January 29, 2012 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there!

“… for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.” Ecclesiastes 7:2

I often say when sending out a sympathy card after someone’s loved one has passed away that death is a very unwelcome visitor. This past Thursday my neighbour greeted me from her side of the road as we were entering our houses at the same time. Ten minutes later she was at my door to say that it wasn’t looking good. The fire engine, three ambulances and three police cars on our street confirmed a crisis. She had found her husband lying on the floor near his bed and she couldn’t wake him up. An hour later she was told after much work by the paramedics that they could not resuscitate him and that he had died. No last minute words of farewell; he was just gone. Death is so final and those without hope their grief is agonizing. Please pray for my neighbour, her daughter and granddaughter who will terribly miss their “poppa.”

Good news – Richard and his gang in Myanmar were able to sell almost $6000 or 35,000 bricks this past week. Bad news – his lender on his property decided to reneg on the loan as promised and took half of their property. There is no protection in this society for such action. The debt is now paid but next step to house 50 children plus staff plus brick-making business is the question. Maybe they can rent/purchase land from their neighbour.

Happy birthday to Steve Macdonald who is celebrating this Tuesday. Thanks so much for all your study on Revelations to our benefit. Lots of figuring out being done by our whole church.

Pray for Heather Macdonald as she considers various options for life after high school. Brandon Spears continues to look for part-time work while going to school.

Home Group happens again this Thursday at the Burtons’ new home at 7:00 p.m.

Apologies to those who checked out Sara Burton’s book From the Couch to the Stage (www.tothestage.info) and inherited a virus. Gary will work on his websites this week to get rid of those nasty bugs.

Happy Ground Hog Day on Thursday!

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.

Renovations by Gary Carter: Gary has been installing a new shower stall in the Burton house for Ron Burton and has had to correct his thinking several times particularly when he has only measured once and then cut once coming up short. He should have measured at least twice before cutting copper piping/a 2×4/whatever. Can you think of any Bible verses to remind you to measure properly? How about Jesus’ parable about building a tower and counting the cost or building on a solid rock foundation versus sand? We are all prone to make mistakes without second chances or do-overs like the movie, Groundhog Day. Someone has suggested to figure out 6 major issues you want to see accomplished in your life this year. Maintenance is necessary but if you clear away these items faster you can get to the other, maybe more important items. Figure out the cost, live by it and count every day special.

Conversations with Jesus – Peace Applied Correctly (Luke 12:49-53; Matthew 10:34-36) by Chris Burton: Jesus and His disciples have been on the road for a while and there have been harsh discussions with the Pharisees e.g. “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49). He didn’t come to make peace but division. He probably felt the constraint on His life knowing that He had the power within to wipe everything clean but couldn’t until He did what God had assigned Him to do.

But what about all the Christmas songs, hymns, Christian literature that talks about His “kind and peaceful nature” (Matthew 9:49-50; Luke 2:13-15; 7:49-50; John 20:20-22; Acts 10:36)? Which is true? How do these passages link with, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He did come so that we might have peace for in the Gospel of John He says: “I have come so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have troubles, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” He is not giving out two different messages. There may be moments of “peace on earth”. We may be “at peace” and “content” most of the time. But while here on earth it won’t last while Satan is in charge. As long as we live in this broken world where Satan and human sinfulness exists, we will see division and conflict.

We see it everywhere. The Christian message, although loving and peaceful, receives attacks from this world (particularly in Myanmar!). This conflict will continue until Jesus comes again and reigns over a new heaven and a new earth.

Knowing our belief in Christ will bring about division, what should we do? We stay on the narrow path! We remain loving and peaceful no matter how we are treated. We let the light of Christ’s love shine through us for the world to see the difference/ contrast. We don’t do as our neighbour / enemies do. We are called to love our enemies, go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, love and forgive others as Jesus has. “But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!” In our own way we have our own “Baptism” to undergo. We may not be constrained but we need to show restraint when dealing with those around us. Perhaps that is where the “peace” comes in.

Revelation (Part 14 – Revelation 7:3-8) by Steve Macdonald: In this passage we learn about the 144,000 from the various tribes of Israel that were sealed. So who are the 144,000?  Are they Jehovah Witnesses?  Are they converted Jews?  Is it a literal number?  Is it Jew and Gentile? John gives us every detail necessary to identify this group. Since he says, “from every tribe of the sons of Israel“, there should be no question about the identity of these people. “Every tribe of the sons of Israel”, in relation to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Old Testament occurs over 50 times. John is writing to the 7 churches; there is no need to use symbolism. John is giving a depiction of God’s mercy to a divinely chosen remnant of Israel. Or is he?

