Reim-er Reason

Search the Heart and Mind

2012-03-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

We think we have it figured out! We think we pretty much know all there is to know and think we are in control. Well, at least that is what we would like to believe.

We even like to tell God what to do - what he can or cannot do. What he is allowed to do. What he would do IF he is a good God at all.

Somehow we have this all backwards. Jeremiah had it right...

⁵ This is what the LORD says:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who draws strength from mere flesh
and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

⁷ “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

¹⁰ “I the LORD search the heart
and examine the mind,...”

- Jeremiah 17

We are the ones who need to pay attention to God and follow HIS purpose, teaching and influence. God is the creator, we are the created. God is the one who is trustworthy. We are the ones who cannot be trusted.

In keeping with this Romans 12:2 gives great advice.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Only 10 Words

2012-03-07T15:09:00.001-07:00

Only 10 words!

What a difference 10 words can make.

This past weekend the leadership of our church spent a weekend away praying and working through the purpose of our church. Why are we here? What are we here to do? What priorities should determine how we use the resources God has given us? After much discussion we affirmed our purpose is this...

"Helping more people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ."

That purpose should direct all that we do as a church. Essentially we should eliminate anything we do that does not help us accomplish our purpose.

It is sadly interesting that far too often we get sidetracked and actually do things that keep us from accomplishing our purpose. And how we talk to and about others has a lot to do with this. I was struck by this when reading Jeremiah 18

¹⁸ They said, “Come, let’s make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not cease, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. So come, let’s attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says.”

¹⁹ Listen to me, LORD;
hear what my accusers are saying!
²⁰ Should good be repaid with evil?
Yet they have dug a pit for me.
Remember that I stood before you
and spoke in their behalf
to turn your wrath away from them.

- Jeremiah 18:18-20

We get wrapped up in our own lives, forgetting that God has called us to influence others toward Jesus Christ. Just like "the two brothers" we forget that we are in the presence of Jesus Christ and he has an amazing mission for us. Instead we jockey for the positions of power and personal benefit.

¹⁷ Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, ¹⁸ “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death ¹⁹ and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”

²⁰ Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

²¹ “What is it you want?” he asked.

She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

²² “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

“We can,” they answered.

²³ Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

²⁴ When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. ²⁵ Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

An Illusion

2012-03-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

I got stuck in the snow today! The snow blower would not work, so I shovelled some snow, and soon gave up. I got the car out of the driveway okay and managed to start down our street. Then came the corners. I made it past the first one, then got hung up on the second. After much shoveling and help from others, I got going once more.

The snow looked soft and "friendly" but in reality it was hard, and stopped my vehicle in it's tracks.

In the passage for today we are challenged in regards to our lives. We had such a tendency to lives for the sake of what we might look like to others. Yet, on the inside, we know we are not what we appear to be.

¹⁶ Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.
¹⁷ Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.^[a]
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.

¹⁸ “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

- Isaiah 10:16-18

When we come to Christ, seek and receive his forgiveness, we truly become white as snow. On the other hand, when we try to "cover up" what is inside and pretent we have it all together, we not only harm ourselves, but hinder others in finding true cleansing and hope. In Matthew 23 Jesus warned against hypocricy.

¹ Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ² “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ³ So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. ⁴ They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

⁵ “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries^[a] wide and the tassels on their garments long; ⁶ they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; ⁷ they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

- Matthew 23:1-7

Lord, today may my life be a reflection of your work in my life. May I experience true purity as you make me pure and I follow your ways.

Mercy and Forgiveness

2012-03-05T09:17:00.001-07:00

“Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, ⁵we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. ⁶We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.

⁷“Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. ⁸We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, LORD, because we have sinned against you. ⁹The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; ¹⁰ we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. - Daniel 9:4-10

³⁶Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

³⁷“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” - Luke 6:36-38

"What grace this is for us who have sinned. Though w have turned away from God's love, God remains faithful and continually invites us back into his embrace." (Not By Bread Alone: Daily Reflections For Lent 2011)

Who can ever make it?

2012-03-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

How can anyone ever make it?

In my reading from the Old Testament this morning, it seems that a person determines whether he will "live" or "die" based on his own righteousness. Ezekiel 18 states,

²¹“But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die. ²²None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live....

²⁴“But if a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, will they live? None of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness they are guilty of and because of the sins they have committed, they will die.

Then in the New Testament we find that Jesus elaborates on the subject. In Matthew 5 he said,

²⁰For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

The Pharisees attempted to live (at least in the public eye) in obedience to the laws that were found in the Scriptures. Yet, Jesus said that our righteousness must surpass theirs if we wish to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Who then, can make it?

Praise God, there is a righteousness that is not our own, but comes from God. We are approaching Easter where we celebrate the fact that Jesus Christ gave his life to pay the price for our sin - to provide righteousness that we cannot attain on our own. It is only through faith in Christ.

Knock, Knock!

2012-03-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

⁹ “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! ¹² So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

- Matthew 7:7-12

Why would God invite us to ask, seek and knock? Of course, there is a progression. Asking is somewhat passive. Seeking takes action on our part. Knocking requires us to become vulnerable, anticipating but not knowing what is behind the door.

Our life with God is not a static affair. It requires us to "get up and move."

Who IS God?

2012-02-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am often amazed at how we try to tell God what to do. How "I" try to tell God how he should do things - what is acceptable and what is not.

Now we know that God knows much better than we do. That he knows the past, present and future. He sees the big picture. He has the power to step in and intervene in our lives - even in nature. Yet, somehow when we pray, we have our own minds. When God answers prayer the way we expect, he is a good God. But, should he respond differently than we expected - especially if it is contrary to what we think is beneficial to us - he somehow is no longer good. Go figure!

Jonah was such a typical person. Just like us.

¹ Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: ² “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

³ Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. ⁴ Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” ⁵ The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

¹⁰ When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

- Jonah 3

As we read further we discover that Jonah was quite upset at God for not destroying Nineveh. God had the big picture in mind. Jonah had his own personal agenda.

Today, when I seek God - when I pray, what is my agenda? How will I treat God? Will I treat him as the Almighty God - where I worship and serve him? Or will I treat him like I am god and He is my servant? Will I only consider him good if he does things My Way?

Prayer

2012-02-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

"Prayer reveals our true self before the living God."

Life for many of us, is relentless and crowds our minds and schedules. Who has time to pray? Strange how we can feel that way. There is so much to do, so many demands. Who can afford the luxury of sitting quiet talking to One whom we cannot even see? Of course, we would never admit to others that we feel and think this way. But if we are honest, is that not how our actions reveal our thoughts?

The truth is... prayer is essential as we walk the journey of Life with God. Prayer is vital as we develop our relationship with God. Prayer connects us to the Living God who desires to communicate with us and be our "very present help in time of need." Prayer is not a "luxury." It is at the very heart of our existence on earth which transcends the every day mundane.

⁷And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

⁹“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us today our daily bread.
¹²And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’

¹⁴For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

- Matthew 6:7-15

The End or The Journey?

2012-02-27T11:16:00.001-07:00

I was struck by the Lenten reading for today. Matthew 25:31-46 talks about a day in the future when everyone will come before Jesus and He will inform each one of of their future.

³¹“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³²All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left."

This passage is all about the future, right? I confess that until today I always read this passage to indicate that I ought to live my life today so that in the end I will be found among those who will receive a positive reward rather then those who receive a negative reward.

But this morning it struck me. None of the people mentioned in the story had any particular concern about the future. They simply acted out their personal beliefs and focused on their own priorities. There were those who had obviouslybeen impacted in their own personal lives to look beyond themselves and selflessly touch the lives of others. Then there were the others who simply lived for self - plain and simple.

I had to ask myself the question, Do I follow Christ today only because I can then be assured of my own personal well being for eternity? Or do I follow Christ today because He has paid for my freedom and He has changed me from the inside out? That change then WILL affect how I live - not simply for personal reward in eternity.

³⁴“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
³⁷“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
⁴⁰“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
⁴¹“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴²For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
⁴⁴“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
⁴⁵“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
⁴⁶“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

White as Snow

2012-02-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

This morning I am looking outside at the freshly fallen snow. The ground is covered with a blanket of white. It looks so new, so clean, so pure. It makes it easy to forget that underneath is crusty, dirty snow and ice. Hidden beneath are all things that brown and rotting. Then I read the passages from the Bible for today...

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
¹⁰ and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.

- Isaiah 58:9-10

²⁷After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, ²⁸and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.

