July 31, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Civic Holiday Weekend!

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’” Genesis 1:26

We did it! Our son, Rob, and his family from Moosonee and our daughter, Rebekah and her family from Kelowna came to town last week on vacation. Gary and I plus our daughter Sara and her family and our son Lee and his family from Cambridge went “Wild!” It is incredible that 18 people from young to old all agreed to go to African Lion Safari on Friday for the day. We had a super time together with hardly a meltdown by any little person. This animal park is very well done and has greatly developed itself over the past 30 years when we last attended with our small children. 13 Asian elephants have been born since 1991; 30 cheetah have been born since 2001; they house the largest herd of Rothschild giraffes in Canada; and they have maintained one of the largest collections of birds of prey in North American, successfully breeding many endangered and threatened raptors over the last four decades. A bus ride to see the baboons and lions, a train ride to view the camels, a boat cruise to watch the monkeys and a huge water splash pad all added to the fun. If you have not been, you must take your family to experience how man has learned to rule over all these interesting creatures that God has made.

After this morning’s service the Burton and Macdonald families are headed to Kingdom Bound for the next four days at Darien Lake, New York. Heather and Hayley are bringing girlfriends along; Hayley’s friend is a Muslim. Please pray that this event will be refreshing physically and spiritually for them all. Please pray for Steve Macdonald who has been having a difficult summer at the TTC with all his added responsibilities since a few of his colleagues are on vacation as well as trying to implement some new subway cars into the system.

We haven’t heard from William this week but please remember to pray for his safety, his health, his new believers, his business endeavours as well as Richard and his ministries.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burton “manor” at 7:00 p.m. We are continuing to view Don Carson’s series on the Bible and praying together.

Continue to enjoy this hot summer as it sounds like August will just be like July!

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our 9:00 Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Eggspectations by Gary Carter: If you look at a raw egg or a cooked egg on the outside, it is difficult to tell which one is which so you spin them. Wendy had hard-boiled a dozen eggs for today’s breakfast. Upon taking them off the stove one sounded like it was chirping and so she was afraid to open it. Gary opened the egg at the beginning of our service and Wendy’s fear vanished – no dead chicken inside. Every day is like an egg to be opened. You have no idea what will happen with its good or bad surprises but you can’t worry about it all. Gary had a really bad car accident a few years ago. He could have died; the car was totalled. Is he now afraid to travel down that same road? Some would limit themselves with that type of crisis. Some of Gary’s favourite verses are, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Each day has enough unexpected trouble of its own. Too often we say that something is not fair. Gary and Wendy could have said that Saturday night when a young teen accidentally hit their back bumper as they were stopped at an intersection in Brampton. They were not harmed but their little red Hyundai Elantra needs some work on it and they won’t put in an insurance claim. It was an easy mistake but still a solution has to be figured out.

Conversations with Jesus – The True Family of Jesus (Luke 8:19-21) by Chris Burton: In this passage we read that Jesus’ mother and brothers were searching him out. Jesus’ statement could seem a little cold when He was told they were outside of the house He was in. Does it imply that Mary and James aren’t following God’s Word? Are they there to bring the “crazy son” home before he gets into more trouble? Is Jesus trying to disconnect with family? What is the purpose of this statement? Earlier in this chapter Jesus had told a parable about the sower and then a story about a lamp stand. The seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it (obey) and patiently produce a huge harvest. Jesus is saying, “So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them. My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” Those that can learn how to hear God’s Words, listen to God’s Words and obey/cling to God’s Words because they have been gifted with understanding as members of the family of Christ. Membership has its privileges – no credit here as the debt has been paid in full.

Ready … Reset (Nehemiah 4) by Gary Carter: “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” (Albert Einstein) “Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals.” (Dorothy Height) “Apathy is a more formidable enemy than direct opposition. However, both must be dealt with; that is the nature of life on earth.” Gary V Carter
Revival has always been about giant steps forward for a change as seen in the whole Bible. It is something that God does in concert with those who follow Him. Nehemiah repaired the fences or walls for the protection of Jerusalem. Even African Lion Safari has proper boundaries for all the animals. When reconstruction of the walls began, opposition arose. It always does. Nehemiah showed a positive spirit even with surprises along the way; he was satisfied with his vision.

