More CANADA DAY PARADE

A few more pics

CANADA DAY 2009

The Yard Sale Was Awesome!

We were blown away by the help from our fellowship. What an incredible bunch of people. Judi and I are blessed beyond words! We were able to raise over 690.00. Whow! Thanks again to the Gathering Place family.

Imagine

This past week has been very moving for me. It started out when Casey and I reviewed a little audio clip. I had heard this before but I found I was instantly in a state of weepiness.

I wanted more than anything to be the one preaching those wonderful statements. “Are you going to the revival?” “What church?” “It doesn’t matter.”

Imagine God moving in Osoyoos—not just in a church but in all of the town. I long for my sons and daughter to see—to experience—to be a part of a God ordained REVIVAL.

I am very excited about what God has done in the past and certainly as to what He is doing right now. However, I hunger for more! There has got to be more! This can’t be all that there is, God our God says He wants to do more than our minds can imagine.

Influenced By C.S. Lewis "Mere Christianity"

Those visiting our fellowship should be warned that we offer no help to anyone who is as they say, “church shopping”. If you are hesitating between two Christian "denominations", you will not learn from us whether you ought to become an Anglican, a Baptist, a Pentecostal or a Presbyterian. This is intentional (even in the list I have just given the order is alphabetical). We are not better or worse than any other Christian church in Osoyoos, just different.
There is no mystery about our own position. We are very ordinary people who are in relationship with an extra ordinary God. We are part of Life Church International, but we are not trying to convert anyone to our own position. We have the utmost confidence that God, our God is able to direct you to the fellowship of believers that will best suit your path in life.

Sad News

Our dear friends and co-pastors Keith and Lynne Jones have sold their home in Osoyoos and are moving to Greenwood. This is mainly for health reasons but I got to say they will surley be missed.

We are going to continue working together through The Gathering Place and Sidley Mountain Cowboy Church, but they were so involved in our Main Street mionistry that God will have to bring four people in to replace them. This is not a "blessed subtraction" this couple has won my heart and respect and I will miss my time with them.

We will have a "Going Away" get together for the Jones in late April.

Surprise Visit

Well today was just made a little brighter.... Ethan Wolfe brought his mommy in for a visit. It was a cool spring day and Ethan had taken his mom for a walk. No walk is really complete without \a quick stop in at The Gathering Place on Main. ;-)

Thanks little buddy.

Congrats!

Pastor Casey and Elizabeth got married March 21st. It was an awesome time. We really enjoyed visiting with friends and family. We are trusting God to watch over Casey and Liz.
Thanks to all of you who have been praying for them.

A Further Word by Dave Wilkerson

If the foundations be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?"Recently I felt compelled to send out an URGENT message warning of an impending great calamity - such that will cause even God's elect to tremble.One Bishop asked, "Is there no further word: How should the righteous respond to such a word?"

I can only answer by sharing what the Holy Spirit is speaking to my own heart and what I am to do. I shared that I was led in a practical way to lay aside a month's supply of food - because I have witnessed the panic in the wake of terrorism. That has to be a personal word for every individual.

This is what I hear the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart concerning my own spiritual response to impending calamity. It is simply this -"STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD."

And Moses said to the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show you today.The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace" Exodus 14:13-14

This is the attitude of faith in the face of calamity.

What could Israel do on the brink of the Red Sea? Pharaoh's army is pressing in, mountains are on both sides, and there is an impossible sea ahead. The flesh cries, "Do something!"The flesh cries hopelessness. Can God's people dry up the sea? Level a mountain? Fight a great army without having weapons? They are in what appears to be a dreadful, frightening situation. God's people tremble - and in this hour of trembling comes a word from God.

In essence:"Stand still. Fear not. This is the hour of salvation. You are going to witness the pulling down of the foundations of a world power. But in the same hour, I will fight for you. Hold your peace - be still and see my works."

Beloved, my warning is just one voice among many who are saying the same thing. We may all tremble for a season, but those who truly know God's Word will be quickly comforted by the Holy Spirit. We will be baptized with a great peace - a supernatural quietness - which will be a tremendous witness to the fearful multitudes.

In Christ, David Wilkerson Posted by David Wilkerson on 3/09/2009

Urgent Message from David Wilkerson

I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world. AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE - EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US.

For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires-such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago.There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting-including Times Square, New York City. What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God's wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written,"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (v. 3).God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations.The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with wicked Israel, "God is fashioning a calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh, turn back each of you from your evil way, and reform your ways and deeds. But they will say, It's hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart" (Jeremiah 18:11-12).

In Psalm 11:6, David warns, "Upon the wicked he will rain snares (coals of fire).fire.burning wind.will be the portion of their cup." Why? David answered, "Because the Lord is righteous" (v. 7).

This is a righteous judgment-just as in the judgments of Sodom and in Noah's generation.WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO?

WHAT ABOUT GOD'S PEOPLE?
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. If possible lay in store a thirty-day supply of non-perishable food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.As for our spiritual reaction, we have but two options. This is outlined in Psalm 11. We "flee like a bird to a mountain." Or, as David says, "He fixed his eyes on the Lord on his throne in heaven-his eyes beholding, his eyelids testing the sons of men" (v. 4). "In the Lord I take refuge" (v. 1).

I will say to my soul: No need to run...no need to hide. This is God's righteous work. I will behold our Lord on his throne, with his eye of tender, loving kindness watching over every step I take-trusting that he will deliver his people even through floods, fires, calamities, tests, trials of all kinds.Note: I do not know when these things will come to pass, but I know it is not far off. I have unburdened my soul to you.

Do with the message as you choose.
God bless and keep you, In Christ,DAVID WILKERSON Posted 3/07/2009

Spiritual Health Check

Happy moments…..PRAISE GOD
Difficult moments…..SEEK GOD
Quiet moments…..WORSHIP GOD
Painful moments…..TRUST GOD
Every moment…..THANK GOD

You Gotta Love This Judge

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY
In Florida, an atheist created a case against the coming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days.The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.'Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned.

You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture! (forwarded to us)

The Bible Does Not Say....

"Stay ye there for between the walls of this building and they will come unto your potluck dinner" … it says, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. (NIV) Mark 16:15

Be Real

The world is tired of hype. Set the standard high. Be genuine.
Someone wrote:

Do you know, do you understand
that you represent, Jesus to me?

Do you know, do you understand
that when you treat me with gentleness,
it raises the question in my mind
that maybe He is gentle too.
Maybe He isn't someone
who laughs when I am hurt.

Do you know, do you understand
that when you listen to my questions
and you don't laugh, I think,
"What if Jesus is interested in me too?

If you care, I think maybe He cares
and then there's this flame of hope
that burns inside of me, and for a while
I am afraid to breathe
Because it might go out.

Do you know, do you understand
that your words are His words?
Your face, His face to someone like me?

Please be who you say you are.
Please, God, don't let this be another trick.
Please let this be real.
Please

Do you know, do you understand
that you represent, Jesus to me?