²⁹Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. ³⁰But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

³¹Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ³²I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

- Luke 5:27-32

I am challenged to ask myself, What is the state of my inner soul? Am I spiritually healthy? Not so much, what does my life look like to others, but how am I doing in my relationship with God? Is there the cover-up of "white snow" on the outside, yet inside it is filthy? Is there only the appearance of being white as snow or have I deeply experienced Isaiah 1:18?

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Authenticity

2012-02-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

The reading for today is Isaiah 58:1-9. God is speaking to the people and talks about how they seek out God and desire His blessing.

"They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them."

But then the people complain and ask,

'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and you have not seen it?

Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?'

God gives them an answer they neither expected nor wanted.

"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.

Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists.

You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself?

Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?

Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?

It is so common and easy for us to behave just like the people of Isreal as described in Isaiah 58. We readily attend church services where we sing and "worship" God. Through our songs we declare our undying devotion to God. Then we leave "church" and essentially ignore God's desires and directives to us.

May my life be consistent with what I declare in the safety of the sanctuary.

Choose Life

2012-02-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

¹⁶For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.... ¹⁹This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live ²⁰and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. - Deut. 30:15-20

²³Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. ²⁴For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. ²⁵What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? - Luke 9:23-25

Life is all about choices. Even though God has the power over all, He has given us the freedom to make choices. Choices that will affect us and our futures. Choices that will affect others - for good or bad. God has given us the choice to determine not only how we live our lives, but where we will spend eternity. Of course, He continually invites and draws us to HImself and pleads for us to choose Him - and to choose LIFE.

Ironically, for those who desire forever life, it means to give up one's life. To turn one's life over to Jesus Christ. To trust Him for complete forgiveness and restoration. To allow the Holy Spirit of God to control and empower one's life completely. To worship God the Father over anything else in or out of this world. In abandoning my life to God, I gain life that is far more fulfilling, purposeful and ever lasting.

Ash Wednesday

2012-02-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Today is the beginning of Lent. The observation of the season of Lent has not been a part of my spiritual heritage partly due to the fact that there is no Biblical instruction or even suggestion for such a thing as Lent. Of course, neither is there any indication that we should celebrate Christmas. Celebrating either of these can bring value if kept in perspective and bring us to focus on God, his work in the past, and His desire to work in us at present. It is my aim to follow guided reflections during Lent this year. I intend to journal some of my impressions in this blog.

Joel 2:12 - "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weepeing and mourning."
2 Cor. 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteounses of God."
Matt. 6:1 - "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."
Rom. 5:1 - "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God thorugh our Lord Jesus Christ."

What an amazing privilege - we can have peace and complete forgiveness through Jesus Christ. So often we fall into the idea that we have to somehow strive to "pay" for our own sin. That was reality until Jesus Christ voluntarily gave his life the cross to pay the "once for all" price for our sin. As I come to Him, open my heart to him, place my life and trust completely on Him, I am forgiven! Now I desire to live my life as a living statement of gratitude to Him for what he has done in my life!

Christmas

2011-12-08T14:18:00.001-07:00

The ChristmasSeason is upon us. Life can become frantic as we try to keep pace with all thedemands we allow to crowd our lives. Sometimes we need to stop and take abreath, and consider what this season of celebration is all about. We encourageyou to pause a moment and consider the Christmas Narrative in a fresh way. Putyourself in the shoes of those we find in the Christmas Story.

We sing aboutthe Three Kings who came from the Orient following a star to the place of thebirth of Christ. In all probability theseindividuals were not kings, but foreign priests or spiritual advisors who werefollowing the stars to the place where a king was to be born. We might wonderhow God could use people like this to confirm the fact that the Son of God wasborn on earth!

Then therewas Mary. Why did God choose Mary to be the one to give birth to the Son of God?What about Mary’s dreams and plans?All of life was going to be affected! Yet, Marywas humble, obedient and devoted to her Lord. God used her to help change theworld.

And thenthere were the farmers. Well, we know them as shepherds. To them was given themost amazing news! Good news of great joy – which was to be for all people! Goddidn’t give them the news to keep to themselves.

Then ofcourse, there is the Centre of the whole story – Jesus!We can become enamoured with all the trappings of those surrounding the storyand forget that the whole point of what was going on was that God was steppinginto this world to bring hope.

The Power Of A Positive Perspective

2011-11-04T10:33:00.000-06:00

What do you think about most often? what consumes your thinking?

Do you spend hours dreaming about winning the lottery and what you woulddo with the money if you were to win millions? Do you worry about your childrenor grandchildren? Do you agonize over problems and problem people at work? Whatdo you think about?

Do you tend to think negatively or positively?

How and what you think makes all the difference. What you think can killyou or it can give you life, hope and a future. A healthy life comes fromhealthy thinking. You really are what you think!

In Philippians 4:4-8 Paul wrote, Rejoicein the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness beevident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but ineverything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests toGod. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard yourhearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything isexcellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

We discover here that we can develop a healthy way of thinking byfirst acquiring a positive perspective. We are to rejoicein the Lord always. No matter what circumstances we face, we can see either thepositive or the negative. What do you see?

Secondly, develop an optimistic attitude. We are told not to be anxiousabout anything. Isn't it strange that we find all kinds of excuses for worryingabout things going on around us. We drown in a sea of "what if's."Yet, most of those "what if's" never come to be. Give whatever it isyou are worrying about to God and let God worry about it. Only worry if youbelieve you can handle the situation better than God.

Finally, when you stop spending your time worrying, you will continue tothink about something. We are encouraged to think about what we know to be true(not all those things we speculate about), Think about what is honorable, whatis right (not everything that is true, is right for us to think about), what ispure. Think abou what is positive and thankful, waht is worth an A+, what isexcellent and what is worth a standing ovation.

I have a hunch that our lives would change if we changed our thinking tofollow the instruction in Philippians 4.

*These thoughts are a summary of the second sermon in the series"The Power Of A Positive Church" I have been preaching at Bethel EMChurch in Three Hills, Alberta.

Transitions

2011-09-04T14:13:00.001-06:00

Life is about to change for Debbie and me once again. Beginning October 1, 2011 I will begin serving as "Intentional Transitional Pastor" at Bethel EM Church in Three Hills Alberta.

After serving as senior/lead pastor for several decades, we came to Didsbury three years ago where I would serve as associate pastor. When we came I was asked how I would adjust to the role of associate pastor after serving as senior pastor for so long. I said I didn't know, and we would have to see. I was given the responsiblities to oversee the worship, small group, newcomers and adult education ministries. I looked forward to the opportunity to try somethings I had always wanted, but had never had the time.

After one year of serving in this role, I did not feel settled in what I was doing. I told myself that I needed more time to adjust. After two years I knew that this role was not for me. Too much of me was pressing me to be involved in the strategic leadership of the church. I missed preaching on a consistent basis and managing ministry programing was not "getting me up in the morning." I began to pray regularly - weekly if not daily - that the Lord would show me me where he was directing me. Silence. I continued to pray and journal about my interaction with the Lord, and about his apparent silence on the matter.

Finally in the Spring of 2011 I could no longer remain silent. I talked to a few key people about my inner need to make a change. Still, the Lord was not opening any doors. In time I talked to our senior pastor about what I was going through. Fortunately he was completely supportive in my quest to find God's place for us.

Part of our dilemna was that we felt we would like to stay living in Didsbury for at least another year - for various reasons. How could we make a change and remain living here. Then the thought crossed my mind, "what if there was a church within driving distance of Didsbury that needed an interm pastor?" Then we could remain living here and I could use the gifts and passions that God has given me. I talked to our Regional Ministers about this, but there seemed to be no church in the area that needed an interm pastor.

Then the Lord began to reveal His amazing planning. The senior pastor at Bethel EM Church in Three HIlls resigned. The church decided they wanted someone to come in for about a year to be their Intentional Transitional Pastor (ITP). We began to dialogue and in the course of time the decision was made for us to leave Zion EM Church in Didsbury to become the ITP at Bethel Church in Three Hills.

On October 1st, I will officially begin ministry in Three Hills. We will continue to live in Didsbury where Debbie will keep her job at Front Porch Realty and our daughter Liesel will live with us as she completes her studies at Rocky Mountain College in Calgary. Of course we will miss the regular fellowship at Zion Church - and particularly the worship team I have been leading - our Life Group - and the staff at the church. But I am excited about the work that lies ahead and the opportunity to make a real difference in God's church.

