"Breaking Bread"

Today was another great time in the presence of God and our wonderful friends. Church really can be a pleasant experience. I hope that all who come through our doors will be encourage to press into the Lord. May God be glorified in our midst.

FROM THE BACK PEW

My family and I have always seen the glass as being half full rather than half empty. I am a strong believer in that the way you choose to see the world creates the world you see. I urge you to surround yourself with positive people. Alone you are but a flame, but together you make a fire. Be warned there are plenty of “wet blankets” out there!

When a pessimist went in to donate blood, she was turned away. The nurse explained, "I'm sorry, but we don't need any 'B Negative' blood."

Pessimists expect the worst to happen, which often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. A pessimist looks at a half-full glass and sees it as being totally empty. Do you know of anyone like that? If so don’t get too close. They can have an averse impact on your life. The following story depicts that truth. A man decided to start a hot dog business. He bought a cart, filled it with hot dogs, and pushed it down a busy city street during the lunch hour. He sold out, so he ordered more from his supplier. As the weeks passed, he kept expanding his business and became very successful.

One day his son came home from college and gave him some advice. “Dad, don’t you know what’s going on in the business world? Things are bad. We’re in a depression.” His father replied, “We are? I guess I’d better cut back on my supply of hot dogs.” So he did. He reduced his inventory, ordering only minimum quantities. Because he kept running out, his frustrated customers stopped buying from him. Several months later he shut down his business. That night he called his son at college and said, “Son, you were right. We are in a depression!”

The Bible gives us some good advice regarding negative thinking or as I would say “stink’n think’n): Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

"Field Of Dreams"

Field of Dreams, a movie released in 1989, has inspired millions and our family is no exception. It is a movie about pursuing one's dream, no matter how much effort it takes. This movie is full of baseball, but not about baseball. Instead it is about a man getting in touch with his dreams and learning that sometimes you have to take a chance in life. It is about an ordinary guy-next-door, who suddenly and without explanation does something extraordinary. His wife is very supportive. She, like my wife, is a believing participant who finds the disbelief of others most amusing. Our family moved to Osoyoos with a dream. Perhaps one day we will be able to share that with you. However, this note is not about us, it is about some people who have enabled us to see our dream, or part of it at least, become a reality.

Judi and I, along with our son Casey and those who support Eagles Nest Ranch Ministries would like to publicly thank Adrian Erickson and Regal Ridge for building a large playing field on our ranch for our day camps and community baseball games. John Nett organized the heavy equipment and trucks of fill. They even brought in water trucks to keep the dust down during construction. We were blown away by their generosity. Although we had agreed to pay for low-bedding and fuel, Adrian himself came and informed me that they would be donating everything: the low-bedding, the fuel and the more than 150 man hours. It was a “Field of Dreams” moment.

We are still picking a few rocks and then we will put up a fence to keep the livestock off before we plant the grass seed. We are building an outhouse as a temporary measure, until we put in a septic field for flush toilets. Four hydro poles donated by a neighbor, will used to hold our backstop fence and field lights. Bleachers will most likely end up being a winter project, but by next spring we should be able to hear Casey yell out the words, “Play Ball!”.

God bless all of you who have helped us to see that dreams can come true. To all of you reading this, be encouraged… go for it! Dare to dream! “Build it, they will come!” Ed & Judi Brouwer on behalf of Eagles Nest Ranch Ministries.

Sow Sparingly - Reap Sparingly

One kernel of wheat produces a wheat plant that can yield 50-75 seeds. 2.4 lbs of seed produces 60 lbs of seed.

A single seed (or kernel) of corn may produce a plant which produces one to two ears of corn. Each ear yields more than 600 kernels of corn. 1 seed = 600 to 1200 seeds.

What are you going to reap? Are you multiplying good things?

Another Tuesday Night

We at the Gathering Place feed up to 360 transcient fruit pickers each Tuesday night.

We have been doing this for eight years now.

"A Timely Reminder"

Well, Mr. Citizen, it seems you've figured me out. I seem to fit neatly into the category where you've placed me. I'm sterotyped, standardized, characterized, classified, grouped, and always typical. Unfortunately, the reverse is true; I can never figure you out.

