Back to Church - Part 2

Matthew, Mark and Luke all have the Parable of the Sower as the first parable Jesus told.  The message seems clear, we are to spread the Word of God as the sower spreads the seed.

It is interesting to think of the Sower and how he goes about his work.  The seed is spread on a footpath, on rocky ground, among thorns, and finally on good ground.  It does not seem top be a very good use of the seed.

I wonder if we are like the Sower when we talk to people about the Gospel or are we "efficient" in our use of the seed?  Do we speak out our faith in the places where we think it is likely to be well received -the good soil - or do we spread it even in those places where we think it is unlikely to grow - among the thorns, on the rocky places and the footpaths?

When I was in Scouting I often sold apples on Apple Day.  I was always suprised that people I thought would buy an apple often walked past me without so much as saying "No" while those I thought least likely to buy an apple often bought several and gave generously. I was a poor judge of "good soil." 

As Back to Church Sunday approaches, allow God to guide you as to you will ask. The seed may grow in the most unlikely places.

The Doors are Open

Sunday September 25 is Back to Church Sunday in the Diocese of Huron.
When was the last time you invited someone to come to church with you?
Perhaps there is somebody that has asked about church.  Why do you go to church/  What do you do at church? What do you find meaningful about church?
Perhaps there is someone who has asked you about God. 
Now is the time to invite that person to come to church with you.
There are many reasons why people give for not attending church. 
Back to Church Sunday is not about those reasons.  It is not about trying to convince people that they should come to church and it is not about responding to their reasons for not coming to church.
It is about extending an invitation and allowing God to work in the life of that person to overcome their fears and objections.
As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, " I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Consider planting some seeds on September 25.

The Book of Genesis teaches that on the seventh day of Creation God rested and furthermore God hallowed the Sabbath and made it holy. 

Today we have lost the idea of a Sabbath or Common Pause Day, but most of us do have a day off. 

When was the last time you turned your day off into a Sabbath?

Most of us spend our day off catching up: paying bills, doing laundry, mowing the lawn etc. 

A Sabbath is different.  “You shall not do any work.” So on a Sabbath the lawn grows a little longer, the car waits another day to be washed or serviced, the doctor and dental appointments are on another day.  The Sabbath is about finding rest and refreshment in doing what you want to do, not what you have to do.

Would your life be better if you took a Sabbath every week?

What is stopping you from taking a Sabbath?

Difficult Bible Texts

This past Sunday the gospel reading was the account of Jesus healing the Syrophoenician’s daughter.  (Mark 7:24-30)

I personally find this a difficult text especially in the light of Jesus’ rather abrupt comment to the woman’s appeal (v27).  This comment seems so out of character for Jesus who usually reserved his harshest words for the Pharisees and religious leaders of Israel.

There have been a number of texts that have perplexed me over the years. A major struggle for me was the Book of Job, especially Job 1:12.     

My point here is not to resolve the difficulties I have but rather to reflect on the fact that the Bible presents us with many difficult texts that may make us uneasy or simply confuse us.  As Christians I believe we are called read and prayerfully study the whole of the Bible, not just those texts that make us feel comfortable or with which we agree.  After all, the whole of the Bible is God’s word and we are called to study it in its entirety.

It is when we prayerfully study these difficult texts God rewards us with insights into the human relationship with God (Job), the meaning of faith (the Syrophoenician woman), or of the humanity of Jesus.  It is in the difficult texts that the greatest treasures are often found. 

What are the difficult texts in your life?  We at Trinity would welcome the opportunity to struggle with you.   

Called to be Faithful

As I begin this blog and reflect on seven years of ordained ministry I am reminded of a scripture I have carried with me.  Paul writes to Timothy "I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service." (1 Timothy 1:12)  This scripture is a constant reminder that God has called us to be a faithful people as oposed to being succesful. 
This is important because what I often count as success is different from what God deems to be success.  Last Sunday our gospel was from Matthew 5, the Beatitudes.  Here Jesus describes the people of the Kingdom of Heavern.  They are the merciful, the comforters, the peacemakers, the persecuted, the poor in spirit.  These are not the kind of people the world considers to be blessed nor are these the type of people a worldly king would use to secure his kingdom and yet Jesus tells us these are precisely the people God chooses to build his kingdom.  I am convinced that as we move through the days and weeks ahead God will continue to use faithful people to accomplish amazing things in his name.  

Easter Song, 2nd Chapter of Acts

Worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth

It Is the Lord's Day! Worship Him

Repent!

The society around us has changed in huge ways that we could never have anticipated and those changes have deeply affected the church.  When I started in ministry approximately 35% of the Canadian population would be in church every Sunday morning.  Today it is only about 8% who are there on any given Sunday.  I could go on and on talking about the changes but I think most would not challenge the assumption that things are different.  A couple of weeks ago I was at the Diocese of Huron's Diocesan Council meeting.  The meeting opened with a mediation by the Rev. Robert Lemon who reflected for a few moments about the challenges that the church faces in 2011. But he didn't stop with speaking of the changed world.  He continued by suggesting that we, the church, have not been quick enough to respond to those changes and have not really be faithful to the call we have been given to share the gospel.  He went on to remind us that it was Lent and that Lent was normally a time of reflection that led to repentance.  He stated that we needed to repent of our inaction and lack of diligence in tackling the task we have been given by Jesus.  He then led us in a prayer of confession and Bishop Bob gave an absolution.
Hurrah to you Rob.  While I do not think that repentance is as easy as a five minute talk and response (it actually requires a new direction), I think you are absolutely on the right track.  I'm not sure I expected to ever hear such a call for repentance at a Diocesan Council meeting, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world...