We have to understand the nature of the opposition. Is there an angry foundation, implied negative answers in the questions, a willing chorus to agree? We have to understand how to respond to the opposition. We must pray about it and let God handle it. We have to understand that it takes a “we” with “all their heart” to rebuild a wall. If not, it can’t be done in 52 days. They also had to deal with all the rubble and figure out if the wall is worth rebuilding. We have to understand that opposition seldom goes away. Nehemiah prayed and posted a guard to cover the threat. We have to understand the threat within and without. “Within” is the weariness along with handling the rubble which is more noticeable when one is tired. You have to deal with it in your mind and not take off an hour early. The “without” is the piling on and the repetition. There were other Jews out there who became part of the complaint. We have to understand the need to remember and remind. We must remember who God is and the cause; we must remind ourselves to speak up and stand tall. We have to understand the need to get back at it. Return to the wall, pick up the trowel and the sword – tools for building and tools for warfare. Gary’s mom used to say, “That won’t get an old lady her 9 pence.” She was a slow worker with 5 children to look after. You can’t get weary and linger over your tea. We have to understand the need to adjust the plan. There will always be too much to do, no time to rest and always difficult circumstances. Is your groove in your couch getting deeper? Are you getting fatter and lazier? Proverbs 10:4 says, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

What about this week? We always have lots to complain about. What wall will you begin to build? Will you be courageous for His mission?

Punny by Steve Macdonald:
Septic Tank Back Ups by X. S. Waste
Living on Social Security by Wilma Moneylast
Downpour! by Wayne Dwops
Learning Trial Law by Tess Temoni
Sweet Treats by Sugar Kane
Homes Does It Again by Scott Linyard
Children’s Songbook by Skip Tumalu
Wind in the Maple Trees by Russel Ingleaves
The Errant Sledgehammer by O. G. Datturts

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July 17, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

A very warm Hello!

“A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.” Proverbs 13:19

Gary and I have put a lot of sweat equity into our Churchville heritage kitchen since the beginning of spring. It is 95% finished and looking good even if we do say so ourselves. The added insulation Gary put in the walls and attic is an extra bonus to keep our house cool particularly during these very hot days. (William must have left his hot climate behind when he returned home.) I am also getting my spring cleaning done in the summer along the way. Now that is fulfilling but not as fulfilling when someone decides to turn from his old ways of life and follow Christ. Please pray that our church will find those who are longing for real truth in our mult-ethnic community.

We are continuing to research foundations that are willing to donate to our charity, Kainos International Ministries, so that these monies can be sent to both Richard for his orphanage ministry and William for his church planting/business endeavours in Myanmar. Please pray that we will be successful over the next few weeks and months. Even though there are too many countries and peoples in similar dire needs God has laid it upon on hearts and opened doors for our church to work in this militaristic, impoverished society.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burton “manor” at 7:00 p.m. We are continuing to view Don Carson’s series on the Bible and praying together.

It is Can Nghiem’s birthday today. All the best, Can, as you and your family open a new chapter in your life with your move to Vaughan in a couple of weeks to start a church in that community.

Remember to pray for Ron Burton who goes to camp today for two weeks and for employment for Howie Johnson.

Please pray for our son Lee and his wife, Melissa, who have just been appointed as directors for the Popcorn House in Hespeler where they live. This organization is an outreach community service to provide support in various ways particularly to new Canadians.

Don’t melt in the summer’s heat!

