Newsletter Archive

Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

⁶ The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
⁸ The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
⁹ He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

¹⁹ The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

²⁰ Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
²¹ Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
²² Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the LORD, my soul.  Psalm 103

This is a song written by David when he was discouraged and David purposefully remembering what God had done in his life.

As far as the east is from the west God has removed our sin from us.  When God looks at us, He looks at us because He chooses to forgive us.  God gives us a clean slate to demonstrate His love through us to others.  

Isaiah 61
Love always forgives.  Sometimes forgiveness wasn't always demonstrated when we were younger.   Some family and friends might harbor resentment and hold onto the things we might have done wrong in their eyes.

God, as we think about your love, we sometimes put a human lens on it rather than seeking to fully understand the depth and breadth, length and width of your love for us.

Forgiveness has a cost.  God longs to heal and rest and make these rings new.  Jesus said as he began his ministry, “The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me... The things of anger will be brought upon me. 

God made him who had no sin to be made sin for us.  So we are Christ's ambassadors.  Because God made him who had no sin to take our sins upon him.  In this way, we can start again.

We have a choice in how we deal with forgiveness.  Some of us have been deeply wounded by others.  Yet God says he will heal and forgive everything.

If we don't forgive, it's like we're in a prison.  God longs for us to be free.  God longs to give us beauty for ashes... to make us strong like an oak tree growing up.  He longs for us to extend His love to others... to rebuild communities and lives. 

So we have a choice.  We can either hold onto the hurts, or we can forgive. 

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

²² Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.^[g]

²³ “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ²⁴ As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold^[h] was brought to him. ²⁵ Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

²⁶ “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ ²⁷ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

²⁸ “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.^[i] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

²⁹ “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

³⁰ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. ³¹ When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

³² “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. ³³ Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ ³⁴ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

³⁵ “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”  Matthew 18:21-35

A debt he could not pay, the master paid and that is like God's action towards us. 

This is an important message.  As long as we're stuck in unforgiveness, God can't forgive us. 

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks our metaphorical jail cell and sets us free.  Only we have the key.

Forgiveness doesn't begin as a feeling.  It begins as a choice that God can use to heal our heart until we can genuinely experience a softness towards the person who hurt us.    It doesn't mean we'll necessary like that person or be friends with that individual.  It means that God sets us free from anger and bitterness and trades up so we can experience peace.

Can can listen to the audio of this sermon at:

http://www.calvaryunited.com/10121/blogentry/entry_id/294150/April-1-2012-Love-Always-Forgives 

Maybe you are one who never gives up hope.  If so, you are becoming rarer it seems.  Sadly, the average length of a marriage is currently only 8 years. 

In the midst of dry times, commitment carries us through.  Sometimes love isn't a feeling; it is a choice.  

There are times when we don't feel love or like following through; however, God calls us to stand on our commitment and promise.

Words are our intention and promise of who we want to be. Unlike our words that sometimes are shallow on their meaning, God's word is reliable - it is truth.

The Parable of the Tenants

³³ “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. ³⁴ When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.

³⁵ “The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. ³⁶ Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. ³⁷ Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.

³⁸ “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ ³⁹ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

⁴⁰ “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

⁴¹ “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”

⁴² Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“‘The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’^[h]?

⁴³ “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. ⁴⁴ Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”^[i]

⁴⁵ When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. ⁴⁶ They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.  Matthew 21:33-45

God called the people to be His own.  He said, "I will be your God and you will be my people"

God loves us.  Yet we turn away and value other things more highly.

Jesus loves us even when we reject Him.  Amazing.

Jesus decided that love was more important than what He was about to go through on our behalf.

Love never gives up even in the midst of people's unfaithfulness.

When have you had someone who never gives up on you?

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Before the creation of the world, God had plans for us.  God never looked back when He made us.  He chose to love us. 

As we give our love away, it transforms us.  God's love never gives up.

Sometimes we neglect the one who loves us deeply - God.  Sometimes we can even let working for God get in the way of loving God. 

What we believe often impacts what we perceive.  God always looks for the best.  God sees the one who He made and created for love. 

Today, if you are one who is living under “stuff'', remember that even if we mess up, God still loves us.

How do we keep loving someone who drains us?  The good news is that when we choose to persevere, it actually helps the situation even though it is hard at the time.  

You can listen to the audio of this sermon at:

http://www.calvaryunited.com/10121/blogentry/entry_id/294174/March-25-2012-The-Love-Series-Love-Never-Gives-Up 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.   1 Corinthians 13:4-13

This passage is read at weddings all the time.

Hosea describes a picture of the love of God.  Hosea was a devout prophet who called the people of God to follow after God.  Hosea foretold the demise of Israel unless the people would turn back to God. 

There are various phases of a love relationship... The romantic phase... The accommodating phase.

Love is patient.  The word 'patience' in scripture means that God withholds judgement until the last possible moment with hopes that we would turn and repent to Him.  God long sufferingly waits for us.  He gives us grace when we aren't behaving as He would have us.

Our version of patience is restraining our natural urges to lash out or to wait when we'd rather hurry.  When we're patient, we sometimes need to call on God to give us an extra measure.

Hosea loved someone who broke his heart (Gomer).  He began to understand how God loves us and how much it hurts Him when we don't show Him our affection and love but 'worship' or 'love' other things or people more. 

To whom would you go when you are feeling lonely or sick?

Moms are often the comforters or encouragers when we have needed it.  We receive love in different ways.  Some of us feel love when a loved one spends quality time with us.  For others of us, it is touch, words of encouragement, of the receipt of gifts.  Finally, some of us feel loved the most when others do acts of service for us.  Typically, the way that we show love is in the way that we most like to receive love ourselves.

When we sense God's presence, it is most often in the way that we like to receive love.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴ Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:23-27

“If you love me, keep my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be^[c] in you. John 14:15-17

Over and over again, Jesus models comfort:  when he touches the lepers... when he stood by the woman caught in adultery, etc.

We need comfort.  And sometimes we turn to other things when we need comfort Rather than relying on or seeking the Holy Spirit for that comfort.  Why is it that we attempt to get comfort from other sources?  In some cases, we were disappointed with the comfort or lack of comfort we received from our mother or parents; then, we might not trust that God can comfort us because we believe a lie about Him.

