The Greatest Gift of All

Christmas time is here and in our commercialized world it’s become a season of gift giving, but have you ever really thought about the Greatest Gift of all?

The Greatest Gift of all is Jesus.

John 3:16 says: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:18

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

According to God’s Word there are only two responses to God’s unspeakable Gift. Either you receive Him or you reject Him. There is no neutral; no middle ground.

John 1:12

But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:

John 12:48

He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (Jesus)

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent me. (Jesus)

Mark 6:11

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. (Jesus)

Some will argue and say, but how do I know if The Gift is for me? Let’s look at what the Bible says:

Luke 2:10-11

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

John 3:16 says: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:18

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

The argument: Jesus was not given to me will never stand on Judgment Day. Instead Jesus will say: He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:48

So how are you responding to the Great Gift? And I mean responding because the truth is you are responding to Him right now. You are either receiving Him or rejecting Him and the answer is really the difference between life and death.  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:12

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15

Ignoring the Warnings

“Hey stop!" We’re up in the mountains, far from home, when a fellow motorist waves us down and points to our front tire. Jason stops the van and we both jump out. Sure enough our front tire is very flat!

“Oh no!” I sigh! “This is my fault!” The tire light has been on for months but I’ve just been ignoring it. I even noticed the front tire was getting quite low a few days ago, but still I forgot to mention it to Jason. This is what happens when you ignore the warning signs, I think to myself.

As Jason gets to work on tire, I wait in the car and try to keep the kids entertained as we wait. The following day I can’t shake the thought of ignoring the warning signs and how that applies to something much greater than a tire that’s going flat. How many people out there are ignoring the warning signs of upcoming death and the eternity that follows?

Hebrews 2:3a How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation;

We know we won’t live forever and we even hear of people dying around us and yet so many of us go on as if there is no death or eternity. The Bible also warns us that Jesus can return at any time; but are we ready?

1 Thes 5:2-3 says: For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. Luke 23:30

I think of the story of the rich man and Lazarus who both died. In Luke 16:23a it says this: And in hell he (the rich man) lift up his eyes, being in torments,

He was in a place “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Jesus (Mark 9:44)

He soon realizes it’s too late for him so he asks Abraham if Lazarus could be sent to His father’s house to warn his brothers.

Luke 16:27-28

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

Abraham responds by saying: …They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:29-30) 

Suddenly everything was so clear to the rich man. If only he would have listened to the warning, if only he would have sought God while He was to be found and called upon Him while he was near. If only he had forsaken his ways and thoughts and turned to the Lord; God would have had mercy on him and pardoned him, but now it was forever to late.

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

 John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Don’t let the simplicity of the gospel be a stumbling block for you. Don’t be like Naaman who thought it was too easy and to humbling to dip seven times in the Jordan River.

Our human nature resists simply believing because it’s humbling and we don’t want to submit to God’s way and God’s plan. We think and tell ourselves it must be more complicated that that; we are proud.

There is something very simplistic and humbling about putting our faith in Jesus Christ, and that’s why Jesus says “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)

So don’t ignore the warnings. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Instead listen to God when He says:  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel 33:11

For how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 2:3a

PS: If anyone has questions or would like to talk feel free to email me at jwkrul@gmail.com

Not a Super Woman

 Monday, October 31, 2016

6:46 a.m.

All is dark as I maneuver our charcoal van through the curvy streets that lead to the airport rendezvous spot. Three sleepy eyed, rosy-cheeked boys nestle in the back as Jason and I share a few final words.

The serious mini bus rollover accident he was involved in in his last trip to Haiti has left its mark on our lives. Every moment we have together as a family has become just that much more precious. Knowing that we can’t add a single moment to our lives fills with me peace; our heavenly Father is completely trustworthy and in control.

Before long we’ve reached the parking area and I help unload Jason’s backpack and carryon. Another HFL staff member is already waiting and when she peeks into the back of the van full of boys she remarks how I must be some superwoman. I laugh and shake my head.

After saying our goodbyes I head back home and think about her comment. I’m definitely not a superwoman but I do serve a super God! Because of who God is, when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10b) He grants me wisdom; making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7) And He renews my strength; Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31) He never leaves me or forsakes me and upholds me by His righteous right hand.  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

How great is our God!

