Can You Hear the Voice of Wisdom?

/0 Comments/in /by

Can you hear the voice of wisdom? Not always an easy voice to hear especially in our extremely loud culture. But the voice is always there calling out to us if we are willing to silence the other voices and listen.

A few weeks ago I hit Psalm 150 in my daily quiet time reading and normally the next day I would start all over again with Psalm 1. But something nudged me to flip over a page and start praying through the book of Proverbs.  I’ll be honest, nothing against the Proverbs but the Psalms are my happy place.

Perhaps it is the season I’m in or all that is going on in our world, but I have been so blessed by the Spirit speaking to me in this book of Wisdom. I’m trying not to rush through but rather soak in every verse and just listen. This is what I’m hearing, Wisdom is a timeless gift to receive wherever the day may bring.

Solomon, who wrote most of these poetic truths, was honored by God as he sought the gift of wisdom above all else(1 Kings 3). During his reign the kingdom grew and the people experienced a heavenly shalom. Sadly, later on Solomon turned away from the voice of wisdom and seeds of chaos were planted that eventually divided the kingdom in the next generation.

Proverbs tells us that wisdom is birthed when we come to know “the fear of the LORD,” (1:7). The Hebrew word for “fear” implies so much more than our English word. The best way I can wrap my mind around this word “fear” is to describe it as daily being consumed by the glorious beauty of God.  When I encounter His glory wisdom will be revealed. And we know the revelation of wisdom ultimately is from the lineage of Solomon: Jesus (See Isa. 11:1-2, 1 Cor. 1:30, Col. 2:3).

Encountering the glorious face of Jesus will lead to a life of surrender and obedient worship, which is a life directed by Wisdom. How thankful I am for a Sunday School teacher who had me memorize Proverbs 3:5-6.  I had no idea at the time how key that verse would be for a life guided by Wisdom.

To me this proverb means placing my life in the the faithful hands of Jesus even when life doesn’t make sense, continuing to seek after Him, and desiring to know Him with the deepest longing in my heart.  A wonderful promise follows: “He will direct my path,”  His wisdom will lead me and will lead you into His forever Kingdom of loving peace!

All the voices we continue to hear from our loud and proud world offering to fill our emptiness only lead to a banquet of pain, shame, and spiritual death. But how different the voice of Wisdom, it is a voice that brings us to a table of healing, forgiveness, hope, and an everlasting love the fills our greatest need to belong.

With all the voices yelling out to you I pray that you will listen to Wisdom.  I challenge you to put aside social media for a time and tune into the Spirit’s voice. Maybe turn to the book of Proverbs, listen to Jesus’ voice, and find the shalom you were created for.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.”

 – Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

 

 

 

Remembering our Purpose

/0 Comments/in /by

Written by Mike Verkaik

What do you remember from your years of middle school? This is a question I have been asking myself after returning from our third South Africa Kingdom Encounter trip with middle school students from Holland Christian. I traveled there with the principal, Tom Strikwerda, who approached me almost four years ago with the vision and desire to create lasting and faith formational memories for students during their most formidable years. I still remember our initial conversation as he lobbied for an opportunity to impact, empower and nurture the hearts of student leaders to transform each student’s circle of influence, the school and the world for Jesus Christ.

On the flight home Tom sat by each student listening to the life-changing memories we shared together as we served, worshiped, and sought after the presence of our Abba Father.

Hear the middle school memories Tom shared with staff and families:
I am thrilled to share some of the life-changing experiences we had together in South Africa. One of the most impactful individuals we met was Pastor Raymond, who leads an organization called Love in Action. Pastor Raymond cares for the needs of the impoverished in his community. From the moment we arrived, he welcomed us warmly, offering snacks and making each person feel valued. Samara expressed that Pastor Raymond didn’t feel like a stranger; his genuine love and hospitality were immediately evident. Our students had the privilege of working alongside him, preparing and serving over 700 meals for those in need. Together, we peeled pounds of carrots and potatoes and added them to the “big pot,” a large stew to nourish many. As we toured Jim Se Bos, a nearby village facing extreme poverty, our students were struck by the joy of some of the people we met. Henry noted that true joy isn’t dependent on wealth but is rooted in God. Stirring the soup

Another highlight of our week was serving at a local Care Center, where our students had the opportunity to assist teachers and spend time with the children. They were able to offer extra love and support, which brought noticeable changes in the children’s behavior. Elsa shared that although these children had difficult upbringings and some expressed frustration by throwing punches, they quickly warmed up to our students and showed such joy in playing together. Elsa formed a sweet bond with a little girl named Isla, who eventually fell asleep in her arms. Adam shared that the most challenging part of the trip was saying goodbye to the children he had grown to love, including Skye, Israel, and Procee.