God comforts us through His:

- Presence - like a shepherd with his sheep - we need to listen to his voice

- Truth – revealed in God's story - what the truth is rather than our perception of the truth.  The Holy Spirit reminds us things to help reveal the truth

- Reminders - that we are stronger when we rely on Him - when we rely on His strength. 

- Restoration - God trades up - he'll take our brokenness and give us wholeness; our sins and give us purity

You can listen to the audio version of this message at:

http://www.calvaryunited.com/10121/blogentry/entry_id/287751/Feb-19-2012-Comfort-and-Encouragement 

They say that 90% of relational problems in the teen years comes from teens just wanting someone to listen.

Who is your favorite person in the world?  Chances are that person is one who listens deeply to you and who you have a sense truly hears you.

Timing is important - when to listen... when to be heard.

We've all been wounded by those who we wanted to listen to us.  And we've been wounded by how people have responded to our thoughts.

When I ask you to listen and you start giving advice, you have not done what I've asked.  Sometimes it's better if we don't try to fix the other person's problems or give advice.

When you are communicating, be honest.  Don't expect other people to be mind readers.  If you say you are fine - people might just believe you (even when you're not fine.)

Develop relationships with those you consider to be good listeners. 

As we develop Holy manners as a group, let's be both good listeners and good communicators.  We all have the need to be heard and to be understood.

Jesus has just heard that His cousin had been killed; He was tired after being with five thousand people so He just wanted to be alone and be with God. 

Sometimes storms come up that over whelm us to the point that fear sets in.  It was at this point that the disciples saw a ghostly figure walking on the water. 

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  Matthew 14:25-29

When Jesus spoke, his fear was automatically squelched.  Peter knew without a doubt that it was Jesus and not a ghost.  He was emboldened enough by Jesus' presence to step out of the boat.

What can we do to make room in our lives for others?  How can we get to know the needs of the poor and the needy?

How can we leverage what we've saved over the Christmas holidays, by spending less on ourselves, to reach out to others?

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.   John3:16.

Sometimes we feel that God's life is separate from the things that we love in our life... Like fixing cars or scrap-booking or doing fun things with our friends.

What do we live to do?  Some of us love beauty, or speed, or snowmobiling or music...

Who do we love?  Not who we should love.  Maybe we're thinking of our children. 

God's love is not separate from our love.  The love that we've tasted in our world is why God came.

If we imagine that God is distant, then when we give, it feels like a mechanical thing.  When we are loved, it is natural for us to give. 

The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish. John 1:14

If we want to love, we need to enter into where love is.  When we start to get to know people, it is

easier to love them. 

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  1 John 3:16

Jesus gave up His life to live in our sin-scared world.  He did not want pain to overcome us.  He gave His very own Son that we could have healing and restoration.  In little ways, we impact others.  God shows us how to love. 

How do we individually love all? 

Choosing to love doesn't necessarily mean that it is going to be easy.  Some of our family members are hard to love.  When we allow ourselves to be stretched and love those who are hard to love, our hearts start to stretch and get bigger.   Our love muscles get stronger. 

We want to become a church that loves more outrageously.  What might that look like in the coming year?

Christmas can still change the world.  Yet, today, Christmas seems, for many, to be a time of stress with shopping, exchanging, preparing taking up our thoughts and energy.

How can we do like Jesus... to leave Heaven, enter the world and shine His light into the dark?

Today, we're exploring how to worship more fully.   When we use worship as a diving board to enter into God's presence, something special happens. 

What does worship have to do with Christmas?  Worship is taking time to give worth to God.  Christmas began as being full of worship.  People were enjoying being in the presence of God. 

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.  Luke 1:19   

Zechariah had been told that they would have a child who would prepare the way for Jesus. 

Every picture of Heaven has people being in the presence of God.  When there is joy and laughter, people are drawn to it.  That is the way Heaven is.  People like to be close to those who are loving and gracious and kind. 

When Jesus was born, the angels were overwhelmed with the glory and beauty of God.  They saw that God's presence has now come to earth.  And a chorus of music breaks out. 

In Heaven there is glory and worship because people love to be in the presence of God.  Similarly, when God comes to earth as Jesus, more singing breaks out.   Another interpretation of worship is being consumed with awe.  Being with God kind of shakes us - and it is good. 

At Christmas, we're meant to get closer to God.  Shepherds were people who couldn't get a job anywhere else.  Yet, God chose them to be the first witnesses of His presence on earth.  In that time, it was an honour to be a witness. 

Then there is shame.  Elizabeth and Zechariah, were the ones who would have a child to announce Jesus.  In that day, there was a stigma for people who didn't have children. 

Jesus is still doing now what he has always done.  He is reaching out and rescuing people.  A 14 year old peasant girl is given the honor of being Jesus' mother.  A laborer, Joseph is His father.  Outsiders travel a great distance to worship Him.

Freely you have received, freely give. 

What have we received in 2011?  What have we been given?  Remember moments when you received love.  Maybe you have people who show you love.  How have you been favored?  Maybe you have a lot of friends, or a nice place to live.  Think about what you have been given spiritually.  When has God imparted something to?

Our God loves us so much that He gave us His only son. 

The principle is that if we freely receive we need to freely give.  Like a pond, our lives will stagnate unless fresh water is flowing in and out of it. 

God says I am Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides.  

In this series about Fear, we're going to look at God who meets our needs.  We have legitimate needs for protection, shelter, communication, nurture, comfort, to learn and grow. 

During moments when storms come up in our lives, we often call on tools, out of fear, rather than relying on God.

That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. ²³ After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. ²⁴ So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. ²⁵ When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. ²⁶ Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”

But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

²⁷ The man asked him, “What is your name?”

“Jacob,” he answered.

²⁸ Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,^[a] because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

²⁹ Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”

But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.

³⁰ So Jacob called the place Peniel,^[b] saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”  Genesis  32:22-30 

Jacob is the perfect illustration of someone who lives out of fear.  Similarly, when we are fearful, we worry; we might isolate ourselves; or we try to control our situation.  We might react with apathy or anger.  

The name Jacob, in Hebrew, means one who grasps at things.  Jacob manipulated Esau to give him the birth right due to the oldest.   He did this out of fear that he wouldn't have enough.  Some of this fear was generational. 

Jacob's fears were that he would be overlooked.  He was concerned that his brother Esau would get everything.  He thought he might be left out because his father favored Esau. 