He Is Alive And It Makes All The Difference

2011-04-28T09:45:00.002-06:00

I wonder what that "first" Easter morning was like. I expect that for most people it was an ordinary morning to begin a week. However, for the followers of Jesus it was anything but ordinary. Their leader had been taken from them. Then, to their surprise, Jesus Christ rose from the dead and conquered death.

Jesus is alive and it makes all the difference. This was my theme as I preached my sermon on Easter Sunday. Jesus is alive and it makes all the difference becuase He (by His Spirit) is with us 24/7 now - which is both comforting and challenging); He desires to guide and direct us as we ask him and follow his leading; He conquered death so that we may also live (life does not end when we physically die).

Jesus is alive and it does make all the difference. To listen to the full sermon go to www.zemc.org and follow the links to listen to a sermon on April 24, 2011.

Courage & Hope

2010-11-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Interesting… I read in a devotional this morning… on worship…

“If you have been involved in the worship ministry of your church for any length of time, there have probably been some disappointments along the way…. Maybe there have been times when people have not truly recognized the time and effort you and the others have devoted to worship ministry…. Or perhaps someone was critical of you or the others.

Whatever the case, you have certainly been disappointed. There may have been times when your hope for things getting better had vanished. Perhaps you’re there now.

Even in the midst of difficult times God still offers you hope. Do you have the courage to fish again? Will you call to God in time of trouble? For those who are willing, His hope is still there.”

Keeping up to the "new thing"

2010-05-21T11:56:00.000-06:00

One of the catch-words in church ministry these days is "cutting-edge." We are supposed to keep up to the latest and greatest if we are going to be effective. If we don't people will leave our churches and go to churches where they can find what they are looking for. In the book "Times of Refreshing" Arlen Salte wrote,

"One of the sobering realities that has come with being in full-time ministry so many years has been seeing the "hot" thing come and go. The inability to change and to stay fresh is one of the greatest challenges in ministry."

It seems to me that we have been lured into a superficial world where sacrificial life change is uncommon. Jesus called people to deny themselves and follow him. They were to take up their cross and follow him. "Blessed are the persecuted." I suspect that once we get back to a genuine life-change experience, there will be many in this world who will desire to experience what we are experiencing.As soon as I read that, I thought, "is that what church is supposed to be?" Is the church and the Christian life really so superficial that unless it keeps up to the latest 'fads' it will fail and die away? I hope not!

Like a Flower in Spring

2010-03-19T09:55:00.002-06:00

I have been reading through the book of Isaiah over the past few weeks. Much of the first 39 chapters is pretty depressing. There are warnings after warnings of God's judgement on the people. It makes you want to skip those chapters entirely. Because of sin and rebellion against God, some detail is given about how one nation will be destroyed, anther devastated, and the people of Israel will be looted and dragged into captivity.

At one point King Hezekiah is a hero for turning to God in a time of national crisis and the nation is spared for a time. Then he shows his true colours when he is told that after he is gone the land will be looted and even his family will be ravaged, and he glad. Why? Because there will be peace in his life time.

Finally after all that darkness we come to Isa. 40. What at turn in focus and feeling. Suddenly we hear the words "comfort," "He gathers his lambs," "The Lord is the everlasting God," and "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." It feels like spring has arrived after an Alberta winter. Flowers start to bloom and there is the healing warmth of the sun (without the threat of spring storms).

I am reminded that God is a God of justice and a God of Grace. When we turn against God, we will be held accountable. But when we turn to God, God extends his grace and bring forgiveness and refreshing into our lives. There are times when we experience pain - even excruciating pain, and he brings us to a place of healing and wholeness. And we have the promise of perfect wholeness in eternity.

So, as the writer to the Hebrews wrote, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Heb. 12:3)

Listening before we speak

2010-03-08T23:14:00.002-07:00

As a pastor, I preach and teach, but who are people really hearing? Mark Buchanan put it so well when he wrote in his book "The Rest Of God,"

All our authority is derived. Either God gives us words, or we are only giving opinions. Either God vouches for us, or our credentials are forged. If anyone ever stops to listen to you or me, this had better be solidly in place: Our speaking comes out of our listening. What we say comes out of what we hear. We have to be people who listen, day and night, to God. Our utterances ought to be as Jesus' were: an echoing of the Father, an imitation of him. They ought to be a holy ventriloquism, a sacred pantomime. Peter puts it this way: "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God" (1 Pet. 4:11). That verse should be paired with Jesus' statement: "He who has ears, let him hear."*

This "advice" is so timely for me because I am taking some time to prepare for preaching and teaching as I read this. May my preaching and teaching be what God desires to say, not simply what I think people should hear.

Service of Worship

2010-03-05T10:35:00.002-07:00

Quoting from "Times of Refreshing", Gerrit Gustafson reflects on a conversation with Mother Theresa... he asked what worship meant to her...

"If you really want to bless the Lord and pour out your love on Him, He has told us how to do it." And then she quoted Jesus' words in Matthew 25: "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me" (NKJV).... She challenged me with these words: "If you really want to lavish your love on God, pour out your life on the needy."

... On my flight home, somewhere between Delhi and Frankfurt, I came across these words in Hebrews 13: "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise -- the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifice4s God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:15-16).

Worship is about bowing down before God and serving him with all of our lives.

Worship and the 5th Commandment

2010-02-24T10:19:00.002-07:00

It is my father's 84th birthday today. Today I want to honour my father by telling you of some of the ways he has significantly shaped my life.

He loves God and does whatever he knows to and can to follow Him
He loves his family. When I was a young lad he took me along to where he worked - even when it was out of town. We had regular times of playing games together as a family.
He loved to travel and instilled that in me. I got to go along on several of trips when I was 10 and then when I was 16.
He was always early - we were always the first to arrive at church. I still prefer to be early.
He worked hard. I remember many times when he would be covered in sweat from his hard work.
He enjoyed music and led worship in church for years. Of course back then he was called a "song leader." We often sang together as family. Mom & Dad would sing together. And many times they would go to hospitals, senior homes, First Nations villages, and prisons to sing for people.
Although I never did get to see him play, I am told he was a good hockey player.
He heard me preach my first couple of sermons. The second one being at Miracle Valley, a rehab centre in the Fraser Valley.
He did what he could to reach out to those who needed Christ. Even sending out literature to those who may be open to listen.
Etc.

I don't think of it very often, but my Dad impacted my life in a major way. I thank him and honour him for being a man of God who cares enough to make a difference in this world - and particularly his family.

Boredom in Worship

2010-02-19T09:45:00.002-07:00

Today I want to share some reading with you. From "Times of Refreshing" with this section being written by Tom Kraeuter.

I remember the first time we took one of our children to a movie theater. Everything about the experience was fascinating for the youngster. Even before we got inside the building, just buying the tickets was an adventure. Of course, after that, giving the just-purchased tickets to the guy who rips them in half took some explaining. Walking down the softly lit corridor to the correct theater caused questions about all the other movies being shown. Choosing a seat was a big dilemma: Was the first row too close to the screen? Was the back too far away? Would somewhere in the middle be best? Which side of the aisle? Near the aisle or closer to the wall? By the way, where is the rest room?

Everything was brand-new. I had to keep reminding myself of that. Over my lifetime, I'm sure I've been to a dozen movies. This was old stuff for me. Though perhaps I had never been to this particular theater before, I had been to many movies. My child, on the other hand, was a first-timer. Everything he saw was a brand-new experience for him. There was a wonder and amazement that I had lost in the movie-going experience.

Once we've done something once or twice it becomes old hat to us. Our usual reaction today to practically anything in life is, "Been there, done that. " What would be the reaction of Wilbur and Orville Wright if they took a ride on a modern jet. Their first flight was the distance of the equivalent of the wingspan of a 747. We, on the other hand, get on a plane and open a book or magazine to keep from being bored.

Unfortunately, we can too easily have the same complacency in our worship. Over time we can become accustomed to the words, the actions, the emotions, the music and begin to tune it out.

On the other hand, in (Psalm 92:4-5), the psalmist said, "You make me glad by your deeds...I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works...how profound your thoughts!" These are not words of complacency. There is clearly a freshness and enthusiasm in these words.*

When you and I approach a "worship service" are we complacent or do we come with a sense of amazement and expectancy?

*Times of Refreshing: A Worship Ministry Devotional, Tom Kraeuter [ed], Training Resources Inc., 2002, p. 27.

An Amazing Worship Event

2010-02-18T10:40:00.002-07:00

One of my favourite Bible passages is Isaiah 6. As I was reading this I discovered some key elements of a worship service.