We also joined three different churches for worship, each of which gave our students a fresh sense of freedom and joy in their relationship with God. Worship was vibrant, filled with singing, dancing, and heartfelt sharing. Our students even led part of the worship, singing “Firm Foundation” together. In our final service, Mason and Jada shared testimonies of gratitude, with Mason recognizing the joy these churches had despite having fewer material things than we do, and Jada was touched by their hospitality, as they welcomed us so warmly and celebrated our group just for being there.

Many of our students came away with invaluable lessons. Stellan Beebe noticed the power of teamwork, which allowed us to accomplish so much, from preparing meals to assisting at the Care Center. Ethan was in awe of God’s creation, from the tiny sea anemones in the tide pools to the penguins, lizards, whales, and other wildlife. John Steenwyk felt the Holy Spirit guiding him in his interactions with the children at the Care Center, even when it took him outside his comfort zone.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the importance of helping our young people discover their purpose through service, worship, and experiencing God’s creation. Each evening, we gathered to reflect on our “highs and lows,” and almost every “high” involved moments of serving, worshiping, or marveling at God’s world. These moments brought LOVE, JOY and PEACE to each of us. As we raise the young we need to help them navigate what their purpose is each day and give them opportunities to do what Jesus told us in Mark 12: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength… Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

“Don’t Stop Praying!”

/0 Comments/in /by

Have you heard the song by Matthew West, “Don’t Stop Praying?” I actually hadn’t known about it until a few Sunday ago.  We were at Haven church in Zeeland, Michigan, and the outreach committee played a video of the song which included a challenge  to get God’s children to keep on praying, particularly  during this stormy season our world is in.

So to help promote this, the outreach committee purchased a bunch of signs and encouraged the congregation to place them in their yards to remind people that the only answer to life’s most difficult challenges is on our knees before a powerful and loving Father God. It was such a blessing to drive around the following week seeing these signs posted in neighborhoods reminding me and others of the gift of prayer we have been given.

One of these signs found its way back to South Africa and was placed on the front lawn of Oceans Retreat Center and School for all the students, neighbors, and thousands of others who pass by to see.

Recently, I heard a story from a professing witch who become a follower of Christ talk about the power of prayer. She shared how she and other witches were called to put curses on Christians. However, their curses were powerless when they encountered a believer who lived in continual prayer.  She verified that a blue shield could be seen around them and nothing they did could get through. That is a powerful testimony to the power of prayer!!

We as followers of Christ have been given direct access to the Father and can bring every spiritual battle we face, every sin we struggle with, every sickness, addiction, broken relationship, injustice in our world, the demonic strongholds which plague our culture, yes we can bring any of these and so much before to the throne of The Lamb. We can trust our All-Powerful Father will act for our good and His glory.

The Apostle Paul tells the young church in the city of Thessalonica that the key to thriving in a pagan culture is to “Be joyful always; pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:16-17). A life of joy will flow out of a life saturated with prayer and praise.  This is how we will flood the world with the glory of God. The first century church was built on a lifestyle of prayer and praise, their lives of joy showed a desperate world a true hope and home they were searching for.

So beloved children of the Father, “Don’t Stop Praying!” Our world needs to encounter joy-filled followers of Christ who live before the Father through continual prayer and praise!

 

“SHANNAH TOVAH” – Blessed Good Year

/0 Comments/in /by

Written by board member Danell Czarnecki.

Recently Oceans Ministries board, staff and Bryan and Marc from VTC House, partners of Oceans Ministries, gathered together for a time of prayer seeking to where God would lead us in the next season of ministry. Those gathered were from California, Colorado, Michigan and South Africa. It was good to be together praying and listening to our Abba.

And by God’s design, that Saturday morning was the day of Yom Kippur, the holiest of holy days on the Jewish Calendar; the Day of Atonement where the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and make sacrifices and sprinkle blood on the altar for the Israelites so they could be free of their past transgressions and enter into a new year of blessings; believing God would grant them favor for a good year.

In preparing for our gathering on Saturday morning I couldn’t help but think of Jews all over the world fasting, praying, and reading the Psalms on this holiest of holy days and couldn’t ignore the current situation in Israel and other significant events that took place on/during Yom Kippur:

The birth of Rebekah (wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob) Moses returning with 2nd Tablets after the golden calf incident Ezekiel’s Vision of the Third Temple (410 BCE)
Start of the Yom Kippur War (1973)

Birth of Oceans Ministries (2014)

The Jewish people believe that on Yom Kippur one is able to experience a closeness with God greater than any other time; they trust that God will “show up” as they fast and pray. And indeed, He did during our time together in so many ways; I had not mentioned to anyone the devotion was going to be on Yom Kippur; I had not mentioned any of the components or texts typically part of Yom Kippur; I had not even planned to use any of them except Psalm 67 to open our prayer time together.

On the morning of Yom Kippur, the first prayer of the day is called the Shacharit, or rise and climb; and is recited sometime between sunrise and early midday. The prayer lasts, on average, half an hour and is likened to a ladder.