Fear of lack of provision can result in people being controlling, demanding, hoarding, or having a poverty mindset.   This fear that we won't be provided for ultimately comes from a wound. 

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

Somehow it is easier to trust God for provision when we have very little and we have to depend on God. 

20 years prior to wrestling with God, God had given Jacob a dream wherein God promised that he would be the father of many nations. 

Have you ever been so motivated out of fear that there is nothing else you can do?

In the wrestling, Jacob finally got to the point where he realized that only God could help him.  It was then that he surrendered.  He admitted that he was a deceiver; however, God gave him a new name – Israel.  When Jacob humbled himself and confessed that he had deceived, God poured out His grace on him.

Standing on Giant’s Shoulders – a series about remembering people who offered up their life so others could be free. 

Jesus always sent his disciples out.  He sent them to the highways and byways.  He said, "you need to be there." There is where the poor, the needy, and the lowly are. 

When we reach out to us, God impacts us as well.  Our hearts get changed.  When we do beautiful things for God, God does beautiful things in us. 

The Workers Are Few

 ³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

somehow when we put ourselves  out there and we let ourselves go, it's only then the God starts to rub off the rough edges and works I. Our lives.    Matthew 9:34-42

At leadership camp, we're taught that's it is all about serving.  When we forget what God has done in us, we lose a sense of compassion for the world around us.  When we serve...  when we offer ourselves, we begin to see things the way God sees them. 

Jesus saw the lepers and helped them.  He gave empathy to the prostitute and was reviled by the Pharisees for doing so. 

Maybe God wants to send us somewhere to help others. 

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ¹⁵ Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.   James 2:14

It's about knowing and loving God yourself so that you can serve without being drained.  When we serve with God, it's like he fuels us.  He keeps us filled us so that we can pour out into others' lives.  Sometimes serving wears us out and therefore we have to remember to seek God.

Sometimes we serving can be about us... We're looking for something in return. 

Currently, charities are in a crisis of volunteerism because donors are getting donor fatigue and volunteerism is dropping off.  The pending perfect storm is that it's at a time when governments are withdrawing funding support to charities. 

 We know that God loves us so much that He wants to send us out.  

When we step to do something beautiful for others, He steps out to do something beautiful to us.

You can listen to the audio version of this message at

http://www.calvaryunited.com/10121/blogentry/entry_id/269020/Oct_16_2011

There is something great about lifting someone else up to see, so that they can see farther than you. 

We become what we honour.  When we take the time to look at and praise what we honour, it impacts us. 

Are you welcoming naturally?  There are some people in our church who are particularly welcoming... Who was it that welcomed you to Calvary? 

One of the wells this church draws from is a value to be "a welcoming Christ-centered community."

When people take the time to show they are interested, it helps us to feel welcomed.  The forefathers of this church, Methodist preachers went out on horse-back to welcome people into the faith. 

Who has shown you Jesus?  Who has made Him welcome to you?  Sometimes it's the small things that we remember -- like a smile... an offer of help... deep listening. 

When others make us feel like we matter, we are seeing a glimpse of God. 

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. Matthew 9:35

Jesus does many things to demonstrate that we matter to God.  In this scripture, Jesus models compassion. 

Jesus calls disciples to help Him reach "the lost.".

Freely you have received, freely give. 

Jesus' culture was a culture based on honour.  In that time, your reputation was everything.  People expected to be treated to the extent that they were honoured.  However, Jesus reached out to those who did not feel like that they had been honoured. 

Could it be that God brought the people in our lives who have welcomed us so that we, in turn, could reach out to others?  Have they taught us how to love others? 

What if we practiced honouring other people in the way that others have expressed honour to us? 

We live in a culture where people don't come to church as much.  Therefore, may we welcome others outside the church as we have been welcomed here.

The meaning of being welcomed is being accepted with pleasure.

Unfortunately, we were unable to record this week's sermon....sorry!

I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
   and in his word I put my hope.
⁶ I wait for the Lord
   more than watchmen wait for the morning,
   more than watchmen wait for the morning.   Psalm 130:5-6

How do feel about waiting?  Are you patient?  Some people have expressed that they are waiting to hear God's voice.  Have you ever contemplated that God is waiting for us to show up?  God is calling us to be faithful to Him just we are hoping that He will be faithful to us.

Wait for the Lord.

2 Samuel  12. Nathan's story to David

The following scripture related to the transgression of King David.  David had spied Bathsheba bathing on the roof of a neighbouring home.  He subsequently conspired to have her for himself even though she was married.

Nathan Rebukes David

 ¹ The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. ² The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, ³ but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.

 ⁴ “Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.”

 ⁵ David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! ⁶ He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

 ⁷ Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. ⁸ I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. ⁹ Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. ¹⁰ Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’

 ¹¹ “This is what the LORD says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. ¹² You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”

 ¹³ Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”   2 Samuel 12:1-13

How do we find people who will be our Nathan?  Someone we give permission to speak truth into our life?  Many successful people choose to surround themselves with people who are better than them in order to move them along and inspire them.

Here are some characteristics to look for in your accountability partner:

1.       Someone you trust.  Trust is something you see and experience in someone else.  You might not necessarily know them well. 

Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
   but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6

If we choose to trust someone for accountability, chances are we are going to be wounded.  Therefore, it is important to have someone you can trust.

2.       There is a sense of equality.  You must have equal beliefs.  You must value the same things.  . Your accountability partner is someone who is going to love you even when you mess up. 

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
   but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.  Proverbs 17:9

3.       Honesty.  Someone who will tell the truth from all sides.

An honest witness tells the truth,
   but a false witness tells lies.  Proverbs 12:17

4.       Confidentiality will be protected. 

A perverse person stirs up conflict,
   and a gossip separates close friends.  Proverbs 16:28

5.       Acceptance - a good partner doesn't judge. 

A friend loves at all times,
   and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

For lack of guidance a nation falls,
   but victory is won through many advisers.  Proverbs 11:14.

Without good direction, people lose their way.

If someone speaks truth into your life, ask God:  “Is this truly from you?”  The next check is whether their advice is consistent with God's word. 

What might be our attitude if a Nathan were to speak into our lives?  Would we react as David did? 

We've likely all seen examples of people who were so proud; they wouldn’t admit their mistakes with a humble heart. 

Who is it that speaks truth into your life? 

