First, you cannot be "revived" if you were never previously "vived." The basic components of the word literally mean "to come to life again". It requires that you were once "alive" in order order for you to become "alive" again. The new people showing up in large numbers is not the revival. It is the result of revival. They come as a result of what you do as the result of your coming to life again.

For example, you become inspired by the fact that Jesus said to go into all the world and preach the gospel. You commit to telling everyone around you about the good things that have happened in your life since you began a personal relationship with God. the result could be that several people become curious about how they could have a similar relationship with him. The revival is not that they have become revived, it is that your personal revival in testifying drew those people toward God.

If you had not acted, revival would not have taken root in you and there would be no change in those around you.

For the few weeks during the preparation and presentation of the crusade quite a few people got involved from several churches and ministries that already are in existence here. In fact, some of our local leaders actually brought most of the messages to the people. Did we really need Todd Bentley and crew to light a fire under us? Now that they have moved on to the next crusade, what are we doing?

It was like throwing gasoline on a waterlogged piece of wood. When it is ignited, there is an explosive burst of flame. It burns strong for a while giving you the impression that you have a successful fire. As soon as the gasoline is gone the fire goes out and you are left with a barely charred piece of wet wood. Don't get me wrong, there was a lasting effect on the lives of several people who attended the crusade and many of the volunteers were and still are plugged into a local ministries here in Saskatoon. However, there is no reason that this kind of outreach could not be in place on a continual basis. We have the numbers and we have the resources. We proved it.

I would be curious to hear from any of you if you have a heart to be plugged into something more permanent here in the city of Saskatoon. Do you feel driven to do something but lack a place to focus that energy? Do you have a gift that feels buried? If so, then contact me.

Let's consider another scenario. A certain person decides that they want to quit smoking. They put forth some effort and manage to stop for a few days at a time but they just don't seem to have the "will-power" to stop for good. It would appear that the "addiction" to nicotine overrules their ability to resist smoking. Would it be possible to design a method where we could guarantee that they would  give up smoking for any length of time? How about this idea for a solution. We design an airtight housing unit. Then we supply it with food, water and everything else one would need to live comfortably for one full year. Oddly enough, we also put a year's supply of cigarettes, lighters, matches and ashtrays. Next, we take our smoker and lock  him in the housing unit for a year. Finally, we continually pump pure oxygen into the room for that year.

When our smoker is in the room we point out a huge sign on the wall that reads, "Caution do not light a cigarette. The oxygen will ignite, the housing unit will explode, and you will die if you light a cigarette." I have a pretty good idea that our smoker will not light a cigarette for that full year. Regardless of the craving, the need for self-preservation would over-rule the desire to smoke. Notice, if you will, that no  addiction counseling, drug or nicotine patch was required.

What happened? Our "smoker" made a choice not to smoke. Obviously, there were no other safe options, but that is not the point. It didn't matter how badly the smokers body wanted the drug. The smoker was able to make and act on the right decision. It is perfectly logical that our subject could make the same decision not smoke while outside the housing unit. It is all about making a choice and sticking by your decision. Every time you end up in a situation where you have to choose "yes or no" or "wrong or right" you are the one who ultimately is responsible for your choice. God will not force you to do the right thing and the devil can't force you to do the wrong thing.

Jesus said, "Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect". Jesus wasn't asking us to do the impossible. He proved it could be done. During His own earthly life He made the right choice every time. Its all about our own choice. It will always be "yes or no" and you can always choose to do the right thing.

"And the Lord said, See, they are all one people and have all one language; and this is only the start of what they may do: and now it will not be possible to keep them from any purpose of theirs." - Genesis 11:6 (BBE) 

This scripture was written several millennia ago, but its purpose was to give us a valuable clue rather than to be just some historical footnote. You see, the similarity between the people in the verse above and many minority groups today is their unity. They are many individuals acting as one with the same goal and mindset. They have put their differences aside to focus on a single purpose. This is why they are successful and, unfortunately, it is also why the church as a whole is not making progress.

We cannot afford to fight among ourselves because of manmade doctrinal differences any more. One man says lay hands on the sick and they will be healed and another man says that the gift of healing doesn't operate today. Get over it! If you don't believe in healing it won't work for you anyway. One man prays in a "unknown" language and another prays in a clear and precise monotone of Victorian English "Thee" and "Thou". Move on! Do you really think God doesn't know the meaning of the prayer in each mans heart?

Yes my friends, we are suffering most of all from a terminal lack of unity and it is time to get focused on our primary purpose as Christians. If we fail to do so then we will not go forward. In fact, lack of unity will only serve to have us destroy each other because of the trivial differences we have dreamed up in order to make God fit into a box of our design. And what is the viewpoint of Jesus in this matter? Take a close look at the following scripture.

