January 13, 2018 - - Psalm 70:4c "Let God be magnified!"

Let God be magnified!

Psalm 70:4c NKJV

God, Who is from eternity to eternity, great and awesome, cannot be greater than He was. There is no sense in which He could ever be less or more magnificent than He Is. So, what does this brief phrase of our text mean?

"Let God be magnified! It is the prayer and exclamation of the believer. Believers cry out, let God be magnified:

~in my heart, may He be an ever greater part of my thoughts

~in my words, may I acknowledge His rescue before all people

~in my hopes for the future, may I have a greater sense of Christ

~in times of temptation, may His honour be the greater so that

temptations are shown to be tawdy, small, and pathetic

~in times of turmoil and grief, may His glory as my Deliverer be

my ever greater song and trust

~in times of joy may His Goodness be even more credited

~in the moments when people mock me for my faith, may my

trust in Him grow.

~in my contemplation of His salvation, may the victory of Jesus

and the love of the Father and work of the Spirit to minister

these to the believer be the song of my life that grows and fills

more and more of who I am

God, Deliver and Covenant-Keeper, be magnified in my thoughts, in my heart, in my life. God, Source of Salvation and all true believing, be magnified among believers around the world. You are the Helper of all who call out to You--be magnified in the eyes of this world! Amen.

January 12, 2018 - - Psalm 62:12, Hebrews 11:6 How does God reward believers?

Also to You, O LORD God, belongs mercy;

For You render to each one according to his work.

Psalm 62:12

NKJV

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

God rewards those who diligently seek Him. What a concept that is! While in Sunday School class, one of people asked a great question: "In heaven we will be perfect, so it is hard to frame this question here, but won't it be hard to see one person more blessed, more 'rewarded' than another person?"

Our pastor answered very well. Our work here is to learn to trust in Jesus, to love Him more and more, and delight in Him. Some have a cup of capacity, others a double measuring cup, others a large mixing bowl, and so on. So, according to the capacity you have to delight in Jesus, in heaven your cup will be filled to overflowing. So the one who has a single cup capacity to love Jesus, and the next one has a mixing bowl worth of capacity, to each one his capacity to receive reward will be filled. You will not be jealous of others because your cup is full and overflowing.

Oh Jesus, it is so sweet to trust in You. Spirit, pour out the grace of the Father in heaven so as to increase my capacity to love and trust in Jesus more and more. Let my love and trust in Jesus result in a greater capacity to love and care for the people You have placed in my life here on earth. Oh God of multitudes of mercies, teach friends and family members who don't yet know you, to understand their restless hunger is a desire to know You more and more. Blessed be Your Name, Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

January 11, 2018 - - Philippians 4:2 Begging to be forgiving and forgiven

I implore Euodia and Syntyche

to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Philippians 4:2 NKJV

Face facts: Christians will argue and disagree. Even the Apostle Paul had a huge disagreement with Barnabas (Acts 15:39). They parted ways for a while. Yet we read in the Bible that the reason they parted ways, over their difference of opinion on the trustworthiness of John Mark, was addressed. Paul was reconciled with John Mark and speaks of him as a comfort (Colossians 4:10 and II Timothy 4:11).

Paul was strongly urging the women Euodia and Syntyche to work together once again. It is the sign that that Christ has come and His victory is sure--our old hostilities are broken down in the light of the cross of Christ. We humble ourselves and find in Him no cause for the "high moral ground" or boasting. We are all sinners, together in need of His mercy. As such, we are then able to forgive and receive forgiveness even after great wounds. It is what causes the world to proclaim in wonder: "See how they love one another!"

As I read these words from Paul to the congregation at Philippi, urging the congregation to help these woman be reconciled I keenly feel the weight of this urgent appeal in my own life. My heart is open to my former denomination, the Christian Reformed Church in North America. There have been terrible wounds and a hard falling out. But I hear and feel the impact of Paul's words, written so long ago, reaching out across the centuries, which now find their bulls-eye in my conscience: to be of the same mind, be reconciled in Christ.

Recently I was in a grocery store and one of the members of my former church board was there as well. He clearly saw me, but turned away--both of us were embarrassed and uncomfortable. It should not be! God, who began a good work in us in Christ, will by His Spirit see it to completion.

As long as brothers in Christ are not reconciled, there is the need for Paul's pray to continually be taken up on the lips of believers everywhere: "I pray that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:9-10).

I plead with you, in so far as you are able, make things right. If you know a brother or sister is offended with you or by you: pray for reconciliation. Let God have no rest but urgently beg Him by your prayers and tears for the glory of the gospel that in Jesus Christ you will find peace that grows under His gracious governance of your lives.