Discretion will protect you,
   and understanding will guard you.  Proverbs 2:11


You can listen to this sermon by clicking on the link below:

http://www.calvaryunited.com/BlogEntry.aspx?site_id=10121&entry_id=261662

Form a multigenerational team of 6
or
come by yourself

(teams can be made up that night)
and enjoy a night of fun and zaniness.
All welcome!  Saturday, September 24th from 7 to 10 pm.
Proceeds to support Mexico Mission Fund.  Tickets $20/person.
For tickets or m

ore info contact the office 519-664-2311, info@calvaryunited.com
or
Karen Temple 519-656-9329,

Evidence from everywhere.  God still wants to communicate to us.  There are generally three types of whispers that God gives us.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Deuteronomy 31:8

God’s whispers fall into three main categories with messages of assurance, admonition and action.

It it's impotent to share our stories of how God has whispered to us.  Sometimes the whisper isn't just for us... particularly whispers of assurance; this type of whisper often lifts other people up as well.

Admonition is essentially correction.  Admonition is not negative.  These whispers are designed to help you be more of who you are meant to be.  God wants to build you up, not tear you down.  God wants more of us, not less. 

Aim for two days this week to spend 15 minutes with God reading your Bible and listening for God's whisper.

The third kind of whisper is for action.  Action whispers can be scary.  Here are some examples of whispers some of us have had: feeling the nudge to call someone who, as it turned out, really needed some encouragement; responding to a call to give a stranger some money or an extra large tip.

Sometimes we don't respond to action whispers because we think we know better or because we worry others will think we're a little weird, or because it just seems awkward. 

Sometimes we might know there's a relationship in our lives that needs to be repaired and God tugs at us to do something about it.

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. Romans 5:7

Wouldn't it be amazing if we all responded to God's whispers?  God is good.  He wants us to impact others for Him.  If only we would have the ears to hear Him and the guts to respond. 

Blessed is the soul that hears the Lord’s speaking.  Blessed are ears who catch the accents of God’s divine whispering.  Blessed are the eyes that see what is inside of people.  May we be found extraordinarily devoted to Him until our last breath. 

You can listen to the audio of this sermon by going to:    http://www.calvaryunited.com/10121/blogentry/entry_id/256341/July_10_2011___The_Power_of_a_Whisper___part_Three

St. Jacobs Community VBS will be held August 15 – 19 at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church.  Each year this program grows and is an amazing opportunity for the children of the community to come together to learn more of God’s word and his Love for the world.  This year we are going “Inside Out & Upside Down on Main St. learning together the parables of Jesus.  It looks like an exciting fun filled week!!!!  Please pray for the children who will be attending and the leaders who will be providing the program.

WE NEED more volunteers to help make this program run smoothly.  ALL the resources are available and easy to use!!!  We need 2 more JK/SK leaders, 12 more grade 1 to 5 leaders, craft helpers, snack providers and kitchen helpers (Tues & Thurs).  Please call Amy McDougall at 519-669-4538 or email her at if you would like to be part of this EXCITING week in St. Jacobs!!!

ALSO, the deadline for registration has come and gone but there is still room for your children if you can get your registrations completed A.S.A.P.

We've been looking at how God has taken us from darkness into the Kingdom of His beloved son.

Who we are as a church is not as a result of what we do but is a result of who we think Jesus is.

I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. Col 2:1-4

Verses 1-3 describe what God wants for us and then verse 4 is the caution that Paul throws outs.  See to it that no one takes you captive by empty philosophy...  Paul doesn't want us to be lead astray by people in the world.

There is a pattern of caution interspersed in the chapter.  Verses 4 (above) 8, and 16-18.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world rather than on Christ. (verse 8)

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. ¹⁷ These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. ¹⁸ Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. (verse 16-18)

Philosophy, within the cultural context of Paul’s letter, could also mean hollow and deceptive religions that worshipped the gods of other cultures. 

Paul incorporates a sporting metaphor to illustrate that whatever it is that we may have done wrong, God, through Jesus, is re-qualifying us. 

Gnostics thought that God was not approachable. 

The other group in this story were the Jewish people who were known as the Pharisees. They had an understanding that God wanted to free Israel but in order to do that, the people would have to be pure.  It was mainly Pharisee-lead rebellions that took place over the years as the religious leaders felt that if the Jewish people became pure enough for God, then He would save them from the Romans.

What are the hollow and deceptive philosophies that we might be tempted by today?

. We have our own set of cultural 'rules'?

. We might be uncomfortable speaking Jesus' name in work contexts.

. We believe we need to work hard and be successful.  Many of us do not give any time to things other than work.

. Another ‘philosophy’ of today is that if we have enough money, the right toys, and a cottage, we will be considered successful.

What are positive messages in Paul's message in chapter 2? 

The Coles notes version of his message are found in verses 6 and 7:

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted and
 
built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

We sometimes think of receiving as hearing a radioisotope.  However the Greek word in this message is receiving actively with the intent to learn and change.  It is an earnest listening with every fibre of your being. 

During that time, for Paul to say "Christ Jesus is Lord" was treason.  In fact whole towns were wiped out if they didn't concur that Caesar was Lord. 

Paul therefore is entreating the Colossians to not only courageously accept Jesus as Lord, but to also walk out their faith. 

As we walk in faith, God does the rest.

"being established" is a phrase often used in legal courts.  The question of being established is one of actively demonstrating your belief in God.  E.g. Sponsoring a needy child, helping the homeless, encouraging others in their faith, etc.

Walking in Him -- walking in Christ -- walking in God.    This phrase has an Old Testament background. 

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.  Genesis 3:8.

The Bible is giving the impression that it was God's normal practice to walk in the garden with Adam and Eve.  Then man pulled away.  People wanted Moses to talk to God.  They wanted something or someone between them and God. 

Meanwhile God has been yearning all of this time for intimacy. 

And in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Col. 2:10

First Jesus was the fullness of God.  Then God gave Christ to be the fullness of God in us.  It was a gift. 

God's presence is not a feeling, it is an existential reality.  Therefore, we need to think of ourselves as walking in Him in order to fully experience intimacy with God and so He can impact the world through us.

When I kept silent,
   my bones wasted away
   through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night
   your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
   as in the heat of summer.^[a]

 ⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to you
   and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
   my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
   the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:3-5

Forgiveness carries this sense of total release like a sigh of peace. 

