Where to draw the line?

How many times do we go through life asking the question... how far can I go with this? How do I draw the line for what's appropriate for me? Some things are obvious - don't kill, don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat on a spouse... but what about the fuzzy areas where there is no distinct answer from the Bible such as internet, movies, music, drug use, and so on?

When we come to the "I don't know" areas of life and we look for Biblical advice, there is a lens we can look through, the Philippians 4:8 lens... 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

So when we face the unknowns from the Bible, this lens can help us navigate through what hasn't been addressed specifically. So TV, movies, and more can all be put through this lens and if we find for ourselves we can't handle the situation, use the 1 Corinthians 10:13 card -13 No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

So where do we draw the line? Is it uniform for everyone? No. Everyone is different on issues, for some eating something may be a sin for them, but for others it's not. I know, it's complicated. Let's focus on what we need to do so we don't violate ourselves and cause us to sin. Let God worry about others!    :)

Pastor Andrew
Ask The Pastor Wednesdays at 8, Announcer at LIFE 100.3 - afternoons 1 - 4, Saturdays 12 - 7, LIFE speaker at different churches when asked to go! :)

When the mp3 file drones on

I thought I'd update the whole record player - tape player - CD player thing by going straight to digital files - the mp3 player. This is not a tech talk, but rather how we respond to when the mp3 file drones on with the same messages that bring us down. Fear, emptiness, loneliness, anger, bitterness, feeling inferior, sadness, and more. All these things the enemy loves to bring to our minds to distract us from living for God. He likes to bring up the past to prevent you from serving in the future. 

Like the mp3 player that contains your music files from whenever you load them onto your device, your mind is something the Devil uses to bring up the past and play it over and over as long as you listen to it. This is why we need to be on our guard because we know the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Unlike the mp3 player, we can't erase what we did, but we can choose to move past what we did, learn from it, and move ahead in Christ. 

For me personally I have to remind myself that some of the things that go through my mind are things that have happened but they do not need to have control over me. They don't need to ruin my life. In the power of Jesus' name we can reject the thought and gain victory. That is so cool! So the next time the mp3 player kicks up with a hit list to try and distract you with your past, know that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world right? Ask God to wipe the mp3 player clean and start over! 

How do you survive the cold?

We have had record temps lately in parts of Canada that have been compared to the surface of Mars for how cold it is! Yeah, that's right, MARS. 

The average temperature on Mars surface? −55 °C.

The temp in northern Ontario yesterday and parts out west? −52 °C. 

So with these record cold temperatures, I have to ask... where exactly IS this whole global warming thing? We could use it right now! If there really were aliens flying by us and if they were to look down at us and see what we live in, I'm sure they'd scratch their heads and ask, "What's with those humans?"

At any rate, how do you keep warm in temps like these? Don't go out unless it's necessary, lots of blankets, long sleeved shirts and pants, hot drinks like coffee, tea, hot chocolate. Let the cars run a little before driving but not long and drive slowly when starting out as your car warms up faster when having to drive experts say.

I'm just glad that no matter what the weather outside is doing, I know who's got my back - our Lord Jesus Christ! But still - please God... shed some heat this way? Thanks!

Pastor Andrew