotion<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5978391752485984642'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUqGzih6Ji3jLjHbw_SWNH2y3v3PlOM0B4egI5oNVKeI-IwSdvvbK-ZwfpLouB_v8aIVjdhtFPyksAmjM0xd6VqKVsNN9O2Ejt9w3DQUYJPXqbzFv7HwTuaBMJwtBsaTr-0BkLQ/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The extent of our devotion to Christ is directly proportionate to the awareness of our offences that have been forgiven by him. "But he who has been forgiven little loves little." (Luke 7:47)<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-24170903992739845562014-01-25T07:22:00.001-06:002014-01-25T07:22:41.475-06:00Amazing Grace<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5972822701948776818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Whfc7G9nzp_ACLjBlfSHxOmnHKOdWXZZsl3NWBG0EX91BegOKFXgtuFRXnnGCh4gQx-lt_PvTXGsL1N0NKEsdK1NCJBwbe_D6pbE6om1_SiCDQ6vHzz_dZV10QatNM8e69_O5Q/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />"All . . . were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips." (<i>Lk 4:22</i>). Grace is amazing in every age. Share some today!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-86894992170740052722014-01-16T00:26:00.001-06:002014-01-16T00:26:53.229-06:00Humble Orthodoxy: Holding the Truth High without Putting People Down<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5969375743245623890'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdIRHF6ZLONW9UF-m3Lj36JcdInHTtQpbKosKZ-aL9zACeJnEdIgTGM4hV2ayl73qFqvwic_Gwg6tS7qhJUVwgXrdlxxozsDTIfEqB9F1MMvozBzpKMbuWcpAKu-1FBqJ0B1XhA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />John"s gospel describes Jesus as displaying the glory of God the Father by being "full of grace and truth" (<i>John 1:1</i>4). In his short book, <i>Humble Orthodoxy</i>, Joshua Harris offers helpful instruction in our pursuit of these qualities as followers of Jesus Christ. Our human tendency is to focus on one to the exclusion of the other. However, we must view these as equally valuable virtues to be constantly held in tension. Harris admits: "There is a fine line between contending for the truth and being contentious." <br /><br />In our culture that is set on challenging many of the foundational truths of the Scriptures, Harris insightfully lists some of the wrong reactions. Some christians, "Driven by a desire to reach lost people, cross the line from trying to reach our culture and start trying to impress our culture." When this becomes one's motivation, "Very quickly all that God has to say becomes, instead of precious truth, a hinderance. The christians who go this way become slaves to the trends, values and ideals of a spiritually lost culture."<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5969375786822564322'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdxDQzWpH6Wu2-xNu__6tN5ntHnqqVPPTnb6zg45TR5GOwwCVl-y2BievDT_Y-nNORRc_Nowun205lFIdzfou45tUqNJGkZkkCFE7Pq-s8XpiBGwh6gq9c-ZkFY5EaLILsSqUEg/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='193' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The other extreme that other christians adopt is that "They turn their back on culture altogether. They lock themselves in their little christian sub-culture, move into their little christian ghetto and make their focus impressing people within their little christian clique. They might love truth, but to them truth isn't about God changing lost people, it's about them proving themselves right on any given issue." The biblical stance in relation to truth is not about trying to please people, rather, it's about seeking the approval of God (<i>2 Timothy 2:15</i>). When our motivation for living becomes what people think of about us, then we are in danger of being pulled to either extreme regarding how we handle truth.<br /><br />The recent banning of Phil Robertson by A&E from the popular TV program Duck Dynasty, has stimulated a strong response from the christian community. I am troubled by a christian perspective that is surpised by opposition to truth and responds with a demanding attitude that a christian should have the freedom to say what he believes without being rejected. This sense of entitlement is foreign to the teachings of our Lord who said those who would follow him must deny themselves and take up his cross (<i>Matthew 16:24</i>). Further, he invited us to, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." (<i>Matthew 11:29</i>).<br /><br />Harris challenges us with some probing questions: "Are we giving as much energy to obeying and being reformed by God's word personally as we are to criticizing its detractors? . . . As we lose the esteem of our culture, as we see false teachers gain ground, what will we do? Will we grow bitter, angry and vengeful? Or, like Jesus, will we continue to love our enemies even as we suffer? Will we keep praying? Will we keep praying for God to open others' eyes?"