Safety in Many Advisers

 Without wise leadership, a nation falls;  there is safety in having many advisers.     (Proverbs 11:14 nlt)

I've been reading the Biblical book of Proverbs this evening. Once again I'm reminded of its value both in its words of wisdom and its advice via short pithy statements.

Proverbs refers to itself as the 'sayings of the wise'. The verse above probably brings all sorts of thoughts to your mind. We live at a time when the wisdom of politicians is often doubted, their names and polices espoused often despised. Because many of us have well established political allegiances we may have difficulty seeing both the good in our opponents or the bad in those we are aligned with.

The verse above reminds us of the importance a group people working together for good. While our political system is established to, hopefully, give good representation, we seem to, more often than not, attract coalitons that actually take away from the purpose of fair representation.

The Bible instructs us to pray for those who are in authority over us, whether it be the king who wields the sword or those in lower places that plan for the well being of our communities.

Wouldn't it be wise to take the time and opportunities afforded us to respectfully engage our local, provincial, and federal representatives? Perhaps our small voice would help usher in the 'safety in many advisers' principle the Bible so eloquently promotes, even if it might be as small as a water meter.

Just a thought. Pastor Paul

Where is God?

 I have a number of friends who are seriously ill. As well, I have a daughter battling cancer. The difficulties we (they) face, the suffering that we endure could cause us to despair, particularly as the condition persists. I get that sense of despair when I read Psalm 77. Yet as the Psalmist expresses his feelings, his thoughts, we realize that in the midst of deep difficulty and wondering where God was, it is the tesimony of the past that encouraged him for the immediate and the future.

He cried aloud in verse 1 (v.1), sought the Lord (v.2), the depth of his feelings are expressed in verse 3 and 4. His memory of God's help in the past (v.5,6) serve as the anchor for his current questioning. When we are in the midst of extremely trying situations our questions may be similar to those of David (the writer). Notice, he speaks openly with God about the current situation. Verses 7-9 are that expression. Has God's steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion? Perhaps you can relate.

Rather than be defeated, the author turns to what he knows from the past. In verse 10 his decision is to appeal to the years of the right of the Most High. In other words to review the past. How did God care for him (you, me) in the past?

Verses 11- 20 are what he recalls. As you read the verses take note of two things. 1) His decision to look at how God had worked in the past. The 'I wills' mark that decision. 2) Notice how many times he is reminded of God's great work. 'You', 'your' are key words. If you are being challenged today, I urge you take time to review God's past works on your behalf.

Be encouraged as you walk, perhaps, what is a very difficult path. God continues to love you and walks hand in hand with you.

Be encouraged, Pastor Paul

Are You Ready?

 Recently I have become acutely aware of, or perhaps, reminded again of the unknowns we face each day. Yesterday was one of them. A number of friends are facing life changing, family impacting health crises. It reminds me of our own life changing, family impacting health crisis that began about two years ago and continues today.

The cynical little statements we hear, such as 'there are only two things we can be sure of- death and taxes', pale in the face of reality. As I thought of this in the wee hours of this morning I thought it would be good to share my thoughts.

Our efforts, our responses to life threatening disease or other health crises must be answered in light of eternity and our relationship to God. A prevailing thought among many is that somehow I can do something to earn God's approval.  In actual fact there is nothing we can do short of crying out to him to save us.

The scripture clearly states that all of our so-called righteous acts are like filthy rags and we all fade or wither like a leaf (Isaiah 64:6). In other words, we are all going to die, and the good things we try to do to gain favor with God to prepare for it don't amount to a 'hill of beans'.

So, how do I prepare to meet Him? (Incidently we all will meet him.) I will give you a few brief scriptures to help you respond to this question.

1. Romans 3:23- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  

2. John 3:3- Unless a man is born from above he can not see the kingdom of God. 

3. Acts3:19- repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out.   

4. 1 John 1:9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.    

5. John 14:6- (Jesus speaking) I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  

6. Romans 10:9- If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved.    

7. John 3:16- for God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

These few scriptures give us a brief understanding of how to make ourselves right with God and in so doing prepare ourselves to meet him when that day comes. In this way we begin a journey with God.

 Reach out to me through this website or by phone to the church for a larger conversation on this subject.

