Today is April 5th, 2011. This means that it is the TOMS One Day Without Shoes event. It's a day to creatively spread the awareness of the cause that TOMS shoes was founded for. That is, to rid our world of the unnecessary reality that thousands of children (and adults) go every day without shoes.
It's an epidemic that is often not thought of; but the reality is that thousands suffer from serious infections from cuts and sores on their feet, just because they don't have shoes. In Ethiopia alone, one million people are suffering from podoconiosis - a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil. In some countries children are not allowed to attend school just for the fact that they don't have shoes. Podoconiosis and other foot infections/diseases are 100% preventable just by teaching proper foot hygiene and wearing shoes.
This stark reality is what caused the founding of TOMS shoes. It's a self-sustaining charity that sells shoes. For every pair that is purchased, another pair is given to a child in developing countries. It's one for one. They are innovative in breaking the mold of what helping others can look like. It's effective, and fosters a sense of commonality & purpose for those who support TOMS shoes.
For these reason I have chosen to go shoe-less for today to partner with TOMS in spreading the awareness that thousands go every day without shoes. It's been merely 4 hours into my day and I am already realizing just how valuable and essential shoes are. I am realizing how much we take for granted and don't even think about the idea of not having shoes; as we are surrounded, in North America, by the assurance of clothing, food, heat, a home - the list goes on and on. So, today I remember, I am thankful and I resolve to take action by not just standing by.
April 5, 2011
March 27, 2011
Acutely
a-cute \ adj. 1 : Keenly perceptive or discerning 2 : Reacting readily to stimuli or impressions; sensitive 3 : Of great importance or consequence; crucial.
In a simple term, acute is to be deeply aware. Lately I have been under the conviction that as a Christian it is imperative that I be acutely aware of the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost/the Spirit of God/the Spirit of Jesus; whatever specific term one may choose to use, regardless, it's God's Spirit indwelling in us. In Acts 1 the disciples are asking Jesus about His plan to restore the Kingdom of God. In response Jesus states,
In a simple term, acute is to be deeply aware. Lately I have been under the conviction that as a Christian it is imperative that I be acutely aware of the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost/the Spirit of God/the Spirit of Jesus; whatever specific term one may choose to use, regardless, it's God's Spirit indwelling in us. In Acts 1 the disciples are asking Jesus about His plan to restore the Kingdom of God. In response Jesus states,
"It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:7-8
To paraphrase and slightly expand upon Jesus' words, He is basically telling them that "I've got it guys, your mandate is for today; by the power of my Spirit, to go into the entire world and be my witness; to display my Kingdom until it's fullness through my return". God chose the most intimate means of relationship in order to restore His people - He first chose us, and now chooses to dwell within us.
Jesus is a purposeful and proactive God. For this reason I see it imperative that I be acutely aware of His Spirit in me. Not saying that there will be a perpetual state of "heightenedness". Not at all, rather, to be acutely sensitive to the Holy Spirit is to recognize God's involvement in every aspect and season of our lives. How does one do this? I suppose it can be unique to each individual. For me, it is becoming more and more the recognition that Jesus is everything, this meaning that He is the number one most important thing to me. To recognize that He has been before anything else has, and that He has gone before me. Therefore, since He has the "first-ness" in my life, every experience I have has the potential to reveal an aspect of His being present with me.
I have resolved to live a life acutely aware of Jesus; aware of His Holy Spirit indwelling within me. And more so, to act upon His leading in whichever way He so desires
Much blessing,
Nick B.
March 12, 2011
Shed What is Old
WOW - It seems the insanity of academia life has kept me in a vortex of books, papers, and 10,000 other things to do. But alas I have returned, my friends.
It truly has been a whirl-wind of a couple of months; Papers, midterms, a trip to Florida for a conference, and Spring Break on Vancouver Island, etc. etc. As busy as this season of life has been I can say I have definitely been learning a plethora of invaluable lessons. The beauty of life is that something is always to be learned; Regardless of age or context, life presents to us lessons that stretch us and expand our horizons.
As I lay in bed last night I reflected upon preceding months that have flown by. I noted in that moment how I felt, how to put it...new; fresh; as if a layer of myself had been shed, only to reveal a more beautiful self - not a physical, but an internal beauty. It seems as one grows up and embarks on their journey of life, they go through significant season of shedding self. It's as if in order for them to break forth into a new season of life, they must first shed the layer of self that restricts them of doing so.