When we compare the tribes listed by John to those listed by Moses what is happening?
Where’s Dan (Judges 18:30-31)? Are none of Dan’s descendents bound for heaven because of their idolatry? Why should Reuben be exempt after his behaviour (Genesis 35:22)? Each of these sons at times were equally as lacking in character as these two. Who’s Manasseh (Genesis 41:50-52)? How could John mess up the list so badly?

Are there other reasons why the 144,000 cannot be considered as literally tribes of Israel (2 Kings 17:6). The Israelites sinned, worshiped idols, got in union with the Assyrians. What are the possibilities that there are any pure line, pure blood sons of Israel today? What is John trying to reveal to us through his vision and what he has been told? If not a literal meaning for sons of Israel, if not Jehovah Witnesses, if not converted Jews and Gentiles, is John trying to give us a spiritual message? Is this a picture of what has happened and what will be occurring through references to the Old Testament (Genesis 29:31-33)? By adding a few words to the meaning of the names of the Israel sons, John is telling us that, “I will praise the Lord (Judah) for He has looked on me (Reuben) and granted good fortune (Gad). Happy am I (Asher) because my wrestling (Naphtali). (God) is making me to forget (Manasseh). God hears me (Simeon) (and is) joined to me (Levi). (He has) purchased me (Issachar) a dwelling (Zebulun). God will add to me (Joseph) (the) Son of His right hand (Benjamin).”

Is it literally sons of Israel or a special message to all who believe? How about the reassurance we are given in knowing that despite the terrible things that will be unleashed, the damage to the earth, sea and trees, our God is still in control. He controls the winds. He can make sure nothing happens until the right time - His time. Everything will be in order; every person He has called will be protected. God is protecting His chosen people by placing His mark on them - His seal (Exodus 12:23).

So you can get all caught up in who the 144,000 are or what they symbolize. You can lose yourself in deciphering secret messages according to a name’s placement. You can decide that there is only enough room for 144,000 saints in heaven. Or you can read the Gospel, listen to what Jesus tells us and believe that He is telling us the Truth (John 10:1-16). He protects us now and in the future. He is in complete control of everything -
the weather, the land, the sea, the heavens, the angels, the demons. Is He in control of your life? Have you received the seal of approval?

Me, Myself & I by Gary Carter: Life is not about believing in God; it’s about your relationship with Him and His Son He sent. Even the devils believe in God and tremble. Here are three questions for you with Biblical answers:

1. In what ways is Jesus Lord?

Jesus is God: “yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” 1 Corinthians 8:6
Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” Genesis 1:1
Jesus receives worship: “Let all the angels of God worship Him” Hebrews 1:6
Jesus is Our Owner: “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” Romans 14:9
Jesus is Our Judge: “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” Romans 14:10
Jesus is the Victor: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Jesus is Our Master: “For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.” 1 Corinthians 7:22-23

2. What if I don’t believe Jesus is Lord?

Judgment is coming:

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27-28

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. … and each person was judged according to what they had done.” Revelation 20:12-13

Hell is sure:

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:40
“Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’” Ezekiel 33:11

3. What if I don’t live with Jesus as Lord?

Rebellion Is Serious:

“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-2

Rewards will not be granted: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Loss of being fully rewarded:

“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” 1 John 2:8
Rewards can be burned up:

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Do the best you can with what God has given you. He has given us His son Who is all that He said He would be. He is our Balm in Gilead, our Rose of Sharon, our Lion of Judah, our Saviour. Little things don’t matter but we won’t have any second chances.

Punny or Not, Here They Are! by Steve Macdonald:
Greeting Sheep Strangers  by Hugh R. Ewe
Hertz, Don’t It? by Lisa Carr
Hopelessly Lost  by Werz D. Eggzit
I Need Insurance  by Justin Case
I Was A Teenage Werewolf  by Harry Boddy
In The Trenches  by Helmut Wearer
Interior Decorating b Curt Enrod
Jaws  by Tay Kabite
Late for Work Dr. Wages

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January 22, 2012 by Wendy Carter.

Hello!

“Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” I Peter 1:17-19

Whew! The Burton family is now in their new home. Since Chris and Sara did not get the key to their house until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, it was a real struggle to get their U-Haul truck unloaded and loaded 3 times that evening. Bedtime for most of us was 3:00 a.m. A big thank you to everyone that helped. So many details, so many decisions! Now onto renovations and painting. Maybe I’ll just let my children carry me out in a pine box from our Churchville village home. But I guess that’s not going to happen so my other solution is to keep getting rid of stuff. No more gifts, please; however gift certificates/cash always comes in handy!