Let Your Heart Sing

Satisfy Your Thirst by Worshiping Today

Doublemindedness

"Indecision is the graveyard of good intentions."

Unknown



In the nineteenth chapter of the book of Genesis we hear of the destruction of the Sodom and Gomorrah.  We hear also how the two angels instructed Lot to gather his family together and to flee the coming wrath.  They were told not to look back and not to stop on the plain lest they be swept away along with the rest.  We all know that the story says that Lot's wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.  There is an incredible wealth of spiritual teaching in this incident.  It is about double mindedness and double mindedness leads to indecision.  Indecision leads to death.
Lot and his family had been living in a society that had lost its sense of holiness. You could site the town for any number of actions that indicated that they no longer understood the difference between right and wrong and only a clear break from that situation would give Lot and his family a chance to get back on track.  What was the significance of Lot's wife looking back?  Clearly she was reluctant to leave the life of the town behind.  She wanted to follow the Lord but she also had a fondness for the life she was leaving.  So, as she hesitated and looked back she was turned into a pillar of salt.  Even the pillar of salt is high symbolism for us.  Salt in a great big lump on your plate makes the food inedible - it makes you thirsty - it ultimately can kill you.  Salt in the Dead Sea makes it a place where life cannot survive.  So it was with Lot's wife.  Her indecisiveness drained the life from her and she died.
Are you following Jesus decisively or are you pulled in the direction of the things of the world and torn between the two?  Jesus said something similar when he said:  "Anyone who puts his hand to the plow and then turns back is not fit for the kingdom of heaven."

Unwanted

"The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted."


Mother Teresa of Calcutta



So many feel that they are unwanted.  We wander hither and yon hoping to find love and yet true love is difficult to find in this world.  We are more open about it than ever.  We look on Internet dating sites, we ask others if they know of someone and we even invite others to pray that we would find a partner or someone to share our lives with.  There is no doubt that the affection and love of someone of the opposite sex is a real self-esteem booster and valuable in people's lives.  Yet even while we are experience this sense of being valueless we reject, time and time again, the greatest statement of our value ever made.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16)

Whatever your situation you are valuable.  God has declared it so.

Bow Down and Worship the Lord Today

Six Teachings of Jesus - Part 6

The Fig Tree

During this week I am  focusing on six different teachings of  Jesus that have the potential to change your whole life and lifestyle.  Although many of you will have heard these teachings before, I would challenge you during this week to ask yourself if you have really put these teachings into practice in your life - and where you have not then do something about it.  Matthew 11:29-30 says:  

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  

God never asks of us anything that is too much - and whatever He asks He will give us the strength to fulfil.

Today's Teaching: "The World Will Hate You."

Today's Teaching: "Watch For The Signs"

Deadlines.  How do you handle deadlines?  Some people hate them.  They can't stand the pressure.  Other people like them - they wouldn't get anything done otherwise.  I'm part of the later category.  I work best under pressure and deadlines give me that pressure.  When the deadline is far away somehow I just can't get down to it.  However, when I know that time is up it is amazing how quickly I can get things done. Do you remember what it was like in school?  Projects were assigned but the deadline seemed so far away.  At university most of my professors would hand out the term project at the beginning of the term.  They were all due at the end of the term....but that seemed so far away.  I could never get it through my mind that they were all due at the same time and if I wanted to get them all in on time I would have to get some done soon....even if the deadline wasn't for a couple of months.  

Just like we think deadlines will never arrive, so some have concluded that the kingdom of God will never arrive either. We say things like: "I've got too much life to live yet to think about the things of God.  When I get older I'll worry about that.....I've got lots of time - after all Jesus has not returned in the last two thousand years so I don't think it will happen today either."  The Kingdom of God may be here sooner than we think.  Jesus said: "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.  Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it (the kingdom of God) is near, right at the door."  (Matthew 24:32-33)

Are you ready?

Six Teachings of Jesus - Part 5

Paul casts the demon out of the slave girl

During this week I am  focusing on six different teachings of  Jesus that have the potential to change your whole life and lifestyle.  Although many of you will have heard these teachings before, I would challenge you during this week to ask yourself if you have really put these teachings into practice in your life - and where you have not then do something about it.  Matthew 11:29-30 says:  

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  

God never asks of us anything that is too much - and whatever He asks He will give us the strength to fulfil.

Today's Teaching: "The World Will Hate You."

I grew up believing that if you did the right thing and if you stood up for Jesus there would be general acceptance for what you did.  It didn't occur to me that doing the right thing would be difficult.  But often to stand for the right is to stand against evil and those whose special interests are only for themselves and not for the good of all.  That can be a dangerous thing because you are often challenging the comfort, indulgence and privilege of a powerful few.  Those who have those things will go to great length to keep them.  I am reminded of the account of Paul and Silas' visit to Philippi that is found in the sixteenth chapter of the book of Acts.  On their way to the synagogue one day they encountered a fortune teller who followed them shouting: "These men are servants of the Most High God who are telling you the way to be saved."  She kept this up for some days until one day Paul turned around and commanded the evil spirit in her to depart.  It did and she lost her ability to predict the future.  You might think that Paul had done a great thing but this woman was a slave and her masters were furious because they had now lost their ability to make money from her fortune telling.  Paul and Silas were hauled before the magistrate and thrown into prison.  They had made enemies in powerful places.  