For the record, I do work to make things right. It won't mean I will return to my former denomination; it does mean when I happen to meet with people at the grocery store, or some other place, for the sake of Christ we will meet as brothers. If anyone on FB who knows the situations can be of help, send a personal message to me. Pray. Encourage me and my fellow believers to be reconciled in Christ.

God our Father, source of all grace and peace in Christ, I pray that my love may abound still more and more in knowledge and discernment, so that I may approve the things that are excellent that I may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ's return in glory. By Your Spirit make the way open for true peace with my offended family members in Christ. I fully acknowledge all and every sin is ever, always first against Your Majesty and glory and only secondarily an offense against a brother or sister. The great commandment teaches me to love You with all I am and all I have and to love my neighbour as myself. In showing love to neighbour I am visibly demonstrating my love for You. Forgive my sins. Forgive my stubbornness. Grant me a greater capacity to forgive and to be humble to receive forgiveness whenever it is offered. By Your Spirit and the Word You have planted in my heart, increase my love for You and make this visible in the way in which I love my neighbour. Amen.

January 10, 2018 - - Proverbs 10:23 Are we fools for sports or wise for God?

To do evil is like sport to a fool,

But a man of understanding has wisdom.

Proverbs 10:23 NKJV

Think of the different levels of athletics. You have your hockey moms bringing kids to 6 am practices; you have soccer dads working out with their kids training them for proficiency. Then there are the self-motivated skate-boarders capable of awesome aerial twists and jumps. Right up to Olympic athletes whose lives revolve around their chosen sport.

You get the drift, right? How many of us, parents, train our children in wicked ways, in the things of our culture and this world but do not give more time and more attention to our faith and communicating the richness of knowing Jesus Christ!

I am not saying sports are wicked. But we watch endless hours of sports on TV, enduring commentary, commercials and replays, pre-game shows and post-game jaws, but gripe if the worship service takes more than an hour and fifteen minutes. We are prepared to drive across the province for sports events, but can't get out of the house for a prayer meeting on a week-night. We are training the children to sacrifice for their sport, buying the gear they need, paying for ice time and coaching and so on. But do we train them to give equally, or more joyfully, in tithes?

The man or woman of understanding knows the greatest treasure is knowing Jesus Christ. The parent of understanding longs for his child, above all else, to know the Word of God, be guided by the Spirit and dedicate himself to God. This is what makes one's life rich.

God, in Whose presence is fullness of joy, cause me to understand the richness of knowing You in Jesus Christ. Spirit of all wisdom, from the depths of this place of love and wonder, cause me to be a parent-coach training my children, and those in my sphere of influence, in the path of holiness. Amen.

January 7, 2018 Psalm 39:5c-6 - - Athletes: what happens when the cheering stops

Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.

Selah

Surely every man walks about like a shadow;

Surely they busy themselves in vain;

He heaps up riches,

And does not know who will gather them.

Psalm 39:5c-6 NKJV

[Selah means: pause. reflect. re-read. reflect]

Recently I have had a chance to watch some episodes of shows like "Beastmaster" and "American Warrior Ninja". Very young, strong, fit athletes compete against one another to go through various obstacles which test their endurance, hand-strength, agility and so on. Every single one of them considers second-place the biggest loser.

These athletes are parkour experts, fitness trainers, extreme rock-climbers, jiu jitsu experts and so on. They are in peak condition. It is awesome to see their feats of prowess. And it is poignant.

In recent episodes athletes were interviewed as to their motivation. Some were doing this to impress their fathers, who were never satisfied with their performances. Others worked out to the limits of endurance in respect or honour of a dead loved one. What haunted me is how many of these young athletes succeeded so well and then after the cheering of the crowd and fist pumping, flag-draped victories were so hungry for the next high, the next win, or the next moment which would validate them. They are busying themselves in vain. They don't even know what to do with the accolades they have heaped up. They cannot in any meaningful way present a medal to the dead.

In this Psalm David is confessing the emptiness of life; but then he explains the key. A life that has no eternal focus and no vision beyond what this life can bring is ultimately meaningless. Fitness fades.Trophies are so yesterday. One man looked directly at the camera and said, "No one cares what you did last year or last week, they want to know what you can do today, right now."

Athletes constantly must fight off the newest young, rising star and the next sensation. Fitness fanatics are constantly battling the relentless effects of age. The only thing in this universe which can turn everything around from meaninglessness is: hope. Only the Lord can give us hope that reaches beyond this life.

It is the start of the year. Get to church. Speak with a friend whose Christian faith you admire. Explore what is beyond the limits of this world and life's endless busying in vain. When the Bible is opened and you meet up with God, you will find that elusive prize your heart is longing for.