Repent and Believe

“If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.” Charles Spurgeon.

Heaven is for real, but so is Hell. It’s not something pleasant to think or talk about but that doesn’t mean the topic should be avoided. There are serious consequences for those who willfully refuse to believe and obey the gospel and as a believer we need to take this seriously. But don’t just take my word for it. Instead lets look to God and His Word for the truth.

2 Thes 1:8-10

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Matthew 13:50

And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Revelations 14:11

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Isaiah 66:24

And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against Me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”

Ezekiel 18:23

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Ezekiel 33:11

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Isaiah 65:2

I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;

Isaiah 55:6-8

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Mark 1:15

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Romans 10:9

 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Acts 16:31 

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Hebrews 13:15

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Hebrews 3:13

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

“We are not called to proclaim philosophy and metaphysics, but the simple gospel. Man’s fall, his need of a new birth, forgiveness through atonement, and salvation as the result of faith, these are our battle-ax and weapons of war.” Spurgeon

“If there existed only one man or woman who did not love the Saviour, and if that person lived among the wilds of Siberia, and if it were necessary that all the millions of believers on the face of the earth should journey there, and every one of them plead with him to come to Jesus before he could be converted, it would be well worth all the zeal, labour, and expense. If we had to preach to thousands year after year, and never rescued but one soul, that one soul would be full reward for all our labour, for a soul is of countless price.” Spurgeon

“God save us from living in comfort while sinners are sinking into hell!” Spurgeon

Joy in Abiding

“You can come over anytime!” I tell my friend as I say goodbye to her on our front step. “I don’t get out much!” I add jokingly, but it is true. Other than church, Bible study and groceries I find it easier to simply stay home with our boys.  And maybe from the world’s perspective my life may seem boring, ordinary, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth!  What joy and contentment can be found simply abiding in Christ, walking with Him everyday and following His directions! No wealth, fame, excitement or anything else in the world can compare to finding my daily contentment, peace, hope, joy, and love in Him!

Jesus says in John 10:10b I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Spurgeon says “There is no joy in this world like union with Christ. The more we can feel it, the happier we are.”

Jesus says in John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. And Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

How do you abide in Christ? James 4:8 says Draw night to God, and He will draw nigh to you.  Psalm 86:12 says I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. And Proverbs 3:5-6 says Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Lately God’s been impressing on me that it only takes a small spark to start a great fire. You don’t have to have any great talents, or be special in the world’s eyes to be used by Him to draw others to Him. Jesus says in Matthew 4:19b Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. And how exciting it is when God allows you to play a small part in drawing others to Him and you gain spiritual brothers and sisters! Jesus says in Luke 15:7a I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,

And finally, abiding in Him we can look ahead with confidence. And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.1 John 2:28 We don’t have to fear the future, instead as we abide in Him we long for the time when we will see Him face to face.

Glory to God!

I look up as I feel the first raindrops land on my face. I’d better hurry! Quick as a flash I plug in the extension cord and then start the weed eater. I really want to have the yard all done before Jason hopes to return tomorrow. Ignoring the water droplets that are now beginning to soak through my T-shirt I make quick work of clearing up the grass around the garden boxes. Right as I’m finishing it makes some strange noise and quits. I flip it over to see that its run out of string. Good timing! At least I’m finished! I quickly put it under cover and grab the lawn mower. As fast as I can I mow the final patches that I hadn’t finished this morning; then emptying the grass clipping in the compost bin I quickly park the lawn mower back in the shed.

Noticing a few stray weeds in my garden I slip on my garden gloves and get to work. Not minding the rain now, I let the wet drops cool my warm face. I know it doesn’t have to look perfect, but I still want everything to look nice for Jason when he comes home. Lately he’s taken over the yard work, but I didn’t want him to come home after 3 weeks to knee-deep grass and weeds!

Just today, I had bought his favorite food and snacks and stocked the fridge and pantry so he could just come home and relax! I really can’t wait to have him home again!

Looking up from the dirt between my gloved fingers I suddenly notice a beautiful double rainbow.  