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our 9:00 Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Let There Be Light by Gary Carter: It is very exciting to hear about William’s progress from one week to the next with his portable solar panel project to produce light. Several problems have been solved. A member of his congregation who is out of a job just happened to visit him when he was working on plans for constructing the metal box to house the battery. Since this man is a welder he created the box out of a sheet of tin and even added a handle. Secondly William had a 45 minute conversation with the factory owner who makes LED lights. His order can be custom made for a very fair price. This came as a result of a lady in his church who works there. Thirdly, William can purchase batteries for half the price he originally thought. The remaining problem to be solved is to find a place to purchase the solar controller/regulator so that the battery doesn’t overcharge. The complete system will involve workers adding wires and plugs in the box. His father, John, has an extra room in his house that can be used for the “sweat shop.” The total cost for materials will be about $63 plus $10 for labour for each system. Gary has asked William to do some market research to find out if 30 families (poorer families could share in the cost) would buy these units for $150 each. The business would have $40-50 net profit after all costs including marketing and sales. Shop keepers would be another source for sales. Can 5 be made in a week or 250 in a year? A sales person could earn $15/unit sold. There are lots of questions to be answered. Myanmar people can be very industrious and intelligent but are just unaware of possibilities such as this project. The government has shut their country off to the outside world and countries like Canada have boycotted them. Please pray that this opportunity will be an opening for a new start in many lives.

The Third Journey Begins by Steve Macdonald: The third missionary journey (Acts 18:23) began in 53 AD and continued into 57/58 AD. It is covered in Acts starting at 18:23 and ending in 21:17. During this time, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians (55 AD), 2 Corinthians (55 AD), Galatians (55-57 AD), and Romans (57-58AD). Paul started out going to different regions Galatia and Phrygia, including Tarsus and Iconium. He strengthened all the disciples by doing exactly what he did in the past – teaching, encouraging and reinforcing all those who believe. He travelled to Antioch, Tarsus, Derbe, Lystra, Ephesus, Troas, Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Azssos, Mitylene, Samos, Miletus, Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Cyprus, Tyre, Ptolemais, Caesarea and Jerusalem.

In Ephesus he met Stephanas whose name means a crown or crowned stepho (to twine or wreathe). He is mentioned three times in the New Testament - 1 Corinthians 1:16; 16:15; 16:17. He was a resident of Corinth and according to Paul the first convert along with his household in Achaia. So who was the first converts mentioned during Paul’s first two missions? During the first trip, Paul didn’t reach the province of Asia. Looking at the second mission, we have Lydia and her household, then the jailer and his household. Is Stephanas the jailer, or a member of Lydia’s family? It doesn’t really matter as he was loyal and devoted after he came to believe.

Paul also met Fortunatus, meaning lucky/fortunate. He was one of the leaders of the Corinth church along with Stephanas and Achaicus (a-ka’-i-kus, meaning belonging to Achaia). These three probably delivered a letter to Paul from the Corinth church. Was this in response to an earlier letter from Paul? 1 Cor. 5:9 says, “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.” Is this referring to Corinthians’ first edition? Did their letter and Timothy’s report prompt Paul to go over to Corinth for a short visit? We know Paul was in Corinth according to the records in Acts 18:1. He went to Corinth from Acts 20 which is his second journey so so what is he talking about (2 Corinthians 13:1-2)?

Tyrannus is also in Ephesus along with Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 19:9). Tyrannus means a prince or one that reigns. Schole is a lecture-hall or teaching room of a philosopher or orator which were in every Greek city. Was Tyrannus either a Greek rhetorician or a Jewish rabbi? The common opinion is that he was a Greek rhetorician and Paul would appear as a traveling rhetors of the time who had hired such a hall to proclaim his own peculiar philosophy. Was Tyrannus a believer? We don’t know. There are at least 12 disciples who originally only heard of John’s baptism (Acts 19:7). They received the Holy Spirit after being baptized and Paul laid his hands upon them. Who were they? Who else was in Ephesus with Paul? Brothers (e.g. Apollos + others – I Corinthians 16:12); Erastus (Acts 19:22); the Seven Sons of Sceva (Acts 19:11); Gaius and Aristarchus (Acts 19:29); maybe Luke?