God, You alone, are all hope and meaning. God my Father, when I am head-down, hard-running fast away from You, the Bible shows me it is You Who places various obstacles in my path so that in anguish and bewilderment I will have no choice except to throw my eyes and hands up to heaven and find hope in You. Though beauty melts, though fitness is one fracture away from failing, though my life is vapor which is disappearing with the rising heat of the sun, You know the length of my days and You draw my attention to Your glorious Presence. Blessed be Your Name! I pray for those who are relentlessly chasing approval they can never gain; I pray for those who realize they are frail but have no shelter or resting place for their tormented psyche. Today, draw them to Yourself in love. Today let me welcome into church whomever You have drawn in by Your Spirit so that together we will find our reason for hope in Jesus. You, Lord Jesus Christ, are an epiphany to weary souls. Amen!

January 6, 2018 - - Isaiah 40:8 & John 1:14 What Goes Before Good Works

The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:8 NKJV

Your word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105 NKJV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 NKJV

There must first be in the heart of a man before he do any good works, a greater and more precious thing than all the good works in the world...That precious thing which must be in the heart, ere a man can work any good work, is the word of God, which in the gospel preacheth [preaches], profereth [offers], and bringeth unto all that repent and believe, the favour of God in Christ. Whosoever heareth the word and believeth it, the same is thereby righteous, and thereby is given him the Spirit of God, which leadeth him unto all that is the will of God, and is loosed from the captivity and bondage of the devil, and his heart is free to love God, and hath lust [desire] to do the will of God. Therefore it is call the word of life, the word of grace, the word of health, the word of redemption, the word of forgiveness and the word of peace; he that heareth it not, or believeth it not, can by no means be made righteous before God.

William Tyndale "Parable of the Wicked Mammon"

Thank You, Father of multitudes of mercies, for the written word, the Bible, and the Living Word, Jesus Christ. Increase my hunger for the Word so that I will be strengthened for joyful service in Jesus' great Name. Amen.

Psalm 29 - - Can I really forgive?

Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones,

Give unto the Lord glory and strength.

2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;

The God of glory thunders;

The Lord is over many waters.

4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;

The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars,

Yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes them also skip like a calf,

Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire.

8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;

The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth,

And strips the forests bare;

And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”

10 The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood,

And the Lord sits as King forever.

11 The Lord will give strength to His people;

The Lord will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 19 NKJV

9 years ago today I was in a car accident that changed my life. The other driver ignored a stop sign. It shook my world. It shook my life.

This Psalm is of great comfort to me. From the secret places where the deer gives birth, to the resounding praises of heaven, from the mightiest storm to the fiercest fires, from the Flood that devastated the planet to the awesome beauty of His holiness--from the greatest to the least detail over the heavens and the earth, God is in charge.

He has given me strength to make a come back--though many friends abandoned me, God is faithful. Those who employed me were very cruel with regards to the crippling depression that followed, but God gave me His peace. This is not a litany of bitterness or anger, this is a testimony to the fact that the Voice of the LORD broke through the storms and upheaval of my life and showed me His mercy.

In Christ I had the strength to wrestle through the waves of impact this event had on my life and my faith and my trust and faith was deepened. In Christ I was given every blessing, one of the crowning blessings is a supportive wife,my steadfast partner, Carolyn. In Christ I was given His Spirit Who guarded me in His peace--while those who should have been kind spoke evil against me, behind my back and via emails.

Yet, Christ the LORD has come to bring His peace. The dividing walls of hostility and real hurt and pain we inflict on others finds its resolution at the cross. I learned to forgive the driver of the pick-up. I have forgiven those who were so cruel. I speak this to encourage others that through the powerful Spirit who lives in believers you can offer forgiveness in the most difficult places in your life and find peace.

Glory be to You, God of splendour and majesty, God of angel armies. You rule over particles and over as-yet-undiscovered wonders of this cosmos. You rule over nations, and waves and creatures and history. Continue to tame my heart so that more and more my strength and my peace is found in You. Heal the broken relationships that desperately need Your touch and let the world say of believers: "See how they love one another!" In that reconciliation Your ever greater glory will shine! Amen.

Psalm 24:1-2, 7-8 The Splendour of God

The earth is the LORD's and all its fullness,

The world and those who dwell therein.

For He founded it upon the seas,

And established it upon the waters.

Lift up your heads, O you gates!

And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!

And the King of glory shall come in.

Who is this King of glory?

The LORD strong and mighty,

The LORD mighty in battle.

Psalm 24:1-2, 7-8 NKJV

If an army of 75 soldiers were facing a horde of 10,000 soldiers on a battlefield, they'd have to be lunatics not to be afraid. For all their posturing and nerve, it is a forgone conclusion it will be a slaughter.