"John spoke up, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn't in our group. Jesus wasn't pleased. "Don't stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he's not an enemy, he's an ally." - Mark 9:38-40 (MSG)

Did you catch it. We need to put aside our differences and stop trying to prevent people from doing good just because we don't belong to their group or understand what they are doing. Instead, let's work on the one thing that we know all of us are supposed to be doing.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem (locally), and in all Judea, and in Samaria (our country), and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (the other countries)."- Acts 1:8

When God gives us a task we need to focus on the goal and not the circumstance that we face getting there. If we get too involved with the details and our ability or resources to see the job to completion we can actually hinder our own progress. The gifts and talents that we are given will be sufficient to what God has planned for our lives regardless of how we view them. Quit worrying and just take another step forward. God does not give us something to do and leave us with no way to accomplish it.

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." - Matthew 6:34 (MSG)

When we try to figure it all out before hand, it will just drain us mentally and emotionally. If that happens then we are not going to be able to perform much at all. Keep, in mind that you are the tool God has picked for the task and he will never choose the wrong tool. Anyone that is chosen for His purpose will inherently have the capability to accomplish the work. He's God and He doesn't make mistakes. Just focus on the task and not the tool.

We understand the cycle of life from everything going all around us in nature but this vision did not quite fit the pattern. There was no mother to give birth and there was nothing left of the skeleton to nourish and foster new life. All traces had blown away in the wind. Where did this new life come from? The only factor in the vision was the wind. The wind slowly eroded and swept away the old bones. Then, in contrast, new life appeared in an instant. It was as if the the same gust of wind had brought it there from some other place.

It makes perfect sense if we look at it from a spiritual point of view. We tend to be either too comfortable, or too fearful to move on to the next level in our spiritual lives. Basically, we resistant change. The lifeless skeleton resisted the wind, but inevitably the friction generated by that resistance was its demise. New life was ushered in without delay as soon as any trace of resistance was gone. Are we resisting what God's Spirit wants to do?

The idea that we pray to the Lord for help is not wrong. The Lord promised us that He would help us in everything, but He has been trying to teach us that He has given us the authority to access His power and the wisdom to use it.He wants us to do something. He wants us to take charge. He wants us to bring everything into submission and be the overcoming children that he created us to be. The Christian life is not a spectator sport. We are not sitting in front of a big screen and watching everything play out in front of us. This is real life. God gave us full access to His wisdom and power and said, now go out there and take over the place. 

We are not small in spirit either. The Holy Spirit that lives in us is the one that supplies the wisdom and the power that we require to prevail in every circumstance. Since finding this out, the concept has not and will not be wasted on me. I am far less likely to pray prayers such as, "Lord I don't know what to do, do something!" Doesn't it seem funny to pray that way when we realize the wisdom of our mighty God is available from the Holy Spirit simply by asking Him, "What is the answer?" And this is only in the extreme cases since a lot of times we already know what needs to be done.

For example, if I am having a slow period in my business and the pressure comes against me financially, instead of whining to God for Him to pull me out of the situation I would rather ask the Holy Spirit to give me wisdom in how to proceed and after He tells you which way to go, speak the situation and command that there would be an increase in business through the authority of the name of Jesus. After that go about your business and believe you will have what you asked. Take authority over it. Change the circumstances by your words that are backed up by your actions.

It has become more and more apparent to me that Moses, Joshua, David and all the other people in the Bible have no more going for them than any of us do today. In fact in some ways they had less. These men took action and look what happened. They stopped up huge rivers, destroyed giants, and overcame massive armies. Who were these people that did this. They were people who trusted God to back them up when they did something.

Many people can quote the academic definitions of love. "Love" has been broken down into four categories. We can even list them here. Eros is romantic or sexual love. Phileo is love toward our fellow man or "brotherly love". Storge is parental affection or the instinctual love that animals or siblings have for each other. Agape is God's unconditional love. Does having the mental capacity to recognize the different types of love help us to understand what real love is? No, of course not. The very nature of love goes beyond our typical mental process and our emotions. Love might be inspired by some mental notion or be spurred on by an emotion but real love is not a thought or a feeling.

Like many other people, I spent years trying to "analyze" the "level of love" I had for someone based on a measure of my "feelings" for them. I never could come up with the right equation to know whether or not I was really in love. Oh, how the answer eluded me. Finally, the answer was revealed to me in the Bible.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

You see, God's love is not in a feeling or a thought, it is in who and what He is. The very nature of God is to love and it is expressed in action. He loves us regardless of what we are doing or how He "feels" or "thinks" about what we are doing. The act of  love overcomes these things. We need to be like God if we want to have or express true love to anyone who is in our lives. How do we express our love? We do it by "being" love in the same way that God is love! I imagine this will bring up another question so I will answer it now the same way it was answered for me. How do we "be" love? Simple, we find out what love does and do the same. The Bible is full of the explanation. Read it, know it, feel it, do it and then you will be it. 

"Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!..." - (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

The people in opposition to godly wealth need to make up their mind. Do you want the godly to be poor or do you want us to help the poor? They had better choose wisely. If they choose for the godly to be poor the the ball is back in their court and they had better put their money where their mouth is and take care of needy themselves. If they want the godly to take care of the needy then they had better be encouraging the godly to gather as much wealth as possible so that they can effectively aid the impoverished.

Fortunately we don't have to rely on waiting a few more millennia for such people to make up our mind for us. It was clearly stated by Jesus Christ that we are to feed the poor and look after the widow. Any human being with an intellect greater than a single-celled organism should be able to figure out that in order to do this it will require that we have funding to do it. I agree that the church shouldn't be begging for handouts from the ungodly. Of course they shouldn't. Even those people should already be willing to give if their heart has warm blood flowing through it. The church should not need to ask. The godly should be wealthy enough to meet every need that is out there.

The Bible states that if we would listen to what God said we would be "made rich in every way so that we could be generous on every occasion." ( 1 Corinthians 9:10,11 CEV ) Poverty is not riches. They are diametrically opposed. Just as dark and light are two different ends of a spectrum, so is having and not having. So I would invite all of those with a contradictory opinion to "wake up and smell the coffee"," to grow a brain", or to "let the elevator go all the way to the top."

Obviously there have been some who start in revival and get off track but this doesn't apply to those who follow the scripture and act in the things that are written in scripture and were accepted by the mainstream early apostles like Peter and Paul. These acts included healing, falling down in the presence of God, tongue-speaking, prophesy and all the other nine gifts we see in the revival churches of modern day.

If you think you can convince me that God couldn't show the truth to Holy Ghost directed, blood washed Christians who love God with all their heart when they are being deceived then you are a fool. My God is real, tangible and omnipotent. He helps and rescues His people from calamity. He is not weak and unable to set people straight if it becomes necessary.

Consider, if you will, the Lutheran Reformation. God moved Luther to go against the thinking of the time and brought back the concept that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ was acceptable and so was the personal reading of scripture. This was heresy then and the stiff-necked people reacted in the same way as anti-revival denominations are reacting to God the Father revealing Himself in this latest movement. Of course they took it a little farther back then and murdered people who chose a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (We refer to this as the "Spanish Inquisition" in our history books.) Hopefully, the opponents of revival won't resort to burning revivalists at the stake or torturing as their forerunners did to anyone brave enough to say that salvation comes through Jesus Christ as the Christians did in Luther's time. Modern day Christians who oppose the movement of God should understand that they would have been the victims of burnings and drowning in in Luther's day for what they believe now! 

Now, being one who has had a Salvationist upbringing and have also attended churches such as Baptist, United, Mennonite, Anglican, Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Nazarene I have seen every side reject one Biblical truth or another. This even applies to Full Gospel and Full Bible Denominations. Most of the controversy and disbelief does not come from any Biblical argument. I know, I have read through the Bible more than once and I have seen every revival movement activity in the scripture and typically of Jesus by the greatest apostles of the scriptures. 

One example is speaking, praying and singing in unknown tongues. Some people would say that this is "from the devil". If that is the case Jesus must have been supporting the devil when He stated in the gospels that His followers would do many things including speaking in unknown tongues. And then there is the man-spawned argument that they only spoke languages of different human nationalities. Really? Paul said, "Even though I speak in tongues of men AND angels...." Can you tell me if you know, Oh thou "wiser than I", what nationality on earth speaks the same language as angels? Is it English? Is it Mandarin?

The controversy come from the opinion of men who are afraid of change and reformation or those who would like to believe that they alone have the inside track on the entire mind of God and are jealous when somebody tries to mess with their "Holy Grail."

Don't be so hard on yourselves, the disciples of Jesus made the same mistake too. They had the Gaul to go to Jesus and report that they had ordered a man to stop bringing spiritual freedom people in the name of Jesus Christ. They too believed that they were the only ones entitled to access the power and authority of God. What did Jesus do? He rebuked them immediately and said, "Don't stop him. Those who do theses things in my name will not soon turn against us." Yes, really! Look it up. It is in those books we refer to as the Gospels of Jesus. That should be a warning to those who would oppose others from operating with love and in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The difference between revivalist and non-revivalists is the state of contentment. Non-revivalist are content to hang out in the "outer temple courtyard" and going through the rituals. The revivalists have figured out that through the blood of Jesus we have access into the Holy of Holies" as sanctified and holy priests. The problem is that those who remain outside in the courtyard will never experience God close up and don't have any personal experiences to base things on except the written word.

the written word does talk about these things in a positive light, but I would venture to guess that when the scriptures were written these things were so commonplace that Paul, Peter and the other followers of Jesus Christ didn't have the need to explain it much.

There were also people who had climbed up the mountain a ways and had sat down to rest or to take in the view. They had been on their way up the mountain and had either become tired or distracted by the scenery around them.

Then the Lord said that He longed for them to climb up the rest of the way. He also said that the view was even better up at the top and that there were gifts on the path to the summit.

