Exhortation

Where is the balance in a fervent attempt to compel people to completely turn from the corruption of sin and the compassion to do it in a way that they will respond with open and willing hearts? This has been an all too familiar struggle in my life and unfortunately one that has flared disruption and even contempt from some of those I have been responsible for raising up in the truth. A zealous and fervent spirit can quickly offend to the point of hurt or anger and it is not the desire of our Father for us to bring about this emotion in people. In fact, this situation can very possibly do more damage than good. Raising an awareness of the effects of sin in our lives is essential to a life devoted to abiding with and becoming more like Christ (Phil.2:5-11). As teachers and leaders it is vital that we invoke this searching of the heart in a compassionate form that exemplifies the heart of Jesus in our own lives. It is better neither to ignore the effects of sin nor to highlight them to the point of damage, for neither the former nor the latter will result in a deeper relationship with the Lord for the man/woman we are guiding. We must allow ourselves to burn with fervency for the changing of hearts and lives while harnessing that passion into compassion and love to see that person overtaken by the truth of the freedom that comes from a “full life” (John 10:10b) in Christ. The fervency and zealous passion that we feel towards the need to turn and run from sin needs to be harnessed into prayer; our emotions can overflow before the Lord as we break for the state of those we know and even those we do not know. Righteous anger will pour out of our mouths and as the tears begin to flow, we must release these emotions before the Lord that He may receive the brokenness that we feel for those in our path. Most importantly, the anger we feel must not be revealed to those we are broken for unless the Lord opens that door. Love draws people to the Lord and anger, even righteous anger, can easily be perceived as judgment. Although we are not responsible for the perceived emotion that others feel, we are responsible for acting in a way that glorifies the Father who sent us and who empowers us. We have no right to address any issues except by the authority that has been given us through Jesus Christ. Although you may see the truth of a situation, you may not be the one chosen to communicate that truth. Beware of your own ambition! And do not think of yourself so highly that you forget whom it is that you serve.

Canada...again??

Although I assumed my leaving last April was for good, the Lord showed me this past summer that the time to return would come and here it is. I know not for how long only that I am committed until the end of this summer. The Lord has been gracious in calling me back up here for this season, and He has already unveiled some of His reasons for calling me to this place once again. I am thrilled at the opportunities that the Lord has placed in front of me and look forward to this time. I have the great privilege of working with the staffing team to prepare and hire the staff for this summer and then will move into the Head Counseling position once again for the summer. The Lord has been quite specific in His design for me here, and I believe He has a specific place for me this fall as well. I will be excited to embark on that journey as the time draws near.
For now I am in a place of contented peace, knowing that my Lord has drawn me up here for this time and will complete in and through me the work that He has set forth for me to do. I would appreciate your prayers for wisdom as I seek a place to live over the next few months. For now, the Badkes have opened up their home to me, and I have been so blessed to be here. Although I am unsure where the right place is for me the next few months, I trust that the Lord has a place that will suit and ask that you would uphold me in prayer as I seek that out.

Many blessings!