What Is Inductive Study?

This study method is a method that anyone can use.
It involves three skills: observation, interpretation and application.

Observation teaches you to see precisely what the passage says. It is the basis for accurate interpretation and correct application.

Observation answers the question: What does the passage say?

Interpretation answers the question: What does the passage mean?

Application answers the question: What does it mean to me personally?
What truths can I put into practice? What changes should I make in my life?

My dear friend, when you know what God says, what He means, and how to put His truths into practice, you will be equipped for every circumstance of life.

As we go on this adventure together, remember that God can give you insight at any point in your study, so be sensitive to His leading.

Take the Word as He reveals it to you, eat it, every bit of it. Allow it to become part of you, for as James says, it is the implanted Word that is able to save your soul.

As you study the Bible chapter by chapter and book by book, you will grow in your ability to comprehend the whole counsel of God. The result of this is a "wholeness" of spirit, character and life.

The very heart of inductive study is: seeing truth for yourself, discerning what it means, and applying that truth to your life. In His inspired Word, God has given us everything we need to know about life and godliness. But He doesn't stop there. He gives every believer a resident teacher - the Holy Spirit - who guides us into His truth.

I remind you in this introduction that Prayer is a vital key. Far too often prayer is overlooked.

Certainly NO study method apart from the Holy Spirit will be effective.... therefore it is imperative that you begin with prayer. I remind you that it is the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides us in all truth. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth would take the things of God and reveal them to us.

I cannot emphasize this point enough... ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you study the Word. Ask for open ears to hear, and open eyes to see.

Where Do We Get Discernment?

John reminds us that the Spirit abides in us in order that we might be empowered to distinguish truth from error.

"And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him (in context referring to the Holy Spirit) abides in you, and you have no need to have anyone teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him" I John 2:27

John teaches that the Spirit of God, Who lives in each believer, is our personal, private tutor.

To be sure, God has given us pastors and teachers for our edification
I Corinthians 12:28 but remember that they are in addition to and not a substitute for the Holy Spirit.

This allows the humblest believer in Christ may be taught of God through His Word, even when human teachers are lacking.

The Lord Jesus makes it abundantly clear in these words,

"When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak and He will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take what is Mine and declare it to you"
John 16:13-14

The apostle John quoted Isaiah 54:13 recording Jesus' promise that
"THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD”

The Holy Spirit has inspired the Word and He alone can bring illumination as we read the Word. When we devote ourselves to the study of His Word, with a keen awareness of our need to continually depend on our Teacher, the Holy Spirit, we will experience the joy of self, Spirit led discovery of God's Truth, Truth that will set us free so that we might be free indeed!

YBH Yes But How?

In terms of Bible study methods, you can study someone else's study or you can study the Scripture for yourself.

"Knowledge that is self-discovered is stored in the deepest part of the mind and remains the longest in the memory. There is no jewel more precious than that which you have mined yourself."

I hear and I FORGET

I see and I REMEMBER

I do and IUNDERSTAND

Inductive study focuses first upon the Bible. You need to be willing to lay aside your preconceived notions, pet interpretations, ready references, study notes, sermon tapes, etc, coming to the Scriptures as if FOR THE FIRST TIME.

Prayer: “Holy Spirit I welcome your leading. You have promised to bring me into all truth. Please find me willing to hear what you have for me to learn. Heal me of my pre-conceived ideas and opinions. Remove the wax of worldly knowledge from my ears. Heal me of dull hearing and open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your word.”

Try This...

In-duc-tion: (in-duk’shan) The bringing forward of separate FACTS as evidence in order to prove a general statement

Read the following scripture and underline the facts. There should be at least 8 seperate facts when you are done.

John 14:1-6
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. “And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Got A Minute?

Before we begin may I ask you a few questions?

· Do you long to know God?

· Do you yearn for a deep and abiding relationship with Him?

· Do you want to live the Christian life faithfully – and know what He requires of you?

Most Christians have been encouraged to study the Word of God, yet many have never been shown how. The very heart of Inductive study is seeing truth for yourself, discerning what it means, and applying that truth to your life.

In His inspired Word, God has given everything we need to know about life and godliness. But He doesn’t stop there.

He gives every believer a resident teacher - the Holy Spirit - who guides us into His truth. Notice it says, “into, not up to”.

The Bible needs no other books or truths to supplement it.

In inductive study the Bible becomes its own commentary, and it can be understood by any believer.

We will begin each study with prayer.

Prayer is often the missing element in Bible study. You are about to learn the most effective method of Bible study there is. Yet apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, that’s all it will be - a method. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth, who takes the things of God and reveals them to us.

Always ask God to teach you as you open the scriptures.

Climb With Us.....

The Gathering Place is proud to bring you an instructional class on the Inductive Study Method. This little known study method is perhaps the best kept secret in God’s kingdom.

We have had the honor of seeing hundreds of people helped as they followed these three easy steps. It is our sincere belief that this method of study will revolutionize your spiritual life as well.

Our pastoral staff is praying that as you study God’s Word, you will get to know Him, for we have seen first hand that those who know God have great energy for God!

Matthew 5:1 (The Message) When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.

You are welcomed as a fellow climber as we travel to the High Ground of God’s Word!

This study method is intended to give pointers to help you in your “untried” faith, producing in you spiritual maturity and bringing you to a place of Abiding Faith.

So in faith, together we will climb up the mountain to a quiet place, under an open heaven, with an open Bible, and in the fellowship of the believers.

May God bless you with the understanding of His magnificent Word.

Pastor Ed

We love to talk. Nothing is opened more wrongly at the wrong time than our mouth. Our mouths get us into a lot of trouble. James in Chapter 3 says, If you can control your mouth, you're perfect…. literally "mature, healthy".

Three reasons we have to learn to manage our mouth.

MY TONGUE DIRECTS WHERE I GO: Our tongue is like a rudder that steers us. Don't like the way you're headed, change the way you talk. Some people think it may be best not to say anything. A guy joined the monastery. He was given a 3 year probation period where he was not to speak at all, at the end of each year he could say two words. At the end of the first year he said, "Bed hard." At end of the second year he said, "Food cold." At the end of the third year he says, "I quit". The head priest says, "Doesn't surprise me. All you've done is complain since you got here."

MY TONGUE CAN DESTROY WHAT I HAVE v. 5 James gives another illustration. Imagine a beautiful forest - tall beautiful trees everywhere. Now imagine it in one minute up in smoke, completely destroyed by a tiny match. A careless camper can destroy an entire forest overnight. A careless word can destroy a life overnight. Gossip like fire, spreads quickly and wrecks havoc.

Fire and words under control can give tremendous warmth and light, but fire and words out of control can be devastating. A couple comes in for marriage counseling. "I said this and then she said that, then I said this..." Then what happened? "All hell broke loose".