So where are you? Are you occupied with busy things that keep your attention focused away from God at the bottom of the mountain. Have you started your journey but given up. Did you lose your momentum because the climb seemed more difficult than you first thought. Perhaps you have come up a ways and are comfortable with what you have found on the way. Maybe you think that you have arrived at your destination even though you are only yet enjoying a portion of what the journey has in store for you. Still hungry for God. Do you still want more. It's time to climb. See you at the top!

From a Christian standpoint, integrity should become even more pronounced. The world’s standard of integrity, due to society's standards and level of tolerance for selfishness, will never be elevated to the same level as one who stands on the principles laid out in the Bible. As Christians, and therefore people who attempt to follow the Word of God, it is more than an expectation or a suggestion that we live with Biblical integrity. God demands it. 

Here is a hint for those who have the courage to honestly examine themselves. If you want to know how much integrity you have, contemplate for a moment how you act, what you do and what you say, when there is no one else around to see or hear you. Your private expression of character should be just as honorable and holy, if not better, than how you are seen in the public eye. Integrity says that you give back the money along with the wallet you found on the sidewalk. Integrity says you should help that elderly lady to change her tire even if you might get cold or wet. It expects you to share your food with those that are hungry. It says when you give you are to be generous with everything you have and not just what is left over after you have purchased all those luxury items and toys. Even many of the people in the world who are not Christians will do these things. The Christian people of God's Word are expected to excel far beyond this.

Have we spent any time in introspection about our own personal integrity or do we avoid doing so because it is too uncomfortable for us to confront our own inadequacies? Take these words to heart and take some time to observe your own behavior in public and private. Are you coming up short in any areas? However, don't become discouraged.. Such a personal examination can give you a whole new perspective. You will be able to see the things that need to be changed and it will provide you with an excellent tool by which to effect those changes. 

I think that in some instances, though we know that God is present with us at all times, the fact that we can’t see Him physically allows us to be too much at ease as we go about our daily routines. “Out of sight, Out of Mind”, seems to rule the day much too often. Well, He is there and He does see. I think it is a difficult thing for Him to have to see. When you force yourself to be aware of what you are doing you can be a good referee of your own integrity. With the help of the Holy Spirit we will know when we are about to blow it and then we can put a stop to our wrong-doing by making a simple choice.

After all when push comes to shove and all is said and done, ultimately the decisions are ours to make and the choices we make prove out our integrity.

Their main concerns early on are decisions about schooling, friends and how to raise the money to be able to afford the fun things they can find to do to burn off all that youthful energy.

In the Bible, King Solomon urges the young to walk away from worldly living and live holy lives in obedience to God while they are still in their youth. After all, wouldn't it be a greater accomplishment to resist your worldly desires while your hormones are raging than when that incessant youthful drive begins to diminish in the later years?

Wouldn't it be better to follow hard after God now rather than waiting until you don't have the strength to get the job done later?

I know when I was a teen I used to have a saying, "I will get all the sleep I need when I am dead." It might be interesting to note that for the majority of that time I was dead. Spiritually dead. In reality I had not yet begun to live. Many of the so-called friends of my youth would explain that they would go find God later. They thought that they had plenty of time to waste before seeking after the God. Solomon speaks about what they have to look forward to as they age.

The writer explains that anything we do that is not in obedience to the Lord is meaningless. It's like a dog chasing after its tail. More importantly what we do during this life will be scrutinized in great detail when you get to the end of the road here on earth.

People who have the attitude that they will come to the Lord after they have had their fun will soon find out that God knows your heart. He knows if you are trying to abuse His grace just to avoid hell rather than because there is any sincerity in your choice. He will see right through the guise and find the reverence for Him is missing. He will know if you are treating His Son's sacrifice as something trivial.

King Solomon's advice is that the youth should not to study so hard that you wear yourself out and become useless. He also says to be obedient to whatever God asks you to do. I believe this is a fairly basic theme that runs throughout the Bible from cover to cover. Obey God. Worship Him. Do these things with sincerity and a true appreciation for the mercy he has offered  and you will live a blessed and fulfilling life.

I will not do things just to make myself feel good at the expense of other people. I will not look the other way or walk away when it is obvious that someone around me is hurting and needs my help. I will not be apathetic to the spiritual well-being of any person when I have the chance to give them them a hand up. I will not treat people different than I would want to be treated if I was in their place. I will not keep silent when to speak up would mean that someone would be encouraged and regain their strength and confidence. I will not waste any more valuable time doing things that have no meaning when life is so short. I will not treat my family and friends, especially my mother and father, with disrespect. I will not think of myself first all the time. I will stop ignoring God when He is trying to help one of His children to live a full, meaningful, joyful and abundant life.

That's right I'm quitting! I'm moving on to better things and I already like myself better because of it. Doing the right thing will always be free of guilt, remorse and regret. I recommend it to anyone who thinks they can handle it. But be warned, it is not a lifestyle for the lazy weaklings. It takes all the "try" you can muster. Do you feel like quitting too?