<br /><br />I highly recommend this short book to all who seek to be like Jesus by embracing the truth while living humbly. It can be read through in a few hours and concludes with a study guide for individuals or groups who desire further relflection and application. I am thankful to my pastors who passed it along to me.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Tom%20Mboya%20Avenue,Mombasa,Kenya%40-4.032457%2C39.664991&z=10'>Tom Mboya Avenue,Mombasa,Kenya</a></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-84587845260358303482013-11-14T10:05:00.001-06:002013-11-14T10:05:07.966-06:00Another Glorious Sunrise<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5946146447544552066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2pyhj1RKyb5d833uGUYtcjGZ9ObLeTJ_5RKggIVlbayXSoxCkBRuR5_MzZFDlHAkZPCYS7uhIqy9KqJLjyDdPMscT-3tD7olYBqEsU77lg9QUQuE0Xv4I82HT3iMSZjYW6EDlw/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another glorious dawn at the Snuggery. Grateful for God's grace. <br /><br />"Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:10-11).<br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-88756156992842360912013-11-11T06:38:00.001-06:002013-11-11T06:38:34.050-06:00Prepare The Way!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5944979948425659538'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZAEDGQodmbw42nWkYuOBu1O02T7ob9SzjoEl9bx2nqN-ToUZrWgJ29zhWWgmbayPZHHp71dUa8KOG9EiIq_QkP4STCAH7-y0bwAyBx_1tQT_ce7_UcZc70_GvrZ4TkAaM-_Kew/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='640' height='640' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The sky was aflame this morning. However, by the time I was dressed and outside the the glorious view had half faded. An opportunity was nearly lost! At the dawning of this new day I was reminded of the invitation of the prophet to get ready to meet my God. He will be present in every circumstance that I face. It is crucial that my heart and mind is clear from all worldly distractions and that I cast my cares upon Him.<br /><br />A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. <br />Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. <br />And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." (Isaiah 40:3-5)<br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Fourth%20Chute%20Rd,North%20Algona%20Wilberforce,Canada%4045.508263%2C-76.982940&z=10'>Fourth Chute Rd,North Algona Wilberforce,Canada</a></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-22854769629892533452013-11-09T16:12:00.000-06:002013-11-09T16:12:18.766-06:00Pondering Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLm8zV4AHyRRMUNl3HQZJT90jZXdUovXBtLAREjGn5MQuaP3X5CuzytXN8iLpXwSxLbsvqxM09GoDpCQ2kH5nIyoIVkYhDjJUKE1tWjlsfK0I_DiZk4PJHAkL_6vY3OmXhUBoPSA/s1600/Mail+Attachment.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLm8zV4AHyRRMUNl3HQZJT90jZXdUovXBtLAREjGn5MQuaP3X5CuzytXN8iLpXwSxLbsvqxM09GoDpCQ2kH5nIyoIVkYhDjJUKE1tWjlsfK0I_DiZk4PJHAkL_6vY3OmXhUBoPSA/s320/Mail+Attachment.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
The past three weeks have been filled with physical pain for me. It has been a drawn out process of multiple medical examinations and tests (from Winnipeg to Pembroke) that has resulted in a definitive diagnosis that I have a strain of the Shingles infection called <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ramsay-hunt-syndrome/DS00878">Ramsay Hunt syndrome</a> (Herpes Zoster Oticus). This occurs when the herpes virus infects the facial nerve near one of the ears. In my case the right ear. The result is extreme pain, a rash, hearing loss and facial paralysis. The period of sickness can vary depending on early diagnosis and treatment. In my case not early enough. So the illness and symptoms may last for weeks or even months.<br />
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It has been a trial dealing with the extreme pain and paralysis. The experience has given me a lot of time to contemplate about suffering. Mostly the question, "Why?"; or, "For what purpose is God allowing me to suffer at this time?" First of all it is crucial for me to affirm that at the foundation of my belief system is a God who is in sovereign control of every single event in my life: whether good or bad; painful or pleasurable; in prosperity or poverty; in sickness or well health. The Bible I read describes God as the ruler of all. He is not shackled by evil or the consequences of sin in this world; neither is He bound by the free will of humans. Although I cannot comprehend it, I am convinced that He is the Lord of the good and the bad in my life and yet remains blameless of being evil. Here are a few examples from the Scriptures that affirms this truth.<br />
