God – Your BFF
I received a gift of a book – Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life this week. In it is a chapter on Becoming Best Friends with God. Who wouldn’t want God as your BFF? You can become a best friend with God through daily prayer and through meditation on his Word. I thought this fit in well with the series Rev is doing now on Prayer. Through prayer we create and strengthen our relationship with God.
Pray all the time. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 The Message
Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promise. Psalm 25:14 LB
In the book it states that “God deeply desires that we know him intimately. In fact, he planned the universe and orchestrated history, including the details of our lives, so that we could become his friends.” Our father and creator wants to love us and know us so deeply that he “planned the universe and orchestrated history”. How awesome is that? If you’re a parent you know the feeling of wanting to have a close relationship with your child and get to know them better. How often do you make plans to spend with them because you love them so deeply and cherish the time with them? That’s how I think it is with our God. Scripture says…He is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you. Exodus 34:14 NLT
“Friendship with God is possible only because of the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus.” A price was paid for us to have this friendship with God. In Romans it is written…Now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God–all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God. Romans 5:11 NLT
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV
Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 NIV
God is your BFF. Through Jesus we have access to him and he extends his grace to us. If we want to receive it we can through daily prayer and through reading and meditating on his Word.
Here are a few quotes to describe a best friend. Think of God as your friend when you read them.
Prayer…The Ultimate Wireless Connection
I have found that my favorite place to pray is while I’m driving. I pray in my car and on my bike. Riding my bike is my happy place and I find I always give thanks to God for the peace and beauty I feel and experience while riding. Prayer used to be difficult for me because I thought there was a certain way I had to pray. Like a formula you had to use or your prayers wouldn’t be heard. But soon after joining Bikers Church I realized that God hears us no matter how we pray. We just need to make the contact and have the relationship with Him. He wants us as His children to come to Him and develop that relationship. We don’t need to be anything else but ourselves for that to happen.
When I pray, which could be once a day or ten times a day, I start by giving thanks. I do this for no other reason than to acknowledge all the blessings in my life. After that I just talk to God about things that are happening in my life and the lives of my family and friends. I ask for wisdom and guidance and for healing. I invite God into every aspect of my life and lift up my worries and troubles to Him. Yes, I often take them back only to lift them up to him again the next day.
Prayer has changed my life. It’s brought me peace, it’s grounded me and it’s brought me closer to God and further along in my journey of Faith. Some of you may remember the story I told about how I named my dog. It was through prayer that I received the inspiration to name her Faith. I believe that God has used her to comfort me and to remind me everyday to not loose hope and to keep the “Faith”. By naming her Faith I have a constant reminder that God is always with me. When I’m feeling down and discouraged Faith comes up on my lap to cuddle and there in my lap is my reminder to have Faith. I’m being comforted by my gift from God. Some of you reading this may think it’s corny. I know that over these last four years of having Faith in my life it’s been seeing her and remembering her name and how she got it that reinforces for me the presents of God in my life and to literally “not loose Faith”. It’s powerful.
My prayers are like having an open conversation with God. Just like having a conversation with one of your friends. So remember that just like you need to give your friend time to respond, you need to keep an open mind and heart to hear God’s response. He will speak to us through many different ways. He is more creative than we can ever think to be. At times, He comforts me through Faith. Don’t limit the possible ways that he could speak to you by being close minded. He is an awesome and amazing God.
I have this phrase on a patch on my leather vest…Prayer, the ultimate wireless connection.
Have a great week!
Thank you
Well it’s Saturday night and our Motorcycle Appreciation Day is over for another year. Thank you to everyone that came out and weathered the rain with us. The rain seemed to hold off for the most part in the morning while our dealer run was under way. The afternoon was a different story. We managed to complete most of our events and it seemed like the folks were having a good time. I was really impressed that even with the rain our guests stuck with us. Thanks for hanging in there folks! The day ended with the free pork roast dinner and awarding of prizes.
It’s an exhausting but rewarding day for me. I enjoy interacting with everyone that comes through the registration desk. It’s great to see that people are pumped about the day and enjoy taking part in the dealer run. It’s a day spent with my friends serving and giving back to the motorcycle community that throughout the year does so much for the larger community.
