Heartland News & Prayer

October 9, 2011 by Wendy Carter.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:4

Gary and I are thankful to be back home in Canada after a couple of weeks in the U.S. In our time-share travels when we meet new friends we often end up comparing the two countries to try and decipher the subtle differences that are always there. We often remark how Americans are so very open about their faith in God and regular church involvement which is really not the case in our Canadian society. One lady I chatted with mentioned she was returning home this weekend, would attend church first of all Sunday morning and then head out to another week of vacation in a location further south. A gentleman described how he was having difficulty taking good pictures in his church. Another lady freely told us how she had gotten her act together with God in her late 20s. (I think she gave us her life history in 20 minutes – this single lady likes to talk.) Even watching television programs many readily proclaim their Christian position and like Paul are not “ashamed of the gospel.” (Romans 1:16). For numerous reasons I do prefer and am very thankful that God has placed me in Canada but Gary and I both long to see the day when Canadian Christians are more willing to take a stronger, louder stand for the Lord in the country we love. In addition, thank you for your prayers – Gary was able to get a fair bit accomplished on his new book, See You Next Week!

Thank you for your prayers for our son, Rob who is now travelling with his troupe in Kyrgystan. We have not received as much information from him since the Internet is not as good in this country as in Turkey. We do know it has been a long month away from his family. He should be starting his long journey home this week; however it looks like he will have to contend with an Air Canada strike. He has a 14 hour or more layover in Moscow. By the way, his middle finger that wouldn’t bend has been cooperating quite well for his guitar playing throughout this mission trip.

Thank you also for your prayers for William and Richard in Myanmar. We finally heard from William a few days ago who reports, “I am fine. I am visiting around Yangon and its surrounding villages. I and my friends are trying and praying to be able to reach the prisoners with the Gospel. Children prisoners are also very interesting. We hope that we may be able to preach at three or 4 prisons in the future. We will need to provide their medical needs and foods when we go to them. Do you know who will like to co-operate with us and help us from your side of the world? Would you like to pray for us that this dream will come true one day? I will also visit the southern part of Chin state to see some Christian friends and the plants in the end of this month. I will be back Yangon before November 6.”

William also told us about his visit from Richard, his wife Hanna and baby boy, Gideon, “Hanna and Gideon visited me last month. At that time, Gideon health is very bad, I asked Hanna to bring her son to a doctor. I brought both of them to the clinic and the doctor told to Hanna that her son need surgery(operation). Then they went back home to Anisakhan. After that I didn’t heard back about Gideon’s health from Richard nor Hanna. I hope he is well now. He is also a lovely baby boy. He looks like Richard very much. I told to Hanna that Gideon is the identity card of Richard. They are exactly the same, especially at their eyes.”

Don’t forget to listen to Gary’s radio programs with Kaiya Burton (www.littlebigshow.ca) and our Fellowship denomination (www.fellowshipradio.ca).

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons at 7:00 p.m. for prayer and viewing a video on how to understand Islamic people better.

The summary below is a combination of two Sunday services. Sorry about the length.

Enjoy!

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.

Thanksliving by Gary Carter: One of the ladies mentioned above has a 21-year old daughter who seems to be currently struggling with life and not making the wisest choices which is causing her to follow in her mother’s lifestyle footsteps before she met the Lord. Has anyone in their church really reached out to this family to show them a better viable alternative for life? An Al Anon commercial on T.V. these days portrays an eleven year old girl who says, “I will be an alcoholic in seven years.” This happens to one out five children. As church members we show thanksgiving when we take the initiative, provide correct information and live as good examples for those around us. What can we decide to do every day as an act of thanksliving e.g. send a card, e-mail, make a phone call?

On the Mark (Part 3) by Debbie Macdonald: Instruction involves education by giving or teaching knowledge or information; it is a command or an order; it is the sequence of steps to be followed as in doing, using, or operating something. The Gospel of Mark records almost 60 different instructional conversations - 9 one on one, 3 including 2-3 people, and 45 conversations with 4-5000 people. Of these 57 conversations, 51 are regular conversations where Jesus gives clear concise directives. Whether it is how to pray, predicting His death and resurrection or telling the rich man what he must do to get into heaven, Jesus gives clear instructions to either a single person or to groups.