Please continue to pray for William and Richard’s ministries in Myanmar. William is hoping to get a business license so that he can send nannies to Singapore for himself and for others who do not have this license. Richard is needing to sell the bricks that have been made so he can make more and pay his lender monthly for his property.

Also please continue to pray for Brandon Spears who is still looking for part-time work while going to school.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons’ new castle, 41 Castlehill Rd, Brampton, ON L6X 4C9 at 7:00 p.m.

2011 tax receipts were given out today. If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to check with me. Thank you so much for all your faithful giving throughout the year.

Sara Burton’s new book From the Couch to the Stage (52 Workable Strategies to Get Off your Duff and Go from Viewing to Doing) is now available for purchase at www.tothestage.info. It would make a great gift for someone.

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.

Moving Day (Part 2) by Gary Carter: Most of our church family members were involved in the Burton move this past Friday which was super. This huge challenge was the making of long-lasting memories as friends. Not too much barn-raising going on these days. Fortunately we did not have any major catastrophe as sometimes pictured on television/the internet with a moving van in an accident and one’s belongings thrown all over the highway. Most just came up with sore muscles and bruises and Debbie Macdonald did fall on a slippery floor. These mini disasters become funny later, but not so much in the moment. We often say in a move, “I don’t know why I’ve got this stuff!” It is always hard to choose A or B, particularly if you think something might be useful in the future. It was hard for Gary and Debbie to move the stuff in the last two feet of the truck for the third time.

In reality nothing is important and we need to trim down since according to I Peter 1:17-21 (see above) as God’s children we are “strangers” or foreigners who are redeemed beyond all the stuff. Too often we see a house for sale in a new subdivision after one year because of speculation but more probably because of breakdown of a marriage. The couple have put their hope in perishables and cannot live with a mortgage that is maxed out or other difficulties that don’t go away in the nice new home. Burtons have to contend with mold under the kitchen sink; whereas in Myanmar there is mold everywhere all the time and yet the Christians there seem very happy. We have to live in the world in which we find ourselves and not seek after earthly desires. Many don’t give or care but want to hoard. Let us pray for the Burtons to fulfill their objective of living good lives in their new community among their neighbours. And to bond even more they won’t be running out of castle projects any time soon.

Revelation (Part 13 – Revelation 7:1-3) by Steve Macdonald: Steve moved onto his revelations of Revelation 7. In the first verse John sees “four angels at the four corners of the earth holding back the four winds of the earth…” Are these the four points of the compass? This is not isolated to a specific area; this is a global event. So why hold back the winds? What are the winds? Could they be four horsemen (Zechariah 1:8-10), four spirits of heaven (Zechariah 6:1-6), a scriptural symbol for the strife, warfare and chaos stirred up by Satan to find opportunity to attack God’s people (Daniel 7:1-3), the four judgments of God (Deuteronomy 32:24; Ezekial 14:21) or weather (John is actually talking about the climate.)? If it is weather, there would be smog, no seed distribution, no weather fronts or changes. There is no point talking further on this point as God is unveiling His plan to John and causing smog days over Toronto is not worthy of His wrath.

In the last chapter, John spoke of earthquakes, great disasters on earth and in the heavens, stars falling like figs off the trees due to strong winds. With the image of the angels holding back the winds, the magnitude of these disasters are given even greater impact.
Yet the angel from the east indicates that there will be damage to earth and sea and trees.
If a strong breeze is used together with falling stars, what type of disasters are coming? If earthquakes have kings and princes hiding to avoid facing His judgment, what fear will be on man’s heart when the winds begin to blow (Luke 21:25-26)? If you reject Jesus (Romans 2:5-8), there is a storm brewing – the wrath of God. The consequences are unimaginable when the rules change. Just ask the Carnival captain who ran his ship on the rocky shore of Italy. If you accept Jesus (John 11:40; 14:26), you have the peace and glory of God.

Me, Myself & I – What Should I do with Myself in 2012? by Gary Carter: What is my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? Do I really understand the consequences of accepting Him in my life? Some don’t go to church because of the inconvenience and if that is the symbol of the relationship then they are in trouble.

Are these sorts of statements possible representations of truth?
“Christ has been my Savior since I was [in grade 6] and now I want to make Him Lord of my life.”
“I am willing to believe in Jesus but I am not going to surrender everything about my life to Him.”
“I know my son/daughter has chosen a sinful life style and has absolutely no regard for the things of Christ. But I know they were saved. I remember the time they made their decision.”