MY TONGUE DISPLAYS WHO I AM It reveals my real character. It tells what's really inside of me. James says, with the tongue we praise God and with the same tongue we curse men who've been made in God's likeness. From the same mouth come praise and curses. My brothers, this should not be. Cursing here means any kind of put down.

Have you heard someone say, "I don't know what got into me. It's not like me to say that. I don't know why I said that. It's totally out of character.” James would say, “No, that is exactly like you. Quit kidding yourself. What's inside is going to come out. What comes out of a well is what is inside of it.” Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Your tongue problem is more serious that you think… for it is heart related.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? Get a new heart Ezekiel 18:31 Rid yourself of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit! Painting the outside of the pump doesn't make any difference if there is poison in the well.

Ask God for help every day. Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips

As my old cowboy friend says, you don’t need to say everything you think.

So my tongue can direct where I go; it can destroy what I have; and most of all, it clearly displays my true character. Bottom line - don’t let your tongue lick you!

Our CAN DO GOD!

Jeremiah 32:17 - “Lord, You stretched out Your mighty arm and made the sky and the earth. You can do anything.”

Jeremiah 32:27 - “Jeremiah, I am the Lord God. I rule the world and I can do anything!”

Matthew 19:26 - “With God, all things are possible.”

Daniel 3:16-18 “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not worried about what will happen to us. If we are thrown into the flaming furnace, our God is able to deliver us and He will deliver us out of your hand, Your Majesty. But if He doesn’t, please
understand, sir, that even then we will never under any circumstance serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have erected.’

Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger - so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.”

Daniel 6:16-23 “So the king gave the command and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Your God, whom you serve, He will deliver you.’ Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed. Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your
God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel said to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.’ Then the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they
should take Daniel up out of the den. Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury was found on him, because he believed in his God.”

I Kings 17:8-16 “Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.’ So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, ‘Please bring me a little water in a cup
that I may drink.’ And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said,‘Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.’ So she said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.’ And Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’ So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.”

Deuteronomy 29:5 “I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you and your sandals have not worn out on your feet.”

Exodus 17:5,6 “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.’ And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”

Preview of Sunday's Message

Deuteronomy 32:11 “As an eagle stirs up her nest, flutters over her young, spreads abroad her wings, takes them, bears them on her wings....”

Perhaps not very much of a Scripture reading, but it certainly is the Word of the Lord. There is enough here that God will,without doubt show us something. If we have the right attitude I know it will cause us to grow in Jesus.

My dear Climbing Compaions as we enter this new year, I need you to understand that the Word of God is...
· Healing to you if you receive it as healing
· Pardon to you if you receive it as a pardon
· Every blessing is yours if you receive it as God wrote it

“As the eagle stirs her nest, flutters over her young, takes them on her wings and bears them….” What a beautiful picture of how God deals with his people!

There are at least seven stages that a young eagle goes through when learning to fly. As we talk about them, see if you can find what stage you are at?

The seven stages are:
Demonstration
Discomfort
Danger
Decision
Direction Change
Doing
Deliverance.

Praise God For New Beginings

I realize it is just the turn of a page that seperates December and January, but it is significant just the same. I understand that we really don't get a clean slate because we enter a "new" year. However, with God, our God we can get a clean, fresh, brand new start any day of the year! For that I am grateful. Nevertheless, having said that, we humans do look forward to January 1st as a day to make new resolutions, new dreams and perhaps try to do a little better than the previous year.

I would like to start this year by saying - Thank You Lord!

The 2008 year was pretty good - I have no complaints. We even did a few things to bring honor and glory to His name. PTL

As we are entering the first week of '09 I pray that we at the Gathering Place will be "That Church". Although but a small part of the fellowship of the unashamed, used of God just the same. The Lord has heeded our prayers for the releasing of finances. It seems we may be able to enter '09 clear of debt. We just recieved word that a donation of $5000.00 is coming on Monday January 7th. God is so good - we can most likely get squared up with our salary and pay off a few small bills.

We continue to be hamstrung by the lack of cash flow - but we will press forward in faith, trusting in God, Our God! To Him be all Glory and Praise!

It Is Well With My Soul

PSALM 46:1-11 ... God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah….. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah… Be still, and know that I am God:

We all have days when we’d like to run away from it all. Sometimes our hurt is so bad our spirit throbs inside us.Our dreams fall apart...our hopes fade. Our lives become wearisome drudgery. A marriage goes bad...Health problems develop...Financial problems come up...A loved one dies...And we are tempted to give up.... There is hope because...

God is our Refuge (a shelter or hiding place) and Strength (our security, boldness, might) a very Present (He is always with us) Help (aid) in Trouble (tight spots, misery, distress, agony, suffering).

The word “IN” means not before or after but during, in the midst of. In other words IN all these problems God is our refuge, strength, and a present help.

The words "it is well with my soul" are not found in scripture, But Jesus did say, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and you’ll find rest for your souls Matthew 11:28-29

Our compassionate heavenly Father gives us comfort, hope and peace in his Son Jesus Christ. One day God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.

Just a note

I just read a quote from Vance Havner (my favorite preacher). I thought it was good enough to pass on.

"When I pastored a country church, a farmer didn't like the sermons I preached on hell. He said, Preach about the meek and lowly Jesus. I said, That's where I got my information about hell."

To all my climbing compainions - Be blessed!

Jesus Is Worthy.... He who died for your sins, is worthy to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. He is worthy to be believed, He is worthy to be followed, wherever He may lead us. Jesus is worthy to be our example, our confidant, our king, and our all. He is worthy of all He requires, all we can give, all His people have done for Him or suffered in His cause. He is worthy of 100% of our loyalty! Amen

TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

Praise God for His faithfulness! Over a hundred local ranchers attended our 2nd Annual Christmas Eve Service. What a joy!

Last Sunday was incredibly blessed by God's presence.... truly all those who attended were able to say.... whatever my lot.... it is well with my soul!

A New Year's Statement

"I'm Too Blessed To Be Stressed!"

JESUS

THERE WAS A YOUNG VIRGIN,
MARY IS HER NAME
GAVE BIRTH TO A SON,
IN THE MANGER HE LAY

THE ANGELS REJOICED AS THE SHEPHERDS STOOD BY
THE SAVIOR IS BORN, IN BETHLEHAM HE DOES LIE
THE SHEPHERDS AND WISE MEN DID VISIT THE SON
THEY HONORED THIS CHILD JESUS, GODS CHOSEN ONE

JOSEPH, HIS FATHER AND CARPENTER BY TRADE
MOVED THEM TO NAZARETH, AND THATS WHERE THEY STAYED
AND JESUS GREW STRONG, FULL OF WISDOM AND GRACE
HE KNEW THAT THE TEMPLE WAS HIS FATHERS PLACE

WHERE HE SPOKE TO THE PEOPLE AND ALL WERE AMAZED
AT THE KNOWLEDGE HE HAD AT SO YOUNG AN AGE
THE YEARS WENT BY UNTIL A VOICE COULD BE HEARD
PREPARING THE WAY AND PREACHING GODS WORD