ISAIAH 6:1-8
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."
Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

We see here that worship involves
1) Connecting with & seeing God (for who He really is)
2) Actively Participating in Worship
3) Confession & Repentance
4) Receiving Forgiveness & Cleansing
5) Responding To God in Service

Follow the Leader

2010-02-17T09:52:00.002-07:00

Leadership can be a fearful thing. Especially when people watch and follow. In the book "Times of Refreshing" Bill Rayborn writes,

Anyone involved in the church worship ministry is seen by people in the congregation as a leader. You may not want that to happen. You might dislike it when it occurs, but that won't change the fact that people see you as a leader. Whether you want to be or not, you are an example to someone. People will look at not only how you button your coat but also how you treat your spouse and children. They will take notice of how you drive and how you respond when you're tired or overworked. They will observe your actions when you're at a restaurant, at the mall, or in church. You will be an example for someone."

That is quite a challenge - and it not only applies to pastors, but to all leaders.

At first I respond and say "that's not fair." Then I read the Apostle Paul's writings and he invites people to follow him. To do as he does. As he follows Christ, so others should be able to follow him. Does that mean that we put on an act so people will "think" we are better than we really are? No. It means that as we genuinely life for Christ, people should be able to follow and be following Christ.

Your thoughts?

Holiness and Worship

2010-02-11T11:07:00.003-07:00

At the conclusion of my Sunday School class this past Sunday, I asked my class to consider the following question. "Can a person live a sinful life during the week, then come to the church on Sunday morning and expect to be able to worship?"

This morning I read from Isaiah 1. Here is part of it. Read it and let me know how you think it relates to the question I asked my class.

Isaiah 1:13-18
Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations--
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.
Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;
wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight!
Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!
Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Skill and Worship

2010-02-10T09:26:00.003-07:00

When leading worship in a corporate worship experience, is skill important? Or is it simply the heart that matters?

In reading from the book "Times Of Refreshing" this morning I found a quote from 1 Chronicles 15:22 where it says "Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skilful at it." Often we read in the Old Testament that people were chosen for certain tasks (i.e. building the tabernacle) because they were skilful at it.

It is interesting to me that when it comes to worship leadership in the church that we tend to set aside the "skilful at it" part because we somehow get the notion that someone who is playing or singing skilfully is showing off.

Now, it is important that anyone involved in worship leadership - as the leader or team member - not only be skilful, but filled with and led by the Spirit of God. In the New Testament, when leaders or ministry personnel were chosen, the first prerequisite was always that they be filled with the Spirit. It would seem to me then, that those of us who are involved in worship leadership should be continually filled with the Spirit as well as developing our skill in worship ministry.

Church and Marriage

2010-02-09T13:13:00.002-07:00

This coming Sunday, I will be preaching on "Keys To A Lasting Marriage." We were looking for a song to sing as a congregation after the message. It is almost impossible to find a song that relates to the subject that we can sing together - at least one that in on any list of songs we might sing in church.

It seems kind of strange that in a day when the church works hard whthin society to keep marriage Biblical and based on Christian values that we never sing about it in church. Does marriage have nothing to do with worship? If we bow down before God and serve him, is marriage not included in that worship?

What do you think? Why don't we sing about marriage in church?

Judgment and Grace

2010-02-03T09:20:00.003-07:00

I finished reading Ecclesiastes today. In the final chapter the author begins by telling us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth. Then he lists a bunch of reasons why. My goodness, what a list! Remember your Creator before... you can hardly see, you stoop, your teeth are worn, you can't sleep in, you are afraid in the streets,... and then you finally die! Once again he states "Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless!"

Then at the very end of the book we find a conclusion.
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing
whether good or bad.

After reading this, I felt kind of hopeless. Once you are no longer young, life seems so awful and it all is meaningless. And then God judges EVERYTHING you have done. I get such a picture of being under intense scrutiny with the judge waiting to beat you every time you do something wrong.

Then I am immediately reminded of Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works so that no one can boast." The judgment that was/is/will be on my wrongdoing has all been laid on Christ when He carried our sin on the cross. When He paid the price for our sin in a way that we never could. I no longer need to fear the Judge. I now worship Him! I bow down and serve Him!

Breakforth

2010-02-02T09:59:00.002-07:00

Breakforth Canada in Edmonton on the weekend was a wonderful experience. When the band began to play, we began to sing and I could "feel" the music, I began to weep as my whole being became engaged in worship.

For years, in many conservative, evangelical churches, we have been directed to worship with our minds alone - and maybe our mouths. Zwingli, the Swiss Reformer, taught that our senses should not be involved in our worship. He therefore removed musical instruments and any artwork from the Grossmunster in Zurich so that people would not be "moved" to worship but would choose to worship.

Are we really only to worship God with our minds? Are we not told to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? Are we not to worship God with all of who we are? Does that not included the mind, emotions, body, etc?

At Breakforth, I picked up some materials on "Experiential Worship." Bob Rognlien teaches the very concepts that I have been thinking about for a number of years. I look forward to reading what he has to say.

I suspect that God intends for us, and invites us, to worship Him with our mind, soul, heart and strength. What do you think?

Culture and Worship

2010-01-28T09:18:00.002-07:00

A comment was made to me recently that has caused me to think about the relationship between culture and worship. I was in a conversation about a particular aspect of corporate worship when the comment was made "I guess you just don't understand our culture."

The first question this comment raised for me is "do we worship culture?" Do we bow down to and serve our culture? Of course, we are all affected by our culture. Culture often shapes us in ways we don't realize or recognize. When our culture is at odds with or hinders our worship of the One True God, will we say "no" to our culture and go against culture? But then, in our multi-cultural society in Canada, which culture do we worship? Ethic culture? Youth culture? Which segment of youth culture? Church culture? Which brand of church culture? Builder culture, boomer culture, buster culture, gen x,y,z culture? You get the picture.

This leads me the the second question which is similar to the first: how much does or should culture affect our worship? Even if we don't choose to bown down to and serve culture, how much should we allow our culture to affect our worship? It is certainly true that we will most freely and genuinely worship when we can worship within the context of our own culture. The interesting thing is, that in many churches the corporate church worship experiences do not accurately reflect the culture of the local community. We sing different styles of music in church, we often dress differently (our Sunday-going-to-meeting, or church clothes), and we act differently. People who are very active, animate and expressive suddenly become still and inexpressive in corporate worship.

Then thirdly, is it possible that our worship should help shape culture? If our culture is unhealthy or hindering us in our genuine living a life of worship, should we wave the white flag and say "too bad, but that is just how it is?" Or should we rather change how we do things in our corporate worship which will help to bring change to our culture?

Anyway, there is much more that could be talked about on the subject. What do you think?

Ecclesiastes Musings

2010-01-27T09:28:00.002-07:00

Once again I was reading from Ecclesiastes. Two things struck me this time: 1) Solomon's understanding of life after death (or not); 2) How we take part of a verse in the Bible and often quote it while ignoring the second part of that same verse (or verses surrounding it).

Ecclesiastes 9:9-10 "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

Solomon seems to indicate that you may as well give life your best shot - while you are living - because that's all there is. After you are gone, you ain't gonna be doin' nothin'. Of course we know from the rest of Scripture that life on this earth is not the end. As a matter of fact, it is really only the beginning. Certainly what we do on earth affects our life after.

It is interesting to me that we often quote, or hear quoted, the first part of verse 10. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,..." A good quote to encourage those who may have a tendency toward laziness. However, the reason that he gives, which is the second part of the verse (which we don't quote, and likely didn't even realize existed) is because there is no more to our existence than life on this earth.

With this rationale, are we inclined to worship our work rather than the One who invites us to work and looks forward to spending eternity with us?

Worship and Work

2010-01-26T09:35:00.006-07:00

I suspect we don't often think of our work as an act of worship. The following probobly isn't true, but is quoted from an unknown source in a book I am reading.

When you have had one of those take-this-job-and-shove-it-days, try this. On your way home, stop at your pharmacy and go to the section where they have thermometers. You will need to purchase a rectal thermometer made by the Q-tip Company. Be sure that you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the drapes, and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed during your therapy. Change into something comfortable, such as a sweat suit, and lie down on your bed. Open the package containing the thermometer, remove it, and carefully place it on the bedside table so that it will not become chipped or broken. Take the written material that accompanies the thermometer. As you read, notice in small print this statement: "Every rectal thermometer made by Q-tip is personally tested."
Close your eyes. Say out loud five times, "Thank you, oh thank you, that I do not work in quality control at the Q-tip Complany."