Personally, I find this past season to be one of expanding my worldview - The lens in which I have viewed the world in relation to self has been developed into a more God-pleasing format. In order for this to be accomplished it was imperative that much of the past be shed. And this is where I find myself; shedding a layer of past, only to reveal a more beautiful present-self that is able to move forward in my journey of life.
Rather abstract, perhaps, but I am a rather abstract individual - and I like it.
Be blessed
Nick B.
It truly has been a whirl-wind of a couple of months; Papers, midterms, a trip to Florida for a conference, and Spring Break on Vancouver Island, etc. etc. As busy as this season of life has been I can say I have definitely been learning a plethora of invaluable lessons. The beauty of life is that something is always to be learned; Regardless of age or context, life presents to us lessons that stretch us and expand our horizons.
As I lay in bed last night I reflected upon preceding months that have flown by. I noted in that moment how I felt, how to put it...new; fresh; as if a layer of myself had been shed, only to reveal a more beautiful self - not a physical, but an internal beauty. It seems as one grows up and embarks on their journey of life, they go through significant season of shedding self. It's as if in order for them to break forth into a new season of life, they must first shed the layer of self that restricts them of doing so.
Personally, I find this past season to be one of expanding my worldview - The lens in which I have viewed the world in relation to self has been developed into a more God-pleasing format. In order for this to be accomplished it was imperative that much of the past be shed. And this is where I find myself; shedding a layer of past, only to reveal a more beautiful present-self that is able to move forward in my journey of life.
Rather abstract, perhaps, but I am a rather abstract individual - and I like it.
Be blessed
Nick B.
February 14, 2011
Your Flame
As a city sits on a hill and exudes light to the surrounding area so is your life to shine as such in the place you are. You have a flame; one that burns from within you. It is a unique flame in that the source is external; it's not from yourself that the flame stays alive. Rather, it's by a very fine and expensive oil that this flame stays alive. Even though this oil is of highest quality, it is free; access to it is not inhibited, except by our own restriction.
For some this flame is blazing, for others it is barely staying alive. The state of the flame is determined by the consistency of the oil being supplied to it. Where's your oil level? Have you forgotten the source? Or have you even tried creating your own knockoff version of the oil?
Fill me up, God.
Blessings,
Nick B.
For some this flame is blazing, for others it is barely staying alive. The state of the flame is determined by the consistency of the oil being supplied to it. Where's your oil level? Have you forgotten the source? Or have you even tried creating your own knockoff version of the oil?
Fill me up, God.
Blessings,
Nick B.
February 7, 2011
The Treasure of Christ
If I look back at the past month and examine the themes of what God has been teaching me there is one that resounds above the others. That is, the call that is on my life as a Christian to extend justice and grace to those around me. It is really easy to talk about aspects of the Kingdom of God, but it is a much different thing to apply it to my hands and feet. The past month I have been deeply convicted and challenged in terms of making my relationship with God expand. We are a dynamic creation, just like our God is dynamic. We are able to feel, we are able to express emotions, we are able to reach out and touch others.
I often hear people debate aspects of the Christian faith; deciding if prophesy is valuable, or saying it's all about learning more (theology), or it's all about only justice for others, then there's always the debate over miracles and signs. At the end of it all, I can just get frustrated. Last night I was spending time alone with God, and he challenged me to pursue the FULLNESS of the gospel. Meaning, all that is encompassed in the Word of God. I was led to a quote last night by Bill Johnson. He said,
God's word says that the greatest of all things is love. That our greatest mandate is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, soul and mind. And then to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The early church of Acts simply pursued these things, and they did not limit or decide what it should look like. Rather, they allowed the Holy Spirit to mandate their actions, they had hearts of submission. Every act that was done by them, from feeding the hungry, to healing the sick, to casting out demons, to pursuing the presence of God and experiencing prophesy and the gift of tongues; all were done out of their love for God and their love for others. Submitting and surrendering to God's Spirit causes a release; control is handed over to Him and every action thereafter is mandated by the Spirit's leading - this is how I resolve to live my life. If God says "lay your hands on that person and prophesy", "Go and heal that person in my name", "Go feed that individual", "Go encourage them", "Go and administer my justice in that persons life", or, "Come and be with me and let me fill you with my Spirit"; I want to do it, I want it all because I know that this is the fullness of the Gospel of Christ.