REPENT AND BE BAPTISED, AND FORGIVEN OF SIN
WALK ON A NEW PATH WITH GOD WITHIN
JOHN BAPTISED JESUS, AND FROM HEAVEN ABOVE
GOD'S SPIRIT DESCENDED ON HIM LIKE A DOVE

''YOU ARE MY SON, WHOM I LOVE AND AM PLEASED'
'PREACH NOW THE GOOD NEWS, AND SET CAPTIVES FREE
TO THIS CHOSEN PEOPLE, THEIR MESSIAH HAD COME
BUT THEY MURMURED TOGETHER, ''ISN'T THIS JOSEPH'S SON''

JESUS HEALED THEIR DISEASES, THE BLIND THEY COULD SEETHE DEMONS DEPARTED, NO CHOICE BUT TO LEAVE
HE PREACHED THE GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
HIS VOICE COULD BE HEARD NO MATTER HOW LARGE THE MOB''

LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, SOUL, AND MIND
AND REACH OUT WITH LOVE TO ALL OF MANKIND
JESUS WALKED ON THE WATER, CALMED THE WIND AND THE SEA
WITH FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISH,THOUSANDS HE DID FEED
THE DEAD HE ROSE TO LIFE ONCE AGAIN
AND MANY WERE JEALOUS OF HIS POWER AND FAME

TWELVE DISCIPLES HE PICKED TO BE FISHERS OF MEN
THEY TRAVELED WITH JESUS THROUGH VALLEY AND GLEN
HE SENT MANY FORTH TO PREACH AND TO HEAL
THEY TOOK NOTHING WITH THEM, NO MONEY FOR A MEAL
FOR ALL WAS PROVIDED BY THOSE WHO BELIEVED

FROM TOWNS THAT REJECTED, HE TOLD THEM TO LEAVE
WHILE OTHERS IN HATE PLANNED TO KILL HIM ONE DAY
FOR HE ATE WITH THE PUBLICANS AND SINNERS HE FORGAVE
THE PHARISEES AND TEACHERS OF THE LAW
WERE ENRAGEDTHEIR MESSIAH HAD COME AS THE SERVANT OF ALL

AND THEIR HARDENED HEARTS HAD REJECTED HIS CALL
THEY WANTED A KING TO BRING FREEDOM IN THEIR LAND
NOT A SHEPHERD WHO SEARCHED FOR ONE LOST LAMB
SO JUDAS BETRAYED HIS LORD THAT DARK NIGHT
AND THEY TOOK HIM TO COURT, HE'D NOT ARGUE NOR FIGHT

''ARE YOU THE CHRIST, THE BLESSED ONE''
''I AM'', JESUS SAID, ''THE MESSIAH, GODS SON''
SO THEY MOCKED HIM AND BEAT HIM AND SPIT IN HIS FACE
AND HUNG HIM ON A CROSS WHERE HE DIED IN DISGRACE
BUT LITTLE DID THEY KNOW
THIS WAS GODS CHOSEN PLAN

CHRIST DIED FOR THE SINS OF EVERY WOMAN AND MAN
ON THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE TO LIFE ONCE AGAIN
AND ALL THOSE WILL RAISE WHO BELIEVE IN HIS NAME
JESUS WILL COME AT THE END OF THE AGE
FOR HEAVENS HIS THRONE,
AND THE WORLD IS HIS STAGE
AND EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW AND TONGUE WILL CONFESS
THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS IS JESUS.........

LYNNE JONES

The I AM statements of Jesus

The I Am In the Old Testament was whatever man needed He became, he was his all in all. Jesus in the New Testament uses all the examples to show who He is. He is everything to man and the only way to God.

John.8:24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am (He), you will die in your sins.

John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever;

John 8:23 And He said to them, You are from beneath; I AM from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.

John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I AM the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.

John 10:9 I AM the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

John 10:11 I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 15:1 I AM the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

Remembering Larry Norman (April 1947 - February 2008)

I've been shot down, talked about
Some people scandalize my name,
But here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same.

I've been knocked down, kicked around
But like a moth drawn to the flame,
Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same.

I've been rebuked for the things I've said,
For the songs I've written and the life I've led.
They say they don't understand me, well I'm not surprised,
Because you can't see nothing when you close your eyes.
They say I'm sinful, backslidden,
That I have left to follow fame.
But here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same.

You wanna talk about my life, hey listen to me,
You got your facts all backwards, one two three
Spreading rumors and gossip is a real bad game
The only name to spread is Jesus' name,
I've been knocked down, kicked around
But like a moth drawn to the flame,
Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus brother,
Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus sister,
Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same.

Philippians 1:3-11

A few good friends can make all the difference in the world. They can open your eyes to opportunity, provide wisdom and support. All of humanity want good friendships.

Keys To Building Friendships

1. Always thank God for the people close to you.

2.Pray for them with joy

What to pray for others.
1. Pray that they will grow in love and knowledge
2. Pray that they will live pure and blameless lives
3. Pray that they will do the right thing
4. Pray that they will live abundantly in God's glory

3. Be patient with their progress.

Remember that God is not finished with us... we are a work in progress.

Don't judge others by how far they have to go, rather rejoice for how far they have come.

4. Love them from the heart. This is possible only if you are filled with God's love.

Why Go To Church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'

This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!'

Amen to that!

Here a few one liners you may like....

When you are DOWN to nothing..... God is UP to something!

Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible!

Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

A Good Read.... I Corinthians 10

Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God's fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. But just experiencing God's wonder and grace didn't seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased.

The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—"First the people partied, then they threw a dance." We must not be sexually promiscuous—they paid for that, remember, with 23,000 deaths in one day! We must never try to get Christ to serve us instead of us serving him; they tried it, and God launched an epidemic of poisonous snakes. We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed them.

These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

So, my very dear friends, when you see people reducing God to something they can use or control, get out of their company as fast as you can.

I assume I'm addressing believers now who are mature. Draw your own conclusions: When we drink the cup of blessing, aren't we taking into ourselves the blood, the very life, of Christ? And isn't it the same with the loaf of bread we break and eat? Don't we take into ourselves the body, the very life, of Christ? Because there is one loaf, our many-ness becomes one-ness—Christ doesn't become fragmented in us. Rather, we become unified in him. We don't reduce Christ to what we are; he raises us to what he is. That's basically what happened even in old Israel—those who ate the sacrifices offered on God's altar entered into God's action at the altar.

Do you see the difference? Sacrifices offered to idols are offered to nothing, for what's the idol but a nothing? Or worse than nothing, a minus, a demon! I don't want you to become part of something that reduces you to less than yourself. And you can't have it both ways, banqueting with the Master one day and slumming with demons the next. Besides, the Master won't put up with it. He wants us—all or nothing. Do you think you can get off with anything less?

Looking at it one way, you could say, "Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster." But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well.