Ever wonder why you wrestle to pray? Ever wonder why your prayer life is limp and boring? Let me suggest perhaps it is because you have not be reading your bible. Perhaps you have not been reflecting on the fact that the Great Glory of God commands 10,000 times 10,000 angelic hosts. He, Who by His Word created the heavens and the earth, can with one word defeat and uncreate any and every enemy and army!

Greater is He Who lives in you (The Spirit of the God of Glory) than he who is in the world! (I John 4:4). Even when you stand by yourself against your peer group, against co-workers bent on evil, or wherever you find yourself confronting evil--God is the Greater. He is already on victory parade leading His troops to their eternal victory in the new heavens and new earth. Stand your ground. To live is Christ, to die is gain!

Break open my hard heart, Spirit of the Living God, smash it open. Sledgehammer into me the terrific, pounding splendour of the LORD. Scrape the dullness from these glazed eyes so that I will see the majesty of God's victory in Jesus Christ. As the victory drumbeat sounds move me to join the train of His victory parade as His followers are led to the New Heaven and New Earth where sin and death are no more! Hallelujah! Amen.

Psalm 19:12-13 Secret sins and Presumptuous sins

Who can understand his errors?

Cleanse me from secret faults.

Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins.

Let them not have dominion over me.

Then shall I be blameless,

And I shall be innocent of great transgressions.

Psalm 19:12-13 NKJV

Someone may ask: "Why I do impulse shop?

Another person may ask: "Why do I jump to conclusions about others and get angry before I have the facts?

Others ask: "Why am I eating this whole bag of chips? I am not even hungry.

There are many things we do in life that are inexplicable to us. The errors of our life flow from secret faults and wounds in our life. The Word of God addresses even the deepest things of our life and brings the cleansing of Jesus Christ.

Presumptuous, or willful, sins are those of entitlement. We sneer at our Prime Minister and Finance Minister for cheating on ethics with regards to undeclared business interests, or perks and free vacations but every single one of us reading this today has a sense of entitlement in some area. The Spirit applies the Word of God to root out of us what is contrary to the way of Christ our King.

Sin wants to dominate us. The evil practices of our life and the entitlements we think are ours, well we are familiar with these and we don't want to get rid of them. But if Christ is King, as we claim, there cannot be two people enthroned in our hearts. Either we serve Christ and lay down our secret faults and presumptuous sins or we add to all our sins this: the hypocrisy of merely pretending to serve Him all the while we are bowing to our own tyrannical ego.

Your Law and Your Word are perfect O LORD of Power. As the Psalmist declares, Your Word has the power to convert the soul. Reveal my hidden fault lines and the secret sources of my sin and break down the idol of presumptions.Spirit of God steer the course of my life so that I will follow Christ in word and in action. Amen.

January 2, 2018 - - Proverbs 2:1-9 The Treasure of the Bible

My son, if you receive my words,

And treasure my commands within you,

2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,

And apply your heart to understanding;

3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,

And lift up your voice for understanding,

4 If you seek her as silver,

And search for her as for hidden treasures;

5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,

And find the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

8 He guards the paths of justice,

And preserves the way of His saints.

9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,

Equity and every good path.

Proverbs 2 NKJV

"It was an outlawed book, a text so dangerous 'it could only be countered by the most vicious burnings, of books and men and women.

"What book could incite such violence and bloodshed?

"The year was 1526. It is the age of Henry VIII and his tragic Anne Boleyn, of Martin Luther and Thomas More. The times are treacherous. The Catholic Church controls almost every aspect of English life, including access to the very Word of God. And the church will do anything to keep it that way.

"Enter William Tyndale, the gifted, courageous "heretic" who dared to translate the Word of God into English. He worked in secret, in exile, in peril, always on the move."

Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice" D. Teems

back cover intro to the book

Think of it, the book that often gathers dust on our shelf is really explosive, dangerous and vital. Men died so that this book, the Bible, would be put into our hands in a language the average person could understand.

Proverbs teaches us this book is a hidden treasure, like silver. By reading this book one finds the pathway to wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

What better way to start this year than to recommit to daily Bible reading?! Say you miss a day or two? No worries, the book is still within reach and God is ready to reveal His glories to the one who sincerely searches for Him.

Thank You, Father in heaven, for the work of Your Spirit Who has preserved the Bible for each generation. Thank You, Father in heaven, that by Your Bible we learn of Your multitudes of mercies shown us in Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have ignored the treasure You have given me. Forgive me for the times I have lightly scanned through the Bible just to check off one more thing on my "to do" list. By Your Spirit, lead me to the riches of wisdom, understanding and knowledge as I read the Word and stir in me a greater love and devotion to Jesus, my Saviour. Amen

January 1, 2018 -- Ephesians 5;15-16 Redeem the Time

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV

Happy New Year, one and all! May you delight in the blessings of our God and Father, Who has given us rich salvation in Jesus Christ and sealed us in His love by the Holy Spirit.