Now, some other people might think it is hilarious that one would turn tail and run at the first mention of Jesus or God. You might call them spineless, yellow, or chicken. After all, it is just a "story in a book" that has them yelling for protection and ducking for cover. Could you imagine someone being terrified by having "Dr. Seuss" read to them? Well, let's not be too hasty. To poke fun or laugh at people who are afraid of what the Bible says might be unmerited. There is more than one way to look at this. In reality, they might have good reason to be fearful. One has to consider the mental condition of the person who tends to become nervous when they hear about scriptural things.

For those of us that have made the choice to receive Jesus Christ there is nothing to fear as long as we actually follow what we say we believe. Those who have never read or heard what the Bible is about continue, for now, in "blissful ignorance" as they always have. They might overhear little bits of the story in other people's conversations and wonder "What's the big deal" but the chances are that they won't be investigating it anytime soon. This would be like listening to people around you talking about a huge asteroid that is heading in the general direction of earth and then brushing it off as gossip without peering into a telescope to check it out for yourself.I

These people who are afraid of what the Bible says are not afraid of Christian people. After all, who could be afraid of people who follow a book which encourages them to love and help their neighbors in any way they can. Why would fear grip someone because another person offers to help them change a tire in the rain or take them shopping at the grocery store because they haven't eaten in a few days. Are they terrorized when they see the boy scouts or Mr. Rodgers too?

The thing about the Bible that scares people more than anything is the fact that it compels them to compare their own lifestyle with that which is expected by God in His Word. Somehow there is something built into them that can't quite prove the non-existence of God. If they could ever truly convince themselves that there is no God, the Bible would just be a bunch of really interesting folklore. They could pass it off as easily as "Mother Goose." 

It bother's these people to hear what the Bible says just like it bothers some people to live across the street from a cemetery. What's so scary about a graveyard? Nothing. Its just a field of grass with stones here and there. The uneasiness comes from the knowledge that no matter how hard they try, they can't escape coming to the end of their life some day. Taking prayer and the Bible out of the school or politics won't help anymore than bulldozing the graveyard. It doesn't change anything. 

Want to be free from fear? Accept the truth and the Truth will set you free.

The "Roman edifices", which are the predecessors of the buildings which we have labeled as the "church", are the remnant of what was once a "religious" political state. The Roman based politics of that day insisted that everyone must not only attend a "church" but be a "Christian." Anyone failing to do so or speaking out against the political power were tortured, if not killed.

He is absolutely correct. I wouldn't want to be part of such a "Christianity" either. The leaders of that political system, did not allow the common man to read the Bible for themselves. They did not want the "people" to know that the wicked deeds of their so-called "leaders" were diametrically opposed to what the Bible really said. This is nothing new. Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His day too. Jesus told them that they spouted out the "Law" with their mouths, but inwardly they would do anything they "thought" they could get away with. Why do you think they wanted to kill Jesus so bad. He was exposing the truth about what was in their hearts to the "people."

The trouble with "Christianity" has never been because of what God the Father, Jesus Christ or His Holy Spirit have done or said. The trouble is with human hypocrisy. Jesus took the original "Ten Commandment" Laws of Moses and reduced them to just two. He made it very, very, simple. The Biblical scholars trip over themselves today trying to figure out the deeper interpretation of what He said. It was not meant to be difficult, its not a mystery or a riddle. Jesus wasn't trying to keep people out of Heaven. He was trying to show them how to get there.

First, love God with every part of your being and second, treat others as good or better than YOU would appreciate being treated. 

Can you see anywhere in these two laws where loving people means to torture and kill them because they decided to think for themselves. Of course not, its not there! Anyone doing anything that is in opposition to this is not being "Christian" and should not even consider calling themselves such. Too many people, over thousands of years of history, have dragged the name of Christianity through the mud for their own purposes and gain. It's sickening.

The fact is, God gave everybody a free will to choose to live life the way they want too. He doesn't insist that anyone do right thing so why would some historical "religious" clowns think they have the right to "force" them to decide. It's not my place to make up anyone's mind. All I can do is express my love for God and my thanks for what He has done to change me. It's not my words that count, it's my actions. If someone says "no thanks". Fine. All I'm supposed to do is make sure they know there is an option and live according to what I believe.

So do the "real" Christians a favor all you "non-Christian Christians." Quit pretending to be something you're not. You're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Get "real" or get out of the way. 

When we think of shut-ins we have a tendency to imagine the elderly or handicapped who don't have the ease of mobility that others enjoy. Yes, there are those who live in isolation because they don't have much choice in the matter, but I am not referring to them. In the course of doing outreach ministry in my community during these winter months I noticed how deserted the sidewalks and neighborhoods were. Rarely did I encounter anyone outside unless they were walking their dog or exiled to the front step because they weren't allowed to smoke in the house. 