With that as a base to work from, common sense can take you the rest of the way. Eat anything sold at the butcher shop, for instance; you don't have to run an "idolatry test" on every item. "The earth," after all, "is God's, and everything in it." That "everything" certainly includes the leg of lamb in the butcher shop. If a nonbeliever invites you to dinner and you feel like going, go ahead and enjoy yourself; eat everything placed before you. It would be both bad manners and bad spirituality to cross-examine your host on the ethical purity of each course as it is served. On the other hand, if he goes out of his way to tell you that this or that was sacrificed to god or goddess so-and-so, you should pass. Even though you may be indifferent as to where it came from, he isn't, and you don't want to send mixed messages to him about who you are worshiping.

But, except for these special cases, I'm not going to walk around on eggshells worrying about what small-minded people might say; I'm going to stride free and easy, knowing what our large-minded Master has already said. If I eat what is served to me, grateful to God for what is on the table, how can I worry about what someone will say? I thanked God for it and he blessed it!

So eat your meals heartily, not worrying about what others say about you—you're eating to God's glory, after all, not to please them. As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God's glory. At the same time, don't be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren't as free as you are.

I try my best to be considerate of everyone's feelings in all these matters;
I hope you will be, too.

NEW BLOG

I know some of you will appreciate the fact that we all need a good belly laugh once in a while. So for your well being and wholeness of mind I started a new blog..... "Church Pew Blues".

Drop by for a chuckle - and hey send me material... ;-)

www.churchpewblues.blogspot.com

News From Africa

The following is an e-mail we recieved from Kroonstad.

HI GUYS

GOD HAS BEEN DOING AMAZING THINGS IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY.HE TOLD ME, IN A VISION, TO GO TO A BIG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (GRINAKER)I MUST TELL THE PROJECT MANAGER, THAT GOD SENT ME TO LEAD THEIR STAFF AND WORKERS TO THE LORD AND BAPTIZED THEM WITH MY DIGGER LOADER. I ASKED GOD, HOW WOULD THEY KNOW I,VE BEEN SENT BY YOU!GOD GAVE ME A WORD "MY SON MICHEAL"

SO I WENT TO THE PROJECT MANAGER, TELLING HIM WHAT GOD SAID.HE LOOKED AT ME WITH BIG EYES, PICKED UP THE PHONE AND CALLED SOMEBODY TO THE OFFICE. I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO KICK ME OUT. A BLACK MAN, MICHEAL, CAME IN.GOD HAS BEEN TELLING MICHEAL FOR LONGER THEN 5 YEARS TO DO THIS.

MICHEAL IS A CHRISTIAN (SON) AND BEEN TELLING HIS PROJECT MANAGER THAT THEY MUST PUT GOD FIRST IN THEIR BUSINESS. BUT HAVE NEVER DONE IT.THEY AGREED!!!

SO THE NEXT DAY I STARTED DISCIPLING THEM. EVERYDAY 5 TO 6 PEOPLE GAVE THEY HEARTS TO THE LORD JESUS. AFTER 2 WEEKS, GOD HASEBLESSED THEM, WITH MORE THAN 75+ BIBLES, 40+ SALVATIONS, BAPTIZED THEM AND STARTED A CHURCH AT WORK. MORE THAN 75 BELIEVERS MEET EVERYDAY AT LUNCH, PRAISING, WORSHIPPING, PRAYING , HEALING THE SICK AND TEACHING EACH OTHER IN JESUS NAME. HALLELUJA!!!

THEY ARE STILL GOING ON STRONG AND GROWING IN NUMBERS.

VIAAN BOSCH

You Gotta Be Kidding Me

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the WINTER SOLSTICE holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

In addition, please also accept best wishes for a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make this country great (not to imply that this country is necessarily greater than any other country or area of choice), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual orientation of the wishers.

This wish is limited to the customary and usual good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first. " Holiday " is not intended to, nor shall it be considered, limited to the usual Judeo-Christian celebrations or observances, or to such activities of any organized or ad hoc religious community, group, individual or belief (or lack thereof).

Note: By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher at any time, for any reason or for no reason at all. This greeting is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. This greeting implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for the wisher her/himself or others, or responsibility for the consequences which may arise from the implementation or non-implementation of it. This greeting is void where prohibited by law.

Please check with your physician before accepting this, or any other greetings.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In A Fog

Coming into Osoyoos this morning I was taken back by the fog layer. Not one bit of the town site could be seen. The valley was literally filled with a thick fog blanket. Wonder if it is this way in the spirit realm at times. May God, our God lift the haze to reveal His awesome glory!

A Bit Of Cowboy Humor

One Sunday a cowboy went to church. When he entered, he saw that he and the preacher were the only ones present. The preacher asked the cowboy if he wanted him to go ahead and preach.

The cowboy said," I'm not too smart, but if I went to feed my cattle and only one showed up, I'd feed him." So the minister began his sermon. One hour passed, then two hours, then two-and-a-half hours. The preacher finally finished and came down to ask the cowboy how he liked the sermon. The cowboy answered slowly, "Well, like I said, I'm not very smart, but if I went to feed my cattle and only one showed up, I sure wouldn't feed him all the hay."

Food for thought (no pun intended)

Make'n God Smile

Four types of thorns are described (Mark 4:18)
The care of this world; What’ll I eat, or drink? What’ll I wear? How can I keep what I got? How do I get more? .
The deceitfulness of riches: not riches themselves, but the deceitfulness of riches. Your line of conduct ought never to be ruled by gain or loss.
The pleasures of this life. This is the age of excessive amusement; Many have had all holy thoughts and resolutions murdered by a continual pursuit for pleasure.
The lusts of other things: All things except the things that glorify God are “other things”. Seed is choked.

The result: The seed was unfruitful. The seed grew, but brought no fruit to perfection. A person may look like, walk like and talk like a Christian... but the proof is in the fruit!

Far too many are growing weak in this late hour. Thorns are choking out the very life of the Christian’s spirit!

Consider: Thorns are natural to the soil. Sin is very much at home in the human heart.
Thorns are already established in the soil. The roots of sin run through our nature. Watch and pray lest temptation choke that which is good in you! Mark 14:38

Many professing Christians are like the thorny ground? I believe it is because the process of dealing with sin has been so watered down. Thorns need to be pulled out by the roots and burned on the spot. It is easy to say you’re a sinner without feeling what it means!

I believe in instantaneous conversion and I love to see it take place - but I’d rather see the thorough work of grace, awakening a deep sense of sin. You can’t get rid of dandelions by delicately nipping off the buds!

In the stony ground we see a group of people who:
· received the Word. They recognised God's truth!
· received it immediately. They jumped right in!
· received it with gladness. happiness vs conversion

These people in not counting the cost, didn’t figure in temptations and persecutions to come. They made rapid progress... but in due time came the trial.

No one gets to heaven without being tried! Not one fragment of God’s gold hasn’t first passed through the fire! The Lord Jesus said this testing came because of the Word!