Pastor Paul 

A Song in the Night

  

 Thankfulness! We had the opportunity to do a little reminiscing this past week end. This past year has been among the most memorable in my life, and not for it's ease.  Dissension, exodus, disease, and deep waters are words that describe some of my feelings and the realities of the past year. How can we be thankful when we are facing what seems like insurmountable impossibilities? That's where the song in the night enters in.

Yes I am very thankful, but my resilience has been tested.  A few weeks ago I challenged our Bible study group with this thought: If our God is not 'speaking' to us then perhaps our God is dead. From words in 1 Samuel sin also keeps God from speaking other than in discipline.  I have 'heard' the Holy Spirit's nudging to often to not recognize that He will lead us into truth.

Last night I woke for no apparent reason.  Immediately a song was on my lips- no I hadn't heard or sung it recently. The words 'triumphantly the church will rise'  melodiously flooded my mind, ringing in  my head. Yes, I had just finished reading an article the previous day about carnage in the evangelical church, the result of human failure by some men of renown. While that may have played a role in my mind's depths, I think the song was more likely related to the past year in my life, our lives, and perhaps yours and was God's encouraging voice.

One of Job's counselor friends (Job 35:10) recognized that God gives songs in the night.  Psalm 16:7 says "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me." Songs in the night are meant to encourage.

So what about the song in the night? First of all it reminds me of God's faithfulness: He walks with me! Second, it helps me look forward. Psalm 40:3- He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Third it reminds me of Jesus' words: If you have faith and do not doubt,...you will say to this mountain: 'be lifted up and fall into the sea.'  

Does Jesus care? O yes He cares! Be encouraged! We serve the Living God who hears and walks with us in all of life's journey! (Take time to listen to the song: 'Triumphantly the church will rise.')

The Demand to Sift

 Luke 22:31,32: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

This is Jesus' statement to Peter in the hours prior to His crucifixion. Of greater importance is that it is a warning to him regarding his denial about knowing Jesus during the evening and night before the day dawned and the rooster crowed. 

I am always curious about Jesus' statement regarding Peter's denial (Simon is Peter). On the surface his denial seems much like what we may do- perhaps not with words, more likely without words.

If we look at the verse closely Jesus is actually saying, "Satan has demanded to have all of you to sift like wheat." Satan's desire was to destroy those whom God had called to represent him.  It wasn't Peter alone, but all his disciples. His desire is the same today.

The second 'you' found in vs.32 is singular referring to Peter alone. Our Bibles use the word 'prayed' which is correct, but it could also be translated 'begged for you' highlighting the battle that was going on behind the scenes. Jesus intercedes for us! 

Consequently, Peter describes Satan as a roaring lion prowling walking about seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8,9)  Jesus asked Peter to strengthen the brethren when he returned.  

The lesson learned is found clearly written in 1 Peter 5:8,9. His words are strong and give a tremendous warning about carelessness in our Christian lives.  But if you continue reading, (1 P.5:10,11) there is a promise of God's restoring power after a time of suffering. (Try reading 5:8,9 in the KJV).

Be encouraged as you walk with Him!

Joy Comes in The Morning

 Good Morning, Many of you witnessed my raw emotions on Sunday. It reopened wounds for some of you, for which I am deeply sorry. Today our daughter starts the first of an unknown number of appointments, etc. 

But let me tell you about what God is doing. Yesterday was our anniversary, a good, but somber day. I was reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 10 where he says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered.  So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. !!!!

I was also reminded from Romans 4 that Abraham 'hoped against hope' or he didn't weaken in his faith. When looking at what seemed like insurmountable odds in his life, we read that 'his faith did not waver through unbelief...but was strengthened.'

Yesterday the words from a song wouldn't leave my mind-'fear, it is a liar.'  Today the Lord reminded me of the words of Psalm 30:5- "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing come in the morning." The whole of Psalm 30 is good to read. 

Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians

 Paul's Prayer For The Ephesians

(Eph.1:15-20) and My prayer for you

• I do not cease to give thanks

(He) I pray(ed)...

• That you would be given a spirit of wisdom in the knowledge of God

• That you would be given a spirit of revelation in the knowledge of God

• That the eyes of your heart would be enlightened to know...

-what is the hope to which you are called

- what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (God looks forward to enjoying us for eternity)

- what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe (in accordance with his power in raising Christ from the dead)