We have been given the fullness of God in the fullness of Christ.  Some versions use the word 'complete' in this passage which is fine as long as it doesn’t mean that we are finished. 

Our mission is to walk in Christ.  Let's be overwhelmed in gratitude.  Let's cultivate faith in God in our lives. 

God, it is only through you that we can be the positive force you would have us be in this world. 

You can listen to this sermon online at 
http://www.calvaryunited.com/10121/blogentry/entry_id/254415/June_12_2011___Rob_Irish___Pauls_letters_to_Collosians_Part_3

Mary Magdalene. ...saw and believed.  Still there were other disciples who did not understand what was happening when Jesus’ body was suddenly missing from the tomb.

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.  John 19:28-30 

These were Jesus' last words.  The soldiers probably thought that Jesus was finished.  The condemning priests probably thought that this upstart and his ragtag bunch of disciples and their movement was finished. 

Sometimes we don't get the whole picture when we think it is finished.  E.g. When a relationship breaks up, we might think that we will never love deeply again. 

The word that Jesus uses for being finished is the same word for someone having repaid the debt in full.  The power of evil, the plans of the devil are all overcome.  Forgiveness is available.  It is finished.  It is done.  It is paid for.  It is finished. 

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:29

When there is grief, emotional pain or anger, the last word in a conflict can heal, hurt or restore a relationship.  The veil was torn apart in the temple.  God was saying, in effect, that the barrier between God and man was a gone.  The Roman centurion had just completed standard procedure for crucifixions.  However when he saw what happened when Jesus died, he said,  “this was the son of god.”  What was it that convinced him that Jesus is the son of God.  It was many things:

·         He refused pain killer.  He made the choice to experience the full experience of the horrible death that crucifixion would be

·         He spoke words of encouragement to Mary and John entreating them to support one another

·         His plea that God forgive those who killed him

·         His word of assurance to the thief

·         His statement that no one could do anything to Him without his consent

Also, when He said, “Father I entrust my spirit into your hands,” this was a bedtime prayer for Jewish children at that time.  Yet, Jesus shouted these words.  Most people at the last stage of their life whisper quietly.   Jesus, on the other hand, was shouting in victory.  He was confident of God's plan. 

There are five things to remember when you're going through tough times:

·         God loves me.  We have a father in heaven who is perfect and loves me just the way I am.

·         God is a close father.  He is not distant.  He will not abandon you. 

·         God is a father we can trust.  For the word of the LORD is right and true;
   he is faithful in all he does.  psalm 33:4

·         My Father is doing things that I can't see.  This implies that we're more than a body.  We are also spirit.  We are made in the image of god.  God is working behind the scenes even when we can't see it.

·         God can handle anything.   Our heavenly father has big hands.  Once you put yourself into God's hands there is nothing that can snatch you away from him.  Today God is waiting for us to jump into his arms. 

Father I entrust my spirit into your hands. These words of Jesus invite us to entrust ourselves to God as well.  We are invited to have that relationship too. 

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

 ⁴¹ Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. ⁴² When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. ⁴³ After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. ⁴⁴ Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. ⁴⁵ When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. ⁴⁸ When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

   ⁴⁹ “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”^{[a] 50} But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Luke 2: 41-50

This was a tradition for Mary & Joseph to take their son, Jesus, to the temple every year even though it wasn't expected of them culturally. 

What do we invest our lives in?  When we think about our kids are we investing in extracurricular activities with the view to shaping them as people?

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest

of fare.  Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.  Isaiah 55:1-2

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves

treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where

thieves do not break in and steal.

imprinting. - when a bird is born, the first thing the baby bird locks into is what the bird considers to be his mother.  This works for our kids too.  What our kids see modeled in their home, they will often end up doing the same things.  A lot of what we do is similar to what our parents did.

The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation. Numbers 14:18

Every once in a while people break out of unhealthy cycles or behaviours.  Most often this happens because an extraordinary love has come into their lives.  We have the hope of a God who wants to step in.  God’s intent is that we would mirror God.  When we see our kids’ value even when they can't, we are showing them a glimpse of God.

Jesus' parents modeled a commitment to God even from the beginning.  They dedicated Him to God when he was a baby.  They took him to be baptized.  He was in the temple because they took Him there regularly.  

Parents reflect God when they:

· Are the provider - God is our provider  who has endless resources

· Are protectors - God threw himself on the cross in order to protect us from    the consequences of sin

“Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”   Isaiah 35:4

· Provide identity - they have worth in the world because God formed them and God has a destiny planned for them.  The story of the prodigal son is an illustration of God providing, protecting and restoring the son's identity even when he had shunned all these things when he struck off on his own and rejected the Father's will for him.

Thank you God for watching over us.  Thank you for how our parents mirrored your love , even if it was just a little.  Thank you for the nurturing relationships you gave us in our lives.  Thank you for Your influence in our lives. 

God, we may have had parents who hurt us in some way.  We forgive them for the times that they let us down.  God help us if we are having a difficult time forgiving. 

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  Acts 2:42-47

For some reason, we're, today, a little bit short of what God's intention was for us - the full measure of Christ. 

There were five key things that were evident in that Early church.  : 

·         Ministry

·         Evangelism

·         Discipleship and learning

·         Worship - being in God presence

·         Community - living in God's  presence

These five things also describe the life and ministry of Jesus and ought to describe the life of the local church

Typically churches are strong in some areas and weak in others. 

Also, as believers, we can look at each of these five and apply them to our own lives. 

God calls us the whole measure of fullness of Jesus Christ.

Betel is a church that is 80% male because many of the church members were formally heroin addicts.  By the time this church was 20 years old they had grown to 20K members.  They have planted 20 churches.  It is the most redemptive community of faith known by many.  There was a period of several years that they buried 7 of their senior pastors.   Betel is the largest evangelical church in Spain. 

We all live on the very edge of eternity. 

The worship at Betel is more vibrant than many others.  

All worshippers understand that the victory is in Jesus.  The word on the street is that you don't get off heroin. 

Their discipleship is very simple: it is one ex-addict telling another addict their story of what Jesus has done for them.  You aren't a pastor at Betel until you are disciplining 200 guys. 

At Betel, they disciple by praying that God will reveal how they can speak into each others' lives.  Ongoing discipleship is done in the midst of work. 