I don't think it can be any more blatant. It's all good, and it all must be done out of submission to God's Spirit. Don't limit the potential that is in Christ.
Be Blessed,
Nick B.
I often hear people debate aspects of the Christian faith; deciding if prophesy is valuable, or saying it's all about learning more (theology), or it's all about only justice for others, then there's always the debate over miracles and signs. At the end of it all, I can just get frustrated. Last night I was spending time alone with God, and he challenged me to pursue the FULLNESS of the gospel. Meaning, all that is encompassed in the Word of God. I was led to a quote last night by Bill Johnson. He said,
What a sobering statement that refines what ones attitude should be when approaching the Word of God and the work of His Kingdom. Some say to not pursue miracles or prophesy, but how can one not pursue that which is so clearly ingrained within the gospel message just as much as justice or worship are. We are an extremist culture; It's always one or the other. But friends, there is no "one or the other" in Christ's gospel. It's all or nothing. It's all sourced in the treasure that is Christ Jesus crucified.
God's word says that the greatest of all things is love. That our greatest mandate is to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, soul and mind. And then to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The early church of Acts simply pursued these things, and they did not limit or decide what it should look like. Rather, they allowed the Holy Spirit to mandate their actions, they had hearts of submission. Every act that was done by them, from feeding the hungry, to healing the sick, to casting out demons, to pursuing the presence of God and experiencing prophesy and the gift of tongues; all were done out of their love for God and their love for others. Submitting and surrendering to God's Spirit causes a release; control is handed over to Him and every action thereafter is mandated by the Spirit's leading - this is how I resolve to live my life. If God says "lay your hands on that person and prophesy", "Go and heal that person in my name", "Go feed that individual", "Go encourage them", "Go and administer my justice in that persons life", or, "Come and be with me and let me fill you with my Spirit"; I want to do it, I want it all because I know that this is the fullness of the Gospel of Christ.
I don't think it can be any more blatant. It's all good, and it all must be done out of submission to God's Spirit. Don't limit the potential that is in Christ.
Be Blessed,
Nick B.
February 5, 2011
Blessing
I read 1 Samuel 1-2:11 last night. It describes the events surrounding Samuel's birth by Hannah. Hannah, one of the two wives of Elkanah, was a barren lady. The text says that the Lord had shut her womb. Every year Elkanah's household would travel to Shiloh to worship the Lord and offer sacrifices. There are many lessons that could be drawn from this portion of text, but as I read last night the Lord highlighted particular points that truly spoke to where I am spiritually.
As I read, I could not help but think how Hannah felt; Her husbands other wife would provoke her constantly, and being a barren woman would have been devastating. At the beginning of chapter 1 Hannah found herself in a position where she was longing for more; she wanted blessing from God. And with that said, I highlight three key observances from this story:
A] Hannah sought God - she fervently pursued Him in prayer.
Our lives don't turn out exactly as we initially desire - It's easy to look around at others and see the bounty of blessing God has given them, but when it comes to yourself, it's much harder to identify the blessing. It's not until you get beyond yourself that blessing from God comes. Take Hannah's prayer (1:11) as a prime example; her desire for blessing shifted from a selfish root to a selfless root - she wanted blessing, but it no longer was simply about blessing. Rather, it was about the purposes of God. She surrendered and gave back to God all the blessing, even before she even knew if she would receive it! That blows my mind. Hannah's son, Samuel, was a forerunner for the Davidic Age of Israel's history. What if Hannah had not followed through? Samuel's life was significant in that he heard the word of the Lord, which at that time was rare (chapter 3). He grew up with the Lord. If Hannah had not been faithful in keeping her promise to the Lord I wonder what would have come of Samuel's life.
This reading challenged me, first in my approach/intention of seeking God's blessing. And second, in my following through when I see His blessing on my life - do I hoard it? Or do I allow it to go beyond myself? I believe there are ramifications in our decisions and attitudes. Especially in regard to our posture towards God. Hannah rejoiced in her blessing; she cherished Samuel, but her actions are distinguishable in that she was not selfish with it. She gave Samuel (the blessing) back to God so to say, understanding that Samuel (the blessing) would only have lasting impact if he (the blessing) remained in God's hand; being used for His purposes.