Thanks once again everyone, it was a great day. See you next year!
The Countdown is on…
Well folks the countdown is on…six days from today is our biggest event of the year – M.A.D. Motorcycle Appreciate Day! We are so excited about MAD this year. For those of you who aren’t familiar with it – CCBC puts on this event each year as a way of saying thank you to the motorcycle community for all the charity work done throughout the year in the National Capital Region. It is an all day event starting with a dealer run in the morning similar to a poker run; rodeo games in the afternoon along with a show ‘n shine, vendors, band and then the day ends with a free pork roast dinner. Door prizes are given out throughout the day and prizes for all the various activities. This year the theme is Wild West Rodeo.
Many man hours go into the planning of this event but speaking from my experience it is a labour of love. This is my fifth year helping out and my fourth year on registration. I find this a rewarding way to serve the church and the community. Registration is a blast because you get to meet everyone that is taking part in the day. I love the interaction with everyone. Each year we provide registrants with a loot bag filled with lots of goodies like discount coupons, candy and silly fun items related to our theme. Our booth is decorated according to the theme and this year will be no exception. You’ll have to show up to see what we have planned! Each of the dealerships will have themed games happening for everyone to take part in to earn their points. If you’re in the area next Saturday plan to come out and join us. The day starts at 8:00 am with a pancake breakfast. Grab a bite to eat and then register for the dealer run and head out at 9:30 am. When you’re finished and arrive back at the site, check out the food tent for a BBQ lunch. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase a variety of tasty eats from the grill.
If you’re only able to make it out in the afternoon, no problem, shine up your ride and enter the show ‘n shine. Grinder has once again created some amazing trophies to be won in the show ‘n shine event. Each year he makes trophies out of spare parts. Check out some pics of these trophies. This year we have added a tug-o-war contest. Put together a team of 6 and enter the competition. If your muscles are sore afterward check out the massage therapist on site! If browsing the vendors is your thing, I happen to know some of our usual folks will be on site….custom bike shops, patches, stickers, chain link jewellery, motorcycle clothing, T-shirts, various kinds of art work, ice cream and don’t forget to grab a cup of your favour Biker Coffee.
The day is a blast! Come out and join us Saturday Aug 21st 8 am to 7 pm. You can find us at 2214 Innes Road, Ottawa. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths.
These last couple of weeks have been a whirl wind for me but in a good way. I’ve been on vacation but I think I’ve been busier than when I was working! I have several projects on the go and they have really kept me busy over the last two weeks. I have also made a conscious decision to pray more and more often. Two weeks ago I was baptized at our water baptism ceremony at church. Since then I’ve been more focused on what does God really want for me and how can I serve Him? One thing I’ve noticed in me is a calmness and peace that gives me a feeling of contentment. I’ve prayed over certain things and have invited Him into my life and in specific areas have asked for direction and guidance. One of the things I’ve prayed for is whether to continue with this blog. The feeling or confirmation to stop was never there. Instead I had a sense of peace about it and that continuing was the choice I should make.
My husband and I have started a new business venture and we have asked God to be a part of this as well; praying again for guidance and direction but also for our finances. You would think that starting a new business along with all the other projects going on would be stressful but the beauty of it is, I’m not stressed. I’m excited about the possibilities and the opportunity that lies ahead of us. I know my husband feels the same way. We are conscious to keep God in our lives and in our daily activities and I think this is what helps to keep us grounded. I also think that as long as we listen for God’s direction our chances of success are greater. We strive to put Proverbs 3:6 into practice.
Loboy, whom you all know from writing in this blog, has been sending out Bible Bytes to a Yahoo group we belong to for our church. I have found them very inspiring and relevant to my situation. I’ve shared some of them with you below. Thanks Loboy for your continued commitment to leading us in devotion and teaching us His Word and how we are to apply it in our lives today. You are an inspiration to us all!