When the intensity of worship was observed at Betel, a church member said, “We dance because we cannot fly.”  “Betel is a place you know you belong before you know what the program is all about. “

Heroin is a painkiller.  24/7 for six months, someone from Betel shadows the addict who has been decided to quit cold-turkey.  It is an agonizing withdrawal process with nausea and shaking.  Ex-addicts report that they won the battle because love’s grip on them was greater than heroin's grip. 

There is no hierarchy between those who have successfully quit heroin and those who haven’t.

For most of us, there comes a point in our lives when we realize we can't keep taking, takings, taking. 

Matthew records that at the beginning of Holy week, Jesus was in church and he welcomed the children.

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ¹³ “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’^[e] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’^[f]”

 ¹⁴ The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. ¹⁵ But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

 ¹⁶ “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.

   “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,

   “‘From the lips of children and infants
   you, Lord, have called forth your praise’^[g]?”

 ¹⁷ And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night. Matthew 21:12-17

This may have been the act that may have culminated in his crucifixion.

In the Old Testament there was a tent called the tabernacle or ‘the tent of meeting’.  God was tangibly with His people in those days.  In this tent, only Joshua and Moses were allowed to go in the tent.  The tent of meeting was right in the middle of the camp.  So anyone could draw close to God any time. 

Over time, nicer temples were built and the most Holy place was in the middle of the temple.  The farthest part was the Gentile court.  Next closest was the court of women where women, cripples and others who weren't deemed to be ineligible to be closest to God could go.  The next closest was the court of men.  Then there was the Holy of Holies. 

Prayer is literally coming into the presence of God and holding up other people to Him in prayer.  It begins with inviting the presence of God in that person's life. 

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

Sometimes when we pray, we quickly turn what God wants into what we want.  When we come in prayer, we want to seek His will for the situation, not our will. 

The money changers were not there for God's will.  They were there to make a profit. 

Jesus said, “my house shall be a house of prayer.”  More than anything else, He wants Calvary to be a place of prayer.  When we consider that the church is represented today by the people of God, then, in a sense, each one of us is part of God's temple.  What tables would Jesus overturn in our lives?  Maybe it's social stuff or TV or working too much or...

When we pray for others there is an amazing think that happens. 

The first part is to quiet our hearts before God.  Sometimes in the midst of our prayers, He demonstrates that he cares for us too. 

As we walk in prayer, we walk through the midst of people who are hurting and needing God's intervention.  Prayer doesn't have to be just reading a list. 

Prayer is being still so that we can sense where God is working and where He would like us to join in.

TAKE NOTE OF CHANGE OF PLANS!!!

We’re going to show how adaptable we are this month.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, that being Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, we need to change this months Wing Tour destination on the fly to make sure we can see the game.

The Calvary Men’s Chicken Wing Tour will now be meeting at Moose Winooski’s in Kitchener (20 Heldman Road, Sportsworld Crossing) on Wednesday June 15 at 8:30.  It’s in the same complex as our original location, Borealis.

Please pass the word to anyone you think may be interested.

Sorry for the late notice, I blame Steve Gayman, he’s the Canucks fan I just want to see a good game.

See everyone there,

Mark Beitz

The following passage occurred when Jesus was on the cross after been whipped and tortured.  His wrists and feet had been pierced by nails for crucifixtion.

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”^[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

 ³⁵ The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

 ³⁶ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar ³⁷ and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

 ³⁸ There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

 ³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

 ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

 ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.^[b]”

 ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Luke 23:32-43

Sometimes we feel like we don't know what we're doing.  There are the stubborn that don't forgive and lose their family.  There are spouses who win the argument yet lose in their relationship.  Sometimes we don't realize what we're doing to ourselves.  Sometimes we choose bad relationships.  We don't realize what we're doing to others.  Sometimes we're doing the best we can, yet we inadvertently wound others. 

Coming into Easter is a chance to get to know what God endures.

Crucifixion is dying from suffocation.  It is a slow asphyxiation.   It is a painful death.  And despite the torment and rejection, Jesus cries out "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." 

It so aptly sums up His life.  He came to seek and to save those that don't know what they are doing. 

Have you ever wondered who He was looking at when he made this statement:  the disciples who abandoned him?  The soldiers who had nailed Him to a cross?  The Pharisees who had accused Him?

As we head toward  the cross, forgiveness awaits. 

Do you find yourself getting indignant about religious things?  Perhaps you're getting too religious and you are less interested in God and more interested in doing things according to a preconceived ‘right’ way. 

This week is all about forgiveness.   God is more concerned about us reconciling ourselves to Him than about the mistakes that we've made. 

Instead of beating ourselves up we need to remind ourselves that God longs to set us free.  He longs to have relationship with us.

What can get in the way is our own forgiveness.   Chances are good that we haven't forgiven someone for hurting us. 

Let’s remember Jesus’ last words:  “I tell you the truth.  I assure you.  Today you will be in paradise.”

We can either get bitter or better.  As we get older it seems that we display more of who we truly are deep down inside.  Out prayer is that we will become continually transformed.

Chronic anger is more harmful to our bodies than high fat diets or smoking.

A study showed that women who harboured anger were 3 times more likely to die prematurely and men are 6 times more likely.

A couple of principles we can learn from the thief:

1)      Before we can get right with God, there is no requirement to fully understand Him and His ways.

2)      We don't have to do anything to earn God's love.

3)      We are all on level ground at the foot of the cross.  There are none who 'deserve' his forgiveness more than others.

Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

 ¹ It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

 ² The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. ³ Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; ⁴ so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ⁵ After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

 ⁶ He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

 ⁷ Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

 ⁸ “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

   Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

 ⁹ “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

 ¹⁰ Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” ¹¹ For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

 ¹² When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. ¹³ “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:1-16

In the culture during Jesus’ time, the most demeaning task was to wash someone's feet.  It was a common courtesy to have one's slave wash the guests’ feet of the dust and dung that may have built up over the day. 

We can guess that when the disciples gathered for dinner, they were looking around for a servant to perform this courtesy.  There was none.  Perhaps each disciple was waiting for someone else to wash Jesus'  feet as a sign of respect to him.  Someone else, because, one worried, if they did it, then they might assume the role of servant to the others and who would want to be a slave? 