What are your life expectations or how you think it is supposed to turn out regarding marriage/family, health/longevity, occupation/income, personal uses of time/money/ freedom of expression? Where did you get those ideas? When you make a transaction with God things change. You are protected, covered and cared for by the Lord Jesus Christ. He will take the bad things and turn them into good. The blood of the martyrs becomes the seed of the church. But you cannot expect to be free to do what you want to do. Retirement is not a permanent vacation. At some point you will get blind-sided by something like the loss of a family member or a natural disaster. You might say, “I know I am supposed to … BUT … I don’t get it; I can’t do it; I won’t do it.” Where did you get the idea that you have to “get it” before you “live it”?

The Lord is “first” (Matthew 6:33-34; Colossians 1:15-23). Don’t worry about your life - what you will eat, drink, wear or how long you will live. Be a shining light in the middle of the darkness of trouble. Look at the birds that God cares for and the beautiful flowers He has made. Maybe you need to take a litmus test on your faith to see if it is too low. Invisible electricity which Jesus created and allowed to be discovered about 100 years ago really matters to us today. Imagine what we will be able to do in years to come. Jesus is the power that holds atoms together but more important He is the Head of the church. He is #1. Take the whole package; it is not a smorgasbord. Accept Him as Lord of all and firmly imbed your faith.

Here are some questions to ask yourself: How did what I do today demonstrate that He is first because my faith and hope are firmly placed in Him? How will I order my time tomorrow so that the responsibilities and appointments of my day live out my glad submission to Him? If someone were to examine the transactions in my bank account would they clearly see that Jesus comes first?

Gettable Puns by Steve Macdonald:
Dental Care by  Pearl E. White
You’re My Everything  by Trudy Light
Winter Hikes by I.C. Toes
Vegas Divorces by Marion Hayste
The Miracle Drug by Penny Cillin
The Big Wave by Sue Nami
The Fortune Teller by Reid Palms
Stop Arguing  by Xavier Breath
Shakespeare in the Desert by Cam L. Otte

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January 15, 2012 by Wendy Carter.

Greetings!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.

So far so good in 2012 - we are moving forward with God’s help! How about you? Gary continues to put his shoes in the cupboard as promised and a bonus is he is making our bed almost every day. His latest book, See You Next Week! is finished and in the process of being published on Amazon with a Kindle version. He will continue to develop the whole system. We have changed our Internet facility back from Bell to Rogers as he was having problems uploading his large projects. A Christian rep from Rogers just happened to knock on our door this week and now we know who to call for help. It is working so much better and that’s another huge bonus!

I asked William to send a 2011 report for the money given to his Myanmar ministry. Here are a few things that he said, “Because of your supports we could reach our people who never heard about the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the country. Every week and every month, people were baptized … you are at the very important position for us to reach all the people groups in Myanmar through the Gospel… I would like to give my gratitude and thankfulness to Heartland Baptist Church in Brampton for bringing me to Canada to learn and experience many great and new things which I can never get and see by my own. I learned that people were working hard and they had creative mind with a very clear plan; self-confidence and self-supportive. I found out that those are the basic needs of Myanmar people too. As I learned to see and put those things in my mind, I began to love Myanmar more deeper than before… I share my experiences in Canada to many Church leaders and people. They began to see that we can many great things if we work hard, make a creative plans. Right now 3 new churches has been planted just after I came back from Canada…We are also providing medical supplies to the prisoners and poor people who cannot get medical treatment at the hospital by their own. We use these medicines as a tools to reach them with the Gospel. Many of them were already saved! Your donation gives health to the sicks and life to the dead in sins… We call for your continuous prayer and supports for our ministry in Myanmar 2012 too.”

Richard has bought his truck! Check out www.myanmarmission.info to see some more pictures. This one-cylinder engine is called a Tolagy and used to deliver bricks with its strong suspension. Richard also sent a report along: “We would like to mention our thankfulness, about Rapha Orphanage Children Home, your support to us in finance and how we had just used them. We had just changed the name of Rapha to Agape since 2012 with the agreement of all faculty members! Now there are 50 orphans in the home. There are four full-time workers. There are 16 students in Myanmar Missions School and four full-time lecturers… Through your support, we could march on our ministry forward for His glory. We used the money for daily food and curry for all orphans and Mission students, for the buying some medicines when the children from Agape Orphanage got sick, for clinic fee of our son, Gideon, when he needed to take medical check up a big problem, and especially now, we are using for making bricks everyday. We have no other word except to tell thank you so much for your support. We are doing this project gladly and happily. By the help of God, we could do smoothly. We would like to request all of you that let us help each other with prayer and financial support in the future for His Glory!

Please pray for our Credit Valley Association with all its pastors/wives and churches. We have our monthly luncheon happening this coming Tuesday with about 20 attending. That large number is exciting for it is important that we come together and encourage one another in our various ministries.