What blessings can you identify in your life? What has God gifted you with. Is it being used for His Kingdom? And, what is your posture towards God when seeking His favor. Is it a selfish desire, or a selfless desire? I have been challenged to examine my prayer life - not to be afraid of asking for favor, but ensuring that the intention goes beyond myself. To enjoy the blessing, but not to hoard it.
Blessings,
Nick B.
As I read, I could not help but think how Hannah felt; Her husbands other wife would provoke her constantly, and being a barren woman would have been devastating. At the beginning of chapter 1 Hannah found herself in a position where she was longing for more; she wanted blessing from God. And with that said, I highlight three key observances from this story:
A] Hannah sought God - she fervently pursued Him in prayer.
- Verse 11 of chapter 1 reads, "O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head"
- In her prayer she promised God her sons life in service to Him - I wondered as I read this how different her desires would be for her children if God had not kept her barren for all of her marriage.
- This makes me think of how things would have turned out if Hannah had not sought God in the temple.
- Hannah followed through. She remembered her promise to God that she gave before even knowing that she would conceive.
Our lives don't turn out exactly as we initially desire - It's easy to look around at others and see the bounty of blessing God has given them, but when it comes to yourself, it's much harder to identify the blessing. It's not until you get beyond yourself that blessing from God comes. Take Hannah's prayer (1:11) as a prime example; her desire for blessing shifted from a selfish root to a selfless root - she wanted blessing, but it no longer was simply about blessing. Rather, it was about the purposes of God. She surrendered and gave back to God all the blessing, even before she even knew if she would receive it! That blows my mind. Hannah's son, Samuel, was a forerunner for the Davidic Age of Israel's history. What if Hannah had not followed through? Samuel's life was significant in that he heard the word of the Lord, which at that time was rare (chapter 3). He grew up with the Lord. If Hannah had not been faithful in keeping her promise to the Lord I wonder what would have come of Samuel's life.
This reading challenged me, first in my approach/intention of seeking God's blessing. And second, in my following through when I see His blessing on my life - do I hoard it? Or do I allow it to go beyond myself? I believe there are ramifications in our decisions and attitudes. Especially in regard to our posture towards God. Hannah rejoiced in her blessing; she cherished Samuel, but her actions are distinguishable in that she was not selfish with it. She gave Samuel (the blessing) back to God so to say, understanding that Samuel (the blessing) would only have lasting impact if he (the blessing) remained in God's hand; being used for His purposes.
What blessings can you identify in your life? What has God gifted you with. Is it being used for His Kingdom? And, what is your posture towards God when seeking His favor. Is it a selfish desire, or a selfless desire? I have been challenged to examine my prayer life - not to be afraid of asking for favor, but ensuring that the intention goes beyond myself. To enjoy the blessing, but not to hoard it.
Blessings,
Nick B.
January 28, 2011
Experience enables Transformation
I just listened to this short teaching by Bill Johnson about the power of your testimony (video is below). He made one statement that really resounded with me, "If you speak out of your experience you are not just giving information you are giving the power for transformation." It really got me thinking. It first relayed the reality of our relationship with God; authentic experience is essential in our walk with Him. It is what distinguishes us from all other religions because we serve the one true God who is alive and active. Secondly, it relayed the power of one's testimony. Information is nice, but, a testimony is more than information. A testimony reveals the experience of transformation, which in turns releases the power of transformation to the hearer of the testimony. Bill's teaching reminded me of the importance of being truthful and honest in giving testimony.
I am comforted and encouraged because I am recognizing a reoccurring theme in my devotions with God. It is that of learning balance; knowledge/information is essential, but the knowledge means nothing to me if it is not paired with experience. My God is not a study. My God is a relational being. The truths that I read in the Bible are in fact for me, and for you. If we merely read them and don't allow them to be applied beyond information, then we are missing out!
Be blessed today,
Nick B.
I am comforted and encouraged because I am recognizing a reoccurring theme in my devotions with God. It is that of learning balance; knowledge/information is essential, but the knowledge means nothing to me if it is not paired with experience. My God is not a study. My God is a relational being. The truths that I read in the Bible are in fact for me, and for you. If we merely read them and don't allow them to be applied beyond information, then we are missing out!
Be blessed today,
Nick B.
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