From birth you teach your children that I'm the bogeyman, then you're shocked when they identify with my traditional enemy...the criminal!

You accuse me of coddling criminals...until I catch your kids doing wrong.

You men take an hour for lunch and several coffee breaks each day, but point me out as a loafer for having one coffee.

You pride yourself on your manners, but think nothing of dirsupting my meals with your troubles.

You raise hell with the guy who cuts you off in traffic, but let me catch you doing the same thing and I'm picking on you.

You know all the traffic laws...but you've never gotten a single ticket you deserve.

You shout "foul" if you observe me driving fast to call, but raise the roof if I take more than ten seconds to respond to your complaint.

You call it part of my job if someone strikes me, but call it police brutality if I strike back.

You wouldn't think of telling your dentist how to pull a tooth or your doctor how to take out an appendix, yet you are always willing to give me points on the law.

You talk to me in a manner that would get you a bloody nose from anyone else, but expect me to take it without batting an eye.

You tell me something's got to be done to fight crime, but you can't be bothered to get involved.

You have no use for me at all, but of course it's O.K. if I change a flat for your wife, deliver your child in the back of the patrol car, or perhaps save your son's life with mouth to mouth breathing, or work many hours overtime looking for your lost daughter.

So, Mr. Citizen, you can stand there on your soapbox and rant and rave about the way I do my work, calling me every name in the book, but never stop to think that your property, family or maybe even your life depends on me or one of the other members.

Yes, Mr. Citizen, it's me...the lousy cop!

Apparently the auther of this article was trooper Mitchell Brown of the Virginia State Police. He was killed in the line of duty two months after writting his article.

We take this moment to salute our Canadian Police forces. Thank you to all the men and women police officers who put their lives on the line for us everyday.

Please join us as we pray for PUBLIC SAFETY.

The last Saturday of each month we meet to pray for Public Safety and for our 911 Emergency workers. You may not be able to meet with us but you could join us in spirit. We pray for one hour starting at 9:00 am. I will post a detailed list of prayer concerns in a day or two. Be blessed.

"I Cry - God Answers"

Have you ever experienced a dark night of agonizing soul searching, attempting to touch God?

Have the heavens ever seemed as brass when you cry out your prayers?

Have you searched in your dark of night for the hand of God?

This poor cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open unto their cry. The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalm 34

More than 400 times the Bible repeats - “I cry” / “I cried”.
More than 400 times the Bible repeats - “Deliver / Delivered”.

HAVE I GOT YOU INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE?

Go to the Sword & Trowel Link and read the complete sermon... be blessed!

"PREPARE FOR GLORY!"

To “The Band Of Brothers” beginning to develop in Osoyoos.

In spite of all of our technical advances men are still God's method of choice to advance His church. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The dispensation that heralded and prepared the way for Christ was bound up in that man John. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. The world's salvation comes out of that cradled Son.

When Paul appeals to the personal character of the men who rooted the gospel in the world, he solves the mystery of their

success. The glory and efficiency of the gospel is staked on the men who proclaim it.

What the Church needs to-day is not more or better programs, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use -- men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Spirit does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not anoint plans, but men -- men of prayer.When the gospel is put into the heart and lifeblood of the man, it is set aflame and empowered by the fiery energy of God’s Spirit. Once again men should with loud voices proclaim, “Freedom!” Once again men should lead their families in preparing for glory!

The gospel of Christ does not move by popular waves. It has no self-propagating power. It moves as men of God move. Hearty, heroic, compassionate, fearless martyrs must the men be who take hold of and shape a generation for God. If they be timid time servers, place seekers, if they be men pleasers or men fearers, if their faith has a weak hold on God or his Word, if their denial be broken by any phase of self or the world, they cannot take hold of the Church nor the world for God.

It is not great talents nor great learning nor great preachers that God needs, but men great in holiness, great in faith, great in love, great in fidelity, great for God -- these can mold a generation for God.

Why should I worry or fret? My God has never failed me yet!

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!

From The Back Pew XII (Part 2 of 3)

God’s word promises in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…..”

Even though it’s somewhat of a mystery, God not only forgives, but in fact “blots out” and forget the sins of His children.