Ready … Reset (Nehemiah 1, 2) by Gary Carter: In our review of the Old Testament story of Ezra and Nehemiah, Ezra restored Jewish faith in Jerusalem. Then years later when the Jewish people were so discouraged Nehemiah came along to unite them so that they could rebuild their city walls. It is amazing that it only took 52 days to accomplish this important task for a city without walls is like a house without locks. When people come together united it is astounding what can be done. More to follow next week.

Communion: There are two external indicator behaviours or ordinances the New Testament enjoins to demonstrate that a person is a follower of Christ. Seven out of nine writers in the New Testament place importance on the act of baptism as a demonstration of the self-aware choice to follow Jesus. The observance of the Lord’s Supper is only mentioned in I Corinthians and the 3 synoptic Gospels (Matthew Mark and Luke). The church in general has put far more focus on this second activity. Needless to say these few words are sufficient for our understanding and regular observance should be done to remind us and provide the opportunity to be thankful for Christ’s new covenant or new deal for our lives.

Really Punny by Steve Macdonald:
Games to Play at Parties by Bob Frapples
Introduction to Archery by Beau N. Arrow
Causes of Global Warming by C. O. Tu
Making your Point Clearer by Clara Fie
Why Tune up Your Auto by Carl Humm
Exercise on Wheels by Cy Kling
I Hate the Sun by Gladys Knight
Discovering Rural Country History by Dusty Rhodes
I Lost My Balance by Eileen Dover & Phil Down

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July 14, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Another very warm Hello!

“…If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37-38

Wow! Everywhere you travel in the GTA these days lawns are becoming browner and dryer. We had such a wet spring and now I can’t remember when it rained last during this very long heat wave. Our backyard is extremely bad as I decided to kill Creeping Charlie. This pesky weed is invasive and very hard to get rid of. I sprayed a mixture of one cup of Borax to 2 gallons of hot water on it which has done the trick. No watering or rain for 48 hours - no difficulty there this month. Now I need to reseed so let the rains begin. Water is very important to us for our daily living but unfortunately we do take it for granted so easily. God certainly figured out what we needed physically and spiritually when He created us.

William’s e-mail this week says, “… It is raining the whole day since last night. I broke my umbrella. I have to fix it by myself at home …We will be gathering about 27 unbelievers at a house of our member on the coming Saturday. Please remember them into your prayer that the gospel will be made clear to them and except able for them.”
He is continuing to look for a source for the control panel for his solar system.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burton “manor” at 7:00 p.m. We are continuing to view Don Carson’s series on the Bible and praying together.

A moving van will arrive at the Nghiem home this coming Tuesday. Please remember them in your prayers as they move from Brampton to Vaughan to start a house church. Their new address is 153 Sail Cres., Maple, ON L6A 2Z2.

Warmly in Him,

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our 9:00 Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Childhood Dreams by Gary Carter: Adults often ask children typical questions. How old are you? Do you like going to school? What do you want to be when you grow up? Gary could never really figure out an answer for the last question. We live in a world that wants us to define our own future. Often these expectations are not met unless there is a teacher, mentor or key encourager that comes along the way. One can get very discouraged. Gary has made contact with a country boy from Tennessee who is working on a gas-savings device. He was quite overwhelmed with Gary’s offer to help with some of his sales aids as this fellow has helped many others but few have helped him in return. Did he grow up believing he would be an inventor? He wants to do the right thing. Life usually turns out to be only a rough approximation of childhood ideals at best. “It really isn’t me but the fallen world around me that I fail.” A little bit of success is all you can expect as measured by the world’s standards. Jesus gives wise advice in His sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:19-21) when He says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Eventually the iconic object will get moth balls or rust away and life will turn up empty in the end unlike your treasure in heaven that is unseen and can’t be measured. Jesus’ test is to figure out what your heart is and notice that is where your treasure is found. Find your heart. What do you love the most? That is where your treasure is. It is important to think constantly about what will make a difference, what you can do to supply something permanent. Can & Mylene Nghiem are doing something outrageous by moving to Vaughan to start a new church without others to work with them as yet. They are willing to put Him first and their lives and their children’s lives will be blessed.

