Social Networks and Worship

    As Christians we are called to worship daily, and many of us try.  Some belong to the school of thought that worship should be done in the little things.  “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence is a great little book that can strengthen any christian.  The though of serving God in everything is indeed good, as well as biblical; “and everything you do, whether it is eating or drinking, do it for the glory of the lord.”  However, we are social creatures and thus, need to constantly interact with other people.  We attend church for fellowship to interact with other brothers and sitters so that we can challenge each other, and build each other up while worshiping God.  We MUST be one because our God is one.  This is of utter importance, as media and popular opinion is in full rebellion against God and his people. 
    The beautiful thing about worshiping a loving and sovereign God, is the assurance we receive that he is always in control.  God finds ways to use things that cause corruption, evil, and sin for his glory.  Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and the internet as a whole, have caused much damage in the lives of individuals.  However, these tools have also been used to unite Christians from around the globe.  We are able to worship and constantly encourage each other with biblical insight, godly wisdom, and even prayer.  I’ll be honest, it really feels good when my iPhone goes off telling me that five Christians from around the world have just prayed for me. 
    Think about it... Would you rather have $100,000 or 100,000 men of God praying fervently for you?  Honestly think about that.  Reflect on the bible stories and the precedence they set for the power of prayer.  With social networking, we are given the opportunity to build an immense holy army fighting the good fight.

Let His people pray!

Movie Review “Letters To God”

So I watched this movie last night with the wife, and it was the most emotional movie I’ve ever seen.  I honestly cannot remember crying this much during a movie.  The story is about a boy by the name of Tyler, who is fighting a rare and aggressive form of cancer, while at the same time having this inexplicable positive attitude.  His motivating force is God, as he believes that he is a warrior of God, given the role of helping people come to know His love.  Tyler communicates with God by writing him personal letters.  He mails them like any other letter and over time, these letters are read by several people, who’s lives are forever changed.  

I won’t give away too much, but I will say that this is an extremely inspiring story.  When comparing my life of twenty-eight years to this kid’s I feel like I really haven’t done too much.  This kid accomplished more in a couple of years that most of us will our entire lives.  I realized that we all need to build treasures where it counts, we need to have an incredible impact on people and we really need to change the world.  How? Lets start with impacting just one person, allowing them to see the glory of God. Because changing just one life changes the world.  

Love of a Father

I never really understood what people meant when discussing the love of a parent.  Becoming a father has opened my eyes, and allowed me to understand a love that I never thought possible.  I now understand what Christians mean by God being a loving father.  I grew up in a loving christian family but was still unaware of the correlation that existed between my father’s love and God.  Being a father I realize that there is absolutely nothing and no one I can love more than my child.  I do love my wife, as well as my God, however, the love I posses for my child is very different.  I give all credit to God for allowing me not only to have a beautiful and healthy child, but also blessing me with this experience of love.
Reflecting on how much I can love my child is extremely insightful, as it allows me to better understand how much love Christ has for us.  No matter how many things she breaks, or how many times she wakes up in the middle of the night, I love her the same.  As we are made in God’s own image, we, to a lesser degree act and feel as he does.  I know that I have disappointed God quite often and if I were Him, I would be fed up with me by now.  However, that is the beauty of his love; unconditional infinite love.
I pray that you will also experience this amazing love from God.

Freedom of Belief

“In a world where political correctness has run amuck” irony thrives.  Today, people are trained and expected to not only accept but also believe several lunacies that hurt the spirit and taint the heart.  We are taught that in our free society, we need to accept all people.  However, it is this very society that oppresses freedom of expression and thought.  

I am a 28 year old who believes that abortion is murder, and gay marriage is wrong.  Most will find this is unacceptable, “hate speech” and the like.  I do NOT hate gay people! I just believe that what they are doing is wrong but I have absolutely no hate in my heart toward them.  Marriage was created by the church and therefore a religious institution.  I do believe that homosexuals can and do feel romantic love for one another but this cannot change the nature of marriage.  If we allow this to continue, what’s next?  Marriage between a brother and sister? Or why not polygamy?  The institution of marriage must be protected.

Having said all this does not make me homophobic, or a “gay basher”.  Having my own views is my right but this right is slowly fading away.  Acceptance isn’t enough anymore, is it?  People are now forced to agree with liberal thought and accept it as truth.  For example, I am asked to abandon my Christian beliefs for contemporary thought that gay marriage is natural and good.  If I say otherwise I am deemed a bigot.  This is oppression of thought, and in turn religion.  Our Judeo-Christian values are being trampled on by our media, and public education system.  People around Canada are loosing their careers because they have to strength to stand up for what they believe.

Do not be afraid to express yourself, and believe what you believe.  

Oh, and don’t forget to do it with love.  

Good Music

It’s hard to find good music these days, let alone great music.  There are your basic artists (Coldplay, U2, Arcade Fire and good old Frank) who are consistent but there is so much junk out there.  It is absolutely insane what passes for talent these days.  A meat dress, really?

Then there’s the Christian music scene that I’m into but everything seems to sound the same.  Although there are some good artists here, unique talent is still quite rare.  HIGH SOCIETY really stands out.  They are “beyond genre” according to Lacrae, a christian rap artist who really knows his stuff.  After sampling this music, I’m officially hooked.  They are the Adele, Outcast and Drake of music and their positive message never fails to inspire.  This is what music is all about; amazing talent and creativity that just makes you feel good.  Good quality music at no cost is the best part of all.  These guys are so confident in their talents that they offer two albums for free at http://thisishigh.com/

Key to Success

Many fitness experts claim that they have found the key to success. Some argue that success is guaranteed when you use specific supplements, eat a strict diet or work out on a daily basis. This may be true, but is it realistic?

The fact of the matter is that people live busy lives. If you are a parent, it’s even harder, having to drive your kids to extra curricular activities, have dinner ready, spending some good quality time with the family, and

then there’s always work. There just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done.

To become successful in living a healthy lifestyle, people really need to prioritize. Having said this, there are a few things that will help. First, change your workouts to fit your lifestyle. If you have a good program that is creative, you can get an incredible workout in 20 minutes only 3 to 4 times a week. This will give you a lot more energy throughout the day, and therefore help you accomplish more in your busy day. Secondly, plan your meals. Many people loose the battle with weight because they fail in their diet. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN DIETING!!! However, having wholesome meals that vary in food choices is difficult with a full schedule. Get a few quick recipes that are healthy, and have ingredients ready once a week. You can cook for two days, or whip up something quick with the ingredients at hand. Most wholesome meals only take about 20 minutes to cook. This will give you the fuel you need, and allow your family to live healthier. The most important thing to remember is eat food that is not packaged in a box. Avoid things with barcodes; fruit, veggies, lean meats is what you should be eating. If you follow this simple approach, you are guaranteed to succeed in your diet. Try to eat well 90% of the time, and indulge once in a while. Avoid drinks with calories (easier said then done), and the obvious, get rid of junk in the house.

Finally, the most important thing is consistency. Be consistent in your workouts, as well as your diet. If you miss a week because you get really busy with work, don’t get down on yourself. If you have a couple of bad meals on weekends, or during the holidays, don’t worry about it. Living a healthy lifestyle and being fit is a journey that will last a lifetime. Most of us aren’t trying to become fitness models. Stay consistent, don’t get down on yourself when you fail, and in the long run, you’re going to look and feel great.