2011 tax receipts should be ready by next weekend.

Please continue to pray for Brandon Spears who had a job interview this past Friday at Home Depot. Also remember both Frances Kerr and Penny Spears suffering with sciatica.

Kaiya Burton’s 11th birthday happens next Saturday when she has moved into her new house and room. What a great birthday present!

Home Group happens this Wednesday at the Carters’ house at 7:00 p.m. when we will again be reviewing our study on Islam and praying for our world, our country and each other. The following week we will move from the Burton manor to the Burton castle on 41 Castlehill Rd.

Keep warm,

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.

Moving Day by Gary Carter: The Burton family is on the move this next Friday. This is just one example of the many changes that occur in our lives. The older you get the more you dread moving because of all the stuff you have collected along the way which seems to expand the bigger the house you own. It is a good time to sort, compare, figure out what you should keep or throw out. Most days in our lives should be moving days. We should be constantly evaluating what’s happening particularly in regard to our habits. Spiritually we should always be evaluating as well. Unfortunately it doesn’t get any easier. The apostle Paul was evaluating the struggles in the present tense in his life in Romans 7:14. What did his best self want; what did his worst self want? He wanted his deeper, redeemed “I” to be in tune with God and yet the sin living within dragged him away. There was a conflict on two different levels. Don’t let your old “I” take over but delight in God’s law. Paul found the solution in Jesus Christ to reenergize his spiritual muscle.

Revelation (Part 12 – Revelation 6:12-17) by Steve Macdonald: Are you ready for a disaster? If there is an earthquake here today, do you have sufficient supplies to survive for 1 day, 2 days, a week? Are you prepared? Last week we were experiencing the tribulations, the death of those who believed in the Gospel. Now with the sixth seal opened, things happen that signify the end of the tribulation period. Jesus told us about it in Matthew 24:29, “…the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”

So what could cause the shaking of the earth, the sun to not give off any light, the moon turning blood red, the stars to fall from the sky, the sky to recede like a scroll, every mountain and island to move? Okay, you could argue an earthquake that moves the mountains and islands, created so much dust that it blotted out the sun. But if the sun is blotted out, if it can’t shine though this dust, how can the moon shine through the same atmosphere with a red appearance?? The earth shakes; it happens quite often, doesn’t it? There were 21,829 earthquakes in 2011 with 21,401 estimated deaths.

But this is not a “shake a country” earthquake that leaves over 300,000 dead (Haiti). This isn’t even shake the ocean floor, cause a tsunami and a nuclear crisis, head for the hills earthquake killing18, 000 (Japan). This is an earthquake that moves mountains, but not one mountain - every mountain and island. This earthquake makes all humankind take notice. It is not volcanic eruptions. They block out the sun and shake the earth, but not everywhere; men all over the world don’t go into hiding. Oil field fires, large sand storms, forest fires all block out the sun, but there isn’t much shaking going on. An earth killing meteor strike, no sun, shaking earth, sudden extinction or slow death by starvation could be used to fit the description. How about nuclear war? Ground shaking, nuclear winter (no sun), levelled islands and mountains to cause people hiding. You could consider discussing this one too, but they don’t fit. These disasters certainly have catastrophic impacts to the earth, but would not cause the stars to fall from the sky.

In verses 6:12-17 John includes so many verses from the Old Testament that are amazing. But if you look at a few of these you quickly understand why the earth is shaking and all mankind is fearful and in hiding (Exodus 19:18; Job 9:5-7; Jeremiah 10:10; Isaiah 2:19; 14:15-17). John may be referring to the Old Testament to help his readers to try and understand the un-quantified magnitude that is coming next.

So what is coming next with the sixth seal? God’s wrath and not only the earth, the universe is shaken like a rag doll and all the world will know without a doubt not only that there is a God, but that He is acting in divine wrath against man’s rebellion. Stars are falling from the sky like small unripe figs. Mountains and islands are moving. The stars are falling to earth, the moon blood red, no sun light. The sky receded like a scroll. Is this figurative for Jesus Who is now done and is rolling up the scroll? Nope, the scroll is still not fully opened and we aren’t even halfway through the movie. Is it John symbolizing Jesus’ second coming? The old order is now done. Roll up the script as we have a new order to follow. Could be. Is it symbolizing to all that have heard and yet not believed that your chances are over? See, you were shown; you were told what was going on, yet you ignored it. Too late, too bad, so sad. I’m not going to say no. Moving on, no one is spared - kings, princes, generals, rich, mighty, every slave and every free man. The coming wrath is so overpowering, so indescribable that every man, woman and child regardless of their position in the world is fearful of facing the coming of Jesus.
It could be our friends, neighbours, or family that are running for the caves if we don’t share the truth with them. Do you have a survival kit? Read John 3:16-21.