Winter is not the only time that people are isolated from the other people around them. Sadly, much of the time they choose this isolation. Have you noticed how many people will not walk two blocks to the corner store. If they have a car, many choose to drive that short distance instead of getting a little exercise. Then there are those people who spend countless hours watching television, playing video games or chatting on the internet. For many, watching sports has replaced actually participating in them and online chats have replaced the idea of getting together in person. How many people in these modern times could even tell you the names of the people who live in the house next door or across the street?

It is becoming more of a challenge to meet people and what chance is there that you can help someone if you don't know they have a need or even that they exist? Jesus said that we are supposed to love our neighbors. Are we doing that? The fact that one cannot even recognize ones own neighbors makes quite a statement about how much love is being expressed to other people. It would appear as though we, as Christians, are shut-ins too. But we aren't shut-ins because of some situation we have no control over. It is our choice.

Like anyone else, Christian people can find themselves distracted by things that keep us isolated too. Unfortunately, we can also shut ourselves up in our church buildings. We go to worship God, learn from His Word and occasionally even take the time to encourage each other and fellowship. Then what? What are we doing outside those walls. Churches don't grow by having the members huddling together and avoiding the world outside. Churches grow when they have the courage to move out of the comfort of the pew and act in Christian love to the people around them.

Here are a few ideas that can help the "Christian Shut-in"

• Grow a vegetable garden and share the crop with your neighbors ( Garden grown vegetables taste great ) 
• Shovel the neighbors walk too if they could use a hand ( Be helpful )
• Invite your neighbors over for coffee and get to know them ( Don't just preach at them - Be friendly! )
• Get involved in community activities. ( Yes, they really have such things )
• Let them know you are willing to help them any way you are able. ( Go the extra mile )

I am sure you can think of lots of other ways to be neighborly. Go ahead, be creative and remember to actually do something. Your actions speak for you until the Holy Spirit gives you the cue. 

For some, there is nothing to decide because their church only holds one service a week. For others, where the church has multiple services, this is a question. Each person might attend church for different reasons. There are those who come to learn, have a need met or be encouraged by meeting with other believers. Some might attend to teach, encourage or to meet needs of others.

I have heard some say that your commitment is in question if you do not show up for each and every service or if you are not present every time the doors are open. Where does the  Bible support this view? That being said, I enjoy going to church. I seldom go only once a week but you probably won't see me there every day either. I don't imagine it will come as a shock to you, but there is more to the Christian life than just attending church services.

The Bible tells us that the early church met together every day. Apparently they really enjoyed doing so. However, the teaching that they met together at one particular building each time might not be entirely accurate. Take a close look at the following scripture and see if you can see a purpose for where they spent their time.

"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:46-47)

The believers ( the church ) were not going to the temple to learn from the religious leaders. The temple was a very busy place. There were a lot of people there. It was a mission field where the early church could find people and share the good news that the Messiah had finally come in the person of Jesus Christ. Likewise, they brought the message when they met in theirs or other people's homes. People were receiving the message and joining the church because the believers were going out and doing something! They were not just pew warmers. A few chapters later this verse seems to clarify things even more. 

"And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. (Acts 5:42)"

When the early church was not meeting with itself to pray and seek God, it was very mobile. It was out in the community and it was there with purpose. The Bible did not say that they prayed for people to come to God and then sat around waiting for the masses to rush through the doors of the church. Even the unsaved who do come in to a church on their own will usually do so because someone once told them that they might find answers there. No, my friends, if we want to make an impact for the Kingdom of God, it will have to be outside the walls.

Now, don't think I am giving you an excuse to neglect going to church. Having a physical building where believers can meet and a regular schedule of services is for our convenience. You may not realize it, but just by showing up and interacting with other people you might be bringing the encouragement that someone else needs to keep going. The Bible speaks about this. 

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

Our churches can be wonderful institutions. New converts can come to be healed, delivered and taught in the the things of God. But first, we have to go out and reach them. If we focus first on keeping people out of hell, the church will be filled in the process.

As Christians, we have been known to pull out our best attitude when we are heading off to church. We are careful to look and act like people who have got it all together and figured out. There is a tendency for us to act like someone would on their first date. You know, dressing nice and being at your best to impress them. The problem with doing this on a date is that you are not honestly portraying who you are. Eventually there will come a time when you have to be just the ordinary you. Unfortunately, the person you have been dating might be in for a shock.

I have talked to people in church who are feeling depressed because they find it hard to live up to the standards that are being portrayed by other Christians. I was able to encourage them by explaining to them that, although its hard to admit it, most of us have felt the same way at times. The irony is that the people who we are comparing ourselves with, the ones who give the impression that they live as polished and perfect Christians, are probably feeling just as inadequate.