A parable is a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. It is a statement or comment that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like. Six conversations are taught in parables (Mark 2:21-22, 3:23-27, 4:1-20, 4:26-29, 4:30-32, 13:23-37). Parables were commonly used by the teachers of the time so it was not unusual for Jesus to also use them. When you study Mark, you see Jesus uses parables twice when teaching His disciples. We also see that He explained many of these to the disciples when they failed to understand. In contrast Jesus speaks to the teachers of the law and the Pharisees in parables four times in Mark. Is this because He openly challenged their knowledge in front of large crowds twice in Mark 2 and does not want to continue challenging them in this manner? Is it better that He publically embarrass them with nobody knowing what He is doing or is He trying to avoid public confrontations with the authorities entirely.

Whatever the reason for using parables, Jesus clearly prefers to explain things to engage listeners. “How do I inherit eternal life?”(Mark 10:17-21). Obey the commandments, give everything you own to the poor and follow Him. Do this, get that, easy, simple, clear. Your family is here. “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Want to be associated with Me and share in My inheritance? You need to follow God’s will. It’s easy. Do this. It’s clear, concise. Need to understand what the rules are? It is clear cut and to the point, no questions asked. Listen to Jesus, “for whoever is not against us is for us.” “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.” “Nothing outside a man can make him unclean by going into him.” No ifs, and or buts. It is clearly explained, no questions, no twisting of words. What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “If any of you are ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”? Whether Jesus was speaking in parables, or explaining something in a straight forward manner, whether he was praying or commanding a demon to leave or the wind to calm down, if we listen, we will understand. If we understand, we will believe. If we believe, we will follow. If we follow we will have eternal life!

Conversations with Jesus – Jesus Feeds the 5000 (Luke 9: 10-17) by Chris Burton: The disciples have just returned from their missions trips. They are likely full of excitement and eager to tell Jesus all that happened. They are also equally tired from the journey and ready for what they feel is a well earned rest. While they were away though Jesus has learned of John the Baptist’s death (Matthew 14:13). The disciples need rest and Jesus is grieving so they try to get away for some R&R to Bethsaida. Bethesda (meaning Fisherman’s house) was the home of Philip, Andrew and Peter where people would take mini-vacations. The crowd was all in need - physical, emotional, spiritual. They sought teaching and healing. They were already gathered at this place before Jesus arrived. The disciples are just a little irritated by the arrival of the crowd. They were hoping for a break (verse 12) but it wasn’t to be - there were people in need. It’s late and the disciples are using the evening meal as an excuse to get rid of everyone, but instead Jesus tells them to feed the crowd (verse 13). Now the disciples should have known how to do this; they had just returned from the journey having performed many miracles. They use the lack of supplies and money as the reason for not being able to do this (verse 13). They are not even thinking about how they could use the blessings Jesus gave them as a resource. Jesus steps up again to lead by example (verse 14). He gives thanks, breaks the bread and 5000 are feed.
For us, unannounced guests can become a source of stress. Intrusions into our “down time” are an added stressor and hosting a party, a source of anxiety. For Jesus it was all an opportunity to teach, heal, comfort and preach. This was the life the disciples needed to become accustomed to if they were to truly follow in Jesus’ footsteps. When everyone had been fed and was satisfied Jesus gave them one more task - clean up. They returned with twelve baskets. Was this a coincidence? Twelve disciples with a basket each - was this their reward? Not likely. Leftovers showed that God provides abundantly but each disciple had their own basket or burden to carry to remember this lesson.