Paul Continues to Greece by Steve Macdonald: After the riot in Ephesus calms down, Paul gets the disciples together, encourages them and leaves for Macedonia (Acts 20:1.). No doubt some of his companions would have been Aristarchus and Gaius who were from Macedonia. Little is written about where or who Paul met after he left Ephesus on the first part of his mission (acts 20:1-4). Notice the difference of wording in Romans 15:19 and Romans 15:23-24. Paul either means by this that he traveled to the border or came up to the frontier of Illyricum or he actually travelled into this region. If so it is likely that it was during this mission that he did so (2 Timothy 4:9-10). Paul usually re-visited places and people strengthening and giving encouragement. If unable to do it himself he sent someone else in his place. Why send Titus to Dalmatia if he hasn’t already been there?

Acts 20:4 records Paul’s companions - Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, Tychicus, Trophimus from the province of Asia and Luke is certainly back (verse 5 uses the word “we”). Who else is on this trip? Lucius (is this Lucius of Cyrene in Acts 13?), Jason, Sosipater (Romans 16:21), Tertius (Romans 16:22), Erastus and Quartus (Romans 16:23), Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6), the brother(s)? (2 Corinthians 8:18 & 22). Some think this is Luke; others say Barnabas. What about Silas or Judas Barsabbas? My vote is not for Luke (Acts 20-21). The use of “we and us” in these passages indicate that Luke remained with Paul. There is little known of Quartus. His name is a Latin personal name meaning “fourth”. Tertius mentioned in the previous verse means “third”. Are they the third and fourth sons in the same slave family? Often slave families did not name their children. These men were newbies.

Ready … Reset (Nehemiah 2:11-20) by Gary Carter: “Real courage is moving forward when the outcome is uncertain (Michael Angier).” “Many of life’s failures are people who had not realized how close they were to success when they gave up (Thomas Edison).” “Courage is not limited to the battlefield or the Indianapolis 500 or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are the inner tests, like remaining faithful when nobody’s looking, like enduring pain when the room is empty, like standing alone when you’re misunderstood (Charles Swindoll).
Nehemiah did move forward with uncertainty but in a quiet manner to become a public hero; he did not give up. He talked with a few key people and then the ball started rolling. These people at not been willing to point to the gates and declare that they needed to be fixed.
1. He took measurement of his heart (2:11). He took some time by himself, but not too much time, to check out Jerusalem and think through his vision. We don’t learn about his family. Sometimes it is easier to make a decision by yourself but then it is hard to stay with your decision on your own without family support. He took measurement by going on a field trip (2:12-16). Often mission agents will ask their candidates to visit a field for a couple of weeks to see how things operate and project oneself into that situation.
2. He took measurement of his team (2:17-18). He raised the subject even though everyone knew the walls were broken down and made a proposal. It is important to express your story. It is also often hard to share because most people fear that others may not align with their vision or ideas. It is important to elicit a response from others. Look at all the in’s and out’s. Often the problems first come to mind e.g. what about materials, skill? However the primary concern should be the benefit. It is impossible to accomplish much without a team rallying around you.
3. He took measurement of your opposition (2:19). People will misrepresent you and challenge your motives.
4. He took measurement of his vision (2:20). He relied on God and declared, “The God of heaven will give us success.” Make a start even with all the problems and you are well on your way to get finished. A pastor in Victoria, BC recently began a new church start; however his original core group of 25 all quit. He kept going and now West Village church is in its pre-launch stage with many others joining in.
Nehemiah and the Jewish people rallied around the project. They had 10 different gates to repair along with the walls. And whether it was the Dung Gate (garbage?) or the Inspection Gate all had to be rebuilt.

Punny Very Punny by Steve Macdonald:
How to Draw by Ellis Strait
Why Tires Stay Inflated by Erin Side
Where’s the Water? By Dwayne Dwight Out
Mensa Society Members by Gene Yuss
The Midnight Patrol by Hugo Sair
I Hit the Wall Without Warning by Isadore There
The Hitchhikers Guide by Oliver Sudden (Juan Nalift)
Early History of the Beatles by P.S. Iluvyu

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July 10, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there!