A principle of being of service to others is this:  Before we can help anyone else, we have to be helped ourselves.  We have to receive something ourselves.  We cannot be effective helpers until we grow up and understand ourselves.  Let’s look at what the story of Jesus washing the disciples feet tells us:

1)       Jesus had a tremendous sense of who he was.  He knew what was coming and he was at peace with that.  He knew that God loved him.  Jesus was able to love and serve others.  He was created by God and God made him wonderful.  His sense of eternity was sure.  He knew from where he had come and where he was going.  He wasn’t concerned about what other people thought about him because he was confident in who he was and is.  His confidence came from a very intimate relationship with God.  He was able to be peace within himself and the service that he was called to do.  Are we at peace with our past?  Are we at peace with God's purpose in our lives?

2)      Have you ever accepted service or received service?  God was there when Jesus was born; God was there when he was baptized; God was there when Jesus was being tried and beaten.  Jesus knew that God had put all things under his power.  Peter did not want to receive the ministry that Jesus was offering at first.  Once we receive Jesus, we are then equipped to serve other people.  Just like Jesus received God’s guidance throughout his life, we can likewise receive Jesus’ guidance to equip us to impact others for good.  Model long, mentoring and teaching all help to equip us to better serve others.  Jesus does this for us. 

When God's presence is there, freedom starts to come.   When we take the time to quiet our hearts and invite God into our thoughts, we can feel His calming influence.  However life's busy-ness can sometimes pull us away from God's peace. 

Isaiah predicted the wonderful gift that God would give us through Jesus, if we would only receive it. 

He was pierced for our transgressions,
   he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
   and by his wounds we are healed.
⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
   each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
   the iniquity of us all.   Isaiah 53:5-6

As we head towards Easter, we remember the power of God and His ability to break the chains that are holding us back in our lives.

The following scene happened right after the transfiguration when Jesus, Peter, James & John were joined by the spirits of Elijah and Moses. 

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. ¹⁵ As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

   ¹⁶ “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

 ¹⁷ A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. ¹⁸ Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

   ¹⁹ “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

 ²⁰ So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

 ²¹ Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

   “From childhood,” he answered. ²² “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

   ²³ “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

 ²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

 ²⁵ When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

 ²⁶ The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

 ²⁸ After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

 ²⁹ He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.^[a]”  Mark 9:14-29

In this life there are wounds and brokenness and in the transfiguration there is glory.  There can be a tension between the two.  Easter reminds us that God wants to be with us in the chaos and to lead us out of the chaos. 

Like the boy, there are things in our life that can throw us down and take control of our lives.   Some of these things can stand in the way of letting God work.

In the story, the disciples couldn't do anything.  Sometimes we feel powerless against spiritual things.  When Jesus sent the disciples out two by two and with His authority, great things happened.  It is quite likely that in this instance, they were trying to do the healing in their own power.  Jesus then got frustrated with them. 

Something else that tends to hinder God from working is doubt.   Knowing that sometimes God heals and sometimes He doesn't means that we need to place a complete reliance on Him.  He CAN heal; we just need to remember that His timing is not ours... That His ways are not our ways.

Discouragement can also hinder God.   in the story, the father says "if you can heal".  This likely came from a place of discouragement after having taken (without success) his son to many doctors and priests with the hope that they could heal his son.

At the end of this Scripture, the man says "help my unbelief".  We too need help for our unbelief.  Perhaps this is the exact prayer that resulted in his son being set free. 

If the people are called by name will humble themselves... Will say "I need your help God - will you help my unbelief?” The same verse says we should turn from our wicked ways - the other things we turn to like sports, addictions. 

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14

The father in this story humbled himself by asking Jesus to help his unbelief.  What if we too humbled ourselves?   What if we prayed?   What if we turned from other things and towards God instead.   Imagine the healing that could take place.   That's why Jesus came... To heal us.

You can listen to the audio of this sermon by going to our "weekly audio messages"

Psalm 27:1-4

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
   whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
   of whom shall I be afraid?

 ² When the wicked advance against me
   to devour^[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
   who will stumble and fall.
³ Though an army besiege me,
   my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
   even then I will be confident.

 ⁴ One thing I ask from the LORD,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
   and to seek him in his temple.

God's desire for us is to be free.  A challenge that comes in this is that while we were made to worship God, sometimes we worship other things.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted^[a] by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

 ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’^[b]”

 ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

   “‘He will command his angels concerning you,
   and they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’^[c]”

 ⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’^[d]”

 ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

 ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’^[e]”

 ¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.   Matthew 4:1-11 

In this scripture, we see how Jesus was tempted while in the wilderness.  He was no doubt very hungry after fasting for 40 days; yet, he chose to worship God rather than Satan. 

When you were a kid, who do you want to be like when you grew up... a parent, a sports star, a teacher?  God gave us the ability to worship because God wanted us to understand the importance of valuing something that is worthy.  However, sometimes our worship gets misplaced. 

Some people 'worship' their car, their kids, their homes, their collection, their bodies.  Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will come out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives and our character. Therefore, it behoves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshiping we are becoming.”

If we worship something less than God, we won't become everything that we were intended to be.  Idols will disappoint us.  Think about any childhood star and the frequency with which they 'crashed' later in their lives. 

Idols are false promises that offer hope yet disappoint.

Those who make idols are risking their own well being. 

The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
   made by human hands.
¹⁶ They have mouths, but cannot speak,
   eyes, but cannot see.
¹⁷ They have ears, but cannot hear,
   nor is there breath in their mouths.
¹⁸ Those who make them will be like them,
   and so will all who trust in them.  Ps 135:15-18

The false God's in the Old Testament and the temptations that Jesus faced are all the same.  One of them as named Molech.  Molech demanded the first born child of couples in order to avoid the wrath of Molech and to honor this false god of power.

God offers himself whereas false God's demand from us.

Another false god we hear about in the Bible is Baal.  He was a god supposedly of fertility that offered new life and bountiful crops.

Jesus says you cannot worship both God and Mammon (the god of money and possessions).  Hence the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19. 

Power, prestige, control, physical desires... what is it that you love that you can't imagine giving up?  What do you not have that you wish you did? 

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father^[d] is not in them. ¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. ¹⁷ The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17

Jesus’ answer to Satan is ‘I would rather trust God than risk being consumed by a desire for something else’.  The one who walks on water is tempted by Satan when He's hungry.  Satan then tries tempting with possessions.  Again, Jesus reaffirms His commitment to God. 