Friends there is a hard part in this passage, at least for most of us “if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

The word “forgive” here means to bestow favor unconditionally. As Christ “forgave” you, so you must do!

God wants us to forgive those who have wronged us the same way Christ has forgiven us - no matter how bad that wrong has been. But God, we cry out, how can I forgive that person - you don’t know what they have done to me!

Yes, He does - and He still wants you to forgive them “just like Christ forgave you.”

Friends, I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t always come easy for me. I some how want them to pay for what they’ve done…. Yet, a true Christian will always treat the offending party graciously! ALWAYS!

In Matthew 18: 21-22 Peter asks Jesus how often should I forgive people? Up to seven times? Jesus said, ‘Not up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Now Jesus in this passage is not telling Peter that once you forgive your brother 490 times you can treat him anyway you want. Jesus wasn’t giving Peter a starting line for “digging up bones.” He says we must forgive - without limit!

Dare I be so bold as to point something else out…. Although we are commanded in the Word of God to repent of our sins and ask forgiveness - Jesus never add that condition.

Jesus is asking us to forgive those who have offended us without limit.
no matter what their attitude might be
no matter whether they’ve made restitution or not
no matter whether they’ve repented of their offenses or not
no matter whether they’ve told us they are sorry or not
no matter whether they continue to offend us or not!

I know this is tough but with God all things are possible.

Give Me A Break!

There are several debilitating statements that drive me nuts. The “There is nothing to do!” statement in particular, mainly because it has developed into an attitude of “There is nothing I can do”.

Folks, there is always something you can do. My parents are in their late seventies, yet each year they travel from Ontario to Texas, Florida and BC. No, not to vacation, but to build low income housing. Sure they have their ailments like everyone else, but they have worked on correcting any negative attitudes regarding those ailments. They like many others have repented of self-centeredness and self pity. They have dumped the “Poor Me” and do not expect everyone to understand what they are “going through”. We too must challenge the sin of self pity and self criticism.

Far too many of us are held back by self imposed barriers of fear. If you dwell on your fears you will avoid forming relationships and withdraw further into the wasteland of loneliness. II Timothy 1:7 God has not given us the spirit of fear.

“Reach Out & Touch Someone”, is far more than a slogan for a telephone
Service. We must take the initiative to reach others. Proverbs 18:24 For
a man to have friends he must show himself friendly.

I heard a wonderful story regarding the days shortly after the tragic events at Virginia Tech. An elderly woman took her two dogs to the campus. Young people would stop her and inquire if they could pet the dogs. “Yes dear, of course, that is why we are here”, was her reply. It seems she wanted to do something for the students in the wake of the mass murders. All she could think about was how her dogs gave her comfort. So off she went. The sign she posted beside her said, “Need love? Please pet my dogs.” You see, there is always something you can do!

Relationships do not just happen. They take time and effort. Yes they are risky, but it is a risk worth taking. The creator of Peanuts said, “Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use.”

Finally why not volunteer to help out in the community. Strange but true, you find yourself by giving yourself away.

If you are given the chance to sit it out or dance… I hope you dance!
Pastor Ed Brouwer, The Gathering Place

From The Back Pew XI (Part 1 of 3)

Randy Travis sings about sitting all alone “digging up bones”, stirring up old memories that are best left buried.

Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with being alone - in fact it is good to be alone once in a while. But, sitting there “Exhuming things better left alone” doesn’t sound much like a fun evening. “Resurrecting memories of a love that’s dead and gone” sounds as uplifting as drinking a glass of warm sour milk.

Sadly we’ve all at one time or another done some digging. Perhaps more than once. We may not have done it in exactly the same way Randy Travis sang about, but we are all guilty of “digging up bones” - of “exhuming things that’s better left alone”.

Consider: A man walks in the door after a hard day at work and the first thing his wife tells him is, You left your dirty breakfast dishes on the table this morning. I’m sick and tired of picking up after you! The man taken back says.. Well if you would have gone to bed earlier instead of watching David Letterman last night. You could have made breakfast for me. To which the lady responds, Well, it’s a good thing I stayed up or I wouldn’t have noticed that you forgot to turn off the light in the barn again.

