Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Great Job!!

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!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Who knows best?

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!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Why the evil?

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!

Monday, December 11, 2006

Interconnected

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!

Friday, December 08, 2006

A Christmas Revolution

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

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.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

When the food seems dry

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.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Stumbling block of stepping stone?

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.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Why?

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.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Weed control

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.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Annual Celebrations

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.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Seeing is believing?

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.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Remember this

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.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Who's in Charge, Anyway?

"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!

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!

Friday, November 10, 2006

Comments

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

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.

To read more go to http://www.okanagan.net/users/jreimer/articles/laughter.htm.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

What's that warning sound?

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.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Ungodly Influence

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?”

Friday, November 03, 2006

The Joy of the Lord

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

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Paige Sophia

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!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Honest Reflection

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.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Halloween

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?

Friday, October 27, 2006

Strong and Courageous

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.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Feasts and Offerings

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?

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Birthday Party!

HMCC will be celebrating its 6th birthday! On November 12th 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.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Marriage

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.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Balaam out donkey!

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?

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Boring Flight

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.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Leadership

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?

Friday, October 13, 2006

The Lord Bless You!

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)

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Good morning!

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.