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When God granted Satan permission to strike Job's body, "Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head." In despair Job's wife urged him to, "Curse God and die." Yet Job responded by looking to God as the ultimate cause of his suffering: "Shall we receive good from God, and we shall not accept evil?" (Job 2:7-10). The writer of the book of Job closes the last chapter by referring to Job's loss and suffering like this: "Then came to him all his brothers and sisters . . . and comforted him for all the evil that he LORD had brought upon him." (Job 42:11).<br />
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From the burning bush God said to Moses, "Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?" (Exodus 4:11).<br />
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The prophets assert this truth about God's character as well. Daniel states, "He does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him,'What have you done?'" (Daniel 4:35).<br />
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Isaiah affirms, "He declares the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all of my purpose.'" (Isaiah 46:10).<br />
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Jeremiah asks the rhetorical question, "Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the LORD has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?" (Lamentations #:37-38).<br />
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In Amos's argument that the LORD is bringing severe judgment upon Israel, he employs the reasoning of cause and effect to conclude, "When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?" (Amos 3:3-6).<br />
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I may not fully comprehend the "Why?" of pain in my life, however, this one thing I am confident of: it happens for my good and for God's eternal glory. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28).<br />
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On the conviction that God is good and God is good and does govern all things to accomplish his purpose, I now can seek the Scriptures for revelation as to what those purposes might be in my own life. God does explain in his word some reasons why there is suffering in our lives. In the following posts I will attempt to share some of my ponderings over my pain in past few weeks.<br />
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I'll close for now with these comforting words penned by the blind hymn writer <a href="http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/t/altheway.htm">Fanny Crosby</a>:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;">All the way my Savior leads me;</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
What have I to ask beside?</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Can I doubt His tender mercy,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Who through life has been my Guide?</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Here by faith in Him to dwell!</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
For I know, whate’er befall me,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus doeth all things well;</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
For I know, whate’er befall me,</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus doeth all things well.</div>
</span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com4Douglas, ON K0J, Canada45.508593 -76.93843199999997822.752474999999997 -118.24702599999998 68.264711 -35.629837999999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-4983446313401239662013-05-18T14:01:00.001-06:002013-05-18T14:01:16.958-06:00Go Far Together<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5879411967989336914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tjgBOj4B1ANavITfQqauuZSumHRknAh3yKqXV0FafNysERMzO2YSh8Nr1dw-q4l3c6Y8ot2nOfIYXFI0HikJtQOE2UNT-cuvRo-5rsXx-IGtCJGJO_7m4FC1XtqGgZACyreb-w/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />African proverb: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil." (Ecclesiastes 4:9). We been driving this unit for 18 months and have covered 477,000 kms!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Voyageur%20Route,Sables-Spanish%20Rivers,Canada%4046.261185%2C-81.901487&z=10'>Voyageur Route,Sables-Spanish Rivers,Canada</a></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-4790591025574743662013-05-17T16:55:00.001-06:002013-05-17T16:55:43.811-06:00The Promise of Better Things to Come<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5879085842596804546'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPZ599SpNhq1l-2Qe3W23DaY6mNPLU2HcvIeLwr8vdkwh4uZPwinWNPfjgNLfcZ6j30FvkRMrAEBiUEPyQsKmk6-FQIR-I_tMguQ-v08XrVtzzqXsziMd9ByEgY9jz4DTh-bX9A/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In the last book of The Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee wakes up, thinking everything is lost and discovering instead that all his friends were around him, he cries out: “Gandalf! I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead! Is everything sad going to come untrue?”