Conversations with Jesus - Warnings & Encouragements (Luke 12:1-12) by Chris Burton: What is hypocrisy? A quick look up in the dictionary explains hypocrisy as “the practice of professing standards, beliefs, etc., contrary to one’s real character or actual behaviour, especially the pretense of virtue and piety.” Yeast or leaven starts out as virtually non-detectable. Unless you saw it added to the flour you would not know it was there until its effects took hold. Hypocrisy is subtle at first (like a whispered suggestion or idea). It is indirect, smooth, or cunning. The yeast or leaven will soon take over or encompass the whole mass. So hypocrisy, if undetected, will soon pervade all our activities and feelings. Almost a parasitical relationship like vines wrapping around trees to take nourishment so that the trees are not what they once were. Once the yeast has taken over it rapidly expands and puffs up. The warning to the disciples here is to not become like the Pharisees - full of pride and vanity. The hypocrisy must be offset by pride or vanity. It would be too painful to face the hypocrisy of one’s actions so some kind of justification must be found. How would you think God would respond to these actions? It would seem that the comments Jesus made directed towards the Pharisees in Luke 11 with his “Woe To You” instructions reflect just how much God dislikes this “Yeast of the Pharisees.”
The warning is, “Don’t even go there – be cautious – guard against the subtle message of Satan.” To be on guard you have to know what God really wants or says. That’s where the Holy Spirit fits in to help with the questions and comprehension (John 3:16; 14:6). No amount of pride, vanity, subterfuge or deceit can hide you away from God. All will be made known.

Me, Myself & I – What Should I do with Myself in 2012? by Gary Carter: Who rules me? Every relationship is reciprocal – you get to give and give to get. What is my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? What does He give? What does He get? What do I give? What do I get?
There are numerous New Testament verses that use the term “Lord Jesus Christ” - Romans 1:7; 5:1,11; I Corinthians 1:3; 6:11; 8:6; 15:57; 2 Corinthians 1:2,3; 13:14; Ephesian 1:2,3,17; 5:20; 6:23; Philippians 1:2; I Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 2:16; Philemon 1:3; James 1:1, I Peter 1:3; Jude 1:21. And from these verses we see the cohesian between Jesus and God the Father plus all the provisions we get from this relationship – justification (fresh new standing with God), peace, cleansing, holiness, blessings, wisdom, love, faith, victory, comfort, compassion, eternal encouragement and hope, mercy. Does He just get excuses from us and the inability for us to rearrange our lives for Him?

Communion: One thing is for certain that the judgment day will come with our ruler and controller Jesus. Through the Lord’s Supper together we remember and are thankful for Jesus’ new covenant or provision for our salvation that was a result of His horrible death on the cross with His sacrificial blood.

Titles by Steve Macdonald:
Foot Coverings by Susan Socks
Fallen Underwear by Lucy Lastic
Fingerplay by Jacob Sladder
How to go to Prison by Robin Steele
If Tomorrow Never Comes by Stew Layt
Irish Flooring by Lynn O’Leum
Mexican/Italian Food by Pepe Roney
Rapunzel! Rapunzel! by Harris Long
Laughing in the White House by Polly Tickle

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January 8, 2012 by Wendy Carter.

Hi there!

“I know every bird in the mountains and the creatures of the field are mine.” Psalm 50:11

It’s that time of year again when our feathered friends seek seed at our feeder just outside our kitchen window. Even though Gary is the one that has all the questions, I have quite a few for God myself when I finally reach heaven. Why did He make flocks of sparrows and doves, often having a peckish dominator; whereas other kinds seem to travel on their own? I would love to see flocks of cardinals and blue jays with their brilliant red and blue. Why do black-capped chickadees take one seed at a time and fly away while others have enough courage to feast for a while? And then there are our granddogs, Lucky and Maverick whom I have trained (or they have trained me) to not eat food out of their bowls but straight on the floor. God must have enjoyed making all these creatures for us so He could see the smile on our faces. He knows what we like and that’s a comfort.

Here are some excerpts from an e-mail that was received from William in Yangon: “We had a great time to share about Jesus during this time. We celebrate Christmas 7 times at
7 places just to introduce about Jesus. Many were saved… God is opening the doors for us here. Many things are changing which is good for us. The price of car are also going down - now a new car that used to cost about $25000 became $6000. That’s amazing. One of my friend in car company told me that for a new car imported from China
cost $6000 and a car license cost about $4000… We continuously have contacts with with ex-prisoners and supplied them some medical needs. We have some who decided to follow Jesus. I will try to write their testimony later.“

This past week I sent $7900 US to Richard for his truck. We have been so encouraged by all those who contributed. Please pray that he will get the best truck for the money sent and that bricks will be sold for a good price so that he can buy more materials to make more. Go to http://bit.ly/Apb7OV to see some incredible pictures from the orphanage. Everyone seems to enjoy the work. They are a family.

