Phil Keaggy - Salvation Army Band

That's some mad skills.

Brand New Day

Every day is a fresh start. We try to live each day to the fullest and live according to God's way.
As Psalm 19:14 states: "May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my defender."

I start each day with a simple prayer for God's guidance in whatever comes my way. Some days I rely on Him and His patience, love & kindness shines through. Other days, I get frustrated, upset and impatient. I know I have failed Him and yet He does not leave me. Because of Jesus Christ, I come before Him and admit my failings. Through His grace and only by His grace, I am granted another second, another hour, another day to live for Him. There are no 3 strikes and you're out.
I am forever grateful for that. I am learning more and more each day what it means to follow Christ.

I’m waking up
The world is turning
The sun is shining again
I’m holding on
To things I shouldn’t
It’s time to let them go
I’ve been on a losing streak
Hit so hard I couldn’t speak
But when I hear Your voice it fades away

And I can hear You say
It’s a brand new day
The pain goes away
I’m headed for the door
And I’m going home
I’m going home
I’m going home
I’m going home

--Fireflight "Brand New Day"

Mind Games...

I've come to believe that some of Satan's most effective lies have to do with convincing believers that God is angry, frustrated, and impatient with us. The focus is not on the loving God but rather the Holy God who cannot stand the sight of us because of our sinful nature.
While God is a just God who cannot tolerate sin in any degree, we are considered pure and children of God when we believe in Jesus Christ. So even when we stumble, God is not frustrated or angry and ready to kick us out of the family. Rather He will discipline us and love us no more or no less than ever.

Here's a song I've been listening to lately by Natalie Grant:

I have been a wayward child,
I have acted out,
I have questioned sovereignty,
and had my share of doubts,

And though sometimes,
my prayers feel like they're bouncing off the sky,
the hand that holds won't let me go,
and is the reason why...

I will stumble, I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes, I will face heartache,
But I will not be moved

On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
I will not be moved

--I Will Not Be Moved

As believers in Jesus Christ, we no longer need fear the wrath of God. It is well-deserved, but Christ has already paid the penalty for our sins. As much as Satan might try to convince me that God is ready to kick me out of the nearest airlock (figuratively speaking, of course!) He is ever-patient, holding me firmly in His grasp. I am secure.

Back on the Rock

After spending perhaps the best year of my life in Germany, I decided after much prayer to return to Newfoundland and accept a new job as youth director. It has been challenging in the first few weeks as I adjust to many things but I believe that God has placed me here for a reason and that as I rely on Him, He will use me.
We often pray that the things that break God's heart would break ours but in a world where we are told to look out for #1, it is imperative especially in ministry to always have our eyes open to the needs around us.

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten.

--Brandon Heath "Give Me Your Eyes"