So let me ask you, when did being a Christian have anything to do with perfect people? None of us are perfect. If we were, why did we need Jesus? What about outside the church? What does the unbeliever think about those of us who are brave enough to admit to the world that we are Christians? When people find out that we are Christians they will scrutinize every detail of our lives. We will have to get used to it because it goes with the territory. You might as well know that they are going to judge you a lot harsher than they do themselves or another unbeliever.

The unsaved people expect Christians to excel far beyond them in moral living. Here's an example. What will they say if their friend goes out to the bar one night and ends up spending the night in bed with a stranger. Some might warn them of the dangers of STD's and hope they used protection. Others might congratulate them on their ability to "score" on the first date. The same people would pounce on a Christian who accidentally used a four letter word in a sentence.

Why the double standard? It's really very simple. They are looking for Jesus in you. We've told them that He changed our lives and made us better people. They seem to expect us to become superhuman and infallible the moment we accept Jesus as our savior. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. We are still the people we were before we invited Jesus into our lives, but the difference is that we are forgiven.

Jesus, however, is perfect and He has empowered us by His Spirit to at least recognize the difference between good and bad. As ambassadors for God here in the world, we should attempt to act like Jesus. The unbeliever is looking for the proof of our belief in Jesus to emanate though our lives. Our "perfect Christian" act and well chosen words will never take the place of an honest effort to be like Jesus everywhere we go. It's really not as hard to do the right thing as it is to choose to do it in the first place. 

This method worked alright for a few months, but the lack of sleep and extended work weeks had begun to take a noticeable toll on my mental and physical state. I found myself forgetting important things in the jumble of thoughts that was created by such a lifestyle. Still, I was ready to bear down, grit my teeth ... or perhaps invent an electronic appointment book which could digitize my thoughts and play back important information at just the right moment.

The turning point came as someone said, "You need to manage your time better." I replied that there was no more time to manage. I was already organizing my life according to where I would be at different times so I could multi-task and wipe out whole flocks of birds with a single stone. I sat myself down and listed the main priorities in my life. The list included my spiritual life (my personal relationship with God, ministry and church), my extended family (relatives and friends) and my work.

I wasn't doing my career any favors without mental focus and feeling physically fatigued. I was working so much that I didn't have as much time for friends and family. Most importantly I was delegating to others some of the ministry work that my heart aches for. Without really knowing when it happened, I had lost site of the proper order for the priorities in my life. During my solution seeking I was reminded what Jesus taught about prioritizing things.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

All argument and debate melted away. All men's opinion faded to a whisper. God first, regardless of what that may mean for me. Things will again be His to arrange. I don't want to be in the drivers seat. I've decided to leave the "time management" to the one who invented time in the first place.

Recently, Saskatoon hosted nearly 1,000 people who were evacuated from their homes in several northern Saskatchewan communities. They were housed on the university campus and at the Soccer center in Lawson Heights. I was personally informed that they were looking for help on the evening of July 7th and was able to volunteer for most of the day on Sunday. While I was there one of the other volunteers told me that they had been in town for almost 14 days! I had heard of the need for people in the last 2 days that they were here. 

I posted a notice for volunteers on this website by Saturday night and I heard a call for help was given at one church Sunday morning. Perhaps this was a case of "too little, too late". Here we were notifying everyone to help on the day the evacuees were about to board buses to return home.

The Salvation Army, University of Saskatchewan and some other organizations took up the slack for the rest of us and I congratulate them for being there for the people when the need arose. Now I am sure there are many of you out there, that would have gladly given of your time to help if you had known what was happening. It seems that, among most of the churches, we lack any real desire to communicate with each other or any reliable method by which to do so. This is one of the main reasons that this website was established, but it relies on having the information from those who are "in the know".

Are we all too busy in our own little corners to let other people know what is going on? The Bible calls us to be set apart from worldliness, not from each other. Can you imagine the effect that the churches in Saskatoon could have if we all acted in cooperation with each other. Personally, I am finished with trying to imagine it. I want to see it in reality. How about you?  

Take warning, those who judge the people of God without cause. You will be judged by all the words you speak against the servants of God.

"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. - (Matthew 7:3-5)

Many therapists will tell you that the things we like least about other people are usually the same things that we can't stand about ourselves. I once knew a girl who would tell me about how the other girls around her would constantly go from boyfriend to boyfriend yet her own track record was to do the very same. Remember the story of Job? The one who endured so much and had all his friends telling him he was full of sin and doing wrong? Look what the book of Job say in the first verse?   

"There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. - (Job 1:1)

The people looked at him and judged him on the basis of the circumstances that they could see in their own limited human eyes. They had no clue about what was happening in the realm of the spirit. His so-called friends had no idea where Job stood with God. You could easily assume that their accusations were well intentioned. They wanted to help him and meant well didn't they? If they were so right and Job was so wrong, why was their opinion in direct opposition to what the Bible says about Job. Job got a little frustrated with his well-meaning friends. I imagine that if anyone knows how to "push your buttons" it would be the people that know you best. This is what Job had to say about their blind opinions

"Then Job defended himself: "I've had all I can take of your talk. What a bunch of miserable comforters! Is there no end to your windbag speeches? What's your problem that you go on and on like this? If you were in my shoes, I could talk just like you. I could put together a terrific harangue and really let you have it. But I'd never do that. I'd console and comfort, make things better, not worse!" - (Job 16:1-5 Message Bible)

Job gave good advice. If you think someone is missing it. Help them with kind words, love and with all the resources at your disposal. The wrong thing to do is gossip behind their back and argue with them. You might actually be able to help someone if you go to them directly and let them tell you why they are doing what they are doing.