To be a servant of the Lord is to be prepared to make enemies in high places in order to proclaim truth, justice and dignity for all.  It can be dangerous. But hear the words of Jesus:  "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Six Teachings of Jesus - Part 4

Israelites Collecting Manna in the Desert

During this week I am  focusing on six different teachings of  Jesus that have the potential to change your whole life and lifestyle.  Although many of you will have heard these teachings before, I would challenge you during this week to ask yourself if you have really put these teachings into practice in your life - and where you have not then do something about it.  Matthew 11:29-30 says:  

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  

God never asks of us anything that is too much - and whatever He asks He will give us the strength to fulfil.

Today's Teaching: "God Will Provide"

I love the story of the Israelites in the wilderness and being fed by "manna" which appears on the desert floor for them to eat.  It is the details of the story that I love.  First they had to share what they collected.  When they collected the food they discovered that they always collected just enough for the whole community even though some collected more and some collected less.  That could be a sermon all in itself.  Second - if they tried to store it up for the next day they discovered that it went bad and wormy overnight.  Again a great lesson about God's provision for us and our desire to hoard things for ourselves.  Third - there was an exception to these first two details.  On the day before the Sabbath they were always able to collect twice as much as usual. When they kept half overnight it did not go bad.  On the Sabbath there would be no manna to collect.  It is this third detail that verifies for us that the first two details are a part of God's plan and that this plan has a lot to teach us about God's provision.  

Now in later times we have the teaching of Jesus:  God feeds the birds - he will feed you.  God clothes the flowers of the field - he will clothe you.  To believe these things frees you to become a generous person and put your greed behind.  To believe these things frees you to seek first the kingdom of God without fear that you will go without.  Have you let it sink deeply into your heart that God is providing for you? Then let go of your greed and fear.  What a glorious moment that will be.  

Six Teachings of Jesus - Part 3

During this week I am  focusing on six different teachings of  Jesus that have the potential to change your whole life and lifestyle.  Although many of you will have heard these teachings before, I would challenge you during this week to ask yourself if you have really put these teachings into practice in your life - and where you have not then do something about it.  Matthew 11:29-30 says:  

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  

God never asks of us anything that is too much - and whatever He asks He will give us the strength to fulfil.

Today's Teaching:  "Two Great Commandments"

We are all undoubtedly aware of the two great commandments - to love God with everything you have and are, and to love your neighbour as yourself.  These words are so easy to say that often times when it comes to preach on this subject I wonder what I might put forward that is new.  The problem is that no matter how simple it may sound it is profound to a depth that we cannot even begin to comprehend.  Jesus said: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  In a few short words Jesus has taken this concept of love and moved it from some sentimental or mushy thing to a place where the rubber hits the road - so to speak.  When the rich young ruler came to Jesus to ask what he must do to inherit eternal life Jesus mentioned a number of the commandments to him - Do not commit adultery, do not commit murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother.  The youth was content with himself and answered that he had done all these things.  Then Jesus got down to the meat of the matter - go sell all you have and give to the poor and come follow me.  It was too much for the young man to conceive of doing.  Yet to love God and to love your neighbour is in fact to give up your life for them.  Are you ready to do that?  This is what God requires of you!

Six Teachings of Jesus - Part 2

During this week I am  focusing on six different teachings of  Jesus that have the potential to change your whole life and lifestyle.  Although many of you will have heard these teachings before, I would challenge you during this week to ask yourself if you have really put these teachings into practice in your life - and where you have not then do something about it.  Matthew 11:29-30 says:  

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  

God never asks of us anything that is too much - and whatever He asks He will give us the strength to fulfil.

Today's Teaching: "Your Faith Will Be Rewarded."

The Book of Hebrews defines faith for us with these words:  "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Now we are not talking about an huge unreachable faith.  Jesus said that even faith as small as a mustard seed could produce great results.  But why is this faith important?

1. It's goal is your salvation - 1 Peter 1:9
2. It straightens not only the eternal path but the path of this life as well - Proverbs 3:5
3. It can change a mediocre life into one of great excitement - Mark 9:23
4. Faith overcomes the world - 1 John 5:4

So how do we grow our faith?  It is important to understand where faith comes from.  Paul asserted to the Ephesians that faith is not of ourselves but is in fact a gift from God.  The disciples asked Jesus saying "Increase our faith." The father of the epileptic boy cried out to Jesus:  "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."

Why not ask the Lord to grow your faith today?

Six Teachings of Jesus - Part 1

During this week I am  focusing on six different teachings of  Jesus that have the potential to change your whole life and lifestyle.  Although many of you will have heard these teachings before, I would challenge you during this week to ask yourself if you have really put these teachings into practice in your life - and where you have not then do something about it.  Matthew 11:29-30 says:  


"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  


God never asks of us anything that is too much - and whatever He asks He will give us the strength to fulfil.

Today's Teaching:  "You Must Be Last To Be First."

This really is a focus on the subject of power.  Have you ever been a part of a church , community organization or family where power issues are not a part of the picture? We can always attempt to grab power but in the end the results are usually disastrous.  Here are some principles found in scripture about the true gaining of power:

1. True power and authority comes only to those who are under authority themselves.
2. Power and position are given to us by others,not taken by ourselves.
3. Those who are exalted are those who have put everyone else's needs first.
4. Those who gain true power are willing to give up their whole lives for those they love.
5. If you want to be great in the kingdom of God then you must become a servant.  