“Ask and it will be given you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you.” (Matthew 7:7)
“For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever. “(2 Cor. 4:18)
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” (John 8:36)
“Reflect on these things, and the Lord will give you insight” (2 Tim. 2:7)
Bible Byte on Relationships:
“Our intimate relationship with Christ prepares us for meaningful relationships with others. Solid relationships with one another are available only when they are built around the solid relationship we have with the Father through his Son.” – Bill Huff, Jesus, Disciplemaker (Baker Books, 2004)
Bits and Pieces – Contentment by Rick Warren
We’re constantly comparing — and comparing causes discontent. And because of discontent God says, “You can’t handle what I want to give you because you’re putting too much priority on things in your life.” Can God trust you with wealth? Have you learned to be content?
I don’t know why but God has chosen money to be the acid test of our faith. We spend our entire lives trying to make it, earn it, save it, spend it, and use it. So God chooses to use finances as the acid test of how much you trust Him. He wants us to come to him and ask when we have a need and learn to be content, that our happiness isn’t dependent on how much or how little we’ve got. If you don’t learn contentment, you’ll never be happy. You’ll always want more.
Bible Bytes – Trust Your Finances to God’s Provision (by Rick Warren)
God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
“The Bible says, “God will meet all your needs” according to his wealth and his riches. It’s not based on your assets. It’s based on what God has and he doesn’t run out of resources. ”
Everybody has financial fears. You don’t have to be poor to get anxious about money. You don’t have to be on welfare to have financial fears. In fact, it seems the more you have the more you have to maintain, to insure, to protect, to worry over.
But God gives us a guarantee regarding our finances. Philippians 4:19 says, “God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” This verse is so packed! I want you to notice several words.
First it says, “God will…” It doesn’t say, “He might meet your needs” it says “He will.” It’s a fact. He’s staking his character and his reputation on it. “I will meet your needs.”
Then it says, “God will meet all…” It doesn’t say “I’ll meet some of your needs” He says all. Does that include car payments? Braces? Home? Yes. All your needs.
It doesn’t say “I’ll meet all your greeds.” There’s a difference between needs and wants. God’s not going to give you everything you want; you’d be spoiled to death.
But it says, “I will meet all your needs” according to his wealth, his riches. It’s not based on your assets. It’s based on what God has and he doesn’t run out of resources.
Finally he says “… for you in Christ Jesus.” This is not a promise for everybody. God has not promised to meet the needs of people who reject His Son. This is a promise only for believers. He says, “If you’re one of my children, in my family, I promise to meet all your needs.”
Then how come you have financial needs? Did God fail? Did He lie? Exaggerate? No. With every promise there are conditions or requirements. There are things God says, “I’ll do my part and you do your part.”
God says if you meet the following five conditions, then he will meet your financial needs -
• If I ask for his help.
• If I learn to be content.
• If I practice giving in faith.
• If I maintain financial integrity.
• If I trust him with my life — completely.
Seven Deadly Sins: Lust
The definition as stated in the bulletin. Lust: The handing of control over my body and mind to illicit cravings.
This topic is not an easy one to write about. The word lust congers up many different ideas and images. In today’s society we are bombarded with sexual images in many forms of media…TV, billboards, advertising, movies, magazines etc. Sex appeal and the affect is has on people is very widely accepted as an advertising tool. So much so that we have become desensitized against it. The media banks on the fact that people will ‘lust’ after a beautiful model or a handsome man on the movie screen. The media is just one place that we find lust in our lives. I don’t have to go into details, we all know what lust is and how it can affect us. The question is how do we prevent it from becoming a problem or a destructive force in our lives?
Just think about how many marriages have been destroyed by lust and weakness. I don’t think God wants this for us. As Rev mentioned, the issue is not desire. God created us with desire and he wants us to be people of desire. Our responsibility as Christ followers is to resist the temptation of lust. Easier said than done sometimes, I know. Maybe it’s as simple as starting with the TV. Turn it off more often so we’re not bombarded with sex, sex, sex. Or it could be making sure we don’t put ourselves in compromising or vulnerable situations.
Probably the best way to prevent lust from becoming a problem or a destructive force in our lives is to develop our relationship with God. We all face temptation and lust is just one of those temptations. I think being strong spiritually will help in times of weakness.
The opposite to lust is being pure of heart. Staying connected to God is a step in the right direction. Personally I don’t think I will ever be “pure of heart” but I like to think that in my walk and journey with God that it is something that I can strive to be.