These people believed, yet were immediately offended ... just as fast as they fell in love with the gospel they fell out! Their radical defect lay in an unbroken heart!

This ground was not soil with rocks in it was bedrock, a hard layer of rock with a thin layer of soil over it. The seed sprang up immediately.

These folk were so fast at accepting the seed they were:
· healed before they recognised they were wounded!
· clothed before they saw the shame of their nakedness!
· filled before they were empty!
· made alive before they were dead!

They were unbroken in heart and that is a fatal defect!

Psalms 34:18 The LORD is near those that have a broken heart and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.

They lacked depth! Everything was superficial - surface! This seed did sprout - but it had no root! No prayer, no bible study, no fear of God. No intimacy with Jesus.

Dear friends, guard your spiritual life.. Think about this - if your boat is near ready to go down in calm waters, what’ll become of you when a storm arises.

We need the Holy Spirit to cultivate our hearts. The chief work of a Spiritual husbanman is to sow the Word. Multiplying what God has revealed, not human speculation, not human news, not scientific discoveries however good they may be - not theories about the Word - just the unadulterated Word of God. My chief job… sowing the Word.

Each and every one of you is able to sow the Word. Each life touches another—and you multiply power for good or for evil.

Sow the true seed and you may count on a sure and large harvest. The seed’s fruitfulness is according to the condition of the hearts receiving it. Jesus said, “He that has ears, let him hear”. Divine truth needs attention.

Make God smile by being a good hearer of the Word:
· Stir yourself up to listen.
· See your hearing as an opportunity - take care to make the most of it.
· Keep what you hear by reflecting on it (meditating), and assimilating it for your edification and growth in grace.
· “Do” what you hear. To hear without obeying is to harden the heart.
· Make the most of each opportunity!

Make God smile by bearing “Much Fruit”

What Makes A Good Mom?

What makes a good mother anyway?
Is it patience? Compassion?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?

Or is it heart? Is it the ache you feel when you see your child disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 a.m., to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby? The need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a school shooting, a fire, a car accident, a baby dying?

So this is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies--and for all the mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't.

This is for reading "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then reading it again, "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who mess up. Who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair and stomp their feet like a tired two-year old who wants ice cream before dinner.

This is for all the mothers who taught their daughters to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.

For all the mothers who bite their lips sometimes until they bleed--when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green. Who lock themselves in the bathroom when babies keep crying and won't stop.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for all mothers whose heads turn automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home.

This is for mothers who put pinwheels and teddy bears on their children's graves.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.

This is for all the mothers who gave life to their babies, only to give up their babies in the hopes of a better life.

This is for all the mothers who couldn't bare children of their own and who love the children given to them as if they were their own.

This is for all the mothers who sent their sons to school with stomachaches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up--right away.

This is for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation. And mature mothers learning to let go. For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. Single mothers and married mothers. Birth mothers and adoptive mothers. Mothers with money. Mothers without.
This is for you all. Hang in there!

"Home is what catches you when you fall--and we all fall."
--Author unknown.

BECAUSE

BECAUSE...
Because He emptied Himself of all but love, you can be filled.
Because His body was broken, your life can be whole.
Because His blood was shed, your sins can be forgiven.
Because He submitted to injustice, you can forgive.
Because He finished His Father's work, your life has worth.
Because He was forsaken, you will never be alone.
Because He was buried, you can be raised.
Because He lives, you don't have to be afraid.
Because He was raised, you can be strong.
Because He reached down to you, you don't have to work your way up to Him.
Because His promises are always true, you can have hope!
--Author unknown.

No Words Needed

Pastor Keith and his precious wife were led of the Lord to give Erhard a few extra dollars as he left on his El Salvador Missions Trip. Little did they know the importance of this "small thing". This young girl had cut her foot and was in much need of medical attention. However her family did not have the funds to look after this need. This is where God had pre ordained that his servants (Keith and Lynn) would come in. Because of their generousity, Erhard was able to see to it that this little girl didn't end up losing her foot. A small scar may be a constant reminder to her and her family thay God, our God cares about them.

Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day! Every November 11th, Canadians across the country pause in a silent moment of remembrance.

WW I - it was 1914 and Canada’s population was just over 3 million, most of which were women and children. Of the men and women who VOLUNTEERED 60,000 were killed and 120,000 were wounded. This we should remember.

The Canadians' first major battle was later seen as one of the most crucial battles in history. It was April 22, 1915, and the Germans used poison gas for the first time in war. As 145 tons of chlorine gas drifted over the trenches, the Canadian troops held and stopped the German advance. The casualties were enormous. In 48 hours, 1 of every 3 Canadians died.
In April 1917, the Canadians helped turn the tide of battle when they won a major victory at Vimy Ridge. This too had its cost: more than 10,000 casualties in six days. The war continued for more than a year but finally on November 11, 1918, the Armistice was signed and the Canadians took part in the triumphant entry into Belgium. This too we should remember.

WW2: It was 1939 and again Canadians flocked to enlist. They included veterans of earlier wars, boys still in high school and thousands of unemployed. For almost six years, Canadians fought valiantly on battlefronts around the world. More than one million men and women enlisted in the army, the navy and the air force. When the war was over, more than 45,000 had given their lives.

The Gospel of Saint John says, Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. If this is true than we as Canadians had best remember the price our friends paid for our freedom. And we as Christians had best remember the price our Friend Jesus paid for us.

As the artillerymen swung three abreast down Main Street, traffic stopped and people watched from the sidewalks. Some stood in silence. A few wept. Some cheered a bit or called out to soldiers they knew - they waved at the officer who had for years devoted his spare time to the militia battery, to the gentle giant from the lumber mill, to the young orchardist from the Okanagan, to the blonde haired teenager leaving the prettiest girl in town.

When war came, Canadians volunteered readily to serve their country as champions of liberty. They came from farms, from small towns and large cities across the country, riding high on the initial wave of indignation, excitement, and patriotism. For the men and women who rallied to support their nation's cause, the threats of war seemed far away and unreal.

In the fall of 1914 as the 1st contingent of Canadians left the shelter of the St. Lawrence for the open Atlantic, some of the realities came into focus....Those who came forward had not stopped to count the cost, for the excitement was thrilling, the lottery alluring, and the cause glorious; but now that the confusion was passed and the fulfillment of their vows alone remained to be faced, things took on a more somber aspect ..... and yes this too we should remember!

How could they know that four long years of death and destruction were ahead? With every battle over this century, extremes of temperature, mud, mutilation, mind-numbing fatigue, fear and death were daily realities for over 1,500,000 Canadian men and women. For all of these conflicts fought in far-off lands, there is much to remember. Foremost are the people, the men and women who served wherever they were needed. They faced difficult situations bravely and brought honor to themselves, to their loved ones and to their country They were ordinary Canadians who made extraordinary sacrifices.

We should not keep silent in our reflections, the price of our freedom and liberty is too awesome, the cost too great! Yes we stop to remember today - the horror of war - But I believe it only proper that in our daily living we remember their great sacrifice!