If you want to have power you need to first of all give it up.  Have you abused power or attempted to grab it for yourself?   Then repent and become a servant.  Give your power away and you will find it.

Our God is Faithful - Meet With Him Today

School March Break

Today is the first day of the week long March Break for schools in Ontario.  Many families are packing the car and heading out of town for a holiday.  I suppose I shouldn't be kidding myself.  If you are among that group you are probably not reading my blog today.  But just in case you are...  When I was young holidays with my family were some of the best moments of my life.  They seemed to be a time when routines and duties were dropped and Mom and Dad had a little time to be with you - time that wasn't business that is.  When I became a father holidays were still a special time.  They were a time to forget the business of life and spend some memory-making moments with the children.  Sadly I know that many do not look forward to holidays.  They are a time when strained relationships become even more strained because everyone is together for too long.  They are a time when children have to shuffle between one parent and another. They are a time when there is nothing to do because parents are at work.

If you are among the blessed who know this coming holiday will be a great time for your family rejoice and give thanks.  Perhaps you will take a moment to pray for those who are less fortunate.

My New Position

The link below will lead you to a video posted by the Diocese of Huron.  In the video I discuss my new role and the way forward for the Diocese.

http://news.diohuron.org/2011/03/director-for-mission-ministry-video.html

Ash Wednesday

When I was young Ash Wednesday was one of the most serious days of the whole year - second probably only to Good Friday.  Anglican youth went to church in the morning at one of the down town churches in Quebec City and after the service we were given a green card that when presented at school permitted us to arrive late for classes that day.  We had to take a city bus from the church to the school and as you can imagine we broke the serious mood just a little by dragging our heels as much as we figured we could get away with. It was, however, just the beginning of a different discipline that would permeate our lives for the next forty days.  There were extra church services to attend on a regular basis.  There would be serious conversations about what each one of us would give up for lent and decisions would have to be made.  Many of the normal routines of life would fall under scrutiny as the question would be asked as to whether or not this activity was appropriate for lent.

There is no point in longing for the past.  I am not sure I would want the past to return except for some sadistic desire to impose upon a new generation those torments that I had to endure.  None the less, I am mindful of the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1  "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.."  This dissertation ends with the proclamation:  "He has made everything beautiful in its time."  (Ecclesiastes 3:11)  So what was beautiful about what we did?  As I look back I realize that this discipline taught me that life was not always about my wants and whims.  It taught me that when I put away some of the worldly desires I had, it really did turn my mind and my heart toward the things of God.  It strengthened my realization that the spiritual side of life was important.  All this is a part of my heritage that I do not regret or resent.  As we shy away from these practices today I wonder what message we are giving to our children and what kind of a heritage they are receiving.  A tree without roots will get blown over in the storm.

Mardi Gras

Bonhomme Carnaval

I spent my teenage years living in Quebec City.  Part of the culture and heritage of that great city was and still is Carnaval.  The winter carnival is always a time of celebration and partying in the midst of what can seem like a long and cold winter.  There are ice sculptures, canoe races, a grand parade and the renown ice castle to mention a few of the features of this popular event.  Of course the partying is always over by the end of Mardi Gras - or in English we might say "Fat Tuesday." Why is it called Fat Tuesday and why do we eat pancakes on this day? Simply because Lent is a time of fasting and so the people would get rid of all the fat in the house to prepare for their time of restraint.  Pancakes and some other foods were a good way to use up all the fat.
In other circles this day is called "Shrove" Tuesday.  "Shrove" comes from the old English word "shrive" which means "to confess."  In ancient times the people would confess their sins on this Tuesday which is the day before Lent begins in order that they could enter Lent with their slate clean before God.  Some of the practices of fasting and confessing are not as prevalent in our world today but we certainly have kept the pancake part of the tradition going.  I don't think there is a church for miles around that is not serving pancakes tonight.
Let's think for a moment about the fasting and confessing.  We live in an age where self discipline and self denial are not popular activities.  When I grew up there were no parties in Lent, no weddings or other kinds of celebrations and in general this was a somber time.  While I am not suggesting that we need to revert to the rigidness of those times I suspect a little fasting and self discipline are healthy for us in all kinds of ways and that we abandon these practices at our own peril. The intent of fasting is that we might have the opportunity to take our eyes off the things of this world and place them on the more spiritual matters that tend to get crowded out in this busy life.  Some believe that fasting is a way of getting God's attention and thus our prayers answered but this is contrary to most Christian theology as I understand it.  We do not gain God's favor by our goods works, but rather receive it freely by his grace.  What we do gain from fasting is a closer relationship with God.
I am told that this is exactly what twenty first century people are looking for - an experience of God.  Why not give it a try this Lent?  You never know where it will lead you.

Detecting God's Blessing

"It's hard to detect good luck - it looks so much like something you've earned.
Frank A. Clark



Well I have to tell you that I don't believe in luck. So, you ask, why are you posting quotes like this one on your blog?  Because I don't think we have earned it either...  so what is left?  So what do I believe?  I believe that the Lord God has more say in what is going on in our lives than we can possibly imagine.  We human beings like to think that we are in control of things, but I believe we have far less control than we want.  If Frank Clark had said:  "It is hard to detect blessing - it looks so much like something you've earned" I think he would have been on the right track.

"Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him.  For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land - a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing, a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.  When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.  Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and decrees that I am giving you this day.  Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God,...You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me."  But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.  (Deuteronomy 8:6-18)

Worship the God of Wonders today.

He Who Waits

"All good things come to he who waits."
Proverb




Waiting has never been my strong suit.  Have you ever made a major purchase such as a car only to discover that they will not be able to make the delivery for a few days?  I certainly have had that experience on many occasions and I freely admit that I have not always handled it well.  In my first parish there were three different communities that I ministered to.  These communities were not connected by road and so travel was either by boat, snow mobile, plane or helicopter.  As you can imagine travel was uncertain and dependant on the weather.  There were many occasions when the best laid plans were scuttled and several days might pass before an opening in the weather would again permit travel.  I was also fairly newly married and a few extra nights away from home seemed like an eternity.  Learning patience was a painful process.  If there is a prayer I would not recommend you pray unless you are prepared for great refining it is:  "Lord, teach me patience."  I have learned a tiny bit of patience over the years and now waiting a few days for the delivery of a purchase, or an extra night away from home are things I generally take in stride.  But it now seems that some of the more important things in life are things that we can wait months or even years for.  On more than one occasion I have taken comfort in the words of Psalm 27:


"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Whatever your heart's desire or need.  Don't give up.  The Lord know about it even before you ask.  Be prayerful and wait upon the Lord.  He will come to you!

How Do You Know?

Since I announced on Sunday that I would be leaving Trinity Church to accept the offer of a position with the Diocese of Huron a lot of people have been asking how to discover God's will for our lives in these important times of transition.  There is no doubt that recognizing the Lord's hand in things is a lot easier in hindsight but there are a few principles that have helped me along the way.  I have always enjoyed the story of Jacob making his decision to leave his father-in-law Laban's home and to return to the land he grew up in.  The story is found in the last part of Genesis chapter 30 and in chapter 31.  It would have been a major decision for Jacob.  His two wives would have to leave their father and family behind.  For Jacob it must also have been a dangerous decision.  He had fled from his father's house having deceived his father and grabbing for himself the birthright that would have normally gone to his brother Esau.  He would have no idea how his brother might react if he returned.  In the story we see the progressive steps in Jacob's call to go home.  In the 25th verse of Genesis 30 Jacob requests his father-in-law's permission to leave.  This whole thing begins with a desire in Jacob's heart.  I believe most calls from God begin with that desire.  But the circumstances were not right and so that call is not yet confirmed.  Jacob and Laban make a business deal that will ultimately make Jacob very rich and so Jacob stays.  The desire in our hearts needs to be confirmed by circumstances.  Eventually the circumstances change.  Laban and his sons become less favorable toward Jacob.  Bluntly put, tension arises in the relationship.  Finally Jacob heard the Lord speak.  In Chapter 31 verse 3 it says: "Then the Lord said to Jacob, "Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives and I will be with you."  I'm not sure exactly how the Lord spoke to Jacob but in my own life there are at times signs, there have been dreams and visions,  God has spoken to me through other people and sometimes it is just that still small voice inside that speaks.  However it happens I go away confident that God has sent a message.

How do you know when you are called to something?  When the desire of your heart, the circumstances and the voice you perceive to be from the Lord all line up, chances are it is really God who is speaking. When that happens be bold, be strong for the Lord your God is with you.

A Message for Trinity Church Congregation

For those who haven't heard - this morning the Bishop of Huron announced that I am appointed the Director for Ministry and Mission for the Diocese of Huron effective May 1st.  This means that I will be concluding my twenty ministry as rector of Trinity Church effective that date. Twenty years is a long time and during those years I have had some incredibly rich experiences and opportunities for the Lord.  I have had the opportunity to laugh and dance with the congregation in good times, to cry and hold hands in the bad times.  Even more exciting is that we have been on a spiritual journey together that has brought us all closer to the Lord Jesus.  Letting go of these things and saying good bye to a congregation that has brought so much fullness to my life is not an easy thing to do and I am grateful to all those who, after church this morning, spoke to me words of kindness and appreciation.

I can remember heading off to my first congregation in 1977.  It was mid summer when Cathy and I had to leave our little cottage on Lake Massawipp, Quebec, and head across the lake.  (There were no roads to our cottage and the only way in and out was by boat.)  We both loved that place and our time on the lake and it required a real act of determination to head off to Quebec Labrador.  As we rode away in the boat I can remember thinking:  "The Lord hates a double minded person - don't look back at the cottage."  We didn't and we went on to one of the most exciting adventures of our lives.

I love everyone at Trinity deeply, but I believe God has called me to a new thing.  I won't look back this time either. I am deeply honored that I have been chosen for this work of implementing the new Strategic Direction for the diocese and I look forward to the wonderful and exciting ways that the Lord Jesus will use me in this new phase of my ministry. I trust that you will keep me in your prayers just as I will keep Trinity Church in my prayers as they seek God's direction for their future and for the appointment of a new rector.

May the Lord bless us all.