<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Great%20River%20Road,,Canada%4049.822191%2C-93.282288&z=10'>Great River Road,,Canada</a></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-70345264123012542232013-04-27T09:16:00.001-06:002013-04-27T09:16:57.817-06:00The Morning is Ours<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5871545920759215010'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUp8bfIY5qFNtLAKYcvM4-_UtFrx1gMi159bxoh9pHlznwiEoU2zjnwrQmr3Cjtcw2Rb81V3UmM3b5pk-wa25_8Wix9wOcJtuzSy2IPjSD7uLOGcm8_dJGOE5wsKYY0_wgH5ZQg/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The early morning belongs to the Church of the risen Christ. At the break of light it remembers the morning in which death and sin lay prostrate in defeat and new life and salvation were given to mankind. Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=ON-41,Bonnechere%20Valley,Canada%4045.509433%2C-77.079083&z=10'>ON-41,Bonnechere Valley,Canada</a></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-89340042232544929772012-11-26T07:03:00.001-06:002012-11-26T07:03:17.783-06:00God's Faithfulness<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5815106494272837490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkE8WYx3-BAYpjjfkyRfVCDSpyYXkDE84R-IN9YsSgyP2Kf_Phft4UuBK6PaXXz5Vpjj9P0k6xq4ghxrWDHVuV06v3T5qlPtEKUxKaY5bhD5R_La3oRfDlUbzSS-tRuiCzHzjzw/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! . . . God is faithful . . . He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (<a target="_blank" href="http://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:12-13&version=NIV"><i>1 Cor. 10:12-13</i></a>). <br />Not my faith but God's faithfulness!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-78982975432245469812012-11-20T07:19:00.001-06:002012-11-20T07:19:41.755-06:00Puffed Up or Building Up?"<i>But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know."</i> (<a target="_blank" href="http://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%208&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 8</a>)<br /><br />How can I avoid becoming puffed up with pride? By loving others enough to give up my own rights for their good. By deferring to others. By being careful that I do not put my own freedom to do something ahead of another person's convictions. To do so not only hurts them but is also a sin against Christ.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-26610272723385741512012-11-14T11:19:00.001-06:002012-11-14T11:19:04.767-06:00Stories of Endurance<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5810719419476426178'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyLXtdjI7bKBDgIlV6U57rxph4UjpIa-P6Bzf52fPNKHHZ_UZJsbifsvHccYrOpQcsyN0LRXxQCJhArwz7HeXgq5EcchMdveUptOcTwRcYYdN2Zl22IHXf7OWfy35KgNkT-Evjw/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='175' height='175' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B004RC37C0&qid=1352905504&sr=1-1">The Warmth of Other Suns: the Epic Story of America's Great Migration</a></i> by Isabel Wilkerson, is a work that chronicles the departure of millions of blacks from the indignities and injustices of the "Jim Crow" laws of the southern states to the west and north during 1915 to 1970. In particular, it tells the story of three families and their endurance to overcome prejudice in both the south and the large cities where they settled in the north and west. I find their perseverance in the face of inconceivable humiliation and oppression inspiring. (Amie, you would like this).<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-79890691402403861672012-10-10T06:43:00.001-06:002012-10-11T16:53:47.107-06:00Christ Shall Never Forget You<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5797660450019577074'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvx1SUPqyNZeSl6sZkd_nkaLUIxI3kFdk4FZ3v9j9bVzUSLsSfYA-DxPLM8OT6OfdKbbs8c2XiLow287xrejv3T560KhDrZBlFBrkD44qbVdfB7NPkWAyx5qy3WIizMcttFMisDQ/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (<i><a target="_blank" href="http://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014:1-4&version=NIV">John 14:-4</a></i>).<br />"Love descends better than ascends. And so does the love of Christ, who indeed is love itself, and, therefore comes down to us himself . . . It is as if he had said, 'The truth is, I cannot live without you, I shall never be quiet till I have you where I am, that so we may never part again. Heaven shall not hold me, not my Father's company, if I have not you with me, my heart is so set upon you; and if I have any glory, you shall have part of it.'" (Thomas Goodwin, <i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.monergismbooks.com/The-Heart-of-Christ-PP-p-20389.html">The Heart of Christ</a></i>).