Revelation by Steve Macdonald: Steve began a new series on this thought-provoking book of the Bible with all its symbols or signs. He has worked for the Toronto Transit Commission as a manager for many a year. Two important symbols can be seen affixed to the wall of a subway station platform. One is a circular green disk which applies to H-type and T-1 trains. When the guard’s window is aligned with this marker, under normal operating conditions, the guard knows that the train is properly spotted on the platform and it is safe to open the doors. An orange triangle on the wall assists the guard positioned in the trailing car to observe the platform for the required distance as the train is moving to exit the station.
In Revelation 1 we learn that the letter is written by the Apostle John to seven churches in the province of Asia – Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. “Grace and peace” are sent to them from Jesus Christ and “seven spirits before His throne” - also mentioned in Isaiah11:1-3. These are:
1.The Spirit of the Lord (Luke 4:18): Jesus creates His own life within us. He gives us life, power and desires. We are guided to be perfect so that our every work becomes a Godly action.
2.The Spirit of Wisdom (John 14:26; Colossians 1:9-11): This is the desire to contemplate the things of God. God’s Wisdom is the foundation of our lives and the basis upon which the rest of our spiritual “house” will be built.
3.The Spirit of Understanding (Psalm 119:33-34; 103-104): Understanding allows us to comprehend the revealed truths. When a person is able to receive the things the way they are, he will proceed to gain wisdom. Understanding is a “putting together”, a comprehending or a grasping of His Word.  The Spirit of God illuminates our hearts and gives us understanding of His Wisdom.  He “turns on the lights” for us.
4.The Spirit of Counsel (Philippians 2:13; Proverbs 3:5-6): He is our personal adviser, our helper, our guide, telling us what we should and shouldn’t do.
5.The Spirit of Power (2 Timothy 1:6-7): This is God’s ability to take what He has counselled us on, bring it forward, and then to perform it or accomplish it in our lives.
6.The Spirit of Knowledge (I Corinthians 2:10-14): Knowledge is the understanding of facts and information, enabling us to understand the truth.
7.The Spirit of the Fear of the Lord (2 Corinthians 7:1; Proverbs 14:26-27): The reverent fear of God causes us to try and perfect holiness in our own lives. Knowing we will reap what we sow, holiness is delightful because we then have the joy of a clean heart and right relationship with our God.
Steve showed a picture of a Jewish Minorah with its 7 candlesticks labeled with these seven spirits - probably for a reminder. Revelations 1:10 then records, “On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit.” In the Spirit is an illustration that God is working within a person through His Holy Spirit to will and to do of His own purposes. When God would reveal things to His prophets in visions, dreams, etc. He would inspire it to be written that they were “in the Spirit.” These visions were not literal things that were happening, but spiritual pictures via God of what would happen (Numbers 11:25; 1 Samuel 19:23; Ezekiel 8:3; 37:1). John then hears behind him “a loud voice like a trumpet.” Trumpets had many meanings and uses when John wrote Revelations. They regulated the journeys of the children of Israel, called assemblies, were blown over the sacrifices on the feast day, were blown at all religious processions and ceremonies, assembled the people to war, sounded for a memorial when the people went into battle, proclaimed kings and gave alarm in cases of danger. Simply put John heard a voice. It was like a trumpet. When a trumpet is blown it has an urgency about it. It is like the herald, the king’s messenger, coming to the people. He blows on a trumpet. It is an urgent call. The people gather to listen. (Israel was always assembled by the sounding of a trumpet.) Something important is at hand. “Listen to it.” This voice had the same urgency like the trumpet. Clear and strong it was, startling and awakening. Better listen to it!
Another symbol at the TTC is a green triangle. This marker is typically mounted on the station platform wall to assist the guard who is positioned in the trailing car. When the guard’s window is aligned with this marker, the train is properly spotted on the platform, and it is safe to open the doors.
We notice in Revelation 1:12 that John turns around. Tradition has it that the cave John was dwelling in is on the southwest side of the Island of Patmos between the towns of Skala and Chora. This would mean that his back was towards Asia and the seven churches. As he turned around he then saw the seven golden lampstands which symbolize the seven churches (1:20). In verse 13 he saw someone “like a son of man.” John had followed Jesus closely for 3 years. He describes himself as being loved by Jesus (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:20). John should have known if this is Jesus or not so why is he not sure? (Philippians 2:7; Mark 10:45; John 13:14) Let’s see what John knew and what he sees.
John knew Jesus as a man, a teacher a servant, the person before him now was not a servant. Jesus was dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet. He was dressed like a high priest or an official with a golden belt. Exodus 28 provides God’s description of the high priest’s attire. Jesus is now dressed to rule, not to serve. His hair was white like wool, as white as snow, indicating His purity, holiness, the clarity of His thoughts. It can also be indicative of His age in relation to the creation. We see Him throughout the New Testament as a young man. Now we see Him as the One who has been here since the beginning. His eyes were blazing like fire. Fire in John’s day was the only source of artificial light. Jesus is the Light. Fire brings warmth; Jesus love warms us. Fire illuminates; Jesus sees into the heart of every man so that nothing is hidden. Jesus is an assayer or tester of our hearts. An assayer tests metals or ore for their components and judges the value or worth of the metal based upon its purity of composition. To test, a combination of intense heat, dry reagents or fluxes, and special vessels help separate the precious metals from the rest of the extraneous material or dross. Jesus doesn’t just examine our hearts. He tests and evaluates our true spiritual condition and then brings His fire to effect a greater purity and usefulness in our lives. Jesus is not testing us because He wants to punish us, but the opposite. He wants to make us better. He wants to purify us (Psalms 97:3). His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace. Jesus with feet glowing fiery hot from the furnace, is purified and able to tread out and burn His enemies to ashes.  We think of power and strength of the metal. The Lord is on His feet; He is active and powerful (Malachi 4:3). His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. His voice filled a double role. It can be terrifying, thunderous and powerful, a dangerous thing - just stand beside Niagara Falls (Psalm 29:3). Yet above this roar, His voice will be heard. Yet the same voice can also be gentle, soothing and comforting. Many serenity CD’s use the sound of water to give us temporary peace - the voice John hears (Zechariah 1:13; Psalm 85:8). Coming out of His mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. The sword is the Word of God. The Word will judge those who did not do the will of God. The Word of God will judge the heart of all. The Word of God will judge those who heard and did not listen to what they heard. The Word of God will judge those who say they believe the Word of God, but did not live it (Hebrews 4:12-13). When Jesus spoke, He spoke words of life. If you listened to Him, heeded His word, He gave you eternal life. If He spoke to you and you did not listen, the same words brought death. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance (Exodus 34:29; Matthew 17:2; I John 1:5-7).