Matthew 5:8 “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”
2 Timothy 2:22 “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Lead me ’cause I can’t do this alone
Thursday night I made the conscious commitment to give my life to God…I took part in the water baptism. I was baptized as a child but that was my parents decision. Thursday it was my decision to follow Christ and commit my life to Him. It was an exciting and emotional experience.
I read the following out to the group gathered to witness the baptism.
I had rejected God for a period of many years and then I wanted to reconnect with the church but couldn’t find the right fit. The moment I walked into Biker’s Church I knew I had found that fit. I started a new journey to follow God and His word. I’ve been with Biker’s Church for going on 5 years. Since becoming a member, my life has changed drastically but for the better. I’ve had many ups and downs over the past 5 years and I’m certain I was able to deal with them because of my renewed Faith and with the help and support from all of you here. My church family. I can’t imagine not being in relationship with God. My water baptism today is my commitment to God in front of all you as my witnesses. I commit my life to God and will serve Him faithfully.
I was the first person to go and then two others that had planned to be baptized this night went after. The amazing thing was to see several others step up and take the plunge with us. My friends son, Jake, one of our youth members stepped up and made the commitment. Yes, there were tears from Mom and the rest of us. We thought we had finished and there were no others when it was brought to the attention of Rev that there was one other person that wanted to be baptized as well. One of our members in a wheel chair and who has difficulty communicating verbally, wanted to take part as well. Well, you should have seen the support of our men once they heard Ross wanted to be baptized. They lifted him out of his chair and helped him into the water. As I looked around I saw people wiping their eyes and beaming with emotion. For me this was the highlight of the evening. Ross spoke before they performed the baptism and I watched him raise his eyes to the sky and what I thought he said was “thank you God”.
Thank you God for giving me this experience and thank you for my church family.
Another song this week.
The song is Lead Me by Sanctus Real. It’s a powerful song for husbands and fathers but also sends a message of how vulnerable we can be and that we need to lean on Him for strength.
Lyrics – Lead Me by Sanctus Real
I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying
“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can’t
Don’t leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you’re willing to fight
That I’m still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone.”
I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They’re just children from the outside
I’m working hard, I tell myself they’ll be fine
They’re independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying
“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can’t
Don’t leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you’re willing to fight
That I’m still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone.”
So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I am called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won’t you lead me?
To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can’t
Don’t want to leave them hungry for love
Chasing things that I could give up
I’ll show them I’m willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this a home
Lead me, ’cause I can’t do this alone
Father, lead me, ’cause I can’t do this alone
Seven Deadly Sins: Greed
The topic on Thursday…Greed & The Merciful. Greed causes us to build walls around us to keep others from being part of our life. Greed pursues accumulation.
What comes to mind here for me is those people that you see that seem to have everything…nice big house on a beautiful yard, nice cars, clothes etc but they lack one thing… someone to share it with. They are alone. These may be your workaholics that spend all their time making a living but never get around to making a “life”. There’s a Keith Urban song called But for the Grace of God go I and in it are the lyrics…”I can see that old man he’s walking past our door, and I’ve been told that he’s rich but he seems so poor. Cause no one comes to call on him and his phone it never rings, he wanders through his empty house surrounded by his things.”
Is the motivation Greed? I think the bottom line would be yes, it comes down to greed at some level.
Rob described Greed as the locking out of others through the accumulation of things. It’s not about how much you consume but how much you accumulate. The flip side to this is Mercy. Greed takes in. Mercy gives out. I love the analogy Rob used with the taking of a breath. Take a deep breath in and hold it….don’t breath out, just keep holding it – keep it to yourself. That’s Greed. Now breath out. Breath in, breath out…Mercy Breathes. “Mercy understands that you only find value when you release what God blesses you with.” Share what you have with others…don’t hoard it for yourself. I find when I give to others or share things with others, that’s when I enjoy myself the most!
The sharing and showing of mercy is something that I’ve experienced personally at Biker’s Church. People have reached out to me and blessed me time and time again. I feel so thankful and blessed to be part of a family that gives and loves unconditionally.