Many of us are no doubt waking up to the New Years resolutions we have made and wondering how long we will be able to keep them. Yesterday, Pastor Stephen Richardson gave a wonderful challenge for our congregation to "redeem the time."

Richardson noted when he was a child there were three categories used in his household to help determine whether or not an activity was to be pursued. First, it is allowed, by Scripture and family? Second, is it forbidden? Then it is clear, don't do it. Finally, for things that weren't clear cut a third question was asked: does it cause weaker brothers or sisters to stumble?

This passage added a new, important criterion for Richardson. Does it redeem the time? Since we were bought at the price of Jesus' precious blood, and we are called to declare the praises of HIm Who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, is the activity we are engaging in using the time wisely?

Father of multitudes of mercies I confess how easily I foolishly use Your precious gift of time. Forgive my laziness and carelessness. In light of the soon-returning glory of Jesus' judgment and kingdom, inspire me by Your Spirit to redeem the time. Bring to mind a friend I can call. Embolden me to speak of eternal things. Draw me to read Your Word with renewed interest and passion. Let my life better reflect the glory of all the blessings I have received in Christ and the joyful anticipation I have for eternity in Your presence. Amen.

December 31, 2017 -- Psalm 5:7 Returning to the God of Many Mercies

But as for me, I will come into Your house

in the multitude of Your mercy;

In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.

Psalm 5:7 NKJV

When someone has wronged us, we are very likely to hold it over their heads. We stew over it. We think: "That so-and-so had better grovel if he wants me to forgive this!"

What a sharp and wondrous contrast the Psalmist paints of God's response to our rebellion and multitudes of wrongs. The LORD of Glory has multitudes of mercy, of forgiveness, of awaiting kindness--more than enough to cover all our wrongs and sins and rebellions against Him. In fact, all our sins have been punished and been borne by the Person of Jesus Christ. God sees us through Jesus.

No wonder the Psalmist experiences the fear of the LORD. This is utterly beyond our experience. No one in our world forgives so extravagantly! God our LORD alone is worthy of worship and praise.

Get to church today. Explore what it means that the One Who created You has also provided a way for you to get to know Him.

Lord of many mercies, when someone new comes to church today, help me to be welcoming. Lord of extravagant forgiveness, when someone who has offended me, enters church today, in view of the rich mercies poured out on me in Christ, let Your forgiveness flow from Your throne over me and that person so that in Christ we are reconciled. Spirit, stir up my friends and family members to end this year and begin the new by returning not just to church, but by returning to joyful relationship with You, the triune God. Amen.

December 30, 2017 -- Proverbs 30:32 Victory Shouts

If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,

Or if you have devised evil,

put your hand on your mouth.

Proverbs 30:32 NKJV

Recently during a show on terrifying, stinging, biting, and dangerous creatures there was included a brief (corny) montage of black and white horror films. When the scary monster, or creature, or thing appeared, inevitably the frightened person put her hand over her mouth and screamed in terror.

The proverb quoted above instructs us to put our hand over our mouth when we realize we have been prideful or have been devising evil. It the case of this proverb putting your hand on your mouth is a sign of the fear of the LORD. We are to be afraid of offending the Lord God of heaven by our foolish conduct and ungrateful hearts.

The holy fear of the LORD means:

His Name and reputation are so great we do not want to bring Him into disrepute by our words or actions;

The holy fear of the LORD means:

Our love for Him is so strong that when we realize our wrong-doing we clap our hand over our mouth because we have offended the One we love. More importantly, the One Who loves us is our very great shield and reward so we do not want to speak ill of Him or act against Him.

The holy fear of the LORD means:

we acknowledge all that Jesus, the Rock of our Salvation endured. He endured contempt and hatred and crucifixion and did so with His eyes fixed on the glory of His Father and in obedience to the Father's will He brought about the rescue of sinners (such as we all are) from the clutches of pride and evil.

Those who remember the 1993 World Series, will remember that it was the second year in a row that the Blue Jays won the championship. They beat the Philadelphia Phillies. You CAN NOT imagine a Blue Jays fan shouting and cheering for the Phillies, can you? When it is the bottom of the ninth and Joe Carter hits that home-run, there is no way you'd be yelling and shouting for the Phillies when you are in a sea of Jays fans!

So it is with us, as Christians, Jesus, the Captain of our Salvation, has hit it out of the park--He has rescued us. The game's final victory is assured. We do not shout and cheer for the losing team. Therefore we put a hand over our mouth when we find ourselves in the wrong and we confess it. We look to our King and shout in praise.