Rung one typically begins with the reading of Psalm 67; our time of prayer began reading Psalm 67. After our prayer time one of our brothers at the table shared he had been led to that very Psalm earlier that morning. God is a good Father!!

Rung Two is a series of Psalms (typically Psalm 145–150) stirring
an emotional attachment to God through awareness of His awesome deeds. And wouldn’t you know, God led another of our brothers to read Psalm 145 while we prayed together. God is such a good Father!!

Rung Three the Shema is recited, and as we prayed Pastor Tim spoke the Shema in Hebrew, unintentionally we had climbed yet another rung closer to our Heavenly Daddy. God is such a good, good Father!!

Rung Four is known as the Amidah where one stands before God and addresses Him directly, (typically facing Jerusalem). This closeness denotes complete oneness with God, a oneness that transcends emotion or intellect. A oneness experienced to the very core of who we are as His sons and daughters; a bond that surpasses flesh and opens us to receive the love of the Father; the very heart and mission of Oceans Ministries.

A little over 10 years ago; God gave Pastor Tim a vision; and one of the Scriptures he was given was Hab, 2:14;

“Just as the waters covers the sea, people everywhere will know the Lord’s glory.”

I find it not coincidental that during this season of turmoil; confusion and division (in Israel and the world) that the prophet and book of Habakkuk is received by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. And providentially the main message of Habakkuk is to trust the Lord no matter what.

Trust is such a small word, but so hard to live into; especially when there is so much uncertainty and change happening around us. As Oceans Ministries was launched in October of 2014 my word for the year 2015 was TRUST and the Scripture was Is. 42:9;

“The things I said would happen have happened; and now I tell you about new things. Before those things happen, I will tell you about them.”

Hard to believe Oceans is 10 years old, and as we look back we are grateful for all He has done and for where He has brought us; but now we are looking ahead to 2025. What things has our Abba planned for us in this new, good year?

As VTC House, a Christian school, begins on the campus; we are excited about our new partnership and the many young lives that will be impacted by the Gospel on the holy ground of the Retreat Center. One young life on campus has already been forever changed as he met his Savior and has “new life” because of the obedience and willingness of the VTC House staff to say yes and step forward in trust into a new season, a good year.

Is 43:18-19: “The Lord says, Forget what has happened before; and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it?”

Oceans Ministries is trusting this next season will be a good year; for His glory and honor! What “new things” are you trusting in the Lord for in this next “good year?”

What a Glorious Bride!

/0 Comments/in /by

Recently my wife and I had the joy of being in four different churches in four weeks. I can truly say “JOY” because of how the Spirit used each worship experience to paint a glorious picture of what He is up to. There may be many challenges facing the church today, as we hear or know of scandals and failures. Yet, in spite of this, the Spirit is busy behind the scenes dressing up the glorious bride, the church to be made ready for the return of Jesus, the Bridegroom.

We saw this beauty in multicolored ways in gatherings which represented every tribe and nation in the Southern most part of Africa. The services varied in length from 4 hours to a hour and the worship expressed the different cultures represented. One was filled with exuberant dancing and movement and another with reflective songs on a screen led by piano.  There was a choir of kids and teenagers with angelic voices, testimonies of praise for God’s faithfulness that went on for over an hour, baptisms, communion, food given out to needy families, celebrations members joining the church, altars filled with broken people needing prayer and salvation, and always the Word of God preached pointing to Christ.

Even though none of these churches can boast in their buildings, budgets, or being a mega church, they each are transforming the community around them. One church had the a large group of young children who came on their own seeking a place of love and safety from their difficult home environments. Another church which was built on a former dump was filled with single moms, drug dealers, gang members, abused children, Muslims, all looking for hope in the midst of extreme poverty.

At another service we talked to a man named John, who has been the head boss of one of the gangs in our city. He was invited to an 10 week Alpha course at church and at the end of the course gave his life to Christ and was one of the people being baptized that day. I could fill up several blogs telling story after story of how the Holy Spirit is using each of these bodies to bring the message of a new Kingdom that has broken into the world through the resurrected Christ.

These four very diverse and culturally different worship experiences gave us so much hope and joy for what the Holy Spirit is doing in our world. Over 2000 years ago Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead and placed on the throne as The Sovereign ruler over the earth until He comes again. At His ascension the Holy Spirit was released and the gates of hell simply cannot stop the Bride of Christ. This powerful Gospel message transforms the darkest of souls.

We as followers of Christ should be the most hopeful people living on the planet. Our God is busy dressing us and making us glorious to glow before the nations with His love and He extends an invitation to the wedding celebration that is soon to come.  We are thankful for what He showed us those four weeks and hopeful that the best is yet to come!

“Come’, says the Holy Spirit and the Bride in divine duet. Let everyone who hears the duet join them in saying, “Come” and let everyone who craves the gift of living water come and drink freely. Come!” (Rev. 22:17)