No Matter What
Over this past week I have seen prayer requests for strength and guidance. I was introduced this week to an individual also needing strength and encouragement. A few of our church family members are dealing with some very difficult issues. Today I would like to offer some words of encouragement. I hope these words will be a source for them to find the strength they need to cope with their situations.
If you’ve followed me for any length of time you will have noticed that I love music and find my inspiration in the lyrics. This week while listening to my favourite XM station – The Message – I heard a song called “No Matter What”. I had heard it before but the other day the words really got through to me. I’d like to share this with you.
The song again is NO MATTER WHAT by KERRIE ROBERTS. A line in the song goes like this…Before a heartache can ever touch my life, it has to go through Your hands…
I had never thought of it quite like that before. We so often ask God ‘why’ or ‘why me?’ We find ourselves depressed or feeling oppressed by our situations but when that happens I’ve never thought of it in terms of God having a hand in me being in that moment. I believe that God will never give us more than we can handle. I also believe that if we invite him into our lives that he will help us through every situation. All we have to do is ask for his help through prayer and listen for the answer. Many times I’ve tried to work through things on my own only to end up falling on my face or feeling like I’m at my wits end and exhausted. It was because I was working against God’s will and plan for me. When I listen to Him and the plan he has for me that’s when things fall into place.
In the lyrics the song goes on to say… No matter what, I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You, I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what, no matter what.
Keep the Faith, believe that He is working in your life and that whatever you are going through right now will pass and you will be better and stronger for the experience. Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
The song continues… When I’m stuck in this nothingness by myself, I’m just sitting in silence, there’s no way I can make it without Your help, I won’t even try it. I know You have Your reasons for everything, so I will keep believing, whatever I might be feeling, God you are my hope, and you’ll be my strength…
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
I’ve included the full lyrics below. I hope that in some way that this has been a source of strength and encouragement for you. You are not alone, trust in God who is with you always. If you need prayer, reach out to your friends or ask us to pray for you. And No Matter What…trust in Him.
Full Lyrics to NO MATTER WHAT.
I’m running back to your promises one more time, Lord that’s all I can hold on to, I gotta say this has taken me by surprise, but nothing surprises you. Before a heartache can ever touch my life, it has to go through Your hands, and even though I keep asking why, I keep asking why,
No matter what, I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You, I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what, no matter what.
When I’m stuck in this nothingness by myself, I’m just sitting in silence, there’s no way I can make it without Your help, I won’t even try it. I know You have Your reasons for everything, so I will keep believing, whatever I might be feeling, God you are my hope, and you’ll be my strength,
No matter what, I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You, I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, if not I’ll trust you, no matter what, no matter what.
Anything I don’t have You can give it to me, but it’s ok if You don’t, I’m not here for those things, the touch of Your love is enough on its own, no matter what I still love You and I’m gonna need You
No matter what I’m gonna love you, no matter what I’m gonna need you, I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not , if not I’ll trust You,. I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain, but if not, if not I’ll trust you, no matter what no matter what no matter no matter what
Seven Deadly Sins: Sloth
When I think of Sloth, I think of laziness. It wasn’t until Rev’s message on Thursday that I learned that Sloth meant much more than laziness. It means to be indifferent.
I would have to say I am guilty of being indifferent to some things. How many of us get caught up in our daily lives and let things slip past us without even a second thought? This is being indifferent. It doesn’t matter to us either way. It could be passing the homeless person on the street and not giving them a second look or worse yet not even noticing them on the side walk.
With the fast pace of our lives today, in order for something to have a place or priority for us it needs to matter…it needs be something we’re passionate about or have a strong desire for. Would you say this is true? From our bulletin Rob had quoted Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Blessed: happy, content, joyful Hunger & Thirst: a desperation. Righteousness: the things that matter to God.
For those that HUNGER…do you have a hunger for God, to be a servant for God, to do his work? The message on Thursday really caused me to take a look at the things around me and to evaluate the things that I may have been indifferent to. What are the things that I let slide by and not really give a second thought? Are there things that I should be paying attention to or helping with? How can I serve better?
To quote Rob … What do you hunger and thirst for?
Until next week.
Dot