We praise You, O LORD!

Join in, little children, add your songs and shouts old men and families. For Jesus, You have won the greatest victory, the only competition that matters. You have shown the glory of our Father in heaven. Jesus, You have revealed the Father's patient mercy for lost sinners as at exactly the right moment in history, You publicly defeated the devil and disarmed the hosts of hell at the cross. All the claims of the devil against us have fallen to the ground the way to God is open. Blessed be Your Name, Spirit of the Living God for showing us this great salvation. Forgive me for the times I have wavered, or have admired the losing team. Give me the grace and courage to stand up for Jesus, even if the stadium around me is filled with fans for the losing team. Let my voice grow hoarse shouting Your praises, triune God! Amen.

December 29, 2017 - - Isaiah 55:8 True Knowledge

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.

Isaiah 55:8 NKJV

"...if all the beliefs, spiritualities and worldviews of this world are akin to blindfolded people all feeling a different part of an elephant and insisting that their description of what they feel is the true one--since one feels a tusk, another the trunk, another the tail etc.--then clearly all religions are in fact feeling the ONE divine truth, but from different perspectives. This would seem for some to establish the truth of religious pluralism or syncretism. But in what epistemic position [position of authority of knowing] does the teller of this story need to be? Clearly the religious syncretist believes he occupies a position of true objectivity, possessing absolute knowledge without any blindfolds on! As such, this approach to religion not only dashes to pieces the real and historical claims of biblical faith (and of other historical faiths) by relativizing them, but also presupposes an absolute, divine perspective on truth for the syncretist.

This pagan turn actually constitutes the basic claim of the West's humanistic religious pluralism--that man has a divine perspective because he is an aspect of the divine--and is implicit in all efforts at promoting religious syncretism which urge that we all "just get along" and frowns upon evangelism. Inherent in this religious faith is a shift of the locus of revelation and authority from God to man."

Joseph Boot "Gospel Witness: Defending and Extending the Kingdom of God" pages 137-138

In sharp contrast the by the words of the psalm-writer, the Living God declares:

But our God is in heaven;

He does whatever He pleases.

Their idols are silver and gold,

The work of men’s hands.

They have mouths, but they do not speak;

Eyes they have, but they do not see;

They have ears, but they do not hear;

Noses they have, but they do not smell;

They have hands, but they do not handle;

Feet they have, but they do not walk;

Nor do they mutter through their throat.

Those who make them are like them;

So is everyone who trusts in them.

Psalm 115:3-8 NKJV

You alone, God of Power and Glory, are Truth and teach Truth. Let my eyes see, ears hear, and mouth speak the wonderful news that You are God and in Christ have shown mercy to the people of this world who are hell-bent on rebellion against You. Spirit of God, break through the fortress of lies constructed by the forces of darkness which fills this age which seeks to guard people against hearing and knowing the Truth which can only be found in Jesus Christ. Bring into Your Kingdom many people set free from the tyranny of lies dominating this age. Thanks God, that Your Truth--Your Word--goes out and accomplishes the purpose for which You send it. Amen.

December 28, 2017 - - John 1:14 Discovery that changes everything

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 NKJV

Last night I was watching the news and Bob McDonald, the host of CBC's science program "Quirks and Quarks" gave his "top 5 stories of the year". One was the discovery of gravitational waves. Einstein had predicted these, but wasn't sure they'd ever be observed. In 2016 two collapsing black holes gave evidence of gravitational waves. And now, in 2017, this phenomena was observed again.

Bob McDonald's comment about this was so striking to me. It was something like this: "One discovery can change the way we view everything."

Indeed.

Jesus became flesh. The Very Glory of God became veiled in flesh and bore our sorrows. That is the history-shattering, science and philosophical upsetting, sociological and economic up-ending and artistic re-interpreting discovery that changes the way in which we view every single thing in this life and the life to come. Nothing will ever be the same. We cannot view anything in heaven, on earth, in the cosmos, or under the earth in the same way ever again. God in near. Those with the eyes of faith will see His glory.

Jesus, King of Glory, the carols are now fading and people are gearing up for New Year's Eve parties so I pray now more than ever, that the people around me will not have missed the greatest news story of history: Your Incarnation. Bring many friends and relatives, people near and far, to see Your glory. Amen.

December 26, 2017 - - I Chronicles 12:32 Understanding the times

from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;

I Chronicles 12:32 NIV

This incredible statement is part of a huge list of the army officers of King David. The list is long and there are very few footnotes or comments on the names and peoples in the list. So it is significant that the leaders of the tribe of Issachar should know the times, know what to do and know how to keep their relatives under their command. What a strong statement of faith and courage.

