Wine Country

Tomorrow my wife and I are taking off for a few days to see family in the Okanagan. It's been a pretty busy last couple of months, and I'm definitely looking forward to some R&R. Interestingly, I have mixed emotions in my heart about our time away. We spent two years in the Okanagan in what I will describe as the first real wilderness experience that the Lord took us through. When we left the island for the Okanagan back in early 2003, we thought we were going to the promised land. After being there for 6 months the Lord showed us that we were just passing through and that it was a stepping stone. Our love for the island grew stronger and stronger and we kept laying it down before the Lord -- wanting and desiring ONLY His will and purpose. It was a very enriching time for us, but also one where we hit rock bottom in many ways and wondered and sometimes screamed when will it end....??

HE..was so good to us, giving us the grace and patience to hold onto sometimes only a single thought -- knowing He was in full control...at all times, all places. We had to rediscover ourselves and who we were... Why did we believe? What was it all for? We got few answers..but strangely there was a silent comfort knowing that we didn't need to know what the answers were, and that He would not forsake us. It's almost like God said more to us in the silence, then could be done with words. Through a series of events, and (I will call them miracles) the Lord led us to where we are now - the next step of the journey... here again on the island -- our beloved home... in progress! God is so good. I stand amazed at what He has done -- He opens doors that man can't!

My heart is mixed because of course we haven't been back there for almost 6 months, and the Lord has in so many ways changed us, what we think, who we relate to, and how we relate to Him. Slowly the Lord has pulled back parts of the veil to show us what He is doing -- much is yet mostly a mystery. Going back, even for a few days is going to be an emotional roller coaster...seeing what we left behind, and seeing all the amazing things the Lord has done. He is such a big God -- it's overwhelming all the details of His plans... it's easier to let Him take care of business rather then do it ourselves!

Wow... as I write this, I'm warmed by the thought of the relationships He has given us, and the desire we have for Him in our hearts.. and wondering what it will be like to step out of the picture, even just for a few days.

Maybe, we'll bring back some wine :)

Choices

In the beginning of my bible (The Journey) in Genesis 3 there is a blurb on some of the important things to note and the author of these littles sides approaches them with the basis that the reader is going to be asking certain questions in and of themselves. At the end of Genesis 3, he answers the question that most of us have likely thought of at one time or another to the effect of: "Why would God put two trees in the garden -- especially knowing what we would choose?" The author submits...

"He didn't put two trees in the garden because we would choose, but because we could choose..."

That has stuck with me for several years now since I initally read that -- and upon reflecting on where I am at in my spiritual journey, it is being driven home in my own heart over and over. I have become so aware lately that we make choices daily both without thinking about it and by conscientiously, and sometimes tediously, doing so. Having said that, I had an epiphany recently that in area's of spiritual matters, that the power of choice is substantial. God has given us so many tools and gifts...varying from spiritual armour (the real weapons of mass destruction - of the evil one's plots) to words of life that the Fathers gives us for others, and gifts of the Spirit etc. In all of these however, they are so often preceded by a choice to use them, or even more importantly a choice to be obedient. For us guys, we are all too familiar with the wiles and schemes of the enemy with the temptations of the flesh. I have met few who do not face this on a daily basis. We know from James 1:12 that the testing of our faith in such area's leads to victory...

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

...BUT -- here's the kicker! In the midst of the trial (trials of any kind) a choice is made, and yes, most often in faith! In the situation I mentioned above, the choice is to say NO. In situations of fear, it's to TRUST, and not allow the enemy to continue his pursuit. But very often... the choice is simply to be obedient, to love. In these pressing days I feel in my heart that the Father is testing his children to see if they will love (their neighbour as themselves) -- and if not, then He will teach them to -- if their hearts are willing to be obedient. Love is not forced, but it is so often a choice of obedience - and one made in faith. It's a choice of obedience because Jesus said this to us:

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

It hit me also, that Jesus made choices. Yes, even He was faced them! The way I interpret scripture, he was not robot-like doing everything just because that was His destiny. He chose to be obedient to the Father and embrace His destiny, plus He's crazy about us too(John 15:9). But when I say He chose to be obedient, take a look at this:

Luke 22:42
Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

Remember that very often, someone... is on the other end of our obedience. Can we choose to love despite physical, or theological differences? Can we choose to be obedient in the midst of adversity and trials? Can we choose to say No, when "no" hardly seems an option? Of course we can, but that doesn't mean it is easy-- Holy Spirit lives inside us, just as He did in Jesus so we need His strength to help us make the right choice. So here's where I'm at...I'm reminding myself to ponder carefully what I choose in every situation -- and I'm finding that the "choice" is not necessarily instant! Sometimes the choice takes time, and prayer.. and seeking the Fathers' face.

He didn't put two trees in the garden because we would choose, but because we could choose...

What are you going to choose today?