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19

So how’s your summer going? Gary and I are now true Bramptonians as Friday night we attended Carabram. Even Macdonalds and Penny Spears have not been there and they’ve lived in Brampton for years! This year twelve pavillions with representation from many countries took part. Each displayed interesting information throughout the weekend about their cultures, countries of origin, food, crafts, dances etc. God has brought these nationalities to our doorstep and as we drive by new subdivision upon new subdivision in Brampton we realize that our job of reaching out to these people is huge. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will go before, that resistant hearts and minds will be opened and our church members will have opportunity to present the Gospel for them to become Jesus’ disciples.

Thank you Steve for all your work on our music slide presentations over the last two weeks when Sara Burton was away for her daughters’ baseball tournaments. Very inspiring.

We have been praying that William will be able to find some place in Myanmar that he can purchase LED lights. He recently shared this with his congregation and a lady, converted during his visit to Canada, told him that she works for a company that makes them. All he has to do is take Michael, his co-worker (this lady is his disciple) and meet up with the owner to see if they can buy the lights through him. This will happen next Saturday. Will this owner take interest in what William is trying to accomplish? Another matter of prayer! Gary needed to explain to William the different stages of retailing, wholesaling, distributing and manufacturing products to be sold to the public. Don’t forget to send an e-mail to say “hi” to William - william.myanmar2010@gmail.com.

I sent some money this past week to our contact lady in Singapore who will then send the money on to Richard’s orphanage. This is a new experiment to see if she can cash our Canadian cheque. If she can that will eliminate the $45 fee the bank charges no matter the amount being sent. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions as to how to send money internationally.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burton “manor” at 7:00 p.m. We are continuing to view Don Carson’s series on the Bible and praying together.

Please pray for Ron Burton as he soon heads to camp for a couple of weeks. Pray for employment for Howie Johnson. Please remember Frances’ sister-in-law, Sandy, who has just started chemo treatments for her cancer. Pray for the Nghiem family who are moving to Vaughan the end of this month where they hope to begin a new church in that community.

Take care,

Wendy
wendy.carter@kainos.org
This blog is a summary of our 9:00 Sunday morning services held at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON L6Y 0H3, 905-230-8116. It can always be found at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca.

Opportunity Thoughts by Gary Carter: Someone has said that opportunity knocks but once. Do you believe that? Mae West, a Madonna like, outrageous actress years ago said, “Opportunity knocks for every man, but you have to give a woman a ring.” Opportunity requires things coming together at the same time.

The Bible often describes a cooperative set of events between God and people. He does some things for you and you do some things for yourself. Remember the New Testament story of Lazarus (John 11) who died? Mary and Martha dialed 911 for Jesus’ help but He delayed with the result Lazarus was already in the tomb 4 days when Jesus finally showed up. In verses 43-44 we read, “Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out…” Jesus did for these people what they could not do but the people had to take off his grave clothes and let him go free. Jesus knew they could do that.

Your challenge for this week is to write down three opportunities you are looking for – something out of the norm or something that you might create. One of Gary’s extra jobs is to phone an old friend. So he won’t forget he wrote himself a note to put with his wallet until he could put it on his computer task list. These moments of opportunity usually don’t take very long to accomplish even though too often we don’t feel like doing them but they are important. If we did that once a week in a year the end results in our lives would be quite outstanding. Sara Burton suggests in her book (From the Couch to the Stage)  that “Good is good enough. Do one good thing a day exceptionally and it will make a big difference in your life. The other tasks are good enough.” High marks in school are not as important as your integrity, overcoming laziness etc. Paul writes in I Corinthians 16:9, “… because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” The opposition wasn’t going to stop him.

Shave and a Hair Cut by Steve Macdonald: Summarizing Paul’s second journey which we have previously studied, he began in 49 AD leaving Jerusalem with Silas and Judas Barsabbas. He returned to Jerusalem three years later (Acts 18:22) having travelled roughly 2800 miles. The book of Acts chronicles Paul’s journeys covering three of his missionary trips that took place in 46-48AD (Acts 13:4-14:28 – although actually the first mission began in 41 AD in Antioch, Acts 11:25); the second 49-52 AD (Acts 15:39-18:22); and the third in 53-57/58AD (Acts 18:23-21:17).