It's Sunday - Get Ready to Meet With the Lord Today

The Shadows of Yesterday

"Don't let the shadows of yesterday spoil the sunshine of tomorrow.  Live for today."
Nandina Morris



Everybody's yesterdays have a shadow or two in them.  It is inevitable first because of our fallen nature and secondly because we all have a personal enemy, just as we have a personal saviour.  Jesus said:  "The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  Notice the battle that is ongoing for you and me. It is a battle between good and evil.  Satan has set out from the very moment of our conception to make sure that the life we have is one that is broken, hurting and held captive.  He uses three ways to rob us of the full life God intended for us.  He does it by the circumstances of life that are beyond anyone's control.  He does it by the sins of others and he even uses our own reactions and rebellions that come out of our fallen nature.  God knew our desperate plight as human beings and so he sent his only son to restore to us the abundant life he had originally planned.  But how, you might say, does Jesus restore what has been stolen?  It is, of course, a miracle.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming messiah in these terms:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-3)

If you are letting the shadows of yesterday spoil the sunshine of today and tomorrow Jesus is the answer.  If you don't know how to make that a reality then maybe your pastor can help.  Have a blessed day.

Scary World Events

As things continue to develop in the Middle East and as violence and threats of civil war blossom in countries like Libya we in the Western Word can be tempted to sit back in our easy chairs and believe that none of these things will come close to us.  Life will continue on as usual and we will not be touched.  But that is not true.  Our world is too interconnected for that.  Already we are being touched as the price of oil starts to climb and the price at the gas station has gone up.  But a blip (or even long term rise) in the price of oil is small potatoes compared to the jobs that may be lost because of that rise in oil or to the violence that may be exported to other parts of the world.  We are not living in an impervious bubble.  Even if we recognize these truths we usually feel helpless to do anything about what is happening and so we pretend that it does not matter.  But how is the Christian to respond to such things?  The first thing we need to do is to remember that it is the God of heaven and earth who is ultimately in charge of all things.  He makes kingdoms rise and and He makes kingdoms fall. The second thing to do is to trust in his love for us so that we might never be anxious or fearful.  The third thing to do is to remember that God has invited his children to partner with Him in his work on earth.  Are you partnering with the Lord through prayer and through whatever doors He might open for you to do so?

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."  (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Pray for Christ Church New Zealand

It seems that the situation there may be much worse than was first reported.  Follow this link to hear and interview with the Bishop and Dean of Christ Church New Zealand.
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2011/2/22/ACNS4800

I invite you to pray for all whose faith is challenged by the events that have happened and for all who are facing this crisis without faith.  May the Lord be with them all.

Treatment of Kairos Scary

Minister Bev Oda taking a short break after
being exhausted by fighting the forces of
liberalism in Canada

Whatever your political leanings and whatever your sentiments about the positions the group Kairos takes, the way the Federal government has handled this group is scary.  Kairos may be "left leaning" according to some but it is certainly a legitimate expression of faith that comes out of eleven Canadian Church denominations concerned about living out their faith in the world. According to their website they are "Canadian churches and religious organizations united in faithful action for justice."  Their website states their member churches and organizations as follows:  The Anglican Church of Canada; Christian Reformed Church in North America; Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; The Presbyterian Church in Canada; The United Church of Canada; The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers); Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace; Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops; The Canadian Religious Conference; The Mennonite Central Committee of Canada and the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund." Now there is a scary group of people.

As mainline Canada as this group might seem, the federal government says that their goals of justice do not align with the government's goals and therefore they should be no longer funded.  Seems to me that the Canadian government is not interested in having prophetic voices in their midst unless they happen to align with the government's every wish and direction.  The time has long past when churches should rely on governments to fund their projects and the kind of behaviour that is currently taking place certainly makes that divorce final.  We would hope however, that our government could move beyond its own agenda and its political correctness to seek true justice in the world and to support those who are willing to lead the way and do the work on the ground.

Come Worship With Us Today

Soaring With the Eagles

"Wisdom is oftentimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar."

William Wordsworth



How I would love to soar with the eagles.  In fact, I have had many a dream in which I simply attempt to fly and suddenly discover that I can.  I climb high to get a wide view of things, swoop down low to catch some particular detail, but most of all I go for miles and miles just drinking in the freedom.  In my real world I enjoy flying too. When things go well, when I have some great accomplishment, or just when I have a sense of well being, I enjoy the freedom and I view life from great heights.  But more often I am on the ground, caught by gravity and the weight of my flesh.  I'm not sure that I enjoy those sobering moments as much as the moments of great flight, but come to think of it I cannot remember many life lessons I have learned while flying.  Most of my life lessons were learned with my feet firmly planted on the ground and me miring around getting all dirty in the clay.
Where is God in the midst of all of this?  I don't think he sits in heaven deciding that today is the day he will zap me so that I will become a little wiser. I do believe, however, that when I get into the midst of the trials and temptations of everyday life he is anxious to be a part of that and to turn the trouble into good.  That is my faith in the midst of trial. He is there.  He will work it for good.  Some days I know that I will never understand what he is up to.  Frequently, however, I can see how he has worked good even in the midst of this "troublesome" life.


"For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28)

God's Thoughts

"I want to know all God's thoughts; all the rest are just details." 
Albert Einstein




For some it may seem that the world is a result of chance or that if there is a God he plays little role in the life of human beings.  Those who think like that become more important in their own eyes.  They are concerned with filling their own appetites and they thrive on their own wisdom.  But for the Christian life is very different.  Paul the apostle said:  "To live is Christ." He had died to the things of self and was only interested in the will of God and the fulfilment of his purposes.  It was in this that Paul found his perfect fullness.  Everything else fell away as unimportant.