Please continue to pray for Brandon Spears who is looking for a part-time job to help him get through his education at Sheridan College this semester. Only two weeks left before the Burton family moves to their new home. Please pray that they will have good opportunity to reach out to their new neighbours.

Home Group happens this Thursday at the Burtons’ house at 7:00 p.m. when we will again be reviewing our study on Islam and praying for our world, our country and each other.

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.

Firsts by Gary Carter: Gary received a book for his recent birthday from a good friend called Robertson’s Book of Firsts (Who Did What for the First Time). Patrick Robertson spent 50 years compiling his data. For example the Chinese claim to have invented the toothbrush on June 25, 1498. The handles were wooden or ivory with bristles set at right angles and the only difference between now and then is that the bristles extended nearly half the length of the handle. “Firsts” are positive and interesting particularly those that occur in our own personal lives. Can you remember the first time you met or saw your spouse? Dr. O.J. Smith, founding pastor of Peoples Church, Toronto, said, “Why should anyone hear the Gospel twice before everyone has heard it once?” Unfortunately most don’t respond to the Gospel when they hear it once. It may take once, twice or multiple times before it strikes one’s heart and locks into their life for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately it may take a tragedy or deep disappointment to catch one’s attention. Giving up on people too soon is not smart on our part. When did you hear the Gospel for the first time? Are you glad that you heard it repeated until you got it?

Revelation (Part 11) by Steve Macdonald: From Revelation 6:9-11 we learn about the fifth seal being opened and the “souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” A martyr is a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion or is a person who is put to death or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle, or cause: a martyr to the cause of social justice. So who are these souls? The possibilities are wide ranging and abundant.

It could be Israel that is to be saved as a nation; those killed for their belief in the Gospel through the years; or those who will be killed for the “Word of God“ and their “testimony” after the Church is caught up. The Israelites had the law and the law was
the Word of God. They obeyed the law. The world has hated them and persecuted them.
They have died for their beliefs. So one could argue that these souls are the Jewish people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Is God calling the Jews home for their observance of His laws? While this is possible, the truth is that getting to heaven through observance of the law isn’t going to happen (John 1:16-17; Ephesians 2:8).

What about those killed for their following of Jesus throughout the many eras of persecution? Are all the people persecuted and killed now being called to heaven (John 5:28-29; I Thessalonians 4:15-17)? What about those who believed but did not face
persecution? Do they not get called as well? The simple answer is yes they do. So are these souls who are seeking judgment of the earth and their blood be avenged, souls
that were persecuted throughout the years? Could some of these be Paul and Peter, Stephen? Absolutely! Positively! Maybe. Could be they are the people from the Church in Sardis (Revelations 3:4).

What about those who will be killed for the “Word of God“ and their “testimony” after the Church is caught up? God, in Revelation, is showing John future happenings rather than what is in the past, so it is possible that God is providing us some insight into future persecutions and is also reassuring us that for those who are killed in His name, there is a reward waiting. These people are dressed in robes of white, just like Jesus. A robe of white is a symbol of purity, peace, serenity (Revelation 3:5). They were told to rest. These souls are obviously bitter, angry, resentful, thirsty for justice (Matthew 11:28).

Anyone of these view points could be argued for or against with corresponding scripture to prove or disprove its validity. After studying this, did I get a clearer understanding of Revelation 6:9-11? Absolutely! Positively! Yes! There will be troubles. There will be deaths in my life. There will be anger, a want for justice. There will be hard times.
There will be times of persecution, pressure to reject the Gospel. There will be different views of God. Religions and people will conflict with the truth. But in the end none of that is important. What is important? Look up Mark 14:62 and Philippians 2:9-11.

My revelation is not that I walk away each week with a comprehensive understanding of the meaning of the messages contained in Revelation. It doesn’t matter whether I understand the symbolism each week. The hidden stuff will be revealed in His time, when I most need it. It is that He is opening my eyes and heart to the words which I have previously read, but not necessarily taken in and that I am openly sharing these revelations with others.