"It has been rightly said that the loves of a few men move the lives of many. The deeply-held convictions of a zealous minority, tenaciously pursued, are culturally formative--at times for good, and at times for ill."

Joseph Boot "Gospel Witness: Defending and Extending the Kingdom of God" page 1

A few men and a few tenacious women are controlling the culture in Canada and leading all of Canada into ever greater perversity and grossest rebellion against God. Christians today must be those who understand our godless times and are prepared to stand up for righteousness and justice as God reveals it in His Word and while doing so call their relatives (brothers and sisters in Christ in the same denomination as well as their family in Christ from different denominations) to serve under the command of Christ.

Now is not the time to huddle in small fortresses of churches and moan about how the culture is going to hell in handbasket, instead, it is time to stand up and protest the wrongs. It is time to speak for what is right. It is time to be prepared for battle for the sake of Christ the King.

"...we are not to take flight, but to fight in prayer for the courage we need to witness to the truth with boldness, as we ought to speak. We should be confident of being granted this grace, because the Lord Jesus reminds us of his total victory, "You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world" (John 16:33).

Joseph Boot, ibid, page 9

Lord Jesus Christ, born a child and yet a King, move Your people to stand up for what is right and good. Let us be, as the men of Issachar were of old, those with understanding of the times and as those having wisdom bound up with courage in order to act as salt and light in this culture for Your glorious Name. Amen.

December 19, 2017 - - Proverbs 19:27 and John 1:1-5 The (undeclared) faith of scientists

Cease listening to instruction, my son,

And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:27 NKJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:1-5 NKJV

Hmm, I have some questions for the people of this age.

Is the belief in millions or billions of years a religion? A foundational belief used to interpret all information and data?

Even if all the evidence ended up supporting whichever scientific theories best fitted Genesis, this would only show how clever the old Hebrews were in their use of common sense, or how lucky. It does not need to be explained by an unobservable God.

From "The Southern Skeptic" Autumn 1985, Vol. 2, no 5

This brief quotation shows that the belief of scum to man evolution and millions/billions of years is a faith claim, not a fact claim made by scientists who follow this.

Richard Dawkins, during a debate with Cardinal George Pell, was asked by the moderator what kind of proof would change his mind about God's existence. Dawkins indicated in his response that even if a "great big giant 900-foot-high Jesus...strode in and said, 'I exist. Here I am,' his mind still likely would not be changed.

From "The Lie: Evolution/Millions of Years" Ken Ham 25th Anniversary Edition, page 44

The leading figures promoting the lies of pond-scum to man story of evolution and that the universe is billions/millions of years old dismiss out of hand any possibility there is a god. Interesting. That is a faith claim. It is the foundational claim of their belief system.

As a Christian, who believes Genesis - Revelation, start to finish, all of the Bible is trustworthy because it is given to us from God I at least have the integrity to state my foundational faith position. The deceivers of this age, cloak their lies in "science" without admitting their faith position. No wonder many are being led astray and mired in lies.

All people live in the same universe, on the same planet, have the same observable things of creation, how one interprets it depends NOT on "neutral science" (as no one is ever neutral) but on the starting point of one's foundational faith claim.

I encourage you, reader, to consider the way in which our God is speaking to you today. This season, as you investigate the reason for the season, ask yourself, "Who do I trust?" and with that ask: "What is their foundational faith--either by the deceit of the devil dismissing out of hand God exists, or do they begin with a full-on trust in God, fueled by the Spirit of God Who reveals Jesus Christ as the centre point of history, the One for Whom and through Him and by Whom all things were made?"

You, LORD God, have established Your faithfulness in the heavens and creation itself testifies to You as her Creator and praises You as the One Who upholds the universe. Those who know You, walk in the light which shines from Your glorious face! Cause us, Spirit of God, to long for instruction and make us to realize we are hungry for true knowledge that has as its foundation an abiding trust in Jesus as King of this World. What man can live and not see death? All of creation and all peoples, of every nation, region, tribe and language will one day give an account of their life to You, Jesus. May Your Name be known now! May Your glory rise above us. Bring home wandering prodigal sons and daughters to bolder, fuller faith. Destroy the works of liars and the faithless, cast such thrones of deceit to the ground. Raise up Your lovingkindness and restore Your mercy to Your people. Amen.

Prayer uses words and phrases from Psalm 89

December 16, 2017 - - Job 38 Climate Change and Christian Faith

Have you seen the treasury of snow,

Or have you seen the treasury of hail,

Which I have reserved for the time of trouble,

For the day of battle and war?

Has the rain a father?

Or who has begotten drops of dew?

From whose womb comes the ice?