Looking at it I’m reminded of God’s covenant promise in Genesis that He would never again destroy the earth with water. How awesome to still see that same token in the sky today! It’s like I can almost hear His voice say, “I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.”(Gen 9:13)

Standing in wonder, I’m reminded of my recent devotional study on our purpose in life; one of them being to bring glory to God. C.S. Lewis said. “In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.”  “God wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving and delight, not duty." (R. Warren) J. Piper notes, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

And it’s true, I really feel like I’ve been looking to God for everything lately, especially these last three weeks when I haven’t had Jason to lean on. God gives me joy and peace and wisdom. He’s the one I turn to when I struggle. He refocuses me time and time again. 

Earlier today when I was wandering around Walmart with my 3 boys doing my grocery shopping I was suddenly reminded of the words: and afterwards….into glory. But I couldn’t remember what that middle word was! Was it lead me into glory? No, that wasn’t it! Finally I remembered! It was receive me into glory! How beautiful it is that when our journey on earth is over that God will receive us into glory! (Psalm 73:24)

And how awesome it is to glorify Him here during our short time on earth!

R. Warren says:  “Worship is far more than praising, singing and praying to God. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving Him, and giving ourselves to be used for His purpose. The Bible says, yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Romans 6:13b. When you use your life for God’s glory, everything you do can become an act of worship."

Beautiful British Columbia

Jason arrived safely in Haiti this morning  and as I now have some extra free time in the evenings again, I was going through some of my recent photos. 

We sure do live in a beautiful place! 

All glory goes to God Who created everything!

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1 

Forasmuch as there is none like unto Thee, O LORD, Thou art great, and Thy name is great in might.  Jeremiah 10:6

Everyday will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:2

Winter - Spring Update

(I was just looking when I wrote our last family update and noticed it was October! 

Although I've done blog posts since, no updates, so here goes!)

Fall in Canada slowly faded to winter.

The air became cooler and Canadian geese filled the skies in swarms, honking their noisy goodbyes. 

I still loved admiring the changing skies and the colourful sunsets; God is an incredible Artist!

Our two youngest boys experienced the magic of their first snowfall; side by side!

They soon learned that snow was not only fun to watch, but also super fun to play in!

The snow scenery was breathtaking, of course.

And so were the snow sunsets.

The boys were quickly introduced to sledding, skating and snowboarding, and thought it was all just grand!

It was also special being able to celebrate Christmas with our families for the first time in 8 years!

Jason travelled multiple times back and forth to Haiti and looking through his pictures I couldn't help but marvel at how different the two worlds really were!

He loves the work he is doing, and comes home full of excitement over plans, and projects and people, and development. He also gets to see first hand how God is at working in the lives of partners in Canada, Haiti and all around the world! I do get a tiny bit jealous every now and then. 

In his spare time, he's also been busy upgrading his education so he is now a licensed EMR (Emergency Medical Responder/Paramedic ) and an IFSAC certified Firefighter.

In December he joined the firehall again and when his pager goes off he is out the door in a flash.

With all the 'hats' he wears and many talents he has, I am just thankful to have him in our lives and how he makes our family a priority!

Winter didn't hang around too long, and before we knew it spring was here with her fragrant blossoms, and tranquil sunshine.

I of course, took 100's many photo's of the blossoms, but will only share a couple of my favourites!

To my surprise, chickadees soon moved into my tiny, 'just for show', honeymoon suite, and we soon had the pleasure of listening to tiny chirping babies!

The 3 boys all celebrated birthdays, and we were thankful for another year they were spared.

With the rising temperatures, they were excited to be able to run around outdoors once again!

Jayden only has 1 week of school left and told me he is actually sad the school year is almost over! He really enjoys school and has thankfully transitioned really well. Here he is dressed up for one of his recent field trips.

I'm really enjoying my role as a wife and stay-at-home mom. Being a home-maker has always been a dream of mine and I love it!

I've also enjoyed gardening and watching everything in our yard grow!

I've also really enjoyed attending and participating in two women's Bible studies. I love studying the Bible and I love digging deep into God's Word with other ladies, so being part of the studies has been a great blessing to me!

I still wake up an hour early each morning to spend time at Jesus's feet, which has truly been the most worthwhile thing I've done in my life. Jesus says in Matthew 11:29 "...Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." And it's true. He gives rest; He gives joy; He gives peace; and like I tell Jason sometimes, "He turns my chaos back into order!" I love God and pray daily that my heart will be wholly committed to Him!  

Jesus said to Martha that Mary who sat at His feet had "chosen the good part." Will you?