Turn with me to Deuteronomy 8:1-5 Keep and live out the entire commandment that I'm commanding you today so that you'll live and prosper and enter and own the land that God promised to your ancestors. Remember every road that God led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that he would know what you were made of, whether you would keep his commandments or not. He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry. Then he fed you with manna, something neither you nor your parents knew anything about, so you would learn that men and women don't live by bread only; we live by every word that comes from God's mouth. Your clothes didn't wear out and your feet didn't blister those forty years. You learned deep in your heart that God disciplines you in the same ways a father disciplines his child.

Deuteronomy 8:6-9 So it's paramount that you keep the commandments of God, your God, walk down the roads he shows you and reverently respect him. God is about to bring you into a good land, a land with brooks and rivers, springs and lakes, streams out of the hills and through the valleys. It's a land of wheat and barley, of vines and figs and pomegranates, of olives, oil, and honey. It's land where you'll never go hungry—always food on the table and a roof over your head. It's a land where you'll get iron out of rocks and mine copper from the hills.

Deuteronomy 8:10-16 After a meal, satisfied, bless God, your God, for the good land he has given you. Make sure you don't forget God, your God, by not keeping his commandments, his rules and regulations that I command you today. Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and up—make sure you don't become so full of yourself and your things that you forget your God.
· The God who delivered you from Egyptian slavery;
· The God who led you through that huge and fearsome wilderness, those desolate, arid badlands crawling with fiery snakes and scorpions;
· The God who gave you water gushing from hard rock;
· The God who gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never heard of, in order to give you a taste of the hard life, to test you so that you would be prepared to live well in the days ahead of you.

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 If you start thinking to yourselves, "I did all this. And all by myself. I'm rich. It's all mine!"— well, think again. Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today.

Deuteronomy 8:19-20 If you forget, forget God, your God, and start taking up with other gods, serving and worshiping them, I'm on record right now as giving you firm warning: that will be the end of you; I mean it—destruction. You'll go to your doom—the same as the nations God is destroying before you; doom because you wouldn't obey the Voice of God, your God.

We should not keep silent in our reflections, the price of our freedom and liberty is too awesome, the cost too great! May God be glorified in our living!

Digg'n Through Some Old Files.....

As I was going through some old e-mails I came across this letter from Lawrence.

Here's a little play on words that came out of this morning. I see the word"revival" that churches across America are using to look to the past to findtheir passion, to get the masses moving again, to find heart and soul andcourage. The "glory days" of old, so to speak. It always alludes to a stateof being where people are dead, complacent, apathetic, even comfortable.Just watch "the Matrix" and you'll see what I mean. God can't help thosethat don't help themselves! So the real word that we are looking for is andalways has been "Revolution". We as born again, bible believing Christ-likebeings are at war. Not necessarily with a weapon. Your Sword and Trowelimage comes to mind. We work hard and endlessly to build the churchfoundation, but yet we as culture have no idea how strong to build it and wedon't have the "army" to protect it. This bodes the question, how are wegoing to build Christ's Church strong enough to withstand the forces at workin our world. Where are we going to find men and women with enough guts tostand and resist. When will we actually fight for our lives and ourfreedoms. What inspires people to become alive....a reason to live. How dowe learn and be open to love people....I shed a tear this morning, thereason...seeing how people have been stripped of their souls throughout theages. At this moment I feel God's pain. And I believe that His pain isintensified when people don't move. Free will is given to us and He can'tmake us do anything. He weaves in and out of our lives trying to inspire us.The word revival, as my wife just put it is for the World, to come alive andsee whats really going on and that they have to fight for their lives.Enslavement is coming on a global scale and the infrastructure is nearly inplace. Much to think about. Unfortunately, the majority of people won't seeit. I just pray for the difference. Lawrence.

God's Quick Response

Bravo! God Bravo!

This past Tuesday at the Men's prayer meeting we requested prayer for the release of finances for the church. We believe that our calling to be "That" church in Osoyoos and Sidley area is valid and worth investing in. So as we prayed we gave our financial needs over to God and in faith released our anxiousness to Him.

Within two hours of our prayer one of our fellowship's newest members stopped by the offive on Main. She donated a wonderful framed print of an eagle in the storm. This numbered print is a beautifully matted and framed work of art worth well over $200.00. Rather than hanging it in our office we, with the permission of the donator are seeking direction as to how to generate some funds for the ministry using this item. We thought of a "Silent Auction", Raffle or a private sale. On Sunday we will be asking our congregation for some input.

Then today, this same sister brought in two more items to be used in the same fashion. The first is a Collectable Coca Cola Barbie, the other is a beautiful set of diamond earrings. Praise the Lord for the generosity of our new sister.

Thanks Living

Listen to what the psalmist says: Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs… Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

When it comes to thanking God, we can't remain silent and we must not remain silent.

The psalmist tells us to rejoice in the Lord. We are to shout for joy to the Lord. We are called to serve Him with gladness. We are urged to come before Him with joyful songs. We’re to be filled with an enthusiastic, overflowing joy.

In the Hebrew, joy or rejoicing is an inward emotion that simply has to express itself as praise to and for God! The Old Testament shows God’s people were filled with joy they couldn’t help but come into God's presence with clapping, singing, shouting, and dancing. Joy, all joy, expresses itself in praise! Though joyful thanks is to be given in all of Christian life, Serve the Lord, come before him, Enter his gates, and his courts. Our life is to be a life of Thanks Living!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Dear Friends of the Gathering Place

It is with real joy that I write this short note to you. At The Gathering Place, we feel it is OUR responsibility to “clear the way” for you to take hold of all that God has for you. YOU are a very important part of YOUR church family. As senior pastor, I will do my best to bring you “doable” messages, in the hope that what you learn on the week-end, will be usable during the week.

Our leadership team is dedicated to helping you connect with the personal hope and practical help that God can give us. We are concerned with meeting your real life needs.

The purpose of the Gathering Place is summed in this way: To bring people to Jesus and membership in His family, develop them to Christlike maturity, and equip them for their ministry in the church and life mission in the world in order to magnify God’s name.

It is our dream that our fellowship will be a place where the hurting, the depressed, the frustrated and the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance and encouragement.

The analogy of the Christian as salt is appropriate for the church in Canada. In order to be effective, salt must not only retain its saltiness, but it must leave its shaker and touch what it wishes to enhance.

To reach today’s generation, the church needs to examine once again what it means to be salty.

Too often we are so engulfed in our own problems of maintaining the traditions of our church that we fail to see the larger picture - that of people hurting and in need of saltiness, needing to be touched by God’s love. We lose saltiness when the comfort of our church is the most important thing to preserve. But when we see the church as a hospital that administers caring and healing to the hurts of society, we are preparing the way for the Holy Spirit to do His work.

We would like to thank each of you for the interest and support you’ve shown regarding this wonderful opportunity that the Lord is laying before us.

