The End of the World?

Here we go again!
Igor Panarin is the latest in a long line of people predicting the collapse of the United States. He stated that President Obama will impose marshall law by 2010, and the US will disintegrate into 5-6 "rump states." Skeptic Alexei Malashenko countered, "I can't imagine at all how the United States could ever fall apart." I wish I had Malashenko's confidence. It seems he's among the group of people who see the US as indestructible. However, there are signs that things aren't as they seem.
According to Paul Joseph Watson, (http://www.infowars.com/urban-warfare-drills-linked-to-coming-economic-rage/) US troops are conducting urban warfare drills, and some don't believe they are simply preparing for combat overseas. He includes this military quote: The U.S. Army War College in November released a white paper called Known Unknowns: Unconventional ‘Strategic Shocks’ in Defense Strategy Development. The report warned that the military must be prepared for a “violent, strategic dislocation inside the United States,” which could be provoked by “unforeseen economic collapse,” “purposeful domestic resistance,” “pervasive public health emergencies” or “loss of functioning political and legal order.” The “widespread civil violence,” the document said, “would force the defense establishment to reorient priorities in extremis to defend basic domestic order and human security.”
It sounds to me like there's some expectation of trouble. And there will be trouble - not only in the US, but in many parts of the world, including Canada. So what does it all mean for you and me? Well, I don't have all the answers, but I do know this: we will all end up in trouble if we trust our governments, our political leaders, bankers, business leaders, or any human institution. What is left? Let me quote from the Bible. Hebrews 12:26-28 declares, At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Only God is left. Everything that "can be shaken" is being shaken. We can only trust in God.
Now, I'm not saying that everything will be as bad as some are predicting, but it could be. Whether things are good or bad with the economy, the government, the world, God is still God. When things begin to shake, I want to hold onto the One who will not be moved.
Panarin may be right, but I'll trust in God. Now if the US citizens would look at their currency and believe the message there (In God We Trust) and not the money itself, that's a good first step.
The chorus of an old hymn written by Ira Stanphill sums it up nicely:
"Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand."
If you don't have that hope and that assurance, you can! Surrender your life to Christ, and He'll give you new life, new faith, new hope!
Be blessed!
David

Planning for Death

Well, there's a catching title! We all have death on our minds everyday, right?
I guess that's part of the problem. We don't often think about dying, though it is a reality for us all. And since we don't think about dying, we don't plan for what will happen in the event of our death. Let me tell you that this is very important for all of us. Now, let me make a disclaimer here: I am not a lawyer, nor do I pretend to be one. I write only from my own experience, and want to share with you what I have learned.
We will all die sooner or later and for the well-being of our families we need to take time to have our things in order. To do that, there are several items that need to be addressed.
1. Your will. Everyone needs a will, drawn up and signed by a lawyer. It will cost you a few hundred dollars, but it's worth every penny. Wills are not just for the elderly. We all will die, and have no guarantee of when that will happen, so we must be prepared. Your will needs to address what happens to your money, stuff and debts after you die. Will everything go to your spouse, if you are married? Who will care for your children if they are still underage? How will your assets be divided? This is where many family disputes arise. If you want certain things to go to certain individuals, specify that exactly in writing. Most parents want to be fair in the division of their assets among their children. The trouble is, what is fair? You might divide cash between some, and the house among other children, but things can drastically change between when you make that decision and when your will is put into effect. In your will you also need to appoint executors. These individuals are given the task of carrying out your wishes and ensuring that your assets and heirs are dealt with properly. Think carefully about whom you appoint to this position: will they work well together? Are they likely to be alive to do the job? Can you trust them? Will the family respect their decisions? If there are expected issues (disagreements, etc) it might be advisable to appoint someone who is not part of the family and has no connections. It will cost your estate, but some people appoint their lawyer as executor, since they are a neutral party (unless your lawyer is your brother!).
2. You also need to name someone as power of attorney. They are empowered to take control of your finances should you become incapacitated and no longer able to look after yourself. Again, this should be someone who you can trust with your money, as they will be given access to all of it! They will be authorized to make decisions on your behalf. Having this in place is very important. If you do not appoint a power of attorney, the government will appoint someone for you, and can make the whole situation very difficult.
3. Everyone also needs to appoint someone as power of attorney for personal care. Should you become incapacitated, this person will make decisions regarding your medical care, housing, etc. Along with this is a living will. This sets out in writing what your wishes are regarding health care, organ donation, etc.

Well, I'm certain there's more that could be covered here. I'll direct you to some resources that may be helpful to you. The following websites and resources have been very informative for me:
http://www.familyfight.com/ Two lawyers have written a book entitled The Family Fight: Planning to Avoid It. I would highly recommend this book as mandatory reading when planning your estate.
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/my_money/planning/estate/article.jsp?content=20031111_112340_4356 This may help you to track down other resources as well.
http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt/livingwillqa.pdf This is a government document dealing with power of attorney and living wills.

Before I end, I must also say that planning for death is not limited to our assets. The Bible says that after death we will stand before God for judgment. Jesus is described as our advocate (or lawyer). Why wouldn't you want the best lawyer you can have? It all begins by surrendering your life now to Christ and then following Him daily. He will make a huge difference in your life if you let Him.