What other journeys did Paul take in Acts? Paul takes his journey to Rome (Acts 27:1) that begins in 60 AD. After he has stayed the winter in Malta where he heals and witnesses to the islanders (Acts 28:10), Paul then travels from Malta to Syracuse, Rhegium & Puteoli, (Acts 28:12-13). He arrives in Rome in 61 AD and is placed in prison (house arrest) for two years.

While in prison Paul writes the following:Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. After his release from prison in 63 AD, what did Paul do? He travelled. Obviously from Philemon 1:22, Paul has Colossae on his travel itinerary. Between 63-67 AD, did Paul journey to a number of other places? Spain was in the plans before his arrest. Did he make it? An early document, written by Clement of Rome to the church in Corinth in 69 A.D. would indicate that Paul reached Spain. Clement states that “Paul also obtained the reward of patient endurance, after being thrown into jail seven times, compelled to flee, and stoned. After preaching both in the east and west, he gained the illustrious reputation due to his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the extreme limit of the west, and suffered martyrdom under the Prefects.” The “extreme limit of the west” was commonly understood to be Hispania (modern day Spain). Cyril of Jerusalem wrote, “one, who from Jerusalem, and even unto Illyricum, fully preached the Gospel, and instructed even imperial Rome, and carried the earnestness of his preaching as far as Spain.” Chrysostom wrote about Paul stating, “For after he had been in Rome, he returned to Spain, but whether he came thence again into these parts, we know not.” So the places Paul visited after his release from the Roman jail were Crete (Titus 1:5), Colossae, Ephesus I Timothy 1:3), Philippi, Nicopolis (Titus 3:12), Rome, Miletus (I Timothy 4:20), Troas (I Timothy 4:13), Corinth.
Taking everything into consideration, how many missionary journeys did Paul go on? From the evidence shown there were possibly 5. Actually, from Acts 9:5 on, Paul was on one missionary journey doing what he was chosen to do (Acts 9:15).

Ready … Reset (Nehemiah 1, 2) by Gary Carter: “The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been.” (Henry Kissinger) “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson) “To be able to lead others, a man must be willing to go forward alone.” (Harry Truman) These are all good quotes about leading. A leader can’t lead without people following; however, the apostle Paul probably would have accomplished his missionary journeys even if no one had gone with him. He died around age 67 which is roughly equivalent to our 87 years given the increased life span today.

In reviewing our Old Testament story about Jewish exiles coming back to Jerusalem after their captivity, Ezra was the one who had started putting the temple system back in place and some had returned to Godly living. Ezra kept serving as priest. Some time later Nehemiah then carried the process further. It was reported to him that the city walls were in disrepair. The walls were important for fighting off enemies. His first action step was to pray to God with whom he had a strong, warm relationship. His prayer was very intense as he asked God to forgive His people for their sins and reminded God of His past promise. His specific request was to give Nehemiah success with the king. Nehemiah had risen through the ranks to a significant role as cupbearer. The king trusted and respected him. Even though he was scared Nehemiah took charge when the opportunity was given by God. When the king noticed he was sad he spoke up frankly and asked if he could return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. In thinking ahead and planning he also requested letters for safe passage as well as timbers for the citadel gates. Nehemiah 2:8 reads, “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my request.” He also provided army officers and cavalry even though it was not in the interest of the king to supply all this. When opposition showed up Nehemiah kept going. Opposition is not always an indicator that God isn’t in it. Be ready to act and God will move circumstances.

Some Quotes on Opportunity from Gary Carter (since Wendy mistakenly deleted Steve’s jokes for this week!):
Even when opportunity knocks, a man still has to get up off his seat and open the door.
Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell.
If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door (Milton Berle).
Learn to listen. Opportunity could be knocking at your door very softly (Frank Tyger).

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