God's Plan

What If?

It’s a strange time in my life. I wrongly assumed that the things I have done and continue to do would have reached more people. Somehow, I came to the conclusion that the things I love to do like writing blogs, plays and music, my book, leading worship and preaching sermons would lead to a wider audience. I’m not saying I expected to be famous or even well known. I’m not going to lie; I dared to dream once in a while that I could be more than I am, be someone who’s name came up when people talked about this thing or that thing  but now my dreams can be best described as backwards. Instead of a vision of what I want my future to be, my dreams revolve more around the past and the question, “What if?”

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We’re Almost There.

I was thinking about all the things Christians have on our laundry list of what is wrong with civilization these days. While it differs slightly from country to country and from culture to culture, there are some things that I think most Christians agree make a country a Christian country. Some would argue over how sweeping the changes should be, the role of the church in setting the standard and although we are not quite there yet, which church should take the lead role in the design of the country we live in but, I still am comfortable saying that there is a list and it is, for the most part, the same for all Christians. Let me take this a step further. In some countries the list is close to completion, we’re almost there!

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What Would Jesus Say About 9/11?

A special guest blog by Dennis Menard

In His earthly ministry, Jesus did speak to the deeper realities behind tragic, seemingly senseless deaths. In Luke 13:1–5 (NIV), we find Him addressing two catastrophic events: one, an act of mass murder ordered by Pilate; the other, a deadly accident—the collapse of a tower in Siloam. Both would have stirred deep emotions and raised profound questions, much like 9/11 does for us today.

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911 – What Is The Nature of Your Emergency?

“I am looking for someone.” “When did you last see them?” “It was quite a while ago.” “When were you expecting to see them?” “I was hoping to see them Sunday.” “I’m sorry sir, but the person is not missing until they haven’t shown up, we cannot help you with someone you are supposed to see. This is an emergency number set aside for many things including people who can’t be found but your case has not happened.” “But I can’t find this person.” “Sir, I believe there is some misunderstanding. Let me clarify some things. You can’t find someone you are supposed to meet on Sunday?” “Well, yes, sort of.” I can’t find the person today for Sunday.” Okay, I think I understand, you were supposed to meet up with this person Sunday, but you can’t find them today.” “Yes, you got it, can you help me? Our worship drummer is away and no one else can play from the church, it’s an emergency, please, I can’t find a replacement, I am desperate, I’ll take anyone…” “Sir, this line is for emergency calls only…” “It is an emergency, we have no drummer…”

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I Couldn’t Sleep Last Night

This isn’t anything new, I don’t sleep well most nights. A good night’s sleep for me is 4-5 hours and if I am lucky, no washroom interruptions somewhere in the middle. I don’t sleep during the day even after the few nights a week where sleep is limited to 2-3 hours and not all in a row. So why bring it up? Why call this blog post, “I Couldn’t Sleep Last Night”? Last night was different. A change in my pain medication meant I was free of the worst part of the pain I usually experience. As a matter of fact, one of the things that kept me awake was me wondering why I didn’t feel quite myself. What was different? In my world, a change in pain can be as unnerving as the worst pain I experience. So, I’m awake; now what?

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Guilt, A Useless Emotion?

I am not sure where I heard it said that guilt is a useless emotion. It could have been the always brilliant and insightful daytime talk show hosts. Maybe it was a talk radio interview. It also could have been a TV drama or a blockbuster movie. All I know is it seemed to make sense at the time. I am follower of Christ. I’m sure it wasn’t a Christian source but still I am forgiven and my sins are as far as the east is from the west ( Psalm 103:12NIV)so guilt must be a useless emotion, right?

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