Obstructed View – Why Can’t They See? by Gary Carter: Bruton Memorial Church is located in old colonial Williamsburg where George Washington attended. One evening while away the Carters enjoyed a candlelight service with bassoon/harpsichord and flute/organ classical duets. This church was built in the shape of a crucifix. Members sit in 4 foot booths with high walls so one’s view is quite obstructed particularly if you are short. The balcony seats proved to be a little better but still a wide railing and a nearby wall obscured one’s sight. You can’t always see what matters and too often we are shocked by our mixed up whacky world.

In Romans 1:16-17 we learn that salvation was provided for the Jews, chosen by God, first in sequence, not in priority and then for the Gentiles. Every religion lives with its own obstructed view because of various lists of activities or regulations to follow. Salvation is based on a right standing with God and many are missing it, including many Christians who want to live with their own set of rules. This same chapter reveals 22 ways in which our world operates and we are familiar with them all. Even a two-year old child can invent evil. This child can get very quiet all of a sudden which indicates that something is going wrong. We see deceit or jealousy in others but find it hard to recognize it in ourselves (Romans 2:1-4). Romans 3:9-12 says that there is no one that does good. We are all sick with sin; many just slap makeup on their faces to cover it up. We can steal someone else’s reputation by what we say about them (3:12-16). Man is incapable of obeying the law. Our only means of salvation is from God (3:21-26). But if anyone is sincere in his/her search that person will come to Christ as God will put things in their path. Thus it is very important to invite people to our church where they can see our love for one another and where they can be best exposed to the Gospel of Christ. This skill does need to be developed but with practice it will come easier. It is very difficult to sign your name with your wrong hand at first.

Are They Really Punny? by Steve Macdonald:
I Love Mathematics by Adam Up
Punk Rock Music! By Lotta Noyze
I Didn’t Do It! by Ivan Alibi
Hazardous Driving by I. C. Rhodes
Meals On Safari by Lionel Eecha
Scottish Pasta by Mac Aroni
I’m not a Happy Camper! By Malcolm Tent
Irish Lawn Chairs by Patty O’Furniture
Promises for Peace by Will Shake and Mae Kupp
In the Arctic Ocean by Isa Berg
Mosquito Bites by Ivan Itch
How to Break In by Jimmy De Lock
No Bars Will Keep Me In! by J. L. Breaker
The Dead Of Winter by Jan Yuary
Bad Housekeeping by Lotta Dust
Lost Causes by Noah Veil
First Aid for Kids by O. O. Owie
The Musical World of Walt Disney by M.O. Yewessee

Posted in Weekly News | Print | No Comments »