Be blessed!
David

Somebody else always says it better!

I wish I was a better writer, and thinker, and well, better almost anything!
But I can recognize a good thought when I see it or hear it, and when I do, I begin wishing I had said it or wrote it. Today is one of those times.
I've referred to Neil Crone's column in the News Advertiser before. He has an interesting writing style. I've never met him, but he seems like a guys' kind of guy. He doesn't write like a follower of Jesus in a blatant sort of way, but he gives the glimmering impression he's met Jesus before.
Neil's more recent column caught my eye and my imagination last week. He called it "Decide what you are for, not against." You can find his column online here: http://newsdurhamregion.com/opinion/article/107470. It's thought-provoking and good advice for anyone who is endeavouring to follow Jesus.
Speaking of Jesus, there's someone who definitely said it better!
Have a great day!
David

Pick what you planted

The time finally came!
Last year I helped plant some strawberries with some family friends on their farm. Just over a week ago, we had the opportunity to go back and pick some of the fruits of our labour. The plants we put into the ground took root and bore much fruit!
The berries were big, juicy and delicious! Joel was in his element. He filled a 4 litre pail in no time at all. We were astounded, because he finished so much faster than either my wife or I did. Of course, he wanted to be done so he could go play with his friends. It wasn't until we got home and sorted through the berries that we discovered how he finished so quickly. Some of his berries were a little over-ripe, and some were not quite ripe enough. However, he did end up with 2/3 of a bucket of great strawberries.
It was great to pick some of the fruit of what I had planted. The question then becomes one of spiritual fruit. Are you planting the seed of God's Word in the people around you? I'm reminded of the words of St. Francis of Assisi: "Always preach the gospel; if necessary, use words."
What are you planting, and what kind of fruit is resulting?
Happy harvesting!
David

This One's for the Guys (well, women can read it too!)

I've been doing some thinking recently, spurred on by some reading I've been doing.

Guys, the next time you're in church, take a look around and notice how many men (or how few, as the case may be) are in church with you. It's a problem that we as the church must deal with. Statistics show that women outnumber men in church almost 2 to 1. In some instances the ratio is even greater. The question then is: where are all the men, and why don't they come to church?

My thinking about this was inspired by a book I read a year or so ago: Why Men Hate Going to Church, by David Murrow. I've also read some books (one being Wild at Heart) by John Eldredge. These writers strive to help us rethink what it is to be a male follower of Jesus Christ.
Here's a couple of sites that I encountered today in which the authors state their opinions on the issue. Check them out:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/april/27.48.html?start=3
http://eugenecho.wordpress.com/2008/04/22/ultimate-fighting-jesus/
I've also just started reading The Church Impotent: The Feminization of Christianity by Leon J. Podles. I'll keep you posted.

I want to be a church that helps men be real men; a church where change comes on the inside, but not necessarily on the outside; where we don't need to be ashamed of our masculinity.
Guys, think about the men you work with: would you be comfortable inviting them to your church? If not, what would need to change to make it easier to invite them?

I think we have created a picture of Jesus as meek and mild, loving and tame. There are those aspects to Jesus, but there's so much more. He challenged and confronted, used sarcasm and pointed jabs at his critics, and took a whip to clear out the temple courts. He still challenges today, but we often miss or omit that part of who Jesus is.

This year, we are planning something different for men at The Gathering Place on Father's Day - June 15, 2008. I challenge you to invite the men around you to be here with you!
And, I challenge you to respond to this post. I want to hear what you have to say! Leave a comment below for all to see. Come on, are you man enough?
God bless you,
David

Where is God?

Now here's a question for you: Where is God?
Depending on the persons responding, the answers may be very different.
Some might say that God is everywhere, that is, He is in the trees and rocks and in you and me.
Others might also say that God is everywhere, but that it means that He is transcendent and omnipresent, not limited to any one time or place.
Some might say that God is in the church, meaning the church buildings. You go there to feel close to Him, to talk to Him or to hear from Him.
Then there are the provocative sort who would say that God is found in the oddest of places. Well, would you think to find God in this column? Check out one of Neil Crone's columns here: http://newsdurhamregion.com/news/opinion/columns/article/90820
You can read Neil's column every week in the News Advertiser. I don't know exactly what Neil thinks of God. I do think I have an idea regarding what God thinks of Neil.
What about you?
Here's an assignment for you: look for God in Neil's column. Better yet, be on the lookout for evidence of God at work in the whole News Advertiser.
I'd be happy to see your conclusions!
Blessings,
David

One Small Step...

Whew!
I'm still recovering from the weekend. I went on a retreat with a group of people committed to learning more about what it means to follow Jesus. They are serious about their faith, their food, and their fun! We ate way too much, stayed up way too late (at least some of us, well, not me, them!), and had a great time!
Church can never be the same, because we are not the same, and the church is us! We're bursting out beyond the walls, ready to infiltrate our neighbourhoods, our workplaces and our homes with the reality and love of God in Jesus.
It's a scary realization, really. It's very safe and comfortable to stay within the "church circle," associating with our Christians friends, avoiding the challenges of truly living in and serving our community. I'm not sure where this will all lead us, but I am sure that we want to be following Jesus, being led by Him.
Every journey begins with one small step. Are you with me?
Blessings,
David