I understand that Q-tip is actually not a brand, but a particular product. None-the-less, we have a tendency to "worship" our work, or feel we are slaves to it. How do we view our work?

Mark Buchanan in his book "The Rest of God" writes, "The opposite of a slave is not a free man. it's a worshiper. The one who is most free is the one who turns the work of his hands into sacrament, into offering. All he makes and all he does are gifts from God, through God, and to God."

Worship and Ecclesiastes

2010-01-22T10:00:00.004-07:00

According to our DVD series on "What Is Worship," worship is...
- The ascription of ultimate value and worth (the reason)
- To a person, place or thing (the object)
- By the focusing of all activities of the human spectrum (the actions)
- On that object's value and honor (the result)
How we worship pivots around the reality that we are crated in God's image.

Last night I heard a young lady sing in our local coffee shop. She sang that if God was made in our image, he couldn't be trusted. Thankfully, we are made in His image, not He in our image.

So... as we worship God by focusing all our activities on God how does that affect life?

Changing the subject... In my personal "worship time" I am reading through Ecclesiastes. I admit there are some 'proverbs' in chp. 7 that I wrestle with.
Vs. 3 "Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart." Surely the author is not advocating a morbid life!?! Is it true then, that we should walk around with long faces rather than cheerful ones? What about Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."?

How about Eccl. 7:10 "Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions." Is this verse suggesting that we should not reflect on the past and learn from it? Often I hear people talk of the 'good old days.' I would like to know, why were they good? Were the Israelites not instructed to erect monuments which would provoke their children to ask so they could tell them about the 'good old days' when God accomplished the miraculous?

What do you think?

Worship that leaves one empty

2010-01-21T09:23:00.002-07:00

I have been reading in Ecclesiates lately. It is very interesting to read the author's struggle with what he observes in life. Several times in the first few chapters he talks about how people strive & work hard to attain wealth - and actually achieve that wealth. The problem is, they never seem to get to the place where they can fully enjoy what they have achieved.

In Eccl. 6: 3 he writes "... yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper buriel, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he." It is interesting to note that it is very often true that those who strive so hard to achieve wealth and success, never seem to be able enjoy their wealth - and rest.

I think it all comes down to worship. What is it that we worship? What is it that we bow down do and serve? We will receive our reward according to whom or what we worship. If we worship money, we will never be satisfied. After all, how much do you have to have until you have enough? "Just a little bit more."

It is only as we worship God, the One who created this universe, the One who holds all things in his hands, that we will find true happiness, fulfillment and rest.

Sun Worship

2010-01-14T09:18:00.004-07:00

I love these morning when the sun rises to meet the day with a great big smile! The sky is clear and after a dark night that seemed to go forever the sun seems to refresh the mind and soul. It is on these mornings when I can understand how many on this earth have (and some still do) worshipped the sun.

Ths sun seems to bring life to the earth. It brings light where there was darkness. It warms the earth. The sun appears to command the universe. Is it not surprising that people would bow down to and serve the sun?

Then I am reminded of when Debbie and visited Egypt and hiked up Mount Sinai at night to watch the sunrise from the top of the mountain. As the sun began to brighten the sky and finally broke through the horizon we watched a breathtaking, glorious sight. I was filled with awe and wonder.

But then I was reminded of Moses who met with God on that very mountain and the glory of the Lord was so powerful that no one else was allowed to set foot on the mountain. And the words of a song began to play in my mind. "The sun cannot compare to the glory of the Lord. There is no shadow in Your presence..." And I was reminded that the sun was created by the Lord. It does what it has been told to do. It does not command our world. It is the Lord who is the "general manager of the universe." We all could stand in the presence of the glory of the sun. No one can stand in the presence of the glory of the Lord unless the Lord grants permisson.

Why worship the sun when you can worship the Lord who created the sun and tells it what to do?
Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker!

The word "worship" in the Bible

2010-01-13T09:37:00.002-07:00

The words used most frequently when referring to worship are

“Shachad” in Hebrew and “proskuneo” in Greek.
Shachad means to bow down or prostrate one’s self.
It is an act of worship representing humble submission before one who is superior. It involves paying homage to royalty.
Proskuneo means “to kiss toward .”
Among the Orientals, especially the Persians, it meant to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence.

Several other words translated worship are “abodah” in Hebrew and “latreia” in Greek.

Both of these words mean “to serve” or “to work.”

Exodus 34:14 Do not worship (bow down) any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Matthew 2:2 “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship (bow down) him."
Exodus 3:12 And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship (serve) God on this mountain."
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship (serve).

Worship involves action. It is a positive action of an inferior submitting to a superior. There is a sense in which worship is not only bowing down before the object of worship, but involves active service for the one being worshipped.

Definition of Worship

2010-01-09T11:18:00.007-07:00

I have read many definitions on worship and have discovered there is no consensus on the definition of worship.

Bob Sorge, in his book Exploring Worship, lists a number of definitions and concludes “real worship defies definition; it can only be experienced.”

Marva Dawn in her book, Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down, suggests

The word worship comes from the Old English roots weorth, meaning “honor” and “worthiness,” and scipe, signifying “to create.” Of course, we cannot “create” God’s honor because it is inherently God’s but we do devise ways to honor God that bespeak his worthiness, all the while recognizing that our attempts are inadequate, that we will never duly laud the Trinity until we join the saints and angels in perfectly glorifying God forever.

Worship Team

2010-01-06T09:14:00.002-07:00

Okay, so my worship team is on to lead worship this coming Sunday. And I love my team. I really appreciate their commitment, talents, spiritual heart, etc. I very much enjoy the team.

But now I have a problem. One of our key singers is busy with a wedding. Another gave birth to twins this week. Our drummer just found he will be gone for a week, and our other main drummers are not available. The music I planned would seem "empty" without a drummer.

My question today is... with these key parts missing, how can we effectively lead worship on Sunday? Will the music not be up to the expectations of the people (never mind the team)? And if not, will they enter into worship? Does our worship on Sunday really depend that much on the quality of the sound that comes from the worship team? (okay,that was more than one question).

If so, I wonder what it is that we worship?

What is worship?

2010-01-05T10:07:00.003-07:00

Starting this coming Sunday, I am going to be teaching a Sunday School class on the subject of "What is worship?" I have not taught a SS class in a few years so I am looking forward to the challenge of preperation & teaching the class itself. During this time, I will endeavor to write some thoughts on worship on this blog.
Please feel free to respond or ask questions in the comments section.

When I think of worship, what comes to mind first? Well, I am associate pastor responsible for "worship." That leads me to think about worship as what we do on Sunday mornings when we gather at 'the church.' I certainly hope that we do worship at those events on Sunday morning. I wonder what it is that we worship when we are there?

There must be more to worship than what happens on Sunday morning! Lets join the journey of discovery as we look at what the Bible teaches and then put into practice what we learn.

Relationships will end

2009-03-10T15:32:00.002-06:00

A quote I read today...

"The dearest human relatinohsips must some day come to an end;

it is only the joy of heaven which lasts for ever,

and if we have it in our hearts,

nothing can take it away."

Wow, that is a tough idea to grasp - at least we don't want it to be so. The reality is that unless Christ comes back during our lifetime, one day, we will all die. At that time relationships as we have known them come to an end. Of course, we still love that person who has "passed on" and we have many memories.

For me... that means... enjoy the relationships I have and treasure the people with whom I have a relationship.

Update

2009-03-09T15:00:00.007-06:00

I guess it is time to update what I am up to...

Yes, I am serving as associate pastor at Zion Church in Didsbury, Alberta, Canada. My primary responsibilities include overseeing the Worship and Life Group (small groups) Ministries. I also oversee the Newcomers ministry and the Adult Sunday School.

In a way, it is refreshing to be able to spend time with the worship ministry because I get to be involved in music - which I love to do. I lead a worship team, but am training someone else to take the leadership and I am moving more towards playing guitar and singing backup. It gives me a chance to work on my guitar skills. I also play guitar on another team where I get to dabble with playing lead guitar.

Recently, our worship team performed the Imperials song "Water Grave" at our church on the Sunday when we had a baptism. Watch the video here:

We've Moved!

2008-07-30T10:33:00.002-06:00

On July 1st, Debbie and I moved to Didsbury, Alberta. On August 1st I will begin serving as Pastor of Adult Ministries at Zion Church in Didsbury. As much as we will miss British Columbia, we are looking forward to this new challenge and chapter in our lives.