These are same idols that tempt us day in and day out.  What 'hook' do we have on our heart that can easily get us into trouble... chocolate cake... sales that tempt us to spend... Internet images?

When we worship work, we become restless and frantic.  When we worship God, we become filled with love and peace. 

Maybe the 'hook' is the pride of life or being concerned about what other people think of us.

Jesus comes and He says "it is for freedom that I've set you free.”  Today is a chance to let go of the things that we're holding on to and that, in a way, are holding on to us.

Listen to the audio version of this sermon at  http://www.calvaryunited.com/BlogEntry.aspx?site_id=10121&entry_id=240507

Some wonder why the story of the Magi wasn't included in other Gospels.  The reason?  Matthew was intentionally writing to non-Jews. He wanted them to see how God had spoken to non-Jews about the birth of Jesus. 

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi^[a] from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

 ³ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

 ⁶ “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
   are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
   who will shepherd my people Israel.’^[b]”

 ⁷ Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. ⁸ He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

 ⁹ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.  Matthew 2:1-12   

Think about the emotions you experience when you’re returning home after having been away.

What happened when it was time for the Magi to go home?  How did they feel? 

Magi were scientists, astronomers who were highly educated, upper class individuals, not Jewish.  They were likely from Iran and familiar with the prophesies of Daniel.  In his prophesy it was predicted that "God will never be known unless He is experienced in human form.

Herod, another character in the Christmas story experienced a different kind of home.  He murdered his wife, his three sons, his mother-in-law, other family members and people who he felt threatened by.  Herod's greatest work was building the temple in Jerusalem.  Herod's home was all about political power.  His home didn't last long.

The chief priests were all about supporting Herod's rule so that they, in turn, could control the religious institutions.  They were most interested in maintaining the status quo at home.

Certainly Mary & Joseph wanted to return home, but Herod's decree changed all that.  Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt before Herod commenced his campaign to kill all young boys who were under two years of age.  Therefore, among the changes of simply having a new baby in the family, Mary and Joseph experienced a new country and culture after Jesus was born.

The Magi had to retune a different way home.  Did returning home make any difference to the Magi?:  Were they changed after having seen Jesus? 

Has Christmas made any difference to us?  Will we keep those resolutions given that we often don't keep them.

What did it mean that the Magi were asked to go home a different way?  They had been told in a dream they should go home another way.  They recognized God's voice.  There is a sense of regret that you're leaving behind something special and at the same time there is an anticipation of wanting to be in familiar territory.  The left after having receiving the greatest gift of all.  They left home anticipating the Messiah’s birth; they returned home fulfilled. 

We too have been changed at the manger.  How can we go back to doing things as we did them before?  When we encounter the Christ child, we walk away changed. 

Even though they weren't Jews, God Spoke to the Magi in a dream and had them go home in a different way... They had been changed. 

Here we are beginning a new year.  If you look at the big picture, our world will not be able to sustain itself if we continue to do things the way we've been doing to the environment in the past.  We need to try to do things differently - another way - Jesus' way. 

Sarah's Reaction to God's Promises

 God change her name from Sarai, which means 'little princess', to Sarah, which means 'queen'.

It is said that if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.  The story of Sarah is the reverse of this.  God told Sarah His plan that Abraham would be the father of many nations and she laughed.  Perhaps we would have too, given that she was about eighty years old when God relayed His plan.  Sarah had been barren all of her life and was obviously well past child-bearing age. 

When she finally bore a child, she named him Isaac which means 'laughter'.

What things has God asked us to do that we've felt unprepared for or awkward about doing?

The story of Sarah reminds us to keep plugging - to keep believing that God can do amazing things regardless of our circumstances.  God says, 'the best is yet to come'.

We sometimes don't like change (okay, more often than we'd like to admit).  Yet, God never intended for our twilight years to be on cruise control.

Retirement is time to step up to the challenge of being a patriarch or matriarch of our families. 

The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises
   and faithful in all he does. Psalm 145:13

 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she^[a] considered him faithful who had made the promise.  Hebrews 11:11

God's face to face with Sarah reminds us to be active participants in living out God's promises.  We're required to be part of the action. 

What do we do when it feels dry and barren?

·         keep on keeping on - look to the future.  When Wayne Gretzky was ask why he was so successful, he responded, "I skate to where the puck is going t o be."

When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Proverbs 29:16

·         keep our eyes open - it is easier to discern God's plan for us when we:

o   Pray - Jesus said, "ask for anything in my name and I will do it."

o   Listen - to the nudges God gives us

o   Faith - our faith isn't authentic until we put it to the test.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.  Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.  Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”  The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.  Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev.  Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.  Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with the.  Psalm 126

Waiting takes up the space between desire and results. 

We’ve been studying the carol, Emmanuel.  The name ‘Emmanuel’ means ‘God with us.’

The seven verses in this carol were designed to represent one for each day leading up to Christmas. 

Advent is intended to give us space to pause and take things in more intentionally – to ponder the anticipation of something special.

Waiting is often uncomfortable.  It reminds us that we’re not in control of our lives.  It reminds us that we need God in our lives. 

Advent is about waiting with hope.

“O come, O come Emmanuel”.  Since the mistake in the garden of Eden and through the intervening history up until today we’ve been waiting to be reconciled with God. 

Have you ever asked “Where is God?”  Christmas reminds us that it is okay to be longing for God.

Waiting is like window.  You can see where you’d like to be going.  You just can’t get there.

What are you waiting for today?

“and ransom captive Israel”  For most of history, the Jewish people have spent more time outside of the promised land than inside Israel.  They’ve been exiled many times throughout history by the aggressive actions of Assyria, Babylon and Egypt. 

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.  Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.  In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for He grants sleep to those He loves.  Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.  They will not be put to shame.  When they contend with their opponents in court.  Psalm 127

Jesus came to pay our ransom.

“until the Son of God appears.”  Christmas promised that Jesus has come and is coming again.

One of the best things we can do in our own waiting is to divert our energies to help people in thye world who are exiled.  God often works through us.

Other ways we can help is to support the charity, Welcome Home, an agency devoted to help refuges to Canada.  With donations or by befriending newcomers to this country we would be demonstrating the love of God.