And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?

The waters harden like stone,

And the surface of the deep is frozen.

Job 38:22-24, 28-31 NKJV

Hmm, I have some questions for the people of this age.

So many people are wringing their hands about climate change. It is the money pit of our age, the "hot" conference topic for world leaders.

Hasn't the climate ALWAYS changed? Digs in the deserts across Africa show these used to be lush with growth. What about ice ages?

The Bible shows us that Job was familiar with the ice age. Normally the Middle East did not have ice and snow. Those who believe in a young earth, like I do, understand that God created the heavens and the earth. There was a world-wide flood around 2354 BC (as the Jewish Calendar names it 1656 anno mundi or am. Anno Mundi means year of the world, it references creation which was the start, about 4010 BC by our reckoning.) This flood created the ideal conditions for an ice age. Young earth creationists think this ice-age (in fact the only ice age our planet endured) lasted less than 1,000 years.

This ice age, written about here in Job and other places in the Bible, point to the fact that God is in charge of our planet, the cataclysms of history and also the climax of history which will be when Jesus is revealed to all the earth as the Savior of Mankind and the Just Judge of the living and the dead.

Does this mean Christians should not be concerned about pollution--garbage, waste, emissions from cars and factories etc? Not at all. Christians are stewards of the planet. Christians must work to care for creation. It does mean, however, that human should not be so filled with ourselves that we think we are in charge of all that happens in climate change because of our actions. We can make regional differences.

Remember your history, in the UK London-during the time of the industrial revolution-used to have pea-soup fogs and accompanying these were the soot and slime of pollution. As manufacturing processes were better regulated, the fogs and the soot slime that accompanied it were greatly reduced.

All the speculations about climate change and mankind's influence on it are distractions. Our truest and most important purpose is to love God and love the people He has put into our lives as we live in obedience to His Word. This is the most important work of our times.

Your Word, O God, teaches us that those who rule their spirit, who govern their thoughts and actions, are better than those who are mighty. In fact, it is a tribute to the powerful work of the Spirit in the life of believers when the followers of Jesus turn from perversity and evil teachings of this present dark age and instead live in faith-filled trust and obedience to You. Renew in us, O God, the commitment to the Great Commission. As Christian communities are planted near and far let there be a deepened commitment to caring for others and living as good stewards of this planet all for the glory and honour of Your great and awesome Name. Amen.

December 15, 2017 - - I Chronicles 27:30-31 Humble Service

and Jaziz the Hagrite was over the flocks. All these were the officials over KIng David's property.

Also Jehonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, a wise man, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons.

I Chronicles 27:31-32 NKJV

When reading through the Bible, you'll probably come across a few difficult verses, or paragraphs, or even whole chapters. For me the hard-to-slog-through portion was yesterday's reading: a series of very-difficult-to-pronounce-names all of whom were King David's officials, these four chapters--I Chronicles 23-27.

Ever see TV credits or movie credits? My nephew, Charles, is a regular on Murdoch Mysteries and his cousins love to point out his name in credits. They do this to prove to their peers that Charles is in fact a TV personality with cred.

Reflecting on this made me realize something. The men in King David's service, and their families, no doubt were so honoured to be named among David's wise counselors, providers of service and blessing to the King's household. Their families probably joyfully pointed out to others, "Hey, Jaziz is my nephew! He is now the chief shepherd over King David's flocks. Yes! The very man who himself used to be a famous shepherd."

More importantly even than their families' accolades and recognition, these men and their various forms of service (which may seem such a hard list for us to endure) are known to the Living God. He has appointed some for mighty service and others for humble service. (God is the Judge: He puts down one and exalts another. Psalm 75:7)

Today, do not be discouraged if your work is not noticed by your peers, the LORD sees. Do not lose heart for service if your family does not see what you are doing in love for them, the LORD knows and blesses. When your hands are employed in volunteering and it seems an endless and thankless task, do not lose heart. Today, understand, obedience to Jesus Christ means that sometimes God exalts a person in His service and allows for the recognition of the community; other times He puts one into humbler service or circumstances, knowing what egos and souls need for His purposes.

Fellow believers, no matter where you serve, you are known to God. Beloved of God strengthened by His Spirit you are being conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ. The greatest joy for us is to know our names are written in the lists of Lamb's Book of Life; whether or not we are known to others, we are daughters and sons of God, co-heirs with Jesus, to the honour and glory of God our King.

Forgive the times we have been found grumbling in Your service, O King of Glory. Thank You for the gifts and the talents which Your Spirit pours out on believers so that it is a joy to serve for Your glory. Renew our commitment this day so that we will serve You aware of the reputation of Jesus Christ and longing to add to the greater renown of Your Name. Amen.