<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-16658844274410797212012-10-10T04:22:00.001-06:002012-10-10T04:22:07.106-06:00Real Love<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5797623985401772450'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52ws3IInpputmzPX6Zy4YwppBBT1nRvG4XCgTo79dldgGD6kR3Qo855ec0UskgKnKchbLdsVckEj9T-V6zUJDHiJoy21oQtIp8kTSVzv8aS6nI-Ph3fAVGfExe4Hxh4FaIYSwGA/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='180' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Real love is not a warm fuzzy feeling for another person; it is doing concrete things for others. It is sacrificial, in as much as it is an expenditure of oneself for the good of another. This is the kind of love that God has displayed for us in the giving of his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (<i><a target="_blank" href="http://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:10&version=NIV">1 John 4:10</a></i>).<br /><br /><i>2 John 6</i>, says, "<i>This is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.</i>" Love is not self defined; it is God defined. It is not what I think or feel I should do on any given day of the week. It is what God has clearly commanded me to do and shown me to do in his Son, Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Greg Forster writes in his book, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.monergismbooks.com/The-Joy-of-Calvinism-Knowing-Gods-Personal-Unconditional-Irresistible-Unbreakable-Love-eBook-p-20610.html"><i>The Joy of Calvinism</i></a>, "A pastor of mine once said that love is not an emotion; love is a way of behaving. And it's a pretty difficult, strenuous form of behaviour under most circumstances! The emotional experience - the feeling - that we call love is supposed to come to us as the byproduct of loving behaviour. It's partly a support that helps us do the behaviour and partly a reward for doing the behaviour. To make the emotion the main thing you care about, and put the behaviour second - or worse, to want the emotion without the behaviour at all - Is selfish and deeply wicked. Yet that's what we all tend to do. When we separate the emotion of love from loving behaviour in our real relationships, things go off the rails pretty quickly. We get conflicts, we get coldness, we get resentment, we get betrayal. Above all, we discover that the emotional experience of love, which we wanted so badly, has itself disappeared or radically diminished."<br /><br />This is the great tragedy of our self-absorbed culture. Those who claim to be the followers of Jesus Christ have been called to a deeper level of loving: to love in truth; guided by his absolute commands and Christ's sacrificial life.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-81632737144559896952012-09-26T05:27:00.001-06:002012-09-26T05:27:33.926-06:00The Dead End vs Forever LifeThe ways of the world vs the will of God: wisdom vs folly; death vs eternal life. Choose which one you will follow!<br /><br />"The world and its desires pass away, the man who does the will of God lives forever." <i><a target="_blank" href="http://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202:15-17&version=NIV">(1 John 2:17).</a></i><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Omands%20Creek%20Blvd,Winnipeg,Canada%4049.927785%2C-97.221950&z=10'>Omands Creek Blvd,Winnipeg,Canada</a></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-19232449420657224462012-09-25T11:39:00.001-06:002012-09-25T11:39:41.150-06:00Three Cups of Tea<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5792170439514098322'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDA5TdQwvgprCBQcJJSjMyb1whnPK5k7MWejrygmUT5wwkmJkK_SJvOErHMkMYEZZUFV_w8V4PcJiLH5qyLHi4sssqzRtHgXvy7kqi8edKlQk-2EZysKHqL6gtJUacmOL3mVNGQ/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='175' height='175' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B002V0KM9G&qid=1348593453&sr=1-1">Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Build Nations and Stop Terrorism</a></i>, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, is a perfect example of overcoming evil with good. Followers of Jesus should take care note of what is means to expend oneself for the good of others. Tragically, we have adopted the values of our self-absorbed, ego-indulgent foolish pop culture.<br /><br />Greg was helped by the people of an impoverished remote Pakistani village in the Hymalayas following a failed attempt at climbing K2. He returned on his promise to construct a school building for the local children. Since then his energy and passion has built dozens more and has even taken him into the remote areas of Afghanistan. An inspiring read!