Two passages of scripture come to mind:


"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  (Isaiah 55:8)


"The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom."  (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Listen

"Nature has given man one tongue but two ears, that we may hear twice as much as we speak."
Epictetus


I can sure be impulsive. The trouble is when I am I usually live to regret it. One of the requirements of a good leader is the ability to listen, then to listen, and then to listen some more.  How important it can be to remember that my reality is not another person's reality.  Without remembering that simple fact anyone can be moved to judgement and hurtful words very quickly. There is nothing about that which builds up people or the community of believers.  I find it powerful to believe the best of people and of their intentions even when I might disagree with their words or actions.  Now I know that some will want to argue with me now saying that there are absolutes in this world and that my attitude is to deny that reality. Furthermore my attitude, you might say, leads to a denial of the holiness of God and our need for holiness as a Christian community.  The ultimate absolute in this life and the next is love.  To be a Christ follower is to love God with all your heart and to love people with all their warts and imperfections.  I believe that loving begins with listening.  It is only in the spirit led moments that listening should turn to speaking.

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (James 1:19-20)

Parents of the Future

"A wise man must remember that while he is a descendant of the past, he is a parent of the future."
Herbert Spencer


These words by Herbert Spencer capture the essence of the Christian community's responsibilities beautifully.  The Christian community is the keeper of the heritage or story of God's action in the world throughout history.  The scripture is, among other things, a history book about a very important aspect of the human race's existence.  It records how God has acted and how human beings have perceived his actions all the way back to Adam and Eve.  This is important because it informs us about how we might perceive God's action and intervention in the world during our lifetime.  Additionally it gives us the hope that if God did great things in the past he will still do great things during our time.

But more than this, we are challenged with passing this history on to the next generation - of making sure that the history of God's action in the world does not end in our generation.  In particular, the gospel of Jesus Christ is a timeless message that each new generation needs to hear.  This is certainly a challenge for us in an age where churches are in decline and falling out of favour with society as a whole.  Those circumstances, however, do not relieve us of the responsibility of being the keepers of this great history and of challenging each new generation to enter into that history of relationship with the living God.  We warned, however - we need to be careful not to mix up our own traditions and pre-conceived ideas of how God works with the relationship he offers that is new every morning.

"I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old - what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."  (Psalm 78:2-4)

Are you doing your part to tell the next generation?

A Community of Grace

"Have you noticed in your past experience that your kind interpretations were almost always truer than your harsh one?"
Lawrence G. Lovasik



I once lived in a community that was vicious in its attacks on one another.  The game of survival seemed to be built one's ability to put others down.  I wondered about this for a long time and finally concluded that people were hoping to end up on top of the pile, not by elevating themselves but rather by lowering others.  Its the kind of thing that you might do when you really don't think very much of yourself.

I have made quite a few mistakes in my life. Sometimes they were nothing more than gaffs that were embarrassing. At other times they were serious mistakes with serious consequences. One of the joys of having been a part of the Trinity Church community during the past twenty years is that this is a community of grace.  They have laughed with me at my gaffs and when I have made serious mistakes they have supported me and we have all carried on together.  All this comes from love.  It comes from the realization that we are all in this together and that genuine greatness does not come at the expense of others.  It recognizes that in most situations people's intentions and motives are genuine.  Communities who understand this prosper even as they support and build one another up.  Encourage one another daily.  The gift of encouragement is a gift from God.

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."  2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Part of the Body

For the last two days the coordinator in our office has been away.  Most of us seem to be able to be absent without being noticed but this lady is the glue that keeps everything running smoothly.  Its amazing how much scrambling we have to do to figure out everything...  We are all tempted to think that we are not important - that we would not be missed if we just disappeared, but the reality is that we have all been made unique with something special to offer this world.  When we are not able to make a contribution, or when we just fail to do so, the whole community has to adjust.  We are not as independent as we think we are.  We are in fact all interconnected in a multitude of ways.  That is the way God made us and intended us to be - especially in the Christian community.  No one can be a lone ranger.

"Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.  If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.  And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.  If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?  If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them just as he wanted them to be.  If they were all one part, where would the body be?  As it is there are many parts, but one body."  (1 Corinthians 12:14-20)

Down But Not Out

St. John's Church, Sarnia

Last night I attended the "de consecration" of one of the Anglican Churches in our city.  Consecration is the act of setting something aside wholly for sacred purposes and this can be done for any number of things.  We can even consecrate ourselves to set our lives apart for sacred purposes. So the act of de consecration is the act of declaring that which was once set aside completely for sacred purposes is no longer set aside in such a way.  It was sad to see a grand old building that had been the place of worship and of sacred passages such as baptisms, marriages and funerals for so many generations be de consecrated.  It is not the only church (Anglican or otherwise) to have met such a fate in recent times.  There are, of course, some congregations that are thriving and growing, but in North America at large there is no question that the number of people attending church Sunday by Sunday is declining.
But ultimately this story is not about decline.  It is about a Christian community that has had the courage to admit the the old way of doing things is not working.  It is about a Christian community that has had the courage to let go of things they have held dear in order to find new ways to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is about a Christian community that places its hope in God to bring about a new and exciting future. In this particular instance the community I am speaking about has had the courage to amalgamate with two other congregations to create one congregation that has the critical mass to face the future in new and exciting ways.
Many Christians are facing similar situations.  In fact, even if you are a part of one of those communities that is thriving you need to learn lessons from what is happening.  If we simply sit tight, hang on to what we have and hope for the best we will die.  God is doing a new thing.  I am not disparaging for the gospel.  It has survived for two thousand years and the Christian church globally is larger than it has ever been and is expanding rapidly.  Let's not get in the way of the God's Spirit.  Let us submit ourselves to God and get on with what he is calling us to do.  May Jesus Christ be praised.