And then he says, Well two weeks ago I got home from working the graveyard shift and every light in the house was on - and you were still asleep and the young’ns missed their bus.

Before this moment of intense fellowship comes to its unpleasant end the whole situation is blamed on a visit by Uncle Leo in 1976 and Amos the dog that the husband had when the couple first got married. This couple was “exhuming things that are better left alone.”

It is so disheartening to listen to the broken record of the “Bone Digger Uppers”. A fellow doesn’t stand a chance!

Aren’t you glad that our Savior Christ Jesus doesn’t do that?

To all who would forsake sin, God offers the same - a new chance and promises to blot out all old sin and make the record begin with a new start - a clean slate.

As we read in Psalm 103 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As the heavens are high above the earth - as far as the east is from the west. God doesn’t say, Now you’re forgiven of all your sins and transgressions, but if you mess up again, I’m going to dig up all your past sins and remind you of them. No God doesn’t “dig up bones”. Our sins are forgotten! It’s as if they never happened! That’s God’s grace.

NOW = No Opportunity Wasted!

What a great thought that is. That we would not waste any of the wonderful opportunities made available to us by Almighty God. I'd much rather be guilty of doing too much than of doing too little! If you need Biblical confirmation, just look at the parable of the talents. I really believe that God wants for His people to have NOW mind set. God help us make it so.

"Please Sir, May I Have More?"

I have been asking God for permission to do Church differently.

However, every change involves a letting go of one thing to reach out for what is next. So Lord what is it that I am to let go of?

Most of us are perfectly fine talking about Abraham going out without knowing where he was going, simply trusting God to get him there. But, when it is our turn to make the journey of faith, it is usually a different matter.

I know that the kindness, the grace and the thoughtfulness of the Lord are outstanding. So I need not be worried or anxious about these changes.

I am begining to realize that a key focus for me is to develop maturity in people. In the most basic sense I desire to increase people's capacity for fullness in Christ.

My son Casey and I have the same desire... to grow people of love and truth who know how to move in both. to grow them in all aspects of Christ, Developing a commitment to the whole body, and specifically the part they are joined to in fellowship and ministry.

Our lives are dedicated to the training up of our fellowship in the Holy Spirit to live life where we are not subject to events, nor easily deceived, and not taken in by the world, the flesh or the devil…. Together we will prepare for glory!

Just Do It!

I had a great day on Sunday.... the crowd was a little thin and I was disappointed in that far too few heard the message. However, I was called to preach... God never did let me in on whether it would be to many or a few, He just said preach. So like a farmer I go out each Sunday morning and scatter the seed. I pray it lands on good soil.

This past Sunday's message was both simple and profound. It was basically about obedience.

I concluded with the fact that although the Roman Catholic Church has set the Virgin Mary in a high and lofty place, they neglect the one and only command she ever gave. They’d do well to heed John 2:5 Jesus’ mother said, Whatever he tells you to do, do it.

OBEYING CHRIST IS EVERYTHING!

Luke 6:46-49 Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings and does them, I will show you to who he is like: He is like a man which built a house, digging deep and laying the foundation on a rock: and when the flood waters rose the stream beat violently against that house, but didn’t shake it: because it was built on a rock. Jesus went on to say, he that hears my word and does not do it, is like a man built a house without a foundation, the flood stream beat against that house, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

John 15:14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command

Let’s go back to the basics…. Mark 12:30-31 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment. The second is, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There’s no other commandment greater.

If you are interested in reading this complete message go to our Sword & Trowel link. Be blessed...

Count Down To Easter

Good day! I trust that you are being challenged by the Word of the Lord. Please note that updates have been made to the Sword & Trowel as well as the Wooden Pulpit.

I have been asked to preach at the joint Good Friday service for Osoyoos. I am scared, not scared of preaching, rather at what I am feeling led to preach about. I am impressed in my spirit to preach regarding who the enemies of the cross of Christ are.

It is certainly not your typical sermon. In fact it is a stark naked warning to the church. It seems strange to feel a call to preach salvation to christians. Anyway, I will post that message early next week. In the days ahead, may the Lord manifest His quiet presence to you. Take some time this Easter week-end to give the heavens above a glance or two. Bless ya - Ed

From The Back Pew X

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?