Name Change

2007-12-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

I decided to change the name of this blog. Seeing as it basically contains my ramblings from time to time and is not necessarily directly related to our church - Heritage Mountain Community Church, I may as well reflect my thots, not those representing the church :).

We are about to enter a New Year. That can be exciting. Although nothing has changed, except the last digit in our year, we tend to look at life differently. It is a time when we "turn over a new leaf," "start a new page" or whatever we want to call it. It certainly does help us make a fresh start from time to time - and we need that.

We also need a time when we look back and get rid of some baggage. Anywhere from forgiving those who have wronged us, to forgiving ourselves, to seeking forgiviness from others - and God.

I am looking forward to a new year.

God Knows

2007-10-27T10:30:00.000-06:00

I wonder who watches the video I posted on Youtube?

I logged on to Youtube this morning and noticed that this video has surpassed the 1,000 times being viewed. I could not help but think of all those who had watched the video. Why do people watch it? What drew them to it? Who are they? What are they going through? What are their joys? Their struggles? What are their hopes for the future? What are their dreams?

Then I thought, God knows the answer to all those questions. He knows exactly who logged on at what time - and why. The Spirit of God is there with them as they watch the video - which is a psalm of praise. God was, is, and will be there as they watch. What an amazing thought. Even more, what an awesome experience.

So today, wherever you are, take comfort and courage from the reality that God is with you wherever you go. He is there to guide you into reality and truth. He is there to bring comfort. He is there to challenge you to grow. You likely cannot SEE him, but if you look around, you wil lfind Him! Enjoy!

Psalm 100 video

2007-07-18T15:59:00.001-06:00

Good Gracious!

2007-06-13T12:32:00.000-06:00

God is amazing! And surprising!

Many of us think of God as One who draws a line in the sand and you had better not cross it - or else! Crossing that line is called sin. The problem is that we have a hard time differentiating between the line that God draws and the lines that we as people draw. Is something wrong because God said so, or because we say so?

During the time of the Kings in Biblical times, God had laid down some pretty clear and specific rules for the people to follow. Among them were rules for how people were to prepare themselves to enter the "sanctuary." During the time of Hezekiah the people of Israel had been crossing the line God had drawn for them. The people began to return to God but due to the fact that they were unclean - according to the rules - they could not present their lambs as their sacrificial offering before God.

In 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 an unusual thing happens. Hezekiah took a bold step and prayed to God and said "May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God - the LORD, the God of his fathers - even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary." And Good, Gracious - God "heard Hezekiah and healed the people."

When you have crossed the line, God is still gracious.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Meeting God on the Mountain

2007-05-18T10:55:00.000-06:00

Watching the sunrise from the top of Mt. Moses (Mt. Sinai) was amazing. Imagine Moses hiking up the mountain alone - to meet with God. Was he afraid? Was he excited? After all, God had summoned Moses to meet with Him and NO ONE else was allowed to join him.

As we watched the sun come up, there were a group of eastern European believers gathered at the edge of the cliff, singing and praying together. At first I felt distracted in the awe of the moment; however, I quickly appreciated the joy of what this group of gathered believers must be experiencing. Imagine an entire group of dedicated followers of God, labouring through the night (old and young) to gather together at that spot to commune with God - together.

Thinking of Moses meeting with God and experiencing the glory of God's presence was stunning. As I stood there, watching the sun come up, I could not help but think of the words to a song written by Paul Baloche which we sing in our worship services at HMCC.

The sun cannot compare to the glory of your love
There is no shadow in your presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before your throne
Before the holy one of heaven
It’s only by your blood
And it’s only through your mercy Lord, I come

I bring an offering of worship to my king
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus, may you receive the honor that You’re due
O Lord I bring an offering to you

What is a Win?

2007-02-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

Do you ever look back at the end of the day and wonder what you have accomplished? Was this a successful day? A successful week? How do we know?

I am presently reading the book, 7 Practices of Effective Ministry. The first practice of successful ministry is clarifying what a win looks like. A baseball team knows that it has won the game when it has scored more runs than the opposing team. During the game there are some smaller wins as players get on base, then advance the bases until they cross home-plate, scoring a run. Using this analogy, the authors identify that in ministry (and I would say in much of life) it is important to identify what a win looks like for us.

This is an amazing exercise. I now find myself asking the question as I enter the day, “What will it mean for me to have a ‘win’ today?” At the end of the day even my wife now asks me if the day was a win.

Try it. For more information pick up the book 7 Practices of Effective Ministry, by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner and Lane Jones, ©2004 North Point Ministries, Inc. Published by Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

Thanks Jason!

2007-01-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

I would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to Jason Krause for his awesome, enthusiastic and faithful service as Associate Pastor at HMCC. Jason has served with integrity and inspiration, often working behind the scenes – and of course often very publicly.

I will greatly miss Jason in his role as Associate Pastor.

Great Job!!

2006-12-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Children's Ministry for an awesome performance this past Sunday. The musical drama written by Karen Friesen explored the meaning of Christmas using a Christmas Time Machine, dropping in on various fictitious characters. Ramona Krause directed presentation which was presented with energy and focus by kids from our Adventure X and Edge ministries.

I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the awesome preparation, time and energy put into this presentation. HMCC is proud of all of you!

Who knows best?

2006-12-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

We have been taught to be self-reliant. We practiacally think we know it all. If we cannot reason something to conclusion it must be faulty. Our mind and ability to reason has essentially become our God – the standard against which we measure and determine truth. The problem is that our minds are limited. Our knowledge, is still limited. There is more to this world than what our rational, scientific minds can perceive and understand.

God is the one who created and sustains this world. He is the one who designed and created us. God still has the power to step in and affect this world beyond the natural laws of cause and effect which he has installed in this world.’

Does it not make sense therefore, to check with him on occasion?

In Joshua chpaters 6-10 we find the Israelites as they are moving in to conquer the land of Canaan. They defeat Jericho because they followed the Lord’s instructions. The way they won doesn’t make logical sense, but if it would, they might have become self-relaint and forgot about God. Later they were decieved into make a treaty with people God had told them to conquer. The reason? Joshua 9:14 “… but [they] did not inquire of the LORD.”

I wonder how often we make decisions and move forward without inquiring of the Lord? We simple “figure it out.” Yes, God has given us rational minds to solve problems and make decisions. However, we still need him to guide and direct us – in supernatural ways. Even today, we need to inquire of the Lord. Try it!

Why the evil?

2006-12-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

A mother intensely grieves when her son is brutally tortured and murdered. A you teens discovers her older brother is shot because he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. We might be apathetic to the news – until it happens to those we know and love. This is the world our daughter is facing as she works with kids in the inner city.

When I told a friend of mine about what is going on, he was greatly disturbed and wondered why as humans we were not progressing beyond such evil. Why would rational beings continue to engage in such horrific, evil behaviour.

I guess the answer lies in the pages of Scripture – the Bible. We are told that “we all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” and we all carry with us a sinful nature that left to its own devices is inclined to do evil.

The only true solution is found outside of ourselves. The solution is found in Jesus Christ who paid the price for our evil (sin) and desires to give us a new life. A new life where we receive a new nature. It is only when we receive that new nature and allow it to be in control of our lives, that we will begin to overcome our evil bent.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Interconnected

2006-12-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and me.

- Matthew 17:27

As always, the tax man wants his “share,” and though He could argue an exemption, this sort of bickering would interfere with Jesus’s mission. He therefore tells Peter to go catch a fish, which will miraculously have a coin in its mouth. This coin is to be used to pay the tax for both Jesus and Peter.

So, what’s the miracle?

Does Jesus magically make this coin appear from nothing as Peter catches the fish? Or did He create the whole fish, placing it right onto Peter’s hook? I think it’s a lot simpler, yet infinitely more complicated, than snapping one’s fingers and making things materialize.

Read on!

A Christmas Revolution

2006-12-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hey hey! My first article (hopefully the first of many) for the Truthmedia division of Campus Crusade for Christ has come online. Have a read at http://www.mentodayonline.com/christmas/revolution.html and let me know what you think. Better yet, let Truthmedia know what you think. It doesn't pay anything, but it's a good gig!

As a result of this article's being placed, I'm starting to see some names pop up at my site, www.smallisthegate.com. I'd be all warm in my heart if you'd come by and say hello.

True Character

2006-12-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

True character is often revealed in the toughest of times. At times when many of us would become bitter, disillusioned, angry or lethargic, there are those who rise to the occasion and respond in strength, integrity and positive impact.