Conversations with Jesus or Perhaps It is Better to Say Condemnations from Jesus (Luke 11:29-54) by Chris Burton: At the end of chapter 11 Jesus speaks to the crowd that had increased and then to the Pharisees and teachers of the law. The crowd kept asking for a sign from God. Jesus responds with a reminder of Jonah’s duty as a messenger from God to his generation just as the “Son of Man” is the messenger to the present generation. Jesus punctuates the message with images of those of Nineveh that repented standing up on judgment day as this generation is condemned. He then continues with the illustration of the lamp of the body. Nobody lights a lamp and then places it in a dark place where it can’t be seen or be useful. The same is true for us. It doesn’t do us any good to have the “light” within us if we are also keeping darkness within. The light must replace the darkness fully so that it shines for all to see.
Jesus is invited to a Pharisee’s house for dinner. The Pharisee is surprised that Jesus did not wash before the meal which leads into six woes from Jesus.
1)      You worry about the outside when you should be more worried about the inside - be generous to the poor and the inside will be clean. (It’s a start.)
2)      You give your offerings as instructed, but neglect justice and the love of God. Do the first but the second is the more important. (You can’t pick and choose.)
3)      You love the best seats in the synagogue and respectful greeting in the market place. (They are looking for status above all else.)
4)      All that you have done…all that you hold as important…is meaningless and will be lost to time. You think yourself important? Not so much - you are an unmarked grave. (Hey, that hurts our feelings!)  You make laws for the people to follow which they can hardly do and then you do nothing to help them/
6)      You build tombs for the prophets that your ancestors killed. By doing this you are saying that you approve of what your ancestors did. Because of this you are now going to be held accountable for their past deeds (this generation - all the people).
7)      You have taken away the key to knowledge. You claim “knowledge” but you know nothing and you hinder others from knowing God’s Word and His place of worship. (Again that hurt our feelings!)

Me, Myself & I by Gary Carter: What should I do with me in 2012? What drives me? If I don’t get it I get uncomfortable, dissatisfied, depressed or bored. If I do get it I get relaxed, fulfilled, happy and satisfied. Then when do I need to shut off some things to make space for other things because there is only a finite amount of time? Check out www.spark-TV.org to review last week’s basic motivational bins applied to various areas of life.

Last week we looked at this information in a grid of 48 areas of life. One column is a piece of life. Let’s change this diagram to a circle with the following areas each having a slice (some may be bigger than others): work, money, spiritual & growth participating, personal growth and learning, friends, sports & entertainment, body and health, marriage and family. What is important to you or people in general? You can discover this by determining the number of Internet searches for each. “How to grow spiritually” was searched 1600 times per month and there are 741,000 web pages offering advice on that phrase. There were 33,100 searches for “how to get rich quick”. 135,000 searches were made on “Steelers schedule”. There were 823,000 searches on “how to make friends” with 65,300,000 web pages offering advice. People want to make friends but they generally don’t see the connection between their question and personal growth. The best place to grow and to make friends is in church.
John 10:7-10 says, “Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Follow the Master in all areas of life to have a full life.

People want to experience life at various levels.
1. Satisfaction: The amygdala is the part of the brain that is its drug dispenser releasing various chemicals called neurotransmitters to make you experience various emotions. For example, we are created by God to experience enjoyment by the release of brain endorphins but pursuing satisfaction for its own sake leaves a person empty.
2.Success: The prefrontal cortex is the region of the brain that “has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behaviors, personality expression, decision making and moderating correct social behavior. The basic activity of this brain region is considered to be orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals.” We are created with the capacity to sort out the good from the bad but our ability to do so is marred by our sin nature. We must think things through as difficult as it may be to manage ourselves. So what if we don’t feel like doing something in particular. If it is the right thing to do, then we need to do it regardless of whether or not it feels good.
3.Significance: The only way we can have long term significance is through the Holy Spirit working in us. Read Ephesians 5:15-20 and I Corinthians 3:10-23. If you follow the Lord’s will which will develop your personal character then you will make the best decisions such as in spending your money or choosing where to live. Alcohol diminishes your amygdala’s capacity send the right chemical signals so that you can manage your life according to science and drunkenness leads to excess according to Paul. You can experience the fulness of the Holy Spirit in a big way through music and being thankful. Let the Holy Spirit be in control. Someone said a long time ago, “Only one life will soon be past; only what’s done for God will last.”

The Return of the Pun by Steve Macdonald:
Ambulance Driving  by Adam Muhway
Battle Axes  by Tom A. Hawk
Clear Sky Forecast  by Esau Starrs
Do I Look Fat?  by Donna Gogh Thare
Danger! By Luke Out
Come on in! by Doris Open
When’s The Revolution? by Millie Tant
The Sweat Shop by Hiram Cheap
The Lion Attacked by Claude D. Armoff

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