Matthew 5:1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.

Counted among His climbing companions…. Pastors Ed and Judi Brouwer

PSALM 101

My theme song is God's love and justice, and I'm singing it right to you, God.

I'm finding my way down the road of right living, but how long before you show up? I'm doing the very best I can, and I'm doing it at home, where it counts. I refuse to take a second look at corrupting people and degrading things. I reject made-in-Canaan gods, stay clear of contamination. The crooked in heart keep their distance; I refuse to shake hands with those who plan evil. I put a gag on the gossip who bad-mouths his neighbor; I can't stand arrogance. But I have my eye on salt-of-the-earth people—they're the ones I want working with me; Men and women on the straight and narrow—these are the ones I want at my side. But no one who traffics in lies gets a job with me; I have no patience with liars. I've rounded up all the wicked like cattle and herded them right out of the country. I purged God's city of all who make a business of evil.

A Thought In Passing....

This morning I heard Dave Wilkerson say, "We (the Church) are being influenced by the very things that influence the world".

In light of this upcoming Sunday's message this statement hit me pretty hard. My text for Sunday is the Apostle Paul's proclamation that "Jesus is all and all" . I wish that were true of us today. Is Jesus our everything? If not what is He competeing with?

Are we being influenced (driven, drawn or enticed) by the same things that influence this world?

Dear God, how do we change that?

A Question For You....

For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created by him and for him Colossians 1:16

When is the last time you thought of Christ as the One by whom all things are created, as Colossians puts it; by whom all things were made: as John puts it; by whom God made the worlds, as Hebrews put it?

Safe In His Arms

Every little girl needs a big brother. Two of our grandkids are shown here, being at their best.

I can hear some of you saying, :Awww how cute!"

Sorry to burst your bubble, they are not always like this. ;-)

The Brethren

We had a great meeting this morning. It is very encouraging for men to get together, sharing, praying and sometimes even crying together.

As the author of Proverbs reminds us, the refining of character requires a second individual against whom we can hone ourselves: iron sharpens iron

Proverbs 27:17

One thing for sure, we are not in danger of being alone in this unique ministry. We as a family are surrounded by unsung heroes of the faith.

It is for that, we are very grateful.

Not Your Usually Church Event

Ok so its not the norm, but then again why not?

Last Saturday night we entered the Lawn Mower Races at the Rock Creek Fall Fair. It was awesome! I even placed in one of the heats.

I'm so very glad to see we are not a fellowship of bumps on a log. We can actually have fun! What a neat opportunity to meet new people and build relationships.

Great Ideas......

What a blessing we had several weeks back. Our folk thought it would be great to provide a FREE pancake breakfast at the park.

Our fellowship showed once again how a small group of dedicated people can do much for God's glory. We severed over 60 people. All ages and backgrounds were treated to flapjacks, juice and fruit.

Several people were witnessed to, and/or prayed for. It was very neat to see the Spirit of God's love ministering so freely. As a group of French Canadian fruit pickers was leaving, one of them yelled out, "We love you guys". That made our day.

Its All About Attitude!

My Heavenly Father knows, and He alone, what it is,

day after day, and hour after hour, to fight against bodily

feelings of almost over­powering weakness and languor and

exhaustion, to resolve, as He enables me to do, not to yield

to the slothfulness, the depression, the irritability, such as a

body causes me to long to indulge, but to rise every morning

determined on taking this for my motto, “If any man will come

after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

The preceeding was a statement of resolve made by Charlotte Elliot (1800s) as she lay bedridden for some 52 years. During her struggles she wrote over 150 Hymns, one being "Just As I Am". What a powerful story of God's ability to use us in spite of our lot in life.

What Part Do You Play?

The Wrecking Crew
I stood on the street of a busy town,

Watching men tearing a building down,
With a ho heave ho and a lusty yell,

They swung a beam and a side wall fell,

I asked the foreman of the crew,

“Are those men as skilled, As those you'd hire if you'd wanted to build?”

“Ah, no, no indeed, Just common laborers are all I need,

I can tear down as much in a day or two,

As would take skilled men a year to do.”

And then I thought as I went my way,

Just which of these two roles am I trying to play?

Have I walked life's road with care,

Measuring each deed with rule and square?

And Now You Know .......

Dr. Thomas Welch (1825-1903) was the communion steward of the Methodist church in Vineland, New Jersey. The son of a Methodist minister, he himself studied to be a minister.

However, due to voice problems, Welch decided to become a medical doctor and later a dentist. At the time, unfermented wine (grape juice) was not available year round for use in communion. From history we know that unfermented wine was widely used and preserved in ancient times. William Patton in his classic book, Bible Wines and the Laws of Fermentation (c.1870), documents four methods of preserving grape juice in The Bible times. Apparently, these methods had fallen into disuse.

In 1869, Dr. Welch began to experiment in his kitchen with concord grape juice, using the pasteurization techniques developed by Louis Pasteur just four years earlier. He soon perfected a process for preserving grape juice and began marketing it with the label Dr. Welch‟s Unfermented Wine.

He produced it with the thought of providing churches with an alternative to alcoholic wine, never envisioning a beverage for the general public. His son, Dr. Charles Welch, envisioned greater things and bought the business in 1873. Charles said that the company was born, out of a passion to serve God by helping His church to give communion as the fruit of the vine instead of the cup of devils.

In 1893, the grape juice business really took off when samples were given out at the Chicago World‟s Fair and the name was changed to “Welch’s Grape Juice.”

Today, Welch’s is a $650 million a year business. Welch’s Grape Juice made worldwide headlines in 1913 when Secretary of State, William Jennings Bryan, gave a formal state dinner honoring the retiring British ambassador. He served Welch’s Grape Juice instead of fermented wine. Bryan was a dedicated Christian who once ran for U.S. President.

Worldwide headlines were made again in 1914 when Josephus Daniels, Secretary of the U.S. Navy, forbade the use of alcoholic beverages aboard navy ships and substituted Welch’s Grape Juice in their place.

Thomas B. Welch proved the truth that, I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me Philippians 4:13
His son, Charles, demonstrated the Truth, where there is no vision, the people perish Proverbs 29:13.

The next time you see “since 1869” on the Welch’s Grape Juice label you can remember this service… and now you know the rest of the story!

Good Question

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyerof the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with namesand small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year oldhad been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up,stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good morning Alex.''Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque. 'Pastor,what is this?

The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a memorial to all theyoung men and women who died in the service.' Soberly, they just stoodtogether, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alex's voice,barely audible and trembling with fear asked, 'Which service, the 8:30or the 10:45?'

LAUGHTER IS A GOOD MEDICINE

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she feared the electrical storm might harm her child. Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. As she did she saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile. Another and another flash of lighting followed quickly and with each the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile. When the mother's car drew up beside the child she lowered the window and called to her 'What are you doing?' The child answered 'I am trying to look pretty because God! keeps taking my picture.'

May God bless you today and everyday as you face the storms that come your way...