As I was reading Deut. 31 I found myself impressed with Moses. Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land which had been promised to the Israelites. His entire life had been dedicated to leading the Israelites out of slavery and into the promised land. However, due to his own actions he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Now, at the end of Deut. Moses is commissioning Joshua to take his place. Moses finished well.

How an individual handles the conclusion of a significant work, ministry, or whatever it might be, is a certain test of character.

When the food seems dry

2006-12-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

In my personal journaling I have returned to where I left off in reading through the Bible. I like to read the Bible from cover to cover every once in a while. I started this when I was in Bible College and have read through the Bible 5 or 6 times since. I begin in Genesis and read 5 chapters a day. If I miss a day, or two or however many, I simply pick up where I left off. Sometimes I take a break to read other passages, but then return. Eventually I get through the Bible.

Anyway, I am in Deuteronomy right now. It is a review of the Law given to the people of Israel. There are many detail laws on how to deal with accusations of unfaithfulness in marriage, disputes between neighbours, etc. I confess that I find some of these laws somewhat less than inspiring. I read then none-the-less and celebrate the fact that we no longer need to live under the Law, but under the grace of God.

The Law demonstrated that none of us can keep the Law without failing. Therefore, we need God’s grace in our lives. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ we can experience forgiveness and freedom.

Stumbling block of stepping stone?

2006-11-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Romans 14:12-13 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

It almost sounds from this passage that the Christian life is a life of solitude and independence – that there is no inter-accountability among believers. Taking a closer look, I see that the author is virtually repeating Jesus’ teaching on removing the rainforest cedar from our own eye before trying to peck a speck out of someone else’s eye.

I am so inclined to look at others and how they ought to shape up, change their life, get with the program and get in line (enough clichés?) while at the same time leave my own life unattended. It is easy to judge others. It is much harder to live that life myself.

Lord, help me to slip out of my judges frock and into some sackcloth. May I not be an obstacle to my “brothers” as they find their way. May I help rather than hinder. May I not pass judgment, but pass along encouragement. May I not be a rock of stumbling, but a stepping stone on their journey upwards. Thanks for putting us on this journey together.

Why?

2006-11-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we wonder why in the world God is allowing “stuff” to happen to us. “What have we done wrong? Why is he punishing us? What is he trying to teach us?” The Lord reminded me this morning that in these questions the centre of attention is “us” or “me.”

This morning I read In 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

When I face difficulties or dilemmas of any kind, whom am I depending on for strength and success? Am I doing what I am doing so that I might somehow get credit and acclaim from others? Am I trying to prove to God how good I am and what great influence I carry? “Look at me God! Are you ever lucky you have me!” I may not say that, but do I live and act like that?

I pray that my life will increasingly reflect God’s presence and God’s power. May He get the credit! After it is because of His work in my life that I am not totally wiped out.

Weed control

2006-11-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it has been a week since I wrote in this blog…

In my journaling today I read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6. In verses 1-2 Paul writes, “Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.”

As a follower of Christ, He has called us to impact the world in which we live so that others will have the opportunity to experience life with Christ. Paul identifies the fact that in doing this we will face obstacles and difficulties. However, we don’t give up because we know that Christ has called us to this ministry and the result will be worthwhile.

Annual Celebrations

2006-11-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 16:1-3 Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover of the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib he brought you out of Egypt by night. Sacrifice as the Passover to the LORD your God an animal from your flock or herd at the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for his Name. Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste-- so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt.

I am impressed with how many times God instructed the Israelites to hold annual celebrations to remember significant events of the past. The Passover was to be celebrated every year to remember God’s deliverance from bondage. Without these celebrations we tend to forget what life was like while we were living in bondage – whatever that bondage may have been. Sometimes we would rather forget.

Jesus, in establishing the New Covenant, instructed us to hold regular celebrations to remember the freedom he brings to us. We call this celebration the “Lord’s Supper” or “Communion.” Jesus Christ died and shed his blood so that we might be released from the bondage of sin. What a reason to celebrate!

If you would like to know how more about how to experience freedom from the bondage of sin, please email me at pastor@hmcchurch.com.

Seeing is believing?

2006-11-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

Seeing is believing! That is what I am told. But do I have to see in order for me to believe?

In Deuteronomy 11:2-7 the Israelites were told Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the LORD your God: his majesty, his mighty hand, his outstretched arm; the signs he performed and the things he did in the heart of Egypt,... It was not your children who saw what he did for you in the desert …. But it was your own eyes that saw all these great things the LORD has done.

The second and third generation following the exodus from Egypt did not see the same miraculous work of God. God warned the Jews to teach God’s truth to their children so they would believe even though they had not seen the signs and wonders of God.

I makes me wonder how we would do if we were in the place of those second, third, and fourth generations. Would we say there is no God because WE have not experienced what others have experienced? Do we say there must be no God because WE don’t experience him the way others claim to experience him in other parts of the world?

Faith is really trusting God before we see the miraculous in action. May we learn to believe before we see. May we believe without seeing.

Remember this

2006-11-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some verses that stood out for me as I was reading Deuteronomy 6-10 today. Go ahead, read them and I will let you draw your own conclusions.

6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

6:6-9 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

8:3 man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

9:6 Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people. 10:16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.

Who's in Charge, Anyway?

2006-11-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

"Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God." And David said, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." - 1 Samuel 17:36,37

David's going to kill the Philistine. There's no doubt in his mind, but his confidence comes from a strange source in the light of our modern times. Athletes of today, heroes to millions, go at it a bit differently, don't they?

Imagine David the golfer...

"It's about the training, you know, and I've trained against lions and bears for years. I'm ready both mentally and physically to take it to the next level, and I've got good equipment backing me. My coach has really had me working on my swing, and I'm at the point now where I'm confident that the rock will go where I'm aiming it."

If you're not bored already, read the rest here.

Into the Fray!

2006-11-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hey, I thought I'd help John out here by getting on the Blogger bandwagon, as it were. I do a lot of writing myself, most of it mediocre but none of it angst-ridden or whiny. At least not most of the time. I'm running my own website and will cross-post material from time to time, as well as placing some originals right here on the HMCC blog. Look for my first devotional post in, oh, about eight minutes. Or less.

Also, on the day of the church's 6th birthday, I'd just like to say that I'm looking forward to the celebrations tonight! Happy birthday HMCC!

Comments

2006-11-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hey, does anyone actually read this? If you do, send me a short comment letting me know. Or you can email me at pastor@hmcchurch.com.

Laughter

2006-11-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

When I Relax I Feel Guilty is the title of one of the books in my library. It may be time to read it again. Maybe you should too.

It is easy for us to get caught up in the seriousness of life and not stop to enjoy the moments along the way. There are times when we do stop to "smell the roses" or take time to laugh - and we feel guilty. I'm not so sure that is what God has in mind for us.

God created us with the ability to laugh. Not only do we have that ability, but it is important for us to laugh. Laughter is truly some of the best medicine. Tim Hansel author of the book afore mentioned writes,

When laughter fades

the tendency is toward self-absorption

and the iris of life's eye

squeezes the light to a pinpoint.

Morning only intimidates you into another day

and creativity no longer has the energy to care.

What's that warning sound?

2006-11-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

I thought I heard something as I woke from a good sleep. Trying to fall back to sleep I heard it again. Sure sounded like a beep. It must be the smoke detector. Now what? Try what I might, I could not ignore it.

Obviously the battery in the smoke detector must be low and the beeping was a warning to replace the battery. I had never paid any attention to where the smoke detectors were located in our new home so I began to search for them – without waking Debbie at 5 am. I finally found one all the way downstairs. Was that the one? I heard the beep again but the sound was not coming from this smoke detector. It sounded like it might be coming from the kitchen.

I stumbled upstairs and try as I might, I could not find the smoke detector anywhere. I heard the beep again. It had to be in the kitchen but I couldn’t find it anywhere.

Finally, after about an hour, I discovered that the beep was not from a smoke detector, but from my cell phone. I had a text message waiting for me. I felt so foolish (never mind tired). Our daughter had sent me a text message from Ireland.

I could not help but think of how we listen to God (or not). Do we go stumbling around hearing this warning sound not knowing where it is coming from or what it is all about? Finally we discover that God is trying to get a message to us?

As I am starting to read Deuteronomy in my quest through the Bible, I find the Israelites sometimes took quite some time before listening to God’s instruction for them. May I learn to first check my “text messages” from God before running around in the dark, making a fool of myself.