Desire for Love

"In every living thing there is the desire for love."
D. H. Lawrence



Truer words were never spoken.  Every human being I have ever met desires to be loved - whether they are willing to admit it or not.  In this I find the key to so much I am looking for in life.  I want my children to do well and I am far too often tempted to give them unsolicited advice.  I want my wife to be really devoted to me and all too often I am tempted to demand it.  I want the people I work with and live around to respect me and all too often I am tempted to resent them for not doing so.  But what I have discovered is that all these things are given to me when I simply love those I share my life with.  Just love people and you will be amazed at its power.

"Love is patient, love is kind.  it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Expectation or Security? You choose

"Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life.  Security is an insipid thing, through the overtaking and possessing of a wish discovers the folly of the chase."
William Congreve




I have observed in my life that the more things I have and the more successes I achieve the less energy I have for new ventures and risks.  As I come to enjoy the benefits of the material things I own, the positions I occupy and the worldly security I have it it tempting to spend a lot of time and energy maintaining those things and making sure that I don't lose them.  More than that I am tempted to evaluate the next mountain I might climb based on the fear that it might not be as good as the mountain I am currently sitting on.  But if I fall into that trap I loose the excitement of allowing God to bring adventure, anticipation and new accomplishments into my life.  In the end I loose everything that is important trying to hang on to what I already have.  Many years ago I had a dream. In that dream God breathed on me and I felt great joy.  Then he said:  "You will always be in the path of the breath of my Spirit."  I have remembered that dream because it gave me great joy.
Recently I was with a group of students talking about their future.  The group was teasing one of its members saying that his father was rich and that his future was secure because his father would make sure that he owned the family business and so the future was bright.  As they went around the room one girl said:  "He has a father but I have a dream."  Because of Jesus I have both a dream and a Father. My security however, does not come from the things of this world.  It is not threatened by the new ventures that the Lord puts in my way. Instead my security is enhanced.  Oh to always be in the path of the breath of His Spirit.

In Christ Alone - Worship God This Sunday

The Unexpected Adventure

Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg have written a book called The Unexpected Adventure.  In this book they share their experiences of God at work when they have stepped out in faith to give testimony about their own faith journey.  The principle that they proclaim is that we should all wake up in the morning expecting God to give us some unexpected adventure in service for him during the day.  They proclaim service that is neither driven by duty or striving but rather by joyful expectation that God will work through us for the good of others and his kingdom.  It is a good principle but one that too quickly gets lost in the midst of our business and sometimes our political correctness.
During Lent of 2010 our congregation studied the book and those who went in depth took the opportunity to attempt to put its principles into practice.  Many unexpected adventures emerged from this experience and we all had fun sharing our testimonies.  If you are one of those people who got excited about the book then let me ask you if you are still enjoying unexpected adventures?  If so, I would love to hear your stories.  If not, then maybe its time to remind yourself of the wonderful things God has in store for those who are faithful to him.
If you have haven't yet done so I recommend that you read:  "The Unexpected Adventure."

The Importance of Testimony

We have a choice.  Either our faith can be of the intellectual sort that theoretically accepts all kinds of premises on which to take our stand about God and the way we live, or it can be a day by day walk with the Lord.  A day by day walk with the Lord is something that is far more exciting and dynamic than an intellectual faith.  More than that, it is a solid experience on which to draw in times of trouble.  Anyone who has that day by day walk with the Lord will have a testimony or testimonies to give.  These testimonies will be real life experiences that demonstrate that your walk with the Lord is personal and new every morning.  Testimony is not usually spectacular and full of incredible stories although it might be.  It is usually about how we have seen God at work in the every day events of life.  The importance of testimony comes in the solidifying of our faith that comes from sharing.  The importance of testimony comes in the encouragement that others receive for their faith when they hear about ours.  The importance of testimony comes in helping others find how to see God's action on their own journey.  When is the last time you gave testimony to the things that were happening in your faith walk?  Don't be shy.  Step out in faith and God will use it powerfully.

Resisting change

"People often resist change for reasons that make good sense to them, even if those reasons don't correspond to organizational goals."
Rosabeth Moss Kanter

One of the organizations that is the most resistant to change is the church.  Perhaps that is because we are confused, or at  least inwardly conflicted about the purpose of the church.  For many, church is about their own personal needs.  For some it may be a quiet place to reflect for an hour a week.  For others it may be that it is about a hour of exuberant  praise.  For still others it may be about the friendship and fellowship that is found in the community.  There are those who will find church to be about comfort - especially in times of trouble or distress.  Many find church a place to reflect about the spiritual side of life and a place to introduce their children to spiritual things.  I could go on and on and it is true that all of these things are at least in part what the church is all about.  But all of these needs are egocentric or personally focused and they are the things that have led to the consumer attitude we have developed toward our church involvement.  In short we say:  "What is in it for me?'

The trouble is that I find all of these things to be in-congruent with the instructions that Jesus gave to his followers about the future. What I find coming from Jesus is a clear command that they become a very task oriented group of people.  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  (Acts 1:8)  I am learning to not ask how the changes in the church will impact me, but rather to ask how the changes in the church will impact the spread of the gospel.  Only in asking that can I align myself with the goals of the organization instead of with my own needs.