Grow Up! Stop your gossip. That's sin. Period. All gossiping proves is that the gossiper is the one lacking righteousness.

During my lifetime I have heard this phrase many times and, for the most part, it meant that something was not being well maintained. If I were to let the grass grow all year without taking out the lawnmower it would eventually go to seed. The grass would grow tall and wild until it began to reproduce. The state of the lawn would be the result of laziness and neglect. This would be taking the phrase in a negative context. Unfortunately, many people have a tendency to let their Christian walk go without proper maintenance.  

In a positive light, it is my hope that your Christian walk has gone to seed. That is, you are taking the seed of the good news of Jesus Christ and you are planting it wherever there is suitable ground. Like the grass that was allowed to grow to maturity, we should also come to the place where we are sowing the seed of new life and future generations. That's the commission. That is what Jesus Christ told us all to do. If we are not reaching out with the good news to everyone when the opportunity arises, then we are no better than a plant which fails to drop seed.

So which way does gone to seed apply to you today and what are you doing about it? The clock is ticking!

Just because someone operates in a way that we don't understand, does not mean they are wrong or not acting ethically. Let me break it to you gently. You and I are not God. God often has people do things in a way that does not appear to be correct to us or those around us. God can use anyone and anything in any place at any time by any method to achieve his plan. He is not so simple minded and limited in His ability as we are.

Imagine for a moment, a Godly Christian friend of yours went out and married a prostitute. On Purpose, no less! Not a reformed prostitute mind you. One that your friend knew would cheat on him over and over without fail. Would you advise him that it was "unethical" for him to do so. Would you disassociate yourself from him. Would it make a difference to you if he told you that he was doing it in obedience to what God asked him to do? This is what God told Hosea to do as written about in the book of Hosea.

"The first time GOD spoke to Hosea he said: "Find a whore and marry her. Make this whore the mother of your children. And here's why: This whole country has become a whorehouse, unfaithful to me, GOD." Hosea did it. He picked Gomer daughter of Diblaim. She got pregnant and gave him a son." - Hosea 1:2-3 (MSG)

How would you like that for a ministry. Do you think that most Christian people would want to be on the same page as Hosea? Some people might be able to excuse it by saying Hosea made a poor marriage decision. Would people tell him he should have had a longer engagement and more marriage counseling beforehand?

Now imagine another God-fearing friend of yours stripped off all his clothes and began walking around the city naked. In fact he kept this up every day for years and God somehow kept the police from arresting him all this time. How would you feel about associating with him. Would you keep your distance. Might you suggest to him that he should put some clothes on? What if he also told you that what he was doing was in obedience to the Lord. How would you react. Would you like to be found on the same page as your friend or would that offend you. How do you think Isaiah's friends felt?  

"GOD told Isaiah son of Amoz, "Go, take off your clothes and sandals," and Isaiah did it, going about naked and barefooted. Then GOD said, "Just as my servant Isaiah has walked around town naked and barefooted for three years as a warning sign to Egypt and Ethiopia..." - Isaiah 20:2-3 (MSG)

So in the light of the strange ministries God has asked our predecessors to perform, how do we now question anyone who does things differently than we are used to operating? 

One of the biggest issues Christian people bicker about is how a church or ministry raises funds. Do they take up an offering in church? Do they express a need only privately to fellow believers? Do they canvass the general public and the business sector? Do they receive funding from the government? Do they quietly wait for God to supply funding through people he sends to them. Does it really matter how it happens. Is it really our concern anyway?

Money is just one issue that well-intentioned Christian people spend too much time and energy getting stressed over. For what! How big is your God? The God I know is more than able to accomplish his purposes without my advice or opinion. My job is to focus on being obedient to God in what He has asked me to do. Even if someone else's ministry is in need of fixing, only God has the power to repair it anyway.  The disciples complained to Jesus that someone who was not in their group was casting out demons in Jesus' name. Do you know what Jesus said in reply?

"John spoke up, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn't in our group." Jesus wasn't pleased. "Don't stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he's not an enemy, he's an ally." - Mark 9:38-40 (MSG)

Can we at least be unified in one thing? Can we all be obedient to what God has asked us to do as individuals and focus on Jesus. We are not here to tear down, our fellow workers in Christ. We are here to encourage, edify and build each other up. If we fail at that simple thing how will we ever be able to help those who are yet without Christ.