Ungodly Influence

2006-11-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

At first I was horrified! Why would God instruct the people of Israel to destroy ALL the people that lived in the land God was giving to them? But then, in the last 5 chapters of Numbers we find the answer. They were to remove everyone else from the land or they would be led astray by ideas contrary to God’s instruction for them. Even though I still don’t like the idea, we do learn an important principle.

We need to be careful what influences we allow to remain in our lives when we follow God. It is amazing how we allow ungodly influences to shape us without us paying any attention to them.

The question I need to ask myself today is: “What influence am I allowing in my life today that may lead me away from God?”

The Joy of the Lord

2006-11-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

In Nehemiah 8, we read of how the Israelites heard the reading of God’s Law for the first time in years. They were moved to weeping and mourning. However, they were instructed to stop weeping, but rather go and enjoy the best food and drink. “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength,” Nehemiah told them. When we see God for who he truly is I believe we will be moved to rejoicing and celebration, shouting our praise to God.

Splendor and majesty are before him;

strength and joy in his dwelling place.

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,

ascribe to the LORD glory and strength,

ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name.

Bring an offering and come before him;

worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

1 Chronicles 16:27-29

Paige Sophia

2006-11-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Children are a precious gift from God! Chris and Sarah are happy to announce the birth of Paige Sophia. Paige was born yesterday morning. We wish Chris, Sarah, Chloe and Paige, God’s blessings at this exciting (and exhausting) time!

Honest Reflection

2006-11-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

For by the grace (ca,rij charis) given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment (sensible), in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts (ca,risma charisma), according to the grace (ca,rij charis) given us… Romans 12:3-6a

When Paul tells me that I should not think more highly of myself than I ought, I am inclined to remember how as a kid growing up I was firmly told not to be proud – not to think too highly of myself (arrogant). I remember sermons where the preacher said we should remind ourselves that we are nothing. As I read this passage I hear Paul saying that I should look at my life with honesty and see how God has shaped me. We all have gifts and abilities and I need to look at who I am, not who I think others want me to be, or even who I would prefer to be. When I play hockey, I cannot be a goalie and forward at the same time. We all have a part to play in order for the team to be most effective.

Halloween

2006-10-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

Today is Halloween – a day in which tons of kids go door to door in search of scads of globs of sugar. Parents are left in fear at the prospect of living with the effects of that excess, unbridled energy.

Many Christians see Halloween as a harmless event. Sure kids dress as witches ghosts and goblins – so what? Others note that Halloween is the high point of Satan worship and the occult. Here are a few references that may be relevant.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. Deuteronomy 18:9-12

What do you think? Should followers of Christ be involved in Halloween?

Strong and Courageous

2006-10-27T12:53:00.000-06:00

I must say that I find Joshua chapter 1 to be one of the most inspiring and challenges passages in the Bible.

After Moses was gone, God placed the mantle of leadership on Joshua. God reminded Joshua of the vision that had previously been given to Moses. They were given the scope and mandate for this vision. They were promised the resources needed to accomplish this vision. And – God promised he would always be with them!

Joshua’s part was to be strong and courageous and never waver from the instructions given to him.

God has given clear instructions for his Church. Our part is to be strong and courageous – and never waver from the vision he has given us. God will give us all we need, and he will always be there.

Feasts and Offerings

2006-10-26T11:28:00.000-06:00

Fascinating! In the Book of Numbers the Israelites were instructed to observe certain feasts throughout the year. Sounds good! Many of us love feasts – getting together to celebrate and eat!

The interesting thing is that for each feast the people were to bring an offering. This was not simply an admission fee or a payment to cover the cost of the event. The offering was brought to honour God and recognize His essential involvement in their lives.

In our day, we tend to react to the idea of money and the church. “Churches are always after our money,” we say. I wonder if it might be helpful if we changed our perspective. Do we recognize and appreciate God’s involvement in our lives to the extent that we willingly bring an offering to God to demonstrate our appreciation to Him for what He has done and what He is doing?

Birthday Party!

2006-10-24T13:18:00.000-06:00

HMCC will be celebrating its 6^th birthday! On November 12^th we are planning a Birthday Party to celebrate what God had been doing at HMCC this past year. We will also be looking at what we believe God is directing us toward into the future.

All those who have been a part of HMCC are invited to join us. All those who are interested in getting to know more about HMCC are also invited to join us. For information email pastor@hmcchurch.com.

Marriage

2006-10-22T23:53:00.000-06:00

You know you are in for an interesting wedding when the best man says “The last time I spoke in front of this many people I was found guilty and fined $400.” He did have a great quote though. It went something like this… “May your marriage be modern enough to survive with the times and traditional enough to last forever.”

This past weekend I had the privilege of performing a wedding. I could not help but think of the day my wife and I were married. We made a covenant before God to love each other and remain faithful and committed to one another for life. One of the guests at our wedding asked me later how we could be so confident that our marriage would last for life.

How does a married couple keep the covenant made at their wedding? When I think about the fact that I plan to be married to this woman for 60 plus years (should we live that long), what do I want this life to be like? I want life to be the best that it can be – for both of us. In order for that to be true, I need to do my part to make our relationship the best that it can be. This takes intentional effort and I believe it takes God’s help. May you seek God’s help as you commit to making your marriage the best that it can be – for life.

Balaam out donkey!

2006-10-19T12:37:00.000-06:00

I wonder who calls the shots for us? Who pulls the strings?

Have you ever heard of Balaam? He was called by God to speak God’s word to the people. One day Balaam mounted his donkey to follow the instructions given to him by his Moabite king. Along the way his donkey refused to continue along the road. Balaam got mad and beat his donkey. Suddenly the donkey began to talk.

It is interesting that Balaam didn’t seem surprised. I have no idea what I would do if a donkey started talking to me. Unless I was Shrek or something.

Anyway, it was an angel of God who stood before the donkey to keep her from continuing down the road. Go ahead, read Numbers 22-24 for the whole story.

What is interesting to me is that the donkey recognized God’s intervention in the situation. Balaam had his eyes opened and began to speak God’s message rather than what his human superiors wanted him to say. Do you and I follow human promptings around us or do we follow God’s instruction. Do we even look for God’s input into our lives as we make decisions and plans for the future?

Boring Flight

2006-10-18T18:21:00.000-06:00

I received this email today…

Bored during a long flight, an eminent scholar leaned over and woke up the sleeping man next to him to ask if he would like to play a game.

"I'll ask you a question," the scholar explained, "and if you don't know the answer, you pay me $5. Then you ask me a question, and if I don't know the answer, I'll pay you $50."

When the man agreed to play, the scholar asked, "What's the distance from the earth to the moon?" Flummoxed, the man handed him $5. "Ha!" said the scholar. "It's 238,857 miles.

Now it's your turn."

The man was silent for a few moments. Then he asked, "What goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?"

Puzzled, the scholar racked his brains for an hour--but to no avail. Finally he took out his wallet and handed over $50. "Okay, okay, what is the answer?" the scholar asked.

The man said, "I don't know," pulled out a $5 bill, handed it to the scholar, and went back to sleep.

Is there a moral to this “story?” Let me know what you think.

Leadership

2006-10-17T11:31:00.000-06:00

As I was reading in the Bible this morning, there were several verses that jumped out at me. Here are a few:

Numbers 11:17 I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.

Moses was carrying the burden of the people he was leading and God provided others to help carry the load. In leadership we need to share the load with others. “Lone Ranger” leadership tends to lead to disillusionment and despair.

Numbers 11:23 The LORD answered Moses, "Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you."

Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

When God gives us a vision He will give us all that we need to fulfill that vision. I love Caleb’s faith! When God calls us to accomplish something that is beyond our human ability, do we respond like Caleb?

The Lord Bless You!

2006-10-13T11:36:00.000-06:00

In my daily journaling I am reading through the Bible, reading around 5 chapters each day. Today I was reading in Numbers and would like to bless you with Aaron’s blessing.

The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

The LORD turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

(Numbers 6:24-26 NIV)

Good morning!

2006-10-12T11:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning! It is hard to believe that we continue to have such awesome weather! The change in weather reminds me of the changes we experience in the circumstances of life. We will not always experience sunshine. Storms will come. However, the sun is always shining above the clouds even though we cannot see it. This reminds me of the fact that even though we experience storms of life, God is always present. We may not “feel” his presence, but He is there.

May today be one of those days where you experience the presence of God.