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Ryan%20St,Winnipeg,Canada%4049.930356%2C-97.215512&z=10'>Ryan St,Winnipeg,Canada</a></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-24558904434993112512012-09-02T07:06:00.001-06:002012-09-02T07:06:20.470-06:00Faithfulness Defined<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5783565073309844386'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKl5oWePDnlrUuMxSikaS_Zyox9s-6zAyZs-XQwHEaB7DfzEfAo85ykFvK4XM7vDTCSOJL8wVzKXtv4rkZx_M7ux0ro4n8LQJ7bOuxhw79gN0kt5iVD-wCZht34BU4AHogyGd-rA/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='270' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In the parable of the talents in <i><a target="_blank" href="http://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:14-30&version=NIV">Matthew 25:14-30</a></i>, faithfulness is simply using what you have received for the master. There is a sobering principle imbedded in this short story: use what you've been given or lose it! <i>(vv. 28,29)</i>.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-67024910446222687962012-09-01T06:31:00.001-06:002012-09-01T06:36:33.491-06:00The Cost of Procrastination<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5783185059477355234'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgnR2EWfGrhFb0ED63npW4NUGI6FWJrBZ7ao84Hl0az9fuoF6bF32N12tk5Dg35P1z708JF7GvdNxpnPILaz6i3uY0VvYjVwNOfyIWWSZr1JGjsnAa03N88tiHDJDRs0CHGVFnQ/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='198' style='margin:5px'></a><br />"And the door was shut." <i><a target="_blank" href="http://mobile.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:1-13&version=NIV">Matthew 25:10</a></i>. The sound of procrastination. Wake up and get ready!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23598358.post-117064673256195362012-07-17T08:35:00.001-06:002012-07-17T08:35:10.296-06:00Harambe and Running with the Kenyans<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/117256775785427948546/AlongTheWay#5766146962127820578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0alRCTuCjHLH4Mi6pjOcBcxevBJSzJBx3eEf49upmiWi_YVIE_7hjaGG3MaBjRDBK-9HMNbwwBY7WbBiHQVT7tGybDj2rnbNeFcjBOVngGHgwOzd2yIcISqrlmHMlMj48vWw8cQ/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='95' height='95' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Just finished <a target="_blank" href="http://www.audible.com/search/ref=sr_lftbox_1_1">Running with the Kenyans by A. Finn</a>. An inspiring account of a runner who took his family to Kenya to discover the secret of why the Kenyans have been the most successful people group in the world for long distance running. <br /><br />One of the secrets is germane to Kenyan culture. It's referred to as <i>harambe</i>. It means "working together." When a Kenyan wins a race it is not only the result of many years of personal training and discipline but also of strong family and community support. There are no recreational runners in Kenya! A Kenyan runner makes it his occupation. And so his only means of support comes from his community. And when he wins, he shares his prize money back to his community. The whole community shares in the joys of success. ( see the <a target="_blank" href="http://jachalmers.blogspot.ca/2012/07/graduation.html?m=1">Chalmers blog</a> for this in practice in the lives of the students of Pwani Bible College).<br /><br />This idea is alien to our self-absorbed western culture, where we glorify the successful for their personal skills and possessions. I believe the result of this is a pervasive sense of pride in those who "win"and shame in those who "lose." Consequently resulting in an overall sense of isolation and loneliness.<br /><br />Followers of Jesus should be the leaders in <i>harambe</i>. The community of faith operates by the principle of "unity amidst diversity." God has made us different and yet we are all equally important to the calling of<br />Glorifying Christ. To this end the writers if Scripture included many imperatives around the idea of "one another." "Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10). "Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt of love." (Romans 13:8). All of these are inspired by the teaching and example of Jesus himself, "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34-35). He demonstrated his love by expending himself for the good of others.<br /><br />I can't help imagining what a powerful change that would bring about in our culture and world if all followers of Jesus lived by the rule of <i>harambe</i>. May it begin